Communication methods and communication devices

Abstract

This application provides a communication method and a communication device. According to the method provided in this application, after receiving first information from a second network element, an analysis service consumer can determine, based on the first information, whether at least one first data analysis network element supports a first capability, and the first network element can determine, based on a certain capability of at least one first data analysis network element, whether to subscribe to an analysis service from at least one second data analysis network element. This avoids adverse effects caused by the first network element subscribing to an analysis service from a first data analysis network element that does not support the first capability. The first capability includes one or more of the following: accuracy checking capability, analysis aggregation capability, or analysis metadata provision capability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a communication method and a communication device.

Background Art

[0002] This application was filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on April 7, 2023, claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202310394553.9, entitled "Communication Method and Communication Device", and the entire content thereof is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Due to factors such as the mobility of user equipment (UE), the change in the location of a network data analysis function (NWDAF) service consumer (also referred to as an analytics consumer), and the need for load balancing among multiple NWDAFs, in a multi-NWDAF deployment scenario, the source NWDAF (the NWDAF in use) and the target NWDAF (the new NWDAF to be used) can use a process of transferring an analytics context and an analytics subscription to enable the target NWDAF to generate analysis results required by the analytics consumer.

[0004] Before the source NWDAF starts transferring an analytics subscription to the target NWDAF, the analytics consumer or the source NWDAF may discover and select the target NWDAF, but the target NWDAF selected by the analytics consumer or the source NWDAF may not be able to provide the service subscribed by the analytics consumer.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and communication apparatus for avoiding adverse effects caused by the inability of an analytical consumer to select an NWDAF that supports a first capability.

[0006] According to the first embodiment, a communication method is provided. The communication method may be performed by a first network element, or by a component of the first network element (e.g., a chip or circuit). This is not limiting. The following explanation will use an example in which the communication method is performed by a first network element.

[0007] The communication method includes a first network element receiving first information from a second network element, the first information being used to determine whether at least one first data analysis network element supports a first capability, the first capability including one or more of accuracy checking capability, analysis aggregation capability, or analysis metadata provision capability, and the first network element determining, based on the first information, whether to subscribe to an analysis service from at least one second data analysis network element, the second data analysis network element being the same as or different from the first data analysis network element.

[0008] For example, the first network element may be referred to as an analytics consumer or a network data analysis function (NWDAF) service consumer.

[0009] According to the aforementioned technical solution, after receiving first information from a second network element, the first network element can determine, based on the first information, whether at least one first data analysis network element supports the first capability, so that the first network element can decide whether to subscribe to the analysis service from at least one second data analysis network element, based on the capabilities of at least one first data analysis network element. This avoids the adverse effects caused by the first network element subscribing to the analysis service from a first data analysis network element that does not support the first capability. For example, if the first network element subscribes to the analysis service from a first data analysis network element that does not support the first capability, the analysis results received by the first network element from the first data analysis network element that does not support the first capability may not be the analysis results requested by the first network element. In this case, adverse effects may be caused by the first network element making a first decision based on the analysis results.

[0010] When the first information is used to determine, optionally, that one or more first data analysis network elements within at least one first data analysis network element support a first capability, the first information is further used to determine the level corresponding to the first capability supported by one or more first data analysis network elements.

[0011] With respect to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, the second network element is a network repository function network element, and capability information of at least one first data analysis network element or first instruction information contained in the first information is used to determine whether at least one first data analysis network element supports a first capability, and the first instruction information indicates that a first service corresponding to the first capability is terminated. Prior to the first network element receiving the first information from the second network element, the communication method further includes the first network element sending a first request message to the second network element, the first request message being used to request information about at least one data analysis network element.

[0012] For example, a first request message includes a first analysis identifier or a modified analysis identifier of the first analysis identifier, the modified analysis identifier corresponds to a first capability, and capability information of at least one first data analysis network element is used to determine whether at least one first data analysis network element supports a first capability for the first analysis identifier.

[0013] For example, the deformation analysis identifier of the first analysis identifier includes deformation analysis identifier #1 corresponding to accuracy checking capability, deformation analysis identifier #2 corresponding to analysis aggregation capability, or deformation analysis identifier #3 corresponding to analysis metadata provision capability. If the capability information of the first data analysis network element #1 includes deformation analysis identifier #1, it indicates that the first data analysis network element #1 supports accuracy checking capability for the first analysis identifier.

[0014] With respect to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, the second network element is a source data analysis network element, which is configured to provide analysis services to the first network element, the analysis services include a first service corresponding to a first capability, and the capability information of at least one first data analysis network element contained in the first information or the second instruction information is used to determine whether at least one first data analysis network element supports the first capability, and the second instruction information indicates that the first service is terminated.

[0015] With respect to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, the second network element is a target data analysis network element, and at least one first data analysis network element includes a target data analysis network element, and the capability information of the target data analysis network element or third instruction information included in the first information is used to determine whether the target data analysis network element supports a first capability, and the third instruction information indicates that the first service corresponding to the first capability is terminated.

[0016] With respect to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, determining whether a first network element subscribes to an analysis service from at least one second data analysis network element based on first information includes determining, based on first information, that the first network element does not subscribe to an analysis service from at least one second data analysis network element, wherein the first information is used to determine that at least one first data analysis network element does not support the first capability.

[0017] For example, when the first data analysis network element differs from the second data analysis network element, at least one of the first data analysis network elements may be a target data analysis network element selected by the source data analysis network element, and at least one of the second data analysis network elements may be a source data analysis network element. In other words, when the target data analysis network element selected by the source data analysis network element does not support the first capability, the first network element decides not to subscribe to the analysis service from the source data analysis network element. When the first network element is no longer subscribing to the analysis service from the source data analysis network element, the first network element may be triggered to discover a new data analysis network element from the network repository function network element. This helps the first network element discover a data analysis network element from the network repository function network element that supports the first capability.

[0018] With respect to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, the communication method further includes a first network element sending a first request to a source data analysis network element or a target data analysis network element. The first request includes a fourth instruction information, the fourth instruction information indicating to suspend or terminate subscription to the analysis service, the source data analysis network element is configured to provide the analysis service to the first network element, the analysis service includes a first service corresponding to the first capability, and at least one first data analysis network element includes a target data analysis network element.

[0019] According to the aforementioned technical solution, if a first network element decides not to subscribe to an analysis service from at least one second data analysis network element, and if the first request sent by the first network element to the source data analysis network element includes fourth instruction information, the source data analysis network element may, based on the fourth instruction information, suspend or terminate the acquisition of analysis results corresponding to the analysis service, and / or, in order to reduce resource consumption of the source data analysis network element and / or the target data analysis network element, instruct the target data analysis network element to suspend or terminate the acquisition of analysis results corresponding to the analysis service.

[0020] With respect to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first requirement further includes fifth directive information, the fifth directive information indicating that at least one first data analysis network element does not support the first capability, or the fifth directive information indicating that at least one first data analysis network element is unable to provide the first service corresponding to the first capability.

[0021] With respect to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, determining whether a first network element subscribes to an analysis service from at least one second data analysis network element based on first information includes the first network element subscribing to an analysis service from at least one second data analysis network element based on first information, wherein the second data analysis network element is a first data analysis network element that supports the first capability in at least one first data analysis network element.

[0022] According to the aforementioned technical solution, the first network element subscribes to an analysis service from a first data analysis network element that supports the first capability in order to help obtain the analysis results required by the first network element.

[0023] With respect to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, a first network element receives analysis results and service information from at least one second data analysis network element, the service information corresponds to a first service, the first network element performs a first decision based on the analysis results, and the service information is used to determine that the proportion of the analysis results in the factors for the first network element to perform the first decision does not exceed a threshold when the analysis results do not meet the requirements of the first network element for a level corresponding to the first capability.

[0024] For example, the threshold is the percentage of analysis results that satisfy the requirements of the first network element at a level corresponding to the first capability, in the factors for the first network element to perform the first decision.

[0025] According to the aforementioned technical solution, if the analysis results received by the first network element do not meet the requirements of the first network element for the level corresponding to the first capability, the accuracy of the analysis results may not meet the requirements for the accuracy of the analysis results when the first network element makes a first decision. Therefore, to avoid the adverse effects that may be caused by the first network element making a first decision based on the analysis results, the first network element reduces the proportion of analysis results in the factors for the first network element to make a first decision. For example, the analysis results are for the location of the UE. If the accuracy of the analysis results is insufficient and the access management network element (an example of the first network element) performs paging based entirely on the analysis results, there is a very high probability that paging will fail and signaling will be wasted. If the access management network element reduces the proportion of analysis results in the factors for performing paging, the access management network element does not have to perform paging based entirely on the analysis results. For example, the paging range determined by the access management network element may be larger than the paging range in the analysis results to increase the probability of paging success.

[0026] With respect to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, the first network element transmits sixth instruction information to at least one second data analysis network element, the sixth instruction information indicating to terminate the first service corresponding to the first capability or to suspend subscription to the first service corresponding to the first capability.

[0027] When a first network element unsubscribes from a first service corresponding to a first capability, or suspends its subscription to a first service corresponding to a first capability, the first network element may still be subscribed to analytical services from at least one second data analytics network element, but the analytical services subscribed to by the first network element do not include the first service.

[0028] According to the foregoing technical solution, when the level corresponding to the first capability supported by the data analysis network element does not meet the requirements of the first network element, it is possible to avoid the situation where the data analysis network element provides the first service to the first network element.

[0029] Regarding the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, for the first network element to determine whether to subscribe to the analysis service from at least one second data analysis network element based on the first information includes the first network element determining to subscribe to the analysis service from at least one second data analysis network element based on the first information, where the second data analysis network element is different from the first data analysis network element, and the first information is used to determine that at least one first data analysis network element does not support the first capability.

[0030] According to the foregoing technical solution, if at least one first data analysis network element does not support the first capability, the first network element subscribes to the analysis service from a second data analysis network element that supports the first capability. Thereby, the adverse effects caused by the first network element subscribing to the analysis service from a first data analysis network element that does not support the first capability are avoided.

[0031] Regarding the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first capability corresponds to the first service. The first capability includes an accuracy check capability, and the first service includes providing analysis accuracy information, or the first capability includes an analysis aggregation capability, and the first service includes providing aggregated analysis, or the first capability includes an analysis metadata providing capability, and the first service includes providing analysis metadata information.

[0032] A second aspect provides a communication method. The communication method may be performed by a source data analysis network element, or by a component of the source data analysis network element (e.g., a chip or circuit). This is not limited herein. An example of how the communication method is performed by a source data analysis network element will be described below.

[0033] A source data analysis network element acquires information about at least one third data analysis network element. The source data analysis network element is configured to provide analysis services to a first network element, the analysis services including a first service corresponding to a first capability, the first capability including one or more of accuracy checking capability, analysis aggregation capability, or analysis metadata provision capability. Based on the information about at least one third data analysis network element, the source data analysis network element transmits first information to the first network element. Capability information or second indication information of at least one first data analysis network element included in the first information is used to determine whether at least one first data analysis network element supports the first capability, the second indication information indicates termination of the first service, and at least one third data analysis network element includes at least one first data analysis network element.

[0034] According to the aforementioned technical solution, the source data analysis network element may discover information about at least one third data analysis network element from the network repository function network element, and may transmit first information to the first network element based on the information about at least one third data analysis network element, so that the first network element can determine, based on the first information, whether at least one first data analysis network element supports the first capability. When the first network element can determine whether at least one first data analysis network element supports the first capability, the first network element can avoid the adverse effects caused by subscribing to the analysis service from a first data analysis network element that does not support the first capability.

[0035] For example, if the information about at least one third data analysis network element includes capability information for at least one third data analysis network element, then the first information includes capability information for at least one first data analysis network element.

[0036] For example, if information about at least one third data analysis network element includes capability information for at least one third data analysis network element, and the capability information for at least one third data analysis network element is used to determine that at least one third data analysis network element does not support a first capability, then the first information includes second directional information.

[0037] For example, if the information about at least one third data analysis network element does not include capability information for at least one third data analysis network element, then the first information includes the second instruction information.

[0038] With respect to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the communication method comprises a source data analysis network element transmitting seventh directive information to at least one first data analysis network element, wherein the seventh directive information indicates that a first analysis context associated with an analysis service includes a context associated with the first service, or the seventh directive information indicates that the first network element subscribes to the first service.

[0039] According to the aforementioned technical solution, a source data analysis network element transmits a seventh instruction information to at least one first data analysis network element, and the first data analysis network element can decide, based on the seventh instruction information, that the first network element subscribes to a first service corresponding to a first capability, so that the first data analysis network element can transmit first information to the first network element based on the capabilities of the first data analysis network element. In this case, the first network element decides, based on the first information, whether or not the first data analysis network element supports the first capability.

[0040] With respect to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the communication method comprises a source data analysis network element receiving a first request from a first network element, the first request comprising a fourth instruction information, the fourth instruction information comprising either canceling the analysis service or suspending subscription to the analysis service.

[0041] According to the aforementioned technical solution, when a first network element decides not to subscribe to an analysis service from at least one first data analysis network element, if the first request sent by the first network element to the source data analysis network element includes fourth instruction information, the source data analysis network element may, based on the fourth instruction information, suspend or terminate the acquisition of analysis results corresponding to the analysis service, and / or instruct the target data analysis network element to suspend or terminate the acquisition of analysis results corresponding to the analysis service in order to reduce resource consumption of the source data analysis network element and / or the target data analysis network element.

[0042] With respect to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first requirement further includes fifth directive information, the fifth directive information indicating that at least one first data analysis network element does not support the first capability, or the fifth directive information indicating that at least one first data analysis network element is unable to provide the first service.

[0043] With respect to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the communication method further includes a source data analysis network element transmitting a second analysis context related to an analysis service to at least one first data analysis network element, wherein the second analysis context does not include a context related to the first service, or the source data analysis network element transmitting a third request message to a network repository function network element, wherein the third request message is used to request information about at least one data analysis network element.

[0044] With respect to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the communication method comprises a source data analysis network element receiving an eighth instruction information from a target data analysis network element, the eighth instruction information indicating to terminate a first service corresponding to a first capability or to suspend subscription to a first service corresponding to a first capability, and further comprising at least one first data analysis network element including a target data analysis network element, and the source data analysis network element transmitting a second analysis context of an analysis service to the target data analysis network element.

[0045] According to the aforementioned technical solution, the source data analysis network element sends a second analysis context to the target data analysis network element based on the eighth instruction information in order to avoid errors reported because the target data analysis network element does not support the analysis of the context related to the first service, or to avoid errors reported because the target data analysis network element is unable to provide the first service requested by the first network element.

[0046] With respect to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first capability includes accuracy checking capability and the first service includes providing analytical accuracy information, or the first capability includes analytical aggregation capability and the first service includes providing aggregated analysis, or the first capability includes analytical metadata provision capability and the first service includes providing analytical metadata information.

[0047] A third aspect provides a communication method. The communication method may be performed by a target data analysis network element, or by a component of the target data analysis network element (e.g., a chip or circuit). This is not limited to the foregoing. The following will be an example of how the communication method is performed by a target data analysis network element.

[0048] The communication method includes a target data analysis network element receiving a seventh instruction information from a source data analysis network element, wherein the seventh instruction information indicates that a first analysis context related to an analysis service includes a context related to a first service, or the seventh instruction information indicates that a first network element subscribes to a first service, the source data analysis network element is configured to provide an analysis service to the first network element, the analysis service includes a first service corresponding to a first capability, the first capability includes one or more of accuracy checking capabilities, analysis aggregation capabilities, or analysis metadata provision capabilities, and the target data analysis network element transmitting first information to the first network element based on the seventh instruction information, wherein capability information of the target data analysis network element or third instruction information included in the first information is used to determine whether the target data analysis network element supports the first capability, and the third instruction information indicates termination of the first service.

[0049] According to the aforementioned technical solution, the source data analysis network element transmits the seventh instruction information to the target data analysis network element so that the target data analysis network element can transmit the first information to the first network element. In this case, the first network element can determine, based on the first information, whether the target data analysis network element supports the first capability. When the first network element can determine whether the target data analysis network element supports the first capability, the first network element can avoid the adverse effects caused by subscribing to the analysis service from a target data analysis network element that does not support the first capability.

[0050] With respect to the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the communication method comprises a target data analysis network element receiving a first request from a first network element, the first request comprising a fourth instruction information, the fourth instruction information further comprising an indication to terminate the analysis service or to suspend subscription to the analysis service.

[0051] According to the aforementioned technical solution, when the first network element decides not to subscribe to the analysis service from the target data analysis network element, if the first request sent by the first network element to the target data analysis network element includes fourth instruction information, the target data analysis network element may, based on the fourth instruction information, temporarily suspend or terminate the acquisition of analysis results corresponding to the analysis service in order to reduce the resource consumption of the target data analysis network element.

[0052] With respect to the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the communication method further includes the target data analysis network element obtaining information about at least one fourth data analysis network element, and the target data analysis network element transmitting second information to the first network element based on the information about at least one fourth data analysis network element, wherein the capability information of at least one fifth data analysis network element or ninth instruction information included in the second information is used to determine whether at least one fifth data analysis network element supports the first capability, the ninth instruction information indicates that the first service is terminated, and at least one fourth data analysis network element includes at least one fifth data analysis network element.

[0053] According to the aforementioned technical solution, the target data analysis network element discovers a fifth data analysis network element that supports the first capability, based on the second information, after the first data analysis network element has transmitted the second information to the first network element, so that the first network element can subscribe to the analysis service from the fifth data analysis network element that supports the first capability.

[0054] With respect to the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the communication method further includes the target data analysis network element receiving a sixth instruction from a first network element, the sixth instruction indicating to terminate the first service or to temporarily suspend subscription to the first service; the target data analysis network element transmitting an eighth instruction to a source data analysis network element, the eighth instruction indicating to terminate the first service or to temporarily suspend subscription to the first service; and the target data analysis network element receiving a second analysis context related to the analysis service from the source data analysis network element, the second analysis context not including a context related to the first service.

[0055] According to the aforementioned technical solution, the source data analysis network element sends a second analysis context to the target data analysis network element based on the eighth instruction information in order to avoid errors reported because the target data analysis network element does not support the analysis of the context related to the first service, or to avoid errors reported because the target data analysis network element is unable to provide the first service requested by the first network element.

[0056] With respect to the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the first capability includes accuracy checking capability and the first service includes providing analytical accuracy information, or the first capability includes analytical aggregation capability and the first service includes providing aggregated analysis, or the first capability includes analytical metadata provision capability and the first service includes providing analytical metadata information.

[0057] According to a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided. The communication method may be performed by a network repository function network element, or by a component of the network repository function network element (e.g., a chip or circuit). This is not limited to this. The following explanation will use an example in which the communication method is performed by a network repository function.

[0058] The communication method comprises a network repository function network element receiving a request message from a third network element, the request message being used to request information about at least one data analysis network element, and the network repository function network element transmitting information about at least one data analysis network element to the third network element, the information about at least one data analysis network element including capability information of at least one data analysis network element, the capability information of at least one data analysis network element indicating whether or not at least one data analysis network element supports a first capability, the first capability including one or more of accuracy checking capability, analysis aggregation capability, or analysis metadata provision capability.

[0059] According to the aforementioned technical solution, the information about at least one data analysis network element, transmitted to the third network element by the network repository function network element, includes capability information of at least one data analysis network element. This helps the first network element to avoid the adverse effects caused by subscribing to the analysis service from a data analysis network element that does not support the first capability. For example, if the third network element is the first network element, the first network element can decide whether or not to subscribe to the analysis service from at least one data analysis network element based on the capability information of at least one data analysis network element. This helps the first network element to avoid the adverse effects caused by subscribing to the analysis service from a data analysis network element that does not support the first capability.

[0060] For example, a request message includes a first analysis identifier, and capability information for at least one data analysis network element indicates whether at least one data analysis network element supports a first capability for the first analysis identifier.

[0061] With respect to the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first capability corresponds to the first service. The first capability includes a precision checking capability and the first service includes providing analytical precision information, or the first capability includes an analytical aggregation capability and the first service includes providing aggregated analysis, or the first capability includes an analytical metadata provision capability and the first service includes providing analytical metadata information.

[0062] According to a fifth aspect, a communication method is provided, the communication method comprising a second network element transmitting first information to a first network element, the first information being used to determine whether at least one first data analysis network element supports a first capability, the first capability including one or more of accuracy checking capabilities, analysis aggregation capabilities, or analysis metadata provision capabilities, the first network element deciding, based on the first information, whether to subscribe to an analysis service from at least one second data analysis network element, the second data analysis network element being the same as or different from the first data analysis network element.

[0063] According to the aforementioned technical solution, after receiving the first information from the second network element, the first network element can determine, based on the first information, whether at least one first data analysis network element supports the first capability, so that the first network element can decide whether to subscribe to the analysis service from at least one second data analysis network element based on the capabilities of at least one first data analysis network element. This avoids the adverse effects caused by the first network element subscribing to the analysis service from a first data analysis network element that does not support the first capability.

[0064] According to the sixth aspect, a communication method is provided. The communication method comprises a source data analysis network element acquiring information about at least one third data analysis network element, wherein the source data analysis network element is configured to provide analysis services to a first network element, the analysis services including a first service corresponding to a first capability, the first capability including one or more of accuracy checking capabilities, analysis aggregation capabilities, or analysis metadata provision capabilities, and the source data analysis network element transmitting first information to the first network element based on the information about at least one third data analysis network element The capability information of the network element or the second instruction information contained in the first information is used to determine whether at least one first data analysis network element supports the first capability, the second instruction information indicates that the first service is terminated, and at least one third data analysis network element includes at least one first data analysis network element, and the first network element determines, based on the first information, whether the first network element subscribes to an analysis service from at least one second data analysis network element, wherein the second data analysis network element is the same as or different from the first data analysis network element.

[0065] According to the aforementioned technical solution, the source data analysis network element may discover information about at least one third data analysis network element from the network repository function network element, and may transmit the first information to the first network element based on the information about at least one third data analysis network element, so that the first network element can determine, based on the first information, whether or not at least one first data analysis network element supports the first capability. When the first network element can determine whether or not at least one first data analysis network element supports the first capability, the first network element can avoid the adverse effects caused by subscribing to the analysis service from a first data analysis network element that does not support the first capability.

[0066] According to the seventh aspect, a communication method is provided. The communication method includes a source data analysis network element transmitting a seventh instruction information to a target data analysis network element, wherein the seventh instruction information indicates that a first analysis context related to an analysis service includes a context related to a first service, or that the seventh instruction information indicates that a first network element subscribes to a first service, the source data analysis network element is configured to provide an analysis service to the first network element, the analysis service includes a first service corresponding to a first capability, the first capability includes one or more of accuracy checking capabilities, analysis aggregation capabilities, or analysis metadata provision capabilities, and the target data analysis network element transmitting first information to the first network element based on the seventh instruction information, wherein a third instruction information included in the capability information of the target data analysis network element or the first information is used to determine whether the target data analysis network element supports the first capability, the second instruction information indicates termination of the first service, and the first network element determines, based on the first information, whether to subscribe to the analysis service from the target data analysis network element.

[0067] According to the aforementioned technical solution, the source data analysis network element transmits the seventh instruction information to the target data analysis network element so that the target data analysis network element can transmit the first information to the first network element. In this case, the first network element can determine, based on the first information, whether the target data analysis network element supports the first capability. When the first network element can determine whether the target data analysis network element supports the first capability, the first network element can avoid the adverse effects caused by subscribing to the analysis service from a target data analysis network element that does not support the first capability.

[0068] According to the eighth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device has a function to perform a communication method according to the first aspect or a possible implementation thereof. The function may be implemented using hardware, or by hardware running corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units corresponding to the aforementioned function, for example, a transmitting / receiving unit and / or a processing unit.

[0069] According to the ninth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device has a function to perform a communication method according to either the second aspect or a possible implementation of the second aspect. The function may be implemented using hardware, or by hardware running corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units corresponding to the aforementioned function, for example, a transmitting / receiving unit and / or a processing unit.

[0070] According to a tenth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device has a function to perform a communication method according to a third aspect or a possible implementation of a third aspect. The function may be implemented using hardware, or by hardware running corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units corresponding to the aforementioned function, for example, a transmitting / receiving unit and / or a processing unit.

[0071] According to the eleventh aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device has a function to perform a communication method according to the fourth aspect or a possible implementation of the fourth aspect. The function may be implemented using hardware, or by hardware running corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units corresponding to the aforementioned function, for example, a transmitting / receiving unit and / or a processing unit.

[0072] According to a twelfth aspect, a communication device is provided, the communication device including a processor. The processor may be coupled to memory and configured to execute instructions in memory to perform a communication method according to any one of the first aspects and any possible implementations thereof. For example, the communication device further includes memory. For example, the communication device further includes a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface.

[0073] In some implementations, the communication device is the first network element. When the communication device is the first network element, the communication interface can be a transceiver or an input / output interface.

[0074] In another implementation, the communication device is a chip located within the first network element. When the communication device is a chip located within the first network element, the communication interface can be any input / output interface.

[0075] For example, a transceiver can be any transceiver circuit. For example, an input / output interface can be any input / output circuit.

[0076] According to the 13th aspect, a communication device is provided, the communication device including a processor. The processor may be coupled to memory and configured to execute instructions in memory in order to perform a communication method according to any one of the second aspect and any possible implementations thereof. For example, the communication device further includes memory. For example, the communication device further includes a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface.

[0077] In some implementations, the communication device is a source data analysis network element. When the communication device is a source data analysis network element, the communication interface can be either a transceiver or an input / output interface.

[0078] In another implementation, the communication device is a chip located within the source data analysis network element. When the communication device is a chip located within the source data analysis network element, the communication interface can be any input / output interface.

[0079] For example, a transceiver can be any transceiver circuit. For example, an input / output interface can be any input / output circuit.

[0080] According to the 14th aspect, a communication device is provided, the communication device including a processor. The processor may be coupled to memory and configured to execute instructions in memory in order to perform a communication method according to any one of the third aspect and any possible implementations thereof. For example, the communication device further includes memory. For example, the communication device further includes a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface.

[0081] In some implementations, the communication device is a target data analysis network element. When the communication device is a target data analysis network element, the communication interface can be a transceiver or an input / output interface.

[0082] In another implementation, the communication device is a chip located within the target data analysis network element. When the communication device is a chip located within the target data analysis network element, the communication interface can be any input / output interface.

[0083] For example, a transceiver can be any transceiver circuit. For example, an input / output interface can be any input / output circuit.

[0084] According to the 15th aspect, a communication device is provided, the communication device including a processor. The processor may be coupled to memory and configured to execute instructions in memory in order to perform a communication method according to any one of the fourth aspect and any possible implementations thereof. For example, the communication device further includes memory. For example, the communication device further includes a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface.

[0085] In some implementations, the communication device is a network element with network repository functionality. When the communication device is a network element with network repository functionality, the communication interface can be either a transceiver or an input / output interface.

[0086] In another implementation, the communication device is a chip located within a network repository function network element. When the communication device is a chip located within a network repository function network element, the communication interface can be any input / output interface.

[0087] For example, a transceiver can be any transceiver circuit. For example, an input / output interface can be any input / output circuit.

[0088] According to the sixteenth aspect, a processor is provided, the processor including an input circuit, an output circuit, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive signals using the input circuit and transmit signals using the output circuit, so that the processor performs a communication method according to any one of the possible implementations of the first to fourth aspects.

[0089] In a particular implementation, the processor may be one or more chips, the input circuit may be an input pin, the output circuit may be an output pin, and the processing circuit may be a transistor, gate circuit, trigger, any logic circuit, etc. The input signal received by the input circuit may be received and input by a receiver, for example, but is not limited, and the signal output by the output circuit may be output to a transmitter, for example, but is not limited, and is transmitted by the transmitter. The input circuit and the output circuit may be the same circuit, and the circuit may be used as an input circuit and an output circuit at different times. Specific implementations of the processor and various circuits are not limited to the embodiments of this application.

[0090] According to the 17th aspect, a processing apparatus is provided, the processing apparatus including a processor and memory. The processor is configured to read instructions stored in memory, receive signals via a receiver, transmit signals via a transmitter, and perform a communication method according to any one of the possible implementations of the first to fourth aspects.

[0091] For example, there is one or more processors and one or more memory.

[0092] For example, the memory may be integrated with the processor, or the memory and processor may be located separately.

[0093] In certain implementations, the memory may be non-transitory memory, such as read-only memory (ROM). The memory and processor may be integrated on the same chip or located separately on different chips. The type of memory and the arrangement of the memory and processor are not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0094] It should be understood that the related data exchange process, for example, transmitting the first information, may be a process in which the processor outputs the first information, and receiving the first information may be a process in which the processor receives the first information. Specifically, the data output by the processor may be output to the transmitter, and the input data received by the processor may be from the receiver. The transmitter and receiver may be collectively referred to as transceivers.

[0095] The processing device of the 17th embodiment may consist of one or more chips. The processor within the processing device may be implemented by hardware or by software. When the processor is implemented by hardware, it may be a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, etc. When the processor is implemented by software, it may be a general-purpose processor and may be implemented by reading software code stored in memory. The memory may be integrated into the processor or may be located outside the processor and exist independently.

[0096] According to the 18th aspect, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product includes a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions), and when the computer program is executed, the computer is made to perform a communication method according to any one of the possible implementations of the first to fourth aspects.

[0097] According to the 19th aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions), and when the computer program is executed on a computer, it performs a communication method according to any one of the possible implementations of the first to fourth aspects.

[0098] According to the 20th aspect, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes the first and second network elements described above. The first network element is configured to perform a communication method according to the first aspect and a possible implementation of the first aspect; the second network element is configured to perform a communication method according to the second aspect and a possible implementation of the second aspect; or the second network element is configured to perform a communication method according to the third aspect and a possible implementation of the third aspect; or the second network element is configured to perform a communication method according to the fourth aspect and a possible implementation of the fourth aspect. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0099] [Figure 1] This is a diagram of a communication system applicable to a method according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 2] This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 3] This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 4A] This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 4B] This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 5] This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram of a communication device according to one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 7]This is a block diagram of a communication device according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 8] This is a diagram of a chip system according to one embodiment of the present application. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0100] The technical solution of this application will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0101] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application may be applied to various communication systems, such as long-term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, universal mobile telecommunications systems (UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication systems, 5th generation (5G) systems or new radio (NR) systems, 6th generation (6G) systems or future communication systems, etc. The 5G mobile communication systems in this application include non-standalone (NSA) 5G mobile communication systems or standalone (SA) 5G mobile communication systems. Instead, the communication system could be a public land mobile network (PLMN), a sidelink communication system, a machine-to-machine (M2M) communication system, an Internet of Things (IoT) communication system, a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication system, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) communication system, or any other communication system.

[0102] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this application. In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, " / " represents an "or" relationship between related objects. For example, A / B may represent A or B. In this application, "and / or" describes only related relationships between related objects and indicates that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may represent the following three cases: that only A exists, that both A and B exist, and that only B exists, where A or B may be singular or plural. Furthermore, in the description of this application, "plural" means two or more unless otherwise specified. "At least one of the following items (pieces)" or similar expressions mean any combination of these items, including a single item (piece) or any combination of multiple items (pieces). For example, at least one of a, b, or c may represent a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c may be singular or plural. Furthermore, in order to clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, terms such as “first” and “second” are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish the same or similar items that provide essentially the same function or purpose. Those skilled in the art will understand that terms such as “first” and “second” do not limit the quantity or order of execution, and that terms such as “first” and “second” do not indicate a clear difference. Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, terms such as “example” or “for example” are used to give an example, illustration, or explanation. Any embodiment or design scheme described as “example” or “for example” in the embodiments of this application should not be described as being preferable or having more advantages than another embodiment or design scheme. More precisely, the use of terms such as “example” or “for example” is intended to present the relevant concepts in a particular way for the sake of ease of understanding.

[0103] Furthermore, the network architectures and service scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art will understand that, with the evolution of network architectures and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical challenges.

[0104] First, in order to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the application scenarios of the embodiments of this application will be described in detail with reference to Figure 1.

[0105] The system architecture shown in Figure 1 may include the following devices.

[0106] 1. User equipment (UE): User equipment may also be referred to as terminal equipment, terminal, access terminal, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user equipment. Alternatively, terminal equipment may be a mobile phone, cordless phone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA), handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, computing device, another processing device connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle equipment, wearable device, terminal equipment in a 5G network, or terminal equipment in a future PLMN, etc. This is not limited to the embodiments of this application.

[0107] 2. Access Network (AN): An access network is used to provide network access functionality to authorized users within a specific area, and may use transmission tunnels of different qualities based on user level, service requirements, etc. An access network may also be an access network that uses different access technologies. Conventional access network technologies include radio access network technologies used in third-generation (3G) systems, radio access network technologies used in fourth-generation (4G) systems, or next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN) technologies (e.g., radio access technologies used in 5G systems).

[0108] An access network that implements access network functions based on wireless communication technology may also be called a radio access network (RAN). A radio access network can manage wireless resources, provide access services to terminals, and complete the transfer of control signals and user data between terminals and the core network.

[0109] The radio access network device may be, for example, a base station (NodeB), an evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB), a next-generation node base station (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access point (AP) in a Wi-Fi wireless hotspot system, or a radio controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. Alternatively, the radio access network device may be a relay station, access point, vehicle-mounted equipment, unmanned aerial vehicle, wearable device, network equipment in a 5G network, or network equipment in an advanced PLMN network, etc. The specific technologies and device forms used by the radio access network device are not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0110] 3. Access Management Network Element: The access management network element is primarily used for mobility management and access management, and is responsible for providing the transport of user policies between user devices and policy control function (PCF) network elements. It may also be configured to implement functions other than session management in the mobility management entity (MME) function, such as access authorization (authentication) functions.

[0111] In a 5G communication system, the access management network element may also be an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element. In future communication systems, the access management network element may also be an AMF network element, or may have a different name. This is not limited to the present application.

[0112] 4. Session Management Network Elements: Session management network elements are primarily configured for session management, user device Internet Protocol (IP) address assignment and management, user plane function selection and management, policy control and billing functions, interface termination, downlink data communication, etc.

[0113] In a 5G communication system, the session management network element may be a session management function (SMF) network element. In future communication systems, the session management network element may be an SMF network element, or may have a different name. This is not limited to the present application.

[0114] 5. User Plane Network Elements: User plane network elements are configured for packet routing and forwarding, quality of service (QoS) handling for user plane data, user plane data transfer, billing statistics collection based on session / flow levels, bandwidth limiting, etc.

[0115] In a 5G communication system, a user plane network element may also be a user plane function (UPF) network element. In future communication systems, a user plane network element may also be a UPF network element and may have a different name. This is not limited to the present application.

[0116] 6. Data Network Element: The data network element is configured to provide a network for data transmission.

[0117] In a 5G communication system, a data network element may be a data network (DN) element. In future communication systems, a data network element may be a DN network element, or may have a different name. This is not limited to the present application.

[0118] 7. Policy Control Network Elements: Policy control network elements provide a unified policy framework for managing network operations and are configured to provide policy rule information to control plane function network elements (e.g., AMF network elements or SMF network elements).

[0119] In a 4G communication system, the policy control network element may be a policy and charging rules function (PCRF) network element. In a 5G communication system, the policy control network element may be a PCF network element. In future communication systems, the policy control network element may be a PCF network element, or it may have a different name. This is not limited to the present application.

[0120] 8. Data Management Network Elements: Data management network elements are configured for user device identification processing, access authentication, registration management, mobility management, etc.

[0121] In a 4G communication system, the data management network element may be a home subscriber server (HSS) network element. In a 5G communication system, the data management network element may be a unified data management (UDM) network element. In future communication systems, the data management network element may be a UDM network element, or may have a different name. This is not limited to the present application.

[0122] 9. Network Exposure Function (NEF) Network Element: The network exposure function network element is configured for secure external exposure of services and capabilities provided by the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) network function.

[0123] 10. Application Function (AF) Network Element: The application function network element provides application layer services to the UE. When providing services to the UE, the AF has requirements regarding QoS policies and charging policies and must notify the network. Furthermore, the AF also needs to obtain application-related information that is fed back by the core network. The AF may have all the functions of an AF as defined in technology specification (TS) 23.501 R-15, or it may have related functions for application services. In other words, in a user plane architecture, the application server and the UE perform user plane communication via the UE-RAN-UPF-AF path. Furthermore, in a control plane architecture via the NEF, the AF may communicate with other network functions (NF) within the 5G core network (5GC), for example, with the PCF via the NEF. If the AF is positioned by a 5GC operator, the AF may instead be located within the control plane architecture, i.e., the AF is in a trusted zone and communicates directly with other NFs within the 5GC without going through the NEF, for example, directly with the PCF.

[0124] 11. Network Data Analysis Function (NWDAF) Network Element: The network data analysis function network element may be configured to collect data from network elements, AFs, and operations, administration, and maintenance (OAM) systems, perform data analysis using solutions such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, and provide data to network elements, AFs, etc., for network or service configuration optimization, in order to provide better network quality and service experience.

[0125] 12. Network Repository Function (NRF) Network Element: A network element with a network repository function may be configured to provide network element information corresponding to a network element type based on requests from other network elements via a network element discovery function. The NRF may further provide network element management services such as network element registration, updating, and unregistration, network element status joining, and pushing.

[0126] 13. Authentication Server Function (AUSF) Network Element: The authentication server function network element is primarily responsible for user authentication, determining whether or not to allow a user or device to access the network.

[0127] In Figure 1, N1, N2, N3, N4, N6, N9, NNWDAF, Nnef, Nnrf, Npcf, Nudm, Naf, Nausf, NAMF, and Nsmf are interface sequence numbers. For the meaning of interface sequence numbers, please refer to the meanings specified in 3GPP TS 23.501.

[0128] The aforementioned network architectures used in the embodiments of this application are merely illustrative examples, and it should be understood that network architectures applicable to the embodiments of this application are not limited to them. Any network architecture capable of implementing the functions of the aforementioned network elements is applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0129] The AMF, SMF, UPF, NEF, PCF, UDM, NWDAF, NRF, AUSF, etc., shown in Figure 1 may be understood as network elements configured to implement different functions within a core network, and should be further understood that they may be combined as needed to form network slices, for example. These core network elements may be separate devices or integrated into the same device to implement different functions. The specific forms of the aforementioned network elements are not limited in this application.

[0130] It should be further understood that the aforementioned names are defined solely to distinguish different functions and should not constitute any limitation to this application. This application does not preclude the possibility that different names may be used in 5G networks and other future networks. For example, in a 6G network, some or all of the aforementioned network elements may still use the terminology used in 5G, or other names may be used. The names of the interfaces between network elements in Figure 1 are merely examples. In a particular implementation, the names of the interfaces may be different. This is not limited to this application.

[0131] Due to factors such as UE mobility, changes in the location of NWDAF service consumers (also known as analytics consumers), and the need for load balancing among multiple NWDAFs, in multi-NWDAF deployment scenarios, the source NWDAF (the NWDAF currently in use) and the target NWDAF (the new NWDAF to be used) may use a process to transfer the analytics context and analytics subscription in order to allow the target NWDAF to generate the analytics results requested by the analytics consumer.

[0132] Before the source NWDAF initiates the analysis subscriber transfer to the target NWDAF, the analysis consumer or source NWDAF may discover and select the target NWDAF. However, the target NWDAF selected by the analysis consumer or source NWDAF does not have to support the first capability. Therefore, the target NWDAF cannot correspond to the first capability and provide the first service to be subscribed to by the analysis consumer.

[0133] With this in mind, one embodiment of the present application provides a communication method to avoid adverse effects caused by the inability of an analytical consumer to select an NWDAF that supports a first capability.

[0134] Figure 2 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 200 according to one embodiment of this application. The steps included in the communication method 200 will be described in detail below.

[0135] S210: The second network element transmits the first information to the first network element.

[0136] Accordingly, the first network element receives the first information from the second network element.

[0137] For example, the first network element may be referred to as an analytics consumer or an NWDAF service consumer.

[0138] The first information is used to determine whether at least one first data analytics network element supports a first capability. The first capability includes one or more of the following: accuracy checking capability, analytics aggregation capability, or analytics metadata provisioning capability.

[0139] Let us take as an example the first data analysis network element #1 within at least one first data analysis network element. If the first data analysis network element #1 supports accuracy checking capability, it means that the first data analysis network element #1 supports providing accuracy checking functionality to the consumer (consumer NF). For example, an analytics logical function (AnLF) (data analysis network element) that supports accuracy checking capability can provide or notify the analysis consumer of accuracy information for an analysis identifier (identifier, ID), and can notify the consumer when the accuracy of the analysis ID does not meet the analysis consumer's requirements. A model training logical function (MTLF) (data analysis network element) that supports accuracy checking capability can determine the degradation of a model training (ML) model and can show the analysis consumer the degradation of the ML model. If the first data analysis network element #1 does not support accuracy checking capability, it means that the first data analysis network element #1 does not support providing accuracy checking functionality to the consumer.

[0140] Let's take the first data analysis network element #1 as an example. If the first data analysis network element #1 supports analytical aggregation capabilities, it means that the first data analysis network element #1 supports the aggregation (i.e., summarization, combination, and algorithmic processing) of analytical results from one or more other data analysis network elements in order to provide analytical results aggregated in the first network element. If the first data analysis network element #1 does not support analytical aggregation capabilities, it means that the first data analysis network element #1 does not support the aggregation of analytical results from one or more other data analysis network elements.

[0141] Let's take the first data analysis network element #1 as an example. If the first data analysis network element #1 supports analysis metadata provision capability, it means that when the first data analysis network element #1 needs to aggregate output analysis, it supports requesting "analysis metadata information" from other data analysis network elements and exchanging "analysis metadata information" with other data analysis network elements. "Analysis metadata information" is additional information associated with the analysis ID requested by the first network element, and may include, for example, one or more pieces of information such as the amount of data sample used to generate the output analysis, the data time window of the data sample, the dataset statistical characteristics of the analysis output used to generate the analysis, the data source of the data used to generate the output analysis, the data format and processing applied to the data, and the output strategy used for reporting the analysis. If the first data analysis network element #1 does not support analysis metadata provision capability, it means that the first data analysis network element #1 does not support requesting "analysis metadata information" from other data analysis network elements and exchanging "analysis metadata information" with other data analysis network elements.

[0142] Optionally, the first information is used to determine whether at least one first data analysis network element supports the first capability for the first analysis identifier.

[0143] It should be understood that when a first data analysis network element supports a first capability for a first analysis identifier, it does not necessarily support a first capability for a second analysis identifier. The fact that a first data analysis network element does not support a first capability for a first analysis identifier means that it does not necessarily support a first capability for a second analysis identifier. The second analysis identifier is different from the first analysis identifier. In other words, the analysis service corresponding to the first analysis identifier is different from the analysis service corresponding to the second analysis identifier.

[0144] When the first information is used to determine, optionally, that one or more first data analysis network elements within at least one first data analysis network element support a first capability, the first information is further used to determine the level corresponding to the first capability supported by one or more first data analysis network elements.

[0145] Let's take the first data analysis network element #1 as an example. The level corresponding to the accuracy checking capability supported by the first data analysis network element #1 indicates that the accuracy that the first data analysis network element #1 can provide includes, for example, the accuracy corresponding to the current analysis ID. For example, if the level corresponding to the accuracy checking capability supported by the first data analysis network element #1 is level #1, then it indicates that the accuracy that the first data analysis network element #1 can provide is accuracy #1.

[0146] Let's take the first data analysis network element #1 as an example. The level corresponding to the analytical aggregation capability supported by the first data analysis network element #1 indicates one or more of the supported service areas, supported analytical IDs, etc., that are supported by the first data analysis network element #1. For example, if the level corresponding to the analytical aggregation capability supported by the first data analysis network element #1 is level #a, it indicates that the first data analysis network element #1 can support service area #a and / or analytical ID #a.

[0147] Let's take the first data analysis network element #1 as an example. The level corresponding to the analytical metadata provision capability supported by the first data analysis network element #1 indicates the metadata category supported by the first data analysis network element #1. For example, if the level corresponding to the analytical aggregation capability supported by the first data analysis network element #1 is level #A, then the metadata supported by the first data analysis network element #1 is identified as including the quantity of data samples used to generate the data analysis and one or more data time windows for the data samples.

[0148] The following describes the second network element and the first information corresponding to a different second network element.

[0149] In a possible implementation, the second network element is a network repository functionality network element, and the first information includes capability information or first instruction information of at least one first data analysis network element, which is used to determine whether at least one first data analysis network element supports a first capability.

[0150] The capability information for at least one first data analysis network element includes the capability information for each first data analysis network element within at least one first data analysis network element. Let first data analysis network element #1 within at least one first data analysis network element be used as an example. The capability information for first data analysis network element #1 includes information about the capabilities supported by first data analysis network element #1. If the capability information for first data analysis network element #1 includes information about a first capability, it indicates that first data analysis network element #1 supports the first capability. If the capability information for first data analysis network element #1 does not include information about a first capability, it indicates that first data analysis network element #1 does not support the first capability. For example, the information about a first capability may include the name of the first capability and / or an identifier corresponding to the first capability. For example, the information about accuracy checking capability may include the name of the accuracy checking capability (i.e., accuracy checking) or identifier #1 corresponding to the accuracy checking capability. Information about analytical aggregation capabilities may include the name of the analytical aggregation capability (i.e., analytical aggregation) or identifier #2 corresponding to the analytical aggregation capability. Analytical metadata provision capabilities may include the name of the analytical metadata provision capability (i.e., analytical metadata provision) or identifier #3 corresponding to the analytical metadata provision capability.

[0151] Optionally, capability information for at least one first data analysis network element is used to determine whether at least one first data analysis network element supports a first capability for a first analysis identifier. Let first data analysis network element #1 be used as an example. If the capability information for first data analysis network element #1 includes information about the first capability and the first analysis identifier, it indicates that first data analysis network element #1 supports the first capability for the first analysis identifier. Alternatively, if the capability information for first data analysis network element #1 includes a modified analysis identifier for the first analysis identifier, and the modified analysis identifier corresponds to the first capability, it indicates that first data analysis network element #1 supports the first capability for the first analysis identifier. For example, the modified analysis identifier for the first analysis identifier may include modified analysis identifier #1 corresponding to accuracy checking capability, modified analysis identifier #2 corresponding to analysis aggregation capability, or modified analysis identifier #3 corresponding to analysis metadata provision capability. If the capability information of the first data analysis network element #1 includes the deformation analysis identifier #1, it indicates that the first data analysis network element #1 supports accuracy checking capability for the first analysis identifier.

[0152] Optionally, if the capability information of the first data analysis network element #1 includes information about the first capability, the capability information of the first data analysis network element #1 may further include level information corresponding to the first capability and level information corresponding to the first capability used to determine the level corresponding to the first capability supported by the first data analysis network element #1.

[0153] The first directive indicates the termination of the first service corresponding to the first capability. When the first directive indicates the termination of the first service, it should be understood that this is equivalent to the first directive being used to determine that at least one first data analysis network element does not support the first capability, or that at least one first data analysis network element is unable to provide the first service. The first capability includes accuracy checking capability, and the first service includes providing analysis accuracy information. If the first capability includes analysis aggregation capability, then the first service includes providing aggregated analysis. If the first capability includes analysis metadata provision capability, then the first service includes providing analysis metadata information.

[0154] For details on how the first network element receives the first information from the network repository function network element, see Method 300 below. For brevity, details are not provided in this specification.

[0155] In a possible implementation, the second network element is a source data analysis network element. The first information includes capability information or second directive information for at least one first data analysis network element. The capability information or second directive information for at least one first data analysis network element is used to determine whether at least one first data analysis network element supports the first capability. The source data analysis network element is configured to provide analysis service #1 to the first network element. Analysis service #1 includes the first service. In other words, the source data analysis network element supports the first capability. Optionally, the level corresponding to the first capability supported by the source data analysis network element satisfies the requirements (also referred to as demands) of the first network element at the level corresponding to the first capability. That is, the level corresponding to the first capability supported by the source data analysis network element is not lower than the requirements of the first network element at the level corresponding to the first capability.

[0156] For a description of the capabilities of at least one first data analysis network element, please refer to the description above.

[0157] The second directive indicates the termination of the first service corresponding to the first capability. When the second directive indicates the termination of the first service, it should be understood that the second directive is used to determine that at least one first data analysis network element does not support the first capability, or that at least one first data analysis network element is unable to provide the first service.

[0158] Optionally, the first information further includes capability information of the source data analysis network element. The capability information of the source data analysis network element is used to determine whether the source data analysis network element supports the first capability.

[0159] If the first capability is accuracy checking capability, then the requirement of the first network element at the level corresponding to the first capability is the requirement of the first network element for accuracy provided by the data analysis network element. If the accuracy checking capability supported by the data analysis network element satisfies the requirement of the first network element at the level of accuracy checking capability, it indicates that the accuracy provided by the data analysis network element is not lower than the requirement of the first network element for accuracy. If the accuracy checking capability supported by the data analysis network element does not satisfy the requirement of the first network element at the level of accuracy checking capability, it indicates that the accuracy provided by the data analysis network element is lower than the requirement of the first network element for accuracy.

[0160] If the first capability is analytical aggregation capability, then the requirements of the first network element at the level corresponding to the first capability are the requirements of the first network element for one or more supported service areas and supported analytical IDs that are supported by the data analytics network element. If the analytical aggregation capability supported by the data analytics network element satisfies the requirements of the first network element at the level of analytical aggregation capability, it indicates that the data analytics network element supports the service areas requested by the first network element and / or supports the analytical IDs requested by the first network element. If the analytical aggregation capability supported by the data analytics network element does not satisfy the requirements of the first network element at the level of analytical aggregation capability, it indicates that the data analytics network element does not support the service areas requested by the first network element and / or does not support the analytical IDs requested by the first network element.

[0161] If the first capability is analytical metadata provision capability, then the requirements of the first network element at the level corresponding to the first capability are the requirements of the first network element for the metadata categories supported by the data analysis network element. If the analytical metadata provision capability supported by the data analysis network element satisfies the requirements of the first network element at the level of analytical metadata provision capability, it indicates that the metadata categories supported by the data analysis network element include the metadata categories required by the first network element. If the analytical metadata provision capability supported by the data analysis network element satisfies the requirements of the first network element at the level of analytical metadata provision capability, it indicates that the metadata categories supported by the data analysis network element do not entirely include the metadata categories required by the first network element.

[0162] For details on how the first network element receives the first information from the source data analysis network element, please refer to Method 400 below. For brevity, details are not provided in this specification.

[0163] In possible implementations, the second network element is a target data analysis network element. The first information includes capability information or third instruction information of the target data analysis network element. The capability information or third instruction information of the target data analysis network element is used to determine whether the target data analysis network element supports the first capability. At least one first data analysis network element includes a target data analysis network element.

[0164] For capability information of the target data analysis network element, please refer to the above description of the capability information of the first data analysis network element #1.

[0165] The third instruction indicates the termination of the first service corresponding to the first capability. When the third instruction indicates the termination of the first service, it should be understood that this is equivalent to the third instruction being used to determine that the target data analysis network element does not support the first capability or that the target data analysis network element is unable to provide the first service.

[0166] For details on how the first network element receives the first information from the target data analysis network element, please refer to Method 500 below. For brevity, details are not provided herein.

[0167] S220: The first network element decides, based on the first information, whether to subscribe to analysis service #1 from at least one second data analysis network element. The second data analysis network element may be the same as or different from the first data analysis network element.

[0168] In a possible implementation, if the first information is used to determine that at least one first data analysis network element does not support the first capability, or if the first information is used to determine that one or more first data analysis network elements within at least one first data analysis network element support the first capability, but the level corresponding to the first capability supported by one or more first data analysis network elements cannot satisfy the requirements of the first network element at the level corresponding to the first capability, then the first network element decides, based on the first information, not to subscribe to analysis service #1 from at least one first second data analysis network element.

[0169] For example, when the first data analysis network element differs from the second data analysis network element, at least one of the first data analysis network elements may be a target data analysis network selected by the source data analysis network element, and at least one of the second data analysis network elements may be a source data analysis network element. In other words, when the target data analysis network element selected by the source data analysis network element does not support the first capability, the first network element decides not to subscribe to the analysis service from the source data analysis network element. When the first network element no longer subscribes to the analysis service from the source data analysis network element, the first network element may be triggered to discover a new data analysis network element from the network repository function network element. This helps the first network element discover a data analysis network element from the network repository function network element that supports the first capability.

[0170] Optionally, when analysis service #1 corresponds to a first analysis identifier, the first network element determines, based on the first information, that at least one first data analysis network element does not support the first capability for the first analysis identifier, or, based on the first information, that one or more first data analysis network elements within at least one first data analysis network element support the first capability for the first analysis identifier, but the level corresponding to the first capability supported by one or more first data analysis network elements for the first analysis identifier cannot satisfy the requirements of the first network element at the level corresponding to the first capability. In this case, the first network element decides not to subscribe to analysis service #1 from at least one second data analysis network element.

[0171] It can be understood that when at least one first data analysis network element does not support the first capability, the first network element does not subscribe to analysis service #1 from at least one second data analysis network element, and as a result, it is possible to prevent the first network element from receiving inaccurate analysis results and to avoid the adverse effects that may be caused by the first network element making the first decision based on inaccurate analysis results.

[0172] Optionally, when the first network element is not subscribed to analysis service #1 from at least one second data analysis network element, the communication method 200 further includes the first network element sending a first request (which may be replaced by a first subscription instead) to a source data analysis network element or a target data analysis network element. The first request includes a fourth instruction information, which indicates either a temporary suspension of subscription to analysis service #1 or termination of analysis service #1. At least one second data analysis network element includes a target data analysis network element.

[0173] If the first request sent by the first network element to the source data analysis network element includes fourth instruction information, it can be understood that the source data analysis network element may, based on the fourth instruction information, pause or terminate the acquisition of analysis result #1 corresponding to analysis service #1, and / or indicate to the target data analysis network element that it will pause or terminate the acquisition of analysis result #1 corresponding to analysis service #1 in order to reduce resource consumption of the source data analysis network element and / or the target data analysis network element.

[0174] Optionally, the first request may further include a fifth directive, which indicates a cause value for suspending or canceling subscription to analysis service #1. For example, the fifth directive may indicate that at least one first data analysis network element does not support the first capability, or that at least one first data analysis network element is unable to provide the first service corresponding to the first capability, or that the fifth directive may indicate that the level corresponding to the first capability supported by at least one first data analysis network element does not meet the requirements of the first network element at the level corresponding to the first capability.

[0175] In a possible implementation, if the first information is used to determine that at least one first data analysis network element does not support the first capability, or if the first information is used to determine that one or more first data analysis network elements within at least one first data analysis network element support the first capability, but the level corresponding to the first capability supported by one or more first data analysis network elements does not satisfy the requirements of the first network element at the level corresponding to the first capability, then the first network element decides to subscribe to analysis service #1 from at least one second data analysis network element, based on the first information. The second data analysis network element is different from the first data analysis network element. The second data analysis network element supports the first capability, or the level corresponding to the first capability supported by the second data analysis network element satisfies the requirements of the first network element at the level corresponding to the first capability.

[0176] In a possible implementation, the first network element decides, based on the first information, to subscribe to analysis service #1 from at least one second data analysis network element. The second data analysis network element is a first data analysis network element within at least one first data analysis network element that supports the first capability. Alternatively, the second data analysis network element is a first data analysis network element within at least one first data analysis network element that supports the first capability, and the level corresponding to the first capability supported by the first data analysis network element satisfies the requirements of the first network element at the level corresponding to the first capability.

[0177] Optionally, when analysis service #1 corresponds to a first analysis identifier, the second data analysis network element is a first data analysis network element that is within at least one first data analysis network element and supports the first capability for the first analysis identifier. Alternatively, the second data analysis network element is a first data analysis network element that is within at least one first data analysis network element and supports the first capability for the first analysis identifier, and the level corresponding to the first capability supported by the first data analysis network element satisfies the requirements of the first network element at the level corresponding to the first capability.

[0178] Since the second data analysis network element supports the capabilities of the first, it should be noted that analysis service #1, which is joined by the first network element from the second data analysis network element, includes the first service. For example, if the first service includes providing analysis accuracy information, then the first network element joining analysis service #1 from the second data analysis network element means that the first network element joins analysis result #1 corresponding to the first analysis identifier and joins the analysis accuracy information obtained by the first data analysis network element by performing an accuracy check on the first analysis identifier. The first analysis identifier corresponds to analysis service #1.

[0179] When a first network element decides to subscribe to analytics service #1 from a second data analytics network element, the first network element may send a subscribe request message to the second data analytics network element, which can be understood as being used to subscribe to analytics service #1. For example, the first network element sends a subscribe request message to the first data analytics network element by calling the Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe (Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe) service.

[0180] Optionally, after a first network element subscribes to analysis service #1 from at least one second data analysis network element, the communication method 200 further includes the first network element receiving analysis result #1 and service information from at least one second data analysis network element, wherein analysis result #1 corresponds to analysis service #1 and service information corresponds to the first service, and the first network element performs a first decision based on analysis result #1, and when the service information indicates that analysis result #1 does not satisfy the requirements of the first network element at a level corresponding to the first capability, the proportion of analysis result #1 in the factors for the first network element to perform the first decision does not exceed a threshold. For example, the threshold is the proportion of analysis results that satisfy the requirements of the first network element at a level corresponding to the first capability in the factors for the first network element to perform the first decision. The first service includes providing analysis accuracy information, and the service information includes analysis accuracy information. The first service includes providing aggregate analysis, and the service information includes information related to aggregate analysis. If the first service includes providing analytical metadata information, then the service information includes providing analytical metadata information.

[0181] When analysis result #1 does not meet the requirements of the first network element at the level corresponding to the first capability, it can be understood that the accuracy of analysis result #1 may not meet the requirements for the accuracy of the analysis result when the first network element makes the first decision. Therefore, to avoid the adverse effects that may be caused by the first network element making the first decision based on analysis result #1, the first network element reduces the proportion of analysis result #1 in the factors for the first network element to make the first decision. For example, analysis result #1 is the analysis result for the location of the UE. When the accuracy of analysis result #1 is insufficient, if AMF (an example of the first network element) performs paging based entirely on analysis result #1, the paging is very likely to fail, resulting in signaling waste. If AMF reduces the proportion of analysis result #1 in the factors for performing paging, AMF does not have to perform paging based entirely on analysis result #1. For example, the paging range determined by AMF is larger than the paging range in analysis result #1 in order to increase the probability of paging success.

[0182] Optionally, if the analysis result #1 received by the first network element from at least one second data analysis network element does not satisfy the requirements of the first network element at a level corresponding to the first capability, the communication method 200 further includes the first network element transmitting a sixth instruction information to at least one second data analysis network element, wherein the sixth instruction information indicates that the first service corresponding to the first capability is to be terminated, or the sixth instruction information indicates that subscription to the first service corresponding to the first capability is to be temporarily suspended.

[0183] When the first network element unsubscribes from the first service or suspends its subscription to the first service, the first network element may still be subscribed to analysis service #1 from at least one second data analysis network element, but note that analysis service #1 subscribed to by the first network element does not include the first service. Accordingly, at least one second data analysis network element provides analysis result #1 to the first network element based on the first network element's subscription, but does not provide service information corresponding to the first service.

[0184] It should be understood that after a certain period, the second data analysis network element may again meet the requirements of the first network element at a level corresponding to the capabilities of the first, and the first network element may rejoin the first service.

[0185] In a possible implementation, the first network element determines, based on the first information, that one or more first data analysis network elements within at least one first data analysis network element support the first capability, but the level corresponding to the first capability supported by one or more first data analysis network elements does not satisfy the requirements of the first network element at the level corresponding to the first capability, and that the first network element subscribes to analysis service #1 from at least one second data analysis network element. The second data analysis network element is a first data analysis network element that supports the first capability in at least one first data analysis network element.

[0186] Optionally, after a first network element has subscribed to analysis service #1 from at least one second data analysis network element, the communication method 200 further includes the first network element receiving analysis result #1 from at least one second data analysis network element, wherein analysis result #1 corresponds to analysis service #1, and the first network element performing a first decision based on analysis result #1, wherein the proportion of analysis result #1 in the factors for the first network element to perform the first decision does not exceed a threshold.

[0187] It can be understood that analysis result #1 received by the first network element from at least one second data analysis network element does not satisfy the requirements of the first network element at the level corresponding to the first capability, since the level corresponding to the first capability supported by at least one second data analysis network element does not satisfy the requirements of the first network element at the level corresponding to the first capability. In this case, the accuracy of analysis result #1 may not satisfy the requirements for the accuracy of the analysis result when the first network element makes a first decision. Therefore, to avoid the adverse effects that may be caused by the first network element making a first decision based on analysis result #1, the first network element reduces the proportion of analysis result #1 in the factors for the first network element to make a first decision.

[0188] Optionally, method 200 further comprises a first network element transmitting a sixth instruction information to at least one second data analysis network element, wherein the sixth instruction information indicates to terminate a first service corresponding to a first capability, or the sixth instruction information indicates to suspend subscription to a first service corresponding to a first capability.

[0189] When the first network element unsubscribes from the first service or suspends its subscription to the first service, the first network element may still be subscribed to analysis service #1 from at least one second data analysis network element, but note that analysis service #1 subscribed to by the first network element does not include the first service. Accordingly, at least one second data analysis network element provides analysis result #1 to the first network element based on the first network element's subscription, but does not provide service information corresponding to the first service.

[0190] In this embodiment of the application, after receiving first information from a second network element, the first network element can determine, based on the first information, whether at least one first data analysis network element supports a first capability, and the first network element can determine, based on the capability of at least one first data analysis network element, whether to subscribe to an analysis service from at least one second data analysis network element. This avoids adverse effects caused by the first network element subscribing to an analysis service from a first data analysis network element that does not support the first capability. For example, if the first network element subscribes to an analysis service from a first data analysis network element that does not support the first capability, the analysis results received by the first network element from the first data analysis network element that does not support the first capability may not be the analysis results required by the first network element. In this case, adverse effects may be caused by the first network element making a first decision based on the analysis results.

[0191] Hereinafter, the communication method provided in this embodiment of the application will be described based on the communication method shown in Figure 2, with reference to Figure 3, using an example where the second network element is a network repository function network element.

[0192] Figure 3 shows a schematic flowchart of a communication method 300 according to one embodiment of this application. The steps included in the communication method 300 will be described in detail below.

[0193] S310: The first network element sends the first request message to the network repository function network element.

[0194] Accordingly, the network repository function network element receives a first request message from the first network element.

[0195] The first request message is used to request information about at least one data analysis network element. The information about at least one data analysis network element may include one or more of the following: the identifier of each data analysis network element in at least one data analysis network element, the scope of analysis services (also referred to as the service area) of each data analysis network element in at least one data analysis network element, the analysis identifiers supported by each data analysis network element in at least one data analysis network element, or capability information of each data analysis network element in at least one data analysis network element.

[0196] The analytical service scope of a data analysis network element may include one or more network scopes for collecting network data, i.e., data collection scopes; network scopes related to output analytical results, i.e., data analysis scopes; and analytical filtering parameters corresponding to analytical identifiers supported by the data analysis network element. The analytical filtering parameters corresponding to analytical identifiers may be several parameter types or values ​​that can be used to select analytical results corresponding to analytical identifiers. A subset of all analytical results corresponding to analytical identifiers that can be provided by the data analysis network element may be filtered using the analytical filtering parameters corresponding to analytical identifiers.

[0197] The analysis identifiers supported by the data analysis network element are the analysis identifiers corresponding to the analysis services provided by the data analysis network element.

[0198] For capability information of the data analysis network elements, please refer to the description of capability information of the first data analysis network element #1 in S210 of Method 200 described above.

[0199] Optionally, the first request message includes a first analysis identifier, and the first request message is used to request information about at least one data analysis network element that supports the first analysis identifier.

[0200] Optionally, the first request message may contain information about a first capability, and the first request message may be used to request information about at least one data analysis network element that supports the first capability.

[0201] The first capability may include one or more of the following: accuracy checking capability, analysis aggregation capability, or analysis metadata provision capability. For details of the first capability, see the description in S210 of communication method 200. Information about the first capability may include the name of the first capability and / or an identifier corresponding to the first capability.

[0202] When the first request message contains information about a first analysis identifier and a first capability, it should be understood that the first request message is used to request information about at least one data analysis network element that supports the first capability for the first analysis identifier.

[0203] Optionally, the first request message includes a modified analysis identifier of the first analysis identifier, the modified analysis identifier corresponds to the first capability, and the first request message is used to request information about at least one data analysis network element that supports the first capability for the first analysis identifier. For details of the modified analysis identifier of the first analysis identifier, see S210 of Method 200 described above.

[0204] Optionally, the first request message includes the network element type of the target network element (the NF type of the target NF), where the network element type of the target network element is the type of network element requested by the first request message, i.e., the network element type of the target network element indicates a data analysis network element.

[0205] For example, the first network element may send the first request message to the network repository function network element by calling the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request (Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request) service.

[0206] S320: The network repository function network element sends a first response message to the first network element.

[0207] Accordingly, the first network element receives a first response message from the network repository function network element.

[0208] The first response message includes one or more of the following: first information, identifiers of at least one first data analysis network element, the scope of analysis services of at least one first data analysis network element, or analysis identifiers supported by at least one first data analysis network element.

[0209] The first information includes capability information or first instruction information of at least one first data analysis network element, which is used to determine whether at least one first data analysis network element supports a first capability. For details of the capability information and first instruction information of at least one first data analysis network element, see S210 of Method 200 described above.

[0210] If each of the first data analysis network elements within at least one first data analysis network element does not support the first capability, then the first information may include first instruction information or capability information of at least one first data analysis network element. If one or more of the first data analysis network elements within at least one first data analysis network element support the first capability, then the first information may include capability information of at least one first data analysis network element.

[0211] It should be understood that at least one first data analytics network element includes data analytics network elements that support providing analytics services to the first network element, and that the identifier, analytics service scope, or supported analytics identifier of the data analytics network element that provides analytics services to the first network element is pre-configured on the first network element, and that the first response message does not need to include the identifier, analytics service scope, or supported analytics identifier of at least one first data analytics network element.

[0212] At least one first data analysis network element is, but is not limited to, the embodiments of this application.

[0213] For example, at least one first data analysis network element includes all data analysis network elements registered with the network repository function network element, or at least one first data analysis network element includes data analysis network elements within all data analysis network elements registered with the network repository function network element that support providing analysis services to the first network element. For ease of explanation, all data analysis network elements registered with the network repository function network element are shown below as data analysis network element set #1, and data analysis network elements within data analysis network element set #1 that support providing analysis services to the first network element are shown below as data analysis network element set #2.

[0214] For example, when a first request message includes a first analysis identifier, at least one first data analysis network element may include a network element that supports the first analysis identifier.

[0215] For example, if the first request message contains information about a first capability, then at least one first data analysis network element may include network elements that support the first capability. Optionally, if each data analysis network element in data analysis network element set #1 does not support the first capability, then at least one first data analysis network element may include one or more data analysis network elements in data analysis network element set #1. Alternatively, if each data analysis network element in data analysis network element set #2 does not support the first capability, then at least one first data analysis network element may include one or more data analysis network elements in data analysis network element set #2.

[0216] For example, when a first request message contains information about a first analysis identifier and a first capability, or when a first request message contains a modified analysis identifier of the first analysis identifier, at least one first data analysis network element may include a data analysis network element that supports the first capability for the first analysis identifier. Optionally, if each data analysis network element in data analysis network element set #1 does not support the first capability, at least one first data analysis network element may be in data analysis network element set #1 and include one or more data analysis network elements that support the first analysis identifier. Alternatively, if each data analysis network element in data analysis network element set #2 does not support the first capability, at least one first data analysis network element may be in data analysis network element set #2 and include one or more data analysis network elements that support the first analysis identifier.

[0217] As described above, the first network element may send a first request message to the network repository function network element by calling the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request service. Accordingly, the network repository function network element may send a first response message to the first network element by calling the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_RequestResponse (Nnrf_NFDiscovery_RequestResponse) service.

[0218] Optionally, after receiving a first request message from a first network element, the network repository function network element may approve the first request message. For example, the network repository function network element determines whether the first network element is permitted to discover the NF requested by the first request message, based on the configuration file of the NF or NF service requested by the first request message and the type of the first network element. If the network repository function network element determines that the first network element is permitted to discover the NF requested by the first request message, the network repository function network element sends a first response message to the first network element.

[0219] Optionally, if the first response message does not contain the first information, or if the first response message contains the first information and the first information includes capability information of at least one first data analysis network element, but the capability information of at least one first data analysis network element does not include information about the corresponding level of first capability supported by at least one first data analysis network element, the communication method 300 may further include S330 and S340.

[0220] S330: The first network element sends a first join request message to the first data analysis network element.

[0221] Accordingly, the first data analysis network element receives a first join request message from the first network element.

[0222] In S330, the first network element may send a first join request message to each first data analysis network element within at least one first data analysis network element.

[0223] The first subscription request message is used to subscribe to the first service corresponding to the first capability. For details of the first service, see S210 of Method 200 described above.

[0224] Optionally, the first subscribe request message includes a first analysis identifier, and the first subscribe request message is used to subscribe to a first service corresponding to a first capability for the first analysis identifier.

[0225] S340: The first data analysis network element sends a first join response message to the first network element.

[0226] Accordingly, the first network element receives a first join response message from the first data analysis network element.

[0227] The first subscribe response message includes service information corresponding to the first service. The first service includes providing analysis accuracy information, and the service information includes analysis accuracy information. The first service includes providing aggregate analysis, and the service information includes information related to the aggregate analysis. If the first service includes providing analysis metadata information, the service information includes providing analysis metadata information.

[0228] If the first join request message includes a first analysis identifier, the first join response message includes service information corresponding to a first service and provided by the first data analysis network element for the first analysis identifier. For example, the first service includes providing analysis accuracy information. The service information corresponding to the first service and provided by the first data analysis network element for the first analysis identifier includes analysis accuracy information provided by the first data analysis network element for the first analysis identifier. The analysis accuracy information provided by the first data analysis network element for the first analysis identifier includes accuracy check results obtained by the first data analysis network element by performing accuracy checks on the first analysis identifier (i.e., levels corresponding to the accuracy check capabilities supported by the first data analysis for the first analysis identifier).

[0229] It should be understood that if the first data analysis network element does not support the first capability, then the first data analysis network element will not be able to provide the first service. Furthermore, the first data analysis network element will send a first join response message to the first network element to indicate that the first data analysis network element does not support the first capability.

[0230] It can be understood that, after receiving a first join response message, the first network element may, based on the first join response message, determine that the first data analysis network element does not support the first capability, or, based on the first join response message, determine the level corresponding to the first capability supported by the first data analysis network element.

[0231] S350: The first network element decides whether or not to subscribe to analysis service #1 from at least one second data analysis network element.

[0232] In a possible implementation, if the first response message contains first information, the first network element can decide, based on the first information, whether or not to subscribe to analysis service #1 from at least one second data analysis network element. For a method of deciding, based on the first information, whether or not the first network element subscribes to analysis service #1 from at least one second data analysis network element, see S220 of communication method 200.

[0233] In a possible implementation, if the first response message does not contain the first information and S330 and S340 in communication method 300 are performed, the first network element will decide whether to subscribe to analysis service #1 from at least one second data analysis network element based on the first join response message.

[0234] For example, if a first network element determines, based on at least one first join response message received from at least one first data analysis network element, that at least one first data analysis network element does not support a first capability, then the first network element will not join analysis service #1 from at least one second data analysis network element. At least one second data analysis network element is equivalent to at least one first data analysis network element.

[0235] For example, if a first network element determines, based on at least one first join response message received from at least one first data analysis network element, that one or more first data analysis network elements within at least one first data analysis network element support a first capability, then the first network element joins analysis service #1 from at least one second data analysis network element. The second data analysis network element is a first data analysis network element that supports a first capability in at least one first data analysis network element, and the level corresponding to the first capability supported by the first data analysis network element satisfies the requirements of the first network element at the level corresponding to the first capability.

[0236] For example, if a first network element determines, based on at least one first join response message received from at least one first data analysis network element, that one or more first data analysis network elements within at least one first data analysis network element support a first capability, but the requirements at the level corresponding to the first capability supported by one or more first data analysis network elements do not satisfy the requirements of the first network element at the level corresponding to the first capability, then the first network element joins analysis service #1 from at least one second data analysis network element. The second data analysis network element is a first data analysis network element that supports the first capability in at least one first data analysis network element.

[0237] In a possible implementation, if the first response message contains first information and S330 and S340 in communication method 300 are performed, the first network element will decide whether to subscribe to analysis service #1 from at least one second data analysis network element based on the first information and the first subscribe response message.

[0238] For example, if a first network element determines, based on first information and at least one first join response message received from at least one first data analysis network element, that one or more first data analysis network elements within at least one first data analysis network element support a first capability, then the first network element joins analysis service #1 from at least one second data analysis network element. The second data analysis network element is a first data analysis network element that supports a first capability in at least one first data analysis network element, and the level corresponding to the first capability supported by the first data analysis network element satisfies the requirements of the first network element at the level corresponding to the first capability.

[0239] For example, if a first network element determines, based on first information and at least one first join response message received from at least one first data analysis network element, that one or more first data analysis network elements within at least one first data analysis network element support a first capability, but the requirements at the level corresponding to the first capability supported by one or more first data analysis network elements do not satisfy the requirements of the first network element at the level corresponding to the first capability, then the first network element joins analysis service #1 from at least one second data analysis network element. The second data analysis network element is a first data analysis network element that supports the first capability in at least one first data analysis network element.

[0240] Optionally, if the first network element determines that at least one first data analysis network element does not support the first capability, the first network element may continue executing S310 and S320, or S310-S340, until the first network element discovers a second data analysis network element that supports the first capability from the network repository function network element, and the first network element subscribes to analysis service #1 from the second data analysis network element that supports the first capability. Instead, if the first network element determines that the level corresponding to the first capability supported by at least one first data analysis network element does not satisfy the requirements of the first network element at the level corresponding to the first capability, the first network element may continue executing S310 and S320, or execute S310-S340, until the first network element discovers a second data analysis network element that supports the first capability from the network repository function network element, and the level corresponding to the first capability supported by the second data analysis network element satisfies the requirements of the first network element at the level corresponding to the first capability. The first network element also subscribes to analysis service #1 from the second data analysis network element.

[0241] If the first network element optionally decides to subscribe to analysis service #1 from at least one second data analysis network element, the communication method 300 further includes one or more of S351 to S356.

[0242] S351: The first network element sends a second join request message to the second data analysis network element.

[0243] Accordingly, the second data analysis network element receives a second join request message from the first network element.

[0244] In S351, if the first network element joins analysis service #1 from multiple second data analysis network elements, the first network element sends a second join request message to each of the second data analysis network elements within the multiple second data analysis network elements.

[0245] A second join request message is used to request to join analysis service #1, and the second join request message includes a first analysis identifier corresponding to analysis service #1. Analysis service #1 that the first network element requests to join may include the first service or may not include the first service. For example, if the first network element determines that the second data analysis network element supports the first capability, or if the first network element determines that the second data analysis network element supports the first capability and the level corresponding to the first capability supported by the second data analysis network element satisfies the requirements of the first network element at the level corresponding to the first capability, then analysis service #1 that the first network element requests to join will include the first service. In another example, if the first network element determines that the second data analysis network element supports the first capability, but the level corresponding to the first capability supported by the second data analysis network element does not meet the requirements of the first network element at the level corresponding to the first capability, then analysis service #1, which the first network element requires to join, does not have to include the first service.

[0246] Optionally, if analysis service #1 joined by the first network element includes the first service, the second join request message may include information about the first analysis identifier and the first capability, or the second join request message may include a modified analysis identifier of the first analysis identifier.

[0247] Optionally, if the first network element joins analysis service #1 from the source data analysis network element before the second data analysis network element joins analysis service #1, the second join request message may further include the identifier of the source data analysis network element. In this case, the second data analysis network element may also be referred to as the target data analysis network element.

[0248] Optionally, before the second data analysis network element subscribes to analysis service #1, the first network element subscribes to analysis service #1 from the source data analysis network element, and if analysis service #1 subscribed to by the first network element from the source data analysis network element includes the first service, then if analysis service #1 subscribed to by the first network element from the second data analysis network element does not include the first service, the second subscribe request message may include sixth instruction information, the sixth instruction indicating to either cancel the first service or suspend subscription to the first service.

[0249] When the first network element unsubscribes from the first service by the second data analysis network element, or temporarily suspends its subscription to the first service, the first network element may still be subscribed to analysis service #1 by the second data analysis network element, but it should be understood that analysis service #1 subscribed to by the first network element does not include the first service. In other words, the first network element subscribes to analysis result #1 corresponding to the first analysis identifier from the second data analysis network element, but does not subscribe to the service information corresponding to the first service.

[0250] For example, the first network element sends a second subscription request message to the first data analytics network element by calling the Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe service.

[0251] S352: The second data analysis network element sends a second join response message to the first network element.

[0252] Accordingly, the first network element receives a second join response message from the second data analysis network element.

[0253] For example, the second data analytics network element sends a second subscribe response message to the first network element by calling the Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Response (Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Response) service.

[0254] Optionally, when the second join request message includes an identifier for a source data analysis network element, the communication method 300 further includes S353 and S354.

[0255] S353: The second data analytics network element sends an analytics context transfer request to the source data analytics network element.

[0256] Accordingly, the source data analysis network element receives an analysis context transfer request from the second data analysis network element.

[0257] The second data analysis network element sends an analysis context transfer request to the source data analysis network element based on the source data analysis network element's identifier. The analysis context transfer request includes the first analysis identifier to request the analysis context associated with analysis service #1.

[0258] Optionally, if the second join request message includes the sixth instruction information, the analysis context transfer request includes the eighth instruction information, which indicates either canceling the first service or suspending the join to the first service.

[0259] For example, the first data analytics network element sends an analytics context transfer request to the source data analytics network element by calling the NNWDAF_Analyticsinfo_ContextTransfer (NNWDAF_Analyticsinfo_ContextTransfer) service.

[0260] S354: The source data analysis network element sends the analysis context to the second data analysis network element.

[0261] Accordingly, the second data analysis network element receives the analysis context from the source data analysis network element.

[0262] For example, when the analysis context transfer request does not include the eighth instruction information, the source data analysis network element sends the first analysis context #1 associated with the analysis service to the second data analysis network element, and the first analysis context includes the context associated with the first service. The first analysis context further includes the context corresponding to the first analysis identifier.

[0263] The first service includes providing analysis accuracy information. The context related to the first service may include one or more of the following: the accuracy value of the first analysis identifier, an instruction indicating whether the accuracy value of the first analysis identifier meets the first accuracy level, updated analysis-related information (if the “updated analysis flag” parameter is included in the corresponding subscription, the data analysis network element provides an updated analysis for one or more provided analysis IDs, and the analysis is generated within the analysis accuracy information time window), an analysis stop instruction (the data analysis network element provides an instruction to the consumer indicating to stop using the analysis ID associated with the subscription ID, based on the data analysis network element's internal logic or a specified accuracy deviation threshold), or an analysis restart instruction (an instruction indicating to restart a previously paused subscription to an analysis ID or multiple analysis IDs). The first service also includes providing aggregate analysis. The context associated with the first service includes analytics subscription aggregation information (information about analytics subscriptions that a source data analytics network element has together with other data analytics network elements, which collectively supply a transferred analytics subscription that includes the IDs and analytics metadata information of these data analytics network elements for a specific analytics ID or a group of specific analytics IDs, and optionally, input parameters for analytics publication), and aggregation related information (information associated with an analytics consumer that aggregates analytics from subscriptions of multiple data analytics network elements, for example, one or more data analytics network element identifiers of data analytics network element instances used by a data analytics network element service consumer when aggregating multiple analytics subscriptions). The first service includes providing analytics metadata information, and the context associated with the first service may include one or more pieces of analytics subscription aggregation information.

[0264] The context corresponding to the first identifier may include one or more of the following: the first analysis identifier, analysis result #1 corresponding to the first analysis identifier, network data for obtaining analysis result #1, or network element entity information for providing the network data.

[0265] For example, when an analysis context transfer request includes the eighth instruction information, the source data analysis network element sends a second analysis context #1 related to the analysis service to the second data analysis network element, the second analysis context does not include the context related to the first service. The second analysis context includes the context corresponding to the first analysis identifier.

[0266] Communication method 300 further includes S355 and S356.

[0267] S355: The first data analysis network element retrieves analysis result #1.

[0268] S356: The first data analysis network element sends analysis result #1 to the first network element.

[0269] Accordingly, the first network element receives analysis result #1 from the first data analysis network element.

[0270] Optionally, if analysis service #1, which is joined by the first network element from the first data analysis network element, includes the first service, then in S356, the first data analysis network element further transmits service information corresponding to the first service to the first network element.

[0271] For example, the first data analysis network element sends analysis result #1 to the first network element by calling the Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Notify (Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Notify) service.

[0272] Optionally, after receiving analysis result #1, the first network element may perform a first decision based on analysis result #1.

[0273] If, optionally, the level corresponding to the first capability supported by the second data analysis network element does not satisfy the requirements of the first network element at the level corresponding to the first capability, or if the first network element determines, based on the received service information, that analysis result #1 does not satisfy the requirements of the first network element at the level corresponding to the first capability, then the proportion of analysis result #1 in the factors for the first network element to make the first decision does not exceed the threshold.

[0274] In this embodiment of the application, the first network element may discover information about at least one first data analysis network element from a network repository function network element, and / or may subscribe to the first service from at least one first data analysis network element to determine whether at least one first data analysis network element supports the first capability. When the first network element can determine whether at least one first data analysis network element supports the first capability, the first network element can avoid the adverse effects caused by subscribing to the analysis service from a first data analysis network element that does not support the first capability.

[0275] Hereinafter, the communication method provided in this embodiment of the application will be described based on the communication method shown in Figure 2, with reference to Figures 4A and 4B, using an example where the second network element is a source data analysis network element.

[0276] Figures 4A and 4B are schematic flowcharts of a communication method 400 according to one embodiment of this application. The steps included in the communication method 400 will be described in detail below.

[0277] S410: The first network element subscribes to analysis service #1 from the source data analysis network element.

[0278] Analysis service #1, which is joined from the source data analysis network element by the first network element, includes the first service corresponding to the first capability. For details of the first capability and the first service, see S210 of Method 200 described above.

[0279] S420: The source data analysis network element sends a second request message to the network repository function network element.

[0280] Accordingly, the network repository function network element receives a second request message from the source data analysis network element.

[0281] Note that if the source data analysis network element determines that it is unable to provide analysis service #1 to the first network element, or if it determines that it is not easily able to provide analysis service #1 to the first network element, the source data analysis network element will send a second request message to the network repository function network element.

[0282] The second request message is used to request information about at least one data analysis network element. For details about the information about at least one data analysis network element, see S310 of Method 300 described above.

[0283] Optionally, a second request message may include the first analysis identifier, and the second request message may be used to request information about at least one data analysis network element that supports the first analysis identifier.

[0284] Optionally, a second request message may include information about the first capability, and the second request message may be used to request information about at least one data analysis network element that supports the first capability. The information about the first capability may include the name of the first capability and / or an identifier corresponding to the first capability.

[0285] When the second request message contains information about the first analysis identifier and the first capability, it should be understood that the second request message is used to request information about at least one data analysis network element that supports the first capability for the first analysis identifier.

[0286] Optionally, a second request message includes a modified analysis identifier of the first analysis identifier, the modified analysis identifier corresponds to the first capability, and the second request message is used to request information about at least one data analysis network element that supports the first capability for the first analysis identifier. For details of the modified analysis identifier of the first analysis identifier, see S210 of Method 200 described above.

[0287] Optionally, the second request message includes the network element type of the target network element, where the network element type is the type of network element requested by the second request message, i.e., the network element type of the target network element indicates a data analysis network element.

[0288] For example, the source data analysis network element may send a second request message to the network repository function network element by calling the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request service.

[0289] S430: The network repository function network element sends a second response message to the source data analysis network element.

[0290] Accordingly, the source data analysis network element receives a second response message from the network repository function network element.

[0291] The second response message includes information about at least one third data analysis network element. For an explanation of the information about at least one third data analysis network element, reference is made to the explanation of the information about at least one data analysis network element in S310 of communication method 300.

[0292] The at least one third data analysis network element is not limited to the present embodiment of the present application.

[0293] For example, the at least one third data analysis network element includes all data analysis network elements registered in the network repository function network element, or the at least one third data analysis network element is within all data analysis network elements registered in the network repository function network element and includes data analysis network elements that can be discovered by the source data analysis network element. For ease of explanation, all data analysis network elements registered in the network repository function network element are hereinafter shown as data analysis network element set #1, and the data analysis network elements within data analysis network element set #1 and that can be discovered by the source data analysis network element are hereinafter shown as data analysis network element set #3.

[0294] For example, when the second request message includes a first analysis identifier, the at least one third data analysis network element may include network elements that support the first analysis identifier.

[0295] For example, if the second request message contains information about the first capability, then at least one third data analysis network element may include network elements that support the first capability. Optionally, if each data analysis network element in data analysis network element set #1 does not support the first capability, then at least one third data analysis network element may include one or more data analysis network elements in data analysis network element set #1. Alternatively, if each data analysis network element in data analysis network element set #3 does not support the first capability, then at least one third data analysis network element may include one or more data analysis network elements in data analysis network element set #3.

[0296] For example, when a second request message contains information about a first analysis identifier and a first capability, or when a second request message contains a modified analysis identifier of the first analysis identifier, at least one third data analysis network element may include a data analysis network element that supports the first capability for the first analysis identifier. Optionally, if each data analysis network element in data analysis network element set #1 does not support the first capability, at least one third data analysis network element may be in data analysis network element set #1 and include one or more data analysis network elements that support the first analysis identifier. Alternatively, if each data analysis network element in data analysis network element set #3 does not support the first capability, at least one third data analysis network element may be in data analysis network element set #2 and include one or more data analysis network elements that support the first analysis identifier.

[0297] As described above, the source data analysis network element may send a second request message to the network repository function network element by calling the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request service. Accordingly, the network repository function network element may send a second response message to the source data analysis network element by calling the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_RequestResponse service.

[0298] Optionally, after receiving a second request message from the source data analysis network element, the network repository function network element may approve the second request message. For example, the network repository function network element determines whether the source data analysis network element is permitted to discover the NF requested by the second request message, based on the NF or NF service configuration file requested by the second request message and the type of the source data analysis network element. If the network repository function network element determines that the source data analysis network element is permitted to discover the NF requested by the second request message, the network repository function network element sends a second response message to the source data analysis network element.

[0299] S440: The source data analysis network element sends an analysis join notification to the first network element.

[0300] Accordingly, the first network element receives an analysis subscription notification from the source data analysis network element.

[0301] A source data analysis network element sends an analysis join notification to a first network element based on information about at least one third data analysis network element. The analysis join notification includes one or more of the first information, an identifier of at least one first data analysis network element, the analysis service scope of at least one first data analysis network element, or an analysis identifier supported by at least one first data analysis network element. At least one third data analysis network element includes at least one first data analysis network element. For example, at least one first data analysis network element is within at least one third data analysis network element and includes a third data analysis network element that supports providing analysis service #1 to the first network element. In another example, at least one first data analysis network element is within at least one third data analysis network element and includes a third data analysis network element whose load is below a load threshold.

[0302] The first information includes capability information or second instruction information for at least one first data analysis network element, which is used to determine whether at least one first data analysis network element supports the first capability. For details of the capability information and second instruction information for at least one first data analysis network element, see S210 of Method 200 described above.

[0303] It should be understood that if the information about at least one third data analysis network element includes capability information for at least one third data analysis network element, and the source data analysis network element determines, based on the capability information for at least one third data analysis network element, that each first data analysis network element within at least one first data analysis network element does not support the first capability, then the first information may include second directional information or capability information for at least one first data analysis network element. If the information about at least one third data analysis network element includes capability information for at least one third data analysis network element, then the first information may include capability information for at least one first data analysis network element. If the information about at least one third data analysis network element does not include capability information for at least one third data analysis network element, then the first information may include second directional information.

[0304] It should be understood that if at least one first data analytics network element includes a data analytics network element that supports providing analytics services to the first network element, and the identifier, analytics service scope, or supported analytics identifier of the data analytics network element that provides analytics services to the first network element is pre-configured on the first network element, then the analytics service notification does not need to include the identifier, analytics service scope, or supported analytics identifier of at least one first data analytics network element.

[0305] For example, the source data analytics network element may send an analytics subscription notification to the first network element by calling the Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Notify service.

[0306] Optionally, if the analysis participation notice does not contain the first information, or if the analysis participation notice contains the first information and the first information contains the capability information of at least one first data analysis network element, but the capability information of at least one first data analysis network element does not contain information about the level corresponding to the first capability supported by at least one first data analysis network element, the communication method 400 may further include S450 and S460.

[0307] S450: The first network element transmits a second joining request message to the first data analysis network element.

[0308] In response, the first data analysis network element receives the second joining request message from the first network element.

[0309] For details of S450, please refer to S330 of the aforementioned method 300.

[0310] S460: The first data analysis network element transmits a second joining response message to the first network element.

[0311] In response, the first network element receives the second joining response message from the first data analysis network element.

[0312] For details of S460, please refer to S340 of the aforementioned method 300.

[0313] S470: The first network element determines whether to join the analysis service #1 from at least one first data analysis network element.

[0314] For details of S470, please refer to S350 of the aforementioned method 300.

[0315] Optionally, if the first network element determines that at least one first data analysis network element does not support the first capability, or if one or more first data analysis network elements within at least one first data analysis network element support the first capability, but the level corresponding to the first capability supported by one or more first data analysis network elements does not satisfy the requirements of the first network element at the level of the first capability, the communication method 400 further includes S480a or S480b.

[0316] S480a includes S481 and S482a, or S480a includes S481 and S482b.

[0317] S481: The first network element sends the first request to the source data analysis network element.

[0318] Accordingly, the source data analysis network element receives the first request from the first network element.

[0319] The first request includes the fourth instruction information, which indicates either temporarily suspending or canceling subscription to Analysis Service #1.

[0320] Optionally, the first request may further include a fifth directive, which indicates a cause value for suspending or canceling subscription to analysis service #1. For example, the fifth directive may indicate that at least one first data analysis network element does not support the first capability, or that at least one first data analysis network element is unable to provide the first service corresponding to the first capability, or that the fifth directive may indicate that the level corresponding to the first capability supported by at least one first data analysis network element does not meet the requirements of the first network element at the level corresponding to the first capability.

[0321] It should be understood that after receiving a first request from a first network element, the source data analysis network element may determine, based on a fourth instruction information included in the first request, or based on the fourth instruction information and a fifth instruction information included in the first request, that at least one of the first data analysis network elements is unable to provide the first service requested by the first network element. The source data analysis network element may also perform S482a or S482b.

[0322] S482a: The source data analysis network element sends the second analysis context to the second data analysis network element.

[0323] In S482a, a source data analysis network element transmits an analysis context to each of the second data analysis network elements within at least one second data analysis network element. The at least one second data analysis network element includes one or more first data analysis network elements within at least one first data analysis network element, and the at least one second data analysis network element may be referred to as a target data analysis network element.

[0324] The second analysis context corresponds to analysis service #1, and does not include the context related to the first service. For a description of the context related to the first service, please refer to S354 of communication method 300. The second analysis context includes the context corresponding to the first analysis identifier, and it should be understood that the second analysis identifier corresponds to analysis service #1.

[0325] When the second analysis context does not include the context associated with the first service, it indicates that the first network element is still subscribed to analysis service #1 from the second data analysis network element, but it should be understood that the subscribed analysis service #1 does not include the first service. In other words, the first network element is still subscribed to analysis result #1 corresponding to the first analysis identifier from the second data analysis network element, but does not subscribe to the service information corresponding to the first service.

[0326] When a source data analysis network element transmits a second analysis context to a second data analysis network element, if the first service is subscribed to from the second data analysis network element when the second data analysis network element is unable to provide the first service requested by the first network element, it may be understood that this can be avoided in order to reduce unnecessary signaling transmissions.

[0327] S482b: The source data analysis network element re-selects the data analysis network element.

[0328] For example, in S482b, the source data analysis network element sends a third request message to the network repository function network element, and the third request message is used to request information about at least one data analysis network element. For details of the third request message, see the above description of the second request message in S420.

[0329] Accordingly, the network repository function network element sends a third response message to the source data analysis network element, and the third response message may include information about at least one data analysis network element.

[0330] Alternatively, if at least one data analysis network element includes data analysis network element #1 which supports the first capability, the source data analysis network element may use an analysis subscribe notification to notify the first network element of information about data analysis network element #1 which supports the first capability so that the first network element may subscribe to analysis service #1 from data analysis network element #1.

[0331] If the source data analytics network element optionally sends a prepared analytics subscription transfer to the second data analytics network element, then when the source data analytics network element performs S482b, it may further send a prepared analytics subscription transfer cancel to the second data analytics network element.

[0332] S480b includes S483 and S484.

[0333] S483: The first network element sends the first request to the second data analysis network element.

[0334] Accordingly, the second data analysis network element receives the first request from the first network element.

[0335] In S483, the first network element transmits a first request to each of the second data analysis network elements within at least one second data analysis network element. The at least one second data analysis network element includes one or more first data analysis network elements within at least one first data analysis network element, and the at least one second data analysis network element may be referred to as a target data analysis network element.

[0336] The first request includes the fourth instruction information, which indicates either temporarily suspending or canceling subscription to Analysis Service #1.

[0337] S484: The second data analysis network element re-selects the data analysis network element.

[0338] For example, in S484, the second data analysis network element sends a fourth request message to the network repository function network element, and the fourth request message is used to request information about at least one data analysis network element. For details of the fourth request message, please refer to the above description of the second request message in S420.

[0339] Accordingly, the network repository function network element sends a fourth response message to the source data analysis network element, and the fourth response message may include information about at least one fourth data analysis network element. For a description of the information about at least one fourth data analysis network element, please refer to the description of the information about at least one data analysis network element in S310 of communication method 300.

[0340] Furthermore, the first data analysis network element may transmit second information to the first network element based on information about at least one fourth data analysis network element. The second information includes capability information or ninth instruction information for at least one fifth data analysis network element, and the capability information or ninth instruction information for at least one fifth data analysis network element is used to determine whether or not at least one fifth data analysis network element supports the first capability. At least one fourth data analysis network element includes at least one fifth data analysis network element. For a description of the capability information for at least one fifth data analysis network element, see the description of the capability information for first data analysis network element #1 in S210 of communication method 200. The ninth instruction information indicates that the first service corresponding to the first capability is terminated. For a method by which a first data analysis network element transmits second information to a first network element based on information about at least one fourth data analysis network element, see the method described above in S440 in which a source data analysis network element transmits first information to a first network element based on information about at least one third data analysis network element.

[0341] S484 can be understood as follows: After the first data analysis network element transmits the second information to the first network element, the first network element may, based on the second information, help the first data analysis network element discover the fifth data analysis network element that supports the first capability, so that the first network element may subscribe to analysis service #1 from the fifth data analysis network element that supports the first capability.

[0342] If the first network element optionally decides to subscribe to analysis service #1 from at least one second data analysis network element, the communication method 400 further includes S490. S490 may include one or more steps from S491 to S496.

[0343] S491: The first network element sends a second join request message to the second data analysis network element.

[0344] Accordingly, the second data analysis network element receives a second join request message from the first network element.

[0345] For details of S491, please refer to S351 of Method 300 described above.

[0346] S492: The second data analysis network element sends a second join response message to the first network element.

[0347] Accordingly, the first network element receives a second join response message from the second data analysis network element.

[0348] Optionally, if the second join request message includes an identifier for a source data analysis network element, S490 further includes S493 and S494.

[0349] S493: The second data analysis network element sends an analysis context transfer request to the source data analysis network element.

[0350] Accordingly, the source data analysis network element receives an analysis context transfer request from the second data analysis network element.

[0351] For details of S493, please refer to S353 of Method 300 described above.

[0352] S494: The source data analysis network element sends the analysis context to the second data analysis network element.

[0353] Accordingly, the second data analysis network element receives the analysis context from the source data analysis network element.

[0354] For details of S494, please refer to S354 of Method 300 described above.

[0355] S490 further includes S495 and S496.

[0356] S495: The second data analysis network element retrieves analysis result #1.

[0357] S496: The second data analysis network element sends analysis result #1 to the first network element.

[0358] Accordingly, the first network element receives analysis result #1 from the second data analysis network element.

[0359] For details of S496, please refer to S356 of Method 300 described above.

[0360] In this embodiment of the application, the source data analysis network element may discover information about at least one third data analysis network element from the network repository function network element, and may transmit the first information to the first network element based on the information about at least one third data analysis network element so that the first network element can determine, based on the first information, whether or not at least one first data analysis network element supports the first capability. When the first network element can determine whether or not at least one first data analysis network element supports the first capability, the first network element can avoid adverse effects caused by subscribing to the analysis service from a first data analysis network element that does not support the first capability.

[0361] Hereinafter, the communication method provided in this embodiment of the application will be described based on the communication method shown in Figure 2, with reference to Figure 5, using an example where the second network element is a target data analysis network element.

[0362] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 500 according to one embodiment of this application. The steps included in the communication method 500 will be described in detail below.

[0363] S510: The first network element subscribes to analysis service #1 from the source data analysis network element.

[0364] Analysis service #1, which is joined from the source data analysis network element by the first network element, includes the first service corresponding to the first capability. For details of the first capability and the first service, see S210 of Method 200 described above.

[0365] S520: The source data analysis network element sends a second request message to the network repository function network element.

[0366] Accordingly, the network repository function network element receives a second request message from the source data analysis network element.

[0367] For details of S520, please refer to S420 of Method 400 described above.

[0368] S530: The network repository function network element sends a second response message to the source data analysis network element.

[0369] Accordingly, the source data analysis network element receives a second response message from the network repository function network element.

[0370] For details of S530, please refer to S430 of Method 400 described above.

[0371] Steps S520 and S530 are optional steps.

[0372] S540: The source data analysis network element transmits seventh instruction information to the target data analysis network element.

[0373] Accordingly, the target data analysis network element receives seventh instruction information from the source data analysis network element.

[0374] In S540, the source data analysis network element may transmit seventh instruction information to each of the first data analysis network elements within at least one first data analysis network element. The at least one first data analysis network element may be referred to as the target data analysis network element.

[0375] The seventh instruction indicates that the first analysis context #1 associated with the analysis service includes a context associated with the first service, or that the seventh instruction indicates that the first network element subscribes to the first service. The first analysis context further includes a context corresponding to the first analysis identifier, the first analysis identifier corresponding to analysis service #1. For a description of the context corresponding to the first analysis identifier and the context associated with the first service, see S354 of communication method 300.

[0376] In S530, it should be noted that a source data analysis network element may obtain information about at least one third data analysis network element, and that the source data analysis network element may transmit seventh instruction information to at least one first data analysis network element based on the information about at least one third data analysis network element. At least one third data analysis network element includes at least one first data analysis network element. For example, at least one first data analysis network element is within at least one third data analysis network element and includes a third data analysis network element that supports providing analysis service #1 to the first network element. In another example, at least one first data analysis network element is within at least one third data analysis network element and includes a third data analysis network element whose load is lower than a load threshold.

[0377] After receiving the seventh instruction information, the target data analysis network element can decide, based on the seventh instruction information, that the first network element subscribes to the first service.

[0378] S550: The target data analysis network element sends an analysis subscription notification to the first network element.

[0379] Accordingly, the first network element receives an analysis subscription notification from the target data analysis network element.

[0380] The analysis subscription notification includes first information, which includes capability information of the target data analysis network element or third instruction information. The capability information of the target data analysis network element or the third instruction information is used to determine whether the target data analysis network element supports the first capability. For a description of the capability information of the target data analysis network element, see the description of the capability information of the first data analysis network element #1 in S210 of Method 200 described above. The third instruction information indicates that the first service corresponding to the first capability is to be terminated. When the third instruction information indicates that the first service is to be terminated, it should be understood that this is equivalent to the third instruction information being used to determine that the target data analysis network element does not support the first capability.

[0381] If the target data analysis network element does not support the first capability, the first information may include the third instruction information or capability information of the target data analysis network element. If the target data analysis network element supports the first capability, the first information may include capability information of the target data analysis network element.

[0382] Optionally, if the first information includes capability information of the target data analysis network element, but the capability information of the target data analysis network element does not include information about the level corresponding to the first capability supported by the target data analysis network element, the communication method 500 may further include S560 and S570.

[0383] S560: The first network element sends a second join request message to the target data analysis network element.

[0384] Accordingly, the target data analysis network element receives a second join request message from the first network element.

[0385] For details of S560, please refer to S330 of Method 300 described above.

[0386] S570: The target data analysis network element sends a second join response message to the first network element.

[0387] Accordingly, the first network element receives a second join response message from the target data analysis network element.

[0388] For details of S570, please refer to S340 of Method 300 described above.

[0389] S580: The first network element decides whether or not to subscribe to analysis service #1 from at least one second data analysis network element.

[0390] For details of S580, please refer to S350 of Method 300 described above.

[0391] Optionally, if the first network element determines that the target data analysis network element does not support the first capability, or if the target data analysis network element supports the first capability, but the level corresponding to the first capability supported by the target data analysis network element does not satisfy the requirements of the first network element at the level of the first capability, then the communication method 400 further includes S590a or S590b. For details of S590a, see S480 of the method 400 described above. For details of S590b, see S480b of the method 400 described above.

[0392] If, optionally, the first network element decides to subscribe to analysis service #1 from the target data analysis network element, then communication method 500 further includes S590c. For details of S590c, see S490 of method 400 described above.

[0393] In this embodiment of the application, the source data analysis network element may discover the target data analysis network element from the network repository function network element, and may transmit the seventh instruction information to the target data analysis network element so that the target data analysis network element can transmit the first information to the first network element based on the seventh instruction information. In this case, the first network element can determine, based on the first information, whether the target data analysis network element supports the first capability. When the first network element can determine whether the target data analysis network element supports the first capability, the first network element can avoid adverse effects caused by subscribing to the analysis service from a target data analysis network element that does not support the first capability.

[0394] The communication method according to the embodiment of this application has been described in detail above with reference to Figures 2 to 5. Hereinafter, the apparatus according to the embodiment of this application will be described in detail with reference to Figures 6 to 8. It should be noted that the apparatus shown in Figures 6 to 8 can implement the steps in the method described above. For the sake of brevity, further details will not be described again in this specification.

[0395] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a communication device 1000 according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 6, the communication device 1000 may include a transmitting / receiving unit 1010 and a processing unit 1020.

[0396] In possible designs, the communication device 1000 may be the first network element in the embodiments of the method described above, or it may be a chip configured to implement the functions of the first network element in the embodiments of the method described above.

[0397] It should be understood that the communication device 1000 may correspond to the first network element in communication methods 200, 300, 400, or 500 according to embodiments of this application. The communication device 1000 may include units configured to perform the methods performed by the first network element in communication method 200 in Figure 2, communication method 300 in Figure 3, communication method 400 in Figures 4A and 4B, or communication method 500 in Figure 5. Furthermore, each unit within the communication device 1000, as well as the other operations and / or functions described above, is used to implement the corresponding steps in communication method 200 in Figure 2, communication method 300 in Figure 3, communication method 400 in Figures 4A and 4B, or communication method 500 in Figure 5. It should be understood that the specific processes by which each unit performs the corresponding steps described above are described in detail in embodiments of the methods described above. For brevity, details are not described herein.

[0398] In another possible design, the communication device 1000 may be the second network element in the embodiment of the method described above, or it may be a chip configured to implement the functions of the second network element in the embodiment of the method described above.

[0399] It should be understood that the communication device 1000 may correspond to the communication method 200 according to embodiments of this application. The communication device 1000 may include a unit configured to perform the communication method performed by the second network element in the communication method 200 of Figure 2. Furthermore, the units within the communication device 1000, as well as the other operations and / or functions described above, are separately used to implement the corresponding steps in the communication method 200 of Figure 2. It should be understood that the specific processes by which each unit performs the corresponding steps described above are described in detail in embodiments of the method described above. For the sake of brevity, details are not described herein.

[0400] In another possible design, the communication device 1000 may be a source data analysis network element in the embodiment of the method described above, or a chip configured to implement the functions of the source data analysis network element in the embodiment of the method described above.

[0401] It should be understood that the communication device 1000 may correspond to the source data analysis network element in communication method 300, communication method 400, or communication method 500 according to embodiments of this application. The communication device 1000 may include a unit configured to perform the communication method performed by the source data analysis network element in communication method 300 of Figure 3, communication method 400 of Figures 4A and 4B, or communication method 500 of Figure 5. Furthermore, each unit within the communication device 1000, as well as the other operations and / or functions described above, is used to implement the corresponding steps of communication method 300 of Figure 3, communication method 400 of Figures 4A and 4B, or communication method 500 of Figure 5. It should be understood that the specific processes by which each unit performs the corresponding steps described above are described in detail in embodiments of the methods described above. For brevity, details are not described herein.

[0402] In another possible design, the communication device 1000 may be a network repository function network element in the embodiment of the method described above, or a chip configured to implement the functions of the network repository function network element in the embodiment of the method described above.

[0403] It should be understood that the communication device 1000 may correspond to a network repository function network element in communication method 300, communication method 400, or communication method 500 according to embodiments of this application. The communication device 1000 may include a unit configured to perform a communication method executed by a network repository function network element in communication method 300 of Figure 3, communication method 400 of Figures 4A and 4B, or communication method 500 of Figure 5. Furthermore, each unit within the communication device 1000, as well as the other operations and / or functions described above, is used to implement the corresponding steps of communication method 300 of Figure 3, communication method 400 of Figures 4A and 4B, or communication method 500 of Figure 5. It should be understood that the specific processes by which each unit performs the corresponding steps described above are described in detail in embodiments of the methods described above. For brevity, details are not described herein.

[0404] In another possible design, the communication device 1000 may be a target data analysis network element in the embodiment of the method described above, or a chip configured to implement the functions of the target data analysis network element in the embodiment of the method described above.

[0405] It should be understood that the communication device 1000 may correspond to the target data analysis network element in the communication method 600 according to embodiments of this application. The communication device 1000 may include a unit configured to perform the communication method performed by the target data analysis network element in the communication method 500 of Figure 5. Furthermore, the units within the communication device 1000, as well as the other operations and / or functions described above, are separately used to implement the corresponding steps of the communication method 500 of Figure 5. It should be understood that the specific processes by which each unit performs the corresponding steps described above are described in detail in embodiments of the methods described above. For the sake of brevity, details are not described herein.

[0406] It should be further understood that the transmitting / receiving unit 1010 in the communication device 1000 may correspond to the transceiver 2020 in the communication device 2000 shown in Figure 7, and the processing unit 1020 in the communication device 1000 may correspond to the processor 2010 in the communication device 2000 shown in Figure 7.

[0407] When the communication device 1000 is a chip, it should be further understood that the chip includes a transceiver. Optionally, the chip may further include a processing unit. The transceiver may be an input / output circuit or a communication interface. The processing unit may be a processor, a microprocessor, or an integrated circuit integrated on the chip.

[0408] The transmitting / receiving unit 1010 is configured to implement the signal transmission and reception operations of the communication device 1000, and the processing unit 1020 is configured to implement the signal processing operations of the communication device 1000.

[0409] Optionally, the communication device further includes a storage unit 1030, which is configured to store instructions.

[0410] Figure 7 is a block diagram of a communication device 2000 according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 7, the communication device 2000 includes at least one processor 2010 and a transceiver 2020. The processor 2010 is coupled to memory and configured to execute instructions stored in memory in order to control the transceiver 2020 to transmit and / or receive signals. Optionally, the communication device 2000 further includes memory 2030 configured to store instructions.

[0411] It should be understood that processor 2010 and memory 2030 may be integrated into a single processing unit. Processor 2010 is configured to execute program code stored in memory 2030 in order to implement the aforementioned functions. Alternatively, in a particular implementation, memory 2030 may be integrated into processor 2010 or may be independent of processor 2010.

[0412] It should be further understood that the transceiver 2020 may include a receiver (also referred to as a receiving device) and a transmitter (also referred to as a transmitting device). The transceiver 2020 may further include an antenna. There may be one or more antennas. Alternatively, the transceiver 2020 may be an antenna interface or interface circuit.

[0413] When the communication device 2000 is a chip, the chip includes a transmitting / receiving unit and a processing unit. The transmitting / receiving unit may be an input / output circuit or a communication interface. The processing unit may be a processor, a microprocessor, or an integrated circuit integrated on the chip.

[0414] Figure 8 is a diagram of a chip system according to one embodiment of the present application. The chip system as described herein may include a circuit. The chip system 3000 shown in Figure 8 includes a logic circuit 3010 and an input / output interface 3020. The logic circuit is coupled to the input interface and configured to transmit data via the input / output interface to perform the communication method shown in Figures 2, 3, 4A and 4B, or Figure 5.

[0415] One embodiment of this application further provides a processing apparatus including a processor and an interface. The processor may be configured to perform a communication method according to the embodiment of the method described above.

[0416] It should be understood that the processing unit may be a chip. For example, the processing unit may be a field programmable gate array (FPGA), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), system on chip (SoC), central processor unit (CPU), network processor (NP), digital signal processor (DSP), microcontroller unit (MCU), programmable logic device (PLD), or another integrated chip.

[0417] In implementation, the steps of the method described above may be implemented using hardware integrated logic circuits within the processor or using instructions in the form of software. The steps of the communication method disclosed with reference to embodiments of this application may be performed and completed by a hardware processor, or by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor. The software modules may reside in mature storage media in the art, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, or registers. The storage medium resides in memory, and the processor reads information from memory and, in combination with the processor's hardware, completes the steps of the method described above. To avoid repetition, further details are not described herein.

[0418] Note that the processor in the embodiments of this application may be an integrated circuit chip and has signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, the steps of the embodiments of the method described above may be implemented using hardware integrated logic circuits within the processor or using instructions in the form of software. The processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or another programmable logic device, an discrete gate or transistor logic device, or a discrete hardware component. The communication methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application may be implemented or executed. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or the processor may be any conventional processor, etc.

[0419] It can be understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application may be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. 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. Volatile memory may be random access memory (RAM) used as an external cache.

[0420] According to the methods provided in the embodiments of this application, this application further provides a computer program product, which includes computer program code. When the computer program code is executed on a computer, the computer is made to execute a communication method in any one of the embodiments shown in Figures 2, 3, 4A and 4B, or 5.

[0421] According to the method provided in the embodiments of this application, the application further provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores program code. When the program code is executed on a computer, the computer is made to execute a communication method in any one of the embodiments shown in Figures 2, 3, 4A and 4B, or 5.

[0422] According to the method provided in the embodiments of this application, the application further provides a system comprising the aforementioned first and second network elements. Optionally, the system further comprises at least one data analysis network element.

[0423] All or part of the embodiments described above may be implemented by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When software is used for implementation, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented in the form of a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded onto a computer and executed, all or part of the procedures or functions relating to the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium accessible by a computer, or a data storage device that integrates one or more available media, such as a server or data center. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disk drives, or magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state drives (SSDs)), etc.

[0424] In some embodiments referred to in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatus, and methods may be implemented in other ways. For example, the embodiments of the disclosed apparatus are merely examples. For example, the division into units is merely a logical functional division and may be other divisions during actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not performed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling, direct coupling, or communication connection shown or discussed may be implemented through some interface. Indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatus or units may be implemented electronically, mechanically, or in other forms.

[0425] The foregoing description is merely a specific implementation of the present application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any modifications or substitutions readily conceivable by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the art disclosed herein are included within the scope of protection of this application. Accordingly, the scope of protection of this application shall be subject to the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. The first network element receives first information from a second network element, the first information being used to determine whether at least one first data analysis network element supports a first capability, the first capability including one or more of accuracy checking capabilities, analysis aggregation capabilities, or analysis metadata provision capabilities. The first network element determines, based on the first information, whether or not to subscribe to an analysis service from at least one second data analysis network element, A communication method that includes this.

2. The second network element is a network repository function network element, and the capability information of the at least one first data analysis network element or the first instruction information contained in the first information is used to determine whether the at least one first data analysis network element supports the first capability, and the first instruction information indicates that the first service corresponding to the first capability is terminated. Before the first network element receives the first information from the second network element, the communication method, The first network element transmits a first request message to the second network element, the first request message being used to request information about at least one data analysis network element. The communication method according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. The first request message includes a first analysis identifier or a modified analysis identifier of the first analysis identifier, the modified analysis identifier corresponds to the first capability, and the capability information of the at least one first data analysis network element is used to determine whether the at least one first data analysis network element supports the first capability for the first analysis identifier. The communication method according to claim 2.

4. The second network element is a source data analysis network element, which is configured to provide the analysis service to the first network element, the analysis service includes a first service corresponding to the first capability, and capability information of at least one first data analysis network element or second instruction information contained in the first information is used to determine whether the at least one first data analysis network element supports the first capability, and the second instruction information indicates terminating the first service. The communication method according to claim 1.

5. The second network element is a target data analysis network element, and the at least one first data analysis network element includes the target data analysis network element, and the capability information of the target data analysis network element or third instruction information included in the first information is used to determine whether the target data analysis network element supports the first capability, and the third instruction information indicates that the first service corresponding to the first capability is terminated. The communication method according to claim 1.

6. The first information is further used to determine the level corresponding to the first capability supported by at least one data analysis network element. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The first network element deciding whether to subscribe to an analysis service from at least one second data analysis network element based on the first information includes the first network element deciding not to subscribe to the analysis service from at least one second data analysis network element based on the first information, wherein the first information is used to determine that the at least one first data analysis network element does not support the first capability. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The first network element transmits a first request to a source data analysis network element or a target data analysis network element, wherein the first request includes a fourth instruction information, the fourth instruction information indicating to temporarily suspend or terminate subscription to the analysis service, the source data analysis network element is configured to provide the analysis service to the first network element, the analysis service includes a first service corresponding to the first capability, and the at least one first data analysis network element includes the target data analysis network element. The communication method according to claim 7, further comprising:

9. The first request further includes a fifth instruction information which indicates that the at least one first data analysis network element does not support the first capability, or the fifth instruction information which indicates that the at least one first data analysis network element is unable to provide the first service corresponding to the first capability. The communication method according to claim 8.

10. The first network element determines, based on the first information, whether or not to subscribe to an analysis service from at least one second data analysis network element. The first network element subscribes to the analysis service from at least one second data analysis network element based on the first information, wherein the second data analysis network element is a first data analysis network element that supports the first capability in at least one first data analysis network element. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

11. The first network element receives analysis results and service information from at least one second data analysis network element, wherein the service information corresponds to the first service. The first network element performs a first decision based on the analysis results, wherein the service information is used to determine that the analysis results do not meet the requirements of the first network element for a level corresponding to the first capability, and the proportion of the analysis results in the factors for the first network element to perform the first decision does not exceed a threshold. The communication method according to claim 10, further comprising:

12. The first network element transmits a sixth instruction to at least one second data analysis network element, wherein the sixth instruction indicates to terminate the first service corresponding to the first capability or to temporarily suspend subscription to the first service corresponding to the first capability. The communication method according to claim 11, further comprising:

13. The first network element determines, based on the first information, whether or not to subscribe to an analysis service from at least one second data analysis network element. The first network element determines, based on the first information, to subscribe to the analysis service from the at least one second data analysis network element, wherein the second data analysis network element differs from the first data analysis network element in that the first information is used to determine that the at least one first data analysis network element does not support the first capability. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

14. The first capability corresponds to a first service, and the first capability includes the accuracy checking capability, and the first service includes providing analytical accuracy information, or the first capability includes the analytical aggregation capability, and the first service includes providing aggregated analysis, or the first capability includes the analytical metadata provision capability, and the first service includes providing analytical metadata information. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The source data analysis network element obtains information about at least one third data analysis network element, wherein the source data analysis network element is configured to provide analysis services to a first network element, and the analysis services include a first service corresponding to a first capability, the first capability including one or more of accuracy checking capabilities, analysis aggregation capabilities, or analysis metadata provision capabilities. The source data analysis network element transmits first information to the first network element based on the information about the at least one third data analysis network element, wherein capability information of the at least one first data analysis network element or second instruction information included in the first information is used to determine whether the at least one first data analysis network element supports the first capability, the second instruction information indicates that the first service is terminated, and the at least one third data analysis network element includes the at least one first data analysis network element. A communication method that includes this.

16. If the information relating to the at least one third data analysis network element includes capability information of the at least one third data analysis network element, then the first information includes the capability information of the at least one first data analysis network element, or If the information relating to the at least one third data analysis network element includes the capability information of the at least one third data analysis network element, and the capability information of the at least one third data analysis network element is used to determine that the at least one third data analysis network element does not support the first capability, then the first information includes the second instruction information, or If the information relating to the at least one third data analysis network element does not include the capability information of the at least one third data analysis network element, then the first information includes the second instruction information. The communication method according to claim 15.

17. The source data analysis network element transmits a seventh instruction information to at least one first data analysis network element, wherein the seventh instruction information indicates that a first analysis context related to the analysis service includes a context related to the first service, or the seventh instruction information indicates that the first network element subscribes to the first service. The communication method according to claim 15 or 16, further comprising:

18. The source data analysis network element receives a first request from the first network element, the first request including a fourth instruction, the fourth instruction indicating to cancel the analysis service or to temporarily suspend subscription to the analysis service. The communication method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, further comprising:

19. The first request further includes a fifth instruction information which indicates that the at least one first data analysis network element does not support the first capability, or that the at least one first data analysis network element is unable to provide the first service. The communication method according to claim 18.

20. The source data analysis network element transmits a second analysis context related to the analysis service to at least one first data analysis network element, wherein the second analysis context does not include a context related to the first service, or The source data analysis network element sends a third request message to the network repository function network element, the third request message being used to request information about at least one data analysis network element. The communication method according to claim 18 or 19, further comprising:

21. The source data analysis network element receives an eighth instruction from the target data analysis network element, the eighth instruction indicating to terminate the first service corresponding to the first capability or to temporarily suspend subscription to the first service corresponding to the first capability, and the at least one first data analysis network element includes the target data analysis network element. The source data analysis network element transmits the second analysis context of the analysis service to the target data analysis network element. The communication method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, further comprising:

22. The first capability includes the accuracy checking capability, and the first service includes providing analytical accuracy information; or the first capability includes the analytical aggregation capability, and the first service includes providing aggregated analysis; or the first capability includes the analytical metadata provision capability, and the first service includes providing analytical metadata information. The communication method according to any one of claims 15 to 21.

23. The target data analysis network element receives a seventh instruction from the source data analysis network element, wherein the seventh instruction indicates that a first analysis context related to an analysis service includes a context related to the first service, or the seventh instruction indicates that the first network element subscribes to the first service, the source data analysis network element is configured to provide the analysis service to the first network element, the analysis service includes the first service corresponding to a first capability, the first capability includes one or more of accuracy checking capabilities, analysis aggregation capabilities, or analysis metadata provision capabilities. The target data analysis network element transmits first information to the first network element based on the seventh instruction information, wherein the capability information of the target data analysis network element or third instruction information included in the first information is used to determine whether the target data analysis network element supports the first capability, and the third instruction information indicates that the first service is terminated. A communication method that includes this.

24. The target data analysis network element receives a first request from the first network element, the first request including a fourth instruction, the fourth instruction indicating to cancel the analysis service or to temporarily suspend subscription to the analysis service. The communication method according to claim 23, further comprising:

25. The target data analysis network element acquires information about at least one fourth data analysis network element, The target data analysis network element transmits second information to the first network element based on the information about the at least one fourth data analysis network element, wherein capability information of at least one fifth data analysis network element or ninth instruction information included in the second information is used to determine whether the at least one fifth data analysis network element supports the first capability, the ninth instruction information indicates that the first service is terminated, and the at least one fourth data analysis network element includes the at least one fifth data analysis network element. The communication method according to claim 24, further comprising:

26. The target data analysis network element receives a sixth instruction from the first network element, wherein the sixth instruction is to cancel the first service or to temporarily suspend subscription to the first service. The target data analysis network element transmits an eighth instruction information to the source data analysis network element, wherein the eighth instruction information indicates to cancel the first service or to temporarily suspend subscription to the first service. The target data analysis network element receives a second analysis context related to the analysis service from the source data analysis network element, wherein the second analysis context does not include the context related to the first service. The communication method according to claim 23, further comprising:

27. The first capability includes the accuracy checking capability, and the first service includes providing analytical accuracy information; or the first capability includes the analytical aggregation capability, and the first service includes providing aggregated analysis; or the first capability includes the analytical metadata provision capability, and the first service includes providing analytical metadata information. The communication method according to any one of claims 23 to 26.

28. A module or unit configured to perform the communication method described in any one of claims 1 to 14, a module or unit configured to perform the communication method described in any one of claims 15 to 22, or a module or unit configured to perform the communication method described in any one of claims 23 to 27, Communication device.

29. A communication device comprising at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is coupled to at least one memory, and the at least one processor is configured to execute a computer program or instruction stored in the at least one memory to cause the communication device to execute the communication method described in any one of claims 1 to 14, or the communication device to execute the communication method described in any one of claims 15 to 22, or the communication device to execute the communication method described in any one of claims 23 to 27. Communication device.

30. A chip comprising a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is configured to receive data and / or information and transmit the received data and / or information to the processor, and the processor processes the data and / or information in order to perform the communication method described in any one of claims 1 to 14, or the communication method described in any one of claims 15 to 22, or the communication method described in any one of claims 23 to 27. Tip.

31. A computer-readable storage medium, the computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, and when the computer program is executed, the computer is made to execute the communication method described in any one of claims 1 to 14, or the communication method described in any one of claims 15 to 22, or the communication method described in any one of claims 23 to 27. A computer-readable storage medium.

32. A computer program product including instructions, wherein when the computer program product is run on a computer, the computer is made to execute the communication method described in any one of claims 1 to 14, or the communication method described in any one of claims 15 to 22, or the communication method described in any one of claims 23 to 27. Computer program products.

33. A communication system comprising a first network element and a second network element, wherein the first network element is configured to perform the communication method described in any one of claims 1 to 14, the second network element is configured to perform the communication method described in any one of claims 15 to 22, or the second network element is configured to perform the communication method described in any one of claims 23 to 27. Communication system.

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