Communication method and device

Abstract

An embodiment of this application provides a communication method and a communication device. The method includes: a first network element receives a first message and a second message. The first message is used to subscribe to first data, and the second message is used to subscribe to second data. The first network element subscribes to the first data from the second network element based on the first message. The first network element determines whether the second data can be obtained from the first data. The first network element determines whether to subscribe to third data from the second network element based on the determination result. The third data includes all or a part of the second data. According to the method in this application, the first network element determines whether to subscribe to the second data from the second network element based on the determination result to avoid subscribing to repeated data from the second network element, and prevent the second network element from repeatedly correcting and reporting the same data. Therefore, the method in the embodiment of this application can save resources and reduce the load on the first network element and the second network element.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202210050678.5, entitled “COMMUNICATION METHOD AND APPARATUS,” filed with the China National Intellectual Property Office on January 17, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This application relates to the field of communications technologies, and more particularly, to communications methods and devices. [Background technology]

[0003] Currently, a network data analytics function (NWDAF) network element has a data analysis function. To realize the data analysis function, the NWDAF network element needs to collect data from other network elements, such as a user plane function (UPF) network element. In the prior art, the NWDAF directly subscribes to data that needs to be acquired from other network elements. Such a data acquisition method is prone to resource waste. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus to enable avoiding resource waste in the data subscription process.

[0005] According to a first aspect, there is provided a communication method. The communication method includes:

[0006] A first network element receives a first message and a second message. The first message is used to subscribe to the first data, and the second message is used to subscribe to the second data. The first network element subscribes to the first data from the second network element based on the first message. The first network element determines whether the second data can be obtained based on the first data. The first network element determines whether to subscribe to third data from the second network element based on the determination result. The third data includes all or a part of the second data.

[0007] According to the method in this application, the first network element determines whether to subscribe to second data from the second network element based on the determination result, to avoid subscribing to repeated data from the second network element, and to prevent the second network element from repeatedly collecting and reporting the same data. Therefore, according to the method in this application, resources can be saved and the load of the first network element and the second network element can be reduced.

[0008] Related to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first message includes a first association identifier, and the first network element subscribing to the first data from the second network element includes the first network element sending a third message to the second network element, the third message being utilized to subscribe to the first data, the third message including the third association identifier.

[0009] The method further includes:

[0010] A first network element receives a first notification message from a second network element. The first notification message includes first data and a third association identifier. The first network element determines that the third association identifier in the first notification message corresponds to the first association identifier based on a first relationship. The first relationship is a correspondence relationship between the first association identifier and the third association identifier. The first network element transmits the first data based on the first association identifier.

[0011] Related to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the determination result is that the second data can be obtained based on the first data, and the second message includes a second association identifier, and the method further includes: the first network element determines a first manner in which the second data is obtained based on the first data; the first network element determines, based on the second relationship, that a third association identifier in the first notification message corresponds to the second association identifier and the first manner; the second relationship is a correspondence relationship between the second association identifier, the third association identifier, and the first manner; the first network element obtains the second data based on the first manner and the first data; and the first network element transmits the second data based on the second association identifier.

[0012] In relation to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second message includes a second association identifier, the second data includes first partial data and second partial data, and the determination result is that the first partial data can be obtained based on the first data, but the second partial data cannot be obtained based on the first data.

[0013] The method further includes:

[0014] The first network element determines a second manner in which the first partial data is obtained based on the first data. The first network element sends a fourth message to the second network element. The fourth message is utilized to subscribe to the second partial data but is not utilized to subscribe to the first partial data. The fourth message includes a fourth association identifier. The first notification message further includes the second partial data and the fourth association identifier. The first network element determines, based on a third relationship, that the fourth association identifier in the first notification message corresponds to the second association identifier. The third relationship is a correspondence relationship between the second association identifier and the fourth association identifier. The first network element determines, based on the fourth relationship, that the third association identifier in the first notification message corresponds to the second association identifier and the second manner. The fourth relationship is a correspondence relationship between the second association identifier, the third association identifier, and the second manner. The first network element obtains the first partial data based on the second manner and the first data. The first network element transmits the first partial data and the second partial data based on the second association identifier.

[0015] In relation to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second message includes a second association identifier, the second data includes first partial data and second partial data, and the determination result is that the first partial data can be obtained based on the first data, but the second partial data cannot be obtained based on the first data.

[0016] The method further includes:

[0017] The first network element sends a fifth message to the second network element based on the second message. The fifth message is utilized to subscribe to second data from the second network element. The fifth message includes a fourth association identifier. The first network element determines a second manner in which the first partial data is obtained based on the first data. The first network element determines, based on the third relationship, that the fourth association identifier in the first notification message corresponds to the second association identifier. The first notification message further includes the second partial data and the fourth association identifier. The third relationship is a correspondence relationship between the second association identifier and the fourth association identifier. The first network element determines, based on the fourth relationship, that the third association identifier in the first notification message corresponds to the second association identifier and the second manner. The fourth relationship is a correspondence relationship between the second association identifier, the third association identifier, and the second manner. The first network element obtains the first partial data based on the second manner and the first data. The first network element transmits the first partial data and the second partial data based on the second association identifier.

[0018] In relation to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first message includes a first association identifier, and the first network element subscribing to the first data from the second network element includes:

[0019] The first network element sends a third message to the second network element, the third message being utilized to subscribe to the first data from the second network element, the third message including a third association identifier and an identifier of the third network element.

[0020] The method further includes the first network element sending the first relationship to the third network element, the first relationship being a correspondence relationship between the first association identifier and the third association identifier.

[0021] In relation to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second message includes a second association identifier, and the determination result is that the second data can be obtained based on the first data, and the method further includes:

[0022] The first network element determines a first manner in which the second data is obtained based on the first data. The first network element sends a second relationship to the third network element. The second relationship is a correspondence relationship between the second association identifier, the third association identifier, and the first manner.

[0023] In relation to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second message includes a second association identifier, the second data includes first partial data and second partial data, and the determination result is that the first partial data can be obtained based on the first data, but the second partial data cannot be obtained based on the first data.

[0024] The method further includes:

[0025] The first network element determines a second manner in which the first partial data is obtained based on the first data. The first network element sends a fourth message to the second network element. The fourth message is utilized to subscribe to the second partial data. The fourth message includes a fourth association identifier. The first network element sends a third relationship and a fourth relationship to the third network element. The third relationship is a correspondence relationship between the second association identifier and the fourth association identifier. The fourth relationship is a correspondence relationship between the second association identifier, the third association identifier, and the second manner.

[0026] In relation to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second message includes a second association identifier, the second data includes first partial data and second partial data, and the determination result is that the first partial data can be obtained based on the first data, but the second partial data cannot be obtained based on the first data.

[0027] The method further includes:

[0028] The first network element sends a fifth message to the second network element based on the second message. The fifth message is utilized to subscribe to second data from the second network element. The fifth message includes a fourth association identifier. The first network element determines a second manner in which the first partial data is obtained based on the first data. The first network element sends a third relationship and a fourth relationship to the third network element. The third relationship is a correspondence relationship between the second association identifier and the fourth association identifier. The fourth relationship is a correspondence relationship between the second association identifier, the third association identifier, and the second manner.

[0029] Related to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the third message is further utilized to unsubscribe from the first portion of the data from the second network element.

[0030] Related to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes the first network element sending a fifth message to the second network element based on the second message, the fifth message being utilized to subscribe to second data from the second network element, the fifth message including the fourth association identifier.

[0031] The third message is further utilized to unsubscribe from the second data from the second network element.

[0032] In relation to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first message further includes a plurality of data types related to the first data, a plurality of reporting conditions, and a logical relationship between the plurality of reporting conditions, where the plurality of data types correspond one-to-one to the plurality of reporting conditions.

[0033] When the logical relationship is satisfied, the first network element receives the first data from the second network element.

[0034] In relation to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first network element is a data collection coordination function network element, the second network element is a user plane function network element, and the third network element is a messaging framework adapter function network element.

[0035] The first network element receiving the first message and the second message includes:

[0036] A first network element receives a first message from a first network data analysis function network element and a second message from a second network data analysis function network element.

[0037] According to a second aspect, there is provided a communication method. The communication method includes:

[0038] A third network element receives a first relationship and a second relationship from the first network element. The first relationship is a correspondence relationship between the first association identifier and the third association identifier. The second relationship is a correspondence relationship between the second association identifier, the third association identifier, and the first scheme. The third network element receives a first notification message from the second network element. The first notification message includes the first data and the third association identifier. The third network element determines, based on the first relationship, that the third association identifier in the first notification message corresponds to the first association identifier. The third network element transmits the first data based on the first association identifier. The third network element determines, based on the second relationship, that the third association identifier in the first notification message corresponds to the second association identifier and the first scheme. The third network element obtains second data based on the first scheme and the first data. The third network element transmits the second data based on the second association identifier.

[0039] According to a third aspect, there is provided a communication method. The communication method includes:

[0040] The third network element receives the first relationship, the third relationship, and the fourth relationship from the first network element. The first relationship is a correspondence relationship between the first association identifier and the third association identifier. The third relationship is a correspondence relationship between the second association identifier and the fourth association identifier. The fourth relationship is a correspondence relationship between the second association identifier, the third association identifier, and the second scheme. The third network element receives a first notification message from the second network element. The first notification message includes the first data and the third association identifier, and the second partial data and the fourth association identifier. The third network element determines, based on the first relationship, that the third association identifier in the first notification message corresponds to the first association identifier. The third network element transmits the first data based on the first association identifier. The third network element determines, based on the third relationship, that a fourth association identifier in the first notification message corresponds to the second association identifier. The third network element determines, based on the fourth relationship, that the third association identifier in the first notification message corresponds to the second association identifier and the second scheme. The third network element obtains the first partial data based on the second scheme and the first data. The third network element transmits the first partial data and the second partial data based on the second association identifier.

[0041] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a communication device, the communication device comprising: a unit configured to perform a method according to any one of the possible implementations of the first to third aspects.

[0042] According to a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes a communication interface and a processor. When the communication device operates, the processor executes a computer program or instructions stored in a memory to enable the communication device to perform a method according to any one of the possible implementations of the first to third aspects. The memory may be located within the processor or may be implemented using a chip independent of the processor. This is not particularly limited in this application.

[0043] According to a sixth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium includes a computer program. When the computer program is executed on a computer, the computer is enabled to execute a method according to any one of the possible implementations of the first to third aspects.

[0044] According to a seventh aspect, a chip or chip system is provided, the chip or chip system including a processing circuit, the processing circuit being configured to execute a method according to any one of the possible implementations of the first to third aspects.

[0045] According to an eighth aspect, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product includes a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions). When the computer program is executed, the computer is enabled to perform a method according to any one of the possible implementations of the first to third aspects. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1A] 1 illustrates a system architecture to which an embodiment of this application can be applied. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a communication network architecture to which an embodiment of the present application is applicable. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic interaction diagram of the method according to the present application. [Diagram 3]FIG. 2 is a schematic interaction diagram of the method according to the present application. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic interaction diagram of the method according to the present application. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic interaction diagram of the method according to the present application. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic interaction diagram of the method according to the present application. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic interaction diagram of the method according to the present application. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic interaction diagram of the method according to the present application. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic interaction diagram of the method according to the present application. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic interaction diagram of the method according to the present application. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a schematic interaction diagram of the method according to the present application. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a schematic interaction diagram of the method according to the present application. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a schematic interaction diagram of the method according to the present application. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a schematic interaction diagram of the method according to the present application. [Figure 15] 1 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device according to the present application; [Figure 16] 1 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device according to the present application; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0047] The following describes the technical solutions of the embodiments in this application with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] 1A shows a system architecture 101 to which the method in this application is applicable. The system architecture includes a network data analysis network element, a data collection coordination network element, a messaging framework adapter network element, and a data source.

[0049] The network data analytics network element is configured to collect data from data sources, use the collected data to train an artificial intelligence (AI) model (also referred to as a machine learning (ML) model), perform data inference using the AI ​​model, and feed back the inference result to a corresponding core network element or an operations, administration and management (OAM) network element. For example, the network data analytics network element may be a network data analytics function (NWDAF) network element.

[0050] The data collection coordination network element is responsible for coordinating the collection and transfer of data requested by the network functions (NFs). For example, the data collection coordination network element may be a data collection coordination function (DCCF) network element.

[0051] The messaging framework adaptor network element is responsible for data processing, formatting, receiving data from data sources, and sending data to NFs related to the data collection coordination network element interface, etc. For example, the messaging framework adaptor network element may be a messaging framework adaptor function (MFAF) network element.

[0052] The data source may be an application function (AF) network element, or a core network element, such as an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, a session management function (SMF) network element, or a user plane function (UPF) network element, or may be an OAM network element.

[0053] 1B is a diagram of a communication network architecture 102. Specifically, the network architecture may include the following network elements:

[0054] 1. User equipment (UE) may include various handheld devices, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, computing devices, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem that have wireless communication capabilities, and various forms of terminals, mobile stations (MSs), terminals, or soft clients, such as water meters, power meters, and sensors.

[0055] 2. A (radio access network, (R)AN) device is configured to provide network access functionality to authorized user equipment within a particular area and can utilize transmission tunnels of different quality based on user equipment level or service requirements, etc.

[0056] The RAN can manage radio resources, provide access services to user equipment, and complete the transfer of control signals and user equipment data between the user equipment and the core network. The RAN may also be understood as a base station in a traditional network.

[0057] 3. A user plane function (UPF) network element is configured to perform packet routing and forwarding, quality of service (QoS) handling of user plane data, etc. User data may be accessed to a data network (DN) through the network element. In an embodiment of this application, the user plane function network element may be configured to realize the functions of a user plane network element.

[0058] 4. Data network (DN) refers to a network for providing data transmission, such as an operator service network, the Internet, and a third-party service network.

[0059] 5. Authentication Server Function (AUSF) The network element is mainly configured to perform user authentication etc.

[0060] 6. The access and mobility management function (AMF) network element is primarily configured to perform mobility management and access management, etc., and may be configured to perform functions other than session management in the mobility management entity (MME) functions, such as access authorization / authentication.

[0061] 7. The session management function (SMF) network element is mainly configured to perform session management, allocation and management of internet protocol (IP) addresses of terminal devices, selection and management of user plane functions, termination of policy control and charging function interfaces, and downlink data notification, etc.

[0062] 8. A policy control function (PCF) network element is configured to guide a unified policy framework of network behavior and provide policy rule information, etc. to network elements (e.g., AMF network elements and SMF network elements) or terminal devices.

[0063] 9. Network Repository Function (NRF) A network element is configured to store descriptive information of network functional entities and the services offered by the network functional entities, and to support functions such as service discovery and network element entity discovery.

[0064] 10. Network Exposure Function (NEF) A network element is configured to securely expose services and capabilities provided by a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network function to the outside world.

[0065] 11. The unified data management (UDM) network element is configured to perform unified data management, 5G user data management, user identity handling, access authentication, registration, mobility management, etc.

[0066] 12. An application function (AF) network element is configured to route data affected by an application, access network exposure function network elements, interact with the policy framework to perform policy control, etc.

[0067] 13. network data analytics function (NWDAF) network element: The NWDAF may have at least one of the following functions: data collection, model training, model feedback, analysis estimation, and analysis feedback, etc. The data collection function refers to collecting data from a network element, a third-party server, a terminal device, or a network management system. The model training function refers to performing analysis and training based on relevant input data to obtain a model. The model feedback function refers to sending the trained machine learning model to a network element that supports the estimation function. The analysis estimation function is to determine data analysis based on the trained machine learning model and the estimation data. The analysis feedback function may be utilized to provide data analysis to a network element, a third-party server, a terminal device, or a network management system. The data analysis result may be utilized, for example, to assist the network in selecting a quality of service parameter of a service, to assist the network in performing traffic routing, or to assist the network in selecting a background traffic transmission policy.

[0068] Typical application scenarios of NWDAF are: Terminal parameter customization or optimization, specifically, the NWDAF collects information on user connection management, mobility management, session management, and services accessed, and utilizes reliable analytical and predictive models to evaluate and analyze different types of users to build user profiles, determine user movement trajectories and service usage habits, and optimize user mobility management parameters and radio resource management parameters, etc.; Service (path) optimization, specifically, the NWDAF collects information such as network performance, service load in a specific area, and user service experience, and utilizes reliable network performance analysis and prediction models to evaluate and analyze different types of services to build service profiles, determine internal associations such as quality of experience (QoE), service experience, service path, or 5G quality of service (QoS) parameters, and optimize service paths, service routing, 5G edge computing, and 5G QoS corresponding to the services; Includes optimization of service parameters by AF. For example, Internet of Vehicles is a key technology of 5G network. In the Internet of Vehicles autonomous driving scenario, the network performance (such as QoS information and service load) of the base station the vehicle is going to pass through can be predicted to improve the service quality of the Internet of Vehicles. For example, the Internet of Vehicles server may decide whether to continue to maintain the autonomous driving mode based on the predicted information about the network performance. The NWDAF collects information about the network performance, service load in a specific area, etc., collects statistics, and utilizes reliable network performance analysis and prediction models to predict the network performance. This helps the AF to optimize parameters.

[0069] In the embodiment of this application, the NWDAF may be an independent network element or may be integrated with other network elements. For example, the NWDAF network element may be co-located with the AMF or co-located with the SMF.

[0070] In addition, the network architecture may further include a network slice selection function (NSSF) network element configured to manage information regarding network slices, and a service communication proxy (SCP) configured to support indirect communication, i.e., message forwarding and routing between a service invoking network element and a serving network element, and selection and discovery of a serving network element, etc. It should be understood that the above listed network elements included in the communication system are merely illustrative examples, and the application is not limited thereto.

[0071] In the above network architecture, the N2 interface is an interface between the RAN and the AMF network element, and is configured to transmit radio parameters and non-access stratum (NAS) signaling, etc. The N3 interface is an interface between the RAN and the UPF network element, and is configured to transmit user plane data, etc. The N4 interface is an interface between the SMF network element and the UPF network element, and is configured to transmit information such as service policies, tunnel identification information of the N3 connection, data buffer indication information, and downlink data notification messages, etc. The N6 interface is an interface between the DN network element and the UPF network element, and is configured to transmit user plane data, etc.

[0072] It should be understood that in the above network architecture, information can be exchanged between network elements through service-based interfaces. For example, the NWDAF network element can collect data generated by terminals on the network elements from other network elements (such as AMF and SMF) through service-based interfaces (such as Namf and Nsmf) provided by these network elements, and provide analytics and models, also referred to as machine learning models and data, to other network elements (such as AMF and PCF) through the Nwdaf interface.

[0073] It should be understood that the above network architectures to which the embodiments of this application are applied are merely examples of network architectures described in terms of a conventional point-to-point architecture and a service-based architecture, and the network architectures to which the embodiments of this application are applicable are not limited thereto. The embodiments of this application are applicable to any network architecture that can realize the functions of the above network elements.

[0074] It should be noted that the names of the network elements and interfaces in this application are merely examples. This application does not exclude the case where the network elements have other names and the functions of the network elements are combined. With the development of technology, any device or network element that can realize the functions of the above network elements falls within the scope of protection of this application. In addition, the above network elements may also be referred to as entities, devices, equipment, modules, etc. This is not particularly limited in this application. In addition, in this application, for ease of understanding and description, the description of the network elements is omitted in some descriptions. For example, the NWDAF network element is referred to as NWDAF for short. In this case, "NWDAF" should be understood as the NWDAF network element. The same or similar cases will not be described below.

[0075] For ease of description, the method in this application will be described below using an example in which the first network element is a DCCF network element, the second network element is a UPF network element, and the third network element is an MFAF network element, and there are two NWDAF network elements. It should be understood that the number of NWDAF network elements is not limited in this application, i.e., there may be one or more NWDAF network elements.

[0076] 2 shows a method 200 according to this application. The method 200 includes the following steps.

[0077] S210: The DCCF receives the first message and the second message.

[0078] The first message is utilized to subscribe to the first data, and the second message is utilized to subscribe to the second data.

[0079] For example, the data granularity of the second data is greater than the data granularity of the first data. The data granularity may be at a quality of service flow (QoS flow) level, a network element level, an application level, or a user level.

[0080] For example, the data granularity of the user level is greater than the data granularity of the QoS flow level.

[0081] For example, NWDAF#1 sends a first message to the DCCF, and NWDAF#2 sends a second message to the DCCF.

[0082] For example, NWDAF#1 sends a first message and a second message to the DCCF.

[0083] In one scheme, the DCCF may receive the first message and the second message simultaneously.

[0084] In another scheme, the DCCF may first receive the first message and then the second message.

[0085] In another scheme, the DCCF may first receive the second message and then the first message.

[0086] S220: The DCCF subscribes to first data from the UPF based on the first message.

[0087] S230: The DCCF determines whether the second data can be obtained from the first data.

[0088] S240: The DCCF determines, based on the determination result, whether to subscribe to third data from the UPF, where the third data includes all or part of the second data.

[0089] Below, explanations are provided for the different cases.

[0090] Case 1:

[0091] If the determination result is that the second data can be obtained from the first data, the DCCF does not subscribe to the second data from the UPF.

[0092] Case 2:

[0093] If the determination result is that the second data cannot be obtained from the first data, the DCCF subscribes to the second data from the UPF.

[0094] Case 3: The second data includes a first partial data and a second partial data. The determination result is that the first partial data can be obtained from the first data, but the second partial data cannot be obtained from the first data. In this case, the DCCF subscribes to the second partial data from the UPF, but does not subscribe to the first partial data from the UPF.

[0095] According to the method in this application, the DCCF determines whether to subscribe to second data from the UPF based on the judgment result, to avoid subscribing to repeated data from the UPF, preventing the UPF from repeatedly collecting the same data, and reducing the adverse impact on UPF performance.

[0096] The methods in this application are described in detail below with reference to various specific embodiments.

[0097] EMBODIMENT 1

[0098] S301: NWDAF#1 transmits a first message to the DCCF. In response, the DCCF receives the first message.

[0099] The first message is used to subscribe to the first data, and includes a data granularity of the first data, a data type of the first data, and an identifier #1 (e.g., the identifier #1 is a first association identifier).

[0100] For example, the first message may be a Data Management Subscription (Ndccf_DataManagement_Subscribe) message. The first message includes an event identifier (Event ID). The Event ID identifies an event type of the subscription request. In this application, the Event ID further indicates a data granularity of the first data. For example, the data granularity of the first data is a QoS flow level.

[0101] For example, the first message further includes a data collection scope of the first data. For example, an event filter indicates a data collection scope of the first data.

[0102] For example, the data collection scope of the first data may include an identifier of a network slice. For example, the data collection scope of the first data is network slice #1, i.e., the first message is used to subscribe to the first data regarding network slice #1.

[0103] For example, the data collection scope of the first data may include an application identifier, for example, the data collection scope of the first data is App#1, that is, the first message is used to subscribe to the first data related to App#1.

[0104] For example, the data collection range of the first data may include an area range, for example, the data collection range of the first data is cell #1 or tracking area (TA) #1, that is, the first message is used to subscribe to the first data in cell #1 or TA #1.

[0105] For example, the data collection scope of the first data may include a user identifier. For example, the data collection scope of the first data is user equipment (UE) #1, i.e., the first message is used to subscribe to the first data regarding UE #1. In another example, the data collection scope of the first data is a group of UEs, i.e., the first message is used to subscribe to the first data of the group of UEs.

[0106] For example, the first message further includes a list of event subsets. The list of event subsets indicates the type of data that needs to be collected for each event ID. For example, the data type of the first data is one or more of uplink / downlink traffic, uplink / downlink data packet number, connection number, uplink / downlink retransmission number, throughput rate, delay, and packet loss rate. That is, one event ID may correspond to one or more data types. For example, the event filter includes a list of event subsets.

[0107] For example, the first message further includes a plurality of data types related to the first data, a plurality of reporting conditions, and a logical relationship between the plurality of reporting conditions, wherein the plurality of data types correspond one-to-one to the plurality of reporting conditions.

[0108] For example, the multiple data types related to the first data are throughput rate, delay, and packet loss rate. The reporting criterion corresponding to the throughput rate (denoted as criterion #1) is less than 30 Mbps. The reporting criterion corresponding to the delay (denoted as criterion #2) is more than 100 ms. The reporting criterion corresponding to the packet loss rate is more than 0.01%. The logical relationship between the three criteria is criterion #1 and criterion #2 and criterion #3, i.e., the first data is reported only when all three criteria are met. Alternatively, the logical relationship between the three criteria is criterion #1 or criterion #2 or criterion #3, i.e., the first data is reported when one of the three criteria is met.

[0109] For example, the first message further includes a reporting period of the first data.

[0110] S302: The DCCF determines the SMF and UPF based on the data collection range of the first data.

[0111] For example, the data collection range of the first data is cell #1, and the DCCF may determine the SMF and UPF based on the identifier of cell #1. This step is an optional step. If the DCCF has already obtained the corresponding SMF and UPF, this step may be skipped.

[0112] For the process, please refer to the prior art, and the details will not be described again here.

[0113] S303: The DCCF subscribes to first data from the UPF based on the first message.

[0114] The following describes how the DCCF subscribes to the first data from the UPF.

[0115] Method 1:

[0116] The DCCF subscribes to first data from the UPF through the SMF.

[0117] For example, the DCCF sends an event exposure subscription (Nsmf_EventExposure_Subscribe) message to the SMF. The subscription message includes a data granularity of the first data, a data type of the first data, and an identifier #A (e.g., the identifier #A is the third association identifier). For example, the subscription message further includes a data collection scope of the first data, a plurality of data types related to the first data, a plurality of reporting conditions, and a logical relationship #1 between the plurality of reporting conditions.

[0118] For example, the SMF sends an N4 message #1 to the UPF. The N4 message #1 includes a data granularity of the first data, a data type of the first data, and an identifier #A. For example, the N4 message #1 further includes a data collection range of the first data, a plurality of data types related to the first data, a plurality of reporting conditions, and a logical relationship #1 between the plurality of reporting conditions. For example, the N4 message #1 further includes a reporting period of the first data.

[0119] Method 2:

[0120] The DCCF directly subscribes to the first data from the UPF.

[0121] For example, the DCCF sends a UPF Event Exposure Subscription (Nupf_EventExposure_Subscribe) message (e.g., the UPF Event Exposure Subscription message is the third message) to the UPF. The subscription message includes a data granularity of the first data, a data type of the first data, and an identifier #A. For example, the subscription message further includes a data collection range of the first data, a plurality of data types related to the first data, a plurality of reporting conditions, and a logical relationship #1 between the plurality of reporting conditions. For example, the subscription further includes a reporting period of the first data.

[0122] After the subscription is successful, the DCCF stores the first relationship, which is the correspondence relationship between identifier #1 and identifier #A.

[0123] S304: NWDAF#2 transmits a second message to the DCCF. In response, the DCCF receives the second message.

[0124] The second message is used to subscribe to the second data. The second message includes a data granularity of the second data, a data type of the second data, and an identifier #2 (an example of a second association identifier). For example, the data granularity of the second data is larger than the data granularity of the first data.

[0125] For example, if the data granularity of the first data is a QoS flow level, the data granularity of the second data may be a network element level, an application level, or a user level.

[0126] For example, the data type of the second data is a throughput rate and / or a delay.

[0127] For example, the second message further includes a data collection range of the second data, a plurality of data types related to the second data, a plurality of reporting conditions, and a logical relationship #2 between the plurality of reporting conditions.

[0128] For example, the data collection scope of the second data may include a network slice identifier, and / or an application identifier, and / or an area scope, and / or a user identifier.

[0129] For example, the second message further includes a reporting period of the second data.

[0130] S305: The DCCF determines whether the second data can be obtained from the first data.

[0131] For example, the first message is used to subscribe to QoS flow-level throughput rate data for UE#1. The QoS flows for UE#1 are QoS flow #1, QoS flow #2, and QoS flow #3. The second message is used to subscribe to UE-level throughput rate data for UE#1. In this case, the DCCF determines that the second data can be obtained from the first data.

[0132] In another example, the first message is used to subscribe to a QoS flow bandwidth for UE#1 and the second message is used to subscribe to a UE-level bandwidth for UE#2, in which case the DCCF determines that the second data cannot be derived from the first data.

[0133] In another example, the first message is used to subscribe to QoS flow-level throughput rate data for UE#1. The QoS flows for UE#1 are QoS flow#1, QoS flow#2, and QoS flow#3. The second message is used to subscribe to UE-level throughput rate data for UE#1 and UE#2. In this case, the DCCF determines that, in the second data, the UE-level throughput rate data for UE#1 can be obtained from the first data, and, in the second data, the UE-level throughput rate data for UE#2 cannot be obtained from the first data.

[0134] S306: The DCCF determines whether to subscribe to third data from the UPF based on the determination result, where the third data includes all or part of the second data.

[0135] The method in this application is further described below in relation to the determination result.

[0136] Case 1:

[0137] The determination result is that the second data can be obtained from the first data. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, after S306, the method further includes S307 to S311.

[0138] S307: The DCCF determines a first manner in which the second data is obtained from the first data, and the DCCF skips subscribing to the second data from the UPF.

[0139] For example, the first scheme may be to calculate a maximum, minimum, average, or variance for the first data.

[0140] For example, the first message is used to subscribe to QoS flow-level throughput rate data of UE#1. The QoS flows for UE#1 are QoS flow#1, QoS flow#2, and QoS flow#3. The second message is used to subscribe to UE-level throughput rate data of UE#1. In this case, the second data can be obtained from the first data. In one method, UE flow level throughput rate data for UE #1=sum(QoS flow #1 throughput rate, QoS flow #2 throughput rate, QoS flow #3 throughput rate) It is.

[0141] The DCCF stores the second relationship, which is a correspondence relationship between the identifier #2, the identifier #A, and the first method.

[0142] S308: The UPF sends the first data to the DCCF. In response, the DCCF receives the first data from the UPF.

[0143] The following describes the manner in which the UPF sends the first data to the DCCF.

[0144] Method 1:

[0145] The UPF transmits the first data to the DCCF via the SMF.

[0146] For example, the UPF sends an N4 message #2 to the SMF. The N4 message #2 includes first data and an identifier #A.

[0147] For example, the SMF sends an SMF Event Exposure Notification (Nsmf_EventExposure_Notify) message to the DCCF. The notification message includes the first data and an identifier #A.

[0148] Method 2:

[0149] The UPF sends the first data directly to the DCCF.

[0150] For example, the UPF sends a UPF Event Exposure Notification (Nupf_EventExposure_Notify) notification message (eg, the UPF Event Exposure Notification message is a first notification message) to the DCCF. The notification message includes first data and an identifier #A.

[0151] For example, if the UPF obtains multiple data types, multiple reporting conditions, and a logical relationship #1 between the multiple reporting conditions related to a first data, the UPF transmits the first data when the logical relationship #1 is satisfied.

[0152] S309: The DCCF transmits the first data to the NWDAF#1. In response, the NWDAF#1 receives the first data.

[0153] Specifically, the DCCF may determine that the identifier #A in the notification message corresponds to the identifier #1 based on the first relationship. Further, the DCCF sends the first data to the NWDAF #1 based on the identifier #1.

[0154] S310: The DCCF obtains second data based on the first data.

[0155] Specifically, the DCCF may determine that the identifier #A in the notification message corresponds to the identifier #2 and the first scheme based on the second relationship. Further, the DCCF obtains the second data based on the first scheme and the first data.

[0156] As shown in S307, the first message is used to subscribe to QoS flow-level throughput rate data for UE#1, and the second message is used to subscribe to UE-level throughput rate data for UE#1. DCCF is UE flow level throughput rate data for UE #1=sum(QoS flow #1 throughput rate, QoS flow #2 throughput rate, QoS flow #3 throughput rate) In this case, in S310, the DCCF determines the UE level throughput rate data for UE#1 according to the formula.

[0157] S311: The DCCF transmits second data to the NWDAF#2. In response, the NWDAF#2 receives the second data.

[0158] Specifically, the DCCF may transmit second data to the NWDAF#2 based on the identifier#2.

[0159] It should be understood that S309 and S311 may be executed simultaneously, or S309 may be executed after S311, but this is not limited thereto.

[0160] Case 2:

[0161] The determination result is that the second data cannot be obtained from the first data. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, after S306, the method further includes the following steps:

[0162] S312: The DCCF subscribes to second data from the UPF based on the second message.

[0163] For example, the first message is used to subscribe to QoS flow-level bandwidth for UE#1, and the second message is used to subscribe to UE-level bandwidth for UE#2, where the second data cannot be derived from the first data.

[0164] The following describes how the DCCF subscribes to the second data from the UPF.

[0165] Method 1:

[0166] The DCCF subscribes to the second data from the UPF through the SMF.

[0167] For example, the DCCF sends an SMF Event Exposure Subscription (Nsmf_EventExposure_Subscribe) message to the SMF. The subscription message includes a data granularity of the second data, a data type of the second data, and an identifier #B (e.g., the identifier #B is a fourth association identifier). For example, the subscription message further includes a data collection range of the second data, a plurality of data types related to the second data, a plurality of reporting conditions, and a logical relationship #2 between the plurality of reporting conditions. For example, the subscription message further includes a reporting period of the second data.

[0168] For example, the SMF sends an N4 message #1 to the UPF. The N4 message #1 includes a data granularity of the second data, a data type of the second data, and an identifier #B. For example, the N4 message #1 further includes a data collection range of the second data, a plurality of data types related to the second data, a plurality of reporting conditions, and a logical relationship #2 between the plurality of reporting conditions. For example, the N4 message #1 further includes a reporting period of the second data.

[0169] Method 2:

[0170] The DCCF directly subscribes to the second data from the UPF.

[0171] For example, the DCCF sends a UPF Event Exposure Subscription (Nupf_EventExposure_Subscribe) message to the UPF. The subscription message includes a data granularity of the second data, a data type of the second data, and an identifier #B. For example, the subscription message further includes a data collection range of the second data, a plurality of data types related to the second data, a plurality of reporting conditions, and a logical relationship #2 between the plurality of reporting conditions. For example, the subscription message further includes a reporting period of the second data.

[0172] After the subscription is successful, the DCCF stores the third relationship, which is the correspondence relationship between identifier #2 and identifier #B.

[0173] S313: The UPF sends the first data and the second data to the DCCF. In response, the DCCF receives the first data and the second data from the UPF.

[0174] It should be understood that the UPF may transmit the first data and the second data simultaneously, or may transmit the first data and the second data separately, without being limited thereto.

[0175] The following describes the manner in which the UPF transmits the first data and the second data to the DCCF.

[0176] Method 1:

[0177] The UPF transmits the first data and the second data to the DCCF via the SMF.

[0178] For example, the UPF sends an N4 message #2 to the SMF. The N4 message #2 includes a first data and identifier #A and a second data and identifier #B.

[0179] For example, the SMF sends an SMF Event Exposure Notification (Nsmf_EventExposure_Notify) message to the DCCF. The notification message includes the first data and identifier #A and the second data and identifier #B.

[0180] Method 2:

[0181] The UPF transmits the first data and the second data directly to the DCCF.

[0182] For example, the UPF sends a UPF Event Exposure Notification (Nupf_EventExposure_Notify) message to the DCCF. The notification message includes the first data and identifier #A and the second data and identifier #B.

[0183] For example, if the UPF obtains multiple data types, multiple reporting conditions, and a logical relationship #1 between the multiple reporting conditions related to a first data, the UPF transmits the first data when the logical relationship #1 is satisfied.

[0184] For example, if the UPF obtains multiple data types related to the second data, multiple reporting conditions, and a logical relationship #2 between the multiple reporting conditions, the UPF transmits the second data when the logical relationship #2 is satisfied.

[0185] S314: The DCCF transmits the first data to NWDAF#1 and transmits the second data to NWDAF#2.

[0186] Specifically, the DCCF may determine, based on the first relationship, that identifier #A in the notification message corresponds to identifier #1, and send the first data to the NWDAF #1 based on identifier #1. The DCCF may determine, based on the third relationship, that identifier #B in the notification message corresponds to identifier #2, and send the second data to the NWDAF #2 based on identifier #2.

[0187] Case 3:

[0188] The second data includes a first partial data and a second partial data. The determination result is that the first partial data can be obtained from the first data, but the second partial data cannot be obtained from the first data. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, after S306, the method further includes the following steps:

[0189] S315: The DCCF determines a second manner in which the first portion of the data is obtained from the first data.

[0190] For example, the second scheme may be to calculate a maximum, minimum, average, or variance for the first data.

[0191] For example, the first message is used to subscribe to QoS flow-level throughput rate data of UE#1. The QoS flows for UE#1 are QoS flow#1, QoS flow#2, and QoS flow#3. The second message is used to subscribe to UE-level throughput rate data of UE#1 and UE#2. In this case, the UE-level throughput rate data of UE#1 in the second data can be obtained from the first data. In one manner, the UE-level throughput rate data of UE#1 can be calculated according to the following formula: UE flow level throughput rate data for UE #1=sum(QoS flow #1 throughput rate, QoS flow #2 throughput rate, QoS flow #3 throughput rate)

[0192] S316: The DCCF subscribes to the second partial data from the UPF, and skips subscribing to the first partial data from the UPF.

[0193] The following describes how the DCCF subscribes to the second partial data from the UPF.

[0194] Method 1:

[0195] The DCCF subscribes to the second partial data from the UPF through the SMF.

[0196] For example, the DCCF sends an SMF event exposure subscription (Nsmf_EventExposure_Subscribe) message to the SMF. The subscription message includes a data granularity of the second partial data, a data type of the second partial data, and an identifier #B. For example, the subscription message further includes a data collection range of the second partial data, a plurality of data types related to the second partial data, a plurality of reporting conditions, and a logical relationship #3 between the plurality of reporting conditions. For example, the subscription message further includes a reporting period of the second partial data.

[0197] For example, the SMF sends an N4 message #1 to the UPF. The N4 message #1 includes a data granularity of the second partial data, a data type of the second partial data, and an identifier #B. For example, the N4 message #1 further includes a data collection range of the second partial data, a plurality of data types related to the second partial data, a plurality of reporting conditions, and a logical relationship #3 between the plurality of reporting conditions. For example, the N4 message #1 further includes a reporting period of the second partial data.

[0198] Method 2:

[0199] The DCCF directly subscribes to the second partial data from the UPF.

[0200] For example, the DCCF sends a UPF Event Exposure Subscription (Nupf_EventExposure_Subscribe) message to the UPF. The subscription message includes a data granularity of the second partial data, a data type of the second partial data, and an identifier #B. For example, the subscription message further includes a data collection range of the second partial data, a plurality of data types associated with the second partial data, a plurality of reporting conditions, and a logical relationship #3 between the plurality of reporting conditions. For example, the subscription message further includes a reporting period of the second partial data.

[0201] After the subscription is successful, the DCCF stores the third relationship and the fourth relationship, where the third relationship is a correspondence relationship between the identifier #2 and the identifier #B, and the fourth relationship is a correspondence relationship between the identifier #2, the identifier #A, and the second method.

[0202] S317: The UPF sends the first data and the second partial data to the DCCF. In response, the DCCF receives the first data and the second partial data from the UPF.

[0203] It should be understood that the UPF may transmit the first data and the second partial data simultaneously, or may transmit the first data and the second partial data separately, but is not limited thereto.

[0204] The following describes a method in which the UPF transmits the first data and the second partial data to the DCCF.

[0205] Method 1:

[0206] The UPF transmits the first data and the second partial data to the DCCF via the SMF.

[0207] For example, the UPF sends an N4 message #2 to the SMF. The N4 message #2 includes a first data portion and an identifier #A, and a second data portion and an identifier #B.

[0208] For example, the SMF sends an SMF Event Exposure Notification (Nsmf_EventExposure_Notify) message to the DCCF. The notification message includes a first data portion and identifier #A and a second data portion and identifier #B.

[0209] Method 2:

[0210] The UPF transmits the first data and the second partial data directly to the DCCF.

[0211] For example, the UPF sends a UPF Event Exposure Notification (Nupf_EventExposure_Notify) message to the DCCF. The notification message includes a first data portion and an identifier #A, and a second data portion and an identifier #B.

[0212] For example, if the UPF obtains multiple data types, multiple reporting conditions, and a logical relationship #1 between the multiple reporting conditions related to a first data, the UPF transmits the first data when the logical relationship #1 is satisfied.

[0213] For example, if the UPF obtains multiple data types, multiple reporting conditions, and logical relationship #3 between the multiple reporting conditions related to the second partial data, the UPF transmits the second partial data when logical relationship #3 is satisfied.

[0214] S318: The DCCF transmits the first data to the NWDAF#1. In response, the NWDAF#1 receives the first data.

[0215] Specifically, the DCCF may determine that the identifier #A in the notification message corresponds to the identifier #1 based on the first relationship. Further, the DCCF sends the first data to the NWDAF #1 based on the identifier #1.

[0216] S319: The DCCF obtains the first partial data based on the first data.

[0217] Specifically, the DCCF may determine that the identifier #A in the notification message corresponds to the identifier #2 and the second format based on the fourth relationship. Further, the DCCF obtains the first partial data based on the second format and the first data.

[0218] S320: The DCCF transmits the first partial data and the second partial data to the NWDAF#2. In response, the NWDAF#2 receives the first partial data and the second partial data.

[0219] The second data should be understood to include the first partial data and the second partial data.

[0220] Specifically, the DCCF may determine that the identifier #B in the notification message corresponds to the identifier #2 based on the third relationship. Further, the DCCF transmits the first partial data and the second partial data to the NWDAF #2 based on the identifier #2.

[0221] In the solution of embodiment 1, the UPF sends the collected data to the DCCF, and the DCCF performs further processing. For other solutions, please refer to the following embodiment 2 for details. The UPF may send the collected data to the MFAF, and the MFAF performs further processing.

[0222] EMBODIMENT 2

[0223] S401: NWDAF#1 transmits a first message to the DCCF. In response, the DCCF receives the first message.

[0224] The first message is used to subscribe to the first data. The first message includes a data granularity of the first data, a data type of the first data, and an identifier #1. For example, the first message further includes a data collection scope of the first data, a plurality of data types related to the first data, a plurality of reporting conditions, and a logical relationship #1 between the plurality of reporting conditions.

[0225] The process is the same as S301, and the details will not be described again here.

[0226] S402: The DCCF determines the SMF and UPF based on the data collection range of the first data.

[0227] This step is optional: if the DCCF has already acquired the corresponding SMF and UPF, this step is skipped.

[0228] S403: The DCCF subscribes to first data from the UPF based on the first message.

[0229] The process is the same as S303. The difference is that when the DCCF subscribes to the first data from the UPF, the DCCF further sends the identifier of the MFAF to the UPF. For example, the identifier of the MFAF may be the address of the MFAF.

[0230] After the subscription is successful, the DCCF stores the first relationship, which is the correspondence relationship between identifier #1 and identifier #A.

[0231] S404: The DCCF transmits the first relationship to the MFAF. In response, the MFAF receives the first relationship.

[0232] For example, the DCCF may send the first relationship to the MFAF via a Data Management Configure (Nmfaf_3daDataManagement_Configure) service operation.

[0233] It should be understood that the DCCF sends the first relationship to the MFAF, so that the MFAF subsequently receives collected data from the UPF, and then determines the NWDAF to which the collected data from the UPF should be sent based on the first relationship. For details, please refer to the following description.

[0234] S405: NWDAF#2 transmits a second message to the DCCF. In response, the DCCF receives the second message.

[0235] The second message is used to subscribe to the second data. The second message includes a data granularity of the second data, a data type of the second data, and an identifier #2. For example, the second message further includes a data collection range of the second data. For example, the data granularity of the second data is larger than the data granularity of the first data. For example, the second message further includes a plurality of data types related to the second data, a plurality of reporting conditions, and a logical relationship #2 between the plurality of reporting conditions.

[0236] The process is the same as S304, and the details will not be described again here.

[0237] S406: The DCCF determines whether the second data can be obtained from the first data.

[0238] S407: The DCCF determines whether to subscribe to third data from the UPF based on the determination result, where the third data includes all or part of the second data.

[0239] The method in this application is further described below in relation to the determination result.

[0240] Case 1:

[0241] The determination result is that the second data can be obtained from the first data. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, after S407, the method further includes the following steps:

[0242] S408: The DCCF determines a first manner in which the second data is obtained from the first data, and the DCCF skips subscribing to the second data from the UPF.

[0243] S409: The DCCF transmits the second relationship to the MFAF. In response, the MFAF receives the second relationship.

[0244] The second relationship is a correspondence relationship between the identifier #2, the identifier #A, and the first method.

[0245] It should be understood that the DCCF sends the second relationship to the MFAF, so that the MFAF subsequently receives the collected data from the UPF, and then obtains and sends the second data based on the second relationship. For details, please refer to the following description.

[0246] S410: The UPF sends first data to the MFAF. In response, the MFAF receives the first data from the UPF.

[0247] The following describes a manner in which the UPF transmits the first data to the MFAF.

[0248] Method 1:

[0249] The UPF transmits the first data to the MFAF via the SMF.

[0250] For example, the UPF sends an N4 message #2 to the SMF. The N4 message #2 includes first data and an identifier #A.

[0251] For example, the SMF sends a notification message to the MFAF. The notification message includes the first data and the identifier #A.

[0252] Method 2:

[0253] The UPF transmits the first data directly to the MFAF.

[0254] For example, the UPF sends a notification message directly to the MFAF. The notification message includes the first data and the identifier #A.

[0255] For example, if the UPF obtains multiple data types, multiple reporting conditions, and a logical relationship #1 between the multiple reporting conditions related to a first data, the UPF transmits the first data when the logical relationship #1 is satisfied.

[0256] S411: The MFAF transmits first data to the NWDAF#1. In response, the NWDAF#1 receives the first data.

[0257] Specifically, the MFAF may determine that the identifier #A in the notification message corresponds to the identifier #1 based on the first relationship. Further, the MFAF sends the first data to the NWDAF #1 based on the identifier #1.

[0258] S412: The MFAF acquires second data based on the first data.

[0259] Specifically, the MFAF may determine that the identifier #A in the notification message corresponds to the identifier #2 and the first method based on the second relationship. Further, the MFAF obtains the second data based on the first method and the first data.

[0260] S413: The MFAF transmits the second data to the NWDAF#2. In response, the NWDAF#2 receives the second data.

[0261] Specifically, the MFAF may transmit second data to the NWDAF#2 based on the identifier#2.

[0262] It should be understood that S411 and S413 may be executed simultaneously, or S411 may be executed after S413, but this is not limited thereto.

[0263] Case 2:

[0264] The determination result is that the second data cannot be obtained from the first data. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, after S407, the method further includes the following steps:

[0265] S414: The DCCF subscribes to second data from the UPF based on the second message.

[0266] The process is the same as S312. The difference is that the DCCF further sends the identifier of the MFAF to the UPF when the DCCF subscribes to the second data from the UPF.

[0267] After the subscription is successful, the DCCF stores the third relationship, which is the correspondence relationship between identifier #2 and identifier #B.

[0268] S415: The DCCF transmits the third relationship to the MFAF. In response, the MFAF receives the third relationship.

[0269] For example, the DCCF may send a MFAF Data Management Configure (Nmfaf_3daDataManagement_Configure) message to the MFAF. The configure message includes the third relationship.

[0270] It should be understood that the DCCF sends the third relationship to the MFAF, so that the MFAF subsequently receives the collected data from the UPF, and then determines the NWDAF to which the collected data from the UPF should be sent based on the third relationship. For details, please refer to the following description.

[0271] S416: The UPF sends the first data and the second data to the MFAF. In response, the MFAF receives the first data and the second data from the UPF.

[0272] It should be understood that the UPF may transmit the first data and the second data simultaneously, or may transmit the first data and the second data separately, without being limited thereto.

[0273] The following describes a manner in which the UPF transmits the first data and the second data to the MFAF.

[0274] Method 1:

[0275] The UPF transmits the first data and the second data to the MFAF via the SMF.

[0276] For example, the UPF sends an N4 message #2 to the SMF. The N4 message #2 includes a first data and identifier #A and a second data and identifier #B.

[0277] For example, the SMF sends a notification message to the MFAF. The notification message includes the first data and identifier #A and the second data and identifier #B.

[0278] Method 2:

[0279] The UPF transmits the first data and the second data directly to the MFAF.

[0280] For example, the UPF sends a notification message directly to the MFAF, where the notification message includes the first data and identifier #A and the second data and identifier #B.

[0281] For example, if the UPF obtains multiple data types, multiple reporting conditions, and a logical relationship #1 between the multiple reporting conditions related to a first data, the UPF transmits the first data when the logical relationship #1 is satisfied.

[0282] For example, if the UPF obtains multiple data types related to the second data, multiple reporting conditions, and a logical relationship #2 between the multiple reporting conditions, the UPF transmits the second data when the logical relationship #2 is satisfied.

[0283] S417: The MFAF transmits the first data to the NWDAF#1 and transmits the second data to the NWDAF#2.

[0284] Specifically, the MFAF may determine, based on the first relationship, that identifier #A in the notification message corresponds to identifier #1, and send the first data to the NWDAF #1 based on identifier #1. The MFAF may determine, based on the third relationship, that identifier #B in the notification message corresponds to identifier #2, and send the second data to the NWDAF #2 based on identifier #2.

[0285] Case 3

[0286] The second data includes a first partial data and a second partial data. The determination result is that the first partial data can be obtained from the first data, but the second partial data cannot be obtained from the first data. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, after S407, the method further includes the following steps:

[0287] S418: The DCCF determines a second manner in which the first portion of the data is obtained from the first data.

[0288] S419: The DCCF subscribes to the second partial data from the UPF, and skips subscribing to the first partial data from the UPF.

[0289] The process is the same as S316. The difference is that the DCCF further sends an identifier of the MFAF to the UPF when the DCCF subscribes to the second partial data from the UPF.

[0290] After the subscription is successful, the DCCF stores the third relationship and the fourth relationship, where the third relationship is a correspondence relationship between the identifier #2 and the identifier #B, and the fourth relationship is a correspondence relationship between the identifier #2, the identifier #A, and the second method.

[0291] S420: The DCCF transmits the third relationship and the fourth relationship to the MFAF. In response, the MFAF receives the third relationship and the fourth relationship.

[0292] It should be understood that the DCCF sends the third relationship and the fourth relationship to the MFAF, so that the MFAF subsequently receives the collected data from the UPF, and then determines the NWDAF to which the collected data should be sent from the UPF based on the third relationship, and obtains and sends the first partial data based on the fourth relationship. For details, please refer to the following description.

[0293] S421: The UPF transmits the first data and the second partial data to the MFAF. In response, the MFAF receives the first data and the second partial data from the UPF.

[0294] It should be understood that the UPF may transmit the first data and the second partial data simultaneously, or may transmit the first data and the second partial data separately, but is not limited thereto.

[0295] The following describes a manner in which the UPF transmits the first data and the second partial data to the MFAF.

[0296] Method 1:

[0297] The UPF transmits the first data and the second partial data to the MFAF via the SMF.

[0298] For example, the UPF sends an N4 message #2 to the SMF. The N4 message #2 includes a first data portion and an identifier #A, and a second data portion and an identifier #B.

[0299] For example, the SMF sends a notification message to the MFAF. The notification message includes a first data portion and an identifier #A, and a second data portion and an identifier #B.

[0300] Method 2:

[0301] The UPF transmits the first data and the second partial data directly to the MFAF.

[0302] For example, the UPF directly sends a notification message to the MFAF, where the notification message includes the first data and identifier #A and the second partial data and identifier #B.

[0303] For example, if the UPF obtains multiple data types, multiple reporting conditions, and a logical relationship #1 between the multiple reporting conditions related to a first data, the UPF transmits the first data when the logical relationship #1 is satisfied.

[0304] For example, if the UPF obtains multiple data types, multiple reporting conditions, and logical relationship #3 between the multiple reporting conditions related to the second partial data, the UPF transmits the second partial data when logical relationship #3 is satisfied.

[0305] S422: The MFAF transmits the first data to the NWDAF#1. In response, the NWDAF#1 receives the first data.

[0306] Specifically, the MFAF may determine that the identifier #A in the notification message corresponds to the identifier #1 based on the first relationship. Further, the MFAF sends the first data to the NWDAF #1 based on the identifier #1.

[0307] S423: MFAF acquires first partial data based on the first data.

[0308] Specifically, the MFAF may determine that the identifier #A in the notification message corresponds to the identifier #2 and the second format based on the fourth relationship. Further, the MFAF obtains the first partial data based on the second format and the first data.

[0309] S424: The MFAF transmits the first partial data and the second partial data to the NWDAF#2. In response, the NWDAF#2 receives the first partial data and the second partial data.

[0310] The second data should be understood to include the first partial data and the second partial data.

[0311] Specifically, the MFAF may determine that the identifier #B in the notification message corresponds to the identifier #2 based on the third relationship. Further, the MFAF transmits the first partial data and the second partial data to the NWDAF #2 based on the identifier #2.

[0312] In embodiment 1 and embodiment 2, the DCCF first subscribes to the first data from the UPF, and then determines whether the second data can be obtained based on the first data, and then performs further processing based on the determination result. For other manners, please refer to the following embodiment 3 and embodiment 4 for details. The DCCF may first subscribe to the second data from the UPF, and then determine whether the second data can be obtained based on the first data, and then perform further processing based on the determination result.

[0313] EMBODIMENT 3

[0314] S501: NWDAF#2 transmits a second message to the DCCF. In response, the DCCF receives the second message.

[0315] The second message is used to subscribe to the second data. The second message includes a data granularity of the second data, a data type of the second data, and an identifier #2. For example, the second message further includes a data collection scope of the second data, a plurality of data types related to the second data, a plurality of reporting conditions, and a logical relationship #2 between the plurality of reporting conditions.

[0316] S502: The DCCF determines the SMF and UPF based on the data collection range of the second data.

[0317] This step is optional: if the DCCF has already acquired the corresponding SMF and UPF, this step is skipped.

[0318] S503: The DCCF subscribes to second data from the UPF based on the second message.

[0319] The manner in which the DCCF subscribes to the second data from the UPF is the same as that of S312, and the details will not be described again here.

[0320] S504: NWDAF#1 transmits a first message to the DCCF. In response, the DCCF receives the first message.

[0321] The first message is used to subscribe to the first data. The first message includes a data granularity of the first data, a data type of the first data, and an identifier #1. For example, the first message further includes a data collection scope of the first data, a plurality of data types related to the first data, a plurality of reporting conditions, and a logical relationship #1 between the plurality of reporting conditions.

[0322] For example, the data granularity of the first data is smaller than the data granularity of the second data.

[0323] S505: The DCCF determines whether the second data can be obtained from the first data.

[0324] S506: The DCCF determines whether to subscribe to third data from the UPF based on the determination result, where the third data includes all or part of the second data.

[0325] The method in this application is further described below in relation to the determination result.

[0326] Case A:

[0327] The determination result is that the second data can be obtained from the first data. In this case, as shown in FIG. 9, after S506, the method further includes the following steps:

[0328] S507: The DCCF determines a first manner in which the second data is obtained from the first data.

[0329] S508: The DCCF subscribes to the first data from the UPF and unsubscribes to the second data from the UPF.

[0330] The manner in which the DCCF subscribes to the first data from the UPF is the same as that of S303, and the details will not be described again here.

[0331] In one scheme, the DCCF may subscribe to first data from the UPF while unsubscribing to second data from the UPF.

[0332] For example, the DCCF directly sends a subscription message to the UPF. The subscription message includes a data granularity of the first data, a data type of the first data, an identifier #A, and information #A. For example, the subscription message further includes a data collection scope of the first data, a plurality of data types related to the first data, a plurality of reporting conditions, and a logical relationship #1 between the plurality of reporting conditions. The information #A is utilized to unsubscribe the second data from the UPF.

[0333] In other implementations, the DCCF may first unsubscribe to the second data from the UPF and then subscribe to the first data from the UPF.

[0334] In another scheme, the DCCF may first subscribe to first data from the UPF and then unsubscribe to second data from the UPF.

[0335] S509: The UPF sends the first data to the DCCF. In response, the DCCF receives the first data from the UPF.

[0336] The process is the same as S308, and the details will not be described again here.

[0337] S510: The DCCF transmits the first data to the NWDAF#1. In response, the NWDAF#1 receives the first data.

[0338] The process is the same as S309, and the details will not be described again here.

[0339] S511: The DCCF obtains second data based on the first data.

[0340] The process is the same as S310, and the details will not be described again here.

[0341] S512: The DCCF transmits the second data to the NWDAF#2. In response, the NWDAF#2 receives the second data.

[0342] The process is the same as S311, and the details will not be described again here.

[0343] Case B:

[0344] The determination result is that the second data cannot be obtained from the first data. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, after S506, the method further includes the following steps:

[0345] S513: The DCCF subscribes to the first data from the UPF based on the first message.

[0346] The process is the same as S303, and the details will not be described again here.

[0347] S514: The UPF sends the first data and the second data to the DCCF. In response, the DCCF receives the first data and the second data from the UPF.

[0348] The process is the same as S313, and the details will not be described again here.

[0349] S515: The DCCF transmits the first data to NWDAF#1 and transmits the second data to NWDAF#2.

[0350] The process is the same as S314, and the details will not be described again here.

[0351] Case C:

[0352] The second data includes a first partial data and a second partial data. The determination result is that the first partial data can be obtained from the first data, but the second partial data cannot be obtained from the first data. In this case, as shown in FIG. 11, after S506, the method further includes the following steps:

[0353] S516: The DCCF determines a second manner in which the first partial data is obtained from the first data.

[0354] The process is the same as S315, and the details will not be described again here.

[0355] S517: The DCCF subscribes to the first data from the UPF and unsubscribes to the first partial data from the UPF.

[0356] The manner in which the DCCF subscribes to the first data from the UPF is the same as that of S303, and the details will not be described again here.

[0357] In one scheme, the DCCF may unsubscribe to the first portion of data from the UPF while subscribing to the first data from the UPF.

[0358] For example, the DCCF directly sends a subscription message to the UPF. The subscription message includes a data granularity of the first data, a data type of the first data, an identifier #A, and information #B. For example, the subscription message further includes a data collection scope of the first data, a plurality of data types related to the first data, a plurality of reporting conditions, and a logical relationship #1 between the plurality of reporting conditions. The information #B is used to unsubscribe the first partial data from the UPF.

[0359] In another manner, the DCCF may first unsubscribe to the first portion of data from the UPF, and then subscribe to the first portion of data from the UPF.

[0360] In another scheme, the DCCF may first subscribe to the first data from the UPF and then unsubscribe to the first partial data from the UPF.

[0361] The DCCF stores a first relationship and a fourth relationship. The first relationship is a correspondence relationship between identifier #1 and identifier #A, and the fourth relationship is a correspondence relationship between identifier #2, identifier #A, and the second method.

[0362] S518: The UPF sends the first data and the second partial data to the DCCF. In response, the DCCF receives the first data and the second partial data from the UPF.

[0363] The process is the same as S317, and the details will not be described again here.

[0364] S519: The DCCF transmits the first data to the NWDAF#1. In response, the NWDAF#1 receives the first data.

[0365] The process is the same as S318, and the details will not be described again here.

[0366] S520: The DCCF obtains the first partial data based on the first data.

[0367] The process is the same as S319, and the details will not be described again here.

[0368] S521: The DCCF transmits the first partial data and the second partial data to the NWDAF#2. In response, the NWDAF#2 receives the first partial data and the second partial data.

[0369] The second data should be understood to include the first partial data and the second partial data.

[0370] The process is the same as S320, and the details will not be described again here.

[0371] EMBODIMENT 4

[0372] S601: NWDAF#2 transmits a second message to the DCCF. In response, the DCCF receives the second message.

[0373] The second message is used to subscribe to the second data. The second message includes a data granularity of the second data, a data type of the second data, and an identifier #2. For example, the second message further includes a data collection scope of the second data, a plurality of data types related to the second data, a plurality of reporting conditions, and a logical relationship #2 between the plurality of reporting conditions.

[0374] The process is the same as S501, and the details will not be described again here.

[0375] S602: The DCCF determines the SMF and UPF based on the data collection range of the second data.

[0376] This step is an optional step, and if the DCCF has already acquired the corresponding SMF and UPF, this step may be skipped.

[0377] S603: The DCCF subscribes to second data from the UPF based on the second message.

[0378] When the DCCF subscribes to the second data from the UPF, the DCCF further sends the identifier of the MFAF to the UPF. For a specific process, see S414. The details are not described again here.

[0379] After the subscription is successful, the DCCF stores the third relationship, which is the correspondence relationship between Identifier #2 and Identifier #B.

[0380] S604: The DCCF transmits the third relationship to the MFAF. In response, the MFAF receives the third relationship.

[0381] For example, the DCCF may send the third relationship to the MFAF via the Nmfaf_3daDataManagement_Configure service operation.

[0382] S605: NWDAF#1 transmits a first message to the DCCF. In response, the DCCF receives the first message.

[0383] The first message is used to subscribe to the first data. The first message includes a data granularity of the first data, a data type of the first data, and an identifier #1. For example, the first message further includes a data collection scope of the first data, a plurality of data types related to the first data, a plurality of reporting conditions, and a logical relationship #1 between the plurality of reporting conditions.

[0384] For example, the data granularity of the first data is smaller than the data granularity of the second data.

[0385] S606: The DCCF determines whether the second data can be obtained from the first data.

[0386] S607: The DCCF determines whether to subscribe to third data from the UPF based on the determination result, where the third data includes all or part of the second data.

[0387] The method in this application is further described below in relation to the determination result.

[0388] Case A:

[0389] The determination result is that the second data can be obtained from the first data. In this case, as shown in FIG. 12, after S607, the method further includes the following steps:

[0390] S608: The DCCF determines a first manner in which the second data is obtained from the first data.

[0391] S609: The DCCF subscribes to the first data from the UPF and unsubscribes to the second data from the UPF.

[0392] When the DCCF subscribes to the first data from the UPF, the DCCF further sends the identifier of the MFAF to the UPF. For a specific process, see S403.

[0393] In one scheme, the DCCF may subscribe to first data from the UPF while unsubscribing to second data from the UPF.

[0394] In another manner, the DCCF may first unsubscribe to the second data from the UPF and then subscribe to the first data from the UPF.

[0395] In another scheme, the DCCF may first subscribe to first data from the UPF and then unsubscribe to second data from the UPF.

[0396] After the subscription is successful, the DCCF stores the first relationship and the second relationship. The first relationship is a correspondence relationship between the identifier #1 and the identifier #A. The second relationship is a correspondence relationship between the identifier #2, the identifier #A, and the first method.

[0397] S610: The DCCF transmits the first relationship and the second relationship to the MFAF.

[0398] S611: The UPF sends first data to the MFAF. In response, the MFAF receives the first data from the UPF.

[0399] The process is the same as S410, and the details will not be described again here.

[0400] S612: The MFAF transmits the first data to the NWDAF#1. In response, the NWDAF#1 receives the first data.

[0401] The process is the same as S411, and the details will not be described again here.

[0402] S613: MFAF acquires second data based on the first data.

[0403] The process is the same as S412, and the details will not be described again here.

[0404] S614: The MFAF transmits the second data to the NWDAF#2. In response, the NWDAF#2 receives the second data.

[0405] The process is the same as S413, and the details will not be described again here.

[0406] It should be understood that S612 and S614 may be executed simultaneously, or S612 may be executed after S614, without any limitation thereto.

[0407] Case B:

[0408] The determination result is that the second data cannot be obtained from the first data. In this case, as shown in FIG. 13, after S607, the method further includes the following steps:

[0409] S615: The DCCF subscribes to the first data from the UPF based on the first message.

[0410] When the DCCF subscribes to the first data from the UPF, the DCCF further sends the identifier of the MFAF to the UPF. For a specific process, see S403.

[0411] After the subscription is successful, the DCCF stores the first relationship, which is the correspondence relationship between identifier #1 and identifier #A.

[0412] S616: The DCCF transmits the first relationship to the MFAF. In response, the MFAF receives the first relationship.

[0413] S617: The UPF sends the first data and the second data to the MFAF. In response, the MFAF receives the first data and the second data from the UPF.

[0414] The process is the same as S416, and the details will not be described again here.

[0415] S618: The MFAF transmits the first data to NWDAF#1 and transmits the second data to NWDAF#2.

[0416] The process is the same as S417, and the details will not be described again here.

[0417] Case C:

[0418] The second data includes a first partial data and a second partial data. The determination result is that the first partial data can be obtained from the first data, but the second partial data cannot be obtained from the first data. In this case, as shown in FIG. 14, after S607, the method further includes the following steps:

[0419] S619: The DCCF determines a second manner in which the first partial data is obtained from the first data.

[0420] S620: The DCCF subscribes to the first data from the UPF and unsubscribes to the first partial data from the UPF.

[0421] When the DCCF subscribes to the first data from the UPF, the DCCF also sends the identifier of the MFAF to the UPF. For a specific process, see S403. The details are not described again here.

[0422] In one scheme, the DCCF may unsubscribe to the first portion of data from the UPF while subscribing to the first data from the UPF.

[0423] In another manner, the DCCF may first unsubscribe to the first portion of data from the UPF, and then subscribe to the first portion of data from the UPF.

[0424] In another scheme, the DCCF may first subscribe to the first data from the UPF and then unsubscribe to the first partial data from the UPF.

[0425] After the subscription is successful, the DCCF stores the first relationship and the fourth relationship. The first relationship is a correspondence relationship between the identifier #1 and the identifier #A. The fourth relationship is a correspondence relationship between the identifier #2, the identifier #A, and the second method.

[0426] S621: The DCCF transmits the first relationship and the fourth relationship to the MFAF. In response, the MFAF receives the first relationship and the fourth relationship.

[0427] S622: The UPF sends the first data and the second partial data to the MFAF. In response, the MFAF receives the first data and the second partial data from the UPF.

[0428] The process is the same as S421, and the details will not be described again here.

[0429] S623: The MFAF transmits the first data to the NWDAF#1. In response, the NWDAF#1 receives the first data.

[0430] The process is the same as S422, and the details will not be described again here.

[0431] S624: MFAF acquires first partial data based on the first data.

[0432] The process is the same as S423, and the details will not be described again here.

[0433] S625: The MFAF transmits the first partial data and the second partial data to the NWDAF#2. In response, the NWDAF#2 receives the first partial data and the second partial data.

[0434] The second data should be understood to include the first partial data and the second partial data.

[0435] The process is the same as S424, and the details will not be described again here.

[0436] According to the above method, Figure 15 shows a communication device according to an embodiment of this application. The communication device includes a transceiver unit 1501 and a processing unit 1502.

[0437] The transceiver unit 1501 may be configured to realize corresponding information receiving and transmitting functions. The transceiver unit 1501 may also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication unit. The processing unit 1502 may be configured to execute processing operations.

[0438] For example, the device further includes a storage unit. The storage unit may be configured to store instructions and / or data. The processing unit 1502 may read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit to enable the device to perform the device actions in the above method embodiments.

[0439] In the first implementation, the device may be the DCCF network element in the above embodiment, or may be a component (e.g., a chip) of the DCCF network element. The transceiver unit and the processing unit may be configured to perform the relevant operations of the DCCF network element in the above method embodiment.

[0440] In the second implementation, the device may be the MFAF network element in the above embodiment, or may be a component (e.g., a chip) of the MFAF network element. The transceiver unit and the processing unit may be configured to perform the relevant operations of the MFAF network element in the above method embodiment.

[0441] In the third implementation, the device may be the UPF network element in the above embodiment, or may be a component (e.g., a chip) of the UPF network element. The transceiver unit and the processing unit may be configured to perform the relevant operations of the UPF network element in the above method embodiment.

[0442] In a fourth implementation, the device may be the NWDAF network element in the above embodiment, or may be a component (e.g., a chip) of the NWDAF network element. The transceiver unit and the processing unit may be configured to perform related operations of the NWDAF network element in the above method embodiment.

[0443] It should be understood that the specific processes by which the units perform the above corresponding steps have been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and for the sake of brevity, the details will not be described here.

[0444] It should also be understood herein that the apparatus is provided in the form of a functional unit. Here, the term "unit" may refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (e.g., a shared processor, a dedicated processor, or a group processor) configured to execute one or more software or firmware programs, a memory, a merged logic circuit, and / or other suitable components supporting the described functions. In an optional example, a person skilled in the art may understand that the apparatus may specifically be the first network element in the above embodiment and may be configured to execute procedures and / or steps corresponding to the first network element in the above method embodiment. Alternatively, the apparatus may specifically be the network management network element in the above embodiment and may be configured to execute procedures and / or steps corresponding to the network management network element in the above method embodiment. To avoid repetition, details will not be described again here.

[0445] The above communication device has functions to implement corresponding steps performed by the device in the above method. The functions may be realized by hardware or by the hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. To separately perform the transmitting and receiving operations and related processing operations in the method embodiments, for example, the transceiver unit may be replaced by a transceiver (e.g., the transmitting unit in the transceiver unit may be replaced by a transmitter, and the receiving unit in the transceiver unit may be replaced by a receiver), and other units such as the processing unit may be replaced by a processor.

[0446] In addition, the transceiver unit 1501 may alternatively be a transceiver circuit (eg, may include a receiving circuit and a transmitting circuit) and the processing unit may be a processing circuit.

[0447] It should be noted that the device in Fig. 15 may be the device in the above method embodiment, or may be a chip or a chip system, such as a system on chip (SoC). The transceiver unit may be an input / output circuit or a communication interface. The processing unit is a processor, a microprocessor, or an integrated circuit integrated on a chip. This is not limited here.

[0448] As shown in Fig. 16, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device including a processor 1601 and a communication interface 1602. The processor 1601 is configured to execute a computer program or instruction stored in a memory 1603, or to read data stored in the memory 1603, to perform the method in the above method embodiment. For example, there may be one or more processors 1601. The communication interface 1602 is configured to receive and / or transmit a signal. For example, the processor 1601 is configured to control the communication interface 1602 to receive and / or transmit a signal.

[0449] For example, as shown in Fig. 16, the communication device further includes a memory 1603. The memory 1603 is configured to store computer programs or instructions and / or data. The memory 1603 and the processor 1601 may be integrated together or may be located separately. For example, there may be one or more memories 1603.

[0450] For example, the processor 1601, the communication interface 1602, and the memory 1603 are connected to each other through a bus 1604. The bus 1604 may be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus, an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. The bus 1604 may be classified into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of representation, only one thick line is used to represent a bus in FIG. 16, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or only one type of bus.

[0451] For example, the processor 1601 is configured to execute computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 1603 to perform the relevant operations of the DCCF network element in the above method embodiments.

[0452] In another example, the processor 1601 is configured to execute computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 1603 to perform the relevant operations of the MFAF network element in the above method embodiments.

[0453] It should be understood that the processors (such as the processor 1601) referred to in the embodiments of this application may be a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), or a combination of a CPU and an NP. The processor may further include a hardware chip. The hardware chip may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a combination thereof. The PLD may be a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a generic logic array (GAL), or any combination thereof.

[0454] It may be further understood that the memory (such as memory 1603) referred to in the embodiments of this application may be volatile or non-volatile memory, or may include volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory may be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile storage may be random access memory (RAM) used as an external cache.

[0455] The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application may be applied to various communication systems, such as a global system for mobile communications (GSM) system, a code division multiple access (CDMA) system, a wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) system, a general packet radio service (GPRS), a long term evolution (LTE) system, an LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, an LTE time division duplex (TDD) system, a universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), a worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, a 5th Generation (5G) system or a new radio (NR) system, and a future 6th Generation (6G) system.

[0456] Those skilled in the art may realize that the units and algorithm steps, in combination with the examples described in the embodiments disclosed in this specification, may be realized by electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether a function is performed by hardware or software depends on the design constraints of a specific application and technical solution. Those skilled in the art may utilize different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but the implementation should not be considered to go beyond the scope of this application.

[0457] For the purpose of convenient and simple description, it can be obviously understood by those skilled in the art that the detailed operation processes of the above systems, devices and units should be referred to the corresponding processes in the above method embodiments, and the details will not be described again here.

[0458] In various embodiments according to this application, it should be understood that the disclosed system, device, and method may be realized in other ways. For example, the described device embodiment is merely an example. For example, the division into units is merely a logical functional division, and may be divided in other ways in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into other systems, or some functions may be omitted or not performed. In addition, the shown or discussed mutual couplings or direct couplings or communication connections may be realized through some interfaces. Indirect couplings or communication connections between devices or units may be realized in electronic, mechanical, or other forms.

[0459] The units described as separate parts may or may not be physically separate, and the parts shown as units may or may not be physical units, in other words, they may be located in one place or distributed over multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected based on actual requirements to achieve the objectives of the solutions of the embodiments.

[0460] In addition, the functional units in the embodiments of this application may be integrated into a single processing unit, each of the units may exist physically alone, or two or more units may be integrated into a single unit.

[0461] When a function is realized in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, the function may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on such understanding, the technical solution of this application may be essentially realized in the form of a software product, or a part of the technical solution may be realized in the form of a software product. The software product is stored in a storage medium and includes various instructions for instructing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in the embodiments of this application. The above storage medium includes any medium that can store program code, such as a USB flash drive, a removable hard disk, a Read-Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0462] The above description is merely a specific implementation of this application, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any variations or replacements that are immediately grasped by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should fall within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be subject to the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. receiving, by a first network element, a first message and a second message, the first message being utilized to subscribe to first data and the second message being utilized to subscribe to second data; subscribing, by the first network element, to the first data from a second network element based on the first message; determining, by the first network element, whether the second data is obtainable based on the first data; determining, by the first network element, whether to subscribe to third data from the second network element based on the determination result, the third data including all or a part of the second data; A communication method comprising:

2. The first message includes a first association identifier, and the step of subscribing, by the first network element, to the first data from a second network element comprises: sending, by the first network element, a third message to the second network element, the third message being utilized to subscribe to the first data, the third message including a third association identifier; The method comprises: receiving, by the first network element, a first notification message from the second network element, the first notification message including the first data and the third association identifier; determining, by the first network element, that the third association identifier in the first notification message corresponds to the first association identifier based on a first relationship, the first relationship being a correspondence relationship between the first association identifier and the third association identifier; transmitting, by the first network element, the first data based on the first association identifier; Further comprising: The method of claim 1.

3. The determination result is that the second data can be obtained based on the first data, and the second message includes a second association identifier, and the method further comprises: determining, by the first network element, a first manner in which the second data is obtained based on the first data; determining, by the first network element, that the third association identifier in the first notification message corresponds to the second association identifier and the first scheme based on a second relationship, the second relationship being a correspondence relationship between the second association identifier, the third association identifier, and the first scheme; obtaining, by the first network element, the second data based on the first scheme and the first data; transmitting, by the first network element, the second data based on the second association identifier; Further comprising: The method of claim 2.

4. the second message includes a second association identifier, the second data includes first partial data and second partial data, and the determination result is that the first partial data can be acquired based on the first data, but the second partial data cannot be acquired based on the first data; The method comprises: determining, by the first network element, a second manner in which the first portion of the data is obtained based on the first data; sending, by the first network element, a fourth message to the second network element, the fourth message being utilized to subscribe to the second data portion, the fourth message including a fourth association identifier; determining, by the first network element, that the fourth association identifier in the first notification message corresponds to the second association identifier based on a third relationship, the first notification message further including the second data portion and the fourth association identifier, and the third relationship being a correspondence relationship between the second association identifier and the fourth association identifier; determining, by the first network element, that the third association identifier in the first notification message corresponds to the second association identifier and the second scheme based on a fourth relationship, the fourth relationship being a correspondence relationship between the second association identifier, the third association identifier, and the second scheme; obtaining, by the first network element, the first portion of data based on the second scheme and the first data; transmitting, by the first network element, the first portion of data and the second portion of data based on the second association identifier; Further comprising: The method of claim 2.

5. the second message includes a second association identifier, the second data includes first partial data and second partial data, and the determination result is that the first partial data can be acquired based on the first data, but the second partial data cannot be acquired based on the first data; The method comprises: sending, by the first network element, a fifth message to the second network element based on the second message, the fifth message being utilized to subscribe to the second data from the second network element, the fifth message including a fourth association identifier; determining, by the first network element, a second manner in which the first portion of the data is obtained based on the first data; determining, by the first network element, that the fourth association identifier in the first notification message corresponds to the second association identifier based on a third relationship, the first notification message further including the second data portion and the fourth association identifier, and the third relationship being a correspondence relationship between the second association identifier and the fourth association identifier; determining, by the first network element, that the third association identifier in the first notification message corresponds to the second association identifier and the second scheme based on a fourth relationship, the fourth relationship being a correspondence relationship between the second association identifier, the third association identifier, and the second scheme; obtaining, by the first network element, the first portion of data based on the second scheme and the first data; transmitting, by the first network element, the first portion of data and the second portion of data based on the second association identifier; Further comprising: The method of claim 2.

6. the third message is further utilized to unsubscribe the first portion of data from the second network element. The method according to claim 5.

7. The first message includes a first association identifier, and the step of subscribing, by the first network element, to the first data from a second network element comprises: sending, by the first network element, a third message to the second network element, the third message being utilized to subscribe to the first data from the second network element, the third message including a third association identifier and an identifier of the third network element; The method comprises: and transmitting, by the first network element, a first relationship to the third network element, the first relationship being a correspondence relationship between the first association identifier and the third association identifier. The method of claim 1.

8. The second message includes a second association identifier, and the determination is that the second data can be obtained based on the first data, and the method further comprises: determining, by the first network element, a first manner in which the second data is obtained based on the first data; sending, by the first network element, a second relationship to the third network element, the second relationship being a correspondence relationship between the second association identifier, the third association identifier, and the first scheme; Further comprising: The method according to claim 7.

9. the second message includes a second association identifier, the second data includes first partial data and second partial data, and the determination result is that the first partial data can be acquired based on the first data, but the second partial data cannot be acquired based on the first data; The method comprises: determining, by the first network element, a second manner in which the first portion of the data is obtained based on the first data; sending, by the first network element, a fourth message to the second network element, the fourth message being utilized to subscribe to the second data portion, the fourth message including a fourth association identifier; sending, by the first network element, a third relationship and a fourth relationship to the third network element, the third relationship being a correspondence relationship between the second association identifier and the fourth association identifier, and the fourth relationship being a correspondence relationship between the second association identifier, the third association identifier, and the second scheme; Further comprising: The method according to claim 7.

10. the second message includes a second association identifier, the second data includes first partial data and second partial data, and the determination result is that the first partial data can be acquired based on the first data, but the second partial data cannot be acquired based on the first data; The method comprises: sending, by the first network element, a fifth message to the second network element based on the second message, the fifth message being utilized to subscribe to the second data from the second network element, the fifth message including a fourth association identifier; determining, by the first network element, a second manner in which the first portion of the data is obtained based on the first data; sending, by the first network element, a third relationship and a fourth relationship to the third network element, the third relationship being a correspondence relationship between the second association identifier and the fourth association identifier, and the fourth relationship being a correspondence relationship between the second association identifier, the third association identifier, and the second scheme; Further comprising: The method according to claim 7.

11. the third message is further utilized to unsubscribe the first portion of data from the second network element. The method of claim 10.

12. The method comprises: sending, by the first network element, a fifth message to the second network element based on the second message, the fifth message being utilized to subscribe to the second data from the second network element, the fifth message including a fourth association identifier; the third message is further utilized to unsubscribe the second data from the second network element. The method according to claim 3 or 8.

13. The first message further includes a plurality of data types associated with the first data, a plurality of reporting conditions, and a logical relationship between the plurality of reporting conditions, the plurality of data types being in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of reporting conditions; The method comprises: receiving, by the first network element, the first data from the second network element when the logical relationship is satisfied; The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The first network element is a data collection coordination function network element, the second network element is a user plane function network element, and the third network element is a messaging framework adapter function network element; The step of receiving, by a first network element, a first message and a second message, further comprising: receiving, by the first network element, the first message from a first network data analysis function network element and receiving, by the first network element, the second message from a second network data analysis function network element; The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A data granularity of the first data is smaller than a data granularity of the second data. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A communication device comprising a transceiver unit and a processing unit connected to the transceiver unit, the transceiver unit is configured to receive a first message and a second message, the first message being utilized to subscribe to first data and the second message being utilized to subscribe to second data; The transceiver unit is further configured to subscribe to the first data from a second network element based on the first message; the processing unit is configured to determine whether the second data can be obtained based on the first data; The processing unit is further configured to determine whether to subscribe to third data from the second network element based on a result of the determination, wherein the third data includes all or a part of the second data. Communications equipment.

17. the first message includes a first association identifier; the transceiver unit is further configured to: transmit a third message to the second network element, the third message being utilized to subscribe to the first data, the third message including a third association identifier; The transceiver unit is further configured to receive a first notification message from the second network element, the first notification message including the first data and the third association identifier; the processing unit is further configured to determine that the third association identifier in the first notification message corresponds to the first association identifier based on a first relationship, the first relationship being a correspondence relationship between the first association identifier and the third association identifier; the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit the first data based on the first association identifier.

17. The apparatus of claim 16.

18. the determination result is that the second data can be obtained based on the first data, and the second message includes a second association identifier; and The processing unit is further configured to determine a first manner in which the second data is obtained based on the first data; The processing unit is further configured to determine that the third association identifier in the first notification message corresponds to the second association identifier and the first scheme based on a second relationship, the second relationship being a correspondence relationship between the second association identifier, the third association identifier, and the first scheme; The processing unit is further configured to obtain the second data based on the first manner and the first data; the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit the second data based on the second association identifier.

20. The apparatus of claim 17.

19. the second message includes a second association identifier, the second data includes first partial data and second partial data, and the determination result is that the first partial data can be acquired based on the first data, but the second partial data cannot be acquired based on the first data; The processing unit is further configured to determine a second manner in which the first partial data is obtained based on the first data; the transceiver unit is further configured to: send a fourth message to the second network element, the fourth message being utilized to subscribe to the second data portion, the fourth message including a fourth association identifier; the processing unit is further configured to determine that the fourth association identifier in the first notification message corresponds to the second association identifier based on a third relationship, the first notification message further including the second partial data and the fourth association identifier, and the third relationship being a correspondence relationship between the second association identifier and the fourth association identifier; The processing unit is further configured to determine that the third association identifier in the first notification message corresponds to the second association identifier and the second manner based on a fourth relationship, the fourth relationship being a correspondence relationship between the second association identifier, the third association identifier, and the second manner; The processing unit is further configured to obtain the first partial data based on the second scheme and the first data; the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit the first portion of data and the second portion of data based on the second association identifier.

20. The apparatus of claim 17.

20. the second message includes a second association identifier, the second data includes first partial data and second partial data, and the determination result is that the first partial data can be acquired based on the first data, but the second partial data cannot be acquired based on the first data; the transceiver unit is further configured to: transmit a fifth message to the second network element based on the second message, the fifth message being utilized to subscribe to the second data from the second network element, the fifth message including a fourth association identifier; The processing unit is further configured to determine a second manner in which the first partial data is obtained based on the first data; the processing unit is further configured to determine that the fourth association identifier in the first notification message corresponds to the second association identifier based on a third relationship, the first notification message further including the second partial data and the fourth association identifier, and the third relationship being a correspondence relationship between the second association identifier and the fourth association identifier; The processing unit is further configured to determine that the third association identifier in the first notification message corresponds to the second association identifier and the second manner based on a fourth relationship, the fourth relationship being a correspondence relationship between the second association identifier, the third association identifier, and the second manner; The processing unit is further configured to obtain the first partial data based on the second scheme and the first data; the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit the first portion of data and the second portion of data based on the second association identifier.

20. The apparatus of claim 17.

21. the third message is further utilized to unsubscribe the first portion of data from the second network element.

21. The apparatus of claim 20.

22. the first message includes a first association identifier; The transceiver unit is further configured to: transmit a third message to the second network element, the third message being utilized to subscribe to the first data from the second network element, the third message including a third association identifier and an identifier of the third network element; the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit a first relationship to the third network element, the first relationship being a correspondence relationship between the first association identifier and the third association identifier.

17. The apparatus of claim 16.

23. the second message includes a second association identifier, and the determination is that the second data can be obtained based on the first data; and The processing unit is further configured to determine a first manner in which the second data is obtained based on the first data; The transceiver unit is further configured to transmit a second relationship to the third network element, the second relationship being a correspondence relationship between the second association identifier, the third association identifier, and the first scheme.

23. The apparatus of claim 22.

24. the second message includes a second association identifier, the second data includes first partial data and second partial data, and the determination result is that the first partial data can be acquired based on the first data, but the second partial data cannot be acquired based on the first data; The processing unit is further configured to determine a second manner in which the first partial data is obtained based on the first data; the transceiver unit is further configured to: send a fourth message to the second network element, the fourth message being utilized to subscribe to the second data portion, the fourth message including a fourth association identifier; the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit a third relationship and a fourth relationship to the third network element, the third relationship being a correspondence relationship between the second association identifier and the fourth association identifier, and the fourth relationship being a correspondence relationship between the second association identifier, the third association identifier, and the second scheme.

23. The apparatus of claim 22.

25. the second message includes a second association identifier, the second data includes first partial data and second partial data, and the determination result is that the first partial data can be acquired based on the first data, but the second partial data cannot be acquired based on the first data; the transceiver unit is further configured to: transmit a fifth message to the second network element based on the second message, the fifth message being utilized to subscribe to the second data from the second network element, the fifth message including a fourth association identifier; The processing unit is further configured to determine a second manner in which the first partial data is obtained based on the first data; the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit a third relationship and a fourth relationship to the third network element, the third relationship being a correspondence relationship between the second association identifier and the fourth association identifier, and the fourth relationship being a correspondence relationship between the second association identifier, the third association identifier, and the second scheme.

23. The apparatus of claim 22.

26. the third message is further utilized to unsubscribe the first portion of data from the second network element.

26. The apparatus of claim 25.

27. the transceiver unit is further configured to: transmit a fifth message to the second network element based on the second message, the fifth message being utilized to subscribe to the second data from the second network element, the fifth message including a fourth association identifier; the third message is further utilized to unsubscribe the second data from the second network element.

24. Apparatus according to claim 18 or 23.

28. The first message further includes a plurality of data types associated with the first data, a plurality of reporting conditions, and a logical relationship between the plurality of reporting conditions, the plurality of data types being in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of reporting conditions; and when the logical relationship is satisfied, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive the first data from the second network element. Apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 27.

29. The communication device is a data collection coordination function network element, the second network element is a user plane function network element, and the third network element is a messaging framework adapter function network element; the transceiver unit is further configured to receive the first message from a first network data analysis function network element and to receive the second message from a second network data analysis function network element. Apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 28.

30. A data granularity of the first data is smaller than a data granularity of the second data.

30. Apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 29.

31. A computer readable storage medium comprising a computer program or instructions, which when executed on a computer enables the computer to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

32. A computer program product comprising instructions, which when executed on a computer enable the computer to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

33. A first network element configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15; a second network element configured to transmit subscribed data to the first network element; 23. A communication system comprising:

Images