Communication method, apparatus, system, storage medium and program product

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of Internet of Things, and in particular to a communication method, device, system, storage medium and program product. In the communication method, a first connection is established between a user equipment and an environmental Internet of Things function core network element through a user plane session or a non-access layer connection. Since the first connection is used for transmitting data of the environmental Internet of Things, compared with communication connections of other protocol layers, a large amount of data flow can be efficiently transmitted through the first connection, which helps to improve the transmission efficiency of Internet of Things service data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of Internet of Things (IoT) technology, and in particular to a communication method, device, system, storage medium, and program product. Background Technology

[0002] An environmental Internet of Things (IoT) system is a comprehensive system with urban environmental sensing and management functions. Environmental IoT devices can communicate by collecting energy from the environment. The communication mechanism of the environmental IoT introduces new core network functions to support environmental IoT services. However, the current environmental IoT communication mechanism does not yet address methods for establishing communication connections between user devices and the newly added core network elements, which is a problem that urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that effectively improves the communication efficiency between user equipment and the core network of the Internet of Things (IoT) in the environment.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, applied to a first device, wherein the first device is a user equipment, the method comprising:

[0006] A first message is sent to the second device through the target connection, the first message being used to request the establishment of a first connection between the second device and the first device;

[0007] The second device is a core network element of the environmental IoT function, and the first connection is used to transmit environmental IoT data; the first connection and the target connection are communication connections at different protocol layers; the target connection is a user plane session or a non-access layer connection.

[0008] Optionally, the first device can be a UE reader / writer, and the second device can be an AIoTF network element.

[0009] In this embodiment, a first connection is established between the first device and the second device through a user plane session or a non-access stratum connection. Since the first connection is used to transmit data from the Internet of Things (IoT) environment, compared to communication connections at other protocol layers, it can efficiently transmit large amounts of data streams, thus helping to improve the transmission efficiency of IoT service data.

[0010] When the target connection is a user plane session, the third device can be a UPF. Because PDU sessions offer higher security, transmitting information used to establish the first connection via PDU data packets helps improve communication security.

[0011] When the target connection is a non-access stratum connection, the third device can be an AMF (Access Strategies Function). Since NAS signaling supports multiple protocols, establishing the first connection via NAS signaling can support communication between UEs and AIoTF network elements in various systems, helping to improve communication flexibility and adaptability.

[0012] Optionally, the first message includes information for establishing the first connection. In this method, the information for establishing the first connection is sent to the second device along with the first message, eliminating the need to send the information for establishing the first connection separately. This reduces the interaction steps involved in establishing a connection and helps improve communication efficiency.

[0013] Optionally, the first message includes the identifier of the first device and the first identifier of the first connection.

[0014] Optionally, the second message includes a second identifier of the first connection.

[0015] In the above method, the second device can distinguish which first device initiated the connection based on the first device's identifier. Furthermore, when the first device's identifier also includes an identifier number, the first device can generate different first identifiers for different second devices, thus enabling it to distinguish which second device is the target of the current connection. This method helps improve the reliability of the communication connection.

[0016] In one implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes:

[0017] The second message sent by the second device is received through the target connection, and the second message is used to indicate the establishment result of the first connection.

[0018] In the above method, the first device can obtain the result of the first connection establishment, such as connection success or connection failure, through the second message. This can reduce the situation where the first device "blindly waits," which helps to improve communication efficiency and reduce the communication power consumption caused by the first device waiting.

[0019] In one implementation of the first aspect, sending the first message to the second device via the target connection includes:

[0020] Based on a first preset condition, the first message is sent to a third device through the target connection, so that the third device sends the first message to the second device; wherein, the third device is a core network element.

[0021] Optionally, the first preset condition includes any one of the following:

[0022] The target connection between the first device and the third device has been established;

[0023] The third message is received, and the target connection between the first device and the third device has been established; wherein the third message is used to indicate that the first device is a reader / writer;

[0024] A fourth message is received, and the target connection between the first device and the third device has been established; wherein the fourth message is used to indicate the establishment of the first connection; the fourth message is signaling.

[0025] In the above method, the first device only triggers the establishment process of the first connection if the first preset condition is met. This method can reduce the occurrence of false triggers and improve the reliability of communication.

[0026] In one implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes:

[0027] Send a fifth message to the second device through the target connection;

[0028] The fifth message is used to establish a third connection, which is a transport layer connection between the first device and the second device; the fifth message includes the first message.

[0029] In one implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes:

[0030] Receive the sixth message sent by the second device through the target connection;

[0031] The sixth message is used to indicate the establishment result of the third connection, and the sixth message includes the second message.

[0032] In this embodiment, the establishment of a first connection between the first device and the second device is equivalent to establishing a first connection during the establishment of a transport layer connection, reducing the interactive steps involved in establishing the connection and helping to improve communication efficiency. Furthermore, because transport layer connections feature multi-data stream and high-efficiency transmission, user equipment and newly added core network elements used for processing IoT services can simultaneously exchange multiple data streams, contributing to efficient data transmission.

[0033] In one implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes:

[0034] Send a seventh message to the second device via the target connection;

[0035] The seventh message includes the first message and the eighth message; the eighth message is used to establish a third connection, which is a transport layer connection between the first device and the second device.

[0036] In one implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes:

[0037] Receive the ninth message sent by the second device through the target connection;

[0038] The eighth message includes the second message and the tenth message; the tenth message is used to indicate the establishment result of the third connection.

[0039] In this embodiment of the application, before the interaction process of the transport layer connection, the first device sends together the indication information for establishing the transport layer connection and the indication information for establishing the first connection to the second device. This can indicate that the current transport layer connection of the second device is related to the first connection, so that the second device can establish a transport layer connection dedicated to the first connection, that is, establish a dedicated communication channel for transmitting environmental IoT data, which helps to improve the transmission efficiency, reliability and security of environmental IoT business data.

[0040] In one implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes:

[0041] Receive an eleventh message, the eleventh message being used to instruct the restoration of the first connection; the eleventh message includes instruction information for instructing the restoration of the first connection and an identifier of the first connection;

[0042] The first connection is restored according to the eleventh message.

[0043] In this embodiment of the application, if the first connection is suspended or disconnected, the first connection can be restored without re-establishing it, which reduces the communication interaction process increased by establishing the first connection and helps to improve communication efficiency.

[0044] Secondly, a communication method is provided, applied to a second device, the second device being a core network element of an environmental Internet of Things (IoT) functional network; the method includes:

[0045] The second device receives a first message from a first device via a target connection. The first message is used to request the establishment of a first connection between the second device and the first device. The first device is a user equipment. The target connection is a user plane session or a non-access stratum connection.

[0046] The first connection is established based on the first message; wherein the first connection is used to transmit business data of the Internet of Things environment, and the first connection and the target connection are communication connections of different protocol layers.

[0047] Optionally, the first device can be a UE reader / writer, and the second device can be an AIoTF network element.

[0048] In this embodiment, a first connection is established between the first device and the second device through a user plane session or a non-access stratum connection. Since the first connection is used to transmit data from the Internet of Things (IoT) environment, compared to communication connections at other protocol layers, it can efficiently transmit large amounts of data streams, thus helping to improve the transmission efficiency of IoT service data.

[0049] When the target connection is a user plane session, the third device can be a UPF. Because PDU sessions offer higher security, transmitting information used to establish the first connection via PDU data packets helps improve communication security.

[0050] When the target connection is a non-access stratum connection, the third device can be an AMF (Access Strategies Function). Since NAS signaling supports multiple protocols, establishing the first connection via NAS signaling can support communication between UEs and AIoTF network elements in various systems, helping to improve communication flexibility and adaptability.

[0051] In one implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes:

[0052] A second message is sent to the first device through the target connection, the second message indicating the establishment result of the first connection.

[0053] Optionally, the first message includes information for establishing the first connection. In this method, the information for establishing the first connection is sent to the second device along with the first message, eliminating the need to send the information for establishing the first connection separately. This reduces the interaction steps involved in establishing a connection and helps improve communication efficiency.

[0054] Optionally, the first message includes the identifier of the first device and the first identifier of the first connection.

[0055] Optionally, the second message includes a second identifier of the first connection.

[0056] In the above method, the second device can distinguish which first device initiated the connection based on the first device's identifier. Furthermore, when the first device's identifier also includes an identifier number, the first device can generate different first identifiers for different second devices, thus enabling it to distinguish which second device is the target of the current connection. This method helps improve the reliability of the communication connection.

[0057] In one implementation of the second aspect, sending the second message to the first device via the target connection includes:

[0058] The second message is sent to the third device via the target connection, so that the third device sends the second message to the first device.

[0059] The third device is a core network element.

[0060] In the above method, the first device can obtain the result of the first connection establishment, such as connection success or connection failure, through the second message. This can reduce the situation where the first device "blindly waits," which helps to improve communication efficiency and reduce the communication power consumption caused by the first device waiting.

[0061] In one implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes:

[0062] Receive the fifth message sent by the first device through the target connection;

[0063] The fifth message is used to establish a third connection, which is a transport layer connection between the first device and the second device; the fifth message includes the first message.

[0064] In one implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes:

[0065] A sixth message is sent to the first device via the target connection;

[0066] The sixth message is used to indicate the establishment result of the third connection, and the sixth message includes the second message.

[0067] In this embodiment, the establishment of a first connection between the first device and the second device is equivalent to establishing a first connection during the establishment of a transport layer connection, reducing the interactive steps involved in establishing the connection and helping to improve communication efficiency. Furthermore, because transport layer connections feature multi-data stream and high-efficiency transmission, user equipment and newly added core network elements used for processing IoT services can simultaneously exchange multiple data streams, contributing to efficient data transmission.

[0068] In one implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes:

[0069] Receive the seventh message sent by the first device through the target connection;

[0070] The seventh message includes the first message and the eighth message; the eighth message is used to establish a third connection, which is a transport layer connection between the first device and the second device.

[0071] In one implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes:

[0072] Send a ninth message to the first device via the target connection;

[0073] The eighth message includes the second message and the tenth message; the tenth message is used to indicate the establishment result of the third connection.

[0074] In this embodiment of the application, before the interaction process of the transport layer connection, the first device sends together the indication information for establishing the transport layer connection and the indication information for establishing the first connection to the second device. This can indicate that the current transport layer connection of the second device is related to the first connection, so that the second device can establish a transport layer connection dedicated to the first connection, that is, establish a dedicated communication channel for transmitting environmental IoT data, which helps to improve the transmission efficiency, reliability and security of environmental IoT business data.

[0075] In one implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes:

[0076] If the twelfth message is received, a thirteenth message is sent to the fourth device; the thirteenth message is used to instruct the fourth device to send a fourth message to the first device; the fourth message is used to instruct the establishment of the first connection;

[0077] The twelfth message is either a request for environmental IoT services or a request to indicate the establishment of the first connection; the fourth device is a core network element.

[0078] In the above method, the establishment process of the first connection is triggered by the fourth device. This method can reduce the occurrence of false triggers and improve the reliability of communication.

[0079] In one implementation of the second aspect, establishing the first connection based on the first message includes:

[0080] Bind the first identifier and the second identifier;

[0081] Bind the first identifier and / or the second identifier to the first information; wherein the first information is the port identifier of the transport layer connection between the first device and the second device.

[0082] In the above method, binding the relevant information of the first connection helps the first device and the second device to identify the information of the first connection, thereby improving the reliability of communication.

[0083] In one implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes:

[0084] If the fourteenth message is received and the first connection is disconnected or suspended, send the eleventh message to the first device;

[0085] The fourteenth message is a request for environmental IoT services; the eleventh message is used to instruct the restoration of the first connection; the eleventh message includes instruction information for instructing the restoration of the first connection and the identifier of the first connection.

[0086] In this embodiment of the application, if the first connection is suspended or disconnected, the first connection can be restored without re-establishing it, which reduces the communication interaction process increased by establishing the first connection and helps to improve communication efficiency.

[0087] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, including a processing unit and a transceiver unit, the communication device being used to perform the method as described in any one of the first aspects, or the method as described in any one of the second aspects.

[0088] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, characterized in that it includes a processor coupled to a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions for performing the method as described in any one of the first aspects, or the memory storing a program or instructions for performing the method as described in any one of the second aspects.

[0089] Fifthly, a communication system is provided, including the communication device as described in the third aspect.

[0090] A sixth aspect provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program or instructions stored thereon, which, when executed, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of the first aspects, or the method as described in any one of the second aspects.

[0091] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program that, when run, causes the method as described in any one of the first aspects to be performed, or causes the method as described in any one of the second aspects to be performed. Attached Figure Description

[0092] Figure 1 This is an interactive schematic diagram of the SCTP connection establishment process provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0093] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the SCTP message format provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0094] Figure 3 This is the topology of the Internet of Things (IoT) environment provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0095] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the transmission scheme provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0096] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the protocol layer of the control plane under the topology 2 architecture provided in this application embodiment;

[0097] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the protocol layer of the user plane under the topology 2 architecture provided in this application embodiment;

[0098] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0099] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the interactive flow of the first connection establishment process provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0100] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the interactive flow of the first connection establishment process provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0101] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction process for establishing a connection through a PDU session provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0102] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow of the connection establishment process provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0103] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction process for establishing a connection via NAS signaling, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0104] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow of the connection establishment process provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0105] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the triggering process provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0106] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction process for restoring a connection via a PDU session provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0107] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction process for restoring a connection via a non-access stratum connection, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0108] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a computer device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0109] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0110] In the following description, specific details such as particular system architectures and techniques are set forth for illustrative purposes and not for limiting purposes, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of this application. However, those skilled in the art will understand that this application may also be implemented in other embodiments without these specific details.

[0111] It should be understood that, when used in this application specification and the appended claims, the term "comprising" indicates the presence of the described features, integrals, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components and / or a collection thereof.

[0112] It should also be understood that in the embodiments of this application, "one or more" refers to one, two, or more; "and / or" describes the relationship between the associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist; for example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following associated objects have an "or" relationship.

[0113] Furthermore, in the description of this application and the appended claims, the terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0114] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" as described in this specification mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in still other embodiments," etc., appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0115] First, let's introduce the relevant terms used in the embodiments of this application.

[0116] 1. Application Service Module (AF), also known as application function, refers to various services in the application layer, similar to an application server. AF can interact with other core network control planes and provide business services.

[0117] 2. A reader can use wireless communication to read and write data to IoT devices, thereby achieving target identification and data exchange. Taking a reader and tag as an example, the reader provides power to the tag by sending an excitation signal. The tag receives the signaling sent by the reader and sends its own signaling back to the reader via a reflected signal. In this way, the reader can identify the tag's identification information and perform read and write operations on the tag.

[0118] 3. Control plane (also known as management plane) is used to transmit control signaling.

[0119] For example, signaling can be transmitted via Radio Resource Control (RRC) messages or via Non-Access Stratum (NAS) messages. NAS refers to the control plane connection between the user equipment and the core network, consisting of an air interface radio connection and an NG interface connection.

[0120] 4. User Plane, also known as Data Plane or Forwarding Plane, is used to transmit user data. For example, it transmits data through Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions.

[0121] 5. Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP) is a transport layer protocol used to transmit multiple data streams simultaneously between two ends of a network connection, providing reliable, message-oriented data transmission services.

[0122] For example, see Figure 1 This is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating the SCTP connection establishment process provided in an embodiment of this application. It is intended as an example and not a limitation. Figure 1 As shown, the SCTP connection establishment process includes the following steps:

[0123] S101, the client sends an INIT message to the server, which includes a list of the server's IP addresses, an initial sequence number, a start marker to identify all packets in this association, the number of outgoing flows requested by the client, and the number of incoming flows that the client can support.

[0124] In step S102, the server acknowledges the client's INIT message with an INIT ACK message. This message contains a list of the server's IP addresses, an initial sequence number, a start flag, the number of outgoing flows requested by the server, the number of incoming flows that the server can support, and a status cookie. The status cookie contains all the state required by the server to confirm the validity of this association; it is digitally signed to ensure its validity.

[0125] S103, the client sends a cookie back to the server's state cookie with a cookie message. The cookie message may contain user data bound in the same packet.

[0126] S104, the server confirms the client's cookie is correct with a COOKIE ACK message, and the association is successfully established. The COOKIE ACK message may also include user data in the same packet.

[0127] The above exchange process requires at least four packets, hence it is called the four-way handshake of SCTP.

[0128] See Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the SCTP message format provided in an embodiment of this application. It is intended as an example and not a limitation. Figure 2 As shown, an SCTP message includes a Common Header and several Chunks. Each Chunk can contain either control information or user data.

[0129] The source port number identifies the SCTP port number of the sending endpoint. The receiver can use the source port number, source IP address, destination port number, and destination IP address to identify the association to which the SCTP packet belongs.

[0130] The Destination Port Number is the SCTP port number of the destination endpoint. The receiving host can use the destination port number to multiplex SCTP packets to the correct endpoint or application.

[0131] The Verification Tag is a random identifier generated by the local endpoint during association establishment. Both ends exchange this tag during association establishment, and the sending end must include the peer's tag in the common packet header for verification purposes. In packets containing the INIT data block, the Verification Tag must be 0. In packets containing the SHUTDOWN-COMPLETE data block with the T bits set, the Verification Tag must be copied from the packet containing the SHUTDOWN-ACK data block. In packets containing the ABORT data block, the Verification Tag must be copied from the packet that triggered the ABORT transmission.

[0132] The checksum is calculated by SCTP using the ADLER-32 algorithm on the user data to generate a 32-bit checksum, which is included in the datagram. The same calculation is performed at the receiving end, and the user data is verified to be undamaged by checking whether the checksums are equal.

[0133] Chunk Type defines the type of message in the Chunk Value. It includes 13 data block types: INIT, INIT ACK, SACK, ABORT, ERROR, SHUTDOWN, and COOKIE ACK. The value range for this parameter is 0-254, with 255 reserved for future expansion. The encoding assignment for the data block type field is as follows: 0: Payload Data (DATA) 1: Start (INIT) 2: Start Confirmation (INIT ACK) 3: Select Confirmation (SACK) 4: Heartbeat Request (HEARTBEAT) 5: Heartbeat Confirmation (HEARTBEAT ACK) 6: Abort (ABORT) 7: Close (SHUTDOWN) 8: Close Confirmation (SHUTDOWNACK) 9: Operation Error (ERROR) 10: Status Cookie (COOKIE ECHO) 11: Cookie Confirmation (COOKIE ECHO) ACK) 12: Reserved for Explicit Congestion Notification Response (ECNE) 13: Reserved for Congestion Window Reduction (CWR) 14: Shutdown Completion (SHUTDOWNCOMPLETE) 15-62: IETF Reserved 63: IETF Defined Block Extension 64-126: IETF Reserved 127: IETF Defined Block Extension 128-190: IETF Reserved 191: IETF Defined Block Extension 192-254: IETF Reserved 255: IETF Defined Block Extension The high two bits of the chunk type indicate the handling principle when the receiving end does not recognize the corresponding chunk type: 00: Stop processing the datagram and discard it; no further processing of other chunks in the datagram. 01: Same processing as 00, but also report in ERROR or INIT ACK, because the parameter type is not recognized. 10: Ignore the chunk and continue processing other chunks in the datagram. 11: In addition to the same processing as 10, it should also be reported in ERROR because it is an unrecognized Chunk type.

[0134] Chunk Flags: Their usage depends on the block type. Unless set to a different value, the chunk flags are set to 0 during transmission and are ignored by the receiving endpoint.

[0135] Chunk Length is used to represent the number of bytes including the block type, block tag, block length, and block value. The length is represented in binary.

[0136] The chunk value is the actual information transmitted within the data block, and its content is determined by the data block type. The length of the chunk value is variable.

[0137] The Ambient Internet of Things (AIoT) devices involved in the embodiments of this application will be described next.

[0138] Environmental IoT devices can also be called passive IoT devices. Environmental IoT devices refer to a new type of IoT devices that primarily harvest environmental energy from radio waves, light, motion, heat, or any other available environmental energy sources and use this energy as their power source.

[0139] Environmental IoT devices can be applied in various scenarios, such as smart buildings, asset tracking, agriculture, and smart homes. For example, environmental IoT devices can be smart switches, smart locks, smart meters, sensor-based devices for monitoring machine status and environmental conditions, building automation and control equipment, asset tagging devices, etc., and this application does not limit the specific applications to these. In these scenarios, the networking requirements of environmental IoT devices are generally simple, possibly involving only asset information reporting or sending minimal sensor data.

[0140] Environmental IoT devices typically collect environmental energy that can only generate a very small amount of electricity, which necessitates that these devices be simpler and more energy-efficient. Therefore, environmental IoT devices need to achieve low-power computing and low-power communication.

[0141] Different application scenarios lead to different requirements for environmental IoT devices. Currently, considering the energy storage capacity and signal transmission capability of different devices, the following three categories of environmental IoT devices are defined:

[0142] Device Type 1a: This type of device lacks energy storage capabilities and independent signal generation and amplification capabilities. It is the lowest-cost type, relying on backscattering for communication. Power consumption during signal reception or transmission is less than 1 microwatt, or less than 10 microwatts.

[0143] Device Type 1b: Has energy storage capabilities but lacks independent signal generation capabilities. Because it can store energy, after collecting sufficient electrical energy, the device can amplify the backscattered signal, covering a greater distance. The power consumption of the device during signal reception or transmission falls between that of Device Type 1a and Device Type 2.

[0144] Device Type 2: Possesses both energy storage capabilities and independent signal generation and amplification capabilities. Its communication capabilities are similar to traditional IoT devices. The device's power consumption during signal reception or transmission is less than 1 milliwatt, or less than 10 milliwatts.

[0145] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application only use the above three types of devices as examples to illustrate the types of environmental Internet of Things devices. In actual applications, there may be other different types of devices, which are not limited in this application.

[0146] In some embodiments, environmental IoT devices can communicate with communication nodes (including exchanging signaling and / or data, where data includes, but is not limited to, asset information, sensor data, etc.). The communication node can be a reader, a Radio Access Network (RAN) entity (such as a base station), or user equipment (UE).

[0147] For example, a base station can be a base station (node ​​B, NB) of a 3rd generation mobile networks (3G) cell, an evolved Node B (eNB) of a 4th generation mobile networks (4G) cell, or a next-generation Node B (gNB) of a 5th generation mobile networks (5G) cell, etc.

[0148] For example, the UE can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, wearable device, digital camera, in-vehicle device, augmented reality (AR) device, virtual reality (VR) device, laptop computer, ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), netbook, personal digital assistant (PDA), laptop computer, mobile terminal (MT), mobile station (MS), mobile unit (MU), wireless unit, remote unit, user agent, mobile client, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit it.

[0149] It should be noted that in some cases, a base station or UE can function as a reader / writer. In such cases, the reader / writer can be a base station or UE capable of performing reader / writer functions.

[0150] In some embodiments, when the environmental IoT device is a tag device, the base station or UE communicating with the environmental IoT device can also be referred to as a tag reader / writer.

[0151] In some embodiments, if the environmental IoT device collects electromagnetic wave energy, then the reader, base station, or UE can act as a power supply node to provide electromagnetic wave energy to the environmental IoT device. Of course, in practical applications, other devices can also act as power supply nodes, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0152] In some embodiments, see Figure 3 This is the topology of the Internet of Things (IoT) environment provided in the embodiments of this application. It is intended as an example and not a limitation. Figure 3 As shown, the environmental IoT network topology can include the following two types:

[0153] Topology 1: such as Figure 3 As shown in (a), environmental IoT devices can communicate with base stations. Communication between base stations and environmental IoT devices can include data and / or signaling.

[0154] Alternatively, in this case, the base station and environmental IoT devices can communicate directly.

[0155] Understandably, in Topology 1, the environmental IoT device communicates with the base station, the base station communicates with the core network (CN), and the core network communicates with the AF. In this scenario, the base station can function as a reader / writer.

[0156] Topology 2: such as Figure 3 As shown in (b), environmental IoT devices can communicate with intermediate nodes. Communication between intermediate nodes and environmental IoT devices can include data and / or signaling.

[0157] Alternatively, in this case, the intermediate node can communicate with the base station.

[0158] Optionally, in this case, intermediate nodes include, but are not limited to, UEs, relay points, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes, terminals, amplifiers, etc.

[0159] Understandably, in this topology 2, the environmental IoT device communicates with the UE, the UE communicates with the base station, the base station communicates with the core network (CN), and the core network communicates with the AF. In this case, the intermediate node can be the UE, and the intermediate node UE needs to support reader / writer capabilities.

[0160] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application only use the above two topologies as examples to illustrate the networking topologies of the environmental Internet of Things. In actual applications, there may be other different topologies, which are not limited in this application.

[0161] The core network may include Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), User Plane Function (UPF) of 5G core network and / or Network Exposure Function (NEF) and / or Session Management Function (SMF), etc., and the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit it.

[0162] In some application scenarios, to support environmental IoT services such as Topology 1 and Topology 2 described above, new core network functions (such as AIoTF) are introduced. For ease of explanation, in this embodiment of the application, the network element added to the core network to support environmental IoT services is referred to as the Environmental IoT Function core network element, or AIoTF (Ambient Internet of Things Function) network element.

[0163] The AIoTF network element has the following functions:

[0164] a. AIoTF network elements are registered in the Network Function Repository (NRF) through NF configuration files.

[0165] b. For topology 1, the AIoTF network element can select a base station reader or an AIoT RAN node. For topology 2, the AIoTF network element can select a UE reader (such as a candidate or final UE reader) and provide the list of selected UE readers to the RAN.

[0166] It should be noted that the AIoTF network element provides the UE reader list to the RAN only for the option based on Radio Resource Control (RRC).

[0167] c. The AIoTF network element receives the AIoT service request from the AF and triggers the base station / UE reader to perform AIoT service operations on the AIoT device.

[0168] d. The AIoTF network element aggregates the service operation results (including deleting duplicate device records) from the base station reader and the UE reader, and sends them to the AF.

[0169] e. The AIoTF network element can provide the following auxiliary information to the base station / UE reader:

[0170] AIoT service types (such as inventory, command);

[0171] Approximate number of AIoT devices based on AF requests;

[0172] Approximate D2R message size based on AF request.

[0173] It should be noted that if multiple readers are selected for AIoT services, the AIoTF network element can provide each reader with an approximate number of AIoT devices based on the implementation details.

[0174] f. When an AIoTF network element sends an operation request to a UE reader or base station reader, it returns a response containing the AIoT service operation result and one or more reports to the AIoTF network element, and the AIoTF network element needs to associate the result with the given operation request. The AMF (if used for routing requests) also provides an AIoTF network element identifier for the request from the AIoTF network element, which is returned along with the response associated with the request, so the AMF can be routed back to the requesting AIoTF network element.

[0175] It should be noted that, based on the functions of the AIoTF network element, in Topology 1 architecture, the AIoTF network element can select a base station as a reader / writer, and the base station acting as a reader / writer can be called a base station reader / writer. In Topology 2 architecture, there may be multiple UEs, and the AIoTF network element can select one or more UEs as readers / writers, and the UEs acting as readers / writers can be called UE readers / writers (UEReaders).

[0176] Based on the newly added AIoTF network element, a data transmission scheme for environmental IoT devices within the core network is introduced. This transmission scheme includes control plane and user plane transmission schemes. It is understood that user plane transmission is not involved in Topology 1 architecture.

[0177] For example, see Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the transmission scheme provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0178] like Figure 4 As shown in (a) above, this is a transmission scheme for the control plane under Topology 1. In this transmission scheme, the core network may include NEF, AIoTF network elements, and AMF. Specifically: AF sends messages to NEF in the core network, NEF sends messages to AIoTF network elements, AIoTF network elements then send messages to AMF, AMF then sends messages to RAN entities (such as base stations), and finally RAN entities send messages to AIoT devices.

[0179] Optionally, the message can be a downlink command such as save, read, write, or disable.

[0180] It should be noted that in the control plane transmission scheme under Topology 1, the AMF is optional. When there is no AMF in the transmission scheme, the AF sends the message to the NEF in the core network, the NEF sends the message to the AIoTF network element, and then the AIoTF network element sends the message to the base station.

[0181] like Figure 4 As shown in (b) above, this is the transmission scheme for the control plane under Topology 2. In this transmission scheme, the core network can include NEF, AIoTF network elements, and AMF. Specifically: AF sends messages to NEF in the core network, NEF sends messages to AMF or AIoTF network elements, then AIoTF network elements send messages to RAN entities (such as base stations), and finally RAN entities send messages to AIoT devices.

[0182] It should be noted that AMF is mandatory in the control plane transmission scheme under the Topology 2 architecture.

[0183] like Figure 4 As shown in (c), this is the user plane transmission scheme under Topology 2. In this transmission scheme, the core network can include NEF, AIoTF network elements, and UPF. Specifically: AF sends the message to NEF in the core network, NEF sends the message to AIoTF network elements, AIoTF network elements send the message to UPF, UPF then sends the message to RAN, and finally RAN sends the message to the AIoT device.

[0184] In the control plane transmission scheme under the Topology 2 architecture, the UE reader can communicate with the core network and exchange signaling through the NAS layer.

[0185] For example, see Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the protocol layer of the control plane under the topology 2 architecture provided in this application embodiment. It is intended as an example and not a limitation. Figure 5 As shown, the protocol layers on the UE side may include the Non-access stratum (NAS), RRC layer, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, MAC layer, and Physical Layer (PHY). The protocol layers on the base station side may include RRC, PDCP, RLC, MAC layer, and PHY layer. The protocol layers on the core network side may include NAS.

[0186] like Figure 5As shown, the UE reader can communicate with the core network and exchange signaling through the NAS layer. For example, during uplink transmission, when the UE reader needs to send a NAS message to the core network, the NAS layer of the UE reader passes the message to the RRC layer of the UE reader. The RRC layer encapsulates the message in an RRC message and sends it to the base station through the radio link; the base station forwards the RRC message to the core network.

[0187] In the user plane transmission scheme under the Topology 2 architecture, data can be transmitted between the UE and the AIoTF network element through the upper protocol layer of the IP transport layer.

[0188] For example, see Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the protocol layer of the user plane under the topology 2 architecture provided in this application embodiment. It is intended as an example and not a limitation. Figure 6 As shown, the protocol layer of an AIoT device can include a data layer (AIoT Data), an AIoT non-access stratum (AIoT NAS), and an AIoT access stratum (AIoT AS Layers).

[0189] The protocol layer of the UE reader facing the AIoT device may include AIoT layers, used to connect AIoT AS layers in the IoT devices in the environment. The protocol layer of the UE reader facing the RAN (such as a base station) may include the control layer (AIoTF UE ReaderControl), IP transport layer, PDU layer, and Uu AS layer (interface between UE and NG RAN node) between the UE reader and the AIoTF network element.

[0190] The protocol layer of the RAN facing the UE reader / writer can include the Uu AS layer, which is the Uu interface layer used to connect to the UE reader / writer. The protocol layer of the RAN facing the UPF can include the Generic Transaction Protocol (GTP) layer and some lower layers.

[0191] The protocol layer of the UPF facing the RAN may include a GTP layer and some lower protocol layers. The GTP layer is used to connect to the RAN's GTP layer, and the lower protocol layers are used to connect to the RAN's lower protocol layers. The protocol layer of the UPF facing the AIoTF network element may include some lower protocol layers.

[0192] The protocol layer of an AIoTF network element facing the UPF side may include a NAS layer, a control layer (AIoTF UE ReaderControl), an IP transport layer, and some lower layers. Specifically, the NAS layer connects to the NAS layer in the AIoT Device, the control layer connects to the control layer in the UE reader, the IP transport layer connects to the IP transport layer in the UE reader, and the lower layers connect to the lower protocol layer of the UPF. The protocol layer of an AIoTF network element facing the NEF side may include an SBI interface and some lower layers.

[0193] The protocol layer of the NEF facing the AIoTF network element may include an SBI interface layer and some lower layer protocol layers. The SBI interface is used to connect to the SBI interface of the AIoTF network element, and the lower layer protocol layers are used to connect to the lower layer protocol layers within the AIoTF network element. The protocol layer of the NEF facing the AF may include an Application Programming Interface (API) and some lower layer protocol layers.

[0194] The protocol layer of AF facing NEF can include API and some lower protocol layers. The API interface is used to connect to NEF's API interface, and the lower protocol layers are used to connect to NEF's lower protocol layers.

[0195] like Figure 6 As shown, the communication channel between the UE reader and the AIoTF network element for transmitting data of the Internet of Things environment can be a communication connection between the control layer (AIoTF UE Reader Control) in the UE reader and the control layer (AIoTF UE Reader Control) in the AIoTF network element.

[0196] For ease of explanation, in the following embodiments of this application, the communication connection between the control layer (AIoTF UE ReaderControl) in the UE reader and the control layer (AIoTF UE Reader Control) in the AIoTF network element is referred to as the first connection.

[0197] The current IoT communication mechanism does not yet involve a method for establishing the first connection between the UE reader and the AIoTF network element in the core network, which is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0198] Based on this, embodiments of this application provide a communication method. Embodiments of this application provide multiple schemes for establishing a first connection between a UE and an AIoTF network element under a Topology 2 architecture. The communication method provided by embodiments of this application will be explained in detail below.

[0199] See Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application. It is intended as an example and not a limitation. Figure 7 As shown, the communication method may include the following steps:

[0200] S701, the UE reader sends the first message to the AIoTF network element through the target connection.

[0201] The first message is used to request the establishment of a first connection between the AIoTF network element and the UE reader. The first connection is a user plane communication connection, such as the communication connection between the control layer (AIoTF UE Reader Control) in the UE reader and the control layer (AIoTF UE Reader Control) in the AIoTF network element.

[0202] Here, the target connection and the first connection are communication connections at different protocol layers. For example, such as... Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment, the target connection is a user plane session. For example... Figure 11 In the embodiment shown, the target connection is a NAS connection.

[0203] S702: After receiving the first message, the AIoTF network element establishes the first connection based on the first message.

[0204] Optionally, the first message may include the identifier of the UE reader / writer and the first identifier of the first connection. Here, the first identifier is the identifier of the first connection on the UE reader / writer side.

[0205] It is understandable that the UE reader identifier and the first identifier of the first connection can be included as user data in the message of the COOKIE message.

[0206] Optionally, the identifier of the UE reader can be generated based on the IP address of the UE reader.

[0207] For example, the identifier of a UE reader may include the UE reader's IP address and / or identification number. These two can be concatenated or combined in some way to form the UE reader's identifier. The identification number can be a 5G Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI), a 5G Subscription Concealed Identifier (SUCI), a UE Permanent Equipment Identifier (PEI) for accessing the 5G system, a 5G Globally Unique Temporary Identifier (5G-GUTI), or a Generic Public Subscription Identifier (GPSI).

[0208] For example, the UE reader's IP address can be used as the packet name, and an identifier can be encapsulated to obtain the UE reader's identifier.

[0209] The UE reader identifier generated in the above manner includes the UE reader's IP information. This allows the AIoTF network element to distinguish which UE reader initiated the connection based on the UE reader identifier. Furthermore, when the UE reader identifier also includes an identification number, the UE reader can generate different first identifiers for different AIoTF network elements, thus enabling the UE reader to identify which AIoTF network element is being connected to. This approach helps improve the reliability of communication connections.

[0210] In one implementation, the method for establishing the first connection in S702 may include:

[0211] The AIoTF network element binds the first identifier of the first connection and the second identifier of the first connection; whereby the second identifier is the identifier of the first connection on the AIoTF network element side;

[0212] Bind the first identifier and / or the second identifier to the first information; wherein the first information is the port identifier of the transport layer connection between the UE reader and the AIoTF network element.

[0213] Optionally, the first message may also include first information, namely, the port identifier of the transport layer connection between the UE reader and the AIoTF network element. For example, if SCTP is used as the transport layer connection, the first message may include the port identifier of the SCTP connection channel. In this example, the AIoTF network element can bind the port identifier in the first message with a first identifier and a second identifier.

[0214] Understandably, once the first connection between the UE reader and the AIoTF network element is successfully established, the UE reader and the AIoTF network element can exchange data through the communication channel corresponding to the port identifier of the transport layer connection. For example, during uplink transmission, the UE reader can determine the corresponding port identifier (first information) based on the first identifier, and then send the uplink data to the AIoTF network element corresponding to the first identifier through the communication port corresponding to the determined port identifier. During downlink transmission, the AIoTF network element can determine the corresponding port identifier (first information) based on the second identifier, and then send the downlink data to the UE reader corresponding to the second identifier through the communication port corresponding to the determined port identifier.

[0215] In one implementation, after S702, the AIoTF network element can send a second message to the UE reader.

[0216] The second message is used to indicate the result of the establishment of the first connection.

[0217] Optionally, the second message can be a second identifier of the first connection. Here, the second identifier is the identifier of the first connection on the AIoTF network element side.

[0218] Understandably, similar to the first message, the second message can be included as user data in the COOKIE ACK message.

[0219] The second identifier of the first connection generated in the above manner includes the IP address information of the UE reader / writer. This allows the AIoTF network element to distinguish which UE reader / writer is being connected based on the second identifier of the first connection. This method helps improve the reliability of communication connections.

[0220] It should be noted that other methods can also be used to generate the identifier of the first connection, such as encryption. In this embodiment, the generation method of the first identifier and the second identifier of the first connection is not specifically limited.

[0221] Optionally, the second message may also include an identifier for the UE reader / writer. In this approach, the UE reader / writer can verify the correctness of the connection by using the identifier in the second message. For example, the UE reader / writer can compare the IP address (UE reader / writer identifier) ​​in the second message with its local IP address to determine the correctness of the second message, thereby helping to improve the reliability of the communication connection.

[0222] In the above method, the UE reader can obtain the establishment result of the first connection, such as connection success or failure, through the second message. This reduces the situation of the UE reader "blindly waiting," which helps improve communication efficiency and reduce communication power consumption caused by waiting on the UE side. Furthermore, the first and second identifiers of the first connection enable information synchronization between the UE reader and the AIoTF network element. That is, the UE reader can know the second identifier of the first connection established by the AIoTF network element, and the AIoTF network element can also know the second information established by the UE reader. This method helps improve the reliability of subsequent communication.

[0223] In this embodiment, a first connection is established between the first device and the second device through a user plane session or a non-access stratum connection. Since the first connection is used to transmit data from the Internet of Things (IoT) environment, compared to communication connections at other protocol layers, it can efficiently transmit large amounts of data streams, thus helping to improve the transmission efficiency of IoT service data.

[0224] It should be noted that in this embodiment of the application, the UE reader can be referred to as the first device, and the AIoTF network element can be referred to as the second device.

[0225] In current IoT communication mechanisms, the communication between the UE reader and the AIoTF network element at the control layer is based on the Next Generation Access Protocol (NGAP). In NGAP, the AMF and the base station transmit signaling via SCTP.

[0226] Based on this consideration, in the embodiments of this application, the first connection between the UE reader and the AIoTF network element can be established based on SCTP.

[0227] Understandably, other transport layer protocols, such as TCP or UDP, can also be used for the connection.

[0228] In one embodiment, the first connection can be established after an SCTP connection between the AIoTF network element and the UE reader has been successfully established. Specifically, the following steps are performed first: Figure 1 The interaction process shown establishes an SCTP connection between the AIoTF network element and the UE reader. Then, steps S701-S702 are executed to establish the first connection between the AIoTF network element and the UE reader.

[0229] For example, the UE reader sends an INIT message to the AIoTF network element; upon receiving the INIT message, the AIoTF network element sends an INIT ACK message to the UE reader; upon receiving the INIT ACK message, the UE reader sends a COOKIE message to the AIoTF network element; upon receiving the COOKIE message, the AIoTF network element establishes an SCTP connection with the UE reader and then sends a COOKIE ACK message to the UE reader. Upon receiving the COOKIE ACK message, the UE reader sends a first message to the AIoTF network element; upon receiving the first message, the AIoTF network element establishes a first connection based on the first message and then sends a second message to the UE reader.

[0230] The method for establishing the first connection may include: the AIoTF network element establishing a local context and binding the UE reader identifier in the first message with the first information. In this embodiment, the first information may refer to the port identifier of the SCTP connection between the AIoTF network element and the UE reader.

[0231] In this embodiment of the application, since SCTP has the characteristics of multiple data streams and high-efficiency transmission, it enables multiple data streams to be exchanged simultaneously between the core network external network elements and the newly added internal network elements used to process IoT services, which helps to achieve efficient data transmission.

[0232] In another embodiment, see Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow of the first connection establishment process provided in the embodiments of this application. It is intended as an example and not a limitation. Figure 8 As shown, the process of establishing the first connection may include the following steps:

[0233] S801, the UE reader sends an INIT message to the AIoTF network element.

[0234] In this embodiment of the application, the UE reader is equivalent to the client in the SCTP connection process, and the AIoTF network element is equivalent to the server in the SCTP connection process.

[0235] It should be noted that the AIoTF network element can also initiate the first connection establishment process. That is, the AIoTF network element sends the first message, and the UE reader establishes the first connection based on the first message. In this case, the AIoTF network element can act as the client in the SCTP connection process, and the UE reader can act as the server in the SCTP connection process.

[0236] Optionally, the INIT message may include information such as a list of server client IP addresses, an initial sequence number, a start marker to identify all packets in this association (such as the first connection), the number of outgoing flows requested by the client, and the number of incoming flows that the client can support.

[0237] S802, after receiving the INIT message, the AIoTF network element sends INIT ACK to the UE reader.

[0238] Optionally, the INIT ACK may include a list of server IP addresses, an initial sequence number, a start tag, the number of outgoing flows requested by the server, the number of incoming flows the server can support, and a status cookie. This status cookie may include all the necessary state to confirm the validity of this association; it is digitally signed to ensure its validity.

[0239] S803, after receiving INIT ACK, the UE reader sends a COOKIE message to the AIoTF network element.

[0240] In this embodiment of the application, the COOKIE message may carry a first message.

[0241] As described in the above embodiments, an SCTP message may include multiple chunks, each of which can carry user data. Therefore, the first message can be included as user data in the message of a COOKIE message.

[0242] S804 After receiving the COOKIE message, the AIoTF network element can establish an SCTP connection with the UE reader based on the COOKIE message, and establish a first connection with the UE reader based on the first message carried in the COOKIE message.

[0243] The method of establishing the first connection may include: the AIoTF network element establishes a local context and binds the UE reader identifier in the first message with the first information.

[0244] It is understandable that the first information here is the port identifier of the SCTP connection. Therefore, in step S804, the AIoTF network element can first establish an SCTP connection with the UE reader based on the COOKIE message. After the SCTP connection is successfully established, the first connection with the UE reader can be established based on the first message.

[0245] S805: After establishing the SCTP connection and the first connection, the AIoTF network element sends a COOKIE ACK to the UE.

[0246] The COOKIE ACK message can carry a second message. The COOKIE ACK message is used to indicate the result of the SCTP connection establishment, while the second message is used to indicate the result of the first connection establishment.

[0247] Figure 8 In this embodiment, the first connection between the UE reader and the AIoTF network element is established during the SCTP connection establishment process, reducing the number of interaction steps required to establish the connection and helping to improve communication efficiency. Furthermore, because SCTP features multi-data stream and high-efficiency transmission, it enables simultaneous interaction of multiple data streams between the user equipment and the newly added core network element used to process IoT services, facilitating efficient data transmission.

[0248] It should be noted that, Figure 8 In this embodiment, the UE reader / writer acts as the client and the AIoTF network element acts as the server to establish a connection; that is, the UE reader / writer initiates the first connection establishment process. In practical applications, the AIoTF network element can also act as the client and the UE reader / writer as the server to establish a connection; that is, the AIoTF network element initiates the first connection establishment process. The principle is the same in both cases, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0249] It should be noted that, Figure 8 In this embodiment, the COOKIE message sent by S803 can be referred to as the fifth message, and the fifth message includes the first message. The COOKIE ACK message sent by S805 can be referred to as the sixth message, and the sixth message includes the second message.

[0250] In another embodiment, see Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow of the first connection establishment process provided in another embodiment of this application. It is intended as an example and not a limitation. Figure 9 As shown, the process of establishing the first connection may include the following steps:

[0251] S901, the UE reader sends an instruction message and a first message to the AIoTF network element to establish an SCTP connection.

[0252] Following S901, the SCTP connection establishment process (S101-S104) is executed. After the SCTP connection is successfully established, S902 is executed.

[0253] Optionally, the indication information for establishing an SCTP connection can be the INIT message in S101, in which case step S101 can be omitted.

[0254] S902, the AIoTF network element establishes the first connection based on the first message.

[0255] The method of establishing the first connection in S902 is the same as that in S804. For details, please refer to the description in the embodiment of S804, which will not be repeated here.

[0256] S903, the AIoTF network element sends an indication message and a second message to the UE reader indicating the establishment result of the SCTP connection.

[0257] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the indication information for establishing an SCTP connection in S901 can be recorded as the eighth message, and the indication information for the establishment result of the SCTP connection in S903 can be recorded as the tenth message. The eighth message may consist of only one indication message and may not include information used for establishing the SCTP connection.

[0258] Optionally, the UE reader can generate a seventh message from the eighth and first messages. For example, the first and eighth messages can be packaged into a seventh message.

[0259] Optionally, the AIoTF network element can generate a ninth message from the tenth and second messages. For example, the second and tenth messages can be packaged into a ninth message.

[0260] In this embodiment of the application, before the SCTP four-way handshake interaction, the UE reader sends together the indication information for establishing an SCTP connection and the indication information for establishing a first connection (first message) to the AIoTF network element. This can indicate to the AIoTF network element that the current SCTP connection is related to the first connection, enabling the AIoTF network element to establish an SCTP connection dedicated to the first connection, that is, to establish a dedicated communication channel for transmitting environmental IoT data, which helps to improve the transmission efficiency, reliability and security of environmental IoT service data.

[0261] In this application embodiment, two connection establishment methods are provided: one method is that the UE reader interacts with the core network through an established PDU session, thereby establishing a user plane communication connection with the AIoTF network element. The other method is that the UE reader interacts with the core network through NAS signaling, thereby establishing a user plane communication connection with the AIoTF network element. The two methods are described below.

[0262] Method 1

[0263] In this method, the UE reader and the AIoTF network element can exchange information used to establish the first connection through PDU data packets.

[0264] In one embodiment, see Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction process for establishing a connection through a PDU session, provided in an embodiment of this application. It is intended as an example and not a limitation. Figure 10 As shown, the process of establishing a connection may include the following steps:

[0265] S1001, the UE reader sends the first message to the UPF through the PDU session, so that the UPF forwards the first message to the AIoTF network element.

[0266] Combination Figure 6 The UE reader can send the first message to the UPF through the PDU layer, and the UPF can forward the first message to the AIoTF network element through the LowerLayers.

[0267] S1002, after receiving the first message, the AIoTF network element establishes the first connection based on the first message.

[0268] S1003, the AIoTF network element sends a second message to the UPF so that the UPF forwards the second message to the UE reader / writer through the PDU session.

[0269] Combination Figure 6 The AIoTF network element can send the second message to the UPF through the Lower Layers, and the UPF can send the second message to the UE reader through the PDU layer.

[0270] In the above steps, the first and second messages transmitted between the UE reader and the UPF can be transmitted in the form of PDU data packets. The first and second messages transmitted between the UPF and the AIoTF network element can be transmitted in the form of signaling.

[0271] For example, the first message includes a PDU header, the identifier of the UE reader / writer, and the first identifier of the first connection. The PDU header can be the IP address of the UE reader / writer.

[0272] For example, the second message includes a PDU header and a second identifier for the first connection. The PDU header can be the IP address of the AIoTF network element.

[0273] It should be noted that the specific content of the first and second messages is different from that of the second message. Figure 7 The same applies to the embodiments; for details, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 7 Description in the embodiments.

[0274] In this embodiment of the application, since PDU sessions have high security, transmitting information used to establish the first connection via PDU data packets helps to improve communication security.

[0275] It should be noted that, Figure 10 Only the use of Figure 7 In the case of an interactive process, the interaction method is through a PDU session. If using... Figure 8 or Figure 9In the interaction process described in the embodiment, the fifth, sixth, seventh, and ninth messages transmitted between the UE reader and the UPF are also PDU sessions. The interaction process is the same as in S1001-S1003. For example, the UE reader first sends the fifth message to the UPF through the PDU session, so that the UPF sends the fifth message to the AIoTF network element; the AIoTF network element first sends the sixth message to the UPF, so that the UPF sends the sixth message to the UE reader through the PDU session.

[0276] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, UPF can be referred to as a third device, and the PDU session between the UE reader and the UPF can be referred to as a target connection.

[0277] In some embodiments, in Method 1, the first preset condition for triggering the establishment process of the first connection may include any of the following:

[0278] 1-1. A PDU session connection has been established between the UE reader and the UPF.

[0279] Under these conditions, the UE can actively trigger the establishment process of the first connection.

[0280] In one example, when the UE reader recognizes that a PDU session has been established between it and the UPF, it triggers the first connection establishment process, i.e., executes S1001.

[0281] The PDU session in this application embodiment can be a general session, such as one used to transmit other data. Alternatively, the PDU session can also be a dedicated session for IoT services, that is, used only to transmit information required to establish the first connection.

[0282] In this mode, the UE reader only triggers the first connection establishment process after a dedicated PDU session for IoT services is established between the UE reader and the UPF. This method reduces false triggering and improves communication reliability.

[0283] Optionally, the UE reader can monitor the message sent by the CN indicating that the PDU session has been successfully established. When this message is detected, it is determined that the PDU session between the UE reader and the UPF has been established.

[0284] 1-2. The third message has been received and a PDU session connection between the UE reader and the UPF has been established; wherein the third message is used to indicate that the UE is a reader.

[0285] Under these conditions, the establishment process of the first connection can be triggered by the CN or RAN (such as the base station).

[0286] In one example, the CN sends a third message authorizing a UE to act as a reader / writer. Correspondingly, when the UE receives the third message from the CN, the UE is designated as a UE reader / writer. The UE reader / writer identifies whether a PDU session has been established with the UPF. If the UE reader / writer identifies that a PDU session has been established with the UPF, it triggers the first connection establishment procedure, i.e., executes S1001. If the UE reader / writer identifies that a PDU session has not been established with the UPF, it first initiates the PDU session establishment procedure. When the PDU session between the UE reader / writer and the UPF is successfully established, it triggers the first connection establishment procedure, i.e., executes S1001.

[0287] Understandably, under these conditions, if the CN does not send a third message to the UE, even if the UE has already established a PDU session with the UPF, the UE will not trigger the first connection establishment process. Only after the CN sends a third message to the UE can the UE, as a reader / writer, trigger the first connection establishment process.

[0288] In another example, the RAN can also send a third message authorizing a UE to act as a reader / writer. For instance, the CN could authorize the UE as a reader / writer and send an authorization message to the RAN, which would then send the third message to the UE. Alternatively, the RAN could authorize the UE as a reader / writer and send the third message to the UE.

[0289] 1-3. The fourth message has been received and a PDU session connection between the UE reader and the UPF has been established; wherein, the fourth message is used to instruct the UE reader to establish the first connection; the fourth message is signaling.

[0290] Under these conditions, the CN can trigger the establishment process of the first connection.

[0291] See one example. Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow for triggering the connection establishment process provided in an embodiment of this application. It is intended as an example and not a limitation. Figure 11 As shown, the triggering process may include the following steps:

[0292] S1101, AF sends the twelfth message to the AIoTF network element.

[0293] Combination Figure 6 The AF can send the twelfth message to the NEF via the API, and the NEF can then send the twelfth message to the AIoTF network element via the SBI.

[0294] Optionally, the twelfth message may be a business request for an IoT service, or it may be a request to initiate the first connection.

[0295] Optionally, the twelfth message may carry the identifier of the UE to be connected (such as IP address) and the identifier of the AIoTF network element to be connected (such as IP address, FQDN (Fully Qualified Domain Name)).

[0296] S1102, AIoTF network element selects UE reader / writer.

[0297] In one implementation, if the twelfth message carries the UE's identifier, the AIoTF network element will identify the UE corresponding to the UE's identifier carried in the twelfth message as the reader / writer.

[0298] In another implementation, if the twelfth message does not carry the UE's identifier, the AIoTF network element can independently select any UE as the reader / writer.

[0299] S1103, the AIoTF network element sends the thirteenth message to the AMF.

[0300] The AIoTF network element can send a thirteenth message to the AMF via the SBI interface. The thirteenth message may carry the identifier of the UE reader, the identifier of the AIoTF network element, and indication information for establishing the first connection.

[0301] Optionally, the thirteenth message may also include the identifier of the AF (such as the IP address of the AF).

[0302] S1104, AMF sends the fourth message to the UE reader.

[0303] Optionally, after receiving the thirteenth message, the AMF obtains the IP address of the UE reader / writer based on the identifier of the UE reader / writer carried in the thirteenth message, generates a fourth message based on the identifier of the AIoTF network element and the indication information used to indicate the establishment of the first connection, and then sends the fourth message to the UE reader / writer through the NAS layer. Optionally, the fourth message may also include the identifier of the AF.

[0304] Correspondingly, after the UE reader receives the fourth message, it triggers the establishment process of the first connection, such as executing S1001-S1003.

[0305] Understandable, Figure 11 In this embodiment, S1104 assumes that the UE reader and AMF have already established a NAS layer connection. If the AMF does not detect a NAS layer connection with the UE reader after receiving the thirteenth message (i.e., the UE reader's registration status in the CN is connected), it first initiates the process of establishing a NAS layer connection with the UE reader. After establishing the NAS layer connection, it then sends the fourth message to the UE reader through the NAS layer.

[0306] It should be noted that, under conditions 1-3, if the UE reader receives the fourth message but the PDU session between the UE reader and the UPF has not been established, the UE reader will first initiate the process of establishing the PDU session with the UPF. After the PDU session is established, the UE reader will then trigger the process of establishing the first connection through the PDU session. Of course, if the PDU session between the UE reader and the UPF has been established but the fourth message has not been received, the UE reader will not trigger the process of establishing the first connection.

[0307] It should be noted that, Figure 11 In the embodiment, AMF can be referred to as the fourth device.

[0308] In this embodiment, the triggering of establishing the first connection can be restricted by any of the above methods. In practical applications, the appropriate method can be selected flexibly according to different application scenarios, thereby improving the flexibility of communication.

[0309] Method 2

[0310] In this method, the UE reader and the AIoTF network element can exchange information for establishing the first connection through NAS signaling.

[0311] In one embodiment, see Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction process for establishing a connection via NAS signaling, provided in an embodiment of this application. It is intended as an example and not a limitation. Figure 12 As shown, the process of establishing a connection may include the following steps:

[0312] S1201, the UE reader sends the first message to the AMF via NAS signaling, so that the AMF forwards the first message to the AIoTF network element.

[0313] Combination Figure 5 and Figure 6 The UE reader can send the first message to the AMF in the core network through the NAS layer. Inside the core network, the AMF can forward the first message to the AIoTF network element through the SBI. In S1202, after receiving the first message, the AIoTF network element establishes the first connection based on the first message.

[0314] S1203, the AIoTF network element sends a second message to the AMF, so that the AMF forwards the second message to the UE reader via NAS signaling.

[0315] Combination Figure 5 and Figure 6 The AIoTF network element can send the second message to the AMF through the SBI, and the AMF can send the second message to the UE reader through the NAS layer.

[0316] In the above steps, the first and second messages transmitted between the UE reader and the AMF can be transmitted in the form of signaling. The first and second messages transmitted between the AMF and the AIoTF network element can also be transmitted in the form of signaling.

[0317] For example, the first message is NAS signaling, which carries the identifier of the UE reader and the first identifier of the first connection.

[0318] For example, the second message is NAS signaling, which carries the IP address of the AIoTF network element.

[0319] It should be noted that the specific content of the first and second messages is different from that of the second message. Figure 7 The same applies to the embodiments; for details, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 7 The description in the embodiments. (and) Figure 10 The difference between the embodiments lies in the format in which the messages are carried. Figure 10 In this embodiment, the first and second messages transmitted between the UE reader and the AMF are carried by PDU data packets. Figure 12 In this embodiment, the first and second messages transmitted between the UE reader and the AMF are carried by NAS signaling.

[0320] In this embodiment, since NAS signaling supports multiple protocols, establishing a first connection through NAS signaling can support communication between UEs and AIoTF network elements of multiple systems, which helps to improve the flexibility and adaptability of communication.

[0321] It should be noted that, Figure 12 Only the use of Figure 7 In the case of an interactive process, the interaction method is through NAS signaling. If using... Figure 8 or Figure 9 In the interaction process described in the embodiment, the fifth, sixth, seventh, and ninth messages transmitted between the UE reader and the AMF are also NAS signaling. The interaction process is the same as in S1201-S1203. For example, the UE reader first sends the fifth message to the AMF via NAS signaling, so that the AMF sends the fifth message to the AIoTF network element; the AIoTF network element first sends the sixth message to the AMF, so that the AMF sends the sixth message to the UE reader via NAS signaling.

[0322] It should be noted that, Figure 12 In this embodiment, the AMF can be referred to as a third device, and the NAS connection between the UE reader and the AMF can be referred to as a target connection.

[0323] In some embodiments, in Method 2, the second preset condition for triggering the establishment process of the first connection may include any one of the following:

[0324] 2-1. A NAS connection has been established between the UE reader and the AMF.

[0325] Under these conditions, the UE can actively trigger the first connection establishment process. For example, when the UE reader recognizes that a NAS connection has been established between it and the AMF, it triggers the first connection establishment process, i.e., executes S1201.

[0326] Optionally, the UE reader can monitor the NAS connection success message sent by the CN. When the message is detected, it is determined that the NAS connection between the UE reader and the UPF has been established.

[0327] Optionally, the UE reader obtains its own registration status in the CN. If the registration status is connected, it means that the NAS connection between the UE reader and the UPF has been established.

[0328] 2-2. A third message has been received and a NAS connection has been established between the UE reader and the AMF; wherein, the third message is used to indicate that the UE is a reader.

[0329] Under these conditions, the CN can trigger the first connection establishment procedure. For example, the CN sends a third message authorizing a UE to act as a reader / writer. Correspondingly, when the UE receives the third message from the CN, the UE is designated as a UE reader / writer. The UE reader / writer identifies whether the NAS connection between it and the AMF has been established. If the UE reader / writer identifies that the NAS connection between it and the AMF has been established, it triggers the first connection establishment procedure, i.e., executes S1201. If the UE reader / writer identifies that the NAS connection between it and the AMF has not been established, it first initiates the NAS connection establishment procedure. When the NAS connection between the UE reader / writer and the AMF is successfully established, it triggers the first connection establishment procedure, i.e., executes S1201.

[0330] Understandably, under these conditions, if the CN does not send a third message to the UE, even if the UE has already established a NAS connection with the AMF, the UE will not trigger the first connection establishment process. Only after the CN sends a fifth message to the UE can the UE, as a reader / writer, trigger the first connection establishment process.

[0331] In another example, the RAN can also send a third message authorizing a UE to act as a reader / writer. For instance, the CN could authorize the UE as a reader / writer and send an authorization message to the RAN, which would then send the third message to the UE. Alternatively, the RAN could authorize the UE as a reader / writer and send the third message to the UE.

[0332] 2-3. The fourth message has been received and a NAS connection has been established between the UE reader and the AMF; wherein, the fourth message is used to instruct the UE reader to establish the first connection; the fourth message is signaling.

[0333] Under these conditions, the CN can trigger the establishment process of the first connection.

[0334] See one example. Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow for triggering the connection establishment process provided in an embodiment of this application. It is intended as an example and not a limitation. Figure 13 As shown, the triggering process may include the following steps: first execute S1101-S1104, then execute S1201-S1204. For details, please refer to [link to documentation]. Figure 11 and Figure 12 The descriptions in the embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0335] It should be noted that, under conditions 2-3, if the UE reader receives the fourth message but the NAS connection between the UE reader and the AMF is not yet established, the UE reader will first initiate the NAS connection establishment process with the AMF. After establishing the NAS connection with the AMF, the UE reader will then trigger the first connection establishment process, establishing the first connection via NAS signaling. Conversely, if the NAS connection between the UE reader and the AMF is already established, but the fourth message has not been received, the UE reader will not trigger the first connection establishment process.

[0336] It should be noted that, Figure 11 In the embodiment, AMF can be referred to as the fourth device.

[0337] For example, see Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the triggering process provided in an embodiment of this application. It is intended as an example and not a limitation. Figure 14 As shown, the triggering process may include the following steps:

[0338] S1401, AF sends the twelfth message to the AIoTF network element.

[0339] S1402, AIoTF network element selects UE reader / writer.

[0340] S1403, the AIoTF network element sends the thirteenth message to the AMF.

[0341] Steps S1401-S1403 are the same as S1101-S1103, and can be found in the description of the embodiments of S1101-S1103, which will not be repeated here.

[0342] After receiving the thirteenth message, if the AMF detects that no NAS connection has been established between the AMF and the UE reader (i.e., the UE reader's registration status in the CN is not connected), it will first initiate the NAS connection establishment process and execute S1404.

[0343] S1404, AMF sends the first paging message to the UE reader via base station gNB.

[0344] Optionally, the first paging message may carry information carried in the twelfth message, such as the identifier of the UE reader (e.g., IP address), the identifier of the AIoTF network element (e.g., IP address, FQDN (Fully Qualified Domain Name)), and indication information for establishing the first connection.

[0345] S1405, after establishing the NAS connection, the AMF sends the fourth message to the UE reader / writer through the NAS connection.

[0346] Step S1405 is the same as step S1104, and the details can be found in the description of the embodiment of step S1104, which will not be repeated here.

[0347] After S1405, the first connection establishment process is triggered, and S1201-S1204 are executed.

[0348] In this embodiment, the triggering of establishing the first connection can be restricted by any of the above methods. In practical applications, the appropriate method can be selected flexibly according to different application scenarios, thereby improving the flexibility of communication.

[0349] In another application scenario, after receiving the third message, if the NAS connection between the AMF and the UE reader has been established, and the PDU session between the UE reader and the UPF has also been established, the UE reader can establish the first connection using either method one or method two.

[0350] In one application scenario, after receiving the fourth message, if a PDU session has been established between the UE reader and the UPF, the UE reader can establish the first connection using either method one or method two.

[0351] The following describes the recovery process after the first connection is suspended. Figure 10 and Figure 12 Correspondingly, the recovery process can also be divided into two methods: one is to transmit the recovery request through the PDU session, and the other is to transmit the recovery request through NAS signaling.

[0352] In one embodiment, see Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction process for restoring a connection via a PDU session, provided in an embodiment of this application. It is intended as an example and not a limitation. Figure 15 As shown, the recovery process may include the following steps:

[0353] S1501, AF sends the fourteenth message to the AIoTF network element.

[0354] Combination Figure 6 The AF can send the fourteenth message to the NEF via the API, and the NEF can then send the fourteenth message to the AIoTF network element via the SBI.

[0355] Optionally, the fourteenth message may be a business request for IoT services. Alternatively, the fourteenth message may include business data from the IoT server. Or, the fourteenth message may carry the UE's identifier (such as an IP address).

[0356] S1502, AIoTF network element selector UE reader / writer.

[0357] In one implementation, if the fourteenth message carries the UE's identifier, the AIoTF network element will identify the UE corresponding to the UE identifier carried in the fourteenth message as the UE reader / writer.

[0358] In another implementation, if the fourteenth message does not carry the UE's identifier, the AIoTF network element can independently select any UE as the reader / writer.

[0359] S1503, AIoTF network element detects whether the first connection between the selected UE reader and the network element is suspended.

[0360] If the first connection between the AIoTF network element and the selected UE reader is normal, the AIoTF network element sends the first data packet to the selected UE reader. This first data packet is a data packet containing the service data included in the fourteenth message.

[0361] If the first connection between the AIoTF network element and the selected UE reader is suspended or disconnected, then S1504 is executed.

[0362] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, "normal first connection" between the AIoTF network element and the selected UE reader means that the AIoTF network element and the UE reader can normally transmit data through the first connection. "Pending first connection" means that the first connection between the AIoTF network element and the selected UE reader exists, but is currently suspended or unavailable. If the first connection between the AIoTF network element and the selected UE reader does not exist, it needs to be established. In this case, the first connection establishment process can be executed, such as... Figure 11 or Figure 13 As shown in the embodiments.

[0363] S1504, if the first connection between the AIoTF network element and the selected UE reader is suspended or disconnected, the AIoTF network element sends the first data packet to the UPF.

[0364] Optionally, if the fourteenth message may include business data from the IoT server, the AIoTF network element may send the information for restoring the first connection along with the first data packet to the UPF.

[0365] In this approach, the business data of the environmental IoT can be sent to the UE reader along with the recovery request, reducing interaction steps and helping to improve communication efficiency.

[0366] Optionally, if the fourteenth message does not include business data from the IoT server, the AIoTF network element may send the information used to restore the first connection as the first data packet to the UPF.

[0367] In this mode, after the first connection between the UE reader and the AIoTF network element is restored, the AIoTF network element can then send service data to the UE reader through the first connection.

[0368] Optionally, the information used to restore the first connection may include second information and third information. The second information is an indication to restore the first connection between the AIoTF network element and the selected UE reader, and the third information is an identifier of the first connection between the AIoTF network element and the selected UE reader. It is understood that the third information can be either the first identifier of the first connection or the second identifier of the first connection.

[0369] Optionally, the information used to restore the first connection may also include the identifier of the AIoTF network element and / or the identifier of the UE reader.

[0370] S1505, the UPF activates the PDU session with the UE reader / writer via the SMF.

[0371] The embodiments of this application do not specifically limit the activation process of the PDU session.

[0372] S1506, the UPF forwards the first data packet to the UE reader / writer.

[0373] Optionally, if the fourteenth message includes business data from the IoT server, the UPF uses the fourteenth message as the header of the GTP User (GTP-U) protocol, encapsulates the first data packet into a GTP-U packet, and then sends the GTP-U packet to the UE reader. Upon receiving the GTP-U packet, the UE reader obtains the second and third information based on the packet header. Since the first connection exists but is suspended / disconnected, the UE reader stores the first identifier, the second identifier, and the port identifier of the transport layer connection between the UE reader and the AIoTF network element corresponding to the first connection. Based on this, the UE reader obtains the port identifier of the transport layer connection between the UE reader and the AIoTF network element corresponding to the third information, and then transmits data with the AIoTF network element according to the port of the transport layer connection corresponding to that port identifier. At this point, the first connection is restored.

[0374] It should be noted that, Figure 15 In this embodiment, the information used to restore the first connection in S1504 can be recorded as the eleventh message. The port identifier of the transport layer connection between the UE reader / writer and the AIoTF network element corresponding to the third information in S1506 can be recorded as the first information.

[0375] In another embodiment, see Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction process for restoring a connection via a non-access stratum connection, provided in an embodiment of this application. It is intended as an example and not a limitation. Figure 16 As shown, the recovery process may include the following steps:

[0376] S1601, AF sends the fourteenth message to the AIoTF network element.

[0377] S1602, AIoTF network element selects UE reader / writer.

[0378] S1603, AIoTF network element detects whether the first connection between the selected UE reader and the network element is suspended.

[0379] Steps S1601-S1603 are the same as steps S1501-S1503. For details, please refer to the description in the embodiment of steps S1501-S1503, which will not be repeated here.

[0380] S1604, the AIoTF network element sends the first recovery request to the AMF.

[0381] Optionally, the first recovery request may include second and third information. The second information is an indication to restore the first connection between the AIoTF network element and the selected UE reader, and the third information is an identifier of the first connection between the AIoTF network element and the selected UE reader. It is understood that the third information can be either the first identifier of the first connection or the second identifier of the first connection.

[0382] Optionally, the first recovery request may include the identifier of the selected UE reader or the identifier of the AIoTF network element.

[0383] S1605, AMF sends a second recovery request to the UE reader.

[0384] Optionally, the second recovery request may include at least one of the following: second information, third information, the identifier of the AIoTF network element, and the identifier of the AMF.

[0385] S1606, the UE reader replies with the first response to the AMF.

[0386] The first response is used to indicate that the first connection has been restored.

[0387] After receiving the second recovery request, the UE reader obtains the second and third information based on the request. Since the first connection exists but is suspended, the UE reader stores the first identifier, the second identifier corresponding to the first connection, and the port identifier of the transport layer connection between the UE reader and the AIoTF network element. Based on this, the UE reader obtains the port identifier of the transport layer connection between the UE reader and the AIoTF network element corresponding to the third information, and then transmits data with the AIoTF network element according to the port of the transport layer connection corresponding to that port identifier. At this point, the first connection is restored.

[0388] Optionally, the first response may include the identifier of the first connection (such as a first identifier and / or a second identifier) ​​and the identifier of the UE reader / writer.

[0389] S1607, AMF sends a second response to the AIoTF network element.

[0390] The second response is used to indicate that the first connection has been restored. Optionally, the second response may include an identifier of the first connection (such as a first identifier and / or a second identifier) ​​and an identifier of the UE reader, or may include an identifier of the AMF.

[0391] S1608, AIoTF network element and UE reader transmit data through the first connection.

[0392] For example, after determining that the first connection has been restored, a first data packet is sent to the UE reader / writer through the first connection. This first data packet is a data packet containing environmental IoT service data included in the fourteenth message sent by the AF to the AIoTF network element.

[0393] After receiving the second response, the AIoTF network element determines whether the first connection has been restored based on the second response. For example, upon receiving the second response, the AIoTF network element determines that the first connection corresponding to the identifier of the first connection included in the second response has been restored. As another example, upon receiving the second response, the AIoTF network element first checks whether the identifier of the first connection included in the second response matches the identifier of the UE reader; if they match, it determines that the first connection has been restored.

[0394] It should be noted that, Figure 16 In this embodiment, the second recovery request can be denoted as the eleventh message. The port identifier of the transport layer connection between the AIoTF network element and the selected UE reader can be denoted as the first information.

[0395] In this embodiment of the application, by means of Figure 15 and Figure 16 The method described in this embodiment can restore the first connection when it is suspended, without having to re-establish it. This reduces the communication interaction process that would otherwise be required to establish the first connection and helps to improve communication efficiency.

[0396] It should be noted that, in Topology 2, all communication between the UE reader and core network elements requires passing through the RAN entity (such as a base station). In the above embodiments, for the sake of brevity, the interaction process between the UE reader and the RAN entity has been omitted.

[0397] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a computer device provided in an embodiment of this application. The computer device may be a UE reader / writer, base station, AMF, UPF, AF, or AIoTF network element as described in the above embodiments. See also... Figure 17 The computer device includes at least one processor 1701, a communication bus 1702, a memory 1707, and at least one communication interface 1704.

[0398] The processor 1701 may be a microprocessor (including a central processing unit (CPU) or the like), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits used to control the execution of the program of the present application.

[0399] The communication bus 1702 may include a path for transmitting information between the aforementioned components.

[0400] Memory 1707 may be a read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), optical disc (including compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), compressed optical disc, laser disc, digital versatile optical disc, Blu-ray disc, etc.), magnetic disk storage medium, or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but not limited thereto. Memory 1703 may exist independently and be connected to processor 1701 via communication bus 1702. Memory 1703 may also be integrated with processor 1701.

[0401] The communication interface 1704 uses any transceiver-like device to communicate with other devices or communication networks, such as Ethernet, radio access network (RAN), wireless local area network (WLAN), etc.

[0402] As an example, processor 1701 may include one or more CPUs, such as Figure 17 CPU0 and CPU1 are shown in the diagram.

[0403] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. The device can be implemented as part or all of a computer device by software, hardware, or a combination of both. This computer device can be as described above. Figure 17 The computer device described in the embodiments may, for example, be a first device, a second device, a third device, or a fourth device. See also Figure 18 The device includes a transmitting module 1801 and a receiving module 1802.

[0404] The sending module 1801 is used to send messages to one or more devices. For example, when the computer device is the first device, the sending module 1801 is used to send a first message and / or a third message to a second device. As another example, when the computer device is the second device, the sending module 1801 is used to send a second message and a fourth message to the first device. Yet another example, when the computer device is the third device, the sending module 1801 is used to send a first message and a third message to the second device.

[0405] The receiving module 1802 is used to receive messages. For example, when the computer device is a first device, the receiving module 1802 is used to receive a second message and / or a fourth message sent by a second device. As another example, when the computer device is a second device, the receiving module 1802 is used to receive a first message and / or a third message sent by the first device. Yet another example, when the computer device is a third device, the receiving module 1802 is used to receive both the first and third messages sent by the first device, and also to receive the second message and / or the fourth message sent by the second device.

[0406] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, can implement the steps in the various method embodiments described above.

[0407] This application also provides a computer program product that, when run on a computer device, enables the computer device to implement the steps described in the various method embodiments above.

[0408] This application also provides a chip system including a processor coupled to a memory. The processor executes a computer program stored in the memory to implement the steps of any method embodiment of this application. The chip system can be a single chip or a chip module composed of multiple chips.

[0409] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When these computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer, or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media can be magnetic media (such as floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, etc.), optical media (such as Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs), etc.) or semiconductor media (such as Solid State Disks (SSDs), etc.).

[0410] It should be noted that the user information (including but not limited to user device information, user personal information, etc.) and data (including but not limited to data used for analysis, data stored, data displayed, etc.) involved in this application are all information and data authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties. Furthermore, the collection, use and processing of the relevant data must comply with the relevant regulations and standards of the relevant countries and regions, and corresponding operation entry points are provided for users to choose to authorize or refuse.

[0411] The above-described embodiments are optional embodiments provided by this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first device, wherein the first device is a user equipment, the method includes: A first message is sent to the second device through the target connection, the first message being used to request the establishment of a first connection between the second device and the first device; The second device is a core network element of the environmental IoT function, and the first connection is used to transmit environmental IoT data; the first connection and the target connection are communication connections at different protocol layers; the target connection is a user plane session or a non-access layer connection.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second message sent by the second device is received through the target connection, and the second message is used to indicate the establishment result of the first connection.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Sending the first message to the second device through the target connection includes: Based on a first preset condition, the first message is sent to a third device through the target connection, so that the third device sends the first message to the second device; wherein, the third device is a core network element.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first preset condition includes any one of the following: The target connection between the first device and the third device has been established; The third message is received, and the target connection between the first device and the third device has been established; wherein the third message is used to indicate that the first device is a reader / writer; A fourth message is received, and the target connection between the first device and the third device has been established; wherein the fourth message is used to indicate the establishment of the first connection; the fourth message is signaling.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a fifth message to the second device through the target connection; The fifth message is used to establish a third connection, which is a transport layer connection between the first device and the second device; the fifth message includes the first message.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the sixth message sent by the second device through the target connection; The sixth message is used to indicate the establishment result of the third connection, and the sixth message includes the second message.

7. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a seventh message to the second device via the target connection; The seventh message includes the first message and the eighth message; the eighth message is used to establish a third connection, which is a transport layer connection between the first device and the second device.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the ninth message sent by the second device through the target connection; The eighth message includes the second message and the tenth message; the tenth message is used to indicate the establishment result of the third connection.

9. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that, The first message includes information for establishing the first connection.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first message includes the identifier of the first device and the first identifier of the first connection.

11. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that, The second message includes a second identifier for the first connection.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive an eleventh message, the eleventh message being used to instruct the restoration of the first connection; the eleventh message includes instruction information for instructing the restoration of the first connection and an identifier of the first connection; The first connection is restored according to the eleventh message.

13. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a second device, which is a core network element of the environmental Internet of Things (IoT) function; the method includes: The second device receives a first message from a first device via a target connection. The first message is used to request the establishment of a first connection between the second device and the first device. The first device is a user equipment. The target connection is a user plane session or a non-access stratum connection. The first connection is established based on the first message; wherein the first connection is used to transmit business data of the Internet of Things environment, and the first connection and the target connection are communication connections of different protocol layers.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: A second message is sent to the first device through the target connection, the second message indicating the establishment result of the first connection.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, Sending the second message to the first device through the target connection includes: The second message is sent to the third device via the target connection, so that the third device sends the second message to the first device. The third device is a core network element.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the fifth message sent by the first device through the target connection; The fifth message is used to establish a third connection, which is a transport layer connection between the first device and the second device; the fifth message includes the first message.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: A sixth message is sent to the first device via the target connection; The sixth message is used to indicate the establishment result of the third connection, and the sixth message includes the second message.

18. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the seventh message sent by the first device through the target connection; The seventh message includes the first message and the eighth message; the eighth message is used to establish a third connection, which is a transport layer connection between the first device and the second device.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a ninth message to the first device via the target connection; The eighth message includes the second message and the tenth message; the tenth message is used to indicate the establishment result of the third connection.

20. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the twelfth message is received, a thirteenth message is sent to the fourth device; the thirteenth message is used to instruct the fourth device to send a fourth message to the first device; the fourth message is used to instruct the establishment of the first connection; The twelfth message is either a request for environmental IoT services or a request to indicate the establishment of the first connection; the fourth device is a core network element.

21. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 20, characterized in that, The first message includes information for establishing the first connection.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The first message includes the identifier of the first device and the first identifier of the first connection.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The second message includes a second identifier for the first connection.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The step of establishing the first connection based on the first message includes: Bind the first identifier and the second identifier; Bind the first identifier and / or the second identifier to the first information; wherein the first information is the port identifier of the transport layer connection between the first device and the second device.

25. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 24, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the fourteenth message is received and the first connection is disconnected or suspended, send the eleventh message to the first device; The fourteenth message is a request for environmental IoT services; the eleventh message is used to instruct the restoration of the first connection; the eleventh message includes instruction information for instructing the restoration of the first connection and the identifier of the first connection.

26. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processing unit and a transceiver unit, and is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, or the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 25.

27. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor coupled to a memory storing a program or instructions for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, or the memory storing a program or instructions for performing the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 25.

28. A communication system, characterized in that, Includes the communication device as described in claim 26.

29. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program or instructions stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program or instructions are executed, the computer performs the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, or the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 25.

30. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes a computer program that, when run, causes the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12 to be performed, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 25 to be performed.

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