Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and a communication apparatus. When a first analytics function network element needs to generate recommendation information, firstly, previously generated recommendation information can be obtained from a storage function network element, and, on the basis of the previously generated recommendation information, required recommendation information can be generated. In this way, conflicts in recommendation information can be avoided, and the accuracy and effectiveness of recommendation information provided by an analytics function network element can be improved, thereby enhancing user experience.

Description

Communication method and communication device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on December 29, 2023, with application number 202311869809.3 and invention name “A communication method and communication device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communications, and in particular to a communication method and a communication device. Background Art

[0003] The fifth generation (5G) network introduces the network data analytics function (NWDAF) network element, which can receive subscription requests from consumer network elements (such as network functions (NFs) and operations, administration and management (OAM)), collect corresponding data from the network, process and analyze the data, obtain statistical or predictive analysis results, and then feed the analysis results back to the consumer network element.

[0004] In addition to the analysis results, the NWDAF network element can also provide recommendation information to the consumer network element, such as providing a recommended back-off timer to the access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, or providing recommended quality of service (QoS) parameters to the policy control function (PCF) network element, etc., to assist the consumer network element in making communication decisions and thus provide better communication services to users.

[0005] However, since network resources are limited and shared, the recommendation information provided by different NWDAFs or different recommendation information provided by the same NWDAF may conflict, which will affect the accuracy of the consumer network element's communication decision and ultimately affect the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a communication method and a communication device that can better manage recommendation information, thereby improving user experience.

[0007] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided that can be applied to a first analysis function network element. Specifically, the method can be performed by the first analysis function network element, or by a module (e.g., a chip or circuit) of the first analysis function network element, or by a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the analysis function network element, and this application is not limited to this.

[0008] The method includes: sending a first message to a storage function network element, the first message being used to obtain recommendation information from the storage function network element; receiving a second message from the storage function network element, the second message including the first recommendation information; and determining second recommendation information based on the first recommendation information.

[0009] In this application, when the first analysis function network element needs to generate recommendation information, it can obtain the previously generated recommendation information from the storage function network element, and generate the required recommendation information based on the previously generated recommendation information. In this way, conflicts in recommendation information can be avoided, and the accuracy and effectiveness of the recommendation information provided by the analysis function network element can be improved, thereby improving user experience.

[0010] In the present application, the recommendation information includes recommendation parameters provided to the first network element according to the request of the first network element.

[0011] Exemplarily, the first network element in this application can be called a consumer network element, which can be a consumer network element of network function services. For example, the first network element is PCF, NSSF, AMF, SMF, NEF, AF or DCCF, etc.

[0012] Optionally, the method further includes: receiving a sixth message from the consumption network element, where the sixth message is used to obtain recommendation information from the first analysis function network element.

[0013] In one implementation, the first message includes requirement information of the recommendation information, and the requirement information is used to determine the first recommendation information.

[0014] Based on the above solution, the first analysis function network element can obtain recommendation information that meets the requirements from the storage function network element, so as to generate more accurate recommendation information, thereby improving user experience.

[0015] In one implementation, the second message further includes at least one of the following: a generator of the first recommendation information, and usage information of the first recommendation information.

[0016] Based on the above solution, the storage function network element can provide the first analysis function network element with the first recommendation information and related information, which helps the first analysis function network element to use the first recommendation information more reasonably and provides greater possibilities for improving user experience.

[0017] Exemplarily, the usage information of the first recommendation information includes at least one of the following: whether the first recommendation information is used, usage conditions of the first recommendation information, and a device to which the first recommendation information is applicable.

[0018] The device to which the first recommendation information is applicable may also be referred to as a target device.

[0019] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending a third message to the storage function network element, the third message is used to instruct to store the second recommendation information, and the third message includes the second recommendation information.

[0020] Based on the above solution, the storage function network element can store the recommendation information generated by it in the storage function network element, and the storage function network element can centrally manage it. In this way, the recommendation information can be better managed.

[0021] In one implementation, the third message further includes at least one of the following: a generator of the second recommendation information, a generation time of the second recommendation information, usage information of the second recommendation information, a reception time of the second message, and a sending time of the third message.

[0022] Based on the above solution, the first analysis function network element can store the second recommendation information and related information to the storage function network element, which will be centrally managed by the storage function network element, which will help the storage function network element to better manage the recommendation information and provide greater possibilities for improving user experience.

[0023] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the method also includes: sending a fourth message to the storage function network element, the fourth message being used to subscribe to the recommended information in the storage function network element; and receiving third recommended information from the storage function network element, the third recommended information being new recommended information or updated recommended information.

[0024] Based on the above solution, the analysis function network element can subscribe to notifications of changes to the recommended information, so that new or updated recommended information can be obtained in a timely manner, which helps to make better communication decisions.

[0025] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the method also includes: sending a fourth message to the storage function network element, the fourth message including the first requirement, and the fourth message being used to subscribe to recommended information in the storage function network element that meets the first requirement; and receiving third recommendation information from the storage function network element, the third recommendation information meeting the first requirement.

[0026] Based on the above solution, the analysis function network element can subscribe to change notifications of recommended information that meets the requirements, so that the latest status of the required recommended information can be obtained in a timely manner, which helps to improve the accuracy of communication decisions.

[0027] In one implementation, the fourth message includes time information, and the time information is used to determine the third recommendation information.

[0028] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided that can be applied to a storage function network element. Specifically, the method can be performed by the storage function network element, or by a module (e.g., a chip or circuit) of the storage function network element, or by a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the storage function network element. This application is not limited to this.

[0029] The method includes: receiving a first message from a first analysis function network element, the first message being used to obtain recommendation information; sending a second message to the first analysis function network element, the second message including first recommendation information, the first recommendation information being determined based on the first message.

[0030] In one implementation, the first message includes requirement information for the recommendation information, and the method further includes: determining the first recommendation information from at least one stored recommendation information according to the requirement information. In other words, the first recommendation information satisfies the requirement information.

[0031] In one implementation, the second message further includes at least one of the following: a generator of the first recommendation information, and usage information of the first recommendation information.

[0032] In one implementation, the usage information of the first recommendation information includes at least one of the following: whether the first recommendation information is used, usage conditions of the first recommendation information, and a device to which the first recommendation information is applicable.

[0033] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method also includes: receiving a fifth message from a second analysis function network element, the fifth message being used to indicate the storage of the first recommendation information, the fifth message including the first recommendation information; and storing the first recommendation information.

[0034] In one implementation, the fifth message further includes at least one of the following: a generator of the first recommendation information, a generation time of the first recommendation information, usage information of the first recommendation information, and a sending time of the fifth message.

[0035] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the method also includes: receiving a fourth message from the first analysis function network element, the fourth message being used to subscribe to the recommendation information in the storage function network element; and when the third recommendation information is new recommendation information or updated recommendation information, sending the third recommendation information to the first analysis function network element.

[0036] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the method also includes: receiving a fourth message from the first analysis function network element, the fourth message including the first requirement, and the fourth message being used to subscribe to the recommended information in the storage function network element that meets the first requirement; and when the third recommendation information meets the first requirement, sending the third recommendation information to the first analysis function network element.

[0037] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the method also includes: determining that the time when the first analysis function network element receives the first recommendation information is earlier than the time when the second analysis function network element stores the third recommendation information to the storage function network element, and the time when the first analysis function network element stores the second recommendation information to the storage function network element is later than the time when the second analysis function network element obtains the fourth recommendation information from the storage function network element; wherein, the second recommendation information is determined by the first analysis function network element based on the first recommendation information, and the third recommendation information is determined by the second analysis function network element based on the fourth recommendation information.

[0038] In one implementation, the fourth message includes time information, and the time information is used to determine the third recommendation information.

[0039] It should be understood that the beneficial effects of the second aspect and its various implementations can be referred to the first aspect and its various implementations, and will not be repeated here.

[0040] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided that can be applied to a second analysis function network element. Specifically, the method can be performed by the second analysis function network element, or by a module (e.g., a chip or circuit) of the second analysis function network element, or by a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second analysis function network element, and this application is not limited to this.

[0041] The method includes: determining first recommendation information; sending a fifth message to a storage function network element, where the fifth message is used to instruct to store the first recommendation information, and the fifth message includes the first recommendation information.

[0042] Based on the above solution, the second analysis function network element may store the first recommendation information in the storage function network element, which will be centrally managed by the storage function network element. In this way, the recommendation information can be better managed.

[0043] In one implementation, the fifth message further includes at least one of the following: generation time of the first recommendation information, generator of the first recommendation information, usage information of the first recommendation information, and sending time of the fifth message.

[0044] In a fourth aspect, a communication device is provided. The device may be a first analysis function network element or a module (such as a chip or circuit) of the first analysis function network element, and this application does not limit this.

[0045] The device may include a transceiver unit and a processing unit, the transceiver unit is used to: send a first message to the storage function network element, the first message is used to obtain recommendation information from the storage function network element; the transceiver unit is also used to: receive a second message from the storage function network element, the second message includes the first recommendation information; the processing unit is used to: determine the second recommendation information based on the first recommendation information.

[0046] Optionally, the transceiver unit is further used to: receive a sixth message from the consumer, where the sixth message is used to obtain recommendation information from the first analysis function network element.

[0047] In one implementation, the first message includes requirement information of the recommendation information, and the requirement information is used to determine the first recommendation information.

[0048] In one implementation, the second message further includes at least one of the following: a generator of the first recommendation information, and usage information of the first recommendation information.

[0049] In one implementation, the usage information of the first recommendation information includes at least one of the following: whether the first recommendation information is used, usage conditions of the first recommendation information, and a device to which the first recommendation information is applicable.

[0050] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the transceiver unit is further used to: send a third message to the storage function network element, the third message is used to instruct to store the second recommendation information, and the third message includes the second recommendation information.

[0051] In one implementation, the third message further includes at least one of the following: a generator of the second recommendation information, a generation time of the second recommendation information, usage information of the second recommendation information, a reception time of the second message, and a sending time of the third message.

[0052] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the transceiver unit is also used to: send a fourth message to the storage function network element, the fourth message is used to subscribe to the recommended information in the storage function network element; receive third recommendation information from the storage function network element, the third recommendation information is new recommendation information or updated recommendation information.

[0053] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the transceiver unit is also used to: send a fourth message to the storage function network element, the fourth message includes the first requirement, and the fourth message is used to subscribe to the recommended information in the storage function network element that meets the first requirement; receive third recommendation information from the storage function network element, and the third recommendation information meets the first requirement.

[0054] In one implementation, the fourth message includes time information, and the time information is used to determine the third recommendation information.

[0055] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided. The device may be a storage function network element or a module of a storage function network element (such as a chip or circuit), which is not limited in this application.

[0056] The device may include a transceiver unit and a processing unit, the transceiver unit is used to: receive a first message from a first analysis function network element, the first message is used to obtain recommendation information; the transceiver unit is also used to: send a second message to the first analysis function network element, the second message includes first recommendation information, and the first recommendation information is determined based on the first message.

[0057] In one implementation, the first message includes requirement information of the recommendation information, and the apparatus may further include a processing unit configured to determine the first recommendation information from at least one stored recommendation information according to the requirement information.

[0058] In one implementation, the second message further includes at least one of the following: a generator of the first recommendation information, and usage information of the first recommendation information.

[0059] In one implementation, the usage information of the first recommendation information includes at least one of the following: whether the first recommendation information is used, usage conditions of the first recommendation information, and a device to which the first recommendation information is applicable.

[0060] In combination with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the transceiver unit is also used to: receive a fifth message from the second analysis function network element, the fifth message is used to indicate the storage of the first recommendation information, and the fifth message includes the first recommendation information; the processing unit is also used to: store the first recommendation information.

[0061] In one implementation, the fifth message further includes at least one of the following: a generator of the first recommendation information, a generation time of the first recommendation information, usage information of the first recommendation information, and a sending time of the fifth message.

[0062] In combination with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the transceiver unit is also used to: receive a fourth message from the first analysis function network element, the fourth message being used to subscribe to the recommendation information in the storage function network element; the processing unit is also used to: send the third recommendation information to the first analysis function network element when the third recommendation information is new recommendation information or updated recommendation information.

[0063] In combination with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the transceiver unit is also used to: receive a fourth message from the first analysis function network element, the fourth message includes the first requirement, and the fourth message is used to subscribe to the recommended information in the storage function network element that meets the first requirement; the processing unit is also used to: send the third recommendation information to the first analysis function network element when the third recommendation information meets the first requirement.

[0064] In combination with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the processing unit is also used to: determine that the time when the first analysis function network element receives the first recommendation information is earlier than the time when the second analysis function network element stores the third recommendation information to the storage function network element, and the time when the first analysis function network element stores the second recommendation information to the storage function network element is later than the time when the second analysis function network element obtains the fourth recommendation information from the storage function network element; wherein, the second recommendation information is determined by the first analysis function network element based on the first recommendation information, and the third recommendation information is determined by the second analysis function network element based on the fourth recommendation information.

[0065] In one implementation, the fourth message includes time information, and the time information is used to determine the third recommendation information.

[0066] In the sixth aspect, a communication device is provided. The device can be a second analysis function network element or a module (such as a chip or circuit) of the second analysis function network element. This application does not limit this.

[0067] The device may include a transceiver unit and a processing unit, the processing unit is used to: determine the first recommendation information; the transceiver unit is used to: send a fifth message to the storage function network element, the fifth message is used to instruct to store the first recommendation information, and the fifth message includes the first recommendation information.

[0068] In one implementation, the fifth message further includes at least one of the following: generation time of the first recommendation information, generator of the first recommendation information, usage information of the first recommendation information, and sending time of the fifth message.

[0069] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor coupled to a memory and configured to execute instructions in the memory to implement any of the first and second aspects, as well as the method of any possible implementation of the first and second aspects. Optionally, the device further comprises a memory, which may be deployed separately from the processor or centrally. Optionally, the device further comprises a communication interface, the processor coupled to the communication interface.

[0070] In one implementation, the communication interface may be a transceiver, or an input / output interface.

[0071] In another implementation, the device is a first analysis function network element, a second analysis function network element, or a storage function network element, or a chip configured in the first analysis function network element, the second analysis function network element, or the storage function network element, and can also be a logic module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the first analysis function network element, the second analysis function network element, or the storage function network element. When the device is a chip, the communication interface can be an input / output interface, an interface circuit, an output circuit, an input circuit, a pin, or a related circuit on the chip or chip system. The processor can also be embodied as a processing circuit or a logic circuit.

[0072] Optionally, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0073] In a specific 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, a gate circuit, a trigger, or various logic circuits. The input signal received by the input circuit may be, but is not limited to, received and input by a receiver, and the signal output by the output circuit may be, but is not limited to, output to and transmitted by a transmitter. The input circuit and the output circuit may be the same circuit, which functions as an input circuit and an output circuit at different times. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific implementation of the processor and various circuits.

[0074] In an eighth aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes a logic circuit and an input / output interface, wherein the logic circuit is used to couple with the input / output interface and transmit data through the input / output interface to execute any aspect of the above-mentioned first to third aspects, and any possible implementation method of the first to third aspects.

[0075] In one implementation, the device is a first analysis function network element, a second analysis function network element, or a storage function network element, or a chip configured in the first analysis function network element, the second analysis function network element, or the storage function network element. It can also be a logic module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the first analysis function network element, the second analysis function network element, or the storage function network element. When the device is a chip, the communication interface can be an input / output interface, an interface circuit, an output circuit, an input circuit, a pin, or a related circuit on the chip or chip system. The processor can also be embodied as a processing circuit or a logic circuit.

[0076] In the ninth aspect, the present application provides a chip system, comprising: a processor, which is used to execute the computer program or instructions in the memory, so that the chip system implements any aspect of the above-mentioned first to third aspects, and the method in any possible implementation method of the first to third aspects.

[0077] In the tenth aspect, the present application provides a communication system, comprising: at least two of a first analysis function network element, a second analysis function network element and a storage function network element, the first analysis function network element being used to execute the method of the above-mentioned first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect; the storage function network element being used to execute the method of the above-mentioned second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect; the second analysis function network element being used to execute the method of the above-mentioned third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect.

[0078] In the eleventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program (also referred to as code, or instructions). When the computer program is run on a computer, the computer executes any one of the above-mentioned first to third aspects, as well as any possible implementation method of the first to third aspects.

[0079] In the twelfth aspect, a computer program product is provided, which includes: a computer program (also referred to as code, or instructions), which, when executed, enables a computer to execute any one of the above-mentioned aspects 1 to 3, and any possible implementation of the methods in the first to third aspects.

[0080] The beneficial effects brought about by the seventh to twelfth aspects mentioned above can be referred to the description of the beneficial effects in the first to third aspects, and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0081] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0082] Figure 2 shows the basic process of NWDAF providing analysis results.

[0083] FIG3 shows the basic process of NWDAF storing, retrieving, and deleting data or analysis results to ADRF.

[0084] FIG4 shows the basic process of NWDAF providing recommendation information.

[0085] FIG5 is an example scenario in which conflicting recommendation information is provided by different NWDAFs.

[0086] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0087] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the time relationship of recommendation information provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0088] FIG8 is another schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0089] FIG9 is another schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0090] FIG10 shows a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0091] FIG11 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0092] FIG12 is a schematic block diagram of a chip system provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0093] The technical solution in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0094] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, for example, long term evolution (LTE), fifth generation (5G), new radio (NR), Internet of Things (IoT), wireless fidelity (WiFi), wireless communications related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), or other wireless communications that may appear in the future, such as the sixth generation (6G) communication system, etc., which is not limited in this application.

[0095] The technical solution provided in this application can also be applied to machine type communication (MTC), device-to-device (D2D) network, machine-to-machine (M2M) network, Internet of Things (IoT) network or other networks. Among them, IoT network can include, for example, Internet of Vehicles. Among them, the communication mode in the Internet of Vehicles system is collectively referred to as vehicle to other devices (vehicle to X, V2X, X can represent anything), for example, the V2X can include: vehicle to vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle to infrastructure (V2I) communication, vehicle to pedestrian (V2P) communication or vehicle to network (V2N) communication, etc.

[0096] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture applicable to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 1, the network architecture takes the 5G system (5th generation system, 5GS) as an example.

[0097] The network architecture can be divided into two parts: access network and core network. The network architecture can include but is not limited to: unified data management (UDM), network exposure function (NEF), network repository function (NRF), policy control function (PCF), application function (AF), access and mobility management function (AMF), session management function (SMF), user equipment (UE), wireless access network equipment, user plane function (UPF), data network (DN). Among them, DN can be the Internet; UDM, NEF, NRF, PCF, AF, AMF, SMF, UPF are network elements in the core network. Since Figure 1 takes the 5G system as an example, the core network can be called 5G core network (5GC or 5GCN).

[0098] The following is a brief introduction to each network element shown in FIG1 .

[0099] 1. User equipment (UE): can be called terminal equipment, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent or user device.

[0100] The terminal device can be a device that provides voice / data to users, for example, a handheld device or vehicle-mounted device with a wireless connection function. At present, some examples of terminals include: mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to wireless modems, terminal devices in 5G networks or terminal devices in future evolved public land mobile networks (PLMNs), etc. The embodiments of the present application are not limited to this.

[0101] As an example and not a limitation, in the embodiment of the present application, the terminal device may also be a wearable device. Wearable devices may also be called wearable smart devices, which are a general term for wearable devices that are intelligently designed and developed using wearable technology for daily wear, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. A wearable device is a portable device that is worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothes or accessories. Wearable devices are not only hardware devices, but also achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include those that are fully functional, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on smartphones, such as smart watches or smart glasses, as well as those that only focus on a certain type of application function and need to be used in conjunction with other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0102] In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device can also be a terminal device in an IoT system. IoT is an important part of the future development of information technology. Its main technical feature is to connect objects to the network through communication technology, thereby realizing an intelligent network that interconnects people and machines and things.

[0103] It should be noted that the terminal device and the access network device can communicate with each other using some air interface technology (such as new radio (NR) or LTE technology). The terminal devices can also communicate with each other using some air interface technology (such as NR or LTE technology).

[0104] In the embodiments of the present application, the device for implementing the function of the terminal device can be the terminal device, or it can be a device that can support the terminal device to implement the function, such as a chip system or chip, which can be installed in the terminal device. In the embodiments of the present application, the chip system can be composed of a chip, or it can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0105] 2. (Radio) access network (R)AN): provides access to the communication network for authorized users in a specific area. It can include wireless network equipment in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network and access points in non-3GPP networks.

[0106] The RAN manages radio resources, provides access services to user devices, and forwards control signals and user device data between the user device and the core network. The RAN can also be understood as a base station in a traditional network.

[0107] Exemplarily, the access network device in the embodiment of the present application can be any communication device with wireless transceiver functions for communicating with a user equipment. The access network device includes but is not limited to: an evolved Node B (eNB), a baseband unit (BBU), an access point (AP) in a wireless fidelity (WIFI) system, a wireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, a transmission point (TP) or a transmission and reception point (TRP), etc., and can also be a gNB in ​​a 5G, such as NR, system, or a transmission point (TRP or TP), one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a base station in a 5G system, or a network node constituting a gNB or a transmission point, such as a baseband unit (BBU) or a distributed unit (DU), etc.

[0108] In some deployments, a gNB may include a centralized unit (CU) and a DU. The gNB may also include an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU implements some gNB functions, while the DU implements some gNB functions. For example, the CU is responsible for processing non-real-time protocols and services, implementing the functions of the radio resource control (RRC) and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layers. The DU is responsible for processing physical layer protocols and real-time services, implementing the functions of the radio link control (RLC), media access control (MAC), and physical (PHY) layers. The AAU implements some physical layer processing functions, RF processing, and active antenna-related functions. Because RRC layer information ultimately becomes PHY layer information, or is converted from PHY layer information, in this architecture, higher-layer signaling, such as RRC layer signaling, can also be considered to be sent by the DU, or by both the DU and the AAU. It is understood that an access network device can be a device that includes one or more of a CU node, a DU node, or an AAU node. In addition, the CU may be classified as an access network device in an access network (radio access network, RAN), or the CU may be classified as an access network device in a core network (core network, CN), which is not limited in this application.

[0109] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in an open radio access network (O-RAN) system, CU may also be referred to as an open-central unit (O-CU); DU may also be referred to as an open-distributed unit (O-DU); CU-CP may also be referred to as O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be referred to as O-CU-UP, and RU may also be referred to as O-RU. For the sake of convenience of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU and RU as examples for description. Any of the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in this application may be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0110] 3. User plane function (UPF) network element: This element is used for packet routing and forwarding, as well as quality of service (QoS) processing for user plane data. User data can be connected to the data network (DN) through this element. In the embodiments of the present application, this element can be used to implement the functions of the user plane network element.

[0111] 4. Data network (DN): A network used to transmit data, such as a carrier's service network, the Internet, or a third-party service network.

[0112] 5. Operations, administration and management (OAM) network element: Mainly used for network and service analysis, forecasting, planning and configuration, as well as testing and fault management of the network and its services.

[0113] 6. Access and mobility management function (AMF) network element: It is mainly used for mobility management and access management. It can be used to implement other functions of the mobility management entity (MME) in addition to session management, such as access authorization / authentication.

[0114] 7. Session management function (SMF) network element: mainly used for session management, network Internet protocol (IP) address allocation and management of terminal devices, selection and management of user plane functions, policy control and billing function interface endpoints, and downlink data notification.

[0115] 8. Policy control function (PCF) network element: A unified policy framework used to guide network behavior, providing policy rule information to network elements (such as AMF, SMF network elements, etc.) or terminal devices.

[0116] 9. Network repository function (NRF) network element: used to store descriptions of network function entities and the services they provide, and to support functions such as service discovery and network element entity discovery.

[0117] 10. Network exposure function (NEF) network element: used to securely expose services and capabilities provided by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network function to the outside world.

[0118] 11. Unified data management (UDM) network element: used for unified data management, 5G user data management, processing user identification, access authentication, registration, or mobility management, etc.

[0119] 12. Application function (AF) network element: used for data routing affected by applications, accessing network open function network elements, and interacting with the policy framework for policy control.

[0120] 13. Network data analytics function (NWDAF) network element: NWDAF has data collection, training, analysis, and reasoning functions. It can be used to collect relevant data from network elements, third-party service servers, terminal devices, or network management systems, perform analysis and training based on the relevant data, and provide data analysis results to network elements, third-party service servers, terminal devices, or network management systems. The analysis results can assist the network in selecting service quality parameters, assist the network in executing traffic routing, or assist the network in selecting background data transmission strategies.

[0121] In the embodiment of the present application, the NWDAF may be a separate network element or may be co-located with other network elements. For example, the NWDAF network element may be co-located with the AMF or with the SMF.

[0122] It should be understood that the network elements included in the communication system listed above are merely exemplary and the present application is not limited thereto.

[0123] In the above network architecture, the N2 interface is the interface between the RAN and AMF network elements, used for sending radio parameters and non-access stratum (NAS) signaling; the N3 interface is the interface between the RAN and UPF network elements, used for transmitting user plane data; the N4 interface is the interface between the SMF network element and the UPF network element, used for transmitting information such as service policies, tunnel identification information of the N3 connection, data cache indication information, and downlink data notification messages. The N6 interface is the interface between the DN network element and the UPF network element, used for transmitting user plane data.

[0124] It should be understood that in the above network architecture, network elements can exchange information through service interfaces. For example, the NWDAF network element can collect data generated by terminals on network elements from other network elements (such as AMF, SMF, etc.) through service interfaces (such as Namf, Nsmf, etc.) provided by these network elements, and provide analysis results (Analytics), models (also known as machine learning models), data (data), etc. to other network elements (such as AMF, PCF, etc.) through the Nnwdaf interface.

[0125] It should be understood that the above-mentioned network architecture applied to the embodiment of the present application is only an example of the network architecture described from the perspective of traditional point-to-point architecture and service-oriented architecture. The network architecture applicable to the embodiment of the present application is not limited to this. Any network architecture that can realize the functions of the above-mentioned network elements is applicable to the embodiment of the present application.

[0126] It should be noted that the names of the various network elements and interfaces in this application are only examples, and this application does not exclude the possibility that the various network elements may be named differently in the future, or that the functions of the various network elements may be merged. With the evolution of technology, any device or network element that can realize the functions of the above-mentioned network elements is within the scope of protection of this application. Secondly, the above-mentioned network elements may also be referred to as entities, equipment, devices or modules, etc., which are not specifically limited in this application. Moreover, in this application, for the sake of ease of understanding and explanation, the description of "network element" is omitted in some descriptions. For example, the NWDAF network element is referred to as NWDAF. In this case, the "NWDAF" should be understood as the NWDAF network element. Hereinafter, the description of the same or similar situations will be omitted.

[0127] In addition, the above network architecture may further include a data collection coordination function (DCCF) network element and an analytics data repository function (ADRF) network element.

[0128] Among them, DCCF can be used to cooperate with NWDAF to realize the coordination function of data collection, reduce repeated data collection, and realize data formatting processing. Specifically, NWDAF can request DCCF to collect data of certain network elements through the Ndccf interface. For example, DCCF can understand the specific network elements that are serving the UE through the service interfaces provided by NRF, UDM, binding support function (BSF), etc., and then initiate data collection requests to these network elements. After the collection is completed, DCCF can feedback the data to NWDAF.

[0129] ADRF can be used to store data collected by the network (e.g., NWDAF or DCCF), as well as models and analysis results trained by NWDAF. It also provides services for retrieving historical data (from each network element) and analysis results (from NWDAF). Each network element can store and retrieve historical data (analysis results) through ADRF's Nadrf interface. Furthermore, ADRF can subscribe to the DCCF's data notification service, which allows DCCF to provide feedback to ADRF upon receiving qualified data.

[0130] After the NWDAF network element is introduced, it can receive subscription requests from consumer network elements (such as network functions (NFs) and operations, administration, and management (OAMs)). It then collects corresponding data from the network, processes and analyzes the data, obtains statistical or predictive analysis results, and then feeds the analysis results back to the consumer network element or to the network element specified by the consumer network element (such as NF or OAM). In the current 5G network architecture, the consumer network element here can refer to the consumer of NWDAF services, such as 5GC NFs (such as PCF, NSSF, AMF, SMF, NEF, AF, NWDAF, DCCF) or OAM.

[0131] It should be understood that, in this application, the analysis result may also be referred to as a data analysis result, which is generated by NWDAF and refers to one or more parameters counted or predicted by NWDAF.

[0132] NWDAF supports providing multiple different types of analysis results, which are identified and differentiated by Analytics IDs. For example, Analytics ID = "Service Experience" indicates service experience analysis results; Analytics ID = "Network Performance" indicates network performance analysis results; and Analytics ID = "UE Mobility" indicates UE mobility analysis results. When a consuming network element subscribes to analysis results from NWDAF, it includes one or more Analytics IDs to identify the type of analysis results it wishes to obtain from NWDAF. NWDAF collects the corresponding data from the network based on the Analytics IDs and feeds the derived analysis results back to the consuming network element.

[0133] Figure 2 shows the basic process of NWDAF providing analysis results. As shown in Figure 2, the process includes the following steps.

[0134] S201: The consuming network element sends a subscription message or a request message to the NWDAF to obtain analysis results.

[0135] Specifically, the consuming network element may subscribe to the analysis result from the NWDAF through an analysis subscription (Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe) message, or request the analysis result from the NWDAF through an analysis request (Nnwdaf_AnalyticsInfo_Request) message.

[0136] The subscription message or request message may include the following parameters:

[0137] (1) A list of analytics ID(s): includes one or more analytics ID(s), each of which is used to identify the type of analytics result requested.

[0138] (2) Analytics filter information: such as area of ​​interest (AOI), single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI), etc., which indicate the applicable conditions of the analysis results.

[0139] (3) Target of analytics reporting: Indicates the target to which the analytics request applies, which can be a specific UE, a group of UEs, or any UE.

[0140] (4) Analytics target period: Indicates the time period for which the analysis results are applicable, that is, the time period for which the consuming network element wants to obtain the analysis results.

[0141] In this application, the analysis identifier may also be referred to as an event identifier (event ID).

[0142] S202, NWDAF sends a notification message or a response message to the consuming network element, carrying the analysis result.

[0143] Specifically, the NWDAF may collect data and generate analysis results according to the subscription message or request message in S201, and then send the analysis results to the consuming network element through an analysis notification (Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Notify) message or an analysis request response (Nnwdaf_AnalyticsInfo_Request Response) message.

[0144] The notification message or response message may include the following parameters:

[0145] (1) Analytics results: For each Analytics ID, provide the analytics information generated within the requested analytics target period.

[0146] (2) Timestamp: Indicates the time when the analysis was generated (timestamp of analytics generation).

[0147] (3) Validity period: indicates the validity period of the analysis results.

[0148] (4) Confidence: Indicates the confidence level in the predicted analysis results.

[0149] After the NWDAF obtains the analysis results, it can store them in the network and retrieve them from the network for subsequent use. In the 5G architecture, the NWDAF is supported to store, retrieve, and delete data or analysis results in the ADRF. As shown in Figure 3, the process includes the following steps.

[0150] S0a, S0b, S0c, NWDAF, DCCF, or ADRF configures the default carrier storage policy.

[0151] S301: An ADRF consumer (e.g., NWDAF, DCCF, or MFAF) sends a data management storage request message to the ADRF by calling the Nadrf_DataManagement_StorageRequest service operation. The storage request message may include the following parameters:

[0152] (1) Data or analytics with timestamp to be stored.

[0153] (2) Service operation: identifies the service that obtains data or analysis results, such as the analysis subscription (Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe) service.

[0154] (3) Analytics specification or data specification: The input parameters used when obtaining data or analytics results using the above service operations, used to identify the stored data or analytics results, such as analytics ID(s), target of analytics reporting, analytics filter information, etc.

[0155] Optionally, the storage request message may also include the following parameters:

[0156] (4) Storage handling information: indicates the storage period of data or analysis results, and can also instruct ADRF to send a notification to consumers before deleting the data.

[0157] (5)Data deletion notification endpoint.

[0158] (6) Dataset Tag: Dataset identifier and human-readable information describing the characteristics of the dataset.

[0159] (7) Data synthesis and compression (DSC) information: information indicating that data is generated using a data synthesis or compression tool and indicating the data synthesis and / or compression technology.

[0160] In this application, analysis filter information may also be referred to as event filter information (Event Filter).

[0161] S302: ADRF, DCCF or NWDAF determines a storage approach.

[0162] Based on the storage processing information and storage policy, ADRF, DCCF or NWDAF can determine the storage method, where the storage method may include: the storage time of the data and whether to notify the consumer before the data is deleted.

[0163] At step S303, ADRF stores the data or analysis results sent by the consumer. Based on the information sent by the consumer in step S301, ADRF may determine, based on the implementation, whether the same data or analysis results have already been or are currently being stored. If the data or analysis results have already been or are currently being stored in ADRF, ADRF decides not to store the data or analysis results sent by the consumer. If the data or analysis results already stored or currently being stored contain a DataSetTag attribute, ADRF associates the data or analysis results with such a DataSetTag.

[0164] S304, ADRF sends a data management storage request response (Nadrf_DataManagement_StorageRequest Response) message to the consumer, indicating that the data or analysis results have been stored. ADRF determines in step S303 whether the data or analysis results have been stored, and the storage method.

[0165] The response message may include the following parameters:

[0166] (1) Result indication: indicates whether the storage is successful or failed. Optionally, the response message may include the following parameters:

[0167] (2) Storage transaction identifier.

[0168] (3) Dataset Tag: Dataset identifier and human-readable information describing the characteristics of the dataset.

[0169] (4) Storage approach: This indicates the storage period for data or analysis results, and can also indicate whether ADRF should send a notification to consumers before deleting the data.

[0170] If the storage mode is managed by ADRF, execute S305 to S308.

[0171] S305 , the ADRF determines, based on the storage method, that the stored data or analysis results are about to expire, ie, the data or analysis results are about to be deleted from the ADRF.

[0172] S306: ADRF sends a data management retrieval notification (Nadrf_DataManagement_Retrieval Notify) message to DCCF or NWDAF.

[0173] If there is a corresponding indication in the storage approach, the ADRF sends the notification message to remind the DCCF or NWDAF that the data or analysis results are about to be deleted.

[0174] S307: DCCF or NWDAF sends a data management retrieval notification response (Nadrf_DataManagement_Retrieval Notify response) message to ADRF.

[0175] Specifically, the DCCF or NWDAF indicates in their response to the ADRF whether they are going to retrieve data or analysis results.

[0176] S308, optionally, before ADRF deletes the data or analysis results, DCCF or NWDAF retrieves the data or analysis results from ADRF.

[0177] Specifically, the DCCF or NWDAF may send a data management retrieval request message to the ADRF, and the ADRF may send a data management retrieval response message to the DCCF or NWDAF.

[0178] The retrieval request message may include the following parameters:

[0179] (1) Storage transaction identifier.

[0180] (2) Fetch correlation ID(s): In S306, the data management search notification message sent by the ADRF may include a fetch instruction, and the fetch instruction includes the fetch correlation ID(s).

[0181] (3) Dataset Tag: Dataset identifier and human-readable information describing the characteristics of the dataset.

[0182] (4) Service operation, analytics specification or data specification, time window.

[0183] The following parameters may be included in the retrieval response message:

[0184] (1) Result indication: Indicates whether the search was successful. Optionally, the search response message may also include the following parameters:

[0185] (2) Data or analytics: refers to the data or analysis obtained through retrieval.

[0186] (3) DSC information: information indicating that data is generated using a data synthesis or compression tool and indicating the data synthesis and / or compression technology.

[0187] If the storage mode is managed by NWDAF or DCCF, execute S309a, S309b to S311.

[0188] S309a-b: The NWDAF or DCCF determines, based on a storage approach, that the stored data or analysis results are about to expire, ie, the data or analysis results are about to be deleted from the ADRF.

[0189] S310 , NWDAF or DCCF retrieves data or analysis results from ADRF.

[0190] For the specific content of S310, please refer to S308.

[0191] S311, NWDAF or DCCF requests to delete data or analysis results from ADRF.

[0192] Specifically, the NWDAF or DCCF sends a data management deletion (Nadrf_DataManagement_Delete) request message to the ADRF to request deletion of data or analysis results from the ADRF.

[0193] The data management deletion request message may include at least one of the following parameters:

[0194] (1) Storage transaction identifier.

[0195] (2) Service operation, analytics specification or data specification, time window.

[0196] (3) Dataset tag (DataSetTag).

[0197] S312, ADRF deletes the data or analysis results.

[0198] ADRF will delete data or analysis results when any of the following situations occur:

[0199] Case 1: The storage method in ADRF indicates that consumers do not need to be reminded before deleting data or analysis results;

[0200] Case 2: In step S307, the DCCF or NWDAF indicates that the data or analysis results will not be retrieved before deletion;

[0201] Case 3: The data or analysis retrieval in step S308 has been completed;

[0202] Case 4: In step S311 , a request to delete data or analysis results is received.

[0203] It should be understood that if in step S307 the NWDAF or DCCF indicates that it will retrieve data or analysis results, but does not initiate the retrieval before a sufficient fixed time has passed, the ADRF may automatically delete the data or analysis results.

[0204] In addition to the analysis results, the NWDAF network element can also provide recommendation information to the consumer network element, such as providing a recommended back-off timer to the access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, or providing recommended quality of service (QoS) parameters to the policy control function (PCF) network element, etc., to assist the consumer network element in making communication decisions and thus provide better communication services to users.

[0205] Figure 4 shows the basic process of NWDAF providing recommendation information. As shown in Figure 4, the process includes the following steps.

[0206] S401: The consuming network element sends a subscription message or a request message to the NWDAF to obtain recommendation information.

[0207] Specifically, the consuming network element may subscribe to the recommendation information from the NWDAF through a recommendation subscription (Nnwdaf_Recommendations_Subscribe) message, or request the recommendation information from the NWDAF through a recommendation request (Nnwdaf_Recommendations_Request) message.

[0208] The subscription message or request message may include the following parameters:

[0209] (1) Expected recommendation result: Indicates the desired recommendation result on a given domain. It includes the following parameters:

[0210] a) Recommendation ID or recommendation type: For example, the recommendation registered ID in the given domain. The recommendation ID is used to identify the type of recommendation result to obtain, for example, it can be used to identify the recommended QoS parameters to obtain, or to identify the recommended UPF network element to obtain, etc.

[0211] b) Optimization goals: For example, when a consumer network element wants to obtain recommended QoS parameters, the optimization goal may be a mean opinion score (MOS) of the service experience, such as MOS>4.

[0212] c) Constraints per requested parameter, expressed as parameter ranges. For example, if a consumer network element wants to obtain recommended QoS parameters, the parameter range could be 50Mbps < bitrate < 100Mbps, or 20ms <

[0213] Delay <50ms, etc.

[0214] The above-mentioned "optimization target" and "constraints on request parameters" are optional parameters in the message.

[0215] (2) Time period of recommendation results: that is, the recommendation results requested are applicable to a specific time period (observation period [start..end] in the future on which recommendations are requested).

[0216] (3) The maximum tolerable delay for the provision of the recommendations.

[0217] (4) Target of event reporting: This indicates the target for the recommendation result, which can be a UE, a group of UEs, or any UE. For example, if a consumer network element wants to obtain recommended QoS parameters and specifies the target of event reporting as subscription permanent identifier (SUPI) 1, that is, Target of Event Reporting = SUPI1, it means that the consumer wants to obtain the recommended QoS parameters of SUPI1.

[0218] (5) Event filtering information: This indicates the filtering information for the recommendation results, or the applicable conditions for the recommendation results, which can be AOI, S-NSSAI, etc. For example, when the event filtering information is cell 1, that is, event filtering information = cell1, it means that the consuming network element wants to obtain the recommendation results within cell1.

[0219] S402, NWDAF sends a notification message or a response message to the consuming network element, carrying the recommendation information.

[0220] Specifically, the NWDAF may collect data and generate recommendation information according to the subscription message or request message in S401, and then send the recommendation information to the consumer network element through a recommendation notification (Nnwdaf_Recommendations_Notify) message or a recommendation response (Nnwdaf_Recommendations_Response) message.

[0221] The notification message or response message may include recommendation information (recommendations), indicating one or more candidate recommendation results, which may specifically include:

[0222] (1) Recommendation identifier: For example, a reference to the recommendation registered ID in the recommendation domain. The recommendation identifier is used to identify the type of recommendation result to be obtained. For example, it can be used to identify the recommended QoS parameters to be obtained, or to identify the recommended UPF network element to be obtained.

[0223] (2) The vector of tagged parameter recommended values ​​or value ranges: represents a set of recommended parameter values ​​or recommended parameter ranges.

[0224] (3) Associated impacts: represents the possible impacts if the recommendation results are used (the associated impacts (a set of predicted analytics) if such parameters are chosen).

[0225] (4) Recommendation order: indicates the priority order of the recommendation results (a preference order in order to suggest a preference). However, since network resources are limited and shared, the recommendation information provided by different NWDAFs or different recommendation information provided by the same NWDAF may conflict, which will affect the accuracy of the consumer network element's communication decision and ultimately affect the user experience.

[0226] Figure 5 illustrates an example scenario where conflicting recommendations from different NWDAFs arise. In this scenario, PCF1 requests NWDAF1 to generate recommended QoS parameters for UE group 1 within AoI 1 during time window 1. PCF2 then requests NWDAF2 to generate recommended QoS parameters for UE group 2 within AoI 2 during time window 1. Cell 1 is the common area between AoI 1 and AoI 2. For cell 1, NWDAF1 generates recommended QoS parameters #1 for UE group 1 (recommended information #1). These recommended QoS parameters #1 will occupy a certain amount of network resources within cell 1 (e.g., gNB resource usage) during time window 1. If NWDAF2 generates the recommended QoS parameter 2 (recommended information #2) for UE group 2 without considering the recommended QoS parameter 1 generated by NWDAF1, NWDAF2 will misjudge the occupied network resources and thus generate incorrect QoS parameters, causing conflicts in the recommended information. In other words, the recommended information may affect each other. For example, using QoS parameter 1 and QoS parameter 2 may cause a network resource occupation conflict, that is, the sum of the network resource occupation of QoS parameter 1 and QoS parameter 2 exceeds the total resources that the network can provide, which may cause UE group 1 and UE group 2 to fail to achieve the expected service experience in time window 1.

[0227] In view of this, the present application provides a communication method and a communication device, which can avoid conflicts in recommended information, thereby improving user experience.

[0228] Fig. 6 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method 600 provided by the present application. As shown in Fig. 6 , the method may include at least the following steps.

[0229] S610, the first analysis function network element sends a first message to the storage function network element, and correspondingly, the storage function network element receives the first message.

[0230] The first message is used to obtain recommendation information from the storage function network element.

[0231] In this application, recommendation information (recommendation or recommendation information) may also be referred to as recommendation result (recommendation result), which refers to one or more recommended parameter values ​​provided by the first analysis function network element (e.g., NWDAF) based on the request of the consumption network element (e.g., the consumer of NWDAF).

[0232] Specifically, the first analysis function network element can provide recommended parameter values ​​based on the consuming network element's request type, optimization goal, constraints on request parameters, time period for recommended information, event reporting goals, event filtering information, etc. These parameter values ​​can assist the consuming network element in formulating policies, and these parameter values ​​are referred to as recommendation information. The aforementioned "optimization goal" and "constraints on request parameters" are optional parameters.

[0233] It should be understood that the recommendation information in this application can be used to provide recommended services to consumers of network function services (NF service consumers, also referred to as consumer network elements). For example, the recommendation information is a recommended back-off timer provided to the AMF, or a recommended QoS parameter provided to the PCF, etc., which is used to assist the consumer network element in making communication decisions in order to provide better communication services to users.

[0234] Exemplarily, obtaining recommendation information may be understood as retrieving recommendation information.

[0235] For example, the first message is a retrieval request (Nadrf_DataManagement_RetrievalRequest) message or a retrieval subscription (Nadrf_DataManagement_RetrievalSubscribe) message, and the first message is used to request retrieval of recommendation information from the storage function network element.

[0236] The solution of the present application can be applied to 5G networks. As an example, the analysis function network element may refer to a network data analysis function (NWDAF) network element, and the storage function network element may refer to an analytics data repository function (ADRF) network element.

[0237] Exemplarily, when the first analysis function network element needs to generate recommendation information, for example, when the first analysis function network element receives a message from the consumption network element for obtaining recommendation information (i.e., S401), the first analysis function network element can send a first message to obtain recommendation information from the storage function network element.

[0238] Optionally, the first message includes requirement information of the recommendation information, and the requirement information is used for the storage function network element to determine the first recommendation information.

[0239] The requirement information may include at least one of the following parameters:

[0240] (1) Recommendation specification: This parameter identifies the requirements for the recommended specifications of the recommended information. The recommendation specification includes at least one parameter, such as the analytics ID(s), the target of analytics reporting, and analytics filter information. The analytics ID(s) identifies the type of recommended information, the target of analytics reporting refers to one or more terminal devices to which the recommended information applies, and the analytics filter information refers to the area or slice to which the recommended information applies. It can be identified by AOI or S-NSSAI.

[0241] (2) Time window: represents the time window in which the recommendation information is generated, that is, the first analysis function network element needs to obtain the recommendation information generated within the time window.

[0242] (3) Requirements for recommendation usage information: The usage information of recommendation information indicates the usage of the recommendation information, such as whether the recommendation information is used, the usage conditions of the recommendation information, and the devices to which the recommendation information is applicable.

[0243] Whether the recommended information is used may include at least one of the following: whether the recommended information has been used, whether the recommended information is about to be used, whether part of the recommended information has been used, or whether part of the recommended information is about to be used. For example, if "Usage information of recommended information" is "Whether the recommended information has been used," the value of this parameter can be "Yes," "No," or "Unknown," indicating that the recommended information has been used, that the recommended information has not been used, or that it is unclear whether the recommended information has been used.

[0244] The usage conditions of the recommendation information may include: AoI, S-NSSAI, and / or application identifier (App ID). For example, if the usage condition of the recommendation information is cell 1, it means that the recommendation result is used in cell 1. For another example, if the usage condition of the recommendation information is S-NSSAI 2, it means that the recommendation result is used in S-NSSAI 2. For another example, if the usage condition of the recommendation information is (cell 2, S-NSSAI 1), it means that the recommendation result is used in cell 2 and S-NSSAI 1.

[0245] Among them, the device to which the recommended information applies may also be referred to as the target device, which may refer to one or more terminal devices. For example, one or more SUPI(s), or internal group identifiers (Internal Group Identifier(s)) or any UE (any UE). For example, the target device to which the recommended information applies is SUP1 1, indicating that the recommended information is used for SUP1 1. For another example, the target device to which the recommended information applies is Internal Group Identifier 1, indicating that the recommended information is used for all UEs identified by Internal Group Identifier 1. For another example, the target device to which the recommended information applies is any UE, and the usage condition of the recommended information is cell 1, indicating that the recommended information is used for all UEs in cell 1.

[0246] It should be understood that the recommendation specification is a parameter included in the subscription or request message when the consumer network element subscribes to or requests recommendation information from the first analysis function network element (for example, through S401). In the present application, the first analysis function network element may further store the recommendation specification in the storage function network element when storing the recommendation information to the storage function network element. When necessary, the first analysis function network element may carry the requirements for the recommendation specification in the first message, and obtain the recommendation information that meets the requirements of the recommendation specification from the storage function network element through the first message.

[0247] In addition, in this application, the meaning of the recommendation specification is similar to the analysis result specification or data specification mentioned above. When storing recommendation information, the recommendation specification indication is a parameter included in the recommendation request message (for example, the request message sent by the consumer to the NWDAF, as shown in S201 or S401) used to identify the recommendation information generated by the NWDAF. When retrieving recommendation information, the recommendation specification indication is a requirement for the recommendation specification.

[0248] It should also be understood that the usage information of the recommended information refers to the actual usage of the recommended information after the consuming network element of the analysis function network element obtains the recommended information. In other words, the usage information of the recommended information can be determined by the consuming network element of the analysis function network element. In this application, the analysis function network element can obtain the usage information from the consuming network element and further store the usage information in the storage function network element. When necessary, the analysis function network element can obtain the recommended information whose usage information meets the requirements from the storage function network element through the first message, and can also obtain the usage information of the recommended information.

[0249] Exemplarily, the requirement for using information may refer to: recommended information that has been used or unused, recommended information that meets certain usage conditions, recommended information applicable to a specific UE, and the like.

[0250] Optionally, the first message further includes at least one of the following parameters:

[0251] (1) Storage transaction identifier: It is used to identify a storage. The identifier is generated by the storage function network element (for example, ADRF). When the first analysis function network element stores recommendation information in the storage function network element (recorded as storage event 1), the storage function network element will allocate the identifier and send it to the first analysis function network element. By carrying the identifier in the first message, one or more recommendation information stored in storage event 1 can be obtained.

[0252] (2) Service operation: used to identify the service used by the consuming network element to obtain recommendation information from the analysis function network element, for example, the recommendation subscription (Nnwdaf_Recommendations_Subscribe) service operation, and the recommendation request (Nnwdaf_Recommendations_Request) service operation.

[0253] S620, the storage function network element sends a second message to the first analysis function network element, and correspondingly, the first analysis function network element receives the second message.

[0254] The second message includes the first recommendation information.

[0255] It should be understood that in the present application, at least one recommendation information may be stored in the storage function network element, and the at least one recommendation information includes the first recommendation information.

[0256] In other words, the storage function network element can determine the first recommendation information that meets the needs of the first analysis function network element from the at least one stored recommendation information based on the first message, and send the first recommendation information through the second message.

[0257] The second message is a response to the first message. For example, when the first message is a retrieval request message, the second message may be a retrieval request response (Nadrf_DataManagement_RetrievalRequestResponse) message. For another example, when the first message is a retrieval subscription message, the second message may be a retrieval notification (Nadrf_DataManagement_RetrievalNotify) message.

[0258] Optionally, when the first message includes requirement information of the recommended information, the storage function network element can determine the first recommended information from at least one stored recommended information based on the requirement information, and the first recommended information meets the aforementioned requirement information. For example, if NWDAF (an example of the first analysis function network element) only wants to retrieve the recommended information for UE1, then the requirement information is that the recommended information is applicable to UE1. At this time, NWDAF can indicate target of analytics reporting = UE1 in the first message. Further, ADRF can determine the recommended information applicable to UE1 (an example of the first recommended information) based on the first message, and carry the recommended information in the second message.

[0259] Based on the above solution, the first analysis function network element can obtain recommendation information that meets the requirements from the storage function network element, so as to generate more accurate recommendation information, thereby improving user experience.

[0260] Optionally, the second message may further include the generator of the first recommendation information and / or usage information of the first recommendation information.

[0261] The generator is used to identify the device that generates the recommendation information. For example, if the first recommendation information is generated by the second analysis function network element, the generator of the first recommendation information can be indicated by the identifier of the second analysis function network element.

[0262] The usage information of the first recommendation information includes at least one of the following: whether the first recommendation information is used, usage conditions of the first recommendation information, and a device to which the first recommendation information is applicable.

[0263] Optionally, the second message may further include a result indication: used to indicate whether the recommendation information is successfully obtained. When the result indication indicates that the recommendation information is successfully obtained, the second message may include the first recommendation information and at least one of the following:

[0264] (1) Service Operation: It is used to identify the service used by the consuming network element to obtain recommendation information from the analysis function network element.

[0265] (2) Recommendation Specification: Parameters included in the subscription or request message when the consuming network element subscribes to or requests recommendation information from the analysis function network element. The recommendation specification may include an analysis identifier, the target of the analysis report, and analysis filtering information. The analysis identifier in the recommendation specification is used to identify the type of the first recommendation information, the target of the analysis report is used to indicate one or more terminal devices to which the first recommendation information can be applied, and the analysis filtering information is used to indicate the area or slice to which the first recommendation information applies. The AOI or S-NSSAI identifier may be used.

[0266] It should be understood that the recommendation specification included in the second message refers to the recommendation specification corresponding to the first recommendation information, and the first recommendation information is the recommendation information that meets the requirements in the first message.

[0267] S630: The first analysis function network element determines second recommendation information according to the first recommendation information.

[0268] The first recommendation information may be understood as recommendation information that has been generated in the network before the first analysis function network element determines the second recommendation information.

[0269] In other words, in this application, when the first analysis function network element needs to generate recommendation information, it can obtain the previously generated recommendation information from the storage function network element, and generate the required recommendation information based on the previously generated recommendation information. In this way, conflicts in recommendation information can be avoided, and the accuracy and effectiveness of the recommendation information provided by the analysis function network element can be improved, thereby improving the user experience.

[0270] Taking Figure 5 as an example, the recommended QoS parameter 1 generated by NWDAF1 for UE group 1 can be understood as the first recommendation information. NWDAF2 (an example of the first analysis function network element) can generate QoS parameter 3 (an example of the second recommendation information) based on QoS parameter 1. For example, NWDAF2 determines how much remaining available network resources are based on the network resource occupancy and the network resources that may be occupied by QoS parameter 1, and ensures that the network resources occupied by the generated QoS parameter 3 do not exceed the remaining available network resources. This can avoid conflicts between recommended information, improve the accuracy of recommended information, and thus improve user experience.

[0271] Optionally, before S610, the method further includes: S601, the consumption network element sends a sixth message to the first analysis function network element, and accordingly, the first analysis function network element receives the sixth message.

[0272] Among them, the sixth message is used to obtain recommendation information from the first analysis function network element.

[0273] The sixth message may include at least one of the following: recommendation type, optimization target, constraints on request parameters, time period of recommendation information, event reporting target, and event filtering information. The definitions of the above parameters may refer to S201 or S401.

[0274] Exemplarily, the sixth message may be a recommendation subscription (Nnwdaf_Recommendations_Subscribe) message or a recommendation request (Nnwdaf_Recommendations_Request) message.

[0275] The specific process of S601 can refer to S401, and S201 can also be reused, which is not limited in this application.

[0276] Optionally, after S630, the method further includes: S631, the first analysis function network element sends second recommendation information to the consumption network element, and accordingly, the consumption network element receives the second recommendation information.

[0277] The second recommendation information can be used by the consumer network element to make communication decisions. For example, the PCF network element can set QoS parameters for the AF session based on the recommended QoS parameters to ensure the service experience of data transmission between the UE and the AF.

[0278] Optionally, before S620, the method further includes: S602, the second analysis function network element sends a fifth message to the storage function network element, and accordingly, the storage function network element receives the fifth message.

[0279] The fifth message is used to instruct the storage of the first recommendation information, or in other words, to store the first recommendation information in the storage function network element, and the fifth message includes the first recommendation information.

[0280] Optionally, the first recommendation information may be generated by the second analysis function network element. For example, after generating the first recommendation information, the second analysis function network element stores the first recommendation information in the storage function network element through the fifth message.

[0281] It should be understood that the second analysis function network element may be the same as or different from the first analysis function network element, that is, the first recommendation information and the second recommendation information may be generated by different analysis function network elements or by the same analysis function network element.

[0282] Exemplarily, the fifth message may be a storage request (e.g., Nadrf_DataManagement_StorgeRequest) message, which is used to request storage of the first recommendation information. Alternatively, the fifth message may be a notification (e.g., Nadrf_DataManagement_Notify) message, which is used to store the requested first recommendation information. For example, if the storage function network element initiated a subscription to the recommendation information before S602, then when the second analysis function network element generates the first recommendation information, it may notify the storage function network element through the fifth message to store the requested first recommendation information.

[0283] Among them, the fifth message also includes at least one of the following: the generation time (timestamp) of the first recommendation information, the generator of the first recommendation information, the usage information of the first recommendation information, the sending time of the fifth message, and the parameters of the first recommendation information (for example, the recommendation specification, which includes at least one parameter such as the analysis identifier, the target of the analysis report, and the analysis filtering information).

[0284] It should be understood that the specific meanings of terms such as usage information and recommended specifications can be referred to in the previous S610 and will not be repeated here.

[0285] In addition, the recommendation specification in the fifth message may indicate the parameters of the first recommendation information generated by the second analysis function network element. In other words, in this application, the second analysis function network element may store the generated first recommendation information and its parameters in the storage function network element via the fifth message, so that the first analysis function network element can subsequently obtain them from the storage function network element.

[0286] Exemplarily, in the following cases, the second analysis function network element may send the fifth message to the storage function network element:

[0287] Case 1: The second analysis function network element generates new recommendation information, namely, the first recommendation information;

[0288] Case 2: The second analysis function network element updates the previously generated recommendation information, and the updated recommendation information is recorded as the first recommendation information;

[0289] Case 3: The second analysis function network element determines that the usage of the first recommendation information has changed, and the fifth message may include the latest usage of the first recommendation information.

[0290] Optionally, the method further includes: S603, the storage function network element sends a response message to the fifth message to the second analysis function network element, the response message including an indication of whether the first recommendation information is successfully stored. For example, the indication of whether the recommendation information is successfully stored is called a result indication.

[0291] Optionally, the response message of the fifth message may also include: a storage transaction identifier, a storage approach, etc. The storage event identifier is used to identify a storage, which is allocated by the storage function network element and sent to the second analysis function network element through the response message of the fifth message. The storage approach can indicate the storage duration of the recommended information, and can also indicate that ADRF will send a notification to the consumer before deleting the recommended information.

[0292] Optionally, the method further includes: S640, the first analysis function network element sends a third message to the storage function network element, and accordingly, the storage function network element receives the third message.

[0293] The third message is used to instruct the storage of the second recommendation information, or in other words, to store the second recommendation information in the storage function network element, and the third message includes the second recommendation information.

[0294] Specifically, the third message may be used to request to store the second recommendation information, or the third message may be used to store the requested second recommendation information.

[0295] Among them, the third message may also include at least one of the following: the generation time of the second recommendation information, the generator of the second recommendation information, the usage information of the second recommendation information, the reception time of the second message, the sending time of the third message, and the parameters of the second recommendation information (such as, recommendation specifications, including at least one parameter such as analysis identification, analysis report target, analysis filtering information, etc.).

[0296] Optionally, the method further includes: S641, the storage function network element sends a response message of the third message to the first analysis function network element, and the response information includes an indication of whether the second recommendation information is stored successfully.

[0297] Specifically, the content, triggering conditions, message name, response message of the third message, etc. of the third message can all be referred to the fifth message above, and will not be repeated here.

[0298] Based on the above solution, the storage function network element can store the recommendation information it generates to the storage function network element, which will be centrally managed by the storage function network element. In this way, the recommendation information can be better managed and it is convenient for other analysis function network elements to retrieve the required recommendation information from the storage function network element.

[0299] Optionally, the method further includes: S650, the first analysis function network element sends a fourth message to the storage function network element, and accordingly, the storage function network element receives the fourth message.

[0300] The fourth message is used to subscribe to the recommendation information in the storage function network element.

[0301] Specifically, the fourth message may include indication information, which is used to indicate that the first analysis function network element needs to subscribe to the recommendation information, or to indicate that the storage function network element sends a notification to the first analysis function network element when receiving new or updated recommendation information.

[0302] Subscribing to recommended information in a storage functional network element, or subscribing to notifications of changes to recommended information, includes subscribing to new recommended information in a storage functional network element and / or subscribing to updated recommended information in a storage functional network element. Subscribing to recommended information in a storage functional network element means that upon receiving new or updated recommended information, the storage functional network element needs to send a notification containing the new or updated recommended information.

[0303] In this application, new recommendation information refers to recommendation information that has not been previously stored in the storage function network element, for example, recommendation information newly generated by the analysis function network element and not previously stored in the storage function network element. Updated recommendation information refers to changes in the recommendation information stored in the storage function network element, for example, the updated recommendation information is indicated by the same storage transaction identifier as before but different usage information of the recommendation information.

[0304] Specifically, if the recommendation information is updated, it means that ADRF has already allocated a storage event identifier, and NWDAF will also carry the storage event identifier when updating the recommendation information in ADRF. If the recommendation information is new, NWDAF will not carry the storage event identifier when storing the recommendation information in ADRF.

[0305] As a possible implementation, the first message and the fourth message may be sent simultaneously, or the first message and the fourth message may be the same message, or the above-mentioned indication information may be carried in the first message. That is, the first message is used not only to obtain the recommendation information from the storage function network element, but also to subscribe to the recommendation information in the storage function network element.

[0306] Optionally, the fourth message may include at least one of the following parameters:

[0307] (1) Service operation: used to identify the service used by the consuming network element when obtaining recommendation information from the analysis function network element. For details, please refer to S610.

[0308] (2) Recommendation specification: identifies the requirements for the recommendation specification of the recommendation information. For specific meaning, refer to S610. By carrying the recommendation specification in the fourth message, it indicates that the first analysis function network element needs to subscribe to the recommendation information that meets the requirements indicated in the recommendation specification from the storage function network element.

[0309] (3) Time window: For the specific meaning, please refer to S610. By carrying the time window in the fourth message, it means that the first analysis function network element needs to subscribe to the recommendation information generated within the time window.

[0310] (4) Requirements for recommendation usage information: For details, refer to S610. By carrying this requirement in the fourth message, it is indicated that the first analysis function network element needs to subscribe to recommendation information whose usage information meets this requirement.

[0311] Based on the above solution, the analysis function network element can subscribe to notifications of changes to the recommended information, so that new or updated recommended information can be obtained in a timely manner, which helps to make better communication decisions.

[0312] Optionally, the method further includes: S660, the storage function network element sends third recommendation information to the first analysis function network element, and accordingly, the first analysis function network element receives the third recommendation information.

[0313] The third recommendation information is new or updated recommendation information.

[0314] The following is a detailed description of S650 and S660.

[0315] In one example, the fourth message includes time information, and the time information is used to store the third recommendation information determined by the functional network element.

[0316] For example, the time information is the time when the first analysis function network element last retrieved the recommendation information (timestamp of previous recommendation was retrieved). The time when the recommendation information was last retrieved can be the sending time of the first message, or the receiving time of the first message, or the sending time of the second message, or the receiving time of the second message.

[0317] In this example, the storage function network element can determine the third recommendation information based on the time information. For example, the storage function network element uses the time indicated by the time information as the reference time, and the recommendation information stored or changed after the reference time is the third recommendation information.

[0318] In yet another example, the fourth message does not include the aforementioned time information.

[0319] In this example, the storage function network element determines the third recommendation information, which may mean that the storage function network element uses the time when it receives the fourth message as the reference time, or uses the last time it sends recommendation information to the first analysis function network element as the reference time, and the recommendation information stored or updated after the reference time is the third recommendation information.

[0320] Optionally, in one implementation, the fourth message includes the first requirement, and the first requirement is used for the storage function network element to determine the third recommendation information, or in other words, the fourth message is used to subscribe to new or updated recommendation information in the storage function network element that meets the first requirement.

[0321] Specifically, the first requirement may include at least one of the following: service operation, recommendation specification, time window, and usage information requirements for the recommended information. In other words, the fourth message may also include the requirement information for the recommended information. The explanations of terms such as service operation, recommendation specification, time window, and usage information requirements for the recommended information can be found in the first message and are not further elaborated here.

[0322] For example, the first requirement is the requirement that the usage information of the recommended information must meet. For example, the usage information requirement may include: recommended information that has been used or unused, recommended information that meets certain usage conditions, recommended information that is applicable to specific UEs, etc. For a detailed introduction to the usage information of the recommended information, please refer to S610 above.

[0323] At this time, the storage functional network element determines the third recommended information, which includes: the storage functional network element determines the third recommended information based on the first requirement, or in other words, the storage functional network element determines that the third recommended information meets the first requirement. For example, the storage functional network element determines new or updated recommended information and then filters the recommended information that meets the first requirement to obtain the third recommended information.

[0324] Optionally, the fourth message may include both the aforementioned time information and the first requirement. In this case, the storage function network element may determine the third recommendation information based on the first requirement and the time information. In other words, the third recommendation information is determined based on the aforementioned time information and meets the first requirement.

[0325] Optionally, in one implementation, the second analysis function network element and the storage function network element may also perform steps similar to S610-S640.

[0326] Specifically, in this implementation, the method may further include the following steps:

[0327] At step S670, the second analysis function network element sends a seventh message to the storage function network element. The storage function network element receives the seventh message. The seventh message is used to obtain recommendation information from the storage function network element. Specifically, steps similar to those at step S610 are performed so that the second analysis function network element can request the storage function network element to retrieve recommendation information.

[0328] At step S680, the storage function network element sends an eighth message to the second analysis function network element. In response, the second analysis function network element receives the eighth message. The second message includes the fourth recommendation information. Specifically, steps similar to those at step S620 are performed so that the storage function network element can send the retrieved fourth recommendation information to the second analysis function network element.

[0329] S690: The second analysis function network element determines third recommendation information according to the fourth recommendation information. That is, steps similar to S630 are performed, so that the second analysis function network element can generate third recommendation information according to the fourth recommendation information.

[0330] At S6100, the second analysis function network element sends a ninth message to the storage function network element. The storage function network element receives the ninth message. The ninth message is used to store the third recommendation information in the storage function network element. The ninth message includes the third recommendation information. Specifically, steps similar to those at S640 are performed so that the second function network element can store the generated third recommendation information in the storage function network element.

[0331] It should be understood that the specific processes of S670-S6100 can refer to S610-S640.

[0332] In this implementation, the method may further include: S6120, the storage function network element determines whether the following time relationship is satisfied between the first recommendation information, the second recommendation information, the third recommendation information, and the fourth recommendation information: the time when the first analysis function network element receives the first recommendation information is earlier than the time when the second analysis function network element stores the third recommendation information to the storage function network element, and the time when the first analysis function network element stores the second recommendation information to the storage function network element is later than the time when the second analysis function network element obtains the fourth recommendation information from the storage function network element. In other words, the storage function network element determines whether the sending and receiving time of the second message, the third message, the eighth message, and the ninth message satisfy the following relationship: the sending and receiving time of the second message is earlier than the sending and receiving time of the ninth message, and the sending and receiving time of the third message is later than the sending and receiving time of the eighth message.

[0333] If the above time relationship is satisfied, the method may further include the following steps:

[0334] S6130: The storage function network element sends third recommendation information to the first analysis function network element, or the storage function network element sends second recommendation information to the second analysis function network element.

[0335] S6140, if the storage function network element sends the third recommendation information to the first analysis function network element, the first analysis function network element generates the fifth recommendation information based on the second recommendation information and the third recommendation information, or the first analysis function network element generates the fifth recommendation information based on the first recommendation information and the third recommendation information; or, if the storage function network element sends the second recommendation information to the second analysis function network element, the second analysis function network element generates the sixth recommendation information based on the third recommendation information and the second recommendation information, or the second analysis function network element generates the sixth recommendation information based on the fourth recommendation information and the second recommendation information.

[0336] If the above time relationship is not satisfied, S6130 and S6140 are not executed. That is, the storage function network element does not send the third recommendation information to the first analysis function network element, nor does it send the second recommendation information to the second analysis function network element.

[0337] The following is an example.

[0338] Define the timestamp when NWDAF retrieves the existing recommendation information from ADRF as Tr, and define the timestamp when NWDAF stores the new or updated recommendation information in ADRF as Ts. It should be understood that Tr can be the time when NWDAF sends the retrieval request, or the time when ADRF receives the retrieval request. Similarly, Ts can be the time when NWDAF sends the storage message, or the time when ADRF receives the storage message. Therefore, the time when the first analysis function network element receives the first recommendation information can be denoted as Tr1, the time when the first analysis function network element stores the second recommendation information in the storage function network element can be denoted as Ts1, the time when the second analysis function network element obtains the fourth recommendation information from the storage function network element can be denoted as Tr2, and the time when the second analysis function network element stores the third recommendation information in the storage function network element can be denoted as Ts2. According to the relationship that the time of "retrieving the existing recommendation information" is earlier than the time of "storing the new or updated recommendation information", it can be known that Tr1 < Ts1 and Tr2 < Ts2.

[0339] As shown in Figure 7, the abscissa represents time. When Tr2 < Ts1 (that is, the retrieval time of the second analysis function network element is earlier than the storage time of the first analysis function network element), and Tr1 < Ts2 (that is, the retrieval time of the first analysis function network element is earlier than the storage time of the second analysis function network element), it means that the first analysis function network element does not retrieve the third recommendation information when executing S630, and the second analysis function network element does not retrieve the second recommendation information when executing S690. That is, neither of them generates new recommendation information using the recommendation information of the other party. Thus, it can be determined that the second recommendation information and the third recommendation information may affect each other.

[0340] Furthermore, the storage function network element may send the recommendation information generated by both parties to the other party to assist both parties in updating their recommendation information. Specifically: the storage function network element may send the third recommendation information to the first analysis function network element, so that the first analysis function network element can generate the fifth recommendation information based on the second recommendation information and the third recommendation information, that is, the first analysis function network element uses the third recommendation information generated by the second analysis function network element to update the second recommendation information generated by it, or the first analysis function network element can generate the fifth recommendation information based on the first recommendation information and the third recommendation information, that is, the first analysis function network element generates the fifth recommendation information based on the third recommendation information generated by the second analysis function network element and the first recommendation information previously retrieved. Alternatively, the storage function network element may send the second recommendation information to the second analysis function network element, so that the second analysis function network element can generate the sixth recommendation information based on the third recommendation information and the second recommendation information, that is, the second analysis function network element uses the second recommendation information generated by the first analysis function network element to update the third recommendation information generated by it, or the second analysis function network element can generate the sixth recommendation information based on the fourth recommendation information and the second recommendation information, that is, the second analysis function network element generates the sixth recommendation information based on the second recommendation information generated by the first analysis function network element and the fourth recommendation information previously retrieved.

[0341] Based on the above solution, the storage function network element can determine whether there is a conflict between different recommendation information, and then feedback the conflicting recommendation information to the analysis function network element, so that the analysis function network element can update its recommendation information, thereby avoiding conflicts in recommendation information and improving user experience.

[0342] In another possible implementation, when the retrieval time of the first analysis function network element is later than the storage time of the second analysis function network element, for example, as shown in S602, S610-S630, when the first analysis function network element generates the second recommendation information, it has retrieved the first recommendation information of the second analysis function network element from the storage function, and generated the second recommendation information based on the first recommendation information. At this time, the second recommendation information will not conflict with the first recommendation information, for example, the first recommendation information will not fail to achieve the expected usage effect due to resource competition.

[0343] Optionally, in one implementation, the third message may include the sending and receiving time of the second message and / or the sending and receiving time of the third message. The storage function may store the sending and receiving time of the second message and / or the sending and receiving time of the third message.

[0344] Specifically, when storing the recommendation information, the storage function may also store the above-mentioned retrieval time Tr and / or storage time Ts, so as to be used for executing S6120.

[0345] It should be understood that the third message may not include Tr1, in which case Tr1 can be determined by the storage function network element. For example, the storage function network element may record the time when existing recommendation information (e.g., first recommendation information) was last retrieved from the storage function network element, and determine Tr1 accordingly. Similarly, the third message may not include Ts1, in which case Ts1 can be determined by the storage function network element. For example, the storage function network element records the time when the first analysis function network element stores new or updated recommendation information (e.g., second recommendation information), and determines Ts1 accordingly.

[0346] It should also be understood that the sending and receiving times in this application can be understood as both sending time and receiving time, without limitation, as long as the same measurement standard is used. In addition, the time difference between the sending time and the receiving time of the same message can be ignored.

[0347] Similarly, the ninth message may include the sending and receiving time of the eighth message and / or the sending and receiving time of the ninth message.

[0348] Based on the above solution, the analysis function network element can send the storage time and retrieval time of the recommendation information to the storage function network element, which helps the storage function network element determine whether there is a conflict between the recommendation information.

[0349] Optionally, if the fourth message includes the first requirement, the storage function network element may send the third recommendation information to the first analysis function network element when the third recommendation information meets the first requirement and the above-mentioned time relationship.

[0350] It should be understood that the explanation of the first requirement can be referred to the previous text and will not be repeated here.

[0351] Optionally, the second analysis function network element may also perform steps similar to S650 to subscribe to the recommended information in the storage function network element. Similarly, the message sent by the second analysis function network element for subscribing to the recommended information may also include instruction information similar to that in the fourth message, the first requirement, etc. For details, please refer to the above and will not be repeated here.

[0352] Optionally, the method further includes: the first analysis function network element determining whether there is a conflict between the second recommendation information and the third recommendation information, and if there is a conflict, sending the second recommendation information to the second analysis function network element.

[0353] For example, after the storage function network element receives a message to store the third recommendation information, the storage function network element may send the third recommendation information to the first analysis function network element based on the subscription in S650, and the first analysis function network element determines whether it needs to send a notification to the second analysis function network element. When the first analysis function network element determines that the third recommendation information has affected the second recommendation information it generated, the first analysis function network element sends a notification message to the second analysis function network element, and the notification message may include the second recommendation information.

[0354] Optionally, as an implementation method, the notification message also includes third recommendation information, and the notification message is used to assist the second analysis function network element to update the third recommendation information it generates.

[0355] Optionally, as another implementation manner, the notification message further includes a first recommendation association identifier, and the first recommendation association identifier is used to indicate the third recommendation information.

[0356] Specifically, when NWDAF stores recommendation information in ADRF, it can also store a recommendation association identifier, which is used to identify the recommendation information stored each time. When the storage function network element sends the third recommendation information to the first analysis function network element, it also sends the first recommendation association identifier corresponding to the third recommendation information to the first analysis function network element. In this case, when the first analysis function network element determines that the third recommendation information has an impact on the second recommendation information it generates, the notification message sent by the first analysis function network element to the second analysis function network element may include not only the second recommendation information but also the first recommendation association identifier, that is, the third recommendation information may not be included. At this time, the second analysis function network element can determine that it is the third recommendation information that needs to be updated based on the first recommendation association identifier in the notification message.

[0357] The present application also provides a communication method, which includes: a second analysis function network element determines first recommendation information; the second analysis function network element sends a fifth message to the storage function network element, and accordingly, the storage function network element receives the fifth message, which is used to indicate the storage of the first recommendation information, and the fifth message includes the first recommendation information.

[0358] In other words, the above-mentioned storage process of recommendation information (eg, S602 , or S640 ) can be executed independently without depending on S610 - S630 .

[0359] Figure 8 shows a schematic flow chart of a communication method 700 provided by the present application. The method 700 describes the communication method 600 provided by the present application in detail in conjunction with specific network elements. The method 700 may include the following steps.

[0360] S701, NWDAF#2 (an example of a second analysis function network element) generates recommendation information #1 (an example of first recommendation information).

[0361] For example, recommendation information #1 is a set of QoS parameters.

[0362] For recommendation information #1, please refer to the description of recommendation information in method 610.

[0363] S702, NWDAF #2 sends a storage request message #1 to ADRF (an example of a storage function network element), where the storage request #1 is used to request that the recommendation information #1 be stored in the ADRF.

[0364] Storage request #1 includes recommendation information #1.

[0365] Storage request #1 may also include usage information of recommendation information #1. For example, the usage information includes: recommendation was used, Target of recommendation usage = UE2, and recommendation usage Filter Information = cell1.

[0366] For storage request #1, please refer to the description of the fifth message in S602.

[0367] S703, ADRF stores recommendation information #1.

[0368] For example, the specific contents stored in ADRF may include:

[0369] (1) Recommendation with timestamp: For example, if [UL-maximum bitrate = 100 Mbps, PDB = 50 ms, PER = 10^-4], the generation time of the recommendation information is 1702887141 (indicating 2023-12-18 16:12:21);

[0370] (2) Recommendation Specification: For example, Analytics ID=recommended QoS parameter, Target of Analytics Reporting=UE1, Analytics Filter Information=cell1;

[0371] (3)source of the recommendation: NWDAF#2;

[0372] (4) recommendation usage information: for example, recommendation was used, Target of recommendation usage=UE2, recommendation usage Filter Information=cell1.

[0373] S704 , ADRF sends a storage response message # 1 to NWDAF # 1 (an example of the first analysis function network element), indicating that the recommendation information # 1 is stored successfully.

[0374] For the storage response message #1, reference may be made to the description of the response message to the third message in S640.

[0375] S705 , NWDAF# 1 sends a search request message to ADRF, where the search request message includes requirement # 1 and requests to obtain recommendation information that meets requirement # 1.

[0376] For example, requirement #1 is: requirements for recommendation usage information: such as recommendation was used = YES, Target of recommendation usage = UE2.

[0377] When NWDAF#1 needs to generate recommendation information, for example, when NWDAF#1 receives a request from a consumer to obtain recommendation information, NWDAF#1 may execute S705.

[0378] The retrieval request message may refer to the description of the first message in method 600 .

[0379] S706, ADRF determines recommendation information #1.

[0380] According to the retrieval request message, ADRF determines that recommended information #1 meets requirement #1 from the multiple recommended information stored therein.

[0381] S707 , ADRF sends a response message to NWDAF# 1 , where the response message includes recommendation information # 1 .

[0382] Based on the request of NWDAF#1, ADRF determines that recommendation information #1 can meet the requirements of NWDAF#1, and therefore sends recommendation information #1 to NWDAF1.

[0383] Optionally, the response message may further include the generation time of the recommendation information #1, the identifier of the generator (ie, NWDAF #2), and the like.

[0384] The response message may refer to the description of the second message in method 600 .

[0385] S708 , NWDAF # 1 generates recommendation information # 2 (an example of second recommendation information) based on recommendation information # 1.

[0386] S708 may refer to S630.

[0387] S709 , NWDAF# 1 sends a storage request message # 2 to ADRF. Storage request # 2 is used to request that the recommendation information # 2 be stored in ADRF.

[0388] For the storage request message #2, reference may be made to the description of the third message in S640.

[0389] S710, ADRF stores recommendation information #2.

[0390] S711 , ADRF sends a storage response message # 2 to NWDAF # 1 , indicating that the recommendation information # 2 is stored successfully.

[0391] The storage response message may refer to the description of the response message to the third message in S640.

[0392] Figure 9 shows a schematic flow chart of a communication method 800 provided by the present application. The method 800 describes the communication method 600 provided by the present application in detail in conjunction with specific network elements. The method 800 may include the following steps.

[0393] S801, NWDAF#2 (an example of a second analysis function network element) generates recommendation information #1 (an example of first recommendation information).

[0394] S801 is basically similar to 701.

[0395] S802, NWDAF#2 sends a request message to ADRF, where the request message is used to indicate to ADRF the recommended information that needs to be subscribed.

[0396] Among them, the request message can be a storage subscription request (Nadrf_DataManagement_StorageSubscriptionRequest) message, which may include a service operation (service operation), a recommendation specification (recommendation specification), and a target NF (or set) to subscribe to for notifications (Target NF (or Set) to subscribe to for notifications). Among them, Target NF (or Set) to subscribe to for notifications is used to identify a network element that can provide recommendation information, such as NWDAF, which is used for subsequent ADRF to subscribe to the recommendation information from the network element. The meaning of the service operation (service operation) and the recommendation specification (recommendation specification) can be referred to S610, which is mainly used to instruct ADRF to send a subscription message of recommendation information to NWDAF (for example, including NWDAF#1 and / or NWDAF#2).

[0397] In other words, in S802, NWDAF#2 can instruct ADRF to send subscriptions to other NWDAFs, not limited to sending subscriptions only to NWDAF#2.

[0398] If the recommendation information is stored normally or has been stored before, the ADRF sends a response message indicating that the recommendation information has been stored, and then executes S803.

[0399] S803, ADRF (an example of storage function network element) sends a response message.

[0400] The response message may be a storage subscription response (Nadrf_DataManagement_StorageSubscriptionRequest Response) message, indicating a response to the request message in S802.

[0401] S804, ADRF sends a subscription message to NWDAF#1 (an example of the first analysis function network element) and NWDAF#2, which is used to send subscription recommendation information to NWDAF#1 and NWDAF#2.

[0402] For example, the subscription message is Nadrf_DataManagement_Subscribe.

[0403] The subscription message includes parameters such as the service operation, recommendation specification, notification target address(es), and time window. This subscription message is used to request that the generated recommendations that meet the requirements be notified to the ADRF. The notification target address refers to the address from which the notification message is sent, such as the ADRF address. The values ​​of the service operation, recommendation specification, and other parameters can be the same as in S802, indicating that the ADRF needs to subscribe to the recommendation information. When NWDAF#1 and / or NWDAF#2 generate recommendations, they will be sent to the ADRF.

[0404] S805 , NWDAF# 2 sends a notification message # 1 to ADRF, where the notification message # 1 includes recommendation information # 1.

[0405] For example, the notification message #1 may be a Nadrf_DataManagement_Notify message, which can be understood as a response to S804. Since ADRF initiated the storage subscription in S804, NWDAF #2 sends the generated recommendation information #1 to ADRF via the notification message #1, indicating that ADRF is notified to store the requested recommendation information #1.

[0406] For the notification message #1, please refer to the description of the fifth message in S602.

[0407] S806, ADRF stores recommendation information #1.

[0408] S807 , NWDAF#1 sends a retrieval subscription message to ADRF, where the retrieval subscription message includes requirement #1 and requests to obtain recommendation information that meets requirement #1.

[0409] The retrieval subscription message may be a Nadrf_DataManagement_RetrievalSubscribe message.

[0410] For retrieving subscription messages, reference may be made to the description of the first message in S610 .

[0411] S808, ADRF determines recommendation information #1.

[0412] ADRF retrieves the subscription message and determines that recommended information #1 meets requirement #1 from the multiple recommended information stored therein.

[0413] S809 , ADRF sends a search notification message to NWDAF# 1 , where the search notification message includes recommendation information # 1 .

[0414] The retrieval notification message may be Nadrf_DataManagement_RetrievalNotify.

[0415] For the notification message, reference may be made to the description of the second message in method 600 .

[0416] S810 , NWDAF # 1 generates recommendation information # 2 (an example of second recommendation information) based on recommendation information # 1.

[0417] S810 can refer to S630.

[0418] S811 , NWDAF#1 sends a notification message #2 to ADRF, where the notification message #2 includes recommendation information #2.

[0419] For example, Notification Message #2 may be a Nadrf_DataManagement_Notify message, which can be understood as a response to S804. Since ADRF initiated the storage subscription in S804, when NWDAF#1 generates Recommendation #2, NWDAF#1 sends Recommendation #2 to ADRF via Notification Message #2, notifying ADRF to store the requested Recommendation #2.

[0420] For the notification message #2, reference may be made to the description of the third message in S602.

[0421] S812, ADRF stores recommendation information #2.

[0422] In other words, the process of storing and retrieving recommendation information may adopt a request-response model, as shown in method 700. The process of storing and retrieving recommendation information may also adopt a subscription-notification model, as shown in method 800.

[0423] The method provided in the embodiment of the present application is described in detail above in conjunction with Figures 6 to 9. Below, the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application is described in detail in conjunction with Figures 10 to 12. It should be understood that the description of the device embodiment corresponds to the description of the method embodiment. Therefore, for matters not described in detail, please refer to the method embodiment above. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0424] 10 shows a schematic diagram of a communication device 1100 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device 1100 includes an interface unit 1110, which can be used to implement corresponding communication functions and can also be referred to as a communication interface, a communication unit, or a transceiver unit.

[0425] Optionally, the apparatus 1100 may further include a processing unit 1120 , which may be configured to perform data processing.

[0426] Optionally, the device 1100 also includes a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing unit 1120 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit so that the device can implement the actions of different devices in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0427] In one possible design, the device 1100 can be the first analysis function network element in the aforementioned embodiment, or it can be a component (such as a chip) of the first analysis function network element. The device 1100 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the first analysis function network element in the above method embodiment. Among them, the interface unit 1110 can be used to perform operations related to the transmission and reception of the first analysis function network element in the above method embodiment; the processing unit 1120 can be used to perform operations related to the processing of the first analysis function network element in the above method embodiment.

[0428] In another possible design, the device 1100 may be the storage function network element in the aforementioned embodiment, or may be a component (e.g., a chip) of the storage function network element. The device 1100 may implement steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the storage function network element in the above method embodiment. The interface unit 1110 may be used to perform operations related to the transmission and reception of the storage function network element in the above method embodiment; and the processing unit 1120 may be used to perform operations related to the processing of the storage function network element in the above method embodiment.

[0429] Figure 11 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1200 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device 1200 includes a processor 1210, which is coupled to a memory 1220. Optionally, the memory 1220 is further included. The memory 1220 is configured to store computer programs or instructions and / or data. The processor 1210 is configured to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 1220, or read data stored in the memory 1220, to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0430] Optionally, there are one or more processors 1210 .

[0431] Optionally, there are one or more memories 1220 .

[0432] Optionally, the memory 1220 is integrated with the processor 1210 or provided separately.

[0433] Optionally, as shown in FIG12 , the apparatus 1200 further includes a transceiver 1230, which is configured to receive and / or transmit signals. For example, the processor 1210 is configured to control the transceiver 1230 to receive and / or transmit signals. The transceiver 1230 may also be referred to as an interface.

[0434] As a solution, the device 1200 is used to implement the operations performed by the first analysis function network element in the above method embodiments.

[0435] For example, the processor 1210 is used to execute the computer program or instructions stored in the memory 1220 to implement the relevant operations of the first analysis function network element in each of the above method embodiments.

[0436] As another solution, the device 1200 is used to implement the operations performed by the storage function network element in the above various method embodiments.

[0437] For example, the processor 1210 is configured to execute computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 1220 to implement operations related to the storage function network element in each of the above method embodiments.

[0438] During implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by an integrated logic circuit of the hardware in the processor 1210 or by instructions in the form of software. The method disclosed in conjunction with the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware processor, or can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software module can be located in a mature storage medium in the art, such as a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory or an electrically erasable programmable memory, a register, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory 1220, and the processor 1210 reads the information in the memory 1220 and completes the steps of the above method in combination with its hardware. To avoid repetition, it will not be described in detail here.

[0439] It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the processor may be one or more integrated circuits for executing relevant programs to execute the method embodiments of the present application.

[0440] A processor (e.g., processor 1210) may include one or more processors and be implemented as a combination of computing devices. The processor may include one or more of the following: a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a digital signal processing device (DSPD), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic device (PLD), gating logic, transistor logic, discrete hardware circuits, processing circuits, or other suitable hardware, firmware, and / or a combination of hardware and software to perform the various functions described in this disclosure. The processor may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor. For example, processor 1210 may be a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data. The central processing unit may be used to enable the device to execute software programs and process data in the software programs. In addition, a portion of the processor may also include non-volatile random access memory. For example, the processor may also store information about the device type.

[0441] In this application, the term "program" is used broadly to refer to software. Non-limiting examples of software include program code, program, subroutine, instruction, instruction set, code, code segment, software module, application, or software application. The program can be executed in a processor and / or computer to cause the device to perform the various functions and / or processes described in this application.

[0442] The memory (e.g., memory 1220) can store data required by the processor (e.g., processor 1210) when executing software. The memory can be implemented using any suitable storage technology. For example, the memory can be any available storage medium that can be accessed by the processor and / or computer. Non-limiting examples of storage media include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM), removable media, optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage media, magnetic storage devices, flash memory, registers, state memory, remotely mounted storage, local or remote memory components, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing software, data, or information and accessible by a processor / computer. It should be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0443] The memory (e.g., memory 1220) and the processor (e.g., processor 1210) may be provided separately or integrated together. The memory may be used to connect to the processor so that the processor can read information from the memory and store and / or write information in the memory. The memory may be integrated into the processor. The memory and the processor may be provided in an integrated circuit (e.g., the integrated circuit may be provided in a UE or other network node).

[0444] 12 is a schematic block diagram of a chip system 1300 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The chip system 1300 (or also referred to as a processing system) includes a logic circuit 1310 and an input / output interface 1320 .

[0445] Logic circuit 1310 may be a processing circuit within chip system 1300. Logic circuit 1310 may be coupled to a storage unit and invoke instructions within the storage unit, enabling chip system 1300 to implement the methods and functions of various embodiments of the present application. Input / output interface 1320 may be an input / output circuit within chip system 1300, outputting information processed by chip system 1300 or inputting data or signaling information to be processed into chip system 1300 for processing.

[0446] As a solution, the chip system 1300 is used to implement the operations performed by the first analysis function network element in the above method embodiments.

[0447] For example, the logic circuit 1310 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the first analysis function network element in the above method embodiment; the input / output interface 1320 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the first analysis function network element in the above method embodiment.

[0448] As another solution, the chip system 1300 is used to implement the operations performed by the storage function network element in the above various method embodiments.

[0449] For example, the logic circuit 1310 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the storage function network element in the above method embodiment; the input / output interface 1320 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the storage function network element in the above method embodiment.

[0450] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium on which computer instructions are stored for implementing the methods executed by the communication device (such as the first analysis function network element, the second analysis function network element, and the storage function network element) in the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0451] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed by a computer, implement the methods performed by the communication device (such as the first analysis function network element, the second analysis function network element, and the storage function network element) in the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0452] An embodiment of the present application also provides a communication system, which includes at least one of the first analysis function network element, the second analysis function network element, and the storage function network element in the above embodiments.

[0453] The explanation of the relevant contents and beneficial effects of any of the above-mentioned devices can be referred to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, which will not be repeated here.

[0454] In the above-mentioned embodiments, unless otherwise specified or provided for, the terms and / or descriptions of the different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced to each other. The technical features of the different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0455] In the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplary" and "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described in this application as "exemplary" should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of the word "exemplary" is intended to present concepts in a concrete way.

[0456] It should be understood that references to "embodiments" throughout this specification mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic associated with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present application. Therefore, various embodiments throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0457] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, the size of the sequence number of each process does not mean the order of execution, and the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiment of the present application. The names of all nodes and messages in this application are merely names set by this application for the convenience of description. The names in the actual network may be different. It should not be understood that this application limits the names of various nodes and messages. On the contrary, any name with the same or similar function as the node or message used in this application is regarded as the method or equivalent replacement of this application, and is within the scope of protection of this application.

[0458] It should also be understood that in this application, "when", "if" and "if" all mean that the network element will take corresponding measures under certain objective circumstances. It does not limit the time, nor does it require the network element to take judgment actions when implementing it, nor does it mean that there are other limitations.

[0459] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, "pre-setting", "pre-configuration", etc. can be achieved by pre-saving corresponding codes, tables or other methods that can be used to indicate relevant information in a device (for example, a terminal device). This application does not limit its specific implementation method, such as the preset rules, preset constants, etc. in the embodiments of the present application.

[0460] Additionally, the terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably herein.

[0461] As used herein, the term "at least one of" or "at least one of" refers to all or any combination of the listed items. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" can mean: A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, B and C together, and A, B, and C together. As used herein, "at least one" means one or more. "A plurality" means two or more.

[0462] It should be understood that in each embodiment of the present application, "B corresponding to A" means that B is associated with A and B can be determined based on A. However, it should also be understood that determining B based on A does not mean determining B based solely on A, but B can also be determined based on A and / or other information.

[0463] In addition, "of", "corresponding", "relevant", "corresponding" and "associated" are sometimes used interchangeably. It should be noted that when the distinction is not emphasized, the meanings they intend to express are consistent. The terms "include", "comprising", "having" and their variations all mean "including but not limited to", unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0464] It should be understood that in various embodiments of the present application, the first, second, and various numerical numbers are merely distinctions for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0465] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0466] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0467] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0468] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0469] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0470] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0471] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Sending a first message to a storage function network element, where the first message is used to obtain recommendation information from the storage function network element; Receiving a second message from the storage function network element, where the second message includes first recommendation information; Determining second recommendation information according to the first recommendation information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The recommendation information includes recommendation parameters provided to a first network element according to the request of the first network element.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first message includes requirement information of the recommendation information, and the requirement information is used to determine the first recommendation information.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The second message further includes at least one of the following: The generation party of the first recommendation information, the usage information of the first recommendation information.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The usage information of the first recommendation information includes at least one of the following: Whether the first recommendation information is used, the usage conditions of the first recommendation information, the devices applicable to the first recommendation information.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending a third message to the storage function network element, where the third message is used to indicate storing the second recommendation information, and the third message includes the second recommendation information.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein The third message further includes at least one of the following: The generation party of the second recommendation information, the generation time of the second recommendation information, the usage information of the second recommendation information, the reception time of the second message, the transmission time of the third message.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending a fourth message to the storage function network element, where the fourth message is used to subscribe to the recommendation information in the storage function network element; Receiving third recommendation information from the storage function network element, where the third recommendation information is new recommendation information or updated recommendation information.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The method further includes: Sending a fourth message to the storage function network element, where the fourth message includes a first requirement, and the fourth message is used to subscribe to the recommendation information in the storage function network element that meets the first requirement; Receiving third recommendation information from the storage function network element, where the third recommendation information meets the first requirement.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that The fourth message includes time information, and the time information is used to determine the third recommendation information.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receiving a first message from a first analysis function network element, where the first message is used to obtain recommendation information; Sending a second message to the first analysis function network element, where the second message includes first recommendation information, and the first recommendation information is determined according to the first message.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein The recommendation information includes recommendation parameters provided to a first network element according to the request of the first network element.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that The first message includes requirement information of the recommendation information, and the method further includes: Determining the first recommendation information from at least one stored recommendation information according to the requirement information.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that, The second message further includes at least one of the following: The generation party of the first recommendation information, the usage information of the first recommendation information.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The usage information of the first recommendation information includes at least one of the following: Whether the first recommendation information is used, the usage conditions of the first recommendation information, the devices applicable to the first recommendation information.

16. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a fifth message from a second analysis function network element, where the fifth message is used to indicate storing the first recommendation information, and the fifth message includes the first recommendation information; Store the first recommendation information.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein The fifth message further includes at least one of the following: The originator of the first recommendation information, the generation time of the first recommendation information, the usage information of the first recommendation information, the sending time of the fifth message.

18. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, characterized in that The method further includes: Receive a fourth message from the first analysis function network element, where the fourth message is used to subscribe to the recommendation information in the storage function network element; Send the third recommendation information to the first analysis function network element when the third recommendation information is new or updated recommendation information.

19. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a fourth message from the first analysis function network element, where the fourth message includes a first requirement, and the fourth message is used to subscribe to the recommendation information in the storage function network element that meets the first requirement; Send the third recommendation information to the first analysis function network element when the third recommendation information meets the first requirement.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, The method further includes: Determine that the time when the first analysis function network element receives the first recommendation information is earlier than the time when the second analysis function network element stores the third recommendation information in the storage function network element, and the time when the first analysis function network element stores the second recommendation information in the storage function network element is later than the time when the second analysis function network element obtains the fourth recommendation information from the storage function network element; Wherein, the second recommendation information is determined by the first analysis function network element based on the first recommendation information, and the third recommendation information is determined by the second analysis function network element based on the fourth recommendation information.

21. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that, The fourth message includes time information, and the time information is used to determine the third recommendation information.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a unit for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, or a unit for executing the method according to any one of claims 11 to 21.

23. A communication device, characterized in that, Comprising: A processor, the processor is coupled to a memory, the memory stores instructions, and when the instructions are run by the processor, the device executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, or executes the method according to any one of claims 11 to 21.

24. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium is used to store a computer program, and when the computer program runs on a computer, the computer executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, or executes the method according to any one of claims 11 to 21.

25. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes computer program code, and when the computer program code is run by a communication device, it implements the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, or executes the method according to any one of claims 11 to 21.

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