Communication network architecture with sensing capabilities

Abstract

A communication network architecture with sensing capability is provided. The communication network architecture with sensing capability comprises an infrastructure layer, a cloud platform layer, a sensing layer and a network layer, wherein the infrastructure layer is the bottom layer of the communication network architecture and is configured to provide the infrastructure required by the network platform; the cloud platform layer runs above the infrastructure layer and is configured to schedule and manage the infrastructure; the sensing layer runs above the cloud platform layer and is configured to rely on the cloud platform layer for computing and storage, rely on the network connection function of the communication network to collect data, and calculate the sensing result based on the collected data; the network layer runs above the sensing layer and interacts with the sensing layer bidirectionally, and is configured to provide data for the sensing layer and configure the network function and / or network service based on the sensing result.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and more particularly to a communication network architecture with sensing capabilities. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of wireless communication technology, mobile communication networks will enter the 6G era. Research on integrated sensing and communication in 6G mainly focuses on sensing channel modeling for detection and tracking scenarios. Current scenarios defined for integrated sensing and communication research in 6G include environmental reconstruction, high-precision positioning, and critical communication. Existing convergence of communication and sensing focuses on enhancing the physical layer functions of wireless air interface communication, primarily aiming at the integration of communication and sensing functions. Current definitions of sensing and communication fusion are communication-oriented rather than network-oriented, failing to address the need for intrinsic integration of sensing and communication computing.

[0003] The integrated space-air-ground 6G era will see the emergence of more application scenarios than 5G and its evolutionary stages, while simultaneously requiring the fulfillment of multi-dimensional, extreme performance demands. Traditional satellite communication, satellite positioning and navigation, and satellite remote sensing are known in the industry as the three major functions of satellite: communication, navigation, and remote sensing. From the perspective of satellite technology development, these three functions have essentially developed independently and in parallel, without forming a cohesive whole. This has resulted in insufficient resource utilization and overall low service efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To alleviate, mitigate, or eliminate the aforementioned technical problems, this disclosure provides a communication network architecture with sensing capabilities.

[0005] In a first aspect, this disclosure provides a sensing-enabled communication network architecture, including:

[0006] The infrastructure layer is the lowest layer of the communication network architecture and is configured to provide the infrastructure required by the network platform.

[0007] The cloud platform layer runs on top of the infrastructure layer and is configured to schedule and manage the infrastructure.

[0008] The perception layer runs on top of the cloud platform layer and is configured to perform computation and storage based on the cloud platform layer, collect data based on the network connection function of the communication network, and calculate the perception result based on the collected data.

[0009] The network layer runs on top of the perception layer and interacts bidirectionally with the perception layer. It is configured to provide data to the perception layer and configure network functions and / or network services based on the perception results.

[0010] It should be understood that the summary section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Other features of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the more detailed description of some embodiments thereof in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 An exemplary communication network in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented is shown;

[0013] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a sensing-enabled communication network architecture according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0014] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the functional architecture of the perception layer according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The principles of this disclosure will now be described with reference to some embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and to assist those skilled in the art in understanding and implementing this disclosure, and do not impose any limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The disclosure described herein may be implemented in ways other than those described below.

[0016] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0017] References to "an embodiment," "embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," etc., in this disclosure indicate that the described embodiments may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, but not every embodiment needs to include specific features, structures, or characteristics. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an exemplary embodiment, whether explicitly described or not, those skilled in the art will recognize that such a feature, structure, or characteristic affects its connection to other embodiments.

[0018] It should be understood that while the terms “first” and “second”, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element. The term “and / or” as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0019] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” used herein also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “a group of elements” or “collection of elements” as used herein is intended to include one or more elements. It should also be understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “possessing,” “including,” and / or “comprising,” when used herein, specify the presence of the stated features, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0020] As used herein, the term "circuit" may refer to one or more, or all of the following:

[0021] (a) Implemented only in hardware circuitry (e.g., implemented only in analog and / or digital circuitry)

[0022] (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable):

[0023] (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry with software / firmware; and

[0024] (ii) Any part of a hardware processor (including a digital signal processor), software, and memory that work together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions, and

[0025] (c) Hardware circuitry and / or processors, such as microprocessors or a portion thereof, which require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but may be absent when the software is not required to operate.

[0026] The definition of "circuit" applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claim. As another example, as based in this application, the term "circuit" also includes implementations of hardware circuitry or processors (or processors in general) or a portion thereof and their accompanying software and / or firmware. The term "circuit" also includes, for example, baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing network devices, if applicable to a particular claim element.

[0027] The term "communication network" refers to a network that conforms to any suitable communication standard, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), New Radio (NR), Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN), etc. Furthermore, communication between terminal devices and network devices in a communication network can be performed according to any suitable generation of communication protocol, including but not limited to first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth-generation (5G), and future sixth-generation (6G) communication protocols, and / or any other currently known or to be developed in the future. Embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to satellite communication systems. Given the rapid development in communications, future types of communication technologies and systems will naturally exist, and this disclosure can be implemented using these technologies and systems. The scope of this disclosure should not be considered limited to the aforementioned systems.

[0028] The term "satellite network equipment" refers to a node located on a satellite or ground segment in a satellite communication network. Terminal devices access the network and receive services through this node. Depending on the terminology and technology used, satellite network equipment can refer to a base station (BS) or access point (AP) that acts as a satellite payload, such as a Node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), an NR NB (also called a gNB), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a Radio Header (RH), a Remote Radio Header (RRH), or a relay node. An example of a relay node can be an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node. The Distributed Unit (DU) portion of an IAB node can perform the functions of a "satellite network equipment" and therefore can operate as a network device. In the following description, the terms "satellite network equipment," "BS," and "node" are used interchangeably.

[0029] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. As an example and not a limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), portable subscriber station, mobile station (MS), or access terminal (AT). This terminal device may include, but is not limited to, mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, Voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, tablets, wearable terminal devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image capture terminal devices such as digital cameras, gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback devices, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop embedded devices (LEEs), laptop installed devices (LMEs), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless subscriber equipment (CPEs), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, watches or other wearable devices, head-mounted displays (HMDs), vehicles, drones, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in the context of industrial and / or automated processing chains), consumer electronics devices, relay nodes, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. The mobile terminal (MT) portion of an IAB node can perform the functions of a "terminal device" and therefore can operate as a terminal device. In the following description, the terms "terminal device," "communication device," "terminal," "user equipment," and "UE" are used interchangeably.

[0030] While the functions described herein may be implemented in fixed and / or wireless network nodes in various exemplary embodiments, in other exemplary embodiments, they may be implemented in user equipment devices (such as cellular phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, desktop computers, mobile IoT devices, or fixed IoT devices). For example, the user equipment device may suitably have the corresponding capabilities described in relation to fixed and / or wireless network nodes. The user equipment device may be user equipment and / or control devices, such as chipsets or processors, configured to control the user equipment when it is installed therein. Examples of these functions include boot server functions and / or home subscriber servers, which may be implemented in the user equipment device by providing the user equipment device with software configured to execute from the perspective of these functions / nodes on a user equipment device basis.

[0031] Figure 1 An exemplary communication network 100 in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented is shown. The communication network 100 includes a satellite network device 110 and terminal devices 120A and 120B served by the satellite network device 110. Terminal devices 120A and 120B may also be collectively referred to as terminal device 120. The communication network 100 may provide a service cell 130 to serve terminal devices 120A and 120B. Figure 1 In this example, as a satellite communication network, communication network 100 also includes ground station 140, gNB 150, next-generation core network NGC 160, and data network 170. The satellite communication network may include low-Earth orbit (LEO), medium-Earth orbit (MEO), and geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites.

[0032] Ground station 140 acts as a gateway, connecting non-terrestrial networks and public data networks. gNB 150 acts as an access network, connecting ground station 140 to the core network NGC 160. NGC 160 can also connect to data network 170 to provide, for example, internet content services. It will be understood that communication network 100 is not required to include... Figure 1 All elements shown in the table.

[0033] In some embodiments, the satellite network device 110 can function as a base station to communicate with terminal devices 120A and 120B, or it can function as a transparent forwarding node to transmit signals sent by the ground station 140 to the terminal devices 120A and 120B. In the former case, the satellite network device 110 possesses all or part of the functions of a base station. For example, the satellite network device 110 can be a gNB or a gNB-DU, and the satellite network device 110 with gNB functionality can have an inter-satellite link (ISL) or not. In the case of a transparent forwarding node, the satellite network device 110 only performs transparent forwarding.

[0034] It should be understood that the number of satellite network devices 110, terminal devices 120A and 120B, and serving cell 130 is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to impose any limitation. Communication network 100 may include any suitable number of satellite network devices, terminal devices, and serving cells suitable for implementing embodiments of this disclosure. It should be noted that the terms "cell" and "serving cell" are used interchangeably herein.

[0035] In the communication network 100, satellite network device 110 can transmit data and control information to terminal devices 120A and 120B, and terminal devices 120A and 120B can also transmit data and control information to satellite network device 110. The link from satellite network device 110 to terminal devices 120A and 120B is called a downlink (DL) or forward link, while the link from terminal device 120 to satellite network device 110 is called an uplink (UL) or reverse link.

[0036] Communication in communication network 100 can conform to any suitable standard, but is not limited to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Evolution, LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). Furthermore, communication can be performed according to any generation of communication protocols currently known or developed in the future. Examples of communication protocols include, but are not limited to, first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth-generation (5G), and sixth-generation (6G) communication protocols.

[0037] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a sensing-enabled communication network architecture according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the communication network architecture 200 includes an infrastructure layer 210, a cloud platform layer 220, a perception layer 230, and a functional layer. The infrastructure layer 210 is the bottom layer of the communication network architecture 200, configured to provide the infrastructure required by the network platform. The cloud platform layer 220 runs on top of the infrastructure layer 210 and is configured to schedule and manage the infrastructure. The perception layer 230 runs on top of the cloud platform layer 220 and is configured to rely on the cloud platform layer for computation and storage, rely on the network connectivity function of the communication network to collect data, and calculate perception results based on the collected data. The network layer runs on top of the perception layer 230 and interacts bidirectionally with the perception layer 230. It is configured to provide data to the perception layer 230 and configure network functions and / or network services based on the perception results. For example, the network layer can configure network functions based on the perception results calculated by the perception layer 230, such as modifying or optimizing existing network functions, or generating new network functions. The network layer can also configure network services based on the perception results calculated by the perception layer 230, such as modifying or optimizing existing network services, or generating new network services.

[0038] The communication network architecture provided in this embodiment consists of multiple layers. By setting a perception layer between the cloud platform layer and the network layer, the perception function is realized in the communication network, thereby realizing intelligent network capabilities.

[0039] Infrastructure layer 210 is the lowest layer of the communication network architecture 200. The main task of infrastructure layer 210 is to provide computing and storage resources to support the upper layers. In one example embodiment, infrastructure layer 210 includes space-based satellites, ground-based gateway stations, and ground-based operation and maintenance systems, forming the NTN network platform.

[0040] The cloud platform layer 220 is a hardware resource management software layer and operating system layer based on the infrastructure layer 210. It employs cloud technology to schedule and manage infrastructure, such as enabling on-demand scheduling and management of computing and storage resources between space-based and ground-based facilities. The cloud platform layer 220 makes the layers above it unaware of the communication network infrastructure, shielding them from the diverse hardware differences of the infrastructure layer 210. The cloud platform layer 220 also provides a unified access method and interface, allowing the layers above it to schedule and utilize computing and storage resources through the interfaces provided by the cloud platform layer 220.

[0041] The perception layer 230 provides perception capabilities, perception methods, and perception results. Based on the connectivity and network capabilities provided by the communication network, the perception layer 230 can achieve perception functions for full network and full information transmission. This layer uses preset algorithms, such as big data computing and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, to calculate and process the collected data, obtain perception results, realize intelligent network capabilities, and empower network communication and network service functions. In some embodiments, the data collected by the perception layer 230 based on the network connectivity function of the communication network includes internal data such as network communication data, network service function data, and infrastructure operation status data, external environmental information data, and user behavior status data, data transmission status data, or signaling configuration information data in the network. Through networked big data computing and networked AI algorithms, the perception layer 230 calculates and processes the above-mentioned diverse data to obtain perception results, forming perception capabilities oriented towards the network layer. The network layer, through the perception results provided by the perception layer 230, perceives and predicts data transmission needs, data processing, network service needs, network service provision, and user status, thereby forming intelligent service capabilities and realizing the system capabilities of deep integration of sensing, computing, and intelligence.

[0042] The perception layer 230 is located close to the network layer and serves as a lower layer of the network layer, interacting bidirectionally with it. The perception layer 230 can obtain data from the cloud platform layer 220 and the network layer, perform calculations and processing on the obtained data using preset algorithms (such as pre-built AI models), obtain perception results, and provide the perception results to the network layer.

[0043] In some embodiments, the perception layer 230 is further configured to combine perception results with geographic location to form a perception information database. The perception information database is configured to provide basic information to network layers (such as network service layer 250). For example, the perception information database is a database containing network capabilities, network status, air interface status, terminal status, and geographic information. It maintains situational information bound to geographic location, such as geographic location-based wireless transmission situational awareness and geographic location-based user situational awareness. This information is used to provide steady-state information for a target area, provide basic information to network layers (such as network service layer 250), and can also be used for network self-optimization and self-configuration.

[0044] The perception layer 230 includes data structuring and normalization, as well as data modeling and storage for network layers (such as the network service layer 250), providing data support for the network layers (such as the network service layer 250). In some embodiments, the perception layer 230 calculates perception results based on the collected data, including: network capability perception results, network status perception results, air interface status perception results, and terminal status perception results. The network capability perception results include network capabilities such as computing power, storage, routing, and connectivity, encompassing both single-point capabilities and network capabilities exposed through inter-node interfaces. The network status perception results include network data transmission quality, network service types, number of users and their service needs, network infrastructure capacity and load, and dynamic network connection switching information, primarily used to ensure the network can provide the required service capabilities.

[0045] The air interface status awareness result includes air interface wireless transmission information. In some embodiments, the awareness layer 230 is further configured to form a geographic location-based wireless transmission situation based on the air interface status awareness result and geographic environment information of network coverage, such as forming a geographic location-based channel model and user service model. The awareness layer 230 is also configured to update the geographic location-based wireless transmission situation based on the real-time status of user information transmission of the current service.

[0046] The terminal status perception results include user behaviors that require services. In some embodiments, the perception layer 230 is also configured to form a geographic location-based user situation based on the terminal status perception results and geographic environment information of network coverage, such as forming a situation of dense or sparse geographic areas, the types of services required by users in a geographic area and the characteristic situation of each service, and the interference situation of the central and edge areas of the beam coverage range of a satellite moving at high speed.

[0047] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating the functional architecture of the perception layer according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the perception layer 230 includes a functional sublayer 231, a perception sublayer 232, and a service sublayer 233. The functional sublayer 231 is configured to process the collected data; the perception sublayer 232 is configured to introduce a target algorithm to calculate the data processed by the functional sublayer 231 to obtain the perception result; and the service sublayer 233 is configured to send the perception result to the network layer.

[0048] Functional sublayer 231 is the lowest layer in the perception layer 230, processing data for different sensing objects. In some embodiments, the functional sublayer 231 processes the acquired data in the following ways: processing communication data, processing spatial data, assisting in satellite-ground coordination, processing remote sensing and navigation data, and scheduling computing power. That is, functional sublayer 231 includes functions such as processing communication data, processing spatial data, assisting in satellite-ground coordination, processing remote sensing and navigation data, and scheduling computing power.

[0049] The perception sublayer 232 lies between the functional sublayer 231 and the service sublayer 233. Based on the data processed by the functional sublayer 231, the perception sublayer 232 performs comprehensive reasoning and calculation to obtain the perception result, and then transmits the perception result to the service sublayer 233. Various types of artificial intelligence algorithms or non-artificial intelligence algorithms can be introduced into the perception sublayer 232 as needed to form intelligent perception capabilities.

[0050] Service sublayer 233 is the topmost layer in perception layer 230. Based on the perception results obtained from perception sublayer 232, service sublayer 233 empowers the network layer with intelligence, forming an intelligent network and intelligent network service capabilities.

[0051] Continue to refer to Figure 2 The network layer may include a network function layer 240 and a network service layer 250. The network function layer 240 and the network service layer 250 interact bidirectionally. The network function layer 240 provides network connectivity, network transmission, or network resources support to the network service layer 250. The network service layer 250 enables the network to provide services to users.

[0052] The network function layer 240 interacts bidirectionally with the perception layer 230, configured to provide data to the perception layer 230 and configure network functions based on the perception results. The network service layer 250 runs on top of the network function layer 240, interacts bidirectionally with the perception layer 230, and is configured to provide data to the perception layer 230 and configure network services based on the perception results. In some embodiments, the perception layer 230 is configured to acquire data collected within the network, data measured over the network air interface, and data reported by terminal devices connected to the network service layer 250 based on the network functions provided by the network function layer 240. By dividing the network layer into the network function layer 240 and the network service layer 250, better services can be provided, which is conducive to realizing the integration of communication, sensing, and computing, forming a bidirectional closed loop.

[0053] In one exemplary embodiment, the perception layer 230 establishes a data model and interacts with the network function layer 240 and the network service layer 250 through a unified interface. It can use inter-layer primitives or the unified interface provided by the perception layer 230. The perception layer 230 sends perception results to the network function layer 240 through the unified interface, providing the network function layer 240 with the ability to support intelligent network functions. Simultaneously, the perception layer 230 obtains network operation data from the network function layer 240 to establish and train the data model. The perception layer 230 also sends perception results to the network service layer 250 through the unified interface, providing the network service layer 250 with intelligent computing power support, enabling the network to provide intelligent services. Furthermore, the perception layer 230 interacts with the terminal device through the air interface (Uu interface) using a standard data format, requesting data of a specified type from the terminal device.

[0054] Network Functions Layer 240 sits above Sensing Layer 230 and is configured to provide network functions. In some embodiments, Network Functions Layer 240 provides network protocol functions, including core network, access network, and gateway (NTG) protocol functions defined by 3GPP.

[0055] The network service layer 250 is the top layer of the communication network architecture 200 and is configured to provide network services. In some embodiments, network services include remote sensing service RS-APP, navigation service PNT-APP, and other services X-APP, which drive the construction of network functions and network service mechanisms through APP-based or software-based network service functions. In some embodiments, the network service layer 250 software-defined network service devices include at least one of remote sensing devices, navigation devices, and computing devices, such as remote sensing satellites, navigation satellites, and computing satellites, to achieve business (service, network service) and network (communication network function) convergence.

[0056] In some embodiments, the network service layer 250 defines standardized interfaces and procedures for remote sensing applications. These standardized interfaces are configured to allow remote sensing devices to access the network. For example, for remote sensing satellites, an app-based software-defined approach is used to define RS-APP standardized interfaces and procedures, ensuring interface openness and supporting remote sensing satellites to access the network on demand to obtain network computing and transmission services, and to find devices capable of handling large data volume computations through the network. These standard interfaces are implemented in both the communication network and the remote sensing satellite, establishing connections and enabling data interaction through standardized procedures.

[0057] In some embodiments, the network service layer 250 implements network-inherent positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) functions by enhancing or reconstructing the definition of network functions. For example, for navigation satellites, an endogenous integrated definition approach is adopted, making full use of the low-Earth orbit characteristic of the NTN network constellation to endogenously integrate PNT functions with network functions.

[0058] Other services X-APP can be systematically defined according to the service format.

[0059] In some embodiments, the network service layer 250 is further configured to obtain corresponding communication conditions, sensing conditions, and computing conditions based on the needs of network services. For industry-network convergence, various network application services are defined through software, decomposing the communication, sensing, and computing conditions required by each application into corresponding communication, sensing, and computing conditions that the network can recognize, according to the service quality requirements of the service. For example, for real-time remote sensing services, based on the service planning of the application layer, the network service layer 250 determines the corresponding data transmission requirements, sensing type and accuracy, and computing power conditions required for real-time data processing.

[0060] This disclosure allows for the reconfiguration of communication, remote sensing, and navigation systems, achieving integration in both architecture and function to realize remote sensing and navigation capabilities based on communication networks. Simultaneously, it leverages the widely distributed computing power of communication networks to achieve intrinsic integration of remote sensing, navigation, and communication. This disclosure defines the sensing functions of communication, enabling the software-based implementation of remote sensing functions and the intrinsic integration of navigation functions with the communication network.

[0061] While several specific implementation details are included in the foregoing discussion, these details should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments. Certain features described in the context of individual embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments.

[0062] Although this disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological behavior, it should be understood that this disclosure as defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or behaviors described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as exemplary forms for implementing the claims.

[0063] It should be fully understood that the use of personally identifiable information should comply with privacy policies and practices generally considered to meet or exceed industry or governmental requirements for protecting user privacy. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to the user.

Claims

1. A communication network architecture with sensing capabilities, characterized in that, include: The infrastructure layer is the lowest layer of the communication network architecture and is configured to provide the infrastructure required by the network platform. The cloud platform layer runs on top of the infrastructure layer and is configured to schedule and manage the infrastructure. The perception layer runs on top of the cloud platform layer and is configured to perform computation and storage based on the cloud platform layer, collect data based on the network connection function of the communication network, and calculate the perception result based on the collected data. The network layer runs on top of the perception layer and interacts bidirectionally with the perception layer. It is configured to provide data to the perception layer and configure network functions and / or network services based on the perception results.

2. The communication network architecture as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The network layer includes: The network function layer interacts bidirectionally with the perception layer, is configured to provide data to the perception layer, and configure network functions based on the perception results; The network service layer runs on top of the network function layer, interacts bidirectionally with the perception layer, is configured to provide data to the perception layer, and configure network services based on the perception results.

3. The communication network architecture as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The network service layer is also configured to obtain corresponding communication conditions, perception conditions, and computing conditions based on the needs of network services.

4. The communication network architecture as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The network service layer defines network service devices in a software-defined manner, and the service devices include at least one of remote sensing devices, navigation devices, and computing devices.

5. The communication network architecture as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The network service layer defines standardized interfaces and standardized processes for remote sensing applications, and the standardized interfaces are configured to allow the remote sensing devices to access the network.

6. The communication network architecture as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The network service layer enables network-inherent positioning, navigation, and timing functions by enhancing or reconstructing network functions.

7. The communication network architecture as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The perception layer is also configured to combine the perception results with geographical location to form a perception information database, which is configured to provide basic information to the network layer.

8. The communication network architecture as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The perception information database includes geographic location-based wireless transmission status and geographic location-based user status.

9. The communication network architecture as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The data collected based on the network connectivity function of the communication network includes network communication data, network service function data, infrastructure operation status data, external environment information data, and user behavior status data, data transmission status data, or signaling configuration information data in the network.

10. The communication network architecture as described in any one of claims 2-6, characterized in that, The perception layer is configured to acquire data collected within the network, data measured over the network air interface, and data reported by terminal devices connected to the network service layer, based on the network functions provided by the network function layer.

11. The communication network architecture as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The perception results calculated based on the collected data include: The collected data is calculated and processed using a preset algorithm to obtain the perception result.

12. The communication network architecture as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The perception results calculated based on the collected data include: Based on the collected data, the network capability perception results, network status perception results, air interface status perception results, and terminal status perception results are calculated.

13. The communication network architecture as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The perception layer is also configured to form a geographic location-based wireless transmission situation based on the air interface status perception results and the geographic environment information of network coverage.

14. The communication network architecture as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The perception layer is also configured to update the geographic location-based wireless transmission status based on the real-time status of user information transmission for the current service.

15. The communication network architecture as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The perception layer is also configured to form a geographic location-based user profile based on the terminal status perception results and geographic environment information of network coverage.

16. The communication network architecture as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The sensing layer includes: The functional sublayer is configured to process the acquired data; The perception sublayer is configured to introduce a target algorithm to calculate the data processed by the functional sublayer to obtain the perception result; The service sublayer is configured to send the perception results to the network layer.

17. The communication network architecture as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The processed and collected data includes: Processing communication data; Processing spatial data; Assisting in space-to-ground coordination; Processing remote sensing and navigation data; Scheduling computing power.

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