Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and a communication apparatus, which are applied to the field of communications, and can provide, on the basis of constraint information of a terminal group, first information satisfying the constraint information of the terminal group for each device in the terminal group, thereby improving the efficiency of network-assisted application layer federated learning. The method comprises: receiving a first request message from a first network element, wherein the first request message comprises constraint information of a terminal group, the terminal group comprises one or more terminals, and the constraint information of the terminal group is constraint information of one or more parameters at the granularity of the terminal group; determining first information of each terminal in the terminal group on the basis of the first request message, wherein the first information satisfies the constraint information of the terminal group; and sending a first response message to the first network element, wherein the first response message comprises the first information of each terminal.

Description

Communication method and communication device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on December 28, 2023, with application number 202311849537.0 and application name “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 more specifically, to a communication method and a communication device in the field of communications. Background Art

[0003] In New Radio (NR), the network data analytics function (NWDAF) network element can provide recommended services. Specifically, NWDAF can provide different quality of service (QoS) parameters for different terminals. However, because NWDAF does not consider the differences in QoS parameters between different terminals, it may not meet the needs of some scenarios, such as the QoS parameter requirements of terminals participating in application-layer federated learning. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application provides a communication method and a communication device, which can provide each device in the terminal group with first information that satisfies the constraint information of the terminal group based on the constraint information of the terminal group's parameters, thereby improving the efficiency of network-assisted application layer federated learning.

[0005] In the first aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a policy management function network element or an application network element, or by a component of the policy management function network element or the application network element (such as a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.), or by a logic module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the policy management function network element or the application network element.

[0006] The method includes: receiving a first request message from a first network element, the first request message including constraint information of a terminal group, the terminal group including one or more terminals, the constraint information of the terminal group being constraint information of one or more parameters at the terminal group granularity; determining first information of each terminal in the terminal group based on the first request message, the first information satisfying the constraint information of the terminal group; and sending a first response message to the first network element, the first response message including the first information of each terminal.

[0007] Exemplarily, the one or more parameters may be one or more QoS parameters. Exemplarily, the one or more QoS parameters may include one or more of the following: the maximum packet loss rate, the maximum packet delay budget (PDB), the guaranteed flow bit rate (GFBR), or the maximum flow bit rate (MFBR).

[0008] According to the method provided in the present application, the network data analysis network element can provide each device in the terminal group with first information that satisfies the constraint information of the terminal group based on the constraint information of the terminal group, thereby improving the efficiency of network-assisted application layer federated learning.

[0009] In a possible implementation, the constraint information of the terminal group includes constraint information between the same parameters of the terminals and / or constraint information of the same parameter of all terminals in the terminal group.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the constraint information between the same parameters of each terminal includes: constraint information of the differences between the same parameters of different terminals; and / or, the constraint information of the same parameter of all terminals in the terminal group includes: constraint information of the sum of the same parameters of all terminals and / or constraint information that all terminals in the terminal group meet the same requirements.

[0011] For example, the constraint information of the difference in the same parameter of different terminals may indicate one or more of the following: (1) the variance / mean of the maximum packet loss rate in the QoS parameters of different terminals in the terminal group is less than the first threshold / second threshold; (2) the variance / mean of the maximum PDB in the QoS parameters of different terminals in the terminal group is less than the third threshold / fourth threshold; (3) the variance / mean of the GFBR in the QoS parameters of different terminals in the terminal group is less than the fifth threshold / sixth threshold; (4) the variance / mean of the MFBR in the QoS parameters of different terminals in the terminal group is less than the seventh threshold / eighth threshold.

[0012] For example, the constraint information of the same parameter of all terminals in the terminal group may indicate one or more of the following: (1) the sum of the maximum GFBRs in the QoS parameters of all terminals in the terminal group is less than the ninth threshold; the sum of the maximum stream bit rates in the QoS parameters of all terminals in the terminal group is less than the tenth threshold; the sum of the delays of the PDU sessions in the QoS parameters of all terminals in the terminal group is less than the eleventh threshold; the sum of the bit error rates of the PDU sessions in the QoS parameters of all terminals in the terminal group is less than the twelfth threshold.

[0013] In a possible implementation manner, the first network element is a policy management function network element or an application network element.

[0014] On the second aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a network data analysis network element, or by a component of the network data analysis network element (such as a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.), or by a logic module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the network data analysis network element.

[0015] The method includes: sending a first request message to a network data analysis network element, the first request message including constraint information of a terminal group, the terminal group including one or more terminals, the constraint information of the terminal group being constraint information of one or more parameters at the terminal group granularity; receiving a first response message from the network data analysis network element, the first response message including first information of each terminal in the terminal group, the first information satisfying the constraint information of the terminal group, and the first response message being generated based on the constraint information of the terminal group.

[0016] According to the method provided in the present application, the network data analysis network element can provide each device in the terminal group with first information that satisfies the constraint information of the terminal group based on the constraint information of the terminal group, thereby improving the efficiency of network-assisted application layer federated learning.

[0017] In a possible implementation, the constraint information of the terminal group includes constraint information between the same parameters of the terminals and / or constraint information of the same parameter of all terminals in the terminal group.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the constraint information between the same parameters of each terminal includes: constraint information of the differences between the same parameters of different terminals; and / or, the constraint information of the same parameter of all terminals in the terminal group includes: constraint information of the sum of the same parameters of all terminals or constraint information that all terminals meet the same requirements.

[0019] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: sending the first information of each terminal to a policy control network element, so that the policy control network element can obtain the first information of each terminal.

[0020] In a possible implementation, before sending the first request message to the network data analysis network element, the method further includes: receiving a second request message from the application network element or the visited session management network element, the second request message including the constraint information of the terminal group.

[0021] Regarding the second aspect, please refer to the relevant description of the first aspect for details.

[0022] According to a third aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising: a first network element and a network data analysis network element. The first network element is configured to send a first request message to the network data analysis network element, the first request message including constraint information of a terminal group, the terminal group including one or more terminals, the constraint information of the terminal group being constraint information of one or more parameters at the terminal group granularity; the network data analysis network element is configured to receive the first request message and determine, based on the first request message, first information of each terminal in the terminal group, where the first information satisfies the constraint information of the terminal group; and the network data analysis network element is further configured to send a first response message to the first network element, the first response message including the first information of each terminal.

[0023] For the constraint information about the terminal group, reference may be made to the description of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the first network element is a policy management function network element. Before the first network element sends the first request message to the network data analysis network element, the method further includes: the first network element receiving a second request message from an application network element or a visited location session management network element, the second request message including constraint information of the terminal group.

[0025] In a possible implementation, the first network element is an application network element. The first network element is further configured to send the first information of each terminal to a policy control network element.

[0026] In a fourth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a module or unit for executing: the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, and / or the module or unit for executing the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0027] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor coupled to a memory, the memory being used to store computer programs or instructions, and the processor being used to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory to implement: the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, and / or the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the apparatus further includes a memory coupled to the processor.

[0029] In a possible implementation, there are one or more processors and / or one or more memories.

[0030] In a possible implementation, the memory may be integrated with the processor, or the memory may be provided separately from the processor.

[0031] In a possible implementation, the device further includes a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface.

[0032] In one implementation, the communication interface may be a transceiver, or an input / output interface.

[0033] In a sixth aspect, a processor is provided, comprising: an input circuit, an output circuit, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive a signal via the input circuit and transmit a signal via the output circuit, so that the processor executes: the method of the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, and / or the method of the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0034] In a specific implementation, the processor may be a chip, 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, for example, but not limited to, received and input by a receiver, and the signal output by the output circuit may be, for example, but 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. This application does not limit the specific implementation of the processor and various circuits.

[0035] In the seventh 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: the method in the above-mentioned first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, and / or the method in the above-mentioned second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0036] In an eighth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program (also referred to as code, or instructions). When the computer program runs on a computer, the computer executes: the method in the above-mentioned first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, and / or the method in the above-mentioned second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0037] In the ninth aspect, a chip is provided, comprising a processor for calling and running a computer program from a memory, so that a communication device equipped with the chip executes: the method in the above-mentioned first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, and / or the method in the above-mentioned second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0038] In the tenth aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes an interface and a processor, wherein the interface is used to send and / or receive signals, so that the processor executes: the method in the above-mentioned first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, and / or the method in the above-mentioned second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a specific process of recommending QoS parameters based on the expected service experience provided by an NWDAF according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] FIG3 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG4 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] FIG5 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] FIG6 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] FIG7 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] FIG8 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] FIG9 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0049] In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, " / " indicates that the objects associated with each other are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this application is merely a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. A and B can be singular or plural. In addition, in the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more than two. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. In addition, to facilitate the clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, in the embodiments of this application, words such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish between identical or similar items with substantially the same functions and effects. Those skilled in the art can understand that words such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity and execution order, and words such as "first" and "second" do not necessarily limit them to be different.

[0050] In the various method embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial number does not mean the order of execution. The order of execution should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0051] It is understood that, in this application, expressions such as "under...", "if...", "when...", "if...", and similar expressions may be used interchangeably. Furthermore, these expressions all imply that corresponding actions will be taken under certain objective circumstances, and do not limit the timeframe, require no judgment in implementation, or imply any other limitations.

[0052] It is understood that in this application, "greater than or equal to" can be replaced by "greater than", and accordingly, "less than" can be replaced by "less than or equal to". Or "greater than" can be replaced by "greater than or equal to", and accordingly, "less than or equal to" can be replaced by "less than".

[0053] It is understood that some optional features in the embodiments of the present application may, in certain scenarios, be implemented independently of other features, such as the solution on which they are currently based, to solve corresponding technical problems and achieve corresponding effects. They may also be combined with other features in certain scenarios as needed. Accordingly, the devices provided in the embodiments of the present application may also implement these features or functions accordingly, which will not be described in detail here.

[0054] In this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can refer to each other. In the various embodiments in this application, and the various implementation methods / implementation methods / implementation methods in each embodiment, if there is no special explanation and logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments and the various implementation methods / implementation methods / implementation methods in each embodiment are consistent and can be referenced to each other. The technical features in different embodiments and the various implementation methods / implementation methods / implementation methods in each embodiment can be combined to form new embodiments, implementation methods, implementation methods, or implementation methods according to their inherent logical relationships. The implementation methods of this application described below do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0055] The solution provided in this application can be applied to long term evolution (LTE), fifth generation (5G), new radio (NR), or other communication systems or communication scenarios that may emerge with the evolution of technology.

[0056] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture applicable to the present application. The system architecture is described from the perspective of a service-oriented interface, and each network element involved in the system architecture is described below.

[0057] 1. (Radio) Access Network (R)AN) equipment 101: used to provide network access functions for terminals in a specific area and can use transmission tunnels of different qualities based on the terminal level and service requirements.

[0058] Access network equipment can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, a next-generation base station in a 6th-generation (6G) mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. It can also be a module or unit that performs some of the functions of a base station, for example, a centralized unit (CU) or a distributed unit (DU). The CU performs the functions of the base station's radio resource control protocol and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), as well as the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP). The DU performs the functions of the base station's radio link control layer and medium access control (MAC) layer, as well as some or all of the physical layer. For detailed descriptions of each of the above protocol layers, please refer to the relevant technical specifications of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The access network device can be a macro base station, a micro base station or an indoor station, or a relay node or a donor node, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the access network device. The access network device and the terminal can be fixed or movable. The access network device and the terminal can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; can also be deployed on the water surface; can also be deployed in the air on aircraft, balloons and artificial satellites. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the application scenarios of the access network device and the terminal.

[0059] 2. User plane network element 102: used for packet routing and forwarding, and quality of service (QoS) processing of user plane data.

[0060] As shown in Figure 1, in a 5G communication system, the user plane network element may be a user plane function (UPF) network element, which may include an intermediate user plane function (I-UPF) network element and an anchor user plane function (PDU Session anchor user plane function, PSA-UPF) network element. In future communication systems, the user plane network element may still be a UPF network element, or may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0061] 3. Data network (DN) 103: a network for transmitting data.

[0062] In future communication systems, the data network may still be DN, or may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0063] In a 5G communication system, after a terminal accesses the network, it can establish a protocol data unit (PDU) session and access the DN through the PDU session, interacting with application network elements (such as application servers) deployed in the DN. As shown in Figure 3, depending on the DN accessed by the user, the network can select the UPF of the accessed DN as the PDU Session Anchor (PSA) based on network policy and access the application network element through the N6 interface of the PSA.

[0064] 4. Mobility management network element 104: Mainly used for mobility management and access management, etc., and can be used to implement other functions of the mobility management network element (MME) in addition to session management, such as lawful interception and access authorization / authentication.

[0065] As shown in Figure 1, in a 5G communication system, the mobility management network element may be an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element. In future communication systems, the mobility management network element may still be an AMF network element, or may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0066] 5. Session management network element 105: mainly used for session management, terminal Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation and management, selection of manageable terminal plane functions, policy control and charging function interface endpoints, and downlink data notification.

[0067] As shown in Figure 1, in a 5G communication system, the session management network element may be a session management function (SMF) network element, which may include an intermediate session management function (I-SMF) network element and an anchor session management function (A-SMF) network element. In future communication systems, the session management network element may still be an SMF network element, or may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0068] 6. Data management network element 103: used to process terminal identification, access authentication, registration and mobility management, etc.

[0069] As shown in Figure 1, in a 5G communication system, the data management network element may be a unified data management (UDM) network element or a unified data repository (UDR) network element. In future communication systems, the data management network element may still be a UDM or UDR network element, or may have other names, which are not limited in this application. The UDM or UDR network element in the embodiments of this application may refer to a user database, which may exist as a single logical repository for storing user data.

[0070] 7. Network open function network element 107: used to provide customized functions for network openness.

[0071] As shown in Figure 1, in a 5G communication system, the network exposure function element may be a network exposure function (NEF) element. In future communication systems, the network exposure function element may still be an NEF element, or may have other names, which are not limited in this application. The 5G communication system may also expose 5GC-supported capabilities to external application elements through the NEF element, such as providing small data transmission capabilities.

[0072] 8. Policy control network element 108: A unified policy framework used to guide network behavior and provide policy rule information to control plane functional network elements (such as AMF, SMF network elements, etc.).

[0073] In a 4G communication system, the policy control network element may be a policy and charging rules function (PCRF) network element. As shown in Figure 1, in a 5G communication system, the policy control network element may be a policy control function (PCF) network element. In future communication systems, the policy control network element may still be a PCF network element, or may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0074] 9. Network data analysis network element 109: A network element that provides data analysis functions for network functions (NF) (NF can also be called network element) and OAM in the core network. The NF or OAM in the core network can request network data analysis results from the network data analysis network element 109. After receiving the request, the network data analysis network element 109 collects data from relevant network elements and trains AI models. Finally, it uses the AI ​​model to perform data inference and feeds back the inference results to the corresponding network function or OAM in the core network. Depending on the function, the network data analysis network element 109 can be divided into a network data analysis network element that supports training and a network data analysis network element that supports reasoning. The network data analysis network element that supports training can request AI model information from the network data analysis network element that supports reasoning to perform data reasoning.

[0075] As shown in Figure 1, in a 5G communication system, the network data analysis network element may be a network data analytics function (NWDAF) network element. In future communication systems, the network data analysis network element may still be an NWDAF network element, or may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0076] 10. Application network element 110: The application network element can interact with the 5G system through the application network element to access the network open function network element or interact with the policy framework for policy control, etc.

[0077] As shown in Figure 1, in a 5G communication system, the application network element may be an application function (AF) network element. In future communication systems, the application network element may still be an AF network element, or may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0078] 11. Network storage function network element 110: mainly used for service discovery function, maintaining the NF context of available NF instances and the services they support.

[0079] As shown in Figure 1, in a 5G communication system, the network repository function network element may be a network repository function (NRF) network element. In future communication systems, the network repository function network element may still be an NRF network element, or may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0080] 12. Network management function NE 112: This is a NE used for operation, management, and maintenance. It is primarily responsible for the operation, management, and maintenance of core network NEs. It collects measurements from core network NEs, including signaling, data, and general NE measurements. NEs other than terminals 113 and data network NE 103 can communicate directly or indirectly with the network management function NE.

[0081] As shown in Figure 1, in a 5G communication system, the network management function network element may be an operations, administration, and management (OAM) network element. In future communication systems, the network management function network element may still be an OAM network element, or may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0082] 13. The terminal 113 may also be referred to as a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc., and refers to a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user. For example, the terminal may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a PDA, a mobile internet device (MID), a wearable device, a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, a wearable device, a vehicle, a drone, a helicopter, an airplane, a ship, a robot, a robotic arm, a smart home device, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the terminal.

[0083] It is understandable that the above-mentioned network elements or functions can be network elements in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, or virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The above-mentioned network elements or functions can be divided into one or more services. Furthermore, there may be services that exist independently of the network functions. In this application, instances of the above-mentioned functions, or instances of services included in the above-mentioned functions, or service instances that exist independently of the network functions may be referred to as service instances.

[0084] It should be noted that the embodiments of the present application are not limited to the above-mentioned system architecture, but may also be applied to other future communication systems, such as the 6th generation (6G) communication system architecture. Furthermore, the names of the various network elements used in the embodiments of the present application may retain the same functions in future communication systems, but the names may be changed.

[0085] In one design, NWDAF can provide recommendation services. The basic principles of NWDAF's recommendation service are as follows: (1) NWDAF does not need to understand the internal operation logic and configuration of the NF. (2) NWDAF only provides recommendation results and does not interfere with the operation of the NF. The final decision is made by the NF based on its internal business logic, and only the NF is responsible for the results of its decision. (3) Before providing a recommendation result, NWDAF needs to consider the various recommendations it has previously provided to avoid conflicts among various recommendations.

[0086] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the specific process of NWDAF recommending quality of service (QoS) parameters based on the expected service experience. The process includes:

[0087] Step 1: PCF sends a request to NWDAF, requesting NWDAF to provide recommended bit rate and delay for scenarios where the service experience mean opinion score (Mos) is ≥4.

[0088] In step 2, the NWDAF collects data from the OAM or other network elements. For example, it collects the reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), and signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) of wireless signals from the OAM, and collects the transmission delay of data from the UPF for comprehensive analysis to obtain recommended bit rate and delay data.

[0089] Step 3: NWDAF sends the recommended bit rate and delay to PCF.

[0090] Step 4: PCF selects a set of parameters based on the bit rate and delay recommended by NWDAF to set QoS, so that the service experience Mos of the service is ≥ 4.

[0091] In the solution shown in Figure 2, NWDAF can provide different QoS parameters for different UEs. However, because NWDAF does not consider the differences between the QoS parameters of different UEs, it may not meet the requirements of some scenarios, such as the QoS parameter requirements of UEs participating in application-layer federated learning.

[0092] In view of this, the present application provides a communication method, in which a network data analysis network element, such as NWDAF, can provide recommended parameters that meet the constraint information for each terminal in the terminal group based on the constraint information of the terminal group's parameters, thereby better assisting the application layer federated learning of AF.

[0093] The method provided by the present application is described in detail below in conjunction with the relevant drawings. It can be understood that the flowchart provided by the present application mainly uses the network element as an example of the execution subject to illustrate the method, but the present application does not limit the execution subject. For example, the first network element, network data analysis network element and other network elements in the flowchart can also be chips, chip systems, or processors that support the first network element, network data analysis network element and other network elements to implement the method, or can be logic modules or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first network element, network data analysis network element and other network elements.

[0094] Figure 3 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided by the present application. The method 300 may include S310 to S330, and each step is described below.

[0095] S310: A first network element sends a first request message to a network data analysis network element. Correspondingly, the network data analysis network element receives the first request message.

[0096] The first request message includes constraint information for a terminal group, the terminal group including one or more terminals, and the constraint information for the terminal group is constraint information for one or more parameters at the terminal group granularity. The first request message is used to request first information for each terminal in the terminal group, where the first information satisfies the constraint information for the terminal group.

[0097] Exemplarily, the terminal group may be a group of terminals participating in application layer federated learning.

[0098] In some embodiments, the constraint information of the terminal group includes constraint information of QoS parameters, which may specifically include constraint information of one or more QoS parameters or parameters related to QoS. It should be understood that the constraint information of the terminal group may be or include constraint information of other types of parameters.

[0099] The following description of the present application takes the constraint information of the terminal group as the constraint information of the QoS parameters of the terminal group as an example. Exemplarily, the QoS parameters may include one or more of the following: the maximum packet loss rate (maximum packet loss rate), the maximum packet delay (PDB), the guaranteed flow bit rate (GFBR), or the maximum flow bit rate (MFBR).

[0100] In some embodiments, the constraint information for the QoS parameters of a terminal group may include constraint information between the same QoS parameters of each terminal in the terminal group and / or constraint information for the same QoS parameters of all terminals in the terminal group. Exemplarily, the constraint information between the same QoS parameters of each terminal in the terminal group can be understood as constraint information between the same QoS parameters of different terminals in the terminal group. The constraint information for the same QoS parameters of all terminals in the terminal group can be understood as constraint information when the same QoS parameters of each terminal in the terminal group are taken as a whole.

[0101] Exemplarily, the constraint information between the same QoS parameter of each terminal in the terminal group may include: constraint information of the difference between the same QoS parameter of different terminals in the terminal group. For example, the difference may be variance and / or mean.

[0102] For example, the constraint information between the same QoS parameters of each terminal in the terminal group may indicate one or more of the following: (1) the variance / mean of the maximum packet loss rate in the QoS parameters of different terminals in the terminal group is less than the first threshold / second threshold; (2) the variance / mean of the maximum PDB in the QoS parameters of different terminals in the terminal group is less than the third threshold / fourth threshold; (3) the variance / mean of the GFBR in the QoS parameters of different terminals in the terminal group is less than the fifth threshold / sixth threshold; (4) the variance / mean of the MFBR in the QoS parameters of different terminals in the terminal group is less than the seventh threshold / eighth threshold.

[0103] For example, the variance / mean of the maximum packet loss rate in the QoS parameters of different terminals in the terminal group being less than the first threshold / second threshold may mean that the variance or mean of the maximum packet delay in the QoS parameters of different terminals in the terminal group does not exceed 0.5 ms. Taking the terminal group as an example where the terminal group includes three terminals, and the three terminals are terminal 1, terminal 2, and terminal 3, the variance or mean of the maximum packet delay between terminal 1 and terminal 2, between terminal 1 and terminal 3, and between terminal 2 and terminal 3 does not exceed 0.5 ms.

[0104] Exemplarily, the constraint information of all terminals in the terminal group may include: constraint information of the sum of the same QoS parameter of all terminals in the terminal group, and / or constraint information that all terminals in the terminal group meet the same QoS requirement.

[0105] For example, the constraint information of the sum of the same QoS parameters of all terminals in the terminal group may include one or more of the following: (1) the maximum value of GFBR (Max GFBR), value1; (2) the maximum value of MFBR (Max MFBR), value2; (3) the maximum value of PDB (Max PDB), value3; (4) the maximum value of PDU error rate (Max PDU Error Rate), value4.

[0106] Wherein, Max GFBR, value1: means that the sum of the maximum GFBRs in the QoS parameters of all terminals in the terminal group cannot exceed (for example, be less than) the value indicated by value1.

[0107] Max MFBR, value2: The sum of the maximum flow bit rates in the QoS parameters of all terminals in the terminal group cannot exceed the value indicated by value2.

[0108] Max PDB, value3: The sum of the PDU session delays in the QoS parameters of all terminals in the terminal group cannot exceed the value indicated by value3.

[0109] Max PDU Error Rate, value4: The sum of the bit error rates of the PDU sessions in the QoS parameters of all terminals in the terminal group cannot exceed the value indicated by value4.

[0110] For example, the constraint information that ensures that all terminals in the terminal group meet the same QoS requirement may include constraint information regarding the preemption priority of all terminals in the terminal group. For example, if the allocation and retention priority (ARP) preemption priority set in the constraint information of the terminal group is 1, then the ARP of all terminals in the terminal group is 1.

[0111] S320: The network data analysis network element determines first information of each terminal in the terminal group according to the first request message, wherein the first information satisfies the constraint information of the terminal group.

[0112] For example, the network data analysis network element can collect characteristics of the data flow transmitted between the application network element and the terminal from the application network element, such as the size of the transmitted packet, the transmission start time, and the maximum acceptable transmission time. The network data analysis network element can also collect relevant parameters from other network function network elements in the core network, such as collecting the QoS parameters (such as AMBR, ARP, GFBR) subscribed by the terminal from the data management network element (such as UDM). The network data analysis network element can analyze the collected data to generate first information of each terminal in the terminal group that meets the constraint information of the terminal group.

[0113] S330: The network data analysis network element sends a first response message to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the first response message.

[0114] The first response message is a response to the first request message, and includes first information about each terminal in the terminal group, where the first information about each terminal in the terminal group satisfies the constraint information of the terminal group. For example, using QoS parameters as an example, the first information may include values ​​of one or more of the following parameters that satisfy the constraint information of the terminal group: maximum packet loss rate, maximum PDB, GFBR, or MFBR.

[0115] According to the method provided in the present application, the network data analysis network element can provide each device in the terminal group with first information that satisfies the constraint information of the terminal group based on the constraint information of the terminal group's parameters, thereby improving the efficiency of network-assisted application layer federated learning.

[0116] The following is an example of a possible implementation of the method 300. It should be understood that the same terms as above have the same meanings as above, and can be referred to in the above description, and will not be repeated in the following.

[0117] In some embodiments, the first network element in the above method 300 may be a policy management function network element or an application network element. These two situations are described below respectively.

[0118] 1. The first network element is the policy management function network element

[0119] In this case, in one implementation, the first request message may be an analysis subscription message, and the first response message may be an analysis notification message. In another implementation, the first request message may be a recommendation subscription message, and the first response message may be a recommendation subscription notification message.

[0120] The following is an example of the two implementation methods mentioned above, respectively, with reference to the flowcharts shown in Figures 4 and 5. It should be noted that the PCF, NRF, NWDAF, and AF involved in Figures 4 and 5 are respectively an exemplary implementation of the policy control network element, the network storage function network element, the network data analysis network element, and the application network element. Those skilled in the art will understand that PCF, NRF, NWDAF, and AF can be replaced by the policy control network element, the network storage function network element, the network data analysis network element, and the application network element, respectively. In addition, the NFs in Figures 4 and 5 can be other network elements in the core network except PCF, NRF, and NWDAF.

[0121] Figure 4 shows a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided by the present application. The method 400 may include steps S401 to S406, and each step is described below.

[0122] S401: PCF sends a network element discovery request message to NRF. Correspondingly, NRF receives the network element discovery request message.

[0123] The network element discovery request message may instruct the NRF to recommend an NWDAF with recommendation capability or parameter analysis capability. For example, the network element discovery request message may include: target NF = "NWDAF", recommendation capability, and area of ​​interest (AOI). For details about the target NF, recommendation capability, and AOI, please refer to the existing technology and will not be repeated here.

[0124] S402: The NRF sends a network element discovery response message to the PCF according to the network element discovery request message. Correspondingly, the PCF receives the network element discovery response message.

[0125] The network element discovery response message indicates the NWDAF with the recommendation capability or parameter analysis capability returned by the NRF.

[0126] S403: PCF sends an analytics subscription message to NWDAF, which is returned by NRF. In response, NWDAF receives the analytics subscription message. For example, the analytics subscription message may be Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe.

[0127] The analysis subscription message includes the constraint information of the terminal group mentioned above.

[0128] Illustratively, the analysis subscription message may further include one or more of the following: an analysis ID, a target of recommendation reporting, a recommendation flag, optimization goals, and constraints per requested parameter.

[0129] Analysis ID: refers to the type of analysis requested.

[0130] Recommendation report target: refers to the PCF request for recommendation results of QoS parameters for a group of terminals or any terminal.

[0131] Recommendation Indication: Indicates whether to request NWDAF to provide a recommendation result.

[0132] Optimization goal: PCF (consumer) expects NWDAF to provide recommendation results based on the optimization goal, that is, the optimization goal that the recommendation results requested by PCF can achieve.

[0133] Constraints for each request parameter: Constraint information for the request parameters.

[0134] Exemplarily, the PCF may obtain the constraint information of the terminal group through the following method 1 or method 2.

[0135] Method 1

[0136] The constraint information of the terminal group is obtained by the PCF from the request sent by the AF.

[0137] Specifically, the request sent by the AF requests the PCF to set policy parameters for the terminals in the terminal group. The request may include the terminal group's constraint information. For example, if the policy parameters are QoS parameters, the terminal group's constraint information may include the QoS parameter constraint information for the terminal group. Based on the received request, the PCF sends an analysis subscription message to the NWDAF, including the terminal group's constraint information.

[0138] Method 2

[0139] The constraint information of the terminal group is obtained by the PCF from a request sent by the visited SMF (vSMF).

[0140] Specifically, when the terminal group is in the home-routed roaming state and the PCF is the home PCF (HPCF), the vSMF sends a request to the HPCF, which may include the constraint information of the terminal group. Based on the received request, the HPCF sends an analysis subscription message including the constraint information of the terminal group to the NWDAF.

[0141] S404, NWDAF collects data from other network elements, such as AF and / or one or more NFs.

[0142] Regarding this step, please refer to the relevant description in method 300 and will not be repeated here.

[0143] S405 , the NWDAF analyzes the collected data according to the constraint information of the terminal group, and generates first information of each terminal in the terminal group that meets the constraint information of the terminal group.

[0144] In the embodiment of the present application, the first information indicates the recommended parameters provided by the NWDAF, such as Qos parameters.

[0145] S406: NWDAF sends an analytics notification message to PCF. In response, PCF receives the analytics notification message. For example, the analytics notification message may be Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Notify.

[0146] The analysis notification message includes the first information of each terminal in the terminal group. Exemplarily, the first information of each terminal in the terminal group can be represented by a recommendation QoS parameter combination.

[0147] According to the method provided in the present application, NWDAF can provide each terminal in the terminal group with first information that satisfies the constraint information of the terminal group based on the constraint information of the terminal group, thereby improving the efficiency of network-assisted application layer federated learning.

[0148] Figure 5 shows a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided by the present application. The method 500 may include steps S501 to S506, and each step is described below.

[0149] From S501 to S502 , the PCF sends a network element discovery request message to the NRF, and the NRF sends a network element discovery response message to the PCF based on the network element discovery request message.

[0150] Steps S501 to S502 are the same as steps S401 to S402 , and reference may be made to S401 to S402 .

[0151] S503: The PCF sends a recommendation subscription message to the NWDAF. In response, the NWDAF receives the recommendation subscription message. For example, the recommendation subscription message may be Nnwdaf_Recommendations_Subscribe.

[0152] The recommended subscription message includes the constraint information of the terminal group mentioned above.

[0153] For example, the recommendation subscription message may further include one or more of the following: an analytics ID, a target for recommendation reporting, a recommendation flag, optimization goals, and constraints per requested parameter. For the meaning of each of the above parameters, please refer to the description of method 400.

[0154] Exemplarily, the manner in which the PCF obtains the constraint information of the terminal group may refer to the description of step S403 in method 400 .

[0155] From S504 to S505 , the NWDAF collects data from other network elements, and analyzes the collected data according to the constraint information of the terminal group, to generate first information of each terminal in the terminal group that meets the constraint information of the terminal group.

[0156] Steps S504 to S505 are the same as steps S404 to S405 , and reference may be made to steps S404 to S405 .

[0157] S506: NWDAF sends a recommendation subscription notification message to PCF. In response, PCF receives the recommendation subscription notification message. For example, the recommendation subscription notification message may be Nnwdaf_Recommendations_Notify.

[0158] The recommendation subscription notification message includes the first information of each terminal in the terminal group. Exemplarily, the first information of each terminal in the terminal group can be represented by a recommendation QoS parameter combination.

[0159] According to the method provided in the present application, NWDAF can provide each terminal in the terminal group with first information that satisfies the constraint information of the terminal group based on the constraint information of the terminal group, thereby improving the efficiency of network-assisted application layer federated learning.

[0160] 2. The first network element is the application network element

[0161] In this case, in one implementation, the first request message may be an analysis subscription message, and the first response message may be an analysis notification message. In another implementation, the first request message may be a recommendation subscription message, and the first response message may be a recommendation subscription notification message.

[0162] The following is an example of the above two implementation methods with reference to the flowcharts shown in Figures 6 and 7 respectively. It should be noted that the PCF, NRF, NWDAF, AF, and NEF involved in Figures 6 and 7 are respectively an exemplary implementation method of the policy control network element, the network storage function network element, the network data analysis network element, the application network element, and the network open function network element. Those skilled in the art will understand that PCF, NRF, NWDAF, AF, and NEF can be replaced by the policy control network element, the network storage function network element, the network data analysis network element, the application network element, and the network open function network element, respectively. In addition, the NF in Figures 6 and 7 can be other network elements in the core network except PCF, NRF, NWDAF, and NEF.

[0163] Figure 6 shows a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided by the present application. The method 600 may include steps S601 to S607, and may optionally further include step S608. The steps of the method 600 are described below.

[0164] S601: AF1 sends a network element discovery request message to NRF. Correspondingly, NRF receives the network element discovery request message.

[0165] The network element discovery request message may instruct the NRF to recommend an NWDAF with recommendation capability or parameter analysis capability. For example, the network element discovery request message may include: target NF = "NWDAF", recommendation capability, AOI.

[0166] S602: NRF sends a network element discovery response message to AF1 according to the network element discovery request message. Correspondingly, AF1 receives the network element discovery response message.

[0167] The network element discovery response message indicates the NWDAF returned by the NRF that has the recommendation capability or the parameter analysis capability.

[0168] S603: AF1 sends an analytics subscription message to NWDAF. In response, NWDAF receives the analytics subscription message. For example, the analytics subscription message may be Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe.

[0169] The analysis subscription message includes the constraint information of the terminal group. For details about the analysis subscription message, please refer to S403, which will not be described here.

[0170] From S604 to S605, the NWDAF collects data from other network elements, and analyzes the collected data according to the constraint information of the terminal group to generate first information of each terminal in the terminal group that meets the constraint information of the terminal group.

[0171] Steps S604 to S605 are the same as steps S404 to S405 , and reference may be made to steps S404 to S405 .

[0172] S606: NWDAF sends an analysis notification message to AF1. Correspondingly, AF1 receives the analysis notification message.

[0173] The analysis notification message includes the first information of each terminal in the terminal group that meets the constraint information of the terminal group. For details about the analysis notification message, please refer to S406 and will not be described in detail here.

[0174] S607: AF1 sends the obtained first information of each terminal in the terminal group to PCF via NEF or directly. Correspondingly, PCF receives the first information of each terminal in the terminal group.

[0175] Exemplarily, AF1 may send the first information of each terminal in the terminal group to NEF via a session create / update request message carrying QoS. For example, the session create / update request message carrying QoS may be Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS_Create / Update Request.

[0176] Optionally, the session creation / update request message carrying QoS may also include an AF ID and a terminal address (UE address). The AF ID indicates the identifier of the AF that sends the session creation / update request message carrying QoS, i.e., the identifier of AF1. The terminal address indicates the public IP address or user permanent identifier (SUPI) assigned by the UPF to the terminal in the PDU session established between the terminal and AF1.

[0177] Exemplarily, after receiving the session creation / update request message carrying QoS, the NEF may send the first information of each terminal in the terminal group to the PCF via a policy authorization creation / update request message. For example, the policy authorization creation / update request message may be Nnef_PolicyAuthorization_Create / Update Request.

[0178] Optionally, the policy authorization creation / update request message may further include the above-mentioned AF ID and the address of the terminal.

[0179] S608: PCF sends confirmation information to AF1 via NEF or directly. Correspondingly, AF1 receives the confirmation information, which indicates that PCF has received the first information of each terminal in the terminal group.

[0180] Exemplarily, the PCF may send the confirmation information to the NEF via a policy authorization create / update response message, such as Nnef_PolicyAuthorization_Create / Update Response.

[0181] Exemplarily, NEF may send the confirmation information to AF1 via a QoS session creation / update response message, such as Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS_Create / Update Response.

[0182] According to the method provided in the present application, NWDAF can provide each terminal in the terminal group with first information that satisfies the constraint information of the terminal group based on the constraint information of the terminal group, thereby improving the efficiency of network-assisted application layer federated learning.

[0183] Figure 7 shows a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided by the present application. The method 700 may include steps S701 to S707, and may optionally further include S708. The steps of the method 700 are described below.

[0184] From S701 to S702 , AF1 sends a network element discovery request message to NRF, and NRF sends a network element discovery response message to AF1 based on the network element discovery request message.

[0185] Steps S701 to S702 are the same as steps S601 to S602 , and reference may be made to S601 to S602 .

[0186] S703: AF1 sends a recommendation subscription message to NWDAF. In response, NWDAF receives the recommendation subscription message. For example, the recommendation subscription message may be Nnwdaf_Recommendations_Subscribe.

[0187] For details about the recommended subscription message, please refer to S503, which will not be described here.

[0188] From S704 to S705 , the NWDAF collects data from other network elements, and analyzes the collected data according to the constraint information of the terminal group, to generate first information of each terminal in the terminal group that meets the constraint information of the terminal group.

[0189] Steps S704 to S706 are the same as steps S504 to S506 , and reference may be made to steps S504 to S506 .

[0190] S706: NWDAF sends a recommended subscription notification message to AF1. Correspondingly, AF1 receives the recommended subscription notification message.

[0191] The recommended subscription notification message includes the first information of each terminal in the terminal group. For details about the recommended subscription notification message, please refer to S506, which will not be described here.

[0192] From S707 to S708, AF1 sends the obtained first information of each terminal in the terminal group to PCF through NEF or directly, and PCF sends confirmation information to AF1 through NEF or directly.

[0193] Steps S707 to S708 are the same as S607 to S608, and reference may be made to S607 to S608.

[0194] According to the method provided in the present application, NWDAF can provide each terminal in the terminal group with first information that satisfies the constraint information of the terminal group based on the constraint information of the terminal group, thereby improving the efficiency of network-assisted application layer federated learning.

[0195] The above describes the method embodiments provided by this application, and the following describes the device embodiments provided by this application. It should be understood that the description of the device embodiments corresponds to the description of the method embodiments. Therefore, for matters not described in detail, reference can be made to the method embodiments above. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0196] Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 8, the communication device 2000 may include a communication unit 2100 and a processing unit 2200. The communication unit 2100 can implement corresponding communication functions, and the communication can be internal communication of the communication device 2000 or communication between the communication device 2000 and other devices; the processing unit 2200 can implement corresponding processing functions. The communication unit 2100 can also be called a communication interface or a transceiver unit. Optionally, the communication device 2000 may also include a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions and / or data, and the processing unit 2200 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit so that the device implements the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0197] In one possible design, the communication device 2000 may be the first network element in the above method 300 (e.g., the PCF in methods 400 and 500, or the AF1 in methods 600 and 700), or may be a module or chip of the first network element. The communication device 2000 may be used to execute the steps or processes executed by the first network element in the above method embodiments.

[0198] Specifically, the communication unit 2100 is used to receive a first request message from a first network element, where the first request message includes constraint information of a terminal group, where the terminal group includes one or more terminals, and where the constraint information of the terminal group is constraint information of one or more parameters at the terminal group granularity; the processing unit 2200 is used to determine the first information of each terminal in the terminal group based on the first request message, where the first information satisfies the constraint information of the terminal group; the communication unit 2100 is also used to send a first response message to the first network element, where the first response message includes the first information of each terminal.

[0199] Optionally, the constraint information of the terminal group includes constraint information between the same parameters of the terminals and / or constraint information of the same parameter of all terminals in the terminal group.

[0200] Optionally, the constraint information between the same parameters of each terminal includes: constraint information of the differences in the same parameters of different terminals, and / or, the constraint information of the same parameter of all terminals in the terminal group includes: constraint information of the sum of the same parameters of all terminals and / or constraint information that all terminals in the terminal group meet the same requirements.

[0201] Optionally, the first network element is a policy management function network element or an application network element.

[0202] In another possible design, the communication device 2000 may be the network data analysis network element in method 300 (e.g., the NWDAF in methods 400, 500, 600, and 700), or a module or chip of the network data analysis network element. The communication device 2000 may be used to execute the steps or processes executed by the network data analysis network element in the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0203] Specifically, the communication unit 2100 is used to send a first request message to the network data analysis network element, the first request message includes constraint information of the terminal group, the terminal group includes one or more terminals, and the constraint information of the terminal group is constraint information of one or more parameters at the terminal group granularity; the communication unit 2100 is also used to receive a first response message from the network data analysis network element, the first response message includes first information of each terminal in the terminal group, the first information satisfies the constraint information of the terminal group, and the first response message is generated based on the constraint information of the terminal group.

[0204] Optionally, the constraint information of the terminal group includes constraint information between the same parameters of the terminals and / or constraint information of the same parameter of all terminals in the terminal group.

[0205] Optionally, the constraint information between the same parameters of each terminal includes: constraint information of the differences between the same parameters of different terminals; and / or, the constraint information of the same parameter of all terminals in the terminal group includes: constraint information of the sum of the same parameters of all terminals or constraint information that all terminals meet the same requirements.

[0206] Optionally, the communication unit 2100 is further configured to: send the first information of each terminal to a policy control network element.

[0207] Optionally, the communication unit 2100 is further configured to: receive a second request message from an application network element or a visited session management network element, where the second request message includes constraint information of the terminal group.

[0208] Regarding the steps or processes executed by each unit in the communication device 2000, please refer to the above method embodiment for details, which will not be described in detail here.

[0209] It should be understood that the communication device 2000 can also be used to execute the steps or processes performed by any other network element (such as NRF, NF, etc.) in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the above method embodiments and will not be described in detail here.

[0210] It should be understood that the "unit" in the communication device 2000 can be implemented by hardware, can be implemented by software, and can also be implemented by hardware executing the corresponding software implementation. For example, the "unit" can refer to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (such as a shared processor, a dedicated processor or a group processor, etc.) and a memory for executing one or more software or firmware programs, a combined logic circuit and / or other suitable components that support the described functions. For another example, the communication unit 2100 can be replaced by a transceiver transceiver circuit (for example, a receiving circuit and a transmitting circuit), and the processing unit 2200 can be replaced by a processor or a processing circuit.

[0211] Figure 9 shows a schematic block diagram of another communication device 3000 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device 3000 can be a first network element or a network data analysis network element, or can be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the first network element or the network data analysis network element to implement the above method. The device can be used to implement the method described in the above method embodiment. For details, please refer to the description of the above method embodiment.

[0212] The device 3000 may include one or more processors 3100, which may also be referred to as processing units, and may implement certain control functions. The processor 3100 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor. For example, it may be a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit may be used to control a communication device (e.g., a base station, a baseband chip, a user chip, a DU or a CU, etc.), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs.

[0213] In an optional design, the processor 3100 may also store instructions and / or data, which can be executed by the processor 3100 so that the device 3000 performs the method described in the above method embodiment.

[0214] In another optional design, the device 3000 may include a communication interface 3200 for implementing receiving and transmitting functions. For example, the communication interface 3200 may be a transceiver circuit, an interface, an interface circuit, or a transceiver. The transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver for implementing the receiving and transmitting functions may be separate or integrated. The transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver may be used for reading and writing code / data, or the transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver may be used for transmitting or delivering signals.

[0215] Optionally, the device 3000 may include one or more memories 3300, which may store instructions. The instructions may be executed on the processor 3100, causing the device 3000 to perform the method described in the above method embodiment. Optionally, the memory 3300 may also store data. Optionally, the processor 3100 may also store instructions and / or data. The processor 3100 and memory 3300 may be provided separately or integrated together.

[0216] It should be understood that the device 3000 may also be any other network element (such as NRF, NF, etc.) involved in the above method embodiment, or may be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the implementation of the above method. The device can be used to implement the method described in the above method embodiment. For details, please refer to the description of the above method embodiment.

[0217] It should be understood that, in one possible design, each step in the method embodiment provided in the present application can be completed by an integrated logic circuit of the hardware in the processor or by instructions in the form of software. The steps of 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 storage medium mature 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, and the processor reads the information in the memory and completes the steps of the above method in combination with its hardware. To avoid repetition, it will not be described in detail here.

[0218] It should be noted that the processor in the embodiments of the present application can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method embodiment can be completed by an integrated logic circuit of the hardware in the processor or by instructions in the form of software. The above processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, or a discrete hardware component. The various methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented or executed. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or the processor can also be any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module can be located in a storage medium mature in the art, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, or electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and completes the steps of the above method in combination with its hardware.

[0219] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous link DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct RAM bus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory of the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0220] The present application also provides a computer program product, which includes: computer program code, which, when running on a computer, enables the computer to execute each step or process executed by any network element in any of the above method embodiments.

[0221] The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores program code. When the program code runs on a computer, the computer executes the steps or processes executed by any network element in any of the above method embodiments.

[0222] The present application also provides a communication device, including a processor and an interface, wherein the interface is used to send and / or receive signals, so that the processor executes the steps or processes executed by any network element in any of the above method embodiments.

[0223] The present application also provides a communication system, which includes at least one of a first network element and a network data analysis network element.

[0224] The above-mentioned device embodiments and method embodiments are completely corresponding, and the corresponding steps are performed by the corresponding modules or units. For example, the communication unit or communication interface performs the receiving or sending steps in the method embodiment. Other steps except sending and receiving can be performed by the processing unit or processor.

[0225] In the embodiments of this application, each term and English abbreviation is provided for convenience of description and shall not constitute any limitation to this application. This application does not exclude the possibility of defining other terms that can achieve the same or similar functions in existing or future agreements.

[0226] As used in this specification, the terms "component," "module," "system," and the like are used to represent computer-related entities, hardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable file, an execution thread, a program, and / or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a computing device and a computing device can be a component. One or more components can reside in a process and / or an execution thread, and a component can be located on one computer and / or distributed between two or more computers. In addition, these components can be executed from various computer-readable storage media having various data structures stored thereon. Components can communicate, for example, via local and / or remote processes based on signals having one or more data packets (e.g., data from two components interacting with another component between a local system, a distributed system, and / or a network, such as the Internet interacting with other systems via signals).

[0227] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented using electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professionals and technicians may 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.

[0228] 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 be based on the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0229] 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.

[0230] 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.

[0231] 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.

[0232] In the above embodiments, the functions of each functional unit can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When software is used for implementation, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions (programs). When the computer program instructions (programs) are loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiment of the present application is generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable devices. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from a website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center by wired (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.). The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media integrations. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (eg, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (eg, a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (eg, a solid state disk (SSD)).

[0233] 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.

[0234] 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: Receiving a first request message from a first network element, where the first request message includes constraint information of a terminal group, the terminal group includes one or more terminals, and the constraint information of the terminal group is constraint information of one or more parameters at the terminal group granularity; Determining first information of each terminal in the terminal group according to the first request message, where the first information satisfies the constraint information of the terminal group; Sending a first response message to the first network element, where the first response message includes the first information of each terminal.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The constraint information of the terminal group includes constraint information between the same parameters of each terminal and / or constraint information of the same parameter of all terminals in the terminal group.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein The constraint information between the same parameters of each terminal includes: constraint information on the difference between the same parameters of different terminals; and / or, the constraint information of the same parameter of all terminals in the terminal group includes: constraint information on the sum of the same parameters of all terminals and / or constraint information that all terminals in the terminal group meet the same requirement.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first network element is a policy management function network element or an application network element.

5. A communication method, characterized in that, Including: Sending a first request message to a network data analysis network element, where the first request message includes constraint information of a terminal group, the terminal group includes one or more terminals, and the constraint information of the terminal group is constraint information of one or more parameters at the terminal group granularity; Receiving a first response message from the network data analysis network element, where the first response message includes the first information of each terminal in the terminal group, the first information satisfies the constraint information of the terminal group, and the first response message is generated according to the constraint information of the terminal group.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein The constraint information of the terminal group includes constraint information between the same parameters of each terminal and / or constraint information of the same parameter of all terminals in the terminal group.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The constraint information between the same parameters of each terminal includes: constraint information on the difference between the same parameters of different terminals; and / or, the constraint information of the same parameter of all terminals in the terminal group includes: constraint information on the sum of the same parameters of all terminals or constraint information that all terminals meet the same requirement.

8. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending the first information of each terminal to a policy control network element.

9. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, Before sending the first request message to the network data analysis network element, the method further includes: Receiving a second request message from an application network element or a visited network session management network element, where the second request message includes the constraint information of the terminal group.

10. A communication device, characterized in that, Including: A communication unit, configured to receive a first request message from a first network element, where the first request message includes constraint information of a terminal group, the terminal group includes one or more terminals, and the constraint information of the terminal group is constraint information of one or more parameters at the terminal group granularity; A processing unit, configured to determine first information of each terminal in the terminal group according to the first request message, where the first information satisfies the constraint information of the terminal group; The communication unit is further configured to send a first response message to the first network element, where the first response message includes the first information of each terminal.

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The constraint information of the terminal group includes the constraint information between the same parameters of each terminal and / or the constraint information of the same parameters of all terminals in the terminal group.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein The constraint information between the same parameters of each terminal includes: the constraint information of the differences between the same parameters of different terminals, and / or, the constraint information of the same parameters of all terminals in the terminal group includes: the constraint information of the sum of the same parameters of all terminals and / or the constraint information that all terminals in the terminal group meet the same requirement.

13. The device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, The first network element is a policy management function network element or an application network element.

14. A communication device, characterized in that, Including: A communication unit, configured to send a first request message to a network data analysis network element, where the first request message includes the constraint information of a terminal group, the terminal group includes one or more terminals, and the constraint information of the terminal group is the constraint information of one or more parameters at the terminal group granularity; The communication unit is further configured to receive a first response message from the network data analysis network element, where the first response message includes first information of each terminal in the terminal group, the first information meets the constraint information of the terminal group, and the first response message is generated according to the constraint information of the terminal group.

15. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The constraint information of the terminal group includes the constraint information between the same parameters of each terminal and / or the constraint information of the same parameters of all terminals in the terminal group.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein The constraint information between the same parameters of each terminal includes: the constraint information of the differences between the same parameters of different terminals; and / or, the constraint information of the same parameters of all terminals in the terminal group includes: the constraint information of the sum of the same parameters of all terminals or the constraint information that all terminals meet the same requirement.

17. The device according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that The communication unit is further configured to: Send the first information of each terminal to a policy control network element.

18. The device according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that The communication unit is further configured to: Receive a second request message from an application network element or a visited network session management network element, where the second request message includes the constraint information of the terminal group.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, Including a processor, the processor is coupled to a memory, and the memory is used to store programs or instructions. When the programs or instructions are executed by the processor, the device executes the method according to any one of claims 1-4 or any one of claims 5-9.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, Including a processor and an interface, the interface is used to send and / or receive signals, so that the processor executes the method according to any one of claims 1-4 or any one of claims 5-9.

21. A readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program or instruction is executed, the computer executes the method according to any one of claims 1-4 or any one of claims 5-9.

22. A computer program product, characterized in that, Including computer program instructions, the computer program instructions cause the computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-4 or any one of claims 5-9.

23. A communication system, characterized in that, Including the device according to any one of claims 10-13 and the device according to any one of claims 14-18.

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