Communication method, apparatus, and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a communication method, an apparatus, and a storage medium. The method, executed by a first terminal, comprises: sending a first message to a first network element, the first message being used for requesting a computing service; sending, by means of a user plane connection, service request data to a second network element; and, by means of the user plane connection, receiving a computing service result sent by the second network element. The computing capabilities of a terminal or a gNB can be used to assist a network in performing calculations.

Description

Communication method, device and storage medium Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular to a communication method, device, and storage medium. Background Art

[0002] With the advancement of communications technology, distributed computing will become a key feature of sixth-generation wireless networks (6G). Distributed computing involves terminals, next-generation base stations (gNBs), or third-party application functions (AFs) assisting the network with computations. This solution primarily addresses the question of how to fully utilize the computing power of terminals or gNBs and optimize task scheduling.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a communication method, device, and storage medium.

[0005] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, which is executed by a first terminal, and the method includes: sending a first message to a first network element, where the first message is used to request a computing service; sending data requesting the service to a second network element through a user plane connection; and receiving a result of the computing service sent by the second network element through a user plane connection.

[0006] In the above method, distributed computing assisted by other network elements can be implemented through the user plane.

[0007] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, which is executed by a first network element. The method includes: receiving a first message sent by a first terminal, where the first message is used to request a computing service; and determining a fourth network element based on the first message.

[0008] In the above method, the first network element may determine the fourth network element for assisting calculation based on the first message.

[0009] According to the third aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, which is executed by a second network element. The method includes: receiving data requesting a service sent by a first terminal through a user plane connection; and sending a result of a computing service to the first terminal through a user plane connection.

[0010] In the above method, the second network element may establish a user plane connection with the first terminal and transmit data through the user plane connection.

[0011] According to the fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, which is executed by a third network element. The method includes: receiving a first message sent by a first network element, and sending a first message to a fourth network element, where the first message is used to request a computing service; receiving data of a computing service sent by a second network element through a user plane connection, and sending the data of the computing service to the fourth network element; receiving a result of a computing service sent by the fourth network element through a user plane connection, and sending the result of the computing service to the first terminal.

[0012] In the above method, the third network element may send a request for computing service to the fourth network element, and receive the computing result of the fourth network element and report it to the first terminal, thereby realizing distributed assisted computing.

[0013] According to the fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, which is executed by a fourth network element. The method includes: receiving a first message sent by a third network element, where the first message is used to request a computing service; receiving data of the computing service sent by the third network element through a user plane connection; and sending the result of the computing service to the third network element through a user plane connection.

[0014] In the above method, the fourth network element can perform calculations based on the received requested computing service, ie, the corresponding data, and send the calculation results to the third network element to implement auxiliary calculations.

[0015] According to the sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first terminal is proposed, comprising a transceiver module, configured to: send a first message to a first network element, the first message being used to request a computing service; send data requesting a service to a second network element via a user plane connection; and receive a result of the computing service sent by the second network element via a user plane connection.

[0016] According to the seventh aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure, a first network element is proposed, including a transceiver module for receiving a first message sent by a first terminal, the first message being used to request a computing service; and a processing module for determining a fourth network element based on the first message.

[0017] According to the eighth aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure, a second network element is proposed, including a transceiver module, which is used to: receive data requesting a service sent by a first terminal through a user plane connection; and send a result of a computing service to the first terminal through a user plane connection.

[0018] According to the ninth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a third network element is proposed, including a transceiver module, used to: receive a first message sent by a first network element, and send a first message to a fourth network element, the first message being used to request a computing service; receive data of a computing service sent by a second network element through a user plane connection, and send data of a computing service to a fourth network element; receive a result of a computing service sent by the fourth network element through a user plane connection, and send the result of the computing service to the first terminal.

[0019] According to the tenth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a fourth network element is proposed, including a transceiver module, used to: receive a first message sent by a third network element, the first message being used to request a computing service; receive data of the computing service sent by the third network element through a user plane connection; and send the result of the computing service to the third network element through a user plane connection.

[0020] According to the eleventh aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication device is proposed, which includes: a transceiver; a memory; and a processor, which is connected to the transceiver and the memory respectively, and is configured to control the wireless signal reception and transmission of the transceiver by executing computer-executable instructions on the memory, and is capable of executing the communication method of any one of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, and the fifth aspect.

[0021] According to the twelfth aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage medium is proposed, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes a communication method as described in any one of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth aspects.

[0022] According to the thirteenth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication system is proposed, including a first terminal, a first network element, a second network element, a third network element and a fourth network element, wherein the first terminal is configured to implement the method of the first aspect, the first network element is configured to implement the method of the second aspect, the second network element is configured to implement the method of the third aspect, the third network element is configured to implement the method of the fourth aspect, and the fourth network element is configured to implement the method of the fifth aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of some communication systems provided by embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG2 is an interactive diagram of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] 3a-3c are flowcharts of some communication methods provided by embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] 4a-4b are flowcharts of other communication methods provided by embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] 5a-5b are flowcharts of other communication methods provided by embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] 6a-6b are flowcharts of other communication methods provided by embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] 7a-7c are flowcharts of other communication methods provided by embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of interactions of some communication methods provided by embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG9 is a flow chart of a network collaborative computing method via a user plane proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG10a is a schematic structural diagram of a first terminal provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG10b is a schematic structural diagram of a first network element provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG10c is a schematic structural diagram of a second network element provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG10d is a schematic structural diagram of a third network element provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIG10e is a schematic structural diagram of a fourth network element provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG11a is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] FIG11 b is a schematic structural diagram of a chip provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, device, and storage medium.

[0041] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication method, which is executed by a first terminal, and the method includes: sending a first message to a first network element, where the first message is used to request a computing service; sending data requesting a service to a second network element through a user plane connection; and receiving a result of the computing service sent by the second network element through a user plane connection.

[0042] In the above embodiment, distributed computing assisted by other network elements can be implemented through the user plane.

[0043] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method also includes: establishing a user plane connection between the first terminal and the second network element, and the user plane connection is used by the second network element to send data requesting service to the third network element and / or the fourth network element.

[0044] In the above embodiment, it is possible to establish a user plane connection and transmit data through the user plane.

[0045] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method also includes: under a first condition, sending real-time capability information of the first terminal to a fourth network element, wherein the first condition is: the multiple candidate nodes determined by the fourth network element include the first terminal, and the fourth network element determines at least one computing node from the multiple candidate nodes, and the at least one computing node is used to execute at least one computing task corresponding to the computing service.

[0046] In the above embodiment, the first terminal may report its own real-time capability information to the fourth network element, so that the fourth network element can determine the computing node based on the real-time capability information.

[0047] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a second message sent by a third network element through a user plane connection, where the second message is used to request the first terminal to perform a corresponding computing task.

[0048] In the above embodiment, the second message may be transmitted via the user plane to determine the computing node that performs the computing task.

[0049] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first message includes at least one of the following: an identifier of the first terminal; a type of computing service; a description of the computing service; and a quality of service requirement.

[0050] In the above embodiment, the first terminal may request a computing service based on the first message and may determine specific information for requesting the computing service.

[0051] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication method, which is executed by a first network element. The method includes: receiving a first message sent by a first terminal, where the first message is used to request a computing service; and determining a fourth network element based on the first message.

[0052] In the above embodiment, the first network element may determine the fourth network element for assisting calculation based on the first message.

[0053] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending the first message to a third network element, and the third network element is used to send the first message to a fourth network element.

[0054] In the above embodiment, the first network element may send the first message to the third network element to implement data transmission, which may facilitate determination of the computing node.

[0055] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first message includes at least one of the following: an identifier of the first terminal; a type of computing service; a description of the computing service; and a quality of service requirement.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the computing service may be requested based on the first message, and specific information for requesting the computing service may be determined.

[0057] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication method, which is executed by a second network element and includes: receiving data requesting a service sent by a first terminal through a user plane connection; and sending a result of a computing service to the first terminal through a user plane connection.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the second network element may establish a user plane connection with the first terminal and transmit data through the user plane connection.

[0059] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: establishing a user plane connection between the first terminal and the second network element.

[0060] In the above embodiment, establishment of a user plane connection can be achieved.

[0061] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method includes: the method also includes: sending data requesting service to a third network element.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the second network element may transmit data requesting a service to facilitate determination of the calculation service result.

[0063] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication method, which is executed by a third network element, and includes: receiving a first message sent by a first network element, and sending a first message to a fourth network element, wherein the first message is used to request a computing service; receiving data of a computing service sent by a second network element through a user plane connection, and sending data of a computing service to the fourth network element; receiving a result of a computing service sent by the fourth network element through a user plane connection, and sending the result of the computing service to the second network element.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the third network element may send a request for computing service to the fourth network element, and receive the computing result of the fourth network element and report it to the first terminal, thereby realizing distributed assisted computing.

[0065] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the method also includes: sending a second message to at least one computing node through a user plane connection, the second message is used to request at least one computing node to perform a corresponding computing task, and the at least one computing node includes at least one of the following: a first terminal, at least one second terminal, and at least one network device; receiving the computing results sent by at least one computing node through a user plane connection.

[0066] In the above embodiment, distributed assisted computing can be implemented by requesting computing nodes to perform computing tasks and receiving computing results.

[0067] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the method also includes: sending a second message to at least one computing node through the fifth network element, the second message is used to request at least one computing node to perform a corresponding computing task, and the at least one computing node includes at least one sixth network element; receiving the computing results sent by the at least one computing node.

[0068] In the above embodiment, distributed assisted computing can be implemented by requesting computing nodes to perform computing tasks and receiving computing results.

[0069] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: performing data processing on the calculation results sent by at least one computing node to obtain processed calculation results; and sending the processed calculation results to a fourth network element.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the third network element may process the calculation result to make the result more accurate.

[0071] In the fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication method, which is executed by a fourth network element, and the method includes: receiving a first message sent by a third network element, where the first message is used to request a computing service; receiving data of the computing service sent by the third network element through a user plane connection; and sending the result of the computing service to the third network element through a user plane connection.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the fourth network element may perform calculation based on the received requested computing service, ie, the corresponding data, and send the calculation result to the third network element to implement auxiliary calculation.

[0073] In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: analyzing the first message to obtain an analysis result; generating a computing policy for executing the computing service; and determining to use the user plane to execute the computing service.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the fourth network element may determine the calculation strategy according to the first message, and whether it is necessary to use the user plane for calculation.

[0075] In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the method also includes: initiating establishment of a user plane connection between the first terminal and the second network element, and the fourth network element transmits data via the user plane connection between the second network element and the first terminal.

[0076] In the above embodiment, a user plane connection may be established and data may be transmitted through the user plane.

[0077] In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the method also includes: when the seventh network element opens the calling function to the fourth network element, determining multiple candidate nodes from the seventh network element based on the data of the computing service and the analysis results.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the fourth network element may determine the candidate node.

[0079] In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the method also includes: determining to perform real-time capability reporting based on capability information of multiple candidate nodes; receiving real-time capability information reported by multiple candidate nodes; and determining at least one computing node from multiple candidate nodes based on the real-time capability information, and the at least one computing node is used to execute at least one computing task of the computing service.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the fourth network element may determine a computing node from the candidate nodes to perform auxiliary computing.

[0081] In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: issuing at least one computing task to at least one computing node.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the fourth network element may issue a task to the computing node, and notify the computing node to perform auxiliary computing.

[0083] In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the method also includes: receiving the calculation results of at least one processed computing node sent by the third network element; calculating the calculation results of at least one processed computing node based on the data and computing strategy of the computing service to obtain the results of the computing service.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the fourth network element may calculate the processed result, obtain the result of the calculation service, and complete the auxiliary calculation.

[0085] In the sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a first terminal, including a transceiver module, used to: send a first message to a first network element, the first message being used to request a computing service; send data requesting a service to a second network element through a user plane connection; and receive the result of the computing service sent by the second network element through a user plane connection.

[0086] In the seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a first network element, including a transceiver module for receiving a first message sent by a first terminal, the first message being used to request a computing service; and a processing module for determining a fourth network element based on the first message.

[0087] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a second network element, comprising a transceiver module, configured to: receive service request data sent by a first terminal via a user plane connection; and send a result of a computing service to the first terminal via a user plane connection.

[0088] In the ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a third network element, including a transceiver module, used to: receive a first message sent by the first network element, and send a first message to a fourth network element, the first message being used to request a computing service; receive data of the computing service sent by the second network element through a user plane connection, and send data of the computing service to the fourth network element; receive the result of the computing service sent by the fourth network element through a user plane connection, and send the result of the computing service to the second network element.

[0089] In the tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a fourth network element, including a transceiver module, used to: receive a first message sent by a third network element, the first message being used to request a computing service; receive data of the computing service sent by the third network element through a user plane connection; and send the result of the computing service to the third network element through a user plane connection.

[0090] In the eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication device, which includes: a transceiver; a memory; a processor, which is connected to the transceiver and the memory respectively, and is configured to control the wireless signal reception and transmission of the transceiver by executing computer-executable instructions on the memory, and is capable of executing the communication methods described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect and the fifth aspect, and the optional implementation methods of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect and the fifth aspect.

[0091] In the twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a storage medium, and the computer storage medium stores computer-executable instructions; after the computer-executable instructions are executed by the processor, it can execute the method described in the first aspect, the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, the optional implementation of the second aspect, the third aspect and the optional implementation of the third aspect, the fourth aspect and the optional implementation of the fourth aspect, and the fifth aspect and the optional implementation of the fifth aspect.

[0092] In the thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication system, which includes: a first terminal, a first network element, a second network element, a third network element and a fourth network element; wherein, the first terminal is configured to execute the method described in the first aspect and the optional implementation of the first aspect, the first network element is configured to execute the method described in the second aspect and the optional implementation of the second aspect, the second network element is configured to execute the method described in the third aspect and the optional implementation of the third aspect, the third network element is configured to execute the method described in the fourth aspect and the optional implementation of the fourth aspect, and the fourth network element is configured to execute the method described in the fifth aspect and the optional implementation of the fifth aspect.

[0093] It is understandable that the first terminal, first network element, second network element, third network element, fourth network element, communication device, communication system, and storage medium are all used to perform the method proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects of the corresponding method and will not be repeated here.

[0094] The present disclosure provides a communication method, apparatus, and storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method," "information processing method," and "communication method" are interchangeable; the terms "apparatus," "terminal," "network device," and "communication apparatus" are interchangeable; and the terms "information processing system," "communication system," and "communication system" are interchangeable.

[0095] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive and are merely illustrative of some embodiments, and are not intended to be a specific limitation on the scope of protection of the present disclosure. In the absence of contradiction, each step in a certain embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a certain embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily exchanged. In addition, the optional implementation methods in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; in addition, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. For example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0096] In each embodiment of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified or provided for by logic, the terms and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form a new embodiment based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0097] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0098] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, elements expressed in the singular, such as "a", "an", "the", "above", "said", "the", "the", etc., may mean "one and only one", or "one or more", "at least one", etc. For example, when using articles such as "a", "an", "the" in English in translation, the noun following the article may be understood as a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0099] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “plurality” refers to two or more.

[0100] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one of", "at least one of", "at least one of", "one or more", "a plurality of", "multiple", etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0101] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, descriptions such as “at least one of A, B, C…”, “A and / or B and / or C…”, etc. include the situation where any one of A, B, C… exists alone, and also include any combination of any multiple of A, B, C…, and each situation can exist alone; for example, “at least one of A, B, C” includes the situation where A exists alone, B exists alone, C exists alone, the combination of A and B, the combination of A and C, the combination of B and C, and the combination of A, B, and C; for example, A and / or B includes the situation where A exists alone, B exists alone, and the combination of A and B.

[0102] In some embodiments, descriptions such as "in one case A, in another case B," or "in response to one case A, in response to another case B," may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: executing A independently of B (in some embodiments, A); executing B independently of A (in some embodiments, B); selectively executing A and B (in some embodiments, selecting between A and B); and executing both A and B (in some embodiments, A and B). The same applies when there are more branches, such as A, B, and C.

[0103] The prefixes such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to distinguish different description objects and do not constitute any restriction on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. For the statement of the description object, please refer to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and no unnecessary restriction should be constituted by the use of prefixes. For example, if the description object is a "field", the ordinal number before the "field" in the "first field" and the "second field" does not limit the position or order between the "fields". "First" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they limit the order of the "first field" and the "second field". For another example, if the description object is a "level", the ordinal number before the "level" in the "first level" and the "second level" does not limit the priority between the "levels". For another example, the number of description objects is not limited by the ordinal number and can be one or more. Taking "first device" as an example, the number of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the description object is "device", then the "first device" and the "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different; for another example, if the description object is "information", then the "first information" and the "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0104] In some embodiments, “including A,” “comprising A,” “used to indicate A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0105] In some embodiments, terms such as "in response to...", "in response to determining...", "in the case of...", "at the time of...", "when...", "if...", "if...", etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0106] In some embodiments, terms such as "greater than", "greater than or equal to", "not less than", "more than", "more than or equal to", "not less than", "higher than", "higher than or equal to", "not less than", and "above" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "less than", "less than or equal to", "not greater than", "less than", "less than or equal to", "not more than", "lower than", "lower than or equal to", "not higher than", and "below" can be replaced with each other.

[0107] In some embodiments, devices, etc. can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as "device", "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", and "subject" can be used interchangeably.

[0108] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)", "radio access network device (RAN device)", "base station (BS)", "radio base station" "fixed station", "node", "access point", "transmission point (TP)", "reception point (RP)", "transmission / reception point (TRP)", "panel", "antenna panel", "antenna array", "cell", "macro cell", "small cell", "femto cell", "pico cell", "sector", "cell group", "carrier", "component carrier", "bandwidth part (BWP)" and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0109] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0110] In some embodiments, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device can be replaced by a terminal. For example, the various embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied to a structure in which the communication between the access network device, the core network device, or the network device and the terminal is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (for example, it can also be called device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, it can also be set as a structure in which the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. In addition, language such as "uplink" and "downlink" can also be replaced by language corresponding to communication between terminals (for example, "side"). For example, uplink channels, downlink channels, etc. can be replaced by side channels, and uplinks, downlinks, etc. can be replaced by side links.

[0111] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device may have a structure that has all or part of the functions of the terminal.

[0112] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc. are not limited to the names described in the embodiments, and terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codeword", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0113] In some embodiments, terms such as "uplink", "uplink", "physical uplink" can be interchangeable with each other, and terms such as "downlink", "downlink", "physical downlink" can be interchangeable with each other, and terms such as "side", "sidelink", "side communication", "sidelink communication", "direct connection", "direct link", "direct communication", "direct link communication" can be interchangeable with each other.

[0114] In some embodiments, the terms "downlink control information (DCI)", "downlink (DL) assignment", "DL DCI", "uplink (UL) grant", "UL DCI" and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0115] In some embodiments, terms such as "physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH)" and "DL data" can be used interchangeably, and terms such as "physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH)" and "UL data" can be used interchangeably.

[0116] In some embodiments, the terms "radio", "wireless", "radio access network (RAN)", "access network (AN)", "RAN-based" and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0117] In some embodiments, terms such as "synchronization signal (SS)", "synchronization signal block (SSB)", "reference signal (RS)", "pilot", and "pilot signal" can be used interchangeably.

[0118] In some embodiments, terms such as "moment", "time point", "time", and "time position" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "duration", "period", "time window", "window", and "time" can be replaced with each other.

[0119] In some embodiments, "obtain", "get", "obtain", "receive", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be interchangeable, and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from a protocol, obtaining by self-processing, autonomous implementation, etc.

[0120] In some embodiments, terms such as "send", "transmit", "report", "download", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably.

[0121] In some embodiments, "predetermined" and "preset" can be interpreted as pre-specified in a protocol, etc., or can be interpreted as a pre-set action performed by a device, etc.

[0122] In some embodiments, determining may be interpreted as judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, searching, looking up, retrieving, ascertaining, receiving, transmitting, inputting, outputting, accessing, resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, “assuming,” “expecting,” “considering,” broadcasting, notifying, communicating, forwarding, configuring, reconfiguring, allocating, mapping, assigning, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0123] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be performed by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (Boolean value) represented by true or false, or by comparison of numerical values ​​(for example, comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0124] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network (eg, access network equipment, core network equipment, etc.).

[0125] In some embodiments, "not expecting to receive" can be interpreted as not receiving on time domain resources and / or frequency domain resources, or as not performing subsequent processing on the data after receiving it; "not expecting to send" can be interpreted as not sending, or as sending but not expecting the recipient to respond to the content sent.

[0126] In some embodiments, obtaining data, information, etc. may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the data is obtained.

[0127] In some embodiments, data, information, etc. may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0128] With the advancement of mobile communication technology, distributed computing will become a key feature of the future sixth-generation mobile communication network (6G) era. As user terminal performance continues to improve, terminals will possess powerful computing capabilities. Fully utilizing terminal capabilities will significantly enhance the computing and service capabilities of the communication network. Furthermore, the computing power of base stations and third-party application functions (AFs) can also be leveraged. Therefore, collaborative computing between terminals, gNBs, and AFs assisting the network is a foreseeable scenario. How to fully utilize the computing power of terminals and gNBs and optimize task scheduling is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed.

[0129] In the architecture of the 5th Generation Mobile Communication network (5G), the control plane (CP) uses a service-based interface. The 5G network architecture contains service-based interfaces and reference points. The reference points show how various network functions interact with each other and how the network function (NF) in the control plane transmits data / information to other NFs through the control bus. The 5G system architecture allows the Unified Data Management (UDM), Policy Control Function (PCF), and Network Exposure Function (NEF) to store data in the User Data Repository (UDR), including subscription data and policy data of the UDM and PCF, publicly available structured data, and application data of the NEF (including packet flow descriptions for application detection and AF request information for multiple terminals).

[0130] The 5G system architecture allows any network function to store and retrieve its unstructured data (e.g., terminal context) in an Unstructured Data Storage Function (UDSF). The UDSF belongs to the same Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) as the network function. CP NFs can share a UDSF to store their respective unstructured data, or they can each have their own UDSF (e.g., the UDSF can be located near their respective network functions).

[0131] For network data analysis, the 5G architecture uses a Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF). The 5G system architecture allows the NWDAF to collect data from any 5GC NF. While the NWDAF provides network data analysis capabilities, the network is still unable to handle large-scale and highly complex computing tasks. Furthermore, the computing services provided by the network are still only executed within the core network and cannot utilize the computing and storage resources of the terminal / gNB.

[0132] To address the aforementioned issues, this disclosure proposes a communication method, apparatus, and storage medium. These methods utilize specific computing functions to improve the network's computing capabilities. Based on acquired capability information, the network can deploy tasks to terminals, gNBs, or third-party AFs, fully utilizing the computing capabilities of both terminals and gNBs. Data transmission via the user plane effectively addresses the issue of efficient data exchange in large-scale data services. Furthermore, these methods enable terminal, gNB, and third-party collaborative computing to assist the network in executing computing tasks.

[0133] To address the aforementioned issues, this disclosure proposes a communication method, apparatus, and storage medium. These methods utilize specific computational functions to improve network computing capabilities. Based on acquired capability information, the network can deploy tasks to terminals, gNBs, and third-party AFs, fully utilizing the computing capabilities of both terminals and gNBs. Data transmission via the user plane effectively addresses the issue of efficient data exchange in large-scale data services. Furthermore, these methods enable terminal, gNB, and third-party collaborative computing to assist the network in executing computing tasks.

[0134] First, a brief introduction to the relevant terms in this application:

[0135] 1. Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element

[0136] Supports terminal devices with different mobility management requirements. It performs the following key tasks: non-access stratum (NAS) signaling termination; NAS signaling security; access stratum security control; core network inter-node signaling for mobility between 3GPP access networks; idle mode terminal device reachability (including control and execution of paging retransmissions); registration area management; support for intra-system and inter-system mobility; access authentication; access authorization, including roaming rights checks; mobility management control (subscription and policy); support for network slicing; and session management function (SMF) selection.

[0137] 2. Session Management Function (SMF) network element

[0138] Together with the AMF, it can support customized mobility management solutions such as "Mobile Initiated Connection Only" (MICO) or RAN enhancements such as the "RRC Inactive" state. The SMF network element can perform the following main tasks: session management; terminal device IP address allocation and management; user plane function (UPF) selection and control; configure flow control in the UPF to route traffic to the appropriate destination; policy enforcement and quality of service (QoS) control; downlink data notification.

[0139] 3. Network Exposure Function (NEF) network element

[0140] NEF is a network function that 5GC exposes to the outside world and provides a standard interface. Based on 3GPP network functions, NEF exposes functions and events to other systems, ensuring both openness and system security. NEF standardizes the presentation of 5GC functions and facilitates third-party access.

[0141] 4. User Plane Function (UPF) network element.

[0142] The UPF serves as the interconnection point between the mobile infrastructure (e.g., RAN) and the data network (DN), performing GTP-U (GPRS Tunnelling Protocol) encapsulation and decapsulation on the UP. Typically, the UPF serves as the session anchor point for Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions within or between Radio Access Technologies (RATs), including sending one or more End Marker Packets (EMPs) to the gNB (NG-RAN node).

[0143] 5. Application Function (AF) Network Element

[0144] The AF is similar to an application server, which interacts with other 5G core network control plane NFs and provides business services. The AF can exist for different application services and can be owned by the operator or a trusted third party.

[0145] For network architectures based on 6G and subsequent communication technologies, this disclosure also designs the following network element functions:

[0146] 6. Data Storage Function (DSF) Network Element

[0147] The data storage function reorganizes network functions (NFs) such as NRF, UDR, and UDM, which are responsible for storage. For new scenarios such as perception and positioning, the data storage function also has new capabilities. It can store information related to perception and computing nodes, as well as auxiliary positioning information such as 3D maps and gNB absolute positions.

[0148] 7. Data Collection Function (DCF) Network Element

[0149] The data collection function can obtain network information in real time, collect data and information provided by NF / gNB / UE, and format the obtained data and information.

[0150] 8. Calculating Function (CF) Network Element

[0151] The future network will have powerful computing capabilities and will be service-oriented.

[0152] 1) For multi-UE / gNB / AF collaborative computing tasks, the computing function can schedule the resources of each computing node and also has AI analysis / computing / prediction capabilities.

[0153] 2) For perception / positioning services, the computing function can leverage the computing power of the network and stored auxiliary information to provide higher quality services.

[0154] 3) Computing capabilities can provide specific artificial intelligence computer services.

[0155] The various network elements / functions involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be an independent hardware device or a function implemented by computer code within a hardware device, and the embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit this.

[0156] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first terminal described may be an initiating UE, the first network element may be an AMF, the second network element may be a UPF, the third network element may be a DCF, the fourth network element may be a CF, the fifth network element may be an NEF, the sixth network element may be a third-party AF, and the seventh network element may be a DSF. The above is for example only and does not limit the specific network elements.

[0157] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 may include a first terminal 101, a first network element 102, a second network element 103, a third network element 104, and a fourth network element 105. Optionally, the communication system 100 also includes a fifth network element, a sixth network element, a seventh network element, a computing node, and a data network.

[0158] In some embodiments, the terminal includes, for example, a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, a car with communication function, a smart car, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, and at least one of a wireless terminal device in a smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0159] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that accesses a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include an evolved NodeB (eNB), a next generation evolved NodeB (ng-eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved nodeB (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an open base station (Open RAN), a cloud base station (Cloud RAN), a base station in other communication systems, and at least one of an access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system, but is not limited thereto.

[0160] In some embodiments, a core network device may be a single device comprising one or more network elements, or may be a plurality of devices or a group of devices, each comprising all or part of one or more network elements. A network element may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), and a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0161] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned one or more network elements may include, for example, AMF, UPF, MME, etc., and may also include other network elements, such as Policy Control Function (PCF), Application Function (AF), Network Application Function (NAF), Application Layer Authentication and Key Management Anchor Function (AAnF), Bootstrapping Server Functionality (BSF), Session Management Function (SMF), etc.

[0162] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiment of the present disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of the system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0163] The following embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to the communication system 100 shown in Figure 1, or a portion thereof, but are not limited thereto. The entities shown in Figure 1 are illustrative only. The communication system may include all or part of the entities shown in Figure 1, or may include other entities outside of Figure 1. The number and form of the entities may be arbitrary. The connection relationship between the entities is illustrative only. The entities may be connected or disconnected, and the connection may be in any manner, including direct or indirect, wired or wireless.

[0164] Figure 2 is an interactive diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is used in a communication system 100. The communication system 100 may include a first terminal 101, a first network element 102, a second network element 103, a third network element 104, and a fourth network element 105. Optionally, the communication system 100 also includes a fifth network element, a sixth network element, a seventh network element, a computing node, and a data network. The above method includes:

[0165] Step 2101: A first terminal sends a first message to a first network element.

[0166] In some embodiments, the first message may be used to request a computing service.

[0167] In some embodiments, the first terminal may request the first network element for the required computing service through a first message, and request the first network element to determine a computing node that can implement the computing service.

[0168] In some embodiments, the first network element may be an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0169] In some embodiments, the first terminal may be an initiating terminal that initiates a request for computing services, that is, the first terminal hopes that other devices can assist the first terminal in performing computing.

[0170] In some embodiments, the first message includes at least one of the following: an identifier of the first terminal; a type of computing service; a description of the computing service; and quality of service requirements (QoS requirements).

[0171] Step 2102: The first network element determines the fourth network element based on the first message.

[0172] In some embodiments, the first network element AMF may select a fourth network element, i.e., a computing node for assisting in the calculation, based on the first message.

[0173] In some embodiments, the fourth network element may be a computing function (CF), which may be service-oriented. The CF may schedule resources of each computing node for collaborative computing of multiple terminals or gNBs or AFs, and may have the capabilities of AI analysis, calculation, and prediction.

[0174] In the above embodiment, the computing node can be a terminal, a gNB, a third-party AF, or a network element with computing capabilities in the core network, such as a NF, etc.

[0175] In some embodiments, the CF may have a positioning function and a perception function. For services such as sensing or positioning, the CF may use the computing power of the network and stored auxiliary information to provide higher quality services.

[0176] In some embodiments, the CF may provide capabilities for specific AI computing services.

[0177] In some embodiments, the fourth network element may be connected to a control plane, a user plane, and a database to ensure computing services.

[0178] Step 2103: The first network element sends a first message to the third network element.

[0179] In some embodiments, the third network element may be a data collection function (DCF), which may obtain real-time network information, collect data and information provided by NFs, gNBs, and terminals, and format the obtained data and information.

[0180] In some embodiments, the third network element may be configured to send the first message to the fourth network element.

[0181] In some embodiments, the third network element may be connected to the control plane, the user plane, and the database to ensure the implementation of computing services.

[0182] In some embodiments, the third network element may serve as an external interface between the fourth network element and other network elements to implement communication with other network elements.

[0183] Step 2104: The third network element sends a first message to the fourth network element.

[0184] In some embodiments, the third network element may serve as a transfer node, for example, processing the first message and then sending the processed first message to the fourth network element, where the processing may be, for example, unification of the message format.

[0185] Step 2105: The fourth network element analyzes the first message.

[0186] In some embodiments, the fourth network element may analyze the received first message. For example, the fourth network element may determine the specific routing and link status of the network.

[0187] Step 2106: The fourth network element generates a computing policy for executing the computing service.

[0188] In some embodiments, the fourth network element may generate a computing strategy for executing a computing service based on computing-related information such as specific network routing and link conditions, and the amount of computed data obtained through the first message. For example, the computing strategy may include performing a computing service through a control plane or performing a computing service through a user plane.

[0189] Step 2107: The fourth network element determines to use the user plane to perform the computing service.

[0190] In some embodiments, the fourth network element may determine whether it is necessary to perform a computing service through a user plane based on the analyzed first message and a computing policy.

[0191] Optionally, when the data transmission volume is large, the fourth network element may determine to use the user plane to perform the computing service.

[0192] In some embodiments, this step is optional, and the computing service may not be performed through the user plane, but may be implemented through the control plane.

[0193] Step 2108: The fourth network element initiates establishment of a user plane connection between the first terminal and the second network element.

[0194] In some embodiments, the user plane connection may be used for the second network element to send service requesting data to the third network element and / or the fourth network element.

[0195] In some embodiments, when step 2107 determines that the computing service is performed using the user plane, the fourth network element may initiate establishment of a user plane connection between the first terminal and the second network element.

[0196] In some embodiments, this step is an optional step. When the user plane does not need to be used to perform computing services, the fourth network element may not initiate establishment of a user plane connection between the first terminal and the second network element.

[0197] Step 2109: Establish a user plane connection.

[0198] In some embodiments, a user plane connection may be established between the first terminal and the second network element. The user plane connection may enable data transmission between the first terminal and other network elements through the second network element.

[0199] In some embodiments, the first terminal can directly establish a user plane connection with the second network element, and then transfer through the second network element. The second network element can establish a user plane connection with the fourth network element, and forward data between the first terminal and the fourth network element through the second network element.

[0200] In the above embodiment, the first terminal does not need to establish a point-to-point connection with the fourth network element, but establishes a user plane connection with the second network element. The first terminal does not need to know the address of the point-to-point user plane connection.

[0201] In some embodiments, this step is optional. When the user plane does not need to be used to perform computing services, the user plane connection may not be established.

[0202] Step 2110: The first terminal sends data requesting service to the second network element.

[0203] In some embodiments, after establishing the user plane connection, the first terminal may send the relevant data of the requested service to the second network element through the user plane connection.

[0204] In some embodiments, QoS parameters of the service may be configured in the second network element.

[0205] In some embodiments, the data requested for service is data provided by the first terminal.

[0206] Step 2111: The second network element sends data requesting service to the third network element.

[0207] In some embodiments, the second network element sends the received service request data to the third network element to achieve data forwarding. The third network element can transmit data to the first terminal via the user under the monitoring and routing of the second network element.

[0208] Step 2112: The third network element sends data requesting service to the fourth network element.

[0209] In some embodiments, the third network element sends the service request data received from the second network element to the fourth network element to achieve data forwarding. The fourth network element can transmit data with the first terminal via the user plane under the monitoring and routing of the second network element.

[0210] In some embodiments, the fourth network element may determine the computing node based on the received service requesting data.

[0211] Step 2113: The fourth network element determines multiple candidate nodes from the seventh network element.

[0212] In some embodiments, when the seventh network element opens a calling function to the fourth network element, the fourth network element may determine a plurality of candidate nodes from the seventh network element based on the data of the computing service and the analysis result.

[0213] In some embodiments, the seventh network element may be a data storage function (DSF), and the seventh network element may be obtained by reorganizing the NFs responsible for storage, where the NFs responsible for storage may be, for example, a network repository function (NRF), UDR or UDM, etc.

[0214] In the above embodiment, the candidate node can be a terminal, a gNB, a third-party AF, or a network element with computing capabilities in the core network, such as a NF, etc.

[0215] In some embodiments, the seventh network element may have new capabilities for services such as sensing and positioning. For example, the seventh network element may be used to store information related to nodes that can be used for sensing or computing, that is, it may store relevant attributes of nodes that implement certain capabilities. For example, the capabilities of a node, the services it can provide, the type of services the node is designed for, the types of sensing it can perform, the sensing accuracy, and so on.

[0216] In some embodiments, the seventh network element may also store positioning assistance information, such as a 3D map or the absolute position of the gNB, etc.

[0217] In some embodiments, the fourth network element searches the capability information of the nodes stored in the seventh network element based on the data and analysis results of the computing service, selects relevant nodes that can achieve the computing purpose, and determines these nodes as candidate nodes.

[0218] Step 2114: The fourth network element determines to perform real-time capability reporting based on the capability information of the multiple candidate nodes.

[0219] In some embodiments, the candidate node determined by the fourth network element may have an excessively high load or large capacity fluctuations, that is, the node is in an unstable state. In this case, the node may be asked to report its real-time capacity.

[0220] In some embodiments, this step is optional. When the candidate node does not have the above-mentioned problem, the candidate node may not be required to report the implementation capability information.

[0221] Step 2115: The first terminal sends the real-time capability information of the first terminal to the fourth network element.

[0222] In some embodiments, the first condition is that the multiple candidate nodes determined by the fourth network element include the first terminal, the fourth network element can determine at least one computing node from the multiple candidate nodes, and the at least one computing node can be used to execute at least one computing task corresponding to the computing service. That is, the first terminal can optionally be selected as a candidate node. In this case, the fourth network element can determine, based on the capability information of the first terminal, that the first terminal needs to perform real-time capability reporting.

[0223] In some embodiments, this step is optional. When the first terminal is not a candidate node, the first terminal may not report the real-time capability information to the fourth network element.

[0224] Step 2116: The fourth network element determines at least one computing node from the candidate nodes based on the real-time capability information.

[0225] In some embodiments, the computing service requested by the first message may include multiple computing tasks, each task may be different, and each task may be executed by at least one candidate node.

[0226] In some embodiments, the fourth network element may determine a computing node capable of implementing the computing task based on the acquired capability information, including the capability information retrieved from the seventh network element and the real-time capability information reported by the candidate node.

[0227] Step 2117: The fourth network element publishes at least one computing task to at least one computing node.

[0228] In some embodiments, the fourth network element may determine at least one computing node and issue at least one computing task to the computing node.

[0229] In some embodiments, the first terminal may serve as a computing node, or another terminal may serve as a computing node.

[0230] Step 2118: The third network element sends a second message to at least one computing node.

[0231] In some embodiments, the second message may be used to request at least one computing node to perform a corresponding computing task. The at least one computing node includes at least one of the following: a first terminal, at least one second terminal, and at least one network device. Specifically, the third network element may send a computing task request to the relevant gNB and terminal via the user plane. The gNB and terminal may perform the task based on the received request and send the result to the third network element via the user plane.

[0232] In some embodiments, when the first terminal is a computing node, the third network element may send the second message to the first terminal.

[0233] In some embodiments, the third network element may also send a second message to at least one computing node through the fifth network element, where the second message is used to request at least one computing node to perform a corresponding computing task, and the at least one computing node includes at least one sixth network element.

[0234] In some embodiments, the fifth network element may be a network exposure function (NEF), and the sixth network element may be a third-party application function (AF). That is, the third network element may send a computing task request to a related third-party AF through the NEF and send the original data to the data network (DN). The third-party AF may execute the task based on the received request and send the result to the third network element.

[0235] Step 2119: At least one computing node sends the calculation result to the third network element.

[0236] In some embodiments, at least one computing node may perform tasks based on the received request and send the results to the data collection function.

[0237] Step 2120: The third network element performs data processing on the calculation result to obtain a processed calculation result.

[0238] In some embodiments, the data types of calculation results obtained by different nodes may be different, and the third network element may perform unified processing on the calculation results, such as normalization processing.

[0239] Step 2121: The third network element sends the processed calculation result to the fourth network element.

[0240] In some embodiments, the third network element may send the processed calculation result to the fourth network element.

[0241] Step 2122: The fourth network element calculates the processed calculation result of at least one computing node based on the data of the computing service and the computing strategy to obtain the result of the computing service.

[0242] In some embodiments, the fourth network element may integrate and coordinate the calculation results of the processed computing nodes based on the data and computing strategy of the computing service to obtain the result of the computing service.

[0243] Step 2123: The fourth network element sends the result of the computing service to the third network element.

[0244] In some embodiments, after obtaining the result of the computing service, the fourth network element may send the result of the computing service to the third network element, so that the result is returned to the first terminal through the user plane.

[0245] Step 2124: The third network element sends the result of the computing service to the second network element.

[0246] In some embodiments, the third network element receives the result of the computing service sent by the fourth network element and can send the result of the computing service to the second network element, so that the user plane returns the result to the first terminal.

[0247] Step 2125: The second network element sends the result of the computing service to the first terminal.

[0248] In some embodiments, the second network element receives the result of the computing service sent by the third network element and can send the result of the computing service to the first terminal, so that the result is returned to the first terminal through the user plane.

[0249] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps 2101 to 2125. For example, step 2125 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 2101+2102+2104+2105+2106+2107+2108+2109+2110+2111+2112+2113+2114+2115+2116+2117+2118+2119+2120+2121+2122+2123+2124+2125 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps 2101+2102+2104+2110+2111+2112+2113+2114+2115+2116+2117+2118 118+2119+2120+2121+2122+2123+2124+2125 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 2101+2102+2104+2110+2111+2112+2113+2116+2117+2118+2119+2120+2121+2122+2123+2124+2125 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 2101+2102+2103+2104+2110+2111+2112+2123+2125 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but are not limited to this.

[0250] FIG3a is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3a, the present disclosure embodiment relates to a communication method for a first terminal 101, the method comprising:

[0251] Step 3101: Send a first message to a first network element.

[0252] The optional implementation of step 3101 can refer to the optional implementation of step 2101 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0253] In some embodiments, the first network element may receive the first message.

[0254] In some embodiments, the first terminal may send the first message to the first network element, but is not limited thereto. The first terminal may also send the first message to other entities.

[0255] Step 3102: Establish a user plane connection.

[0256] The optional implementation of step 3102 can refer to the optional implementation of step 2109 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0257] Step 3103: Send service request data to the second network element.

[0258] The optional implementation of step 3103 can refer to the optional implementation of step 2110 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0259] In some embodiments, the second network element may receive data requesting a service.

[0260] In some embodiments, the first terminal may send data requesting a service to the second network element, but is not limited thereto and may also send data requesting a service to other entities.

[0261] Step 3104: Send the real-time capability information of the first terminal to the fourth network element.

[0262] The optional implementation of step 3104 can refer to the optional implementation of step 2115 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0263] In some embodiments, the fourth network element may receive real-time capability information of the first terminal.

[0264] In some embodiments, the first terminal may send the real-time capability information of the first terminal to the fourth network element, but is not limited thereto. The real-time capability information of the first terminal may also be sent to other entities.

[0265] In some embodiments, this step is an optional step. When the first terminal is not a candidate node, the first terminal may not send the real-time capability information of the first terminal to the fourth network element.

[0266] Step 3105: Receive at least one computing task.

[0267] The optional implementation of step 3105 can refer to the optional implementation of step 2117 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0268] In some embodiments, the first terminal receives at least one computing task sent by the fourth network element, but is not limited thereto, and may also receive at least one computing task sent by other entities.

[0269] In some embodiments, the first terminal obtains at least one computing task specified by the protocol.

[0270] In some embodiments, the first terminal obtains at least one computing task from an upper layer(s).

[0271] In some embodiments, the first terminal performs processing to obtain at least one computing task.

[0272] In some embodiments, this step is optional. When the first terminal does not serve as a computing node, the first terminal may not receive computing tasks.

[0273] Step 3106: Receive the second message.

[0274] The optional implementation of step 3106 can refer to the optional implementation of step 2118 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0275] In some embodiments, the first terminal receives the second message sent by the third network element, but is not limited thereto, and may also receive the second message sent by other entities.

[0276] In some embodiments, the first terminal obtains a second message specified by the protocol.

[0277] In some embodiments, the first terminal obtains the second message from an upper layer(s).

[0278] In some embodiments, the first terminal performs processing to obtain the second message.

[0279] In some embodiments, this step is optional. When the first terminal does not serve as a computing node, the first terminal may not receive the second message.

[0280] Step 3107: Send the calculation results.

[0281] The optional implementation of step 3107 can refer to the optional implementation of step 2119 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0282] In some embodiments, the third network element may receive the calculation result.

[0283] In some embodiments, the first terminal may send the calculation result to the third network element, but is not limited thereto, and the calculation result may also be sent to other entities.

[0284] In some embodiments, this step is optional. When the first terminal does not serve as a computing node, the first terminal may not send the computing result.

[0285] Step 3108: Receive the result of the computing service.

[0286] The optional implementation of step 3108 can refer to the optional implementation of step 2125 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0287] In some embodiments, the first terminal receives the result of the computing service sent by the second network element, but is not limited thereto, and may also receive the result of the computing service sent by other entities.

[0288] In some embodiments, the first terminal obtains a result of a computing service specified by the protocol.

[0289] In some embodiments, the first terminal obtains the result of the computing service from an upper layer(s).

[0290] In some embodiments, the first terminal performs processing to obtain a result of the computing service.

[0291] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps 3101 to 3108. For example, step 3108 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 3101+3102+3103+3104+3105+3106+3107+3108 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 3101+3102+3103+3105+3106+3107+3108 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 3101+3102+3103+3107+3108 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps 3101+3102+3103+3108 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0292] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other embodiments or other examples.

[0293] FIG3b is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3b, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a first terminal 101, the method comprising:

[0294] Step 3201: Send a first message to a first network element.

[0295] Optional implementations of step 3201 can be found in step 2101 of FIG. 2 , optional implementations of step 3101 of FIG. 3 a , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 a , which will not be described in detail here.

[0296] Step 3202: Establish a user plane connection.

[0297] The optional implementation of step 3202 can refer to step 2109 in Figure 2, the optional implementation of step 3102 in Figure 3a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3a, which will not be repeated here.

[0298] Step 3203: Send service request data to the second network element.

[0299] The optional implementation of step 3203 can refer to step 2110 of Figure 2, the optional implementation of step 3103 of Figure 3a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3a, which will not be repeated here.

[0300] Step 3204: Receive the result of the computing service.

[0301] Optional implementations of step 3204 may refer to step 2125 of FIG. 2 , optional implementations of step 3108 of FIG. 3 a , and other related parts of the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 a , which will not be described in detail here.

[0302] The communication method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps 3201 to 3204. For example, step 3204 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps 3201+3202+3203+3204 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0303] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, and the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined and can be arbitrarily combined with other embodiments or examples.

[0304] FIG3c is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3c, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a first terminal 101, the method comprising:

[0305] Step 3301: Send a first message to a first network element.

[0306] The optional implementation of step 3301 can refer to the optional implementation of step 2101 in Figure 2, step 3101 in Figure 3a, step 3201 in Figure 3b, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3a, and 3b, which will not be repeated here.

[0307] Step 3302: Send service request data to the second network element.

[0308] The optional implementation of step 3302 can be found in step 2110 of Figure 2, step 3103 of Figure 3a, the optional implementation of step 3203 of Figure 3b, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3a, and 3b, which will not be repeated here.

[0309] Step 3303: Receive the result of the computing service.

[0310] The optional implementation of step 3303 can be found in step 2125 of Figure 2, step 3108 of Figure 3a, the optional implementation of step 3204 of Figure 3b, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3a, and 3b, which will not be repeated here.

[0311] FIG4a is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a first network element 102, the method comprising:

[0312] Step 4101: Receive the first message.

[0313] The optional implementation methods of step 4101 can be found in the optional implementation methods of step 2101 in Figure 2, step 3101 in Figure 3a, step 3201 in Figure 3b, and step 3301 in Figure 3c, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3a, 3b, and 3c, which will not be repeated here.

[0314] In some embodiments, the first network element receives the first message sent by the first terminal, but is not limited thereto and may also receive the first message sent by other entities.

[0315] In some embodiments, the first network element obtains a first message specified by a protocol.

[0316] In some embodiments, the first network element performs processing to obtain the first message.

[0317] Step 4102: Determine the fourth network element based on the first message.

[0318] The optional implementation of step 4102 can refer to the optional implementation of step 2102 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0319] Step 4103: Send the first message.

[0320] The optional implementation of step 4103 can refer to the optional implementation of step 2103 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0321] In some embodiments, the third network element may receive the first message.

[0322] In some embodiments, the first network element may send the first message to the third network element, but is not limited thereto. The first network element may also send the first message to other entities.

[0323] The communication method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps 4101 to 4103. For example, step 4101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, for example, steps 4101+4102+4103 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0324] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, and the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined and can be arbitrarily combined with other embodiments or examples.

[0325] FIG4b is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4b, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a first network element 102, the method comprising:

[0326] Step 4201: Receive the first message.

[0327] For the optional implementation of step 4201, please refer to step 2101 of Figure 2, step 3101 of Figure 3a, step 3201 of Figure 3b, step 3301 of Figure 3c, and the optional implementation of step 4101 of Figure 4a, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3a, 3b, 3c, and 4a, which will not be repeated here.

[0328] Step 4202: Determine the fourth network element based on the first message.

[0329] The optional implementation of step 4202 can refer to step 2102 in Figure 2, the optional implementation of step 4102 in Figure 4a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 4a, which will not be repeated here.

[0330] FIG5a is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG5a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a second network element 103, the method comprising:

[0331] Step 5101: Establish a user plane connection.

[0332] The optional implementation of step 5101 can refer to the optional implementation of step 2109 in Figure 2, step 3102 in Figure 3a, step 3202 in Figure 3b, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3a, which will not be repeated here.

[0333] Step 5102: Receive data requesting service.

[0334] The optional implementation of step 5102 can be found in step 2110 of Figure 2, step 3103 of Figure 3a, step 3203 of Figure 3b, and the optional implementation of step 3302 of Figure 3c, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3a, 3b, and 3c, which will not be repeated here.

[0335] In some embodiments, the second network element receives service requesting data sent by the first terminal, but is not limited thereto, and may also receive service requesting data sent by other entities.

[0336] In some embodiments, the second network element obtains data requesting a service as specified by the protocol.

[0337] In some embodiments, the second network element performs processing to obtain data for requesting service.

[0338] Step 5103: Send data requesting service.

[0339] The optional implementation of step 5103 can refer to the optional implementation of step 2111 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0340] In some embodiments, the third network element may receive data requesting a service.

[0341] In some embodiments, the second network element may send service requesting data to the third network element, but is not limited thereto and may also send service requesting data to other entities.

[0342] Step 5104: Receive the result of the computing service.

[0343] The optional implementation of step 5104 can refer to the optional implementation of step 2124 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0344] In some embodiments, the second network element receives the result of the computing service sent by the third source, but is not limited thereto, and may also receive the result of the computing service sent by other entities.

[0345] In some embodiments, the second network element obtains a result of a computing service specified by the protocol.

[0346] In some embodiments, the second network element performs processing to obtain a result of the computing service.

[0347] Step 5105: Send the result of the computing service.

[0348] The optional implementation methods of step 5105 can be found in the optional implementation methods of step 2125 of Figure 2, step 3108 of Figure 3a, step 3204 of Figure 3b, step 3303 of Figure 3c, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3a, 3b, and 3c, which will not be repeated here.

[0349] In some embodiments, the first terminal may receive a result of the computing service.

[0350] In some embodiments, the second network element may send the result of the computing service to the first terminal, but is not limited thereto and may also send the result of the computing service to other entities.

[0351] The communication method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps 5101 to 5105. For example, step 5105 may be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0352] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, and the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined and can be arbitrarily combined with other embodiments or examples.

[0353] FIG5b is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG5b, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a second network element 103, the method comprising:

[0354] Step 5201: Receive data requesting service.

[0355] For the optional implementation of step 5201, please refer to step 2110 of Figure 2, step 3103 of Figure 3a, step 3203 of Figure 3b, step 3302 of Figure 3c, and the optional implementation of step 5102 of Figure 5a, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3a, 3b, 3c, and 5a, which will not be repeated here.

[0356] Step 5202: Send the result of the computing service.

[0357] For the optional implementation of step 5202, please refer to step 2125 of Figure 2, step 3108 of Figure 3a, step 3204 of Figure 3b, step 3303 of Figure 3c, and the optional implementation of step 5105 of Figure 5a, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3a, 3b, 3c, and 5a, which will not be repeated here.

[0358] FIG6a is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG6a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a third network element 104, the method comprising:

[0359] Step 6101: Receive the first message.

[0360] The optional implementation of step 6101 can refer to step 2103 of Figure 2, the optional implementation of step 4103 of Figure 4a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 4a, which will not be repeated here.

[0361] In some embodiments, the third network element receives the first message sent by the first network element, but is not limited thereto and may also receive the first message sent by other entities.

[0362] In some embodiments, the third network element obtains a first message specified by a protocol.

[0363] In some embodiments, the third network element performs processing to obtain the first message.

[0364] Step 6102: Send the first message.

[0365] The optional implementation of step 6102 can refer to the optional implementation of step 2104 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0366] In some embodiments, the fourth network element may receive the first message.

[0367] In some embodiments, the third network element may send the first message to the fourth network element, but is not limited thereto. The third network element may also send the first message to other entities.

[0368] Step 6103: Receive data requesting service.

[0369] The optional implementation of step 6103 can refer to step 2111 of Figure 2, the optional implementation of step 5103 of Figure 5a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 5a, which will not be repeated here.

[0370] In some embodiments, the third network element receives service requesting data sent by the second network element, but is not limited thereto, and may also receive service requesting data sent by other entities.

[0371] In some embodiments, the third network element obtains data of the requested service specified by the protocol.

[0372] In some embodiments, the third network element performs processing to obtain data for requesting service.

[0373] Step 6104: Send data requesting service.

[0374] The optional implementation of step 6104 can refer to the optional implementation of step 2112 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0375] In some embodiments, the fourth network element may receive data requesting a service.

[0376] In some embodiments, the third network element may send data requesting a service to the fourth network element, but is not limited thereto. The third network element may also send data requesting a service to other entities.

[0377] Step 6105: Send the second message.

[0378] The optional implementation of step 6105 can be found in step 2118 of FIG. 2 , the optional implementation of step 3106 of FIG. 3 a , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 a , which will not be described in detail here.

[0379] In some embodiments, this step is optional. When the first terminal does not serve as a computing node, the first terminal may not receive the second message.

[0380] Step 6106: Receive calculation results.

[0381] The optional implementation of step 6106 can refer to step 2119 of Figure 2, the optional implementation of step 3107 of Figure 3a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3a, which will not be repeated here.

[0382] In some embodiments, the third network element receives the calculation result sent by the first terminal, but is not limited thereto, and may also receive the calculation result sent by other entities.

[0383] In some embodiments, the third network element obtains a calculation result specified by the protocol.

[0384] In some embodiments, the third network element performs processing to obtain the calculation result.

[0385] Step 6107: Perform data processing on the calculation result to obtain a processed calculation result.

[0386] The optional implementation of step 6107 can refer to the optional implementation of step 2120 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0387] Step 6108: Send the processed calculation results.

[0388] The optional implementation of step 6108 can refer to the optional implementation of step 2121 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0389] In some embodiments, the fourth network element may receive the processed calculation results.

[0390] In some embodiments, the third network element may send the processed calculation results to the fourth network element, but is not limited thereto. The third network element may also send the processed calculation results to other entities.

[0391] Step 6109: Receive the result of the computing service.

[0392] The optional implementation of step 6109 can refer to the optional implementation of step 2123 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0393] In some embodiments, the third network element receives the result of the computing service sent by the fourth network element, but is not limited thereto and may also receive the result of the computing service sent by other entities.

[0394] In some embodiments, the third network element obtains the result of the computing service specified by the protocol.

[0395] In some embodiments, the third network element performs processing to obtain a result of the computing service.

[0396] Step 6110: Send the result of the computing service.

[0397] For the optional implementation of step 6110, please refer to step 2110 of Figure 2, step 3103 of Figure 3a, step 3203 of Figure 3b, step 3302 of Figure 3c, step 5102 of Figure 5a, and the optional implementation of step 5201 of Figure 5b, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3a, 3b, 3c, 5a, and 5b, which will not be repeated here.

[0398] FIG6b is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG6b, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a third network element 104, the method comprising:

[0399] Step 6201: Receive the first message.

[0400] The optional implementation of step 6201 can be found in step 2103 of Figure 2, step 4103 of Figure 4a, the optional implementation of step 6101 of Figure 6a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 4a, and 6a, which will not be repeated here.

[0401] Step 6202: Send the first message.

[0402] The optional implementation of step 6202 can refer to step 2104 in Figure 2, the optional implementation of step 6102 in Figure 6a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 6a, which will not be repeated here.

[0403] Step 6203: Receive data requesting service.

[0404] The optional implementation of step 6203 can be found in step 2111 of Figure 2, step 5103 of Figure 5a, the optional implementation of step 6103 of Figure 6a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 5a, and 6a, which will not be repeated here.

[0405] Step 6204: Send data requesting service.

[0406] The optional implementation of step 6204 can refer to step 2112 of Figure 2, the optional implementation of step 6104 of Figure 6a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 6a, which will not be repeated here.

[0407] Step 6205: Receive the result of the computing service.

[0408] The optional implementation of step 6205 can refer to step 2123 of Figure 2, the optional implementation of step 6109 of Figure 6a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 6a, which will not be repeated here.

[0409] Step 6206: Send the result of the computing service.

[0410] For the optional implementation of step 6206, please refer to step 2110 of Figure 2, step 3103 of Figure 3a, step 3203 of Figure 3b, step 3302 of Figure 3c, step 5102 of Figure 5a, step 5201 of Figure 5b, and the optional implementation of step 6110 of Figure 6a, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3a, 3b, 3c, 5a, 5b, and 6a, which will not be repeated here.

[0411] FIG7a is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG7a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a third network element 104, the method comprising:

[0412] Step 7101: Receive the first message.

[0413] The optional implementation of step 7101 can refer to the optional implementation of step 2104 in Figure 2, step 6102 in Figure 6a, step 6202 in Figure 6b, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 6a, and 6b, which will not be repeated here.

[0414] In some embodiments, the fourth network element receives the first message sent by the third network element, but is not limited thereto and may also receive the first message sent by other entities.

[0415] In some embodiments, the fourth network element obtains a first message specified by the protocol.

[0416] In some embodiments, the fourth network element performs processing to obtain the first message.

[0417] Step 7102: Analyze the first message.

[0418] The optional implementation of step 7102 can refer to the optional implementation of step 2105 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0419] Step 7103: Generate a computing policy for executing the computing service.

[0420] The optional implementation of step 7103 can refer to the optional implementation of step 2106 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0421] Step 7104: Determine to use the user plane to perform computing services.

[0422] The optional implementation of step 7104 can refer to the optional implementation of step 2107 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0423] Step 7105: Initiate establishment of a user plane connection between the first terminal and the second network element.

[0424] The optional implementation of step 7104 can refer to the optional implementation of step 2108 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0425] Step 7106: Receive data requesting service.

[0426] The optional implementation of step 7106 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2112 in Figure 2, step 6104 in Figure 6a, step 6204 in Figure 6b, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 6a, and 6b, which will not be repeated here.

[0427] In some embodiments, the fourth network element receives service requesting data sent by the third network element, but is not limited thereto, and may also receive service requesting data sent by other entities.

[0428] In some embodiments, the fourth network element obtains data of a requested service specified by a protocol.

[0429] In some embodiments, the fourth network element performs processing to obtain data for requesting service.

[0430] Step 7107: Determine multiple candidate nodes from the seventh network element.

[0431] The optional implementation of step 7107 can refer to the optional implementation of step 2113 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0432] Step 7108: Based on the capability information of multiple candidate nodes, determine to perform real-time capability reporting.

[0433] The optional implementation of step 7108 can refer to the optional implementation of step 2114 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0434] Step 7109: Receive real-time capability information of the first terminal.

[0435] The optional implementation of step 7109 can be found in step 2115 of FIG. 2 , the optional implementation of step 3104 of FIG. 3 a , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 a , which will not be described in detail here.

[0436] In some embodiments, the fourth network element receives the real-time capability information of the first terminal sent by the first terminal, but is not limited thereto. The fourth network element may also receive the real-time capability information of the first terminal sent by other entities.

[0437] In some embodiments, the fourth network element obtains real-time capability information of the first terminal specified by the protocol.

[0438] In some embodiments, the fourth network element performs processing to obtain the real-time capability information of the first terminal.

[0439] In some embodiments, this step is an optional step. When the first terminal is not a candidate node, the first terminal may not send the implementation capability information of the first terminal.

[0440] Step 7110: Determine at least one computing node from the candidate nodes based on the real-time capability information.

[0441] The optional implementation of step 7110 can refer to the optional implementation of step 2116 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0442] Step 7111: Issue at least one computing task to at least one computing node.

[0443] The optional implementation of step 7111 can refer to step 2117 of Figure 2, the optional implementation of step 3105 of Figure 3a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3a, which will not be repeated here.

[0444] Step 7112: Receive the processed calculation results.

[0445] The optional implementation of step 7112 can refer to the optional implementation of step 2121 in Figure 2, step 6108 in Figure 6a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 6a, which will not be repeated here.

[0446] In some embodiments, the fourth network element receives the processed calculation results sent by the third network element, but is not limited thereto and may also receive the processed calculation results sent by other entities.

[0447] In some embodiments, the fourth network element obtains a processed calculation result specified by the protocol.

[0448] In some embodiments, the fourth network element performs processing to obtain a processed calculation result.

[0449] Step 7113: Based on the data of the computing service and the computing strategy, the computing result of the processed at least one computing node is calculated to obtain the result of the computing service.

[0450] The optional implementation of step 7113 can refer to the optional implementation of step 2122 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0451] Step 7114: Send the result of the computing service.

[0452] The optional implementation of step 7114 can refer to the optional implementation of step 2123 in Figure 2, step 6109 in Figure 6a, step 6205 in Figure 6b, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 6a, and 6b, which will not be repeated here.

[0453] In some embodiments, the third network element may receive the result of the computing service.

[0454] In some embodiments, the fourth network element may send the result of the computing service to the third network element, but is not limited thereto. The fourth network element may also send the result of the computing service to other entities.

[0455] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps 7101 to 7113. For example, step 7113 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, for example, steps 7101+7102+7103+7104+7105+7106+7107+7108+7109+7110+7111+7112+7113+7114 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 7101+7103+7104+7105+7106+7107+7108+7109+7110+7111+7112+7113+7114 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps 7101+ 7104+7105+7106+7107+7108+7109+7110+7111+7112+7113+7114 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 7101+7106+7107+7108+7109+7110+7111+7112+7113+7114 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, 7101+7106+7107+7109+7110+7111+7112+7113+7114 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but are not limited to this.

[0456] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, and the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined and can be arbitrarily combined with other embodiments or examples.

[0457] FIG7b is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG7b , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a third network element 104, the method comprising:

[0458] Step 7201: Receive the first message.

[0459] The optional implementation of step 7201 can be found in step 2104 of Figure 2, step 6102 of Figure 6a, step 6202 of Figure 6b, the optional implementation of step 7101 of Figure 7a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 6a, 6b, and 7a, which will not be repeated here.

[0460] Step 7202: Receive data requesting service.

[0461] The optional implementation of step 7202 can be found in step 2112 of Figure 2, step 6104 of Figure 6a, step 6204 of Figure 6b, the optional implementation of step 7106 of Figure 7a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 6a, 6b, and 7a, which will not be repeated here.

[0462] Step 7203: Determine multiple candidate nodes from the seventh network element.

[0463] The optional implementation of step 7203 can refer to step 2113 of Figure 2, the optional implementation of step 7107 of Figure 7a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 7a, which will not be repeated here.

[0464] Step 7204: Receive real-time capability information of the first terminal.

[0465] The optional implementation of step 7204 can refer to the optional implementation of step 2115 in Figure 2, step 3104 in Figure 3a, step 7109 in Figure 7a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3a, and 7a, which will not be repeated here.

[0466] Step 7205: Determine at least one computing node from the candidate nodes based on the real-time capability information.

[0467] The optional implementation of step 7205 can refer to step 2116 of Figure 2, the optional implementation of step 7110 of Figure 7a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 7a, which will not be repeated here.

[0468] Step 7206: Publish at least one computing task to at least one computing node.

[0469] The optional implementation of step 7206 can be found in step 2117 of Figure 2, step 3105 of Figure 3a, the optional implementation of step 7111 of Figure 7a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3a, and 7a, which will not be repeated here.

[0470] Step 7207: Receive the processed calculation results.

[0471] The optional implementation of step 7207 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2121 in Figure 2, step 6108 in Figure 6a, step 7112 in Figure 7a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 6a, and 7a, which will not be repeated here.

[0472] Step 7208: Based on the data of the computing service and the computing strategy, the computing result of the at least one processed computing node is calculated to obtain the result of the computing service.

[0473] The optional implementation of step 7208 can refer to the optional implementation of step 2122 in Figure 2, step 7113 in Figure 7a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 7a, which will not be repeated here.

[0474] Step 7209: Send the result of the computing service.

[0475] The optional implementation of step 7209 can be found in step 2123 of Figure 2, step 6109 of Figure 6a, step 6205 of Figure 6b, and the optional implementation of step 7114 of Figure 7a, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 6a, 6b, and 7a, which will not be repeated here.

[0476] FIG7c is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG7c, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a third network element 104, the method comprising:

[0477] Step 7301: Receive the first message.

[0478] For the optional implementation of step 7301, please refer to step 2104 of Figure 2, step 6102 of Figure 6a, step 6202 of Figure 6b, step 7101 of Figure 7a, the optional implementation of step 7201 of Figure 7b, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 6a, 6b, 7a, and 7b, which will not be repeated here.

[0479] Step 7302: Receive data requesting service.

[0480] For the optional implementation of step 7302, please refer to step 2112 of Figure 2, step 6104 of Figure 6a, step 6204 of Figure 6b, step 7106 of Figure 7a, the optional implementation of step 7202 of Figure 7b, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 6a, 6b, 7a, and 7b, which will not be repeated here.

[0481] Step 7303: Send the result of the computing service.

[0482] For the optional implementation of step 7303, please refer to step 2123 of Figure 2, step 6109 of Figure 6a, step 6205 of Figure 6b, step 7114 of Figure 7a, the optional implementation of step 7209 of Figure 7b, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 6a, 6b, 7a, and 7b, which will not be repeated here.

[0483] Figure 8 is a flow chart of a communication method based on the environmental Internet of Things according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 8, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a communication system, the communication system including a first terminal, a first network element, a second network element, a third network element, a fourth network element, and a fifth network element. Optionally, the communication system also includes a sixth network element, a seventh network element, a computing node, and a data network. The method includes:

[0484] Step 8101: The first terminal sends a first message to the first network element.

[0485] For the optional implementation of step 8101, please refer to step 2101 of Figure 2, step 3101 of Figure 3a, step 3201 of Figure 3b, step 3301 of Figure 3c, step 4101 of Figure 4a, step 4201 of Figure 4b, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3a, 3b, 3c, 4a, and 4b, which will not be repeated here.

[0486] Step 8102: The first network element determines the fourth network element based on the first message.

[0487] The optional implementation of step 8102 can refer to the optional implementation of step 2102 in Figure 2, step 4102 in Figure 4a, step 4202 in Figure 4b, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 4a, and 4b, which will not be repeated here.

[0488] Step 8103: The first network element sends a first message to the third network element.

[0489] The optional implementation methods of step 8103 can be found in step 2103 of Figure 2, step 4103 of Figure 4a, step 6101 of Figure 6a, and the optional implementation methods of step 6201 of Figure 6b, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 4a, 6a, and 6b, which will not be repeated here.

[0490] Step 8104: The third network element sends a first message to the fourth network element.

[0491] For the optional implementation of step 8104, please refer to step 2104 of Figure 2, step 6102 of Figure 6a, step 6202 of Figure 6b, step 7101 of Figure 7a, the optional implementation of step 7201 of Figure 7b, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, Figure 6a, Figure 6b, Figure 7a, and Figure 7b, which will not be repeated here.

[0492] Step 8105: The first terminal sends data requesting service to the second network element.

[0493] For the optional implementation of step 8105, please refer to step 2110 of Figure 2, step 3103 of Figure 3a, step 3203 of Figure 3b, step 3302 of Figure 3c, step 5102 of Figure 5a, and the optional implementation of step 5201 of Figure 5b, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3a, 3b, 3c, 5a, and 5b, which will not be repeated here.

[0494] Step 8106: The second network element sends data requesting service to the third network element.

[0495] The optional implementation methods of step 8106 can be found in step 2111 of Figure 2, step 5103 of Figure 5a, step 6103 of Figure 6a, and the optional implementation methods of step 6203 of Figure 6b, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 5a, 6a, and 6b, which will not be repeated here.

[0496] Step 8107: The third network element sends data requesting service to the fourth network element.

[0497] For the optional implementation of step 8107, please refer to step 2112 of Figure 2, step 6104 of Figure 6a, step 6204 of Figure 6b, step 7106 of Figure 7a, step 7202 of Figure 7b, and the optional implementation of step 7301 of Figure 7c, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, and 7c, which will not be repeated here.

[0498] Step 8108: The fourth network element sends the result of the computing service to the third network element.

[0499] For the optional implementation of step 8108, please refer to step 2123 of Figure 2, step 6109 of Figure 6a, step 6205 of Figure 6b, step 7114 of Figure 7a, step 7209 of Figure 7b, and the optional implementation of step 7303 of Figure 7c, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, and 7c, which will not be repeated here.

[0500] Step 8109: The third network element sends the result of the computing service to the second network element.

[0501] For the optional implementation of step 8109, please refer to step 2110 of Figure 2, step 3103 of Figure 3a, step 3203 of Figure 3b, step 3302 of Figure 3c, step 5102 of Figure 5a, step 5201 of Figure 5b, step 6110 of Figure 6a, and the optional implementation of step 6206 of Figure 6b, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3a, 3b, 3c, 5a, 5b, 6a, and 6b, which will not be repeated here.

[0502] Step 8110: The second network element sends the result of the computing service to the first terminal.

[0503] For the optional implementation of step 8110, please refer to step 2125 of Figure 2, step 3108 of Figure 3a, step 3204 of Figure 3b, step 3303 of Figure 3c, step 5105 of Figure 5a, and the optional implementation of step 5202 of Figure 5b, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3a, 3b, 3c, 5a, and 5b, which will not be repeated here.

[0504] The following is an exemplary introduction to the above method.

[0505] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for collaborative computing via a user plane in a 6G network.

[0506] To implement the proposed method, this example proposes a new architecture with specific computing functions, as shown in Figure 8. This network architecture is based on the existing 5G network architecture and reorganizes network functions. This new architecture is applicable to all existing services (including but not limited to positioning services and perception services). Furthermore, the terminal and gNB can also possess computing and perception capabilities, utilizing local computing resources for calculations and data processing. This enables distributed computing across multiple terminals, gNBs, and AFs, significantly improving the utilization of idle computing resources.

[0507] Based on the idea of ​​functional reorganization mentioned above, the following three network functions are proposed.

[0508] 1. Data Storage Function (DSF): The DSF reorganizes the NFs responsible for storage (e.g., NRF / UDR / UDM). The DSF can be used in new scenarios such as sensing and positioning, and can also provide new capabilities. For example, it can store information related to sensing and computing nodes, as well as positioning assistance information such as 3D maps and gNB absolute positions.

[0509] 2. Data Collection Function (DCF), which can obtain real-time network information, collect data and information provided by NFs / gNB / terminals, and format the obtained data and information.

[0510] 3. Computing Function (CF): Future networks will have powerful service-oriented computing capabilities. Computing capabilities can include at least one of the following:

[0511] 1) For collaborative computing tasks across multiple terminals / gNBs / AFs, the computing function can schedule the resources of each computing node and also provide AI analysis / computing / prediction capabilities.

[0512] 2) For sensing / positioning services, the computing function can use the computing power of the network and the stored auxiliary information to provide higher quality services.

[0513] 3) The ability to provide specific AI computing services.

[0514] Based on the new architecture described above, a network collaborative computing service process is proposed, as shown in Figure 9. This solution can design network collaborative computing assisted by the terminal, gNB, or third-party AF based on the proposed 6G network architecture. In scenarios where the computing service requested by the terminal involves large-scale data, the network performs the computing task through the user plane and initiates a request to establish the user plane. The network deploys the task to the terminal, gNB, or third-party AF based on capability information obtained in real time or stored in the core network. The specific steps of this solution are as follows:

[0515] In step 9101, the terminal sends a large-scale data computing service request to the AMF, which includes the UE ID, service type, service description, and QoS requirements.

[0516] In step 9102, based on the message received in step 9101, the AMF selects a computing function and sends the service request and computing function identifier to the data collection function. The data collection function sends the service request to the computing function.

[0517] Step 9103: The computing function analyzes the service request and generates a computing strategy, and determines to use the user plane to execute the computing service.

[0518] In step 9104, the computing function initiates the establishment of a user plane connection with the terminal. The QoS parameters of the service are configured in the UPF. The computing function and the data collection function transmit data with the terminal via the user plane under the monitoring and routing of the UPF.

[0519] In step 9105, the terminal sends the service request data to the data collection function via the user plane through the UPF, and the data collection function processes the data and sends it to the computing function.

[0520] In step 9106, the computing function calls the capability information (terminal / gNB / third-party AF) for the data storage function based on the received data and the analysis results obtained in step 9103 to obtain service operations.

[0521] Step 9107: The computing function determines whether to request real-time capability information reporting based on the acquired capability information.

[0522] In step 9108, the computing function executes task scheduling based on the obtained capability information. The computing node executing the task may include at least one of a terminal, gNB, or AF. The selected terminal, gNB, or AF may be one or multiple (2 to n) terminals, gNBs, or AFs. The computing function may split the computing service into multiple computing tasks and deploy the computing service on multiple computing nodes, with each computing node executing its corresponding computing task.

[0523] In step 9109, the computing function sends the computing task deployment to the data collection function (the task includes original data, computing method, Qos requirements, etc.).

[0524] a. The data collection function sends computation task requests to the relevant gNBs and terminals via the user plane. The gNBs and terminals perform the tasks based on the received requests and send the results to the data collection function via the user plane.

[0525] b. The data collection function sends a computing task request to the relevant third-party AF through the NEF and sends the original data to the data network (DN). The third-party AF performs the task based on the received request and sends the result to the data collection function.

[0526] In step 9110, the data collection function performs data collection and cleaning.

[0527] Step 9111: The data collection function sends the task results to the calculation function.

[0528] In step 9112, the calculation function performs aggregation and calculation based on the calculation policy and the data received from the data collection function.

[0529] Step 9113: The calculation function returns the calculation result to the service requesting terminal via the user plane.

[0530] In summary, in the above examples of the present disclosure, the computing function can perform computing tasks through the user plane based on the service request, and can establish a user plane request. At the same time, the terminal, gNB or AF can assist the network in collaborative computing, making full use of the computing capabilities of the terminal and gNB.

[0531] Figure 10a is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first terminal 101 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 10a, the first terminal 101 includes a transceiver module configured to: send a first message to a first network element, the first message being used to request a computing service; send service request data to a second network element via a user plane connection; and receive the computing service result sent by the second network element via a user plane connection. Optionally, the transceiver module 10101 is configured to execute at least one of the communication steps (such as sending and / or receiving) performed by the first terminal 101 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps 2101, 2110, 2115, 2117, 2118, 2119, and 2125, but not limited thereto), which will not be further described herein.

[0532] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 10101 may also be configured to send the real-time capability information of the first terminal to the fourth network element.

[0533] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 10101 may also be used to receive at least one computing task.

[0534] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 10101 may also be used to: receive a second message.

[0535] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 10101 may also be used to send calculation results to a third network element.

[0536] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 may further include a processing module configured to establish a user plane connection.

[0537] Figure 10b is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first network element 102 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 10b, the first network element 102 includes a transceiver module 10201 for receiving a first message sent by a first terminal, the first message being used to request a computing service; optionally, the transceiver module 10201 is configured to execute at least one of the communication steps (such as, but not limited to, steps 2101 and 2103) performed by the first network element 102 in any of the above methods, which will not be further described here.

[0538] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 10201 may also be used to: send a first message to a third network element.

[0539] In some embodiments, the first network element 102 also includes: a processing module for determining the fourth network element based on the first message; optionally, the above-mentioned processing module 10202 is used to execute at least one of the communication steps such as processing performed by the first network element 102 in any of the above methods (for example, step 2102, etc., but not limited to this), which will not be repeated here.

[0540] Figure 10c is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second network element 103 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 10c, the second network element 103 includes a transceiver module 10301, which is configured to: receive service request data sent by the first terminal via a user plane connection; and transmit the result of the computing service to the first terminal via the user plane connection. Optionally, the transceiver module 10301 is configured to execute at least one of the communication steps (such as sending and / or receiving) performed by the second network element 103 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps 2110, 2111, 2124, and 2125, but not limited thereto), which will not be further described here.

[0541] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 10301 may also be used to send service requesting data to a third network element.

[0542] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 10301 may also be used to receive the results of the computing service.

[0543] Figure 10d is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third network element 104 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 10d, the second network element 104 includes a transceiver module 10401, which is configured to: receive a first message sent by the first network element and send a first message to the fourth network element, the first message being used to request a computing service; receive computing service data sent by the second network element via a user plane connection and send the computing service data to the fourth network element; receive computing service results sent by the fourth network element via a user plane connection and send the computing service results to the second network element. Optionally, the transceiver module 10401 is configured to execute at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps 2103, 2104, 2111, 2112, 2118, 2119, 2123, 2124, etc., but not limited thereto) performed by the third network element 104 in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0544] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 10401 may also be used to send a second message to at least one computing node.

[0545] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 10401 may also be used to receive calculation results sent by at least one computing node.

[0546] In some embodiments, the third network element 104 further includes a processing module, configured to perform data processing on the calculation result to obtain a processed calculation result.

[0547] Figure 10e is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fourth network element 105 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 10e, the third network element 105 includes a transceiver module 10501, which is configured to: receive a first message sent by the third network element, the first message being used to request a computing service; receive computing service data sent by the third network element via a user plane connection; and send computing service results to the third network element via a user plane connection. Optionally, the transceiver module 10501 is configured to execute at least one of the communication steps (such as sending and / or receiving) performed by the fourth network element 105 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps 2104, 2112, 2115, 2117, 2121, and 2123, but not limited thereto), which will not be further described herein.

[0548] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 10501 may also be used to receive real-time capability information of the first terminal.

[0549] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 10501 may also be used to: publish at least one computing task to at least one computing node.

[0550] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 10501 may also be used to receive processed calculation results.

[0551] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 105 further includes a processing module configured to analyze the first message.

[0552] In some embodiments, the processing module may further be configured to generate a computing policy for executing the computing service.

[0553] In some embodiments, the processing module may further be configured to: determine to use the user plane to perform the computing service.

[0554] In some embodiments, the processing module may further be configured to initiate establishment of a user plane connection between the first terminal and the second network element.

[0555] In some embodiments, the processing module may be further configured to: determine a plurality of candidate nodes from the seventh network element.

[0556] In some embodiments, the processing module may also be used to: determine to perform real-time capability reporting based on capability information of multiple candidate nodes

[0557] In some embodiments, the processing module may further be configured to: determine at least one computing node from the candidate nodes based on the real-time capability information.

[0558] In some embodiments, the processing module may also be used to: calculate the computation result of at least one processed computation node based on the data of the computation service and the computation strategy to obtain the result of the computation service.

[0559] As shown in Figure 11a, the communication device 11100 includes one or more processors 11101. Processor 11101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (such as a base station, baseband chip, terminal device, terminal device chip, DU or CU, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Processor 11101 is used to call instructions to enable the communication device 11100 to perform any of the above methods.

[0560] In some embodiments, the communication device 11100 further includes one or more memories 11102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 11102 may be located outside the communication device 11100.

[0561] In some embodiments, the communication device 11100 further includes one or more transceivers 11103. When the communication device 11100 includes one or more transceivers 11103, the communication steps such as sending and receiving in the above method are performed by the transceiver 11103, and the other steps are performed by the processor 11101.

[0562] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, and transceiver circuit may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit may be used interchangeably.

[0563] Optionally, the communication device 11100 further includes one or more interface circuits 11104, which are connected to the memory 11102. The interface circuits 11104 may be configured to receive signals from the memory 11102 or other devices, and may be configured to send signals to the memory 11102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 11104 may read instructions stored in the memory 11102 and send the instructions to the processor 11101.

[0564] The communication device 11100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 11100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 11100 may not be limited by FIG. 11a. The communication device may be an independent device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: 1) an independent integrated circuit IC, or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the above IC collection may also include a storage component for storing data or programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, a terminal device, an intelligent terminal device, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handheld device, a mobile unit, an in-vehicle device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0565] FIG11 b is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip 11200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. If the communication device 11100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 11200 shown in FIG11 b , but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0566] The chip 11200 includes one or more processors 11201 , and the processor 11201 is used to call instructions so that the chip 11200 executes any of the above methods.

[0567] In some embodiments, chip 11200 further includes one or more interface circuits 11202, which are connected to memory 11203. Interface circuit 11202 can be used to receive signals from memory 11203 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to memory 11203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 11202 can read instructions stored in memory 11203 and send the instructions to processor 11201. Optionally, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, and transceiver are interchangeable.

[0568] In some embodiments, the chip 11200 further includes one or more memories 11203 for storing instructions. Alternatively, all or part of the memories 11203 may be located outside the chip 11200.

[0569] The present disclosure also provides a storage medium having instructions stored thereon. When the instructions are executed on the communication device 11100, the communication device 11100 is caused to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but is not limited thereto and may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but is not limited thereto and may also be a transient storage medium.

[0570] The present disclosure also provides a program product, which, when executed by the communication device 11100, enables the communication device 11100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0571] The present disclosure also proposes a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform any one of the above methods.

[0572] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs. When the computer program is loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present disclosure are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program 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 program can be transmitted from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center via a wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) method. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media integrated therein. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (eg, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (eg, a high-density digital video disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium (eg, a solid state disk (SSD)).

[0573] The correspondences shown in the tables of the present disclosure can be configured or predefined. The values ​​of the information in each table are merely examples and can be configured to other values, which are not limited by the present disclosure. When configuring the correspondences between information and parameters, it is not necessarily required to configure all the correspondences shown in each table. For example, in the tables of the present disclosure, the correspondences shown in certain rows may not be configured. For another example, appropriate deformation adjustments can be made based on the above tables, such as splitting, merging, etc. The names of the parameters shown in the titles of the above tables may also adopt other names that can be understood by the communication device, and the values ​​or representations of the parameters may also adopt other values ​​or representations that can be understood by the communication device. When implementing the above tables, other data structures may also be used, such as arrays, queues, containers, stacks, linear lists, pointers, linked lists, trees, graphs, structures, classes, heaps, hash tables or hash tables, etc.

[0574] The predefined in the present disclosure may be understood as defined, predefined, stored, pre-stored, pre-negotiated, pre-configured, solidified, or pre-burned.

[0575] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professionals and technicians can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this disclosure.

[0576] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0577] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, but the scope of protection of the present disclosure 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 disclosure should be included in the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a first terminal, and the method includes: Sending a first message to a first network element, where the first message is used to request a computing service; Sending the data for the requested service to a second network element through a user plane connection; Receiving the result of the computing service sent by the second network element through the user plane connection.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The method further includes: Establishing the user plane connection between the first terminal and the second network element, where the user plane connection is used for the second network element to send the data for the requested service to a third network element and / or a fourth network element.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Under a first condition, sending the real-time capability information of the first terminal to the fourth network element, where the first condition is that: among the multiple candidate nodes determined by the fourth network element, the first terminal is included, and the fourth network element determines at least one computing node from the multiple candidate nodes, and the at least one computing node is used to execute at least one computing task corresponding to the computing service.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein The method further includes: Receiving a second message sent by the third network element through the user plane connection, where the second message is used to request the first terminal to execute a corresponding computing task.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first message includes at least one of the following: The identifier of the first terminal; The type of the computing service; The description of the computing service; The quality of service requirement.

6. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a first network element, and the method includes: Receiving a first message sent by a first terminal, where the first message is used to request a computing service; Determining a fourth network element based on the first message.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending the first message to a third network element, where the third network element is used to send the first message to the fourth network element.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first message includes at least one of the following: The identifier of the first terminal; The type of the computing service; The description of the computing service; The quality of service requirement.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a second network element, and the method includes: Receiving the data for the requested service sent by a first terminal through a user plane connection; Sending the result of the computing service to the first terminal through the user plane connection.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The method further includes: Establishing the user plane connection between the first terminal and the second network element.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending the data for the requested service to a third network element.

12. A communication method, characterized in that The method is executed by a third network element, and the method includes: Receiving a first message sent by a first network element and sending the first message to a fourth network element, where the first message is used to request a computing service; Receiving the data of the computing service sent by a second network element through a user plane connection and sending the data of the computing service to the fourth network element; Receiving the result of the computing service sent by the fourth network element through the user plane connection and sending the result of the computing service to the second network element.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein The method further includes: Sending a second message to at least one computing node through the user plane connection, where the second message is used to request the at least one computing node to execute a corresponding computing task, and the at least one computing node includes at least one of the following: the first terminal, at least one second terminal, at least one network device; Receive the calculation results sent by the at least one computing node through the user plane connection.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second message to at least one computing node through a fifth network element, where the second message is used to request the at least one computing node to execute corresponding computing tasks, and the at least one computing node includes at least one sixth network element; Receive the calculation results sent by the at least one computing node.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that The method further includes: Perform data processing on the calculation results sent by the at least one computing node to obtain processed calculation results; Send the processed calculation results to the fourth network element.

16. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a fourth network element, and the method includes: Receive a first message sent by a third network element, where the first message is used to request a computing service; Receive the data of the computing service sent by the third network element through the user plane connection; Send the result of the computing service to the third network element through the user plane connection.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: Analyze the first message to obtain an analysis result; Generate a computing policy for executing the computing service; Determine to use the user plane to execute the computing service.

18. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: Initiate the establishment of the user plane connection between the first terminal and the second network element, and the fourth network element transmits data through the user plane connection between the second network element and the first terminal.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein The method further includes: In the case where a seventh network element opens a call function to the fourth network element, determine a plurality of candidate nodes from the seventh network element based on the data of the computing service and the analysis result.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein The method further includes: Determine to perform real-time capability reporting based on the capability information of the plurality of candidate nodes; Receive the real-time capability information reported by the plurality of candidate nodes; Determine at least one computing node from the plurality of candidate nodes based on the real-time capability information, where the at least one computing node is used to execute at least one computing task of the computing service.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The method further includes: Publish the at least one computing task to the at least one computing node.

22. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 21, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the processed calculation results of the at least one computing node sent by the third network element; Calculate the processed calculation results of the at least one computing node based on the data of the computing service and the computing policy to obtain the result of the computing service.

23. A first terminal, characterized in that, Include a transceiver module for: Send a first message to a first network element, where the first message is used to request a computing service; Send the data of the requested service to a second network element through the user plane connection; Receive the result of the computing service sent by the second network element through the user plane connection.

24. A first network element, characterized in that, Include: A transceiver module for receiving a first message sent by a first terminal, where the first message is used to request a computing service; A processing module for determining a fourth network element based on the first message.

25. A second network element, characterized in that, Include a transceiver module for: Receive the data of the requested service sent by a first terminal through the user plane connection; Send the result of the computing service to the first terminal through the user plane connection.

26. A third network element, characterized in that, Include a transceiver module for: Receive the first message sent by the first network element and send the first message to the fourth network element, where the first message is used to request computing services; Receive the data of the computing service sent by the second network element through the user plane connection and send the data of the computing service to the fourth network element; Receive the result of the computing service sent by the fourth network element through the user plane connection and send the result of the computing service to the second network element.

27. A fourth network element, characterized in that, It includes a transceiver module for: Receive the first message sent by the third network element, where the first message is used to request computing services; Receive the data of the computing service sent by the third network element through the user plane connection; Send the result of the computing service to the third network element through the user plane connection.

28. A communication device, wherein, It includes: A transceiver; A memory; A processor, which is respectively connected to the transceiver and the memory, and is configured to control the wireless signal transceiver of the transceiver by executing the computer-executable instructions on the memory, and can implement the method described in any one of claims 1-22.

29. A computer storage medium, wherein, The computer storage medium stores computer-executable instructions; after the computer-executable instructions are executed by the processor, the method described in any one of claims 1-22 can be implemented.

30. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes: A first terminal, a first network element, a second network element, a third network element, and a fourth network element, where the first terminal is used to execute the method described in any one of claims 1-5; The first network element is used to execute the method described in any one of claims 6-8; the second network element is used to execute the method described in any one of claims 9-11; the third network element is used to execute the method described in any one of claims 12-15; the fourth network element is used to execute the method described in any one of claims 16-22.

31. The system according to claim 30, wherein It further includes at least one of the following: A fifth network element, which is used to send a second message to at least one computing node, where the second message is used to request the at least one computing node to execute the corresponding computing task; A sixth network element, which is used to execute at least one computing task of the computing service; A seventh network element, which is used to store the information of the computing node; A computing node, which is used to execute at least one computing task of the computing service, and the computing node includes at least one of the following: the first terminal, at least one second terminal, at least one network device, at least one sixth network element; A data network, which is used to store metadata.

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