Communication method, communication device, computer program product, and readable storage medium

Abstract

The application provides a communication method, a communication device, a computer program product and a readable storage medium, and relates to the technical field of communication. In the case that a first Internet of Things reader cannot start or execute an Internet of Things service, the first communication device sends a first message to a second communication device, the first message is used for indicating selection of an Internet of Things reader, and / or the first message is used for indicating a reason why the first Internet of Things reader cannot complete the Internet of Things service. The second communication device performs an operation of selecting an Internet of Things reader according to the first message, and / or the second communication device sends a fourth message to a third communication device, the fourth message is associated with the first message, and the fourth message is used for indicating the reason why the first Internet of Things reader cannot complete the Internet of Things service. In this way, the second communication device and / or the third communication device can obtain the abnormal condition that the first Internet of Things reader cannot execute the Internet of Things service in a timely manner, perform the operation of selecting an Internet of Things reader, and improve communication efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, communication device, computer program product, and readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] In communication systems, to improve communication sustainability and performance while reducing wireless communication power consumption, low-power Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) technology has been introduced. An AIoT reader, also known as an environmental IoT reader / writer, serves as an intermediary node between AIoT devices and access network or core network devices. The AIoT reader can communicate with AIoT devices, such as reading data from them, and send the communication results to core network or access network devices. Core network or access network devices can then interact with Application Function Elements (AFs), enabling AFs to manage AIoT devices and process AIoT data. For example, in a parcel inventory scenario, the AF can obtain parcel information within a warehouse by storing data from IoT devices.

[0003] Currently, AIoT readers may be unable to communicate with AIoT devices. Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a solution for this situation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method, communication device, computer program product, and readable storage medium to provide a processing solution for data information collected by AIoT devices that a reader cannot obtain.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of this application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, applied to a first communication device, the method comprising:

[0007] The first communication device sends a first message to the second communication device; the first message is used to indicate the selection of an IoT reader, and / or, the first message is used to indicate the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

[0008] The communication method provided in this embodiment allows a first IoT reader that is unable to start or continue performing IoT services to determine a first message and send the first message to a second communication device.

[0009] The first message may indicate the selection of an IoT reader, or it may indicate the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service, or it may indicate both the selection of an IoT reader and the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

[0010] Based on this, the second communication device can perform the operation of selecting an IoT reader according to the first message, or the second communication device can determine that the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT reading process. This facilitates the second communication device in knowing and / or managing the execution status of the IoT service, improving communication efficiency.

[0011] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first message is also used to indicate the execution result of the IoT service.

[0012] Therefore, before or during the execution of the IoT service by the first IoT reader, the first communication device determines a first message, which is also used to indicate the execution result of the IoT service.

[0013] The first message can also indicate the selection of an IoT reader separately, or the first message can indicate the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service separately, or the first message can indicate both the selection of an IoT reader and the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service at the same time.

[0014] The communication method provided in this implementation allows the first communication device to indicate the execution result of the IoT service via a first message when the first IoT reader is unable to start or continue executing the IoT service. The second communication device receives the first message and learns the result of the first IoT reader executing the IoT service.

[0015] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first message includes a first case of the first IoT reader, the first case including at least one of the following:

[0016] The load of the first IoT reader is greater than or equal to a first threshold; the first threshold is the load threshold of the first IoT reader.

[0017] The first IoT reader has no available wireless resources;

[0018] The first IoT reader did not receive the third message sent by all IoT devices within the coverage area of ​​the first IoT reader. The third message is associated with the IoT service.

[0019] There are no IoT devices within the coverage area of ​​the first IoT reader, or the number of IoT devices within the coverage area of ​​the first IoT reader is zero.

[0020] The power of the communication device connected to the first IoT reader is greater than or equal to a first threshold, indicating that the first IoT reader is overloaded. That is, the first communication device needs to select a different IoT reader, and / or, the first communication device can determine that the first IoT reader cannot perform IoT services.

[0021] The first IoT reader having no available wireless resources means that the first IoT reader has no extra wireless resources to allocate to IoT devices and is therefore unable to perform IoT services.

[0022] Therefore, the first communication device needs to select a new IoT reader, and / or the first communication device determines that the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

[0023] The third message is associated with IoT services. The third message may include the response information of the corresponding paging, the data information of the IoT device, or the data packet containing the data information, etc., without limitation.

[0024] The first IoT reader did not receive the third message sent by the IoT device, and therefore the first IoT reader was unable to complete the IoT service for that IoT device.

[0025] Therefore, the first communication device needs to select a new IoT reader, and / or the first communication device determines that the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

[0026] If there are no IoT devices within the coverage area of ​​the first IoT reader, the first IoT reader cannot receive IoT data information and therefore cannot complete IoT services.

[0027] The first communication device needs to reselect an IoT reader, and / or the first communication device determines that the first IoT reader cannot perform IoT services.

[0028] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first message includes at least one of the following:

[0029] The number of IoT devices that have responded to IoT services;

[0030] The identifier of the first Internet of Things reader;

[0031] The identifier of the application function network element; the application function network element is the application function network element that requests to execute IoT services;

[0032] The identifier of the IoT service request; the identifier of the IoT service request is an identifier generated by the core network system, and the IoT service request is used to indicate the execution of IoT services;

[0033] First identifier; the first identifier is associated with the second identifier, the first identifier is the identifier for the IoT reader control protocol layer connection or coupling of the first communication device, and the second identifier is the identifier for the IoT reader control protocol layer connection or coupling of the second communication device.

[0034] Second identifier.

[0035] The number of IoT devices that have responded to IoT services refers to the number of IoT devices that responded to IoT services among the multiple IoT devices paged by the first IoT reader during the execution of IoT services by the first IoT reader.

[0036] The first message includes the number of IoT devices that have responded to the IoT service. The first communication device instructs the selection of an IoT reader via the first message, and / or, the first communication device instructs the first IoT reader via the first message that it cannot complete the IoT service.

[0037] Alternatively, the first message may include the number of IoT devices that have responded to the IoT service. The first communication device indicates the result of the IoT service execution via the first message.

[0038] The first message carries the identifier of the first IoT reader. The first message, through the identifier of the first IoT reader, instructs the selection of an IoT reader, and / or, through the identifier of the first IoT reader, indicates the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

[0039] Therefore, the first communication device sends a first message to the second communication device, the first message including the identifier of the first IoT reader. Upon receiving the first message, the second communication device can determine which IoT reader is unable to perform the IoT service. The second communication device can then select an IoT reader, or it can notify other communication devices to select an IoT reader. The selected IoT reader is used to start or continue performing the IoT service.

[0040] The identifier of an application function network element can be either its interface identifier or its device identifier. The identifier can be determined by the core network system or be an identifier inherent to the application function network element; there are no limitations on this.

[0041] The first message includes the identifier of the application function network element, which is used to indicate the application function network element that sends the IoT service.

[0042] The first message sent by the first communication device includes the identifier of the application function network element. The second communication device can identify the application function network element sending the IoT service, and / or, the second communication device can notify the application function network element sending the IoT service of an abnormal situation where the first IoT reader cannot perform the IoT service. The application function network element sending the IoT service can select the IoT reader, and / or determine that the first IoT reader cannot perform the IoT service.

[0043] An IoT service request is a request generated by an application function network element. The identifier of the IoT service request is used to uniquely identify the request. This identifier is generated by the core network system for the IoT server request.

[0044] The first message, through the identifier of the IoT service request, indicates the selection of an IoT server, and / or indicates that the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

[0045] Therefore, the first message sent by the first communication device to the second communication device includes the identifier of the IoT service request, and the second communication device can obtain the identifier of the IoT service request corresponding to the IoT service. The second communication device can obtain the IoT service request corresponding to an IoT service that cannot be executed, or the second communication device can notify the core network system or application function network element of the abnormal situation that the first IoT reader cannot execute the IoT service corresponding to the IoT service request.

[0046] The first identifier is used to indicate the identifier of the IoT reader control protocol layer of the first communication device, or in other words, the first identifier is used to indicate the identifier of the IoT reader control protocol layer connection or association of the first communication device. Similarly, the second identifier is used to indicate the identifier of the IoT reader control protocol layer of the second communication device, or in other words, the second identifier is used to indicate the identifier of the IoT reader control protocol layer connection or association of the second communication device.

[0047] In one example, the first message could be a message from the IoT reader control protocol layer.

[0048] Thus, the first communication device communicates with the second communication device through the IoT reader control protocol layer of the first communication device, and the first identifier is associated with the second identifier.

[0049] The first message can carry one type of information, or it can include two or more types of information simultaneously.

[0050] For example, the first message carries any one of the following: the number of IoT devices that have responded to the IoT service, the identifier of the first IoT reader, the identifier of the application function network element, the identifier of the IoT service request, and the second identifier.

[0051] For example, the first message may also carry any combination of two or more of the following: the number of IoT devices that have responded to the IoT service, the identifier of the first IoT reader, the identifier of the application function network element, the identifier of the IoT service request, and the second identifier.

[0052] The communication method provided in this implementation allows the first message sent by the first communication device to the second communication device to carry multiple possible information, enabling the second communication device to be aware of these multiple possible information. In this way, the second communication device can perform a reselection operation for the IoT reader based on this multiple possible information, instructing the reselected IoT reader to continue performing the IoT service, or to handle the incomplete IoT service using other methods. Alternatively, the second communication device can send the multiple possible information to a third communication device, causing the third communication device to perform a reselection operation for the IoT reader, instructing the reselected IoT reader to continue performing the IoT service, or to handle the incomplete IoT service using other methods.

[0053] This can further improve the information synchronization of the communication system and increase communication efficiency.

[0054] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, before the first communication device sends the first message to the second communication device, the method further includes:

[0055] During the execution of IoT services, the first communication device determines first cause information based on the first situation of the first IoT reader; the first cause information is used to indicate the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

[0056] The first communication device determines a first message; the first message is used to instruct the selection of an Internet of Things reader, the first message is associated with first cause information, and / or the first message includes the first cause information.

[0057] In this implementation, the first IoT reader has already started executing IoT services and has been executing them for a period of time. During the execution of IoT services by the first IoT reader, the first communication device can, based on a first condition of the first IoT reader, determine the first reason why the first IoT reader cannot continue executing or cannot complete the IoT service.

[0058] Therefore, the second communication device receives the first message and learns the first reason information that the first IoT reader is unable to complete the IoT service. The second communication device can then perform a reselection operation based on the first reason information, instructing the reselected IoT reader to continue performing the IoT service, or handle the inability to complete the IoT service using other methods. Alternatively, the second communication device can send the first reason information to a third communication device, causing the third communication device to perform a reselection operation, instructing the reselected IoT reader to continue performing the IoT service, or handle the inability to complete the IoT service using other methods.

[0059] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, before the first communication device sends the first message to the second communication device, the method further includes:

[0060] The first communication device receives a second message sent by the second communication device, the second message being used to request the execution of Internet of Things services;

[0061] After receiving the second message, based on the first situation of the first IoT reader, the second reason information is determined. The second reason information is used to indicate the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

[0062] The first communication device determines a first message; the first message is used to instruct the selection of an Internet of Things reader, the first message is associated with second cause information, and / or the first message includes the second cause information.

[0063] In this embodiment, before the first IoT reader begins to execute IoT services, the first communication device determines a second reason why the first IoT reader cannot execute IoT services based on a first condition regarding the existence of the first IoT reader. The first communication device determines a first message based on the second reason information, and the first message is associated with the second reason information.

[0064] Therefore, the second communication device receives the first message and learns of a second reason why the first IoT reader is unable to complete the IoT service. Based on the first reason information, the second communication device can perform a reselection operation for the IoT reader, instructing the reselected IoT reader to continue performing the IoT service, or handle the inability to complete the IoT service using other methods. Alternatively, the second communication device can send the second reason information to a third communication device, causing the third communication device to perform a reselection operation for the IoT reader, instructing the reselected IoT reader to continue performing the IoT service, or handle the inability to complete the IoT service using other methods.

[0065] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first communication device is a first Internet of Things (IoT) reader, and the second communication device is an IoT functional network element in the core network system.

[0066] The communication system corresponding to this implementation is topology T1, where the first IoT reader connects to the IoT functional network element of the core network system. For example, the first IoT reader is a base station. This implementation provides a solution for the first IoT reader to proactively notify the IoT functional network element when it is unable to provide IoT services.

[0067] If the first IoT reader is unable to complete the IoT service, it sends a first message to the IoT function network element in the core network system. Based on the first message, the IoT function network element performs an operation to select an IoT reader, and / or, the IoT function network element sends a fourth message to the application function network element, indicating the reason why the first IoT reader could not complete the IoT service.

[0068] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first communication device is a first Internet of Things reader, and the second communication device is an access network device.

[0069] The communication system corresponding to this implementation is topology T2. The first IoT reader is connected to the access network device, and the access network device is connected to the IoT function network element of the core network system. For example, the first IoT reader is a UE (User Equipment). This implementation provides a solution for the first IoT reader to proactively notify the access network device when it is unable to perform IoT services.

[0070] If the first IoT reader is unable to complete the IoT service, it sends a first message to the access network device. Based on the first message, the access network device performs an operation to select an IoT reader, and / or, the access network device sends a fourth message to the IoT function network element, indicating the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

[0071] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first communication device can be an access network device, the second communication device can be an IoT function network element of the core network system, and the third communication device can be an application function network element.

[0072] The communication system corresponding to this implementation is topology T2. The first IoT reader is connected to the access network device, and the access network device is connected to the IoT function network element of the core network system. For example, the first IoT reader is a UE (User Equipment). This implementation provides a solution where the access network device actively notifies the core network system when the first IoT reader is unable to perform IoT services.

[0073] If the first IoT reader is unable to complete the IoT service, the access network device actively detects the abnormal situation, or the access network device receives relevant information from the first IoT reader and determines that the first IoT reader is unable to complete the IoT service.

[0074] The access network device sends a first message to the IoT function network element. Based on the first message, the IoT function network element performs an operation to select an IoT reader, and / or, the IoT function network element sends a fourth message to the application function network element, the fourth message indicating the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT reader operation.

[0075] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the Internet of Things (IoT) includes the Internet of Things for the Environment.

[0076] The communication method provided in this implementation can be applied to IoT communication systems and environmental IoT communication systems, thereby improving the communication efficiency of IoT systems and environmental IoT communication systems.

[0077] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method applied to a second communication device, the method comprising:

[0078] The second communication device receives a first message sent by the first communication device; the first message is used to indicate the selection of an IoT reader, and / or, the first message is used to indicate the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service;

[0079] The second communication device performs the operation of selecting an Internet of Things reader based on the first message;

[0080] And / or, the second communication device sends a fourth message to the third communication device, the fourth message being associated with the first message, the fourth message being used to indicate the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

[0081] The communication method provided in this embodiment involves a first IoT reader that performs IoT services. If it is unable to start or continue performing the IoT service, a first communication device can determine a first message and send it to a second communication device. The first message may individually indicate the selection of an IoT reader, or it may individually indicate the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service, or it may simultaneously indicate both the selection of an IoT reader and the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

[0082] The second communication device can perform the operation of selecting an IoT reader based on the first message, or the second communication device can determine that the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT reading process. And / or, the second communication device sends a fourth message to the third communication device, the fourth message indicating that the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT reading process.

[0083] Therefore, if the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service, the second and / or third communication devices can promptly obtain and / or manage the execution status of the IoT service through the first and / or fourth messages. The second or third communication device can then reselect the IoT reader or re-initiate the IoT service request, effectively improving communication efficiency.

[0084] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the first message is also used to indicate the execution result of the IoT service.

[0085] The communication method provided in this implementation allows the first communication device to indicate the execution result of the IoT service via a first message when the first IoT reader is unable to start or continue executing the IoT service. The second communication device receives the first message and learns the result of the first IoT reader executing the IoT service.

[0086] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes:

[0087] The second communication device sends a fifth message to the third communication device. The fifth message is used to indicate the fault status of the first IoT reader. The fault status is used to indicate whether the first IoT reader has malfunctioned, or, if the first IoT reader has malfunctioned, the cause of the malfunction.

[0088] In this embodiment, the second communication device sends a fifth message to the third communication device, which then learns of the malfunction of the first IoT reader. The third communication device can either select an IoT device or determine that the first IoT reader cannot provide IoT services.

[0089] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the first message includes a first condition of the first IoT reader, the first condition indicating at least one of the following:

[0090] The load of the first IoT reader is greater than or equal to a first threshold; the first threshold is the load threshold of the first IoT reader.

[0091] The first IoT reader has no available wireless resources;

[0092] The first IoT reader did not receive the third message sent by all IoT devices within the coverage area of ​​the first IoT reader. The third message is associated with the IoT service.

[0093] There are no IoT devices within the coverage area of ​​the first IoT reader, or the number of IoT devices within the coverage area of ​​the first IoT reader is zero.

[0094] The power of the communication device connected to the first IoT reader is greater than or equal to a first threshold, indicating that the first IoT reader is overloaded. That is, the first communication device needs to select a different IoT reader, and / or, the first communication device can determine that the first IoT reader cannot perform IoT services.

[0095] The first IoT reader having no available wireless resources means that the first IoT reader has no extra wireless resources to allocate to IoT devices and is therefore unable to perform IoT services.

[0096] Therefore, the first communication device needs to select a new IoT reader, and / or the first communication device determines that the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

[0097] The third message is associated with IoT services. The third message may include the response information of the corresponding paging, the data information of the IoT device, or the data packet containing the data information, etc., without limitation.

[0098] The first IoT reader did not receive the third message sent by the IoT device, and therefore the first IoT reader was unable to complete the IoT service for that IoT device.

[0099] Therefore, the first communication device needs to select a new IoT reader, and / or the first communication device determines that the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

[0100] If there are no IoT devices within the coverage area of ​​the first IoT reader, the first IoT reader cannot receive IoT data information and therefore cannot complete IoT services.

[0101] The first communication device needs to reselect an IoT reader, and / or the first communication device determines that the first IoT reader cannot perform IoT services.

[0102] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the first message includes at least one of the following:

[0103] The number of IoT devices that have responded to IoT services;

[0104] The identifier of the first Internet of Things reader;

[0105] The identifier of the application function network element; the application function network element is the application function network element that requests to execute IoT services;

[0106] The identifier of the IoT service request; the identifier of the IoT service request is an identifier generated by the core network system, and the IoT service request is used to indicate the execution of IoT services;

[0107] First identifier; the first identifier is associated with the second identifier, the first identifier is the identifier for the IoT reader control protocol layer connection or coupling of the first communication device, and the second identifier is the identifier for the IoT reader control protocol layer connection or coupling of the second communication device.

[0108] Second identifier.

[0109] The number of IoT devices that have responded to IoT services refers to the number of IoT devices that responded to IoT services among the multiple IoT devices paged by the first IoT reader during the execution of IoT services by the first IoT reader.

[0110] The first message includes the number of IoT devices that have responded to the IoT service. The first communication device instructs the selection of an IoT reader via the first message, and / or, the first communication device instructs the first IoT reader via the first message that it cannot complete the IoT service.

[0111] Alternatively, the first message may include the number of IoT devices that have responded to the IoT service. The first communication device indicates the result of the IoT service execution via the first message.

[0112] The first message carries the identifier of the first IoT reader. The first message, through the identifier of the first IoT reader, instructs the selection of an IoT reader, and / or, through the identifier of the first IoT reader, indicates the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

[0113] Therefore, the first communication device sends a first message to the second communication device, the first message including the identifier of the first IoT reader. Upon receiving the first message, the second communication device can determine which IoT reader is unable to perform the IoT service. The second communication device can then select an IoT reader, or it can notify other communication devices to select an IoT reader. The selected IoT reader is used to start or continue performing the IoT service.

[0114] The identifier of an application function network element can be either its interface identifier or its device identifier. The identifier can be determined by the core network system or be an identifier inherent to the application function network element; there are no limitations on this.

[0115] The first message includes the identifier of the application function network element, which is used to indicate the application function network element that sends the IoT service.

[0116] The first message sent by the first communication device includes the identifier of the application function network element. The second communication device can identify the application function network element sending the IoT service, and / or, the second communication device can notify the application function network element sending the IoT service of an abnormal situation where the first IoT reader cannot perform the IoT service. The application function network element sending the IoT service can select the IoT reader, and / or determine that the first IoT reader cannot perform the IoT service.

[0117] An IoT service request is a request generated by an application function network element. The identifier of the IoT service request is used to uniquely identify the request. This identifier is generated by the core network system for the IoT server request.

[0118] The first message, through the identifier of the IoT service request, indicates the selection of an IoT server, and / or indicates that the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

[0119] Therefore, the first message sent by the first communication device to the second communication device includes the identifier of the IoT service request, and the second communication device can obtain the identifier of the IoT service request corresponding to the IoT service. The second communication device can obtain the IoT service request corresponding to an IoT service that cannot be executed, or the second communication device can notify the core network system or application function network element of the abnormal situation that the first IoT reader cannot execute the IoT service corresponding to the IoT service request.

[0120] The first identifier is used to indicate the identifier of the IoT reader control protocol layer of the first communication device, or in other words, the first identifier is used to indicate the identifier of the IoT reader control protocol layer connection or association of the first communication device. Similarly, the second identifier is used to indicate the identifier of the IoT reader control protocol layer of the second communication device, or in other words, the second identifier is used to indicate the identifier of the IoT reader control protocol layer connection or association of the second communication device.

[0121] In one example, the first message could be a message from the IoT reader control protocol layer.

[0122] Thus, the first communication device communicates with the second communication device through the IoT reader control protocol layer of the first communication device, and the first identifier is associated with the second identifier.

[0123] The first message can carry one type of information, or it can include two or more types of information simultaneously.

[0124] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the operation of selecting an IoT reader is performed based on the first message, including:

[0125] When the first condition is met, the second communication device selects a second Internet of Things (IoT) reader from at least one IoT reader indicated by the first condition.

[0126] If the first condition is not met, the second communication device sends a sixth message to the third communication device, which indicates that the selection of the Internet of Things reader has failed.

[0127] The communication method provided in this implementation has a first condition that indicates whether the second communication device can select an Internet of Things reader.

[0128] If the first condition is met, the first condition instructs at least one IoT reader, which can be a reader that performs IoT services. The second communication device sends a sixth message to the third communication device, in which the third communication device learns that the first IoT reader cannot perform IoT services and that IoT selection has failed. The third communication device may perform an IoT selection operation, or it may also determine that the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service, and that the second communication device's IoT selection has failed.

[0129] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0130] Does the reader list indicated by the third communication device include the selected IoT reader? The reader list includes at least one IoT reader other than the first IoT reader.

[0131] Does the third communication device provide a first instruction? The first instruction is used to instruct the selection of an IoT reader other than the list of readers provided by the third communication device.

[0132] Does the subscription information on the business server include the identifier of the selected IoT reader?

[0133] The reader list indicated by the third communication device includes at least one reader. Alternatively, the reader list includes information including the identifier of at least one reader. Thus, the second communication device selects a second IoT reader from the at least one IoT reader indicated by the reader list indicated by the third communication device.

[0134] When the third communication device indicates a list of readers, the third communication device also provides a first instruction for instructing the selection of other readers outside the list.

[0135] Therefore, when the third communication device provides a first instruction, the second communication device selects a second IoT reader from other readers outside the reader list.

[0136] The subscription information of the third communication device can be a message sent by the third communication device to the second communication device. The subscription information can be used to instruct the third communication device to select relevant information of the Internet of Things reader.

[0137] The contract information includes the identifier of the selected IoT reader, that is, the identifier of the selected IoT reader is sent by the third communication device to the second communication device.

[0138] Therefore, when the second communication device performs the operation of selecting an IoT reader, if the subscription information of the third communication device includes the identifier of the selected IoT reader, the second communication device selects the IoT identifier from the subscription information of the third communication device.

[0139] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes:

[0140] The second communication device sends a seventh message to the IoT functional network element in the core network system. The seventh message is used to indicate the selected IoT reader.

[0141] The communication method provided in this implementation uses a first IoT reader as the first communication device, which is a UE (User Equipment). The second communication device is an access network device.

[0142] The second communication device sends a seventh message to the IoT function network element of the core network system. The IoT function network element of the core network system learns that the first IoT reader cannot perform IoT services, and identifies the selected IoT reader. The IoT function network element of the core network system can instruct the selected IoT reader to perform IoT services, or perform the operation of selecting an IoT reader.

[0143] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes:

[0144] The second communication device sends an eighth message to the IoT function network element in the core network system. The eighth message is used to indicate the selection of an IoT reader.

[0145] The communication method provided in this implementation uses a first IoT reader as the first communication device, which is a UE (User Equipment). The second communication device is an access network device, and the third communication device is a core network system / IoT function network element of the core network system. An eighth message is used to indicate the selection of an IoT reader; the second communication device can use the eighth message to instruct the IoT function network element of the core network system to select an IoT reader.

[0146] The second communication device sends an eighth message to the IoT function network element of the core network system. The IoT function network element of the core network system learns that the first IoT reader cannot perform IoT services and performs an operation to select an IoT reader. Based on the eighth message, if the IoT function network element of the core network system selects an IoT reader, it can instruct the selected IoT reader to perform IoT services. Alternatively, if the IoT function network element of the core network system fails to select an IoT reader based on the eighth message, the core network system reports the failure to select an IoT reader to the application function network element.

[0147] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the fourth message is also used to instruct the selection of the first IoT reader.

[0148] The communication method provided in this implementation allows the third communication device to receive a fourth message, learn the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service, and then perform an operation to select an IoT server. Based on the fourth message, if an IoT reader is selected, the third communication device can instruct the selected IoT reader to perform the IoT service.

[0149] This improves the efficiency of the core network system in handling anomalies and optimizes the data transmission channels for IoT devices. Furthermore, by simultaneously indicating multiple pieces of information via a fourth message, the number of messages sent can be reduced, communication resources can be saved, and communication efficiency can be improved.

[0150] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the first communication device is a first Internet of Things (IoT) reader, the second communication device is an IoT functional network element in the core network system, and the third communication device is an application functional network element.

[0151] The communication system corresponding to this implementation is topology T1, where the first IoT reader connects to the IoT functional network element of the core network system. For example, the first IoT reader is a base station. This implementation provides a solution for the first IoT reader to proactively notify the IoT functional network element when it is unable to provide IoT services.

[0152] If the first IoT reader is unable to complete the IoT service, it sends a first message to the IoT function network element in the core network system. Based on the first message, the IoT function network element performs an operation to select an IoT reader, and / or, the IoT function network element sends a fourth message to the application function network element, indicating the reason why the first IoT reader could not complete the IoT service.

[0153] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the first communication device is a first Internet of Things (IoT) reader, the second communication device is an access network device, and the third communication device is an IoT functional network element of the core network system.

[0154] The communication system corresponding to this implementation is topology T2. The first IoT reader is connected to the access network device, and the access network device is connected to the IoT function network element of the core network system. For example, the first IoT reader is a UE (User Equipment). This implementation provides a solution for the first IoT reader to proactively notify the access network device when it is unable to perform IoT services.

[0155] If the first IoT reader is unable to complete the IoT service, it sends a first message to the access network device. Based on the first message, the access network device performs an operation to select an IoT reader, and / or, the access network device sends a fourth message to the IoT function network element, indicating the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

[0156] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the Internet of Things (IoT) includes environmental IoT.

[0157] The communication method provided in this implementation can be applied to IoT communication systems, as well as environmental IoT communication systems, thereby improving the communication efficiency of environmental IoT communication systems.

[0158] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, including: a module for performing a communication method as described in any of the first aspects; and / or, a module for performing a communication method as described in any of the second aspects.

[0159] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication system, including: a first communication device and a second communication device, wherein the first communication device is configured to perform a communication method as described in any of the first aspects, and / or the second communication device is configured to perform a communication method as described in any of the second aspects.

[0160] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, comprising: at least one processor and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is configured to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device, and the processor is configured to implement the method as described in any of the first aspects through logic circuits or execution code instructions; and / or, the processor is configured to implement the method as described in any of the second aspects through logic circuits or execution code instructions.

[0161] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium including a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform a method as described in any of the first aspects; and / or cause the computer to perform a method as described in any of the second aspects.

[0162] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip, including: an interface circuit and a logic circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to receive signals from other chips outside the chip and transmit them to the logic circuit, or to send signals from the logic circuit to other chips outside the chip, and the logic circuit is used to implement the method as described in any of the first aspects; and / or, the logic circuit is used to implement the method as described in any of the second aspects.

[0163] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product comprising: a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform a method as described in any of the first aspects; and / or cause the computer to perform a method as described in any of the second aspects.

[0164] In aspects two through eight, if the first IoT reader fails to complete the IoT service, the second and / or third communication devices shall be promptly informed of and / or manage the execution status of the IoT service through the first and / or fourth messages. The second or third communication device may then reselect the IoT reader or re-initiate the IoT service request, effectively improving communication efficiency.

[0165] The technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects two through eight can be found in the technical effects of different design methods in aspect one, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0166] Figure 1 A schematic diagram T1 of the topology of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0167] Figure 2 A schematic diagram T2 of the topology of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0168] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram T2 showing another topology of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0169] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a core network system provided in this application embodiment;

[0170] Figure 5 A timing diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0171] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the interaction of the topology T1 involved in the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0172] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the interaction of the topology T2 involved in the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0173] Figure 8 Another timing diagram of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0174] Figure 9 Another timing diagram of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0175] Figure 10 Another timing diagram of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0176] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0177] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0178] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrates exemplary embodiments of this application, including various details to aid understanding. These embodiments should be considered merely exemplary. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of this application. Similarly, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of well-known functions and structures are omitted in the following description.

[0179] In embodiments of this application, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0180] In the embodiments of this application, "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0181] Exemplary embodiments of this application provide a communication method and a communication system. The communication method of this application embodiment can be applied to a communication system.

[0182] The communication system may include, but is not limited to, the following systems: Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) systems, 5th generation (5G) systems or new radio (NR) systems, 5.5G systems or 6th generation (6G) systems and future mobile communication systems; Vehicle-to-X (V2X), where V2X can include Vehicle-to-Network (V2N), Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V), Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I), Vehicle-to-Pedestrian (V2P), etc.; Long Term Evolution-Vehicle (LTE-V) technology for vehicle-to-everything (V2V) communication; Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication; Machine-Type Communication (MTC); Internet of Things (IoT); and Long Term Evolution-Vehicle (LTE-V) technology for machine-to-machine communication. Evolution-machine (LTE-M), machine-to-machine (M2M), etc. The applicable scenarios for this communication system include, but are not limited to: terrestrial cellular communication, non-terrestrial network (NTN), satellite communication, high altitude platform station (HAPS) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) communication, and reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) communication.

[0183] In one specific implementation, the communication system used in the communication method provided in this application can be the Internet of Things (IoT). The IoT is a vast network that combines various information sensing devices with the Internet, connecting all objects to the network for easy identification, management, control, and tracking.

[0184] The Internet of Things (IoT) includes the Ambient Internet of Things (AIoT), which mainly refers to IoT powered by energy harvested from radio waves, light, motion, heat, or any other available environmental energy sources. The communication methods provided in this application embodiment can be applied to the AIoT, but this is not intended to limit other possible communication scenarios. Subsequent descriptions of IoT are applicable to AIoT and will not be elaborated upon further.

[0185] In one embodiment, the communication system provided in this application may include: an AIoT device, a first communication device, a second communication device, and an application function network element. The AIoT device can communicate with the first communication device, the first communication device can communicate with the second communication device, and the second communication device can communicate with the application function network element. The first communication device reads data information from the AIoT device and sends the data information of the AIoT device to the second communication device. The second communication device sends the data information of the AIoT device to the application function network element.

[0186] The aforementioned AIoT device is a device for inventorying assets. Assets may include hardware assets, software assets, and data assets related to the AIoT device, and this application embodiment does not limit these. In some embodiments, hardware assets may be the brand, model, quantity, or usage status of sensors, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit these. In some embodiments, software assets may be the name, version, developer, functional description, or scope of use of application software, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit these. In some embodiments, data assets may be user data using the AIoT device, such as user identity information, user usage habits, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit these. Some or all characteristics of the AIoT device can be referred to in the descriptions in existing 3GPP standards. It should be understood that the descriptions of some or all characteristics of the AIoT device referred to in existing 3GPP standards are only one possible example description, and this application embodiment is not limited thereto. As communication standard protocol versions evolve or are updated, some or all of the characteristics of the AIoT device referred to here can refer to the evolved or updated versions; or some or all characteristics of the AIoT device can also refer to the descriptions in related technologies.

[0187] The aforementioned first communication device can be an environmental Internet of Things (AIoT) device reader, also known as an AIoT reader-writer, AIoT reading and writing device, or AIoT Reader. An AIoT reader-writer can read data from AIoT devices, such as information obtained from asset inventory of AIoT devices.

[0188] In another specific implementation, the AIoT reader can also issue commands such as read and write instructions to the AIoT device, which is not limited in this application embodiment.

[0189] AIoT readers communicate with AIoT devices to execute environmental IoT services. These services include Inventory and Command (e.g., read, write, disable, enable), and can be specifically defined as follows:

[0190] 1) Inventory: Requests an inventory operation;

[0191] 2) Read: Requests information to be read from the AIoT device;

[0192] 3) Write: A request to write information to an AIoT device;

[0193] 4) Disable: Requests the AIoT device to permanently or temporarily disable its ability to transmit radio frequency;

[0194] 5) Enable: Request to enable temporarily disabled AIoT devices.

[0195] The embodiments of this application do not limit the form of the first communication device. For example, the first communication device may include a radio access network (RAN) device, user equipment (UE), base station (BS), integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, or repeater, etc., which have relay capabilities. The first communication device may also be a combination of any of the aforementioned devices.

[0196] Furthermore, AIoT readers can also include devices with relay capabilities such as radio access network (RAN) equipment, user equipment (UE), base station (BS), integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes, or repeaters. The type of AIoT reader may differ depending on the topology.

[0197] The access network equipment can be an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, a base station in a next-generation 6G communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, an access point (AP) in a WiFi system, a radio controller, relay station, access point, vehicle-mounted equipment, wearable devices, or access network equipment in other future evolved communication systems. Alternatively, the access network equipment can also be a module or unit that performs some of the functions of a base station; for example, it can be a central unit (CU) or a distributed unit (DU). This application does not limit the specific technology or equipment form used in the access network equipment.

[0198] The base station can be an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, a base station in a next-generation 6G communication system, or a base station in a future mobile communication system. Alternatively, a base station can also be a module or unit that performs some of the base station's functions; for example, it can be a central unit (CU) or a distributed unit (DU). This application does not limit the specific technology or equipment form used in the base station embodiments.

[0199] UE can also be referred to as: terminal equipment, station, mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user equipment, etc.

[0200] A UE can be a device that provides voice or data connectivity to a user, such as a handheld device or vehicle-mounted device with wireless connectivity. Currently, examples of terminals include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals with cloud gaming capabilities, wireless terminals in self-driving vehicles, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, or future evolution of public land mobile communication networks. The embodiments of this application do not limit the scope of the UE, etc. in the network (PLMN).

[0201] Furthermore, the UE can also be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices that are worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not merely hardware devices; they achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly defined, wearable smart devices include those with comprehensive functions, large sizes, and the ability to achieve complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, as well as those focused on a specific application function that require the use of other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring. This application does not limit the specific technology or device form used in the UE.

[0202] Furthermore, in various embodiments of this application, the first communication device can also be a mobile phone and / or base station in an Internet of Things (IoT) system. IoT is an important component of future information technology development, and its main technical characteristic is connecting objects to networks through communication technology, thereby realizing an intelligent network of human-machine interconnection and object-to-object interconnection. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the first communication device.

[0203] The aforementioned second communication device can be an access network device or a core network system.

[0204] The core network system, also known as core network equipment, is a collective term for various functional entities used to manage user data transmission and access network equipment configuration. A core network system can include one or more network elements, which can be integrated into a single device or multiple devices. For example, in a 5G system, the core network system may include network elements such as the access and mobility management function (AMF), user plane function (UPF), session management function (SMF), and ambient internet of things function (AIOTF).

[0205] The foregoing described the possible forms of the first and second communication devices. The different forms of the first and second communication devices determine the topology of the resulting communication system. This application's embodiments involve two main topologies, T1 and T2. The following describes topologies T1 and T2 in conjunction with the possible implementations of the first and second communication devices.

[0206] In one example, the topology of the communication system is T1, the first communication device is a base station, and the second communication device is a core network system.

[0207] like Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic of the topology T1 of the communication system in this example. Figure 1 In this example, AIoT device 10 connects to base station 11, base station 11 connects to core network system 12, and core network system 12 connects to application function network element 13. Base station 11 acts as a reader between AIoT device 10 and core network system 12, acquiring data from AIoT device 10 and transmitting it to core network system 12. In this example, the base station can also be referred to as a base station reader, base station reader, or BSReader.

[0208] In another example, the topology of the communication system is T2, the first communication device is UE, and the second communication device is RAN.

[0209] like Figure 2 The diagram shown is a schematic of the topology T2 of the communication system in this example. Figure 2 In this configuration, AIoT device 20 connects to UE 21, UE 21 connects to RAN 22, RAN 22 connects to core network system 23, and core network system 23 connects to application function network element 24. UE 21 acts as a reader between AIoT device 20 and core network system 23. UE 21 acquires data information from AIoT device 20 and transmits the acquired data information to core network system 23 via RAN 22. In this example, UE can also be referred to as a UE reader.

[0210] In another example, the topology of the communication system is T2, the first communication device is UE, and the second communication device is the core network system.

[0211] like Figure 3 As shown in (1), this is a schematic diagram of the topology T2 of the communication system in this example. AIoT device 30 is connected to UE31, UE31 is connected to RAN32, RAN32 is connected to core network system 33, and core network system 33 is connected to application function network element 34.

[0212] UE31 is the first communication device, and core network system 33 is the second communication device. UE31 can communicate with the core network system through RAN.

[0213] In another example, the topology of the communication system is T2, the first communication device is the access network equipment, and the second communication device is the core network system.

[0214] like Figure 3 As shown in (2), this is a schematic diagram of the topology T2 of the communication system in this example. AIoT device 30 is connected to UE31, UE31 is connected to RAN32, RAN32 is connected to core network system 33, and core network system 33 is connected to application function network element 34.

[0215] RAN32 is the first communication device, and core network system 33 is the second communication device. RAN32 communicates with core network system 33.

[0216] The communication method provided in this application embodiment is mainly applied to Figures 1 to 3 A topological structure in [the context of something].

[0217] In the various topologies described above, the core network system connects access network devices and application function network elements. The core network system comprises multiple network elements, each performing different functions.

[0218] The architecture of the core network system will be described in detail below, taking the core network system, which includes the first network element, the second network element, the third network element, the fourth network element, the fifth network element, and the sixth network element as an example.

[0219] See Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a core network system provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 As shown, the first network element can communicate with other network elements through interface Nnef, the second network element can communicate with other network elements through interface Namf, the third network element can communicate with other network elements through interface Namf, the fourth network element can communicate with other network elements through interface Nudm, the fifth network element can communicate with other network elements through interface Nnrf, and the sixth network element can communicate with other network elements through interface Nausf.

[0220] It should be understood that Figure 4 The types and number of network elements in the core network system shown are merely illustrative; the core network system may also include other network elements. Figure 4 (Not shown in the text) The number of the first network element, second network element, third network element, fourth network element, fifth network element, or sixth network element may also be multiple, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0221] The first network element can be responsible for managing the network data exposed to the outside world by the core network system. The first network element can be located between the server and network elements of the core network system, thereby ensuring that the server can securely access the core network system. The first network element can also be located between different network elements of the core network system; this application embodiment does not limit this. In some embodiments, the first network element can be a network exposure function (NEF). In other embodiments, the first network element can be an ambient internet of things-controller (AIoT-C). The AIoT-C can be separately installed from the NEF in the core network system, or it can be integrated into the NEF; this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0222] The second network element can be responsible for the access and mobility management of communication devices in the mobile network, such as the registration management of communication devices. In some embodiments, the second network element can be an access and mobility management function (AMF). In other embodiments, the second network element can be an ambient internet of things function (AIOTF). The AIOTF can be set up separately from the AMF in the core network system, or it can be combined with it; this application does not limit this.

[0223] The third network element can be an application function network element (AF), which can be a service server. It should be noted that the AF can be deployed in a trusted domain within the core network system. Alternatively, the AF can be deployed in an untrusted domain outside the core network system. The AF can communicate with the NEF (Network Element) of the core network system.

[0224] In one scenario, the Application Function Element (AF) is deployed in an untrusted domain outside the core network system. The AF can communicate with the NEF of the core network system, or in other words, the AF communicates with other network elements (such as AIOTF) within the core network system via the NEF. The NEF can authenticate the AF.

[0225] In another scenario, the Application Function Element (AF) is deployed in the trusted domain within the core network system. The AF can communicate with the core network system via the Network Element for Authentication and Authorization (NEF), or it can communicate without using the NEF. When the AF communicates with the core network system via the NEF, the NEF can authenticate the AF.

[0226] The fourth network element can serve as a database for user data, providing services such as user authentication, user identification, access authorization, registration, mobility, subscription, and SMS management. For example, the fourth network element can store user account opening data and contract signing data. In some embodiments, the fourth network element can be a unified data management (UDM) function or a unified data repository (UDR) function.

[0227] The fifth network element is used to register and obtain information related to network functions. In some embodiments, the fifth network element may be a network repository function (NRF).

[0228] The sixth network element can process user authentication data and provide user authentication and authorization services to other network elements. In some embodiments, the sixth network element can be an authentication server function (AUSF).

[0229] It should be understood that the above-mentioned network elements are all network elements in existing communication networks. The above-mentioned network elements can also be other network elements with corresponding functions. The embodiments of this application only provide a brief introduction to this. The functions and applications of the above-mentioned network elements are not limited to this.

[0230] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, the second network element can connect to the UE or the RAN through different interfaces. In some embodiments, the second network element can communicate with the UE through the N1 interface. In other embodiments, the second network element can communicate with the RAN through the N2 interface. Furthermore, in some cases, the second network element can communicate with both the UE and the RAN simultaneously.

[0231] In practical implementation, the aforementioned core network system may include multiple network elements, and these network elements can exchange information through interfaces.

[0232] For example, among the multiple network elements in the core network system, AIOTF is the main network element used to execute or manage IoT services in the environment, such as for selecting AIoT readers. AMF network elements are used to realize the interaction between AIOTF network elements and AIoT readers (UE, BS, etc.) or access network equipment RAN, while NEF network elements are used to realize information transmission between AIOTF and AF.

[0233] The above Figures 1 to 3 The communication system topology shown is only for illustrating the communication connections between devices and is not intended to limit the number of devices in the communication system. For example, in other possible implementations, such as topology T1, the core network system can be associated with multiple base station readers, and each base station reader can cover multiple AIoT devices. As another example, in topology T2, the core network system can be associated with multiple RANs, each RAN can be associated with multiple UE readers, and each UE reader can cover multiple AIoT devices.

[0234] The above Figures 1 to 3 The topology shown is merely an example, and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto. Furthermore, Figures 1 to 3 The number of AIoT devices, the number of first communication devices, or the number of second communication devices shown are merely illustrative descriptions, and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0235] Furthermore, there may be multiple AIOTFs in the core network system. This application describes one AIOTF in the core network system as an example.

[0236] The above-described various embodiments primarily explain the communication system provided in this application from the perspective of the device. In these various embodiments, the first or second communication device may include a hardware layer, an operating system layer running on top of the hardware layer, and an application layer running on top of the operating system layer. The hardware layer includes hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory management unit (MMU), and memory (also called main memory). The operating system can be any one or more computer operating systems that implement business processing through processes, such as Linux, Unix, Android, iOS, or Windows. The application layer includes applications such as browsers, address books, word processing software, and instant messaging software.

[0237] This application does not specifically limit the structure of the execution subject of the communication method provided in this application. As long as a program containing the code of the method provided in this application can be run to communicate according to the communication method provided in this application, it is acceptable.

[0238] For example, the execution entity of the communication method provided in this application embodiment may be a functional module in a first communication device or a second communication device capable of calling and executing a program. Alternatively, the execution entity of the communication method provided in this application embodiment may be a second communication device or a functional module in a second communication device capable of calling and executing a program.

[0239] In summary, the core network system identifies one or more AIoT readers, and each AIoT reader has one or more AIoT devices within its coverage area. The core network system receives an AIOTF service request from the AF (Automatic Information Center), which instructs the execution of AIoT services. The core network system then identifies the AIoT readers, pages them, and instructs the readers to perform AIoT services, such as inventorying AIoT devices to obtain data information from each AIoT device.

[0240] In actual communication, abnormal situations may arise, such as the reader being unable to start executing AIoT services after receiving an AIoT service request, or the reader being unable to continue executing AIoT services during the process. Current communication protocols do not define handling schemes for these abnormal situations.

[0241] Based on the aforementioned abnormal situations, this application proposes a communication method. When a reader is unable to start or continue executing AIoT services, it can proactively notify the core network system or access network device, enabling the core network system or access network device to promptly become aware of the abnormal situation where the reader cannot execute AIoT services.

[0242] Below, embodiments of this application will be used to illustrate the concept of having Figures 1 to 4 Taking the AIoT device, access network device, and core network system shown in the figure as examples, the communication method provided in this application embodiment is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and application scenarios.

[0243] See Figure 5 This is a timing diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 As shown, the main steps include:

[0244] S101, The first communication device sends a first message to the second communication device.

[0245] Correspondingly, the second communication device receives the first message sent by the first communication device.

[0246] The first message is used to indicate the selection of an IoT reader, and / or the first message is used to indicate the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

[0247] The first IoT reader is an IoT reader that performs IoT services.

[0248] An IoT service can be the service by which an IoT reader obtains data from IoT devices. In some cases, an IoT service may also be referred to as an IoT service, an IoT inventory service, an IoT command service, or an IoT business.

[0249] In some embodiments, an IoT service can be a business or service indicated by an IoT service request. The IoT service request can be sent in any form, such as signaling, a request, or a data packet.

[0250] In one example, IoT service requests can be sent in the form of a request.

[0251] For example, in the T1 architecture, application function network elements can send IoT service requests to the core network system. The core network system can then send IoT service requests to the first IoT reader. In the T2 architecture, application function network elements can send IoT service requests to the core network system. The core network system can then send IoT service requests to access network devices. The access network devices can then send IoT service requests to the first IoT reader.

[0252] In another example, IoT service requests can also be sent in the form of signaling. For instance, an IoT service request can be a message carried within Radio Resource Control signaling.

[0253] Based on the above, when the first IoT reader begins to execute IoT services, the first communication device can determine whether the first IoT reader is capable of starting to execute IoT services. Alternatively, during the execution of IoT services by the first IoT reader, the first communication device can determine whether the first IoT reader is capable of continuing to complete IoT services.

[0254] Among them, the situations where the first IoT reader cannot start executing IoT services and the situations where the first IoT reader cannot continue to complete IoT services are both considered situations where the first IoT reader cannot complete (execute or finish) IoT services.

[0255] Therefore, if the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service, the first communication device can determine the first message.

[0256] The first message indicates the need to select a new IoT reader. In other words, the first message can indicate that a new IoT reader needs to be selected, thus demonstrating that the first IoT reader cannot provide the IoT service.

[0257] And / or, the first message is used to indicate the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service. That is, the first message can indicate the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service, thus explaining that the IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service and that a new IoT reader needs to be selected.

[0258] The first message can indicate any one of the above-mentioned information alone, or it can indicate both of the above-mentioned information simultaneously.

[0259] Thus, the first communication device can send a first message to the second communication device.

[0260] In some embodiments, the first message may be carried on a radio resource control (RRC) channel. Specifically, the first message may be sent in the form of signaling, instructions, requests, or data packets.

[0261] In one example, the first message can be sent in the form of a request. For instance, the first message could be an IoT service request, or an IoT service response corresponding to an IoT service request.

[0262] In another example, the first message can be sent in the form of signaling. For example, the first message may be carried in radio resource control (RRC) signaling. Alternatively, the first message may also be a message carried in media access control control element (MAC CE) signaling, etc., without limitation.

[0263] In some embodiments, the Internet of Things (IoT) may include environmental IoT.

[0264] Based on this, IoT services can be environmental IoT services, IoT service requests can be environmental IoT service requests, IoT devices can be environmental IoT devices, and IoT functional network elements can be environmental IoT functional network elements, etc.

[0265] S102, the second communication device performs the operation of selecting an Internet of Things reader based on the first message.

[0266] After the second communication device receives the first message, the first message may indicate the selection of an IoT reader, or the first message may indicate the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service, or the first message may simultaneously indicate the selection of an IoT reader and the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

[0267] Based on this, the second communication device can perform the operation of selecting an IoT reader according to the first message.

[0268] In some embodiments, when the first message indicates the selection of an IoT reader, the second communication device can perform the operation of selecting an IoT reader.

[0269] In other embodiments, if the first message indicates why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service, the second communication device can determine that the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service and that a new IoT reader needs to be selected to perform the IoT service. Thus, the second communication device can perform the operation of selecting an IoT reader.

[0270] In other embodiments, if the first message indicates the reason why the selected IoT server and the first IoT reader cannot perform IoT services, the second communication device can perform the operation of selecting the IoT reader.

[0271] For ease of description, in the embodiments of this application, the IoT reader selected by the second communication device can be referred to as the second IoT reader.

[0272] It should be understood that the first IoT reader and the second IoT reader are only used to distinguish IoT readers determined at different times. In actual implementation, the first IoT reader and the second IoT reader can be the same IoT reader or different IoT readers, without limitation. In addition, the embodiments of this application do not limit the device type or model of the first IoT reader or the second IoT reader.

[0273] The first IoT reader and the second IoT reader can be selected by the same device or by different devices. Furthermore, the first IoT reader and the second IoT reader can be selected using the same strategy or different strategies; there are no limitations on this.

[0274] S103, the second communication device sends a fourth message to the third communication device.

[0275] Correspondingly, the third communication device receives the fourth message sent by the second communication device.

[0276] The fourth message is associated with the first message and is used to indicate that the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

[0277] After the second communication device receives the first message, the first message may indicate the selection of an IoT reader, or the first message may indicate the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service, or the first message may simultaneously indicate the selection of an IoT reader and the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

[0278] Based on this, the second communication device can determine the fourth message according to the first message. Therefore, the second communication device can send the fourth message to the third communication device.

[0279] In some embodiments, if the first message indicates the selection of an IoT reader, the second communication device can determine that the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service. Therefore, the second communication device can determine the fourth message.

[0280] In other embodiments, if the first message indicates the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service, the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service, and thus the second communication device can determine the fourth message.

[0281] In other embodiments, if the first message indicates the reason why the selected IoT server and the first IoT reader cannot perform IoT services, the second communication device can determine the fourth message.

[0282] The fourth message can be carried on the Radio Resource Control (RRC) channel. Specifically, the fourth message can be sent in the form of signaling, instructions, requests, or data packets. The signaling portion of the fourth message can include media access control (MAC) signaling, RRC signaling, etc., without limitation. The content indicated by the fourth message can be represented by identifiers or information.

[0283] S102 and S103 can be executed individually or both. When both S102 and S103 are executed, the execution order of S102 and S103 is not important. For example, S102 can be executed before S103, or S103 can be executed before S102, or S102 and S103 can be executed simultaneously.

[0284] In some embodiments, taking the first communication device as a first Internet of Things reader, the second communication device as an AIOTF in the core network system, and the third communication device as an application function network element as an example, the communication method of the embodiments of this application will be described in detail under topology T1 or T2.

[0285] Please see Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction of topology T1. For example... Figure 6 Figure (1) shows an interactive schematic diagram of the control plane of topology T1. The first IoT reader is a base station, which connects to IoT devices. As a reader, the base station sends read / write commands to IoT devices, or reads data information from IoT devices.

[0286] The base station includes an IoT reader control protocol layer, and the AIOTF includes a corresponding IoT reader control protocol layer. The base station connects to the AIOTF through the IoT reader control protocol layer. The base station sends a first message to the AIOTF, indicating the selection of an IoT reader, and / or indicating the reason why the base station cannot complete the IoT service.

[0287] AIOTF receives the first message and performs the operation of selecting an IoT reader.

[0288] AIOTF connects to AF via NEF. AIOTF sends a fourth message to AF, indicating the reason why the base station cannot complete IoT services.

[0289] Therefore, the application function network element can be aware of abnormal situations where the base station cannot complete the IoT service, and the application function network element can reselect the IoT server.

[0290] Figure 6 Figure (2) shows an interactive diagram of the User Plane of topology T1. The first IoT reader is a base station, which connects to IoT devices. As a reader, the base station sends read / write commands to IoT devices, or reads data information from IoT devices.

[0291] The difference between the user plane and control plane in topology T1 includes that the base station connects to the AIOTF via the AMF network element. The base station sends the first message to the AIOTF via the AMF network element.

[0292] AIOTF connects to the application function network element through the NEF network element. AIOTF sends the fourth message to the application function network element through the NEF network element.

[0293] like Figure 7 The diagram shown is an interactive schematic of the aforementioned topology T2. Figure 7 Figure (1) shows an interactive schematic diagram of the control plane of topology T2. The first IoT reader is a UE, which connects to IoT devices. As a reader, the UE sends read / write commands to the IoT devices, or the UE reads data information from the IoT devices.

[0294] The UE connects to the access network equipment. The UE includes a Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol layer, and the access network equipment includes a RRC protocol layer. The UE sends a first message to the access network equipment. This first message can be a message from the RRC protocol layer, or it can be carried in RRC signaling.

[0295] The access network device connects to the IoT function network element AIOTF of the core network system. The access network device includes an IoT reader control protocol layer, and the AIOTF includes a corresponding IoT reader control protocol layer. The access network device connects to the core network system via the IoT reader control protocol layer and through the AMF network element. The AIOTF interacts with the application function network element through the NEF network element. The access network device sends a fourth message to the AIOTF. This fourth message can be a message from the IoT reader control protocol layer, or it can be carried in the IoT reader control signaling.

[0296] In some embodiments, the access network device receives a first message sent by the UE, the access network device performs an operation to select an IoT reader, and / or, the access network device sends a fourth message to the AIOTF.

[0297] In other embodiments, the UE sends a first message to the access network device, and / or the access network device sends a first message to the AIOTF. The AIOTF receives the first message, performs an operation to select an IoT reader, and / or the AIOTF sends a fourth message to the application function network element.

[0298] like Figure 7 As shown in (2), this is an interactive diagram of the User Plane of topology T2. The differences between the User Plane and the Control Plane of topology T2 include that the UE includes the IoT Reader Control Protocol Layer, the AIOTF includes the corresponding IoT Reader Control Protocol Layer, the UE connects to the AIOTF via the access network equipment and UPF, and the AIOTF connects to the application function network element via NEF.

[0299] In some embodiments, the UE sends a first message (AIOTF) to the AIOTF via the access network device. The first message may be a message from the IoT reader control protocol layer, or in other words, the first message may be carried in IoT reader control signaling.

[0300] In other embodiments, the UE sends a first message to the access network device, and / or the access network device sends or forwards the first message to the AIOTF via the UPF network element. The AIOTF receives the first message and performs the operation of selecting an IoT reader, and / or the AIOTF sends a fourth message to the application function network element via the NEF network element.

[0301] It should be understood that the above Figure 6 and Figure 7 The interactive diagram shown may include other protocol layers, such as a PDU layer, which will not be elaborated upon. The protocol layers included in different communication devices are not entirely the same.

[0302] In other embodiments, the first communication device may be a first IoT reader, the second communication device may be an access network device, and the third communication device may be a core network system. Thus, the first IoT reader sends a first message to the access network device, the access network device performs an operation to select an IoT reader, and / or, the access network device sends a fourth message to the core network system, the core network system becoming aware of the abnormal situation that the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service. The core network system may instruct the reselection of an IoT reader to perform the IoT service, or the core network system may instruct a re-request to perform the IoT service or instruct the termination of the IoT service.

[0303] The communication method provided in this application embodiment allows a first communication device to instruct the selection of an IoT reader via a first message when the first IoT reader is unable to start or execute IoT services, and / or the first message indicates the reason why the first IoT reader cannot execute IoT services. A second communication device can perform the operation of selecting an IoT reader, and / or the second communication device can also send a fourth message to a third communication device, indicating the response result that the first IoT reader cannot execute IoT services. In this way, the second and / or third communication devices can promptly obtain information about the abnormal situation where the first IoT reader cannot execute IoT services and perform the operation of selecting an IoT reader, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0304] Based on the above description, the first message is also used to indicate the execution result of the IoT service.

[0305] Before or during the execution of an IoT service by the first IoT reader, the first communication device determines a first message, which is also used to indicate the execution result of the IoT service.

[0306] The execution result of the IoT service can be the result that the first IoT reader has executed the IoT service. For example, it could be the number of IoT devices the first IoT reader has paged, or the amount of data information the first IoT reader has received from IoT devices, etc., without limitation. If the first IoT reader has not yet started executing the IoT service, the execution result can be empty, or indicate that the IoT service has not yet started.

[0307] The first message can also indicate the selection of an IoT reader separately, or the first message can indicate the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service separately, or the first message can indicate both the selection of an IoT reader and the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service at the same time.

[0308] In other words, the first message can simultaneously indicate the selection of the IoT reader and the execution result of the IoT service. And / or, the first message can simultaneously indicate the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service and the execution result of the IoT service.

[0309] Based on the above description, the content indicated by the first message can be represented by an identifier or information.

[0310] Therefore, if the first IoT reader fails to start or continue executing the IoT service, the first communication device indicates the execution result of the IoT service via a first message. The second communication device receives the first message and learns the result of the first IoT reader executing the IoT service.

[0311] In some embodiments, the first message includes a first condition, which may include at least one of the following:

[0312] The load of the first IoT reader is greater than or equal to a first threshold; the first threshold is the load threshold of the first IoT reader.

[0313] The first IoT reader had no available wireless resources;

[0314] The first IoT reader did not receive the third message sent by all IoT devices within the coverage area of ​​the first IoT reader. The third message is associated with the IoT service.

[0315] There are no IoT devices within the coverage area of ​​the first IoT reader, or the number of IoT devices within the coverage area of ​​the first IoT reader is zero.

[0316] The load on the first IoT reader is greater than or equal to a first threshold.

[0317] The load of the first IoT reader refers to the power (or number) of the communication devices connected to the first IoT reader. The load threshold of the first IoT reader is the maximum load that the first IoT reader can access, denoted as the first threshold.

[0318] The power of the communication device connected to the first IoT reader is greater than or equal to a first threshold, indicating that the first IoT reader is overloaded. That is, the first communication device needs to select a different IoT reader, and / or, the first communication device can determine that the first IoT reader cannot perform IoT services.

[0319] There are no available wireless resources for the first IoT reader.

[0320] The wireless resources of the first IoT reader can refer to the air interface resources allocated by the first IoT reader to IoT devices, which are used for communication with IoT devices. The available wireless resources of the first IoT reader refer to the wireless resources that the first IoT reader has not yet allocated.

[0321] The first IoT reader has no available wireless resources, or in other words, the first IoT reader has no available wireless resources, meaning that the first IoT reader has no extra wireless resources to allocate to IoT devices and cannot perform IoT services.

[0322] Therefore, the first communication device needs to select a new IoT reader, and / or the first communication device determines that the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

[0323] The third message is associated with the IoT service if the first IoT reader does not receive a third message from all IoT devices within its coverage area.

[0324] The coverage area of ​​the first IoT reader refers to the signal coverage area of ​​the first IoT reader, such as the signal coverage area of ​​a base station. During the execution of IoT services, the first IoT reader pages IoT devices within its coverage area and receives third messages from these devices. These third messages are associated with the IoT service and may include, but are not limited to, response information to the page, data information from the IoT devices, or data packets containing data information.

[0325] The first IoT reader did not receive the third message sent by the IoT device, and therefore the first IoT reader was unable to complete the IoT service for that IoT device.

[0326] The first IoT reader failed to receive third messages from all IoT devices within its coverage area, thus failing to complete the IoT service.

[0327] Therefore, the first communication device needs to select a new IoT reader, and / or the first communication device determines that the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

[0328] In some cases, the first IoT reader's failure to receive third messages from some IoT devices within its coverage area may also indicate that the first IoT reader is unable to complete the IoT service. In such cases, the first communication device needs to select a different IoT reader, and / or, the first communication device determines that the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

[0329] This applies to situations where there are no IoT devices within the coverage area of ​​the first IoT reader, or where the number of IoT devices within the coverage area of ​​the first IoT reader is zero.

[0330] If there are no IoT devices within the coverage area of ​​the first IoT reader, the first IoT reader cannot receive IoT data information and therefore cannot complete IoT services.

[0331] The first communication device needs to reselect an IoT reader, and / or the first communication device determines that the first IoT reader cannot perform IoT services.

[0332] In some other cases, the first case may also include the first IoT reader's Radio Resource Control (RRC) state being busy or idle, etc., without limitation.

[0333] Based on the foregoing description, the first message includes the first situation, which may include one or more of the above situations.

[0334] If the first message includes a condition that the load of the first IoT reader is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the first message indicates the selection of an IoT reader, and / or, the first message indicates the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

[0335] In the event that the first message includes the first IoT reader's load being greater than or equal to a first threshold and the first IoT reader having no available wireless resources, the first message indicates the selection of an IoT reader, and / or, the first message indicates the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

[0336] If the first message includes a third message indicating that the first IoT reader has not received a third message from all IoT devices within the coverage area of ​​the first IoT reader, the first message indicates the selection of an IoT reader, and / or, the first message indicates the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

[0337] If the first message includes the condition that there are no IoT devices within the coverage area of ​​the first IoT reader, or the number of IoT devices within the coverage area of ​​the first IoT reader is zero, the first message indicates the selection of an IoT reader, and / or the first message indicates the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

[0338] In addition to the above, the first message may also include other content, which is not limited in this application embodiment.

[0339] In some instances, the first message may include at least one of the following:

[0340] The number of IoT devices that have responded to IoT services;

[0341] The identifier of the first Internet of Things reader;

[0342] The identifier of the application function network element; the application function network element is the application function network element that requests to execute IoT services;

[0343] The identifier of the IoT service request; the identifier of the IoT service request is an identifier generated by the core network system, and the IoT service request is used to indicate the execution of IoT services;

[0344] A first identifier; the first identifier is associated with a second identifier, wherein the first identifier is an identifier for connection or coupling of the IoT reader control protocol layer of the first communication device, and the second identifier is an identifier for connection or coupling of the IoT reader control protocol layer of the second communication device.

[0345] The number of IoT devices that have responded to IoT services.

[0346] An IoT device that responds to an IoT service refers to an IoT device that replies with a corresponding response message after being paged by the first IoT reader. The number of IoT devices that have responded to IoT services refers to the number of IoT devices that have responded to the IoT service among the multiple IoT devices paged by the first IoT reader during the execution of the IoT service.

[0347] In some embodiments, the first message includes the number of IoT devices that have responded to the IoT service. The first communication device instructs the selection of an IoT reader via the first message, and / or the first communication device instructs the first IoT reader that it cannot complete the IoT service via the first message.

[0348] In other embodiments, the first message includes the number of IoT devices that have responded to the IoT service. The first communication device indicates the execution result of the IoT service via the first message.

[0349] If the first IoT reader is unable to start executing the IoT service, the number of IoT devices that have responded to the IoT service in the first message can be null or zero.

[0350] In other cases, if the first IoT reader is unable to continue performing the IoT service during the execution of the IoT service, the first message, used to indicate the execution result of the IoT service, may include, in addition to the number of IoT devices that have responded to the IoT service, the number or identifier of IoT devices that the first IoT reader has paged, and / or, the amount of data information or feedback from IoT devices that the first IoT reader has received, and / or, the proportion of the data information received by the first IoT reader from some IoT devices to the total data information read by the IoT service, etc., without limitation.

[0351] The first message includes the identifier of the first IoT reader.

[0352] The identifier of the first IoT reader is information used to uniquely identify the first IoT reader. The identifier of the first IoT reader can be an identifier that comes with the device at the factory, such as the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI). Alternatively, the identifier of the first IoT reader can also be an identifier assigned to the first IoT reader by the core network system.

[0353] In some embodiments, the first message carries an identifier of a first IoT reader. The first message, through the identifier of the first IoT reader, indicates the selection of an IoT reader, and / or, through the identifier of the first IoT reader, indicates the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

[0354] Therefore, the first communication device sends a first message to the second communication device, the first message including the identifier of the first IoT reader. Upon receiving the first message, the second communication device can determine which IoT reader is unable to perform the IoT service. The second communication device can then select an IoT reader, or it can notify other communication devices to select an IoT reader. The selected IoT reader is used to start or continue performing the IoT service.

[0355] The first message includes the identifier of the application function network element.

[0356] The identifier of an application function network element is used to uniquely identify that application function network element. The identifier of an application function network element can be an interface identifier or a device identifier. The identifier of an application function network element can be an identifier determined by the core network system for the application function network element, or it can be an identifier inherent to the application function network element; there are no restrictions.

[0357] The first message includes the identifier of the application function network element, which is used to indicate the application function network element that sends the IoT service.

[0358] Therefore, the first message sent by the first communication device includes the identifier of the application function network element. The second communication device can then identify the application function network element sending the IoT service, and / or, the second communication device can notify the application function network element sending the IoT service of the abnormal situation where the first IoT reader cannot perform the IoT service. The application function network element sending the IoT service can select the IoT reader, and / or determine that the first IoT reader cannot perform the IoT service.

[0359] The first message includes an identifier for an IoT service request.

[0360] An IoT service request is a request used to instruct the execution of an IoT service. In some embodiments, an IoT service request may also be characterized in other forms than a request, such as signaling, data packets, etc.

[0361] An IoT service request is a request generated by an application function network element and sent from that element to the core network. The identifier of the IoT service request, such as a TaskID, is used to uniquely identify the request. This identifier is generated by the core network system for the IoT server request.

[0362] The first message includes an identifier for the IoT service request. In some embodiments, the first message, through the identifier of the IoT service request, indicates the selection of an IoT server, and / or indicates that the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

[0363] Therefore, the first message sent by the first communication device to the second communication device includes the identifier of the IoT service request, and the second communication device can obtain the identifier of the IoT service request corresponding to the IoT service. The second communication device can obtain the IoT service request corresponding to an IoT service that cannot be executed, or the second communication device can notify the core network system or application function network element of the abnormal situation that the first IoT reader cannot execute the IoT service corresponding to the IoT service request.

[0364] The first identifier carried in the first message.

[0365] The first communication device includes an IoT Reader Control layer, and the second communication device also has an IoT Reader Control layer. A first identifier is used to indicate the identifier of the IoT Reader Control layer of the first communication device, or in other words, the first identifier is used to indicate the identifier of the IoT Reader Control layer connection or association of the first communication device.

[0366] In addition, the second identifier is used to indicate the identifier of the IoT reader control protocol layer of the second communication device, or in other words, the second identifier is used to indicate the identifier of the IoT reader control protocol layer connection or association of the second communication device.

[0367] Therefore, the first communication device communicates with the second communication device via its IoT reader control protocol layer, and the first identifier is associated with the second identifier. The first message sent by the first communication device's IoT reader control protocol layer carries the first identifier. The second communication device's IoT reader control protocol layer receives the first message based on this first identifier. In other words, after receiving the first message, the second communication device's IoT reader control protocol layer determines that the sender of the first message is the first communication device's IoT reader control protocol layer based on the first identifier.

[0368] In some embodiments, the first message is a message from the IoT reader control layer.

[0369] Regarding the several possible pieces of information included in the first message listed above, the first message may carry one of these pieces of information, or it may include two or more of these pieces of information simultaneously.

[0370] In some embodiments, the first message may include any one of the following: the number of IoT devices that have responded to the IoT service, the identifier of the first IoT reader, the identifier of the application function network element, the identifier of the IoT service request, and the first identifier.

[0371] In other embodiments, the first message may include any combination of two or more of the following: the number of IoT devices that have responded to the IoT service, the identifier of the first IoT reader, the identifier of the application function network element, the identifier of the IoT service request, and the first identifier.

[0372] In other embodiments, the first message may include at least one of the various first situations provided in the foregoing embodiments, and any combination of at least one of the following: the number of IoT devices that have responded to the IoT service, the identifier of the first IoT reader, the identifier of the application function network element, the identifier of the IoT service request, and the first identifier.

[0373] The first message may include one or more of the aforementioned information, which may be sent in the form of signaling, instructions, requests, or data packets. Furthermore, the first message may include one or more of the aforementioned information, which may be represented by identifiers or information.

[0374] The above examples are merely illustrative of the information that the first message may carry. In other embodiments, the information carried by the first message may also vary, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0375] Based on the aforementioned various implementation methods, the first communication device sends a first message to the second communication device, and the first and second communication devices may correspond to different device types under different circumstances.

[0376] In one embodiment, the first communication device is a first IoT reader, the second communication device is an access network device, and the third communication device is an IoT functional network element of the core network system / core network system.

[0377] In another embodiment, the first communication device is a first IoT reader, the second communication device is an IoT function network element of the core network system / core network system, and the third communication device is an application function network element.

[0378] The communication methods provided by the above-described various embodiments may result in several situations where the first IoT reader cannot perform IoT services. For example, before starting to perform IoT services, the first IoT reader may initially refuse or be unable to perform IoT services. Furthermore, during the process of performing IoT services, the first IoT reader may also be unable to continue performing IoT services.

[0379] In some embodiments, before sending the first message to the second communication device, the first communication device may also perform the following steps:

[0380] During the execution of IoT services, the first communication device determines first cause information based on the first situation of the first IoT reader; the first cause information is used to indicate the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

[0381] The first communication device determines a first message; the first message is used to instruct the selection of an Internet of Things reader, the first message is associated with first cause information, and / or the first message includes the first cause information.

[0382] Based on the foregoing embodiments, the first situation includes at least one of the following: the load of the first IoT reader is greater than or equal to a first threshold; the first IoT reader has no available wireless resources; the first IoT reader has not received a third message from all IoT devices within its coverage area; there are no IoT devices within the coverage area of ​​the first IoT reader; and the number of IoT devices within the coverage area of ​​the first IoT reader is zero. In other words, the first situation indicates that the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

[0383] In this embodiment, the first IoT reader has started executing IoT services and has been executing them for a period of time. During the execution of the IoT service by the first IoT reader, the first communication device can determine, based on a first condition of the first IoT reader, why the first IoT reader cannot continue executing or cannot complete the IoT service. For ease of description, the reason information determined here is referred to as the first reason information. This first reason information can be used to indicate why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

[0384] After determining the first cause information, the first communication device determines the first message. The first message is associated with the first cause information.

[0385] In some embodiments, the first message indicates the selection of an IoT reader, and the first message is associated with first reason information. And / or, the first message indicates the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

[0386] In other embodiments, the first message indicates selection of a first IoT reader, and the first message indicates first cause information, or the first message includes first cause information.

[0387] In other embodiments, the first message indicates first cause information.

[0388] In other embodiments, the first message indicates the execution result of selecting the first IoT reader and the IoT service, and the first message indicates first cause information, or the first message includes first cause information. And / or, the first message indicates the execution result of the IoT service, and the first cause information.

[0389] In the above embodiments, the first message includes or is used to indicate first cause information, which can be characterized by an identifier or information.

[0390] The first message, which represents the first cause information through an identifier, may include: the first message carrying the cause value corresponding to the first cause information.

[0391] In one example, the cause information and the cause value have the following correspondence:

[0392] The reason information is that the load exceeds the first threshold, and the reason value is 00;

[0393] The reason information is that there are no available wireless resources, and the reason value is 01;

[0394] The reason is that not all third messages sent by IoT devices were received, with a reason value of 10;

[0395] The reason is that there are no IoT devices within the coverage area, and the reason value is 11.

[0396] Based on this, the first cause information is that the load of the first IoT reader exceeds the first threshold, and the cause value carried in the first message is 01. Alternatively, the second cause information is that (the first IoT reader) has no available wireless resources, and the cause value carried in the first message is 10.

[0397] In other embodiments, the first reason information indicating the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service is represented by an identifier. For example:

[0398] The first cause information is 00, indicating that the load of the first IoT reader exceeds the first threshold.

[0399] The first cause information is 01, indicating that the first IoT reader has no available wireless resources;

[0400] The first cause information is 10, indicating that the first IoT reader has not received the third message sent by all IoT devices within its coverage area;

[0401] The first cause information is 11, indicating that there are no IoT devices within the coverage area of ​​the first IoT reader, or that the number of IoT devices within the coverage area is zero.

[0402] The various representations of the first cause information in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the possible implementations.

[0403] In this embodiment, during the process of the first IoT reader starting to execute IoT services, the first communication device determines a first reason why the first IoT reader cannot execute IoT services based on a first condition existing in the first IoT reader. The first communication device determines a first message based on the first reason information, and the first message is associated with the first reason information. Therefore, the second communication device receives the first message and learns of the first reason why the first IoT reader is unable to complete the IoT service.

[0404] In some embodiments, before sending the first message to the second communication device, the first communication device may also perform the following steps:

[0405] The first communication device receives a second message sent by the second communication device, the second message being used to request the execution of Internet of Things services;

[0406] After receiving the second message, the first communication device determines the second reason information based on the first situation of the first IoT reader. The second reason information is used to indicate the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

[0407] The first communication device determines a first message; the first message is used to instruct the selection of an Internet of Things reader, the first message is associated with second cause information, and / or the first message includes the second cause information.

[0408] In this embodiment, the second message is a message requesting the execution of IoT services.

[0409] In some embodiments, the second message may be sent in the form of signaling, requests, data packets, etc.

[0410] In one example, the second message can be sent in the form of a request.

[0411] For example, it could be an IoT service request. The second message could be an IoT service request generated by an application function network element, which is a request sent by the application function network element to the core network system. Alternatively, the IoT service request could be an IoT service request sent by the core network system to the access network device, and / or, the IoT service request could be a request sent by the access network device to the first IoT reader. Or, the IoT service request could be a request sent by the core network system to the first IoT reader.

[0412] In another example, the second message can be sent in the form of signaling. For instance, the second message could be a message carried within Radio Resource Control signaling.

[0413] In this embodiment, after the first communication device receives the second message but before it begins executing the IoT service, the first IoT reader experiences a first situation. The first communication device determines the reason why the first IoT reader cannot start or complete the IoT service. For ease of description, the reason information determined here is referred to as the second reason information. This second reason information can be used to indicate why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

[0414] After determining the second cause information, the first IoT reader determines the first message. The first message is then associated with the second cause information.

[0415] In some embodiments, the first message indicates the selection of an IoT reader, and the first message is associated with second reason information. And / or, the first message indicates the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

[0416] In other embodiments, the first message indicates selection of a first IoT reader, and the first message indicates second reason information, or the first message includes second reason information.

[0417] In other embodiments, the first message indicates second cause information.

[0418] In other embodiments, the first message indicates the execution result of selecting the first IoT reader and the IoT service, and the first message indicates second cause information, or the first message includes the second cause information. And / or, the first message indicates the execution result of the IoT service, and the second cause information.

[0419] In the above embodiments, the first message includes or is used to indicate second cause information, which can be characterized by an identifier or information.

[0420] The first message, representing the first cause information through an identifier, may include: the first message carrying a cause value corresponding to the first cause information. Alternatively, the first cause information indicating the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service is represented by an identifier. For the various representation methods of the first cause information provided in this embodiment, or the methods by which the first message represents the first cause information, please refer to the foregoing examples, which will not be elaborated further.

[0421] In this embodiment, before the first IoT reader begins to execute IoT services, the first communication device determines a second reason why the first IoT reader cannot execute IoT services based on a first condition regarding the existence of the first IoT reader. The first communication device determines a first message based on the second reason information, and the first message is associated with the second reason information. Thus, the second communication device receives the first message and learns of the second reason why the first IoT reader is unable to complete the IoT service.

[0422] Based on the aforementioned various implementation methods, the second communication device may also perform the following steps:

[0423] The second communication device sends a fifth message to the third communication device. The fifth message is used to indicate the fault status of the first IoT reader. The fault status is used to indicate whether the first IoT reader has malfunctioned, or, if the first IoT reader has malfunctioned, the cause of the malfunction.

[0424] In this embodiment, the fault status of the first IoT reader is used to indicate whether the first IoT reader has malfunctioned, or, if the first IoT reader has malfunctioned, the cause of the malfunction.

[0425] In some embodiments, whether the first IoT reader malfunctions can include whether the first IoT reader malfunctions or not.

[0426] In some embodiments, the causes of a failure in the first IoT reader can be varied. For example, the first IoT reader may experience an abnormal power-off, the first IoT reader may fail to handshake with other communication devices, or the first IoT reader's processor may malfunction.

[0427] In this embodiment, the fifth message is used to indicate the fault status of the first IoT reader.

[0428] In some embodiments, the fifth message may be carried on the Radio Resource Control (RRC) channel. The fifth message may be sent in the form of signaling, instructions, requests, or data packets. For example, the fifth message may be a message carried in RRC signaling. As another example, the fifth message may be an IoT service request or a response message to a corresponding IoT service request. Other forms of transmission for the fifth message are also possible and are not limited to this.

[0429] In some embodiments, the fifth message indicates a fault condition of the first IoT reader, which can be characterized by an identifier or information.

[0430] In other embodiments, the fifth message may be associated with the fourth message.

[0431] The form in which the fifth message is associated with the fourth message may include: the information indicated by the fifth message is associated with the information indicated by the fourth message, or the fifth message is the fourth message, or the information indicated by the fifth message is contained in the information indicated by the fourth message.

[0432] For example, the fourth message is used to indicate the fault condition of the selected IoT reader and the first IoT reader, and / or the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service and the fault condition of the first IoT reader.

[0433] In some embodiments, the fault condition of the first IoT reader can be a fault condition determined by the second communication device. For example, the first communication device determines the fault condition of the first IoT reader based on the historical communication records of the first IoT reader.

[0434] In other embodiments, the fault status of the first IoT reader can also be a fault status received by the second communication device. For example, a first message or other message sent by the first communication device to the second communication device indicates the fault status of the first IoT reader.

[0435] In some embodiments, the operation of sending a fifth message to the third communication device by the second communication device can be performed before the second communication device performs S102. That is, the second communication device sends a fifth message to the third communication device, and the second communication device selects an IoT server.

[0436] In some other embodiments, the second communication device performs the operation of sending a fifth message to the third communication device, and the execution of S103 by the second communication device can be performed in any order.

[0437] Therefore, the second communication device sends a fifth message to the third communication device, which then learns of the malfunction of the first IoT reader. The third communication device can then either select an IoT device or determine that the first IoT reader cannot provide IoT services.

[0438] In one embodiment, the second communication device executes S102, which, based on the first message, performs the operation of selecting an IoT reader, and may specifically include:

[0439] If the first condition is met, the second communication device selects a second Internet of Things (IoT) reader from at least one IoT reader indicated by the first condition;

[0440] If the first condition is not met, the second communication device sends a sixth message to the third communication device, which indicates that the selection of the Internet of Things reader has failed.

[0441] In this embodiment, the first condition is a condition used to indicate whether the second communication device can select an Internet of Things reader.

[0442] If the first condition is met, the first condition indicates at least one IoT reader, which can be a reader that performs IoT services. For ease of distinction, the selected IoT reader is referred to as the second IoT reader.

[0443] It should be understood that the first IoT reader and the second IoT reader are IoT readers selected for different situations.

[0444] In some examples, the first IoT reader and the second IoT reader can be the same device, or they can be different devices.

[0445] In other examples, the first IoT reader and the second IoT reader may be selected using the same device or different devices. Furthermore, the first IoT reader and the second IoT reader may be selected using the same strategy or different strategies; there is no limitation on this.

[0446] In this embodiment, if the first condition is not met, the second communication device sends a sixth message to the third communication device to indicate that the selection of the Internet of Things reader has failed.

[0447] In some embodiments, the sixth message may be carried on the Radio Resource Control (RRC) channel. The sixth message may be sent in the form of signaling, instructions, requests, or data packets. For example, the sixth message may be a message carried in RRC signaling. As another example, the sixth message may be an IoT service request or a response message to a corresponding IoT service request. Other transmission methods are also possible and are not limited.

[0448] In some embodiments, the sixth message indicates that the selection of the IoT reader has failed, which can be represented by an identifier or information.

[0449] In other embodiments, the sixth message may be associated with the fourth message.

[0450] The form in which the sixth message is associated with the fourth message may include: the information indicated by the sixth message is associated with the information indicated by the fourth message, or the sixth message is the fourth message, or the information indicated by the sixth message is contained in the information indicated by the fourth message.

[0451] For example, the fourth message is used to indicate the reason why the first IoT reader could not complete the IoT service and the failure of selecting the IoT reader.

[0452] In some embodiments, the operation of sending a sixth message to the third communication device by the second communication device can be performed after the second communication device performs S102. That is, after the second communication device performs the operation of selecting an IoT reader, it sends a sixth message to the third communication device, the sixth message indicating that the selection of the IoT reader failed.

[0453] In some other embodiments, the second communication device performs the operation of sending a sixth message to the third communication device, and the execution of S103 by the second communication device can be performed in any order.

[0454] Therefore, the second communication device sends a sixth message to the third communication device, in which the third communication device learns that the first IoT reader cannot perform IoT services and that selecting IoT has failed. The third communication device may either perform the operation of selecting IoT, or it may determine that the first IoT reader cannot complete IoT services and that the second communication device has failed to select IoT.

[0455] In some embodiments, the first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0456] The reader list indicated by the third communication device includes selected IoT readers; the reader list includes at least one reader other than the first IoT reader;

[0457] The third communication device provides a first instruction; the first instruction is used to instruct the selection of a reader other than the reader list provided by the third communication device.

[0458] The subscription information for application function network elements includes the identifier of the selected IoT reader.

[0459] The list of readers indicated for the third communication device includes selected IoT readers.

[0460] The reader list indicated by the third communication device includes at least one reader. Alternatively, the information included in the reader list includes the identifier of at least one reader.

[0461] In some cases, the reader list may include at least one reader that can indicate other readers besides the first IoT reader.

[0462] In some embodiments, the reader list may be included in the second message or other message provided by the third communication device, or the reader list may be indicated by the second message or other message.

[0463] In some embodiments, the list of readers may be represented in the form of identifiers or information.

[0464] In other embodiments, the reader list may be sent via requests, signaling, or instructions. Alternatively, the reader list may be pre-configured within a second communication device.

[0465] In other embodiments, the reader list can be an IoT Reader List.

[0466] Thus, the second communication device selects a second IoT reader from at least one IoT reader indicated by the reader list provided by the third communication device.

[0467] Provide first instructions to the third communication device.

[0468] In this embodiment, the first instruction is used to instruct the selection of a reader other than the reader list provided by the third communication device.

[0469] In some embodiments, when the third communication device indicates a list of readers, the third communication device also provides a first indication for indicating the selection of other readers outside the list of readers.

[0470] Therefore, when the third communication device provides a first instruction, the second communication device selects a second IoT reader from other readers outside the reader list.

[0471] The subscription information for the third communication device includes the identifier of the selected IoT reader.

[0472] The subscription information of the third communication device can be a message sent by the third communication device to the second communication device. The subscription information can be used to instruct the third communication device to select relevant information of the Internet of Things reader.

[0473] The contract information includes the identifier of the selected IoT reader, that is, the identifier of the selected IoT reader is sent by the third communication device to the second communication device.

[0474] Therefore, when the second communication device performs the operation of selecting an IoT reader, if the subscription information of the third communication device includes the identifier of the selected IoT reader, the second communication device selects the IoT identifier from the subscription information of the third communication device.

[0475] In one embodiment, the first condition may include one or more of the conditions described above.

[0476] For example, the first condition includes any one of the following: the reader list indicated by the third communication device includes selected IoT readers; the third communication device provides the first instruction; or the subscription information of the application function network element includes the identifier of the selected IoT reader.

[0477] For example, the first condition includes any combination of two or more of the following: the reader list indicated by the third communication device includes selected IoT readers; the third communication device provides the first instruction; and the subscription information of the application function network element includes the identifiers of the selected IoT readers.

[0478] Based on the foregoing descriptions, in one embodiment, the second communication device may further perform the following steps:

[0479] The second communication device sends a seventh message to the IoT functional network element in the core network system. The seventh message is used to indicate the selected IoT reader.

[0480] In this embodiment, the seventh message is used to indicate the selected IoT reader, or the seventh message is used to indicate the identifier of the selected IoT reader.

[0481] In this embodiment, the first communication device is a first IoT reader, and the first IoT reader is a UE. The second communication device is an access network device, and the third communication device is a core network system / IoT function network element of the core network system. The seventh message is used to indicate the selected IoT reader, which can be an IoT reader selected by the access network device.

[0482] In some embodiments, the first message indicates the selection of an IoT reader, and the seventh message indicates the selected IoT reader.

[0483] In other embodiments, the first message indicates the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service, and the seventh message indicates the selected IoT reader.

[0484] In some embodiments, the seventh message may be carried on the Radio Resource Control (RRC) channel. The seventh message may be sent in the form of signaling, instructions, requests, or data packets. For example, the seventh message may be a message carried in RRC signaling. As another example, the seventh message may be an IoT service request or a response message to a corresponding IoT service request. Other forms of transmission for the seventh message are also possible and are not limited to this.

[0485] In some embodiments, the seventh message indicates that the selection of the IoT reader has failed, which can be represented by an identifier or information.

[0486] In other embodiments, the seventh message may be associated with the fourth message.

[0487] The form in which the seventh message is associated with the fourth message may include: the information indicated by the seventh message is associated with the information indicated by the fourth message, or the seventh message is the fourth message, or the information indicated by the seventh message is contained in the information indicated by the fourth message.

[0488] For example, the fourth message is used to indicate the selection of an IoT reader and the selected IoT reader, and / or the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service and the selected IoT reader.

[0489] In some embodiments, the operation of sending a seventh message to the IoT function network element of the core network system by the second communication device can be performed after the second communication device performs S102. That is, after the second communication device performs the operation of selecting an IoT reader, it sends a seventh message to the IoT function network element of the core network system, and the seventh message indicates the selected IoT reader.

[0490] Therefore, the second communication device sends a seventh message to the IoT function network element of the core network system. The IoT function network element of the core network system learns that the first IoT reader cannot perform IoT services, and identifies the selected IoT reader. The IoT function network element of the core network system can instruct the selected IoT reader to perform IoT services, or perform the operation of selecting an IoT reader.

[0491] Based on the foregoing descriptions, in one embodiment, the second communication device may further perform the following steps:

[0492] The second communication device sends an eighth message to the IoT function network element in the core network system. The eighth message is used to indicate the selection of an IoT reader.

[0493] In this embodiment, the eighth message is used to indicate the selection of an IoT reader.

[0494] In this embodiment, the first communication device is a first IoT reader, and the first IoT reader is a UE. The second communication device is an access network device, and the third communication device is a core network system / IoT function network element of the core network system. The eighth message is used to indicate the selection of an IoT reader. The second communication device can instruct the IoT function network element of the core network system to select an IoT reader through the eighth message.

[0495] In some embodiments, the first message indicates the selection of an IoT reader, and the eighth message indicates the selection of an IoT reader.

[0496] In other embodiments, the first message indicates the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service, and the eighth message indicates the selection of an IoT reader.

[0497] In some embodiments, the eighth message may be carried on a radio resource control channel. The eighth message may be sent in the form of signaling, instructions, requests, or data packets. For example, the eighth message may be a message carried in radio resource control signaling. As another example, the eighth message may be an IoT service request or a response message to a corresponding IoT service request. The eighth message may also be sent in other forms, without limitation.

[0498] In some embodiments, the eighth message indicates the selection of an IoT reader, which can be represented by an identifier or information.

[0499] In other embodiments, the eighth message may be associated with the fourth message.

[0500] The form in which the eighth message is associated with the fourth message may include: the information indicated by the eighth message is associated with the information indicated by the fourth message, or the eighth message is the fourth message, or the information indicated by the eighth message is contained in the information indicated by the fourth message.

[0501] For example, the fourth message is used to indicate the selection of an IoT reader and the selected IoT reader, and / or the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service and the selected IoT reader.

[0502] In some embodiments, the second communication device may perform the operation of sending an eighth message to the IoT function network element of the core network system after executing S102. That is, after the second communication device performs the operation of selecting an IoT reader, it sends an eighth message to the IoT function network element of the core network system, and the eighth message indicates the selected IoT reader.

[0503] Therefore, the second communication device sends an eighth message to the IoT function network element of the core network system. The IoT function network element of the core network system learns that the first IoT reader cannot perform IoT services and performs an operation to select an IoT reader. If the IoT function network element of the core network system selects an IoT reader based on the eighth message, it can instruct the selected IoT reader to perform IoT services. Alternatively, if the IoT function network element of the core network system fails to select an IoT reader based on the eighth message, the core network system reports the failure to select an IoT reader to the application function network element.

[0504] Based on the foregoing descriptions, in one implementation, the fourth message is also used to instruct the selection of an IoT reader.

[0505] In this embodiment, the fourth message indicates the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service, and indicates the selection of an IoT server.

[0506] Therefore, the third communication device receives the fourth message, learns the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service, and performs the operation of selecting an IoT server. Based on the fourth message, if an IoT reader has been selected, the third communication device can instruct the selected IoT reader to perform the IoT service.

[0507] Based on the aforementioned implementation methods, the first communication device indicates an abnormal situation where the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service via a first message. In this way, the second communication device can promptly learn of the abnormal situation and directly or instruct the application function network element to reselect the IoT reader to perform the IoT service. This improves the efficiency of the core network system in handling abnormal situations and optimizes the data transmission channel for IoT devices. Furthermore, by simultaneously indicating multiple pieces of information via a fourth message, the number of messages sent can be reduced, communication resources can be saved, and communication efficiency can be improved.

[0508] The communication method provided in this application will be explained below through several specific embodiments.

[0509] Example 1, corresponding to topology T2.

[0510] The UE Reader performs environmental IoT services. The UE Reader connects to the RAN, the RAN connects to the AIOTF, and the AIOTF connects to the AF.

[0511] like Figure 8 This includes the following steps:

[0512] S801: AF sends an environmental IoT service request to AIOTF.

[0513] Among them, the environmental IoT service request can be an AIOTF service request.

[0514] S802: AIOTF requests environmental IoT services and selects UE Reader.

[0515] AIOTF selects UEreader based on AF AIoT service request.

[0516] S803: AIOTF sends an IoT reader control protocol layer message to the UE Reader. The IoT control protocol layer message carries a reader selection request, including a list of candidate UE Readers, the number of readers to be selected, and the identifier of the environmental IoT service request.

[0517] Among them, the IoT reader control protocol layer message is called AIoT reader control message, the reader selection request can be called reader selection request, and the candidate UE Reader list can be represented as candidateUE Reader list.

[0518] AIOTF selects candidate UE Readers based on the environmental IoT service request sent by AF, and sends the list of candidate UE Readers to the access network.

[0519] S804: Access network equipment determines the UE Reader based on RAN information.

[0520] Among them, RAN information can be RAN info, which indicates the basis for selecting the UE Reader.

[0521] S805: The access network device sends IoT reader control protocol layer information to AIOTF. The IoT control protocol layer message carries a reader selection response. The reader selection response indicates the UE Reader selection result, including the UE Reader identifier, the reason for UE Reader selection failure, and the identifier of the environmental IoT service request.

[0522] The reader selection response corresponds to the reader selection request. The reason for reader selection failure can be the first reason information, second reason information, first situation, etc., mentioned in the previous embodiments, and will not be elaborated further.

[0523] S806: AIOTF determines whether to perform UE Reader reselection.

[0524] For example, AIOTF determines whether or not a UE Reader can be reselected based on the subscription information pre-configured by the AF policy and the prior information provided by the AF.

[0525] S807: AIOTF sends a request failure message to AF, carrying the failure reason value.

[0526] If the AIOTF cannot reselect a UE Reader, the AIOTF sends a request failure message to the AF, notifying the AF of the reason or reason value for the failure to reselect the UE Reader.

[0527] The first message includes or is used to indicate that the first Reader is unavailable.

[0528] Therefore, if the selected UE Reader cannot perform IoT services, the RAN, based on local policies, discovers that no UE Reader is available and notifies the AIOTF of the reason for the selection failure. This improves the efficiency of the core network system in handling abnormal situations and optimizes the data transmission channel for IoT devices.

[0529] Example 2: Corresponding topology T1.

[0530] AIOTF identifies a suitable BS Reader based on the information provided by AF. If the BS Reader is unable to continue executing the AIoT service, or if the BS rejects the AIOTF service request / authorization request forwarded by AIOTF, AIOTF will proceed.

[0531] The BS Reader can notify AIOTF via a first message. The first message may include at least one of the following:

[0532] The BS reader sends an environmental IoT service response to the core network system aiot_service_response toCN, including: service failure (cause), completed service results, number of completed devices, reader ID, application function ID, service request ID (associated with the ID of a service request sent by the AF), and the identification of the environmental IoT control protocol layer connection or coupling (BS reader-AIOTF: AIoT-AP ID / similar to NG-AP ID).

[0533] In one scenario, after the BS Reader actively notifies AIOTF, and AIOTF determines that the BS Reader can be reselected, the operation of reselecting the BS Reader is executed.

[0534] In another scenario, after the BS Reader actively notifies AIOTF, if AIOTF is unable to reselect the BS reader or there are no other available BS readers, AIOTF returns the existing service execution results (or service response results) to AF and informs that it cannot continue to execute the environmental IoT service due to the reader issue.

[0535] AIOTF can determine whether a BS Reader can be reselected based on the following criteria:

[0536] 1. The information provided by AF is available (whether a list is provided), or in other words, AF indicates the availability of redundant ReadersID identifiers;

[0537] 2. AF provides instructions in the request, which can select readers outside the list;

[0538] 3. AF's contract information, including the identifier of the selected BS Reader.

[0539] This allows the BS Reader in topology T2 to proactively notify the AIOTF of any anomalies preventing the continuation of the environmental IoT service. After determining that the BS Reader cannot continue the environmental IoT service, the AIOTF can perform a reader reselection. Once the AIOTF reselects a reader, it can instruct the reselected reader to continue the environmental IoT service. If the AIOTF fails to reselect a reader, it can inform the AF of the failure. This improves the communication management efficiency of the AF.

[0540] Example 3: Corresponding topology T1.

[0541] In this embodiment, the BS Reader performs environmental IoT services. The BS Reader connects to AIOTF, and AIOTF connects to AF.

[0542] The BS reader did not receive a response from the IoT device. The BS reader proactively informs AIOTF that there are no IoT devices under its coverage, then AIOTF marks the BS reader as having no device ID. AIOTF either reselects the BS reader based on local policy configuration, or informs AF of the service execution result for the BS reader. The service execution result may include the conclusion that there is no target device within the BS reader's coverage area.

[0543] In this embodiment, AIOTF can execute the following scheme:

[0544] 1. AIOTF determines whether the reselection conditions are met, and performs the reselection of the reader if the conditions are met.

[0545] AIOTF reselects a reader, and AIOTF can instruct the reselected reader to perform AIOTF services and notify AF of the reselection and / or the result of the environmental IoT service execution.

[0546] If AIOTF fails to reselect a reader, AIOTF can directly notify AF that the BS Reader cannot perform environmental IoT services and has failed to reselect a reader.

[0547] 2. AIOTF does not perform the reader reselection operation, nor does it determine the fault condition. Instead, it directly replies to AF that the BS Reader cannot perform the environment IoT service due to an abnormality.

[0548] 3. AIOTF does not perform the reader reselection operation. AIOTF determines the fault situation and replies to AF with the abnormal situation and fault situation that the BS Reader cannot perform the environmental IoT service.

[0549] like Figure 9 As shown, this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0550] S901: AF sends an AIoT service request to AIOTF.

[0551] S902: AIOTF selects BS Reader based on AIoT service requests.

[0552] S903: AIOTF sends an AIoT reader control protocol layer message to the BS Reader, carrying an AIoT service request, including the identifier of the AIoT service request, the AIOTF AIoT-AP ID, and the service mode.

[0553] The AIOTF AIoT-AP ID can be the first identifier provided by the aforementioned implementation method, which will not be elaborated further.

[0554] S904: BS Reader constructs application service information to page IoT devices.

[0555] Among them, constructing application service information can be called construct AS messages, and paging IoT devices can be called paging and sending it to devices.

[0556] S905: The BS Reader sends an AIoT reader control protocol layer message, which includes or is used to instruct the reader to reselect a response, including the reason for the request, the task identifier, and the number of devices that have completed the task.

[0557] Among them, reader re-selection request required: including required cause, task ID, and many devices have been inventoried.

[0558] S906a: AIOTF reselects BS Reader based on local policy.

[0559] Among them, AIOTF reselected BS Reader based on local policy.

[0560] S906b: AIOTF sends an AIoT service response to AF, carrying the result of the incomplete service.

[0561] Among them, AIoT service response with incomplete inventory results.

[0562] AIOTF can execute S906a or S906b independently, or it can execute both S906a and S906b. The execution order of S906a or S906b is not limited.

[0563] S907: AIOTF sends a reader reselection response to BS Reader.

[0564] Among them, AIOTF sends reader re-selection response. re-selection responseagree or not.

[0565] Therefore, in topology T1, in the event that the BS reader does not receive a response from an IoT device, the BS reader proactively informs the AIOTF that there are no IoT devices under that BS reader, and then the AIOTF marks that there is no device ID under that BS reader. The AIOTF then performs BS reader reselection based on local policy configuration, or the AIOTF informs the AF of the service execution result of that BS reader. This improves the communication management efficiency of the AF.

[0566] Example 3: Topology T2.

[0567] In this embodiment, the UE Reader performs environmental IoT services. The UE Reader connects to the access network device, the access network device connects to the AIOTF, and the AIOTF connects to the AF.

[0568] During the execution of the IoT service, the UE Reader was unable to complete the AIOTF. The UE Reader proactively notified the access network device.

[0569] In one scenario, the access network device reselects the UE Reader based on a local policy, and then notifies the AIOTF of the result of the reselection.

[0570] In another scenario, if the access network device fails to reselect the UE Reader based on local policies, the reselection request sent by the access network device to the UE Reader is sent to the AIOTF, and the AIOTF performs the operation of reselecting the RE Reader.

[0571] In another scenario, the access network device does not perform the RE Reader reselection operation. Instead, the reselection request sent by the access network device to the UEReader is sent to the AIOTF, and the AIOTF performs the RE Reader reselection operation.

[0572] like Figure 10 As shown, the main steps include:

[0573] S1001: AF sends an environmental IoT service request to AIOTF.

[0574] S1002: AIOTF selects BS Reader based on AIoT service request.

[0575] S1003: AIOTF sends an AIoT reader control protocol layer message to the access network device to indicate an AIoT reader selection request, including task identifier, candidate device reader list, service type, and service mode.

[0576] Among them, the AIoT reader control protocol layer message can be an AIoT Reader control message, corresponding to the AIoT Service request, including task ID, AIOTF AIoT-AP ID, candidate UE list, service type, and service paramenters in the AIoT NAS PDU.

[0577] S1004: The access network device selects the UE Reader and constructs the RRC signaling payload.

[0578] Among them, RAN down select UEreader and constuce RRC message carrying.

[0579] S1005: The access network device sends an AIoT control signaling message carrying a non-response message; the AIoT control signaling message includes or is used to indicate the UE reader selection result, and the UE reader selection result includes the task identifier, AF identifier, application terminal identifier of the access network device node, and UE reader identifier.

[0580] Among them, AIoT reader control message with no response, UE Reader down-selectin results, including task ID, RAN node AIoT-AP ID, determined UE ReaderID.

[0581] S1006: The access network device sends RRC signaling to the UE Reader, including task identifier, AF identifier, service type, and service mode.

[0582] Among them, RRC message to determine UEreader, including task ID, AF ID, service type, service parameters in AIoT NAS PDU.

[0583] S1007: UE Reader performs inventory checks via the air interface.

[0584] Among them, the AIoT operation procedure in the air interface.

[0585] S1008: Send RRC signaling, which includes or is used to indicate a reader reselection request. The reader reselection request includes the person identifier, AF identifier, device reader identifier, service type, and number of devices that have completed service.

[0586] Among them, RRC signaling RRC message includes or is used to indicate reader re-selection request / requirement, including task ID, AF ID, UE Reader ID, service type, and how many devices have been server.

[0587] S1009: If other candidate UE readers exist, the access network device updates the UE Reader selection result.

[0588] Among them, if there is another candidate UEreaders from CN, then RAN nodecould update UE readers Selection results per AF request.

[0589] S1010: Send the UE Reader confirmation selection result, including the task identifier, AF identifier, access network device port identifier, and the confirmed UE reader identifier.

[0590] Among them, UEreader down-selection results update, including task ID, AF ID, AND node AIoT-AP ID, determined UEreader.

[0591] S1011: If no candidate UE reader exists, send the result of the completed AIoT service.

[0592] Among them, if there is no candidate UEreaders from CN, then RAN nodenotifyAIOTF and send has been finish AIoT service results to AIOTF.

[0593] S1012a: AIOTF reselects UE Reader based on local policy.

[0594] Among them, AIOTF relected UErader based on local policy.

[0595] S1012b: AIOTF sends an environmental IoT service response to AF, carrying the execution result of the completed environmental IoT service.

[0596] This includes AIoT service response with completed AIoT results.

[0597] In some cases, AIOTF can execute S1012a or S1012b alone, or it can execute both S1012a and S1012b. The execution order of S1012a or S1012b is not limited.

[0598] In this embodiment, in the event that the UE Reader in topology T2 cannot continue executing the environmental IoT service, the UE Reader proactively informs the access network device of this anomaly. The access network device reselects the UE Reader based on its local policy and notifies the AIOTF of the reselection result. Alternatively, if the access network device fails to reselect the UE Reader based on its local policy, it sends a reselection request to the UE Reader to the AIOTF, which then performs the RE Reader reselection operation. Or, the access network device does not perform the RE Reader reselection operation but sends a reselection request to the UE Reader to the AIOTF, which then performs the RE Reader reselection operation. Having the access network device or the AIOTF perform the UE Reader reselection operation improves the communication timeliness of the communication system.

[0599] By way of example, embodiments of this application also provide a communication device.

[0600] Please see Figure 11 , Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0601] The communication device 1100 includes a processor 1101 coupled to a memory 1102. The memory 1102 is used to store computer programs or instructions and / or data. The processor 1101 is used to execute the computer programs or instructions and / or data stored in the memory 1102, so that the methods in the preceding method embodiments are executed.

[0602] Optionally, the communication device 1100 may include one or more processors 1101.

[0603] Optionally, such as Figure 11 As shown, the communication device 1100 may also include a memory 1102.

[0604] Optionally, the communication device 1100 may include one or more memory 1102.

[0605] Alternatively, the memory 1102 may be integrated with the processor 1101 or set separately.

[0606] like Figure 11 As shown, the communication device 1100 may further include a transceiver 1103, which is used for receiving and / or transmitting signals. For example, the processor 1101 is used to control the transceiver 1103 to receive and / or transmit signals.

[0607] As one approach, the communication device 1100 is used to implement the operations performed by devices such as the core network system, access network equipment, or IoT reader in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0608] For example, processor 1101 is used to implement processing-related operations performed by devices such as core network system, access network device or IoT reader in the above method embodiments, and transceiver 1103 is used to implement transmission-reception-related operations performed by devices such as core network system, access network device or IoT reader in the above method embodiments.

[0609] As an alternative, the communication device 1100 is used to implement the operations performed by devices such as the core network system, access network equipment, or IoT reader in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0610] For example, processor 1101 is used to implement processing-related operations performed by devices such as core network system, access network device or IoT reader in the above method embodiments, and transceiver 1103 is used to implement transmission-reception-related operations performed by devices such as core network system, access network device or IoT reader in the above method embodiments.

[0611] The above Figure 11 In the communication device shown, the device in transceiver 1103 used for receiving power can be considered a receiving unit, and the device in transceiver 1103 used for transmitting functions can be considered a transmitting unit. That is, transceiver 1103 can include a receiver and a transmitter. Transceiver 1103 can also be called a transceiver unit, transceiver circuit, etc. Receiver can also be called a receiver, receiving unit, receiver, or receiving circuit, etc. Transmitter can also be called a transmitter, transmitter, transmitting unit, or transmitting circuit, etc. Processor 1101 has processing functions and can be called a processing unit. Memory 1102 is used to store computer program code and data; memory 1102 can also be called a storage unit.

[0612] By way of example, embodiments of this application also provide a communication device.

[0613] The communication device 1200 can be a core network system, access network equipment, or an IoT reader, or it can be a chip of such a device. The communication device 1200 can be used to perform the operations performed by the core network system, access network equipment, or IoT reader in the above method embodiments.

[0614] Please see Figure 12 , Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0615] The communication device 1200 includes parts 1210, 1220, and 1230. Part 1210 is mainly used for baseband processing and controlling the base station; part 1210 is typically the control center of the base station, often referred to as a processor or processing unit, used to control the first, second, or third communication device to perform the relevant processing operations described in the above method embodiments. Part 1220 is mainly used for storing computer program code and data, often referred to as a memory or storage unit. Part 1230 is mainly used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals and converting radio frequency signals to baseband signals; part 1230 is often referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver. The transceiver unit of part 1230, also referred to as a transceiver, includes an antenna 1233 and a radio frequency circuit (…). Figure 12 (Not shown in the image), where the radio frequency circuitry is primarily used for radio frequency processing. Optionally, the device in section 1230 used to implement the receiving function can be considered a receiver, and the device used to implement the transmitting function can be considered a transmitter; that is, section 1230 includes receiver 1232 and transmitter 1231. A receiver can also be called a receiving unit, receiver circuit, or receiving unit, etc., and a transmitter can be called a transmitting unit, transmitting unit, transmitter, or transmitting circuit, etc.

[0616] Sections 1210 and 1220 may include one or more circuit boards, each of which may include one or more processors and one or more memories. The processors are used to read and execute programs from the memories to implement baseband processing functions and control the base station. If multiple circuit boards exist, they can be interconnected to enhance processing capabilities. As an optional implementation, multiple circuit boards may share one or more processors, multiple circuit boards may share one or more memories, or multiple circuit boards may simultaneously share one or more processors.

[0617] In one implementation, the transceiver unit in section 1230 is used to perform... Figures 5-10 The transmission and reception related processes in the illustrated embodiment are executed by devices such as a first communication device, a second communication device, or a third communication device. The processor in section 1210 is used to execute... Figures 5-10The process described in the embodiment is related to the processing performed by a device such as a first communication device, a second communication device, or a third communication device.

[0618] It should be understood that Figure 12 This is merely an example and not a limitation; the aforementioned devices, including processors, memory, and transceivers, such as the first, second, or third communication devices, may be independent of... Figure 12 The structure shown.

[0619] When the communication device 1200 is a chip, the chip includes a transceiver, a memory, and a processor. The transceiver can be an input / output circuit or a communication interface; the processor is a processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit integrated on the chip. In the above method embodiments, the transmitting operation of the first, second, or third communication device can be understood as the chip's output, and the receiving operation of the first, second, or third communication device can be understood as the chip's input.

[0620] For example, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon computer instructions for implementing the methods executed by the first communication device, the second communication device, or the third communication device in the above-described method embodiments.

[0621] For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, it enables the computer to implement the method performed by the first communication device, the second communication device, or the third communication device in the above method embodiments.

[0622] For example, embodiments of this application also provide a computer program product containing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to implement the method performed by the first communication device, the second communication device, or the third communication device in the above method embodiments.

[0623] For example, embodiments of this application also provide a communication system, which includes a first communication device, a second communication device, or a third communication device. The first communication device, the second communication device, or the third communication device is used to perform the processes executed by the first communication device, the second communication device, or the third communication device in the foregoing embodiments.

[0624] For example, embodiments of this application also provide a chip device, including a processor, for calling computer programs or computer instructions stored in the memory to cause the processor to execute the methods of the above embodiments.

[0625] In one possible implementation, the input of the chip device corresponds to the above. Figures 5-10 The receiving operation in the illustrated embodiment corresponds to the output of the chip device described above. Figures 5-10The sending operation in the illustrated embodiment.

[0626] Optionally, the processor is coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0627] Optionally, the chip device further includes a memory storing computer programs or computer instructions.

[0628] The processor mentioned above can be a general-purpose central processing unit, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of a program that controls the methods described in the preceding embodiments. The memory mentioned above can be read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information and instructions, such as random access memory (RAM).

[0629] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant content in any of the communication devices provided above can be referred to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0630] In this embodiment, the core network system, access network equipment, or IoT reader may include a hardware layer, an operating system layer running on top of the hardware layer, and an application layer running on top of the operating system layer. The hardware layer may include hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory management unit (MMU), and memory (also called main memory). The operating system layer may be any one or more computer operating systems that implement business processing through processes, such as Linux, Unix, Android, iOS, or Windows. The application layer may include applications such as browsers, address books, word processing software, and instant messaging software.

[0631] In the embodiments of this application, the functional units can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0632] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, essentially, or the parts that contribute to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solutions, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as flash memory, portable hard disk, read-only memory, random access memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0633] The above description is merely a specific implementation of the embodiments of this application, but the protection scope of the embodiments of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the embodiments of this application should be covered within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of the embodiments of this application should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first communication device, the method includes: Send a first message to a second communication device; the first message is used to indicate the selection of an IoT reader, and / or, the first message is used to indicate the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first message is also used to indicate the execution result of the IoT service.

3. The communication method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first message includes a first condition of the first IoT reader, which includes at least one of the following: The load of the first IoT reader is greater than or equal to a first threshold; the first threshold is the load threshold of the first IoT reader. The first IoT reader has no available wireless resources; The first IoT reader did not receive a third message from all IoT devices within its coverage area, and the third message is associated with the IoT service; There are no IoT devices within the coverage area of ​​the first IoT reader, or the number of IoT devices within the coverage area of ​​the first IoT reader is zero.

4. The communication method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first message includes at least one of the following: The number of IoT devices that have responded to the IoT service; The identifier of the first IoT reader; The identifier of the application function network element; the application function network element is the application function network element that requests to execute the Internet of Things service; The identifier for the IoT service request; The identifier of the IoT service request is an identifier generated by the core network system, and the IoT service request is used to instruct the execution of the IoT service; First identifier; The first identifier is associated with the second identifier, wherein the first identifier is an identifier for the IoT reader control protocol layer connection or coupling of the first communication device, and the second identifier is an identifier for the IoT reader control protocol layer connection or coupling of the second communication device.

5. The communication method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first message is a message from the IoT reader control protocol layer.

6. The communication method according to claim 4, characterized in that, Before sending the first message to the second communication device, the method further includes: During the execution of the IoT service, a first reason information is determined based on a first condition of the first IoT reader; the first reason information is used to indicate the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service. The first message is determined; the first message is used to indicate the selection of an IoT reader, the first message is associated with the first reason information, and / or the first message includes the first reason information.

7. The communication method according to claim 4, characterized in that, Before sending the first message to the second communication device, the method further includes: Receive a second message sent by a second communication device, the second message being used to request the execution of the Internet of Things service; After receiving the second message, based on the first situation of the first IoT reader, a second reason information is determined. The second reason information is used to indicate the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service. The first message is determined; the first message is used to indicate the selection of an IoT reader, the first message is associated with the second reason information, and / or the first message includes the second reason information.

8. The communication method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The first communication device is the first IoT reader, and the second communication device is an IoT functional network element in the core network system.

9. The communication method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The first communication device is the first IoT reader, and the second communication device is an access network device.

10. The communication method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The first IoT reader is a reader that performs the IoT service.

11. The communication method according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The Internet of Things (IoT) includes environmental IoT.

12. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a second communication device, the method includes: Receive a first message sent by a first communication device; the first message is used to indicate the selection of an IoT reader, and / or, the first message is used to indicate the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service; Based on the first message, perform the operation of selecting an IoT reader; And / or, send a fourth message to a third communication device, the fourth message being associated with the first message, the fourth message being used to indicate the reason why the first IoT reader cannot complete the IoT service.

13. The communication method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first message is also used to indicate the execution result of the IoT service.

14. The communication method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: A fifth message is sent to the third communication device. The fifth message is used to indicate the fault status of the first IoT reader. The fault status is used to indicate whether the first IoT reader has malfunctioned, or, if the first IoT reader has malfunctioned, the cause of the malfunction.

15. The communication method according to any one of claims 12-14, characterized in that, The first message includes a first condition of the first IoT reader, the first condition being used to indicate at least one of the following: The load of the first IoT reader is greater than or equal to a first threshold; the first threshold is the load threshold of the first IoT reader. The first IoT reader has no available wireless resources; The first IoT reader did not receive a third message from all IoT devices within its coverage area, and the third message is associated with the IoT service; There are no IoT devices within the coverage area of ​​the first IoT reader, or the number of IoT devices within the coverage area of ​​the first IoT reader is zero.

16. The communication method according to any one of claims 12-15, characterized in that, The first message includes at least one of the following: The number of IoT devices that have responded to the IoT service; The identifier of the first IoT reader; The identifier of the application function network element; the application function network element is the application function network element that requests to execute the Internet of Things service; The identifier for the IoT service request; The identifier of the IoT service request is an identifier generated by the core network system, and the IoT service request is used to instruct the execution of the IoT service; First identifier; The first identifier is associated with the second identifier, wherein the first identifier is an identifier for the IoT reader control protocol layer connection or coupling of the first communication device, and the second identifier is an identifier for the IoT reader control protocol layer connection or coupling of the second communication device. The second identifier.

17. The communication method according to any one of claims 12-16, characterized in that, The step of selecting an IoT reader based on the first message includes: If the first condition is met, a second IoT reader is selected from at least one IoT reader indicated by the first condition; If the first condition is not met, a sixth message is sent to the third communication device, the sixth message indicating that the selection of the Internet of Things reader has failed.

18. The communication method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first condition includes at least one of the following: Does the reader list indicated by the third communication device include the selected IoT reader? The reader list includes at least one IoT reader other than the first IoT reader. Does the third communication device provide a first instruction? The first instruction is used to instruct the selection of a reader other than the reader list provided by the third communication device. Does the subscription information of the third communication device include the identifier of the selected IoT reader? 19. The communication method according to any one of claims 12-18, characterized in that, The first message is a message from the IoT reader control protocol layer.

20. The communication method according to any one of claims 12-19, characterized in that, The method further includes: A seventh message is sent to the IoT function network element in the core network system, the seventh message being used to indicate the selected IoT reader.

21. The communication method according to any one of claims 12-19, characterized in that, The method further includes: An eighth message is sent to the IoT function network element in the core network system, the eighth message being used to indicate the selection of an IoT reader.

22. The communication method according to any one of claims 12-19, characterized in that, The fourth message is also used to instruct the selection of an IoT reader.

23. The communication method according to any one of claims 12-19, characterized in that, The first communication device is the first IoT reader, the second communication device is an IoT functional network element in the core network system, and the third communication device is an application functional network element.

24. The communication method according to any one of claims 12-22, characterized in that, The first communication device is the first IoT reader, the second communication device is an access network device, and the third communication device is an IoT functional network element in the core network system.

25. The communication method according to any one of claims 12-24, characterized in that, The first IoT reader is a reader that performs the IoT service.

26. The communication method according to any one of claims 12-25, characterized in that, The Internet of Things (IoT) includes environmental IoT.

27. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A module for performing the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-11; and / or, a module for performing the communication method as described in any one of claims 12-26.

28. A communication system, characterized in that, include: A first communication device, a second communication device, and a third communication device, wherein the first communication device is configured to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-11, and / or the second communication device is configured to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 12-26.

29. A communication device, characterized in that, include: At least one processor and an interface circuit, the interface circuit being configured to receive signals from other communication devices besides the communication device and transmit them to the processor or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices besides the communication device, the processor being configured to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-11 via logic circuits or executable code instructions; and / or, the processor being configured to implement the method as described in any one of claims 12-26 via logic circuits or executable code instructions.

30. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It includes a computer program or instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-11; and / or cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 12-26.

31. A chip, characterized in that, include: An interface circuit and a logic circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to receive signals from other chips besides the chip and transmit them to the logic circuit, or to send signals from the logic circuit to other chips besides the chip, and the logic circuit is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-11; and / or, the logic circuit is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 12-26.

32. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes: a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-11; and / or cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 12-26.

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