Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

Disclosed in the present application are a communication method and apparatus. The method comprises: a radio access network (RAN) device receiving a first message from a first network element, wherein the first message comprises target area information of a timing service, and the target area information comprises an identifier of a cell and / or a base station in a target area of the timing service; the RAN device receiving location update information from a terminal device, wherein the location update information comprises an identifier of a cell and / or a base station in which the terminal device is currently located; on the basis of the location update information, the RAN device determining that the terminal device enters or leaves the target area of the timing service; and the RAN device sending a second message to the first network element, wherein the second message is used for indicating that the terminal device enters or leaves the target area of the timing service. By using the present application, timing-service coverage-area control at a cell granularity and / or a base-station granularity can be achieved for a terminal device, thereby improving the control precision of a timing service, and also making the timing more flexible.

Description

Communication method and device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application with application number 202410174281.6 filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on February 7, 2024, and priority to the Chinese patent application with the invention name “A Communication Method and Device”, all contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

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

[0003] With the continuous development of communication technology, fifth-generation mobile communication technology (5G) has been widely used in many fields. Among them, absolute time synchronization is one of the basic requirements for applying 5G systems in vertical industry scenarios such as the Industrial Internet. Currently, the core network of the 5G system controls the coverage area (CA) where terminal devices can receive timing services at the granularity of tracking areas (TAs) based on requests from application function (AF) entities or subscription data from user equipment (UE). Currently, there is an urgent need for a solution that can more flexibly and finely control the coverage area of ​​timing services. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and apparatus that can implement cell and / or base station granularity control of the timing service coverage area of ​​a terminal device, thereby improving the control accuracy of the timing service and making the timing service more flexible.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a radio access network (RAN) device, or a chip or circuit configured in the RAN device, including:

[0006] Receive a first message from a first network element, the first message including target area information of the timing service, the target area information including identifiers of cells and / or base stations within the target area of ​​the timing service; receive location update information from a terminal device, the location update information including identifiers of the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located; determine, based on the location update information, whether the terminal device enters or leaves the target area of ​​the timing service; send a second message to the first network element, the second message being used to indicate that the terminal device enters or leaves the target area of ​​the timing service.

[0007] By receiving the first message, the RAN device can determine the target area of ​​the timing service. By receiving the location update information from the terminal device, the RAN device can perceive the location of the terminal device at the cell and / or base station granularity. By judging whether the terminal device enters or leaves the target area of ​​the timing service, it is conducive to realizing the timing service coverage area control of the terminal device at the cell and / or base station granularity, thereby improving the control accuracy of the timing service.

[0008] In one possible design, RAN notification area information is determined based on the target area information for the timing service. The RAN notification area information includes identifiers of cells and / or base stations within the RAN notification area. The RAN device then transmits the RAN notification area information to the terminal device. Configuring the RAN notification area associated with the target area for the timing service facilitates the RAN device's ability to page the terminal device at the cell and / or base station granularity, thereby enabling cell and / or base station granularity control of the terminal device's timing service coverage area and improving the control accuracy of the timing service.

[0009] In another possible design, if the target area of ​​the timing service overlaps with a preset RAN notification area, and the overlap includes the cell and / or base station to which the terminal device last connected, the overlap serves as the RAN notification area. If the target area of ​​the timing service overlaps with the preset RAN notification area, and the overlap does not include the cell and / or base station to which the terminal device last connected, the remaining areas of the preset RAN notification area, excluding the overlap, serve as the RAN notification area. If the target area of ​​the timing service overlaps with the preset RAN notification area, the preset RAN notification area serves as the RAN notification area. Configuring a RAN notification area related to the target area of ​​the timing service facilitates RAN devices to page terminal devices at the cell and / or base station granularity, thereby enabling cell and / or base station granularity control of the timing service coverage area for the terminal device and improving the control accuracy of the timing service.

[0010] In another possible design, if the identifiers of the cells and / or base stations within the target area of ​​the timing service include the identifiers of the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located, then it is determined that the terminal device has entered the target area of ​​the timing service; if the identifiers of the cells and / or base stations within the target area of ​​the timing service do not include the identifiers of the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located, then it is determined that the terminal device has left the target area of ​​the timing service. By determining whether the terminal device has entered or left the target area of ​​the timing service, it is beneficial to achieve strict control of the timing service coverage area.

[0011] In another possible design, the second message includes an identifier of the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located. This is beneficial for subsequently activating or deactivating the timing service of the terminal device through the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located, thereby improving the control accuracy of the timing service.

[0012] In another possible design, the first message also includes an identifier of the terminal device, which is helpful for the RAN device to page a specific terminal device.

[0013] In another possible design, the terminal device is in an inactive state, which helps the RAN device to perceive the location of the inactive terminal device at the cell and / or base station granularity.

[0014] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a terminal device, or a chip or circuit configured in the terminal device, including:

[0015] Receive RAN notification area information from the RAN device, the RAN notification area information includes the identification of the cells and / or base stations within the RAN notification area; send location update information to the RAN device, the location update information includes the identification of the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located, and the location update information is used to determine whether the terminal device enters or leaves the target area of ​​the timing service.

[0016] By receiving RAN notification area information, the terminal device can report its location to the RAN device at the cell and / or base station granularity, so that the RAN device can subsequently determine the target area for the terminal device to enter or leave the timing service, thereby realizing the timing service coverage area control of the terminal device at the cell and / or base station granularity, thereby improving the control accuracy of the timing service.

[0017] In one possible design, if the terminal device is in an inactive state, it sends location update information to the RAN device. By sending location update information to the RAN device, the RAN device can perceive the terminal device's location at the cell and / or base station granularity, thereby facilitating cell and / or base station granularity control of the timing service coverage area for the terminal device and improving the control accuracy of the timing service.

[0018] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a first network element, or a chip or circuit configured in the first network element, including:

[0019] A first message is sent to the RAN device, where the first message includes target area information of the timing service, where the target area information includes identifiers of cells and / or base stations within the target area of ​​the timing service, and the target area information is used to determine whether the terminal device enters or leaves the target area of ​​the timing service; and a second message is received from the RAN device, where the second message is used to indicate that the terminal device enters or leaves the target area of ​​the timing service.

[0020] By sending a first message to the RAN device so that the RAN device can determine the target area of ​​the timing service and judge whether the terminal device enters or leaves the target area of ​​the timing service, by receiving the second message, the first network element can determine whether the terminal device enters or leaves the target area of ​​the timing service, so as to subsequently activate or deactivate the timing service of the terminal device through the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located, thereby realizing the cell and / or base station granularity control of the timing service coverage area of ​​the terminal device, thereby improving the control accuracy of the timing service.

[0021] In one possible design, the target area information is also used to determine RAN notification area information, which includes identifiers of cells and / or base stations within the RAN notification area. This facilitates RAN equipment to page terminal devices at the cell and / or base station granularity, thereby enabling control of the timing service coverage area of ​​the terminal device's cell and / or base station, thereby improving the control accuracy of the timing service.

[0022] In another possible design, if it is determined that the terminal device has entered a target area for the timing service, the timing service for the terminal device is activated; or if it is determined that the terminal device has left the target area for the timing service, the timing service for the terminal device is deactivated. By determining whether the terminal device has entered or left the target area for the timing service, the first network element can activate or deactivate the timing service for the terminal device, thereby achieving strict control over the timing service coverage area.

[0023] In another possible design, the second message includes an identifier of the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located. By receiving the identifier of the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located, it is beneficial to subsequently activate or deactivate the timing service of the terminal device through the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located, thereby achieving strict control of the timing service coverage area and improving the control accuracy of the timing service.

[0024] In another possible design, the terminal device is in an inactive state, which helps the RAN device to perceive the location of the inactive terminal device at the cell and / or base station granularity.

[0025] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a first network element, or a chip or circuit configured in the first network element, including:

[0026] Receive a first request from a second network element, the first request is used to request timing service at the cell and / or base station granularity; send a second request to a third network element, the second request is used to request a control strategy, the control strategy includes target area information of the timing service, the target area information includes identifiers of cells and / or base stations within the target area of ​​the timing service, and the control strategy is used to indicate timing service based on the target area of ​​the timing service.

[0027] By receiving the first request, the first network element requests a control strategy from the third network element. Since the control strategy includes the identification of the cells and / or base stations within the target area of ​​the timing service, it is beneficial to subsequently implement the timing service coverage area control at the cell and / or base station granularity of the terminal device by issuing the control strategy, thereby improving the control accuracy of the timing service.

[0028] In one possible design, the control strategy includes at least one of the following: controlling the terminal device to no longer perform timing according to the system information of the timing service after leaving the target area of ​​the timing service, or controlling the terminal device to perform a mobility registration update process or a service request process after entering or leaving the target area of ​​the timing service, or controlling the terminal device to perform a mobility registration update process or a service request process or a random access process when the terminal device does not receive the system information for the timing service within the target area of ​​the timing service. This is conducive to the subsequent control of the timing service coverage area at the cell and / or base station granularity of the terminal device by issuing the control strategy, thereby improving the control accuracy of the timing service.

[0029] In another possible design, a control policy is received from a third network element and sent to the terminal device. By sending the control policy, the timing service coverage area of ​​the terminal device can be controlled at the cell and / or base station granularity, thereby improving the control accuracy of the timing service.

[0030] In another possible design, a first message is received from a terminal device, where the first message includes capabilities of the terminal device, and the capabilities of the terminal device are used to indicate whether the terminal device supports execution of a mobility registration update process, a service request process, or a random access process based on a control policy. By receiving the first message, the first network element determines whether the terminal device supports execution of a mobility registration update process, a service request process, or a random access process based on a control policy. If the first network element determines that the terminal device supports execution of a mobility registration update process, a service request process, or a random access process based on a control policy, this facilitates subsequent control of the timing service coverage area of ​​the terminal device at the cell and / or base station granularity by issuing a control policy, thereby improving the control accuracy of the timing service.

[0031] In another possible design, a third request is sent to the terminal device, where the third request is used to request capabilities of the terminal device. By sending the third request to the terminal device, the first network element determines, by receiving the first message, whether the terminal device supports execution of a mobility registration update procedure, a service request procedure, or a random access procedure based on the control policy.

[0032] In another possible design, the first request includes an identifier of the terminal device, which is conducive to the subsequent issuance of a control strategy to a specific terminal device, thereby achieving cell and / or base station granularity control of the timing service coverage area of ​​the terminal device, thereby improving the control accuracy of the timing service.

[0033] In another possible design, the control strategy is executed when the terminal device is in a non-connected state, which is beneficial for the terminal device in the non-connected state to report the location of the terminal device at the cell and / or base station granularity.

[0034] In another possible design, the first request also includes target area information of the timing service, which is conducive to subsequent strict control of the timing service coverage area at the cell and / or base station granularity.

[0035] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a terminal device, or a chip or circuit configured in the terminal device, including:

[0036] Receive a control strategy from the first network element, the control strategy including target area information of the timing service, the target area information including identifiers of cells and / or base stations within the target area of ​​the timing service, the control strategy being used to indicate timing service based on the target area of ​​the timing service; the terminal device determines whether the terminal device enters or leaves the target area of ​​the timing service; and executes the control strategy.

[0037] By receiving and executing control strategies, it is helpful to achieve cell and / or base station granularity timing service coverage area control for terminal devices, and by judging whether the terminal device enters or leaves the target area of ​​the timing service, it is helpful to achieve strict timing service coverage area control.

[0038] In one possible design, the control strategy includes at least one of the following: controlling the terminal device to no longer perform timing according to the system information of the timing service after leaving the target area of ​​the timing service, or controlling the terminal device to perform a mobility registration update process or a service request process after entering or leaving the target area of ​​the timing service, or controlling the terminal device to perform a mobility registration update process or a service request process or a random access process when the terminal device does not receive the system information for the timing service within the target area of ​​the timing service. This is beneficial for the subsequent implementation of the control strategy to achieve cell and / or base station granularity timing service coverage area control for the terminal device, thereby improving the control accuracy of the timing service.

[0039] In another possible design, if the identifiers of the cells and / or base stations within the target area of ​​the timing service include the identifiers of the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located, then it is determined that the terminal device has entered the target area of ​​the timing service; if the identifiers of the cells and / or base stations within the target area of ​​the timing service do not include the identifiers of the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located, then it is determined that the terminal device has left the target area of ​​the timing service. By determining whether the terminal device has entered or left the target area of ​​the timing service, it is beneficial to achieve strict control of the timing service coverage area.

[0040] In another possible design, a first message is sent to a first network element, where the first message includes the capabilities of the terminal device, and the capabilities of the terminal device are used to indicate whether the terminal device supports executing a mobility registration update process, a service request process, or a random access process based on a control policy. By sending the first message to the first network element, so that the first network element can determine whether the terminal device supports executing a mobility registration update process, a service request process, or a random access process based on a control policy, if the first network element determines that the terminal device supports executing a mobility registration update process, a service request process, or a random access process based on a control policy, it is beneficial for subsequent terminal devices to implement cell and / or base station granularity timing service coverage area control for the terminal device through execution of the control policy, thereby improving the control accuracy of the timing service.

[0041] In another possible design, a third request is received from a first network element, the third request being used to request capabilities of a terminal device; based on the third request, a first message is sent to the first network element, the first message including the capabilities of the terminal device, the capabilities of the terminal device being used to indicate whether the terminal device supports execution of a mobility registration update procedure, a service request procedure, or a random access procedure based on the control policy. Receiving the third request causes the terminal device to send the first message to the first network element, so that the first network element determines, through the first message, whether the terminal device supports execution of a mobility registration update procedure, a service request procedure, or a random access procedure based on the control policy.

[0042] In another possible design, the control strategy is executed when the terminal device is in a non-connected state. By executing the control strategy, it is beneficial to achieve cell and / or base station granularity control of the timing service coverage area of ​​the terminal device, thereby improving the control accuracy of the timing service.

[0043] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a second network element, or a chip or circuit configured in the second network element, including:

[0044] Determine target area information for the timing service, where the target area information includes identifiers of cells and / or base stations within the target area for the timing service; and send a first request to the first network element, where the first request is used to request timing service at the cell and / or base station granularity.

[0045] By determining the target area information of the timing service, it is beneficial to subsequently achieve strict control of the timing service coverage area. By sending a first request to the first network element so that the first network element requests a control strategy from the third network element, it is beneficial to subsequently achieve cell and / or base station granularity control of the timing service coverage area of ​​the terminal device by issuing a control strategy, thereby improving the control accuracy of the timing service.

[0046] In one possible design, a second network element receives a second message from a fourth network element and a third message from a fifth network element. The second message includes first area information for a timing service, and the third message includes second area information for the timing service. The second network element determines target area information for the timing service based on the first and second area information. Determining the target area information for the timing service facilitates subsequent strict control of the timing service coverage area.

[0047] In another possible design, the second message also includes the capabilities of the terminal device, and the capabilities of the terminal device are used to indicate whether the terminal device supports executing a mobility registration update process, a service request process, or a random access process based on a control policy. By receiving the second message, the second network element determines whether the terminal device supports executing a mobility registration update process, a service request process, or a random access process based on a control policy. If the second network element determines that the terminal device supports executing a mobility registration update process, a service request process, or a random access process based on a control policy, it is beneficial to subsequently implement cell and / or base station granularity timing service coverage area control for the terminal device by issuing a control policy, thereby improving the control accuracy of the timing service.

[0048] In another possible design, the first request includes an identifier of the terminal device, which is conducive to the subsequent issuance of a control strategy to a specific terminal device, thereby achieving cell and / or base station granularity control of the timing service coverage area of ​​the terminal device, thereby improving the control accuracy of the timing service.

[0049] In another possible design, the control strategy is executed when the terminal device is in a non-connected state, which is beneficial for the terminal device in the non-connected state to report the location of the terminal device at the cell and / or base station granularity.

[0050] In another possible design, the first request also includes target area information of the timing service, which is conducive to subsequent strict control of the timing service coverage area at the cell and / or base station granularity.

[0051] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a third network element, or a chip or circuit configured in the third network element, including:

[0052] Receive a second request from the first network element, the second request is used to request a control strategy, the control strategy includes target area information of the timing service, the target area information includes identifiers of cells and / or base stations within the target area of ​​the timing service, and the control strategy is used to indicate timing service based on the target area of ​​the timing service; send the control strategy to the first network element.

[0053] By receiving the second request, the third network element sends a control strategy to the first network element, which is conducive to the subsequent implementation of cell and / or base station granularity timing service coverage area control of the terminal device by issuing the control strategy, thereby improving the control accuracy of the timing service.

[0054] In one possible design, the control strategy includes at least one of the following: controlling the terminal device to no longer perform timing according to the system information of the timing service after leaving the target area of ​​the timing service, or controlling the terminal device to perform a mobility registration update process or a service request process after entering or leaving the target area of ​​the timing service, or controlling the terminal device to perform a mobility registration update process or a service request process or a random access process when the terminal device does not receive the system information for the timing service within the target area of ​​the timing service. This is conducive to the subsequent control of the timing service coverage area at the cell and / or base station granularity of the terminal device by issuing the control strategy, thereby improving the control accuracy of the timing service.

[0055] In another possible design, the control strategy is executed when the terminal device is in a non-connected state, which is beneficial for the terminal device in the non-connected state to report the location of the terminal device at the cell and / or base station granularity.

[0056] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, including:

[0057] A receiving module is used to receive a first message from a first network element, the first message including target area information of the timing service, the target area information including identifiers of cells and / or base stations within the target area of ​​the timing service; the receiving module is also used to receive location update information from a terminal device, the location update information including identifiers of the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located; a processing module is used to determine whether the terminal device enters or leaves the target area of ​​the timing service based on the location update information; a sending module is used to send a second message to the first network element, the second message being used to indicate that the terminal device enters or leaves the target area of ​​the timing service.

[0058] In one possible design, the processing module is further used to determine RAN notification area information based on the target area information of the timing service, where the RAN notification area information includes identifiers of cells and / or base stations within the RAN notification area; and the RAN device sends the RAN notification area information to the terminal device.

[0059] In another possible design, the processing module is further configured to: if there is an intersection area between the target area of ​​the timing service and the preset RAN notification area, and the intersection area includes the cell and / or base station to which the terminal device was last connected, use the intersection area as the RAN notification area; if there is an intersection area between the target area of ​​the timing service and the preset RAN notification area, and the intersection area does not include the cell and / or base station to which the terminal device was last connected, use other areas of the preset RAN notification area except the intersection area as the RAN notification area; if there is no intersection area between the target area of ​​the timing service and the preset RAN notification area, use the preset RAN notification area as the RAN notification area.

[0060] In another possible design, the processing module is also used to: if the identifiers of the cells and / or base stations within the target area of ​​the timing service include the identifiers of the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located, then the RAN device determines that the terminal device has entered the target area of ​​the timing service; if the identifiers of the cells and / or base stations within the target area of ​​the timing service do not include the identifiers of the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located, then the RAN device determines that the terminal device has left the target area of ​​the timing service.

[0061] In another possible design, the second message includes an identifier of the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located.

[0062] In another possible design, the first message also includes an identifier of the terminal device.

[0063] In another possible design, the terminal device is in an inactive state.

[0064] The operations and beneficial effects performed by the communication device can refer to the method and beneficial effects described in the first aspect above, and the repeated parts will be omitted.

[0065] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, including:

[0066] A receiving module is used to receive RAN notification area information from a RAN device, where the RAN notification area information includes the identifiers of cells and / or base stations within the RAN notification area; and a sending module is used to send location update information to the RAN device, where the location update information includes the identifiers of the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located. The location update information is used to determine whether the terminal device enters or leaves the target area for the timing service.

[0067] In one possible design, the sending module is further used to send location update information to the RAN device if the terminal device is in an inactive state.

[0068] The operations and beneficial effects performed by the communication device can refer to the method and beneficial effects described in the second aspect above, and the repeated parts will be omitted.

[0069] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, including:

[0070] A sending module is configured to send a first message to a RAN device, where the first message includes target area information of a timing service, where the target area information includes identifiers of cells and / or base stations within the target area of ​​the timing service, and the target area information is used to determine whether a terminal device enters or leaves the target area of ​​the timing service; and a receiving module is configured to receive a second message from the RAN device, where the second message is used to indicate whether the terminal device enters or leaves the target area of ​​the timing service.

[0071] In a possible design, the target area information is further used to determine RAN notification area information, where the RAN notification area information includes identifiers of cells and / or base stations within the RAN notification area.

[0072] In another possible design, the processing module is used to activate the timing service of the terminal device if it is determined that the terminal device enters the target area of ​​the timing service; or to deactivate the timing service of the terminal device if it is determined that the terminal device leaves the target area of ​​the timing service.

[0073] In another possible design, the second message includes an identifier of the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located.

[0074] In another possible design, the terminal device is in an inactive state.

[0075] The operations and beneficial effects performed by the communication device can refer to the method and beneficial effects described in the third aspect above, and the repeated parts will be omitted.

[0076] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, including:

[0077] A receiving module is used to receive a first request from a second network element, where the first request is used to request a timing service at the cell and / or base station granularity; a sending module is used to send a second request to a third network element, where the second request is used to request a control strategy, where the control strategy includes target area information of the timing service, where the target area information includes identifiers of cells and / or base stations within the target area of ​​the timing service, and where the control strategy is used to instruct timing service based on the target area of ​​the timing service.

[0078] In one possible design, the control strategy includes at least one of the following: controlling the terminal device to no longer perform timing according to the system information of the timing service after leaving the target area of ​​the timing service, or controlling the terminal device to perform a mobility registration update process or a service request process after entering or leaving the target area of ​​the timing service, or controlling the terminal device to perform a mobility registration update process or a service request process or a random access process when the terminal device does not receive the system information for the timing service within the target area of ​​the timing service.

[0079] In another possible design, the receiving module is also used to receive a control policy from a third network element; the first network element sends the control policy to the terminal device.

[0080] In another possible design, the receiving module is further used to receive a first message from the terminal device, where the first message includes the capabilities of the terminal device, and the capabilities of the terminal device are used to indicate whether the terminal device supports executing a mobility registration update process or a service request process or a random access process based on a control policy.

[0081] In another possible design, the sending module is further used to send a third request to the terminal device, where the third request is used to request the capabilities of the terminal device.

[0082] In another possible design, the first request includes an identifier of the terminal device.

[0083] In another possible design, the control strategy is executed when the terminal device is in a non-connected state.

[0084] In another possible design, the first request also includes target area information of the timing service.

[0085] The operations and beneficial effects performed by the communication device can refer to the method and beneficial effects described in the fourth aspect above, and the repeated parts will be omitted.

[0086] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, including:

[0087] A receiving module is used to receive a control strategy from a first network element, the control strategy including target area information of a timing service, the target area information including identifiers of cells and / or base stations within the target area of ​​the timing service, and the control strategy is used to instruct timing service to be performed based on the target area of ​​the timing service; a processing module is used to determine whether a terminal device enters or leaves the target area of ​​the timing service; and the processing module is further used to execute the control strategy. In one possible design, the control strategy includes at least one of the following: controlling the terminal device to no longer perform timing based on the system information of the timing service after leaving the target area of ​​the timing service, or controlling the terminal device to perform a mobility registration update process or a service request process after entering or leaving the target area of ​​the timing service, or controlling the terminal device to perform a mobility registration update process or a service request process or a random access process when the terminal device does not receive system information for the timing service within the target area of ​​the timing service.

[0088] In another possible design, the processing module is also used to determine that the terminal device has entered the target area of ​​the timing service if the identifiers of the cells and / or base stations within the target area of ​​the timing service include the identifiers of the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located; and to determine that the terminal device has left the target area of ​​the timing service if the identifiers of the cells and / or base stations within the target area of ​​the timing service do not include the identifiers of the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located.

[0089] In another possible design, the sending module is used to send a first message to the first network element, where the first message includes the capabilities of the terminal device, and the capabilities of the terminal device are used to indicate whether the terminal device supports executing a mobility registration update process, a service request process, or a random access process based on a control policy.

[0090] In another possible design, the receiving module is further used to receive a third request from the first network element, where the third request is used to request the capabilities of the terminal device.

[0091] In another possible design, the sending module is also used to send a first message to the first network element based on the third request, where the first message includes the capabilities of the terminal device, and the capabilities of the terminal device are used to indicate whether the terminal device supports executing a mobility registration update process, a service request process, or a random access process based on a control policy.

[0092] In another possible design, the control strategy is executed when the terminal device is in a non-connected state.

[0093] The operations and beneficial effects performed by the communication device can refer to the method and beneficial effects described in the fifth aspect above, and the repeated parts will be omitted.

[0094] In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, including:

[0095] A processing module is used to determine the target area information of the timing service, where the target area information includes the identifiers of the cells and / or base stations within the target area of ​​the timing service; a sending module is used to send a first request to the first network element, where the first request is used to request timing service at the cell and / or base station granularity.

[0096] In one possible design, the receiving module is used to receive a second message from a fourth network element and a third message from a fifth network element, where the second message includes first area information of the timing service, and the third message includes second area information of the timing service.

[0097] In another possible design, the processing module is further used to determine the target area information of the timing service based on the first area information and the second area information.

[0098] In another possible design, the second message also includes the capabilities of the terminal device, where the capabilities of the terminal device are used to indicate whether the terminal device supports executing a mobility registration update procedure, a service request procedure, or a random access procedure based on a control policy.

[0099] In another possible design, the first request includes an identifier of the terminal device.

[0100] In another possible design, the control strategy is executed when the terminal device is in a non-connected state.

[0101] In another possible design, the first request also includes target area information of the timing service.

[0102] The operations and beneficial effects performed by the communication device can refer to the method and beneficial effects described in the sixth aspect above, and the repeated parts will be omitted.

[0103] In a fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, including:

[0104] A receiving module is used to receive a second request from the first network element, where the second request is used to request a control strategy, where the control strategy includes target area information of the timing service, where the target area information includes identifiers of cells and / or base stations within the target area of ​​the timing service, and where the control strategy is used to indicate that the timing service is to be performed based on the target area of ​​the timing service; and a sending module is used to send the control strategy to the first network element.

[0105] In one possible design, the control strategy includes at least one of the following: controlling the terminal device to no longer perform timing according to the system information of the timing service after leaving the target area of ​​the timing service, or controlling the terminal device to perform a mobility registration update process or a service request process after entering or leaving the target area of ​​the timing service, or controlling the terminal device to perform a mobility registration update process or a service request process or a random access process when the terminal device does not receive the system information for the timing service within the target area of ​​the timing service.

[0106] In another possible design, the control strategy is executed when the terminal device is in a non-connected state.

[0107] The operations and beneficial effects performed by the communication device can refer to the method and beneficial effects described in the seventh aspect above, and the repeated parts will be omitted.

[0108] In the fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which is applied to a RAN device. The communication device can be a RAN device or a chip in the RAN device. The communication device includes: a processor, a memory and a communication bus, wherein the communication bus is used to realize connection and communication between the processor and the memory, and the processor executes a program stored in the memory to implement the steps of the above-mentioned first aspect.

[0109] In the sixteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which is applied to an AMF entity. The communication device can be an AMF entity or a chip in an AMF entity. The communication device includes: a processor, a memory and a communication bus, wherein the communication bus is used to realize connection and communication between the processor and the memory, and the processor executes the program stored in the memory to implement the steps of the third and fourth aspects above.

[0110] In the seventeenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which is applied to a TSCTSF entity. The communication device can be a TSCTSF entity or a chip in the TSCTSF entity. The communication device includes: a processor, a memory and a communication bus, wherein the communication bus is used to realize connection and communication between the processor and the memory, and the processor executes a program stored in the memory to implement the steps of the above-mentioned sixth aspect.

[0111] In the eighteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which is applied to a PCF entity. The communication device can be a PCF entity or a chip in the PCF entity. The communication device includes: a processor, a memory and a communication bus, wherein the communication bus is used to realize connection and communication between the processor and the memory, and the processor executes the program stored in the memory to implement the steps of the above-mentioned seventh aspect.

[0112] In the nineteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which is applied to a terminal device. The communication device can be a terminal device or a chip in the terminal device. The communication device includes: a processor, a memory and a communication bus, wherein the communication bus is used to realize connection and communication between the processor and the memory, and the processor executes the program stored in the memory to implement the steps of the second and fifth aspects above.

[0113] In the twentieth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores instructions. When the computer-readable storage medium is run on a computer, it enables the computer to execute the methods in the above aspects.

[0114] In a twenty-first aspect, the present application provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the methods in the above aspects.

[0115] In aspect 22, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip, which includes a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to communicate with external devices or internal devices, and the processor is used to implement the methods in each of the above aspects.

[0116] In one possible design, the chip may further include a memory storing a computer program or instructions, and the processor is configured to execute the computer program or instructions stored in the memory, or other programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are executed, the processor is configured to implement the aforementioned various aspects of the method.

[0117] In one possible design, the chip can be integrated into RAN equipment, AMF entity, TSCTSF entity, PCF entity and terminal equipment.

[0118] In the twenty-third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, which includes a RAN device and a terminal device, the RAN device is used to execute the method of the first aspect above, and the terminal device is used to execute the method of the second aspect above.

[0119] In one possible design, the system also includes an AMF entity, which is used to execute the method of the third aspect above.

[0120] In aspect 24, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, which includes a RAN device and an AMF entity, the RAN device is used to execute the method of the above-mentioned first aspect, and the AMF entity is used to execute the method of the above-mentioned third aspect.

[0121] In aspect 25, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, which includes an AMF entity and a terminal device, the AMF entity is used to execute the method of the above-mentioned fourth aspect, and the terminal device is used to execute the method of the above-mentioned fifth aspect.

[0122] In one possible design, the system also includes a TSCTSF entity, which is used to execute the method of the sixth aspect.

[0123] In aspect 26, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, which includes an AMF entity and a TSCTSF entity, the AMF entity is used to execute the method of the above-mentioned fourth aspect, and the TSCTSF entity is used to execute the method of the above-mentioned sixth aspect.

[0124] In aspect 27, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, which includes a RAN device, an AMF entity, a TSCTSF entity, a PCF entity and a terminal device, wherein the RAN device is used to execute the method of the first aspect above, the AMF entity is used to execute the methods of the third and fourth aspects above, the TSCTSF entity is used to execute the method of the sixth aspect above, the PCF entity is used to execute the method of the seventh aspect above, and the terminal device is used to execute the methods of the second and fifth aspects above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0125] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the background technology, the drawings required for use in the embodiments of the present application or the background technology will be described below.

[0126] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a 5G system;

[0127] FIG2 is a flow chart of a timing service coverage area control method;

[0128] FIG3 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0129] FIG4 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0130] FIG5 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0131] FIG6 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0132] FIG7 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0133] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0134] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0135] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0136] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0137] FIG12 is a schematic structural diagram of a RAN device proposed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0138] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an AMF entity proposed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0139] FIG14 is a schematic structural diagram of a TSCTSF entity proposed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0140] FIG15 is a schematic structural diagram of a terminal device proposed in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0141] Some of the terms used in this application are explained below to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0142] 1. Timing service is to synchronize all personal computers (PCs), servers, and other devices in the coverage area with the time server through the network for absolute time. Absolute time synchronization, also known as timing, is different from relative time synchronization / phase synchronization.

[0143] The embodiments of the present application are described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0144] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a 5G system, which includes an access network and a core network. The access network is used to implement functions related to wireless access. The core network mainly includes the following key logical network elements: access and mobility management function (AMF) entity, session management function (SMF) entity, user plane function (UPF) entity, policy control function (PCF) entity, and unified data management (UDM) entity. The following is an introduction to the various network elements involved in Figure 1:

[0145] UE can be a terminal device, such as a mobile phone, an IoT terminal device, etc.

[0146] Radio access network (R)AN) equipment is equipment that provides wireless access to terminal devices, including but not limited to 5G base stations (next generation node B, gNB), wireless-fidelity (WiFi) access points (AP), and worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) base stations (BS).

[0147] The AMF entity is mainly responsible for mobility management in the mobile network, such as user location update, user network registration, user switching, etc.

[0148] The SMF entity is primarily responsible for session management in mobile networks, such as session establishment, modification, and release. Specific functions include allocating IP addresses to users and selecting the UPF that provides packet forwarding capabilities.

[0149] The PCF entity is mainly responsible for providing policies to AMF and SMF, such as quality of service (QoS) policy and slice selection policy.

[0150] The UDM entity is used to store user data, such as contract information and authentication / authorization information.

[0151] The application function (AF) entity is mainly responsible for providing services to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network, such as influencing service routing and interacting with the PCF for policy control.

[0152] The UPF entity is mainly responsible for processing user messages, such as forwarding and billing.

[0153] The data network (DN) is responsible for providing data transmission services to users, such as IP multi-media service (IMS) and the Internet. The UE accesses the DN by establishing a session between the UE-RAN-UPF-DN.

[0154] Optionally, the core network may also include a time sensitive communication and time synchronization function (TSCTSF) entity. The TSCTSF entity supports time synchronization related services and management for time sensitive communication, mainly including controlling time synchronization service requests from other network function entities; providing time synchronization based on the precision time protocol and time synchronization based on air interface timing to user terminal equipment or other network equipment based on contract information; configuring parameters such as the time period, area, and error budget of the timing service during the air interface timing process; and monitoring the time synchronization status of network equipment.

[0155] Optionally, the core network may further include a network exposure function (NEF) entity. The NEF entity supports securely exposing network capabilities and events provided by the 3GPP NF to the AF entity.

[0156] Optionally, the core network may further include a network repository function (NRF) entity. The NRF entity is used to store the mapping relationship between the TA identifier and the AMF entity.

[0157] It should be noted that N1 to N15 and N22 in the figure refer to interfaces between entities or between entities and devices. For example, N1 refers to the interface between the AMF entity and the terminal device, and N2 refers to the interface between the AMF entity and the RAN device. Other similar interfaces are not repeated here.

[0158] This application is applied to wireless mobile cellular networks, air interface timing scenarios, long term evolution (LTE) systems, universal mobile telecommunications systems (UMTS) systems, code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, wireless local area networks (WLAN), 5G or next-generation wireless communication systems, etc.

[0159] Currently, the 5G system is able to provide terminal devices with access stratum timing distribution (ASTI) timing services based on the network air interface and / or generalized precision time protocol (g)PTP timing services based on the user plane. Specifically, the 5G core network can control the coverage area where the terminal device can receive the timing service at the granularity of the TA based on the request of the AF entity or the contract information of the terminal device. Typically, the TA includes multiple RAN nodes or cells. Due to the large range of the TA, the timing service coverage area cannot be precisely controlled. In addition, the connection status of the terminal device in the 5G system includes the connected state (CM_CONNECTED), the inactive state (RRC_INACTIVE) or the idle state (CM_IDLE / RRC_IDLE). Only when the terminal device is in the connected state can the network perceive the location of the terminal device in real time at the granularity of the cell and / or base station (cell and / or RAN). When the terminal device is in the unconnected state, the core network can only perceive the location of the terminal device at the granularity of the TA.

[0160] For example, a factory has a 5G private network, and the time source used by the factory is different from the time source in the wide area network. Then the terminal equipment of the factory must only synchronize with the time source of the factory, otherwise it will affect the business on the terminal equipment. In this case, if the terminal equipment leaves the area of ​​the factory by moving and receives the system information block 9 (SIB9) broadcast for timing from the wide area network, then, on the one hand, the terminal equipment should not be synchronized to the time of the wide area network, and on the other hand, the base station of the factory may be able to save base station overhead by stopping its SIB9 broadcast.

[0161] Figure 2 is a flow chart of a timing service coverage area control method. If the AF entity wishes to provide timing service coverage for one or more terminal devices in a certain area, in this case, the 5G system can control the timing service coverage area based on the request of the AF entity. The method includes but is not limited to the following steps:

[0162] S201: The AF entity sends a coverage area request for timing service to the TSCTSF entity.

[0163] The coverage area request for the timing service is used to request a certain geographical area as the coverage area and provide timing service coverage for the terminal device. The coverage area request for the timing service may include the identifier of the terminal device and the TA identifier corresponding to the coverage area.

[0164] Optionally, before the AF entity sends a coverage area request for the timing service to the TSCTSF entity, the AF entity may send the coverage area of ​​the timing service to the NEF entity. Furthermore, the NEF entity converts the coverage area of ​​the timing service into the TA identifier corresponding to the geographical area in the 5G system based on the pre-configured information. The pre-configured information here includes the mapping relationship between the geographical location and the TA identifier in the network.

[0165] Optionally, before the AF entity sends a coverage area request for timing service to the TSCTSF entity, the NEF entity may send a TA identifier corresponding to the coverage area to the AF entity.

[0166] S202: The UDM entity sends the contract signing information to the TSCTSF entity.

[0167] The contract information is information related to the timing service of the terminal device, and the contract information includes the identification of the terminal device and the authorized timing service area of ​​the terminal device.

[0168] S203: The TSCTSF entity verifies and / or updates the coverage area of ​​the timing service according to the contract information.

[0169] Optionally, if there is an intersection area between the coverage area of ​​the timing service and the authorized timing service area of ​​the terminal device, it means that the coverage area of ​​the requested timing service does not exceed the authorized timing service area of ​​the terminal device, and the TSCTSF entity uses the intersection area as the coverage area of ​​the updated timing service.

[0170] The coverage area of ​​the updated timing service includes the TA identifier in the intersection area.

[0171] Optionally, if there is no intersection between the coverage area of ​​the timing service and the authorized timing service area of ​​the terminal device, it means that the coverage area of ​​the requested timing service completely exceeds the authorized timing service area of ​​the terminal device, and the TSCTSF entity rejects the request of the AF entity.

[0172] S204: The TSCTSF entity uses the updated coverage area of ​​the timing service as an area of ​​interest (AoI) of the timing service.

[0173] S205, the TSCTSF entity requests the AMF entity corresponding to the AOI from the NRF entity.

[0174] Specifically, the TSCTSF entity queries the AMF entity that has a mapping relationship with the TA identifier in the AoI of the timing service through the NRF entity.

[0175] S206: The NRF entity sends a first response to the TSCTSF entity.

[0176] Among them, the first response includes the AMF entity corresponding to the AOI.

[0177] S207, the TSC TSF entity sends a subscription request to the AMF entity.

[0178] The subscription request is used to determine whether the terminal device subscribing to the AF request exists in the AoI of the timing service.

[0179] S208, the AMF entity aligns the AOI of the timing service with the registration area (RA) of the terminal device.

[0180] The registration area of ​​the terminal device may include multiple TAs, and the registration area is composed of a list of TA identifiers.

[0181] Optionally, if the range of the AOI of the timing service is larger than the range of the registration area, the AMF entity expands the registration area based on the range of the AOI.

[0182] S209: The terminal device initiates mobility registration or periodic registration to the AMF entity.

[0183] Among them, mobility registration or periodic registration is used to update the location of the terminal device.

[0184] Specifically, the AMF entity determines whether the terminal device has entered the AOI of the timing service based on the mobility registration or periodic registration of the terminal device.

[0185] S210, the AMF entity sends the location of the terminal device to the TSCTSF entity.

[0186] The location of the terminal device is used to indicate whether the terminal device has entered or left the AoI of the timing service.

[0187] S211: When the terminal device is located within the AOI of the timing service, the TSCTSF entity activates the timing service of the terminal device.

[0188] Specifically, the TSCTSF entity determines through the AMF entity that the terminal device has entered the AOI of the timing service, activates the ASTI timing service and / or (g)PTP timing service of the terminal device, thereby achieving control over the timing service coverage area of ​​the terminal device.

[0189] Optionally, the 5G system can also control the timing service coverage area based on the terminal device's timing service-related contract information. Furthermore, in the case of controlling the timing service coverage area based on the terminal device's contract information, the relevant steps of the AF request are removed from the process described in Figure 2, and the AF request is replaced with the terminal device's timing service-related contract information in the UDM entity.

[0190] However, the above timing service coverage area control process has the following disadvantages: when the terminal device is in a non-connected state, the core network can only perceive the location of the terminal device at the RA and / or TA granularity.

[0191] In addition, the terminal device can enter an inactive state to save air interface overhead. At this time, the RAN device can set a current RAN notification area (RAN notification area, RNA) for the terminal device according to preset information, so that the RAN device can page the terminal device at the cell and / or base station granularity in the current RAN notification area. The terminal device can also periodically or after leaving the current RAN notification area, initiate a RAN notification area update (RANU) process to a new RAN device to access the network.

[0192] In this case, although the RAN notification area can control the terminal device to report the current location through cell and / or base station granularity, how the RAN device sets the RAN notification area is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0193] In order to solve the above technical problems, the embodiments of the present application provide the following solutions.

[0194] In the embodiment of the present application, the first network element is an AMF entity, the second network element is a TSC TSF entity, the third network element is a PCF entity, the fourth network element is a UDM entity, and the fifth network element is an AF entity to illustrate the technical solution of the present application, which will not be repeated hereafter. In addition, the terminal device may generally refer to one of multiple terminal devices. The embodiment of the present application only uses the terminal device as an example, and does not limit the number and device type of the terminal devices.

[0195] As shown in FIG3 , FIG3 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application, which is described in detail as follows.

[0196] S301: The AMF entity sends a first message to the RAN device.

[0197] Among them, the first message includes the target area information of the timing service and the identifier of the terminal device, and the target area information includes the identifier of the cell and / or base station within the target area of ​​the timing service. The target area information of the timing service can be the coverage area of ​​the updated timing service and the AOI of the timing service; the identifier of the terminal device is used to distinguish different terminal devices; the identifier of the cell can be the NR cell identity (NCI), the NR cell global identifier (NCGI), the Global Cell ID (GCI), and the Physical Cell ID (PCI); the identifier of the base station can be the gNB identifier (gNB identifier, gNB ID) and the gNB global identifier (global gNB ID).

[0198] Optionally, after the AMF entity sends the first message to the RAN device, the RAN device may determine the RAN notification area information based on the target area information of the timing service, where the RAN notification area information includes the identifiers of the cells and / or base stations within the RAN notification area. Furthermore, the RAN device stores the target area information of the timing service in the context of the terminal device. When the terminal device needs to enter an inactive state, since the target area of ​​the timing service is an area with cell and / or base station granularity, or since the target area of ​​the timing service includes an area with cell and / or base station granularity, the RAN device can set a RAN notification area related to the target area of ​​the timing service, thereby enabling paging of the terminal device at the cell and / or base station granularity from the network side.

[0199] The process of setting the RAN notification area is as follows: if there is an intersection area between the target area of ​​the timing service and the preset RAN notification area, and the intersection area includes the cell and / or base station to which the terminal device was last connected, the RAN device uses the intersection area as the RAN notification area; if there is an intersection area between the target area of ​​the timing service and the preset RAN notification area, and the intersection area does not include the cell and / or base station to which the terminal device was last connected, the RAN device uses the other areas in the preset RAN notification area except the intersection area as the RAN notification area; if there is no intersection area between the target area of ​​the timing service and the preset RAN notification area, the RAN device uses the preset RAN notification area as the RAN notification area.

[0200] By configuring the RAN notification area related to the target area of ​​the timing service, it is beneficial for the RAN device to page the terminal device at the cell and / or base station granularity, thereby realizing the timing service coverage area control of the terminal device at the cell and / or base station granularity, and improving the control accuracy of the timing service.

[0201] Optionally, before the AMF entity sends the first message to the RAN device, the TSCTSF entity may determine the target area information of the timing service. Further, the TSCTSF entity receives a second message from the UDM entity and a third message from the AF entity, where the second message includes the first area information of the timing service and the third message includes the second area information of the timing service; the TSCTSF entity determines the target area information of the timing service based on the first area information and the second area information.

[0202] Among them, the second message may be the contract information related to the timing service of the terminal device, the third information may be the coverage area request of the timing service, the first area information includes the identification of the cell and / or base station within the authorized timing service area of ​​the terminal device, and the second area information includes the identification of the cell and / or base station within the coverage area of ​​the timing service.

[0203] The process of determining the target area is as follows: if there is an intersection area between the coverage area of ​​the timing service and the authorized timing service area of ​​the terminal device, and the coverage of the cells and / or base stations in the intersection area is complete, the TSCTSF entity uses the intersection area as the target area of ​​the timing service; if there is an intersection area between the coverage area of ​​the timing service and the authorized timing service area of ​​the terminal device, and the coverage of the cells and / or base stations in the intersection area is incomplete, the TSCTSF entity uses the intersection area and the coverage of the cells and / or base stations beyond the intersection area as the target area of ​​the timing service.

[0204] For example, the intersection area between the coverage area of ​​the timing service and the authorized timing service area of ​​the terminal equipment includes cell 1, cell 2 and cell 3. If the coverage of cell 1, cell 2 and cell 3 in the intersection area are complete, then the TSCTSF entity uses the intersection area as the target area for the timing service.

[0205] For example, the intersection area between the coverage area of ​​the timing service and the authorized timing service area of ​​the terminal equipment includes cell 1, cell 2 and cell 3. If the coverage of cell 1 in the intersection area is incomplete, the TSCTSF entity uses the intersection area and the complete coverage of cell 1 as the target area for the timing service.

[0206] By determining the target area information of the timing service, it is conducive to the subsequent strict control of the timing service coverage area.

[0207] Optionally, before the AMF entity sends the first message to the RAN device, the TSCTSF entity may also send a subscription request to the AMF entity. The subscription request is used to request whether the terminal device subscribing to the AF request exists in the target area of ​​the timing service.

[0208] Optionally, after the AMF entity sends the first message to the RAN device, the RAN device may also send RAN notification area information to the terminal device.

[0209] Optionally, the RAN device may also receive a first message from the TSC TSF entity. The first message contains the same content as the first message sent by the AMF entity. For details, refer to the first message sent by the AMF entity, which will not be repeated here.

[0210] Optionally, the RAN device may also send an indication message to the terminal device, where the indication message is used to indicate that the terminal device is not allowed to enter the idle state, thereby avoiding the RAN device being unable to perceive the location of the terminal device in real time at the cell and / or base station granularity after the terminal device enters the idle state, and the terminal device may be paging at the cell and / or base station granularity from the network side.

[0211] S302: The RAN device receives location update information from the terminal device.

[0212] The location update information is used to determine whether the terminal device enters or leaves the target area of ​​the timing service, and the location update information includes the identifier of the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located.

[0213] It should be noted that if the terminal device changes from being within the target area of ​​the timing service to being outside the target area of ​​the timing service, it means that the terminal device has left the target area of ​​the timing service; if the terminal device changes from being outside the target area of ​​the timing service to being within the target area of ​​the timing service, it means that the terminal device has entered the target area of ​​the timing service.

[0214] For example, the target area of ​​the timing service includes cell 1 and cell 2. If the terminal device leaves cell 1 and enters cell 3, it means that the terminal device leaves the target area of ​​the timing service; if the terminal device leaves cell 3 and enters cell 2, it means that the terminal device enters the target area of ​​the timing service.

[0215] Specifically, the RAN device can set a current RAN notification area for the terminal device based on the target area information of the timing service, so that the RAN device can page the terminal device at the cell and / or base station granularity in the current RAN notification area. After the terminal device enters the inactive state, if the terminal device leaves the current RAN notification area, the terminal device can initiate a RANU process through the current cell and / or base station to access the network, and then send location update information to the RAN device.

[0216] For example, the RAN notification area includes cell 1 and cell 2, and the terminal device is in an inactive state. If the terminal device leaves cell 1, the terminal device communicates with the network through the current cell and / or base station to perform the RANU process, so that the RAN device knows the location of the terminal device.

[0217] Receiving location update information from the terminal device helps the RAN device to perceive the location of the terminal device at the cell and / or base station granularity.

[0218] S303: The RAN device determines, based on the location update information, whether the terminal device enters or leaves the target area of ​​the timing service.

[0219] Specifically, if the identifiers of the cells and / or base stations within the target area of ​​the timing service include the identifiers of the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located, the RAN device determines that the terminal device has entered the target area of ​​the timing service; if the identifiers of the cells and / or base stations within the target area of ​​the timing service do not include the identifiers of the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located, the RAN device determines that the terminal device has left the target area of ​​the timing service.

[0220] For example, the target area of ​​the timing service includes cell 1, cell 2 and cell 3, and the terminal device is in an inactive state. If the terminal device leaves cell 4 and enters cell 2, the terminal device sends location update information to the RAN device through cell 2, so that the RAN device knows that the terminal device is currently in the coverage area of ​​cell 2. The RAN device determines that the terminal device enters the target area of ​​the timing service by judging that the identifiers of the cells and / or base stations in the target area of ​​the timing service include the identifier of cell 2.

[0221] For example, the target area of ​​the timing service includes cell 1 and cell 2, and the terminal device is in an inactive state. If the terminal device leaves cell 1 and enters cell 3, the terminal device sends location update information to the RAN device through cell 3, so that the RAN device knows that the terminal device is currently in the coverage of cell 3. The RAN device determines that the terminal device has left the target area of ​​the timing service by judging that the identifiers of the cells and / or base stations in the target area of ​​the timing service do not include the identifier of cell 3.

[0222] By judging whether the terminal device enters or leaves the target area of ​​the timing service, it is helpful to achieve strict control of the timing service coverage area.

[0223] S304: The RAN device sends a second message to the AMF entity.

[0224] The second message is used to indicate that the terminal device enters or leaves the target area of ​​the timing service, and the second message includes the identifier of the terminal device and the identifier of the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located.

[0225] Optionally, after the RAN device sends the second message to the AMF entity, the AMF entity may activate or deactivate the timing service of the terminal device based on the second message. Furthermore, if it is determined that the terminal device enters the target area of ​​the timing service, the AMF entity activates the timing service of the terminal device; if it is determined that the terminal device leaves the target area of ​​the timing service, the AMF entity deactivates the timing service of the terminal device.

[0226] For example, the target area of ​​the timing service includes cell 1, cell 2 and cell 3. If the terminal device leaves cell 4 and enters cell 2, it means that the terminal device enters the target area of ​​the timing service. If the RAN device does not activate the SIB9 broadcast in cell 2, the AMF entity activates the SIB9 broadcast in cell 2.

[0227] In this embodiment, by receiving the first message, the RAN device determines the target area of ​​the timing service, and by receiving the location update information from the terminal device, the RAN device can perceive the location of the terminal device at the cell and / or base station granularity. By judging whether the terminal device enters or leaves the target area of ​​the timing service, the timing service coverage area of ​​the terminal device can be controlled at the cell and / or base station granularity, thereby improving the control accuracy of the timing service.

[0228] As shown in FIG4 , FIG4 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application, which is described in detail as follows.

[0229] Regardless of whether the terminal device supports mobility-related behaviors at the cell and / or base station granularity based on control policies, in this scenario, the RAN notification area can be configured through the RAN device, thereby achieving cell and / or base station granular timing service coverage area control for the terminal device from the network side. The above-mentioned mobility-related behaviors include the mobility registration update (MRU) process, the service request (SR) process, and the random access (RA) process.

[0230] The steps in the embodiment of the present application at least include:

[0231] S401: The AF entity sends a coverage area request for timing service to the TSCTSF entity.

[0232] The coverage area request for the timing service includes the identifier of the terminal device, the identifier of the cell and / or base station corresponding to the coverage area, and the TA identifier corresponding to the coverage area.

[0233] Specifically, after the terminal device accesses the network, the AF entity sends a coverage area request for timing service to the TSCTSF entity. The coverage area request is used to request a certain geographical area as a coverage area and provide timing service coverage for the terminal device.

[0234] Optionally, before the AF entity sends a coverage area request for timing service to the TSCTSF entity, the terminal device may report the capabilities of the terminal device to the AMF entity. The capabilities of the terminal device are used to indicate whether the terminal device supports mobility-related behaviors at the cell and / or base station granularity based on the control policy.

[0235] Optionally, before the AF entity sends a coverage area request for timing service to the TSCTSF entity, the AMF entity may also query the capabilities of the terminal device.

[0236] Optionally, before the AF entity sends a coverage area request for the timing service to the TSCTSF entity, the AF entity may send the coverage area of ​​the timing service to the NEF entity. Furthermore, the NEF entity converts the coverage area of ​​the timing service into the identifier of the cell and / or base station corresponding to the geographical area and the TA identifier corresponding to the geographical area in the 5G system based on the pre-configuration information. The pre-configuration information here includes the mapping relationship between the geographical location and the TA identifier in the network and the mapping relationship between the geographical location and the identifier of the cell and / or base station in the network.

[0237] S402: The TSCTSF entity verifies and / or updates the coverage area of ​​the timing service.

[0238] Specifically, the TSCTSF entity verifies the coverage area of ​​the timing service requested by the AF entity based on the contract information of the terminal device stored in the UDM entity. Furthermore, if there is an intersection between the coverage area of ​​the timing service and the authorized timing service area of ​​the terminal device in the contract information, it means that the coverage area of ​​the requested timing service does not exceed the authorized timing service area, and the TSCTSF entity needs to further update the coverage area of ​​the timing service. Please refer to step S301 for details and will not be repeated here.

[0239] The updated coverage area of ​​the timing service includes the identifiers of the cells and / or base stations within the intersection area.

[0240] Optionally, if there is no intersection between the coverage area of ​​the timing service and the authorized timing service area of ​​the terminal device, it means that the coverage area of ​​the requested timing service completely exceeds the authorized timing service area of ​​the terminal device, and the TSCTSF entity rejects the request of the AF entity.

[0241] Optionally, before the TSCTSF entity verifies and / or updates the coverage area of ​​the timing service, the TSCTSF entity may also verify the capabilities of the terminal device. Furthermore, the subscription information may also include the capabilities of the terminal device. The TSCTSF entity determines whether the terminal device supports mobility-related behaviors at the cell and / or base station granularity based on the control policy based on the capabilities of the terminal device.

[0242] S403: The TSCTSF entity uses the updated coverage area of ​​the timing service as the target area of ​​the timing service.

[0243] S404, the TSCTSF entity requests the AMF entity corresponding to the target area from the NRF entity.

[0244] Specifically, the TSCTSF entity queries the AMF entity that has a mapping relationship with the TA identifier in the target area through the NRF entity.

[0245] S405: The TSCTSF entity receives the first response from the NRF entity.

[0246] Among them, the first response includes the AMF entity corresponding to the target area.

[0247] S406, the TSC TSF entity sends a subscription request to the AMF entity.

[0248] The subscription request is used to determine whether the terminal device subscribing to the AF request exists in the target area of ​​the timing service.

[0249] Optionally, after the TSCTSF entity sends a subscription request to the AMF entity, the AMF entity may send a rejection subscription request to the TSCTSF entity. Further, if it is determined that the terminal device subscribing to the AF request is not within the target area of ​​the timing service, the AMF entity sends a rejection subscription request to the TSCTSF entity.

[0250] S407: The AMF entity sends a first message to the RAN device.

[0251] Specifically, after the AMF entity receives the subscription request from the TSCTSF entity, if it is determined that the terminal device subscribing to the AF request is within the target area of ​​the timing service, the AMF entity sends a first message to the RAN device.

[0252] S408: The RAN device determines the RAN notification area information according to the target area information of the timing service.

[0253] S409: The RAN device sends RAN notification area information to the terminal device.

[0254] S410: The RAN device receives location update information from the terminal device.

[0255] S411, the RAN device determines whether the terminal device enters or leaves the target area of ​​the timing service based on the location update information.

[0256] S412: The RAN device sends a second message to the AMF entity.

[0257] S413, the AMF entity activates or deactivates the timing service of the terminal device based on the second message.

[0258] The specific implementation of steps S407 to S413 is the same as that of steps S301 to S304 in the previous embodiment, and reference may be made to steps S301 to S304, which will not be repeated here.

[0259] As shown in FIG5 , FIG5 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application, which is described in detail as follows.

[0260] S501, the TSC TSF entity sends a first request to the AMF entity.

[0261] The first request is used to request timing service at the cell and / or base station granularity, and the first request includes the identifier of the terminal device and the target area information of the timing service.

[0262] Optionally, the first request also includes a subscription request, which is used to request to determine whether the terminal device subscribing to the AF request exists in the target area of ​​the timing service. Furthermore, after the TSCTSF entity sends the first request to the AMF entity, if the AMF entity determines that the terminal device subscribing to the AF request is not in the target area of ​​the timing service, the AMF entity sends a rejection subscription request to the TSCTSF entity.

[0263] Optionally, before the TSCTSF entity sends the first request to the AMF entity, the terminal device may send a first message to the AMF entity, where the first message includes the capabilities of the terminal device, and the capabilities of the terminal device are used to indicate whether the terminal device supports mobility-related behaviors at the cell and / or base station granularity based on the control policy.

[0264] Optionally, before the TSCTSF entity sends the first request to the AMF entity, the AMF entity may also send a third request to the terminal device, where the third request is used to request the capabilities of the terminal device. Furthermore, the AMF entity usually does not actively query the capabilities of the terminal device. If the AMF entity receives the first request and is unclear whether the corresponding terminal device supports mobility-related behaviors at the cell and / or base station granularity based on the control policy, the AMF entity sends the third request to the terminal device.

[0265] Optionally, before the TSCTSF entity sends the first request to the AMF entity, the TSCTSF entity may also determine the target area information of the timing service. Furthermore, the TSCTSF entity receives a second message from the UDM entity and a third message from the AF entity, where the second message includes the first area information of the timing service and the third message includes the second area information of the timing service; the TSCTSF entity determines the target area information of the timing service based on the first area information and the second area information.

[0266] Among them, the second message may be the contract information related to the timing service of the terminal device, the third information may be the coverage area request of the timing service, the first area information includes the identification of the cell and / or base station within the authorized timing service area of ​​the terminal device, and the second area information includes the identification of the cell and / or base station within the coverage area of ​​the timing service.

[0267] The process of determining the target area is as follows: if there is an intersection area between the coverage area of ​​the timing service and the authorized timing service area of ​​the terminal device, and the coverage of the cells and / or base stations in the intersection area is complete, the TSCTSF entity uses the intersection area as the target area of ​​the timing service; if there is an intersection area between the coverage area of ​​the timing service and the authorized timing service area of ​​the terminal device, and the coverage of the cells and / or base stations in the intersection area is incomplete, the TSCTSF entity uses the intersection area and the coverage of the cells and / or base stations beyond the intersection area as the target area of ​​the timing service.

[0268] By determining the target area information of the timing service, it is conducive to the subsequent strict control of the timing service coverage area.

[0269] Optionally, before the TSCTSF entity sends the first request to the AMF entity, the TSCTSF entity may also verify the capabilities of the terminal device. Furthermore, the second message also includes the capabilities of the terminal device. The TSCTSF entity determines whether the terminal device supports mobility-related behaviors at the cell and / or base station granularity based on the control policy based on the capabilities of the terminal device.

[0270] S502, the AMF entity sends a second request to the PCF entity.

[0271] The second request is used to request a control strategy, the control strategy is used to instruct to perform a timing service based on a target area of ​​the timing service, and the control strategy includes target area information of the timing service.

[0272] Specifically, the AMF entity sends a second request to the PCF entity, so that the PCF entity adds a new control strategy, and the control strategy includes at least one of the following: controlling the terminal device to no longer perform timing according to the system information of the timing service after leaving the target area of ​​the timing service, or controlling the terminal device to perform the MRU process or the SR process after entering or leaving the target area of ​​the timing service, or controlling the terminal device to perform the MRU process or the SR process or the RA process when the terminal device does not receive the system information of the timing service within the target area of ​​the timing service.

[0273] It should be noted that if the terminal device changes from being within the target area of ​​the timing service to being outside the target area of ​​the timing service, it means that the terminal device has left the target area of ​​the timing service; if the terminal device changes from being outside the target area of ​​the timing service to being within the target area of ​​the timing service, it means that the terminal device has entered the target area of ​​the timing service.

[0274] For example, the target area of ​​the timing service includes cell 1 and cell 2. If the terminal device leaves cell 1 and enters cell 3, it means that the terminal device leaves the target area of ​​the timing service; if the terminal device leaves cell 3 and enters cell 2, it means that the terminal device enters the target area of ​​the timing service.

[0275] The system information of the timing service refers to information for the timing service sent by cells and / or base stations in the target area, such as timing system information, time information, SIB9 broadcast, SIB16 broadcast, etc.

[0276] S503, the PCF entity sends the control policy to the AMF entity.

[0277] S504, the AMF entity sends the control policy to the terminal device.

[0278] Among them, the AMF entity does not need to understand the specific content of the control policy and directly transmits the control policy to the terminal device.

[0279] By issuing control strategies, it is beneficial to realize the cell and / or base station granularity control of the timing service coverage area of ​​the terminal device, thereby improving the control accuracy of the timing service.

[0280] S505: When the terminal device is in a disconnected state, execute the control strategy.

[0281] Specifically, after the terminal device enters the non-connected state, the terminal device needs to determine whether the terminal device enters or leaves the target area of ​​the timing service. If it is determined that the terminal device enters the target area of ​​the timing service, the terminal device executes the MRU process or the SR process, or the terminal device executes the MRU process or the SR process or the RA process when it does not receive the system information of the timing service in the target area of ​​the timing service; if it is determined that the terminal device leaves the target area of ​​the timing service, the terminal device no longer performs timing according to the system information of the timing service, or the terminal device performs the MRU process or the SR process. For example, the target area of ​​the timing service includes cell 1 and cell 2, and the terminal device is in a non-connected state. If the terminal device leaves cell 1 and enters cell 3, it means that the terminal device leaves the target area of ​​the timing service. Although the terminal device can continue to receive the system information of the timing service sent by cell 1, such as the SIB9 broadcast, the terminal device no longer performs timing according to the SIB9 broadcast sent by cell 1.

[0282] By judging whether the terminal device enters or leaves the target area of ​​the timing service, it is helpful to achieve strict control of the timing service coverage area.

[0283] Optionally, after the terminal device executes the control policy, the TSCTSF entity may activate or deactivate the timing service of the terminal device according to whether the terminal device enters or leaves the target area of ​​the timing service. Furthermore, by executing the control policy through the terminal device, the TSCTSF entity is informed of the current location of the terminal device. If it is determined that the terminal device enters the target area of ​​the timing service, the TSCTSF entity activates the timing service of the terminal device; if it is determined that the terminal device leaves the target area of ​​the timing service, the TSCTSF entity deactivates the timing service of the terminal device.

[0284] For example, the target area of ​​the timing service includes cell 1 and cell 2, and the terminal device is in a non-connected state. If the terminal device leaves cell 3 and enters cell 1, it means that the terminal device enters the target area of ​​the timing service. The terminal device executes the MRU process or the SR process to make the TSCTSF entity aware that the terminal device enters the target area of ​​the timing service, and the TSCTSF entity activates the timing service of the terminal device.

[0285] For example, the target area of ​​the timing service includes cell 1 and cell 2, and the terminal device is in a non-connected state. If the terminal device leaves cell 1, the terminal device executes the MRU process or the SR process to let the TSCTSF entity know that the terminal device has left the target area of ​​the timing service, and the TSCTSF entity deactivates the timing service of the terminal device.

[0286] For example, the target area of ​​the timing service includes cell 1 and cell 2. The terminal device is in a non-connected state. The terminal device leaves cell 3 and enters cell 1, which means that the terminal device enters the target area of ​​the timing service. If the terminal device receives the SIB1 broadcast sent by cell 1 and learns that cell 1 has not sent a SIB9 broadcast, or the terminal device cannot receive a valid SIB9 broadcast at the time-frequency position of SIB9 specified in the SIB1 broadcast, it means that the terminal device has not received the system information of the timing service in cell 1. At this time, the terminal device executes the MRU process, the SR process, or the RA process to enable the TSCTSF entity to know that the terminal device has entered the target area of ​​the timing service, and the TSCTSF entity activates the timing service of the terminal device.

[0287] Optionally, after the terminal device enters the unconnected state, if the terminal device leaves the configured registration area, the terminal device performs the MRU process.

[0288] In this embodiment, by receiving the first request, the AMF entity is triggered to request a control strategy from the PCF entity. Since the control strategy includes the identification of the cell and / or base station within the target area of ​​the timing service, the control strategy is issued to the terminal device, thereby realizing the cell and / or base station granularity control of the timing service coverage area of ​​the terminal device, thereby improving the control accuracy of the timing service.

[0289] It should be noted that if the terminal device does not support mobility-related behaviors at the cell and / or base station granularity based on the control strategy, the timing service coverage area control at the cell and / or base station granularity of the terminal device can be implemented through the method shown in Figure 3; if the terminal device supports mobility-related behaviors at the cell and / or base station granularity based on the control strategy, the timing service coverage area control at the cell and / or base station granularity of the terminal device can be implemented through the method shown in Figure 3 or Figure 5.

[0290] As shown in FIG6 , FIG6 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application, which is described in detail as follows.

[0291] The terminal device supports mobility-related behaviors at the cell and / or base station granularity based on the control policy. In this scenario, the timing service coverage area control of the cell and / or base station granularity of the terminal device can be achieved from the terminal device side by enhancing the AMF entity and control policy. The steps in the embodiment of the present application include at least:

[0292] S601: The AF entity sends a coverage area request for timing service to the TSCTSF entity.

[0293] The coverage area request for the timing service includes the identifier of the terminal device, the identifier of the cell and / or base station corresponding to the coverage area, and the TA identifier corresponding to the coverage area.

[0294] Specifically, after the terminal device accesses the network, the AF entity sends a coverage area request for timing service to the TSCTSF entity. The coverage area request is used to request a certain geographical area as a coverage area and provide timing service coverage for the terminal device.

[0295] Optionally, before the AF entity sends a coverage area request for timing service to the TSCTSF entity, the terminal device may send a first message to the AMF entity. Specific reference is made to step S501, which will not be repeated here.

[0296] Optionally, before the AF entity sends a coverage area request for timing service to the TSCTSF entity, the AMF entity may also send a third request to the terminal device. Specific reference is made to step S501, which will not be repeated here.

[0297] Optionally, before the AF entity sends a coverage area request for the timing service to the TSCTSF entity, the AF entity may send the coverage area of ​​the timing service to the NEF entity. Furthermore, the NEF entity converts the coverage area of ​​the timing service into the identifier of the cell and / or base station corresponding to the geographical area and the TA identifier corresponding to the geographical area in the 5G system based on the pre-configuration information. The pre-configuration information here includes the mapping relationship between the geographical location and the TA identifier in the network and the mapping relationship between the geographical location and the identifier of the cell and / or base station in the network.

[0298] It should be noted that the TSCTSF entity may allow the request of the AF entity only if the terminal device supports mobility-related behaviors at the cell and / or base station granularity based on the control policy.

[0299] S602: The TSCTSF entity verifies and / or updates the coverage area of ​​the timing service.

[0300] Specifically, the TSCTSF entity verifies the coverage area of ​​the timing service requested by the AF entity based on the contract information of the terminal device stored in the UDM entity. Furthermore, if there is an intersection between the coverage area of ​​the timing service and the authorized timing service area of ​​the terminal device in the contract information, it means that the coverage area of ​​the requested timing service does not exceed the authorized timing service area, and the TSCTSF entity needs to further update the coverage area of ​​the timing service. Please refer to step S501 for details and will not be repeated here.

[0301] The updated coverage area of ​​the timing service includes the identifiers of the cells and / or base stations within the intersection area.

[0302] Optionally, if there is no intersection between the coverage area of ​​the timing service and the authorized timing service area of ​​the terminal device, it means that the coverage area of ​​the requested timing service completely exceeds the authorized timing service area of ​​the terminal device, and the TSCTSF entity rejects the request of the AF entity.

[0303] S603: The TSCTSF entity uses the updated coverage area of ​​the timing service as the target area of ​​the timing service.

[0304] S604, the TSCTSF entity requests the AMF entity corresponding to the target area from the NRF entity.

[0305] Specifically, the TSCTSF entity queries the AMF entity that has a mapping relationship with the TA identifier in the target area through the NRF entity.

[0306] S605: The TSCTSF entity receives the first response from the NRF entity.

[0307] Among them, the first response includes the AMF entity corresponding to the target area.

[0308] S606, the TSC TSF entity sends a first request to the AMF entity.

[0309] S607, the AMF entity sends a second request to the PCF entity.

[0310] S608, the PCF entity sends the control policy to the AMF entity.

[0311] S609, the AMF entity sends the control policy to the terminal device.

[0312] S610: When the terminal device is in a disconnected state, execute a control strategy.

[0313] The specific implementation of steps S606 to S610 is the same as the specific implementation of steps S501 to S505 in the previous embodiment, and can refer to steps S501 to S505, which will not be repeated here.

[0314] As shown in FIG7 , FIG7 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application, which is described in detail as follows.

[0315] The terminal device supports mobility-related behaviors at the cell and / or base station granularity based on the control policy. In this scenario, the timing service coverage area control of the cell and / or base station granularity of the terminal device can be implemented from the terminal device side by enhancing the TSCTSF entity and control policy. The steps in the embodiment of the present application include at least:

[0316] S701: The AF entity sends a coverage area request for timing service to the TSCTSF entity.

[0317] The specific implementation of step S701 is the same as that of step S601 in the previous embodiment, and reference may be made to step S601 , which will not be repeated here.

[0318] S702: The TSCTSF entity verifies the capabilities of the terminal device.

[0319] Specifically, the TSCTSF entity may verify the capabilities of the terminal device based on the contract information of the terminal device stored in the UDM entity.

[0320] The specific implementation method of step S702 is the same as the specific implementation method of the above-mentioned step S501, and can refer to step S501, which will not be repeated here.

[0321] S703: The TSCTSF entity verifies and / or updates the coverage area of ​​the timing service.

[0322] Specifically, the TSCTSF entity may also verify and / or update the coverage area of ​​the timing service according to the subscription information of the terminal device stored in the UDM entity.

[0323] S704: The TSCTSF entity uses the updated coverage area of ​​the timing service as the target area of ​​the timing service.

[0324] S705, the TSCTSF entity requests the NRF entity to send the AMF entity corresponding to the target area.

[0325] S706: The TSCTSF entity receives the first response from the NRF entity.

[0326] S707, the TSC TSF entity sends a first request to the AMF entity.

[0327] S708, the AMF entity sends a second request to the PCF entity.

[0328] S709, the PCF entity sends the control policy to the AMF entity.

[0329] S710, the AMF entity sends a control policy to the terminal device.

[0330] S711: When the terminal device is in a disconnected state, execute the control strategy.

[0331] The specific implementation of steps S703 to S711 is the same as that of steps S602 to S610 in the previous embodiment, and reference may be made to steps S602 to S610 , which will not be repeated here.

[0332] It should be noted that the method shown in Figure 6 can query the capabilities of the terminal device through the AMF entity, and the method shown in Figure 7 can verify the capabilities of the terminal device through the TSCTSF entity.

[0333] In an embodiment of the present application, the RAN device sets a RAN notification area related to the target area of ​​the timing service, so that the terminal device in an inactive state can send location update information to the RAN device at the cell and / or base station granularity. If the terminal device enters the target area of ​​the timing service, the timing service of the terminal device is activated through the AMF entity. If the terminal device leaves the target area of ​​the timing service, the timing service of the terminal device is deactivated through the AMF entity, thereby achieving cell and / or base station granularity control of the timing service coverage area of ​​the terminal device, thereby improving the control accuracy of the timing service. In addition, the AMF entity can also issue a control strategy to the terminal device. Since the control strategy also includes the identification of the cell and / or base station in the target area of ​​the timing service, it is conducive to achieving strict timing service coverage area control. When the terminal device is in a non-connected state, the control strategy is executed, which can achieve cell and / or base station granularity control of the timing service coverage area of ​​the terminal device, thereby improving the control accuracy of the timing service.

[0334] The above describes in detail the method of the embodiment of the present application, and the following provides an apparatus of the embodiment of the present application.

[0335] As shown in Figure 8, Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device can be a RAN device, or a chip or processing system within the RAN device. The device can be used to implement any of the methods and functions related to the RAN device in any of the aforementioned embodiments. The device can include a receiving module 801, a processing module 802, and a sending module 803. Optionally, the sending module 803 corresponds to the radio frequency circuit and baseband circuit included in the RAN device. A detailed description of each module is as follows.

[0336] The receiving module 801 is configured to receive a first message from a first network element, where the first message includes target area information of a timing service, and the target area information includes identifiers of cells and / or base stations within the target area of ​​the timing service.

[0337] The receiving module 801 is further configured to receive location update information from a terminal device, where the location update information includes an identifier of the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located.

[0338] Processing module 802, configured to determine whether the terminal device enters or leaves a target area for timing service based on the location update information;

[0339] The sending module 803 is used to send a second message to the first network element, where the second message is used to indicate that the terminal device enters or leaves the target area of ​​the timing service.

[0340] Optionally, the processing module 802 is further configured to determine RAN notification area information according to the target area information of the timing service, where the RAN notification area information includes identifiers of cells and / or base stations within the RAN notification area.

[0341] Optionally, the sending module 803 is further configured to send RAN notification area information to the terminal device.

[0342] Optionally, the processing module 802 is further configured to: if there is an intersection area between the target area of ​​the timing service and the preset RAN notification area, and the intersection area includes the cell and / or base station to which the terminal device was last connected, use the intersection area as the RAN notification area; if there is an intersection area between the target area of ​​the timing service and the preset RAN notification area, and the intersection area does not include the cell and / or base station to which the terminal device was last connected, use other areas of the preset RAN notification area except the intersection area as the RAN notification area; if there is no intersection area between the target area of ​​the timing service and the preset RAN notification area, use the preset RAN notification area as the RAN notification area.

[0343] Optionally, the processing module 802 is also used to determine that the terminal device has entered the target area of ​​the timing service if the identifiers of the cells and / or base stations within the target area of ​​the timing service include the identifiers of the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located; and to determine that the terminal device has left the target area of ​​the timing service if the identifiers of the cells and / or base stations within the target area of ​​the timing service do not include the identifiers of the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located.

[0344] Optionally, the second message includes an identifier of the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located.

[0345] Optionally, the first message also includes an identifier of the terminal device.

[0346] Optionally, the terminal device is in an inactive state.

[0347] It should be noted that the implementation of each module may also correspond to the corresponding description of the method embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 7 to execute the methods and functions executed by the RAN device in the above embodiments.

[0348] As shown in Figure 9, Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device can be an AMF entity, or a chip or processing system in an AMF entity. The device can be used to implement any method and function involving the AMF entity in any of the aforementioned embodiments. The device may include a receiving module 901, a processing module 902, and a sending module 903. Optionally, the sending module 903 corresponds to the radio frequency circuit and baseband circuit included in the AMF entity. A detailed description of each module is as follows.

[0349] In one embodiment:

[0350] The sending module 903 is used to send a first message to the RAN device. The first message includes the target area information of the timing service. The target area information includes the identification of the cell and / or base station within the target area of ​​the timing service. The target area information is used to determine whether the terminal device enters or leaves the target area of ​​the timing service.

[0351] The receiving module 901 is configured to receive a second message from a RAN device, where the second message is used to instruct the terminal device to enter or leave a target area of ​​a timing service.

[0352] Optionally, the target area information is further used to determine RAN notification area information, where the RAN notification area information includes identifiers of cells and / or base stations within the RAN notification area.

[0353] Optionally, the processing module 902 is used to activate the timing service of the terminal device if it is determined that the terminal device enters the target area of ​​the timing service; or to deactivate the timing service of the terminal device if it is determined that the terminal device leaves the target area of ​​the timing service.

[0354] Optionally, the second message includes an identifier of the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located.

[0355] Optionally, the terminal device is in an inactive state.

[0356] In another embodiment:

[0357] The receiving module 901 is configured to receive a first request from a second network element, where the first request is used to request a timing service at a cell and / or base station granularity.

[0358] Sending module 903 is used to send a second request to the third network element. The second request is used to request a control strategy. The control strategy includes the target area information of the timing service. The target area information includes the identification of the cell and / or base station within the target area of ​​the timing service. The control strategy is used to indicate the timing service based on the target area of ​​the timing service.

[0359] Optionally, the control strategy includes at least one of the following: controlling the terminal device to no longer perform timing according to the system information of the timing service after leaving the target area of ​​the timing service, or controlling the terminal device to perform a mobility registration update process or a service request process after entering or leaving the target area of ​​the timing service, or controlling the terminal device to perform a mobility registration update process or a service request process or a random access process when the terminal device does not receive the system information of the timing service within the target area of ​​the timing service.

[0360] Optionally, the receiving module 901 is further configured to receive a control policy from a third network element.

[0361] Optionally, the sending module 903 is further configured to send a control policy to a terminal device.

[0362] Optionally, the receiving module 901 is further used to receive a first message from the terminal device, where the first message includes the capabilities of the terminal device, and the capabilities of the terminal device are used to indicate whether the terminal device supports executing a mobility registration update process or a service request process or a random access process based on a control policy.

[0363] Optionally, the sending module 903 is further used by the first network element to send a third request to the terminal device, where the third request is used to request capabilities of the terminal device.

[0364] Optionally, the first request includes an identifier of the terminal device.

[0365] Optionally, the control strategy is executed when the terminal device is in a disconnected state.

[0366] Optionally, the first request also includes target area information of the timing service.

[0367] It should be noted that the implementation of each module can also correspond to the corresponding description of the method embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 7, and execute the methods and functions performed by the AMF entity in the above embodiment.

[0368] As shown in Figure 10, Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device can be a TSCTSF entity, or a chip or processing system within the TSCTSF entity. The device can be used to implement any of the methods and functions involving the TSCTSF entity in any of the aforementioned embodiments. The device can include a receiving module 1001, a processing module 1002, and a sending module 1003. Optionally, the sending module 1003 corresponds to the radio frequency circuit and baseband circuit included in the TSCTSF entity. A detailed description of each module is as follows.

[0369] The processing module 1002 is configured to determine target area information of the timing service, where the target area information includes identifiers of cells and / or base stations within the target area of ​​the timing service.

[0370] The sending module 1003 is configured to send a first request to the first network element, where the first request is used to request a timing service at a cell and / or base station granularity.

[0371] Optionally, the receiving module 1001 is configured to receive a second message from a fourth network element and a third message from a fifth network element, where the second message includes first area information of the timing service, and the third message includes second area information of the timing service.

[0372] Optionally, the processing module 1002 is further configured to determine target area information of the timing service according to the first area information and the second area information.

[0373] Optionally, the second message also includes the capability of the terminal device, where the capability of the terminal device is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports executing a mobility registration update process, a service request process, or a random access process based on a control policy.

[0374] Optionally, the first request includes an identifier of the terminal device.

[0375] Optionally, the control strategy is executed when the terminal device is in a disconnected state.

[0376] Optionally, the first request also includes target area information of the timing service.

[0377] It should be noted that the implementation of each module may also correspond to the corresponding description of the method embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 7, and execute the methods and functions executed by the TSCTSF entity in the above embodiments.

[0378] As shown in Figure 11, Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device can be a terminal device, or a chip or processing system in the terminal device. The device can be used to implement any method and function related to the terminal device in any of the aforementioned embodiments. The device may include a receiving module 1101, a processing module 1102, and a transmitting module 1103. Optionally, the transmitting module 1103 corresponds to the radio frequency circuit and baseband circuit included in the terminal device. A detailed description of each module is as follows.

[0379] In one embodiment:

[0380] The receiving module 1101 is configured to receive RAN notification area information from a RAN device, where the RAN notification area information includes identifiers of cells and / or base stations within the RAN notification area.

[0381] The sending module 1103 is used to send location update information to the RAN device. The location update information includes the identifier of the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located. The location update information is used to determine whether the terminal device enters or leaves the target area of ​​the timing service.

[0382] Optionally, the sending module 1103 is further configured to send location update information to the RAN device if the terminal device is in an inactive state.

[0383] In another embodiment:

[0384] Receiving module 1101 is used to receive a control strategy from the first network element, the control strategy includes target area information of the timing service, the target area information includes the identifiers of cells and / or base stations within the target area of ​​the timing service, and the control strategy is used to indicate timing service based on the target area of ​​the timing service.

[0385] The processing module 1102 is configured to determine whether the terminal device enters or leaves the target area of ​​the timing service.

[0386] The processing module 1102 is further configured to execute the control strategy.

[0387] Optionally, the control strategy includes at least one of the following: controlling the terminal device to no longer perform timing according to the system information of the timing service after leaving the target area of ​​the timing service, or controlling the terminal device to perform a mobility registration update process or a service request process after entering or leaving the target area of ​​the timing service, or controlling the terminal device to perform a mobility registration update process or a service request process or a random access process when the terminal device does not receive the system information of the timing service within the target area of ​​the timing service.

[0388] Optionally, the processing module 1102 is also used to determine that the terminal device has entered the target area of ​​the timing service if the identifiers of the cells and / or base stations within the target area of ​​the timing service include the identifiers of the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located; and to determine that the terminal device has left the target area of ​​the timing service if the identifiers of the cells and / or base stations within the target area of ​​the timing service do not include the identifiers of the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located.

[0389] Optionally, the sending module 1103 is used to send a first message to the first network element, where the first message includes the capabilities of the terminal device, and the capabilities of the terminal device are used to indicate whether the terminal device supports executing a mobility registration update process or a service request process or a random access process based on a control policy.

[0390] Optionally, the receiving module 1101 is further used to receive a third request from the first network element, where the third request is used to request the capabilities of the terminal device.

[0391] Optionally, the sending module 1103 is also used to send a first message to the first network element based on the third request, where the first message includes the capabilities of the terminal device, and the capabilities of the terminal device are used to indicate whether the terminal device supports executing a mobility registration update process or a service request process or a random access process based on a control policy.

[0392] Optionally, the control strategy is executed when the terminal device is in a disconnected state.

[0393] It should be noted that the implementation of each module can also correspond to the corresponding description of the method embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 7 to execute the methods and functions executed by the terminal device in the above embodiments.

[0394] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a RAN device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The RAN device can be applied to the system shown in Figure 1 to perform the functions of the RAN device in the above method embodiment, or to implement the steps or processes performed by the RAN device in the above method embodiment.

[0395] As shown in Figure 12, the RAN device includes a processor 1201 and a transceiver 1202. Optionally, the RAN device also includes a memory 1203. The processor 1201, transceiver 1202, and memory 1203 can communicate with each other via internal connection paths to transmit control and / or data signals. The memory 1203 is used to store computer programs, and the processor 1201 is used to call and execute the computer programs from the memory 1203 to control the transceiver 1202 to transmit and receive signals. Optionally, the RAN device may also include an antenna for transmitting uplink data or uplink control signaling output by the transceiver 1202 via wireless signals.

[0396] The processor 1201 and the memory 1203 may be combined into a processing device, and the processor 1201 is configured to execute program code stored in the memory 1203 to implement the aforementioned functions. In a specific implementation, the memory 1203 may also be integrated into the processor 1201 or independent of the processor 1201. The processor 1201 may correspond to the processing module in FIG8 .

[0397] The transceiver 1202 may correspond to the transmitting module and receiving module in FIG8 , and may also be referred to as a transceiver unit or transceiver module. The transceiver 1202 may include a receiver (or receiver, receiving circuit) and a transmitter (or transmitter, transmitting circuit). The receiver is used to receive signals, and the transmitter is used to transmit signals.

[0398] It should be understood that the RAN device shown in Figure 12 is capable of implementing the various processes related to the RAN device in the method embodiments shown in Figures 2-7 . The operations and / or functions of the various modules in the RAN device are respectively intended to implement the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description of the aforementioned method embodiments; to avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0399] The processor 1201 can be used to execute the actions implemented within the RAN device described in the previous method embodiments, while the transceiver 1202 can be used to execute the actions of the RAN device sending to or receiving from the terminal device described in the previous method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description of the previous method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0400] The processor 1201 may be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, a transistor logic device, a hardware component, or any combination thereof. It may implement or execute the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor 1201 may also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, and the like. The communication bus 1204 may be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, for example. The bus may be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, and the like. For ease of illustration, FIG12 is represented by only one thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus. The communication bus 1204 is used to implement connection and communication between these components. In the embodiment of the present application, the transceiver 1202 is used to communicate signaling or data with other node devices. The memory 1203 may include volatile memory, such as nonvolatile dynamic random access memory (NVRAM), phase change random access memory (PRAM), magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM), etc. It may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory devices, such as NOR flash memory or NAND flash memory, semiconductor devices, such as solid state disks (SSDs), etc. The memory 1203 may also be at least one storage device located remote from the aforementioned processor 1201. The memory 1203 may also store a set of computer program code or configuration information. The processor 1201 may also execute the program stored in the memory 1203. The processor may cooperate with the memory and transceiver to perform any of the methods and functions of the RAN device in the above-mentioned application embodiments.

[0401] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an AMF entity provided in an embodiment of the present application. The AMF entity can be applied to the system shown in Figure 1 to perform the functions of the AMF entity in the above method embodiment, or to implement the steps or processes performed by the AMF entity in the above method embodiment.

[0402] As shown in Figure 13, the AMF entity includes a processor 1301 and a transceiver 1302. Optionally, the AMF entity also includes a memory 1303. The processor 1301, the transceiver 1302, and the memory 1303 can communicate with each other through an internal connection path to transmit control and / or data signals. The memory 1303 is used to store a computer program, and the processor 1301 is used to call and run the computer program from the memory 1303 to control the transceiver 1302 to send and receive signals. Optionally, the AMF entity may also include an antenna for transmitting the uplink data or uplink control signaling output by the transceiver 1302 via wireless signals.

[0403] The processor 1301 and the memory 1303 may be combined into a processing device, and the processor 1301 is configured to execute program code stored in the memory 1303 to implement the aforementioned functions. In a specific implementation, the memory 1303 may also be integrated into the processor 1301 or independent of the processor 1301. The processor 1301 may correspond to the processing module in FIG9 .

[0404] The transceiver 1302 may correspond to the receiving module and transmitting module in FIG9 , and may also be referred to as a transceiver unit or transceiver module. The transceiver 1302 may include a receiver (or receiver, receiving circuit) and a transmitter (or transmitter, transmitting circuit). The receiver is used to receive signals, and the transmitter is used to transmit signals.

[0405] It should be understood that the AMF entity shown in Figure 13 is capable of implementing the various processes involving the AMF entity in the method embodiments shown in Figures 2-7 . The operations and / or functions of the various modules in the AMF entity are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description in the aforementioned method embodiments; to avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0406] The processor 1301 may be configured to execute the actions implemented internally by the AMF entity described in the previous method embodiment, and the transceiver 1302 may be configured to execute the actions of the AMF entity sending to or receiving from the first device described in the previous method embodiment. For details, please refer to the description in the previous method embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0407] The processor 1301 can be any of the aforementioned types of processors. The communication bus 1304 can be a PCI bus or an EISA bus, for example. Buses can be classified as address buses, data buses, and control buses. For ease of illustration, Figure 13 shows only one thick line, but this does not imply a single bus or bus type. The communication bus 1304 is used to enable communication between these components. The transceiver 1302 of the AMF entity in this embodiment of the present application is used to communicate signaling or data with other devices. The memory 1303 can be any of the aforementioned types of memory. The memory 1303 can also be at least one storage device located remotely from the processor 1301. The memory 1303 stores a set of computer program code or configuration information, and the processor 1301 executes the program in the memory 1303. The processor can cooperate with the memory and transceiver to perform any of the methods and functions of the AMF entity in the aforementioned embodiments of the present application.

[0408] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a TSCTSF entity provided in an embodiment of the present application. The TSCTSF entity can be applied to the system shown in Figure 1 to perform the functions of the TSCTSF entity in the above method embodiment, or to implement the steps or processes performed by the TSCTSF entity in the above method embodiment.

[0409] As shown in Figure 14, the TSCTSF entity includes a processor 1401 and a transceiver 1402. Optionally, the TSCTSF entity also includes a memory 1403. The processor 1401, transceiver 1402, and memory 1403 can communicate with each other via internal connection paths to transmit control and / or data signals. The memory 1403 is used to store computer programs, and the processor 1401 is used to call and execute the computer programs from the memory 1403 to control the transceiver 1402 to transmit and receive signals. Optionally, the TSCTSF entity may also include an antenna for transmitting uplink data or uplink control signaling output by the transceiver 1402 via wireless signals.

[0410] The processor 1401 and the memory 1403 may be combined into a processing device, and the processor 1401 is configured to execute program code stored in the memory 1403 to implement the aforementioned functions. In a specific implementation, the memory 1403 may also be integrated into the processor 1401 or independent of the processor 1401. The processor 1401 may correspond to the processing module in FIG10 .

[0411] The transceiver 1402 may correspond to the receiving module and transmitting module in FIG10 , and may also be referred to as a transceiver unit or transceiver module. The transceiver 1402 may include a receiver (or receiver, receiving circuit) and a transmitter (or transmitter, transmitting circuit). The receiver is used to receive signals, and the transmitter is used to transmit signals.

[0412] It should be understood that the TSCTSF entity shown in Figure 14 is capable of implementing the various processes involving the TSCTSF entity in the method embodiments shown in Figures 2-7 . The operations and / or functions of the various modules within the TSCTSF entity are intended to implement the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments. For details, please refer to the descriptions in the aforementioned method embodiments; to avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0413] The processor 1401 may be configured to execute the actions implemented within the TSCTSF entity as described in the previous method embodiments, and the transceiver 1402 may be configured to execute the actions of the TSCTSF entity sending to or receiving from the first device as described in the previous method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description in the previous method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0414] Processor 1401 may be any of the aforementioned types of processors. Communication bus 1404 may be a PCI bus or an EISA bus, for example. Buses may be classified as address buses, data buses, or control buses. For ease of illustration, Figure 14 shows only one thick line, but this does not imply that there is only one bus or only one type of bus. Communication bus 1404 is used to enable communication between these components. In the embodiments of the present application, transceiver 1402 of the TSCTSF entity is used to communicate signaling or data with other devices. Memory 1403 may be any of the aforementioned types of memory. Memory 1403 may also be at least one storage device located remotely from processor 1401. Memory 1403 stores a set of computer program code or configuration information, and processor 1401 executes the program in memory 1403. The processor may cooperate with the memory and transceiver to execute any of the methods and functions of the TSCTSF entity in the embodiments of the present application.

[0415] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The terminal device can be applied to the system shown in Figure 1 to perform the functions of the terminal device in the above method embodiment, or to implement the steps or processes performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiment.

[0416] As shown in Figure 15 , the terminal device includes a processor 1501 and a transceiver 1502. Optionally, the terminal device also includes a memory 1503. The processor 1501, transceiver 1502, and memory 1503 can communicate with each other via internal connection paths to transmit control and / or data signals. The memory 1503 is used to store computer programs, and the processor 1501 is used to call and execute the computer programs from the memory 1503 to control the transceiver 1502 to transmit and receive signals. Optionally, the terminal device may also include an antenna for transmitting uplink data or uplink control signaling output by the transceiver 1502 via wireless signals.

[0417] The processor 1501 and the memory 1503 may be combined into a processing device, and the processor 1501 is configured to execute program code stored in the memory 1503 to implement the aforementioned functions. In a specific implementation, the memory 1503 may also be integrated into the processor 1501 or independent of the processor 1501. The processor 1501 may correspond to the processing module in FIG11 .

[0418] The transceiver 1502 may correspond to the receiving module and transmitting module in FIG11 , and may also be referred to as a transceiver unit or transceiver module. The transceiver 1502 may include a receiver (or receiver, receiving circuit) and a transmitter (or transmitter, transmitting circuit). The receiver is used to receive signals, and the transmitter is used to transmit signals.

[0419] It should be understood that the terminal device shown in FIG15 is capable of implementing the various processes involved in the terminal device in the method embodiments shown in FIG2-FIG7. The operations and / or functions of the various modules in the terminal device are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description of the aforementioned method embodiments; to avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0420] The processor 1501 can be used to execute the actions implemented within the terminal device described in the previous method embodiments, while the transceiver 1502 can be used to execute the actions of the terminal device sending to or receiving from the first device described in the previous method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description of the previous method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0421] The processor 1501 may be any of the aforementioned types of processors. The communication bus 1504 may be a PCI bus or an EISA bus, for example. Buses may be classified as address buses, data buses, control buses, and the like. For ease of illustration, FIG15 shows only one thick line, but this does not imply that there is only one bus or only one type of bus. The communication bus 1504 is used to enable communication between these components. The transceiver 1502 of the terminal device in the embodiments of the present application is used to communicate signaling or data with other devices. The memory 1503 may be any of the aforementioned types of memory. The memory 1503 may also be at least one storage device located remote from the processor 1501. The memory 1503 stores a set of computer program code or configuration information, and the processor 1501 executes the program in the memory 1503. The processor may cooperate with the memory and transceiver to execute any of the methods and functions of the terminal device in the aforementioned embodiments.

[0422] The present application also provides a chip system, which includes a processor for supporting a RAN device, an AMF entity, a TSCTSF entity, or a terminal device to implement the functions involved in any of the above embodiments. In one possible design, the chip system may also include a memory for storing necessary program instructions and data for the RAN device, the AMF entity, the TSCTSF entity, or the terminal device. The chip system may be composed of a chip or may include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0423] An embodiment of the present application also provides a processor for coupling with a memory, for executing any method and function involving a RAN device, an AMF entity, a TSCTSF entity or a terminal device in any of the above embodiments.

[0424] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute any method and function involving a RAN device, an AMF entity, a TSCTSF entity or a terminal device in any of the above embodiments.

[0425] An embodiment of the present application also provides a device for executing any method and function involving a RAN device, an AMF entity, a TSCTSF entity or a terminal device in any of the above embodiments.

[0426] An embodiment of the present application also provides a communication system, which includes at least one RAN device, at least one AMF entity, at least one TSCTSF entity and at least one terminal device involved in any of the above embodiments.

[0427] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiment of the present application is generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from 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 a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media integrations. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk, a tape), an optical medium (e.g., a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., a solid state disk (SSD)).

[0428] It should be understood that, in the description of this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "a plurality" means two or more. In addition, unless otherwise specified, the terms "first" and "second" are used solely for descriptive purposes and are not to be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or order.

[0429] It should be understood that the "and / or" appearing in the embodiments of the present application is merely a description of the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone.

[0430] It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, "B corresponding to A" means that B is associated with A and B can be determined based on A. However, it should also be understood that determining B based on A does not mean determining B based solely on A, but B can also be determined based on A and / or other information.

[0431] It should be understood that the symbol " / " in the embodiments of this application can indicate that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship. Furthermore, the symbol " / " can also represent a division sign, i.e., performing a division operation. For example, A / B can mean A divided by B.

[0432] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: include: A radio access network RAN device receives a first message from a first network element, where the first message includes target area information of a timing service, and the target area information includes identifiers of cells and / or base stations within the target area of the timing service; The RAN device receives location update information from the terminal device, where the location update information includes an identifier of the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located; The RAN device determines, based on the location update information, that the terminal device enters or leaves a target area of the timing service; The RAN device sends a second message to the first network element, where the second message is used to instruct the terminal device to enter or leave the target area of the timing service.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The method further comprises: The RAN device determines RAN notification area information according to the target area information of the timing service, where the RAN notification area information includes identifiers of cells and / or base stations within the RAN notification area; The RAN device sends the RAN notification area information to the terminal device.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein The RAN device determines RAN notification area information according to the target area information of the timing service, including: If there is an intersection area between the target area of the timing service and the preset RAN notification area, and the intersection area includes the cell and / or base station to which the terminal device was last connected, the RAN device uses the intersection area as the RAN notification area; If the intersection area exists between the target area of the timing service and the preset RAN notification area, and the intersection area does not include the cell and / or the base station to which the terminal device was last connected, the RAN device uses the other areas in the preset RAN notification area except the intersection area as the RAN notification area; If the target area of the timing service and the preset RAN notification area do not have the intersection area, the RAN device uses the preset RAN notification area as the RAN notification area.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The RAN device determines, according to the location update information, that the terminal device enters or leaves a target area of the timing service, including: If the identifiers of the cells and / or base stations within the target area of the timing service include the identifiers of the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located, the RAN device determines that the terminal device has entered the target area of the timing service; If the identifiers of the cells and / or base stations in the target area of the timing service do not include the identifiers of the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located, the RAN device determines that the terminal device has left the target area of the timing service.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The second message includes an identifier of the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The first message also includes an identifier of the terminal device.

7. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The terminal device receives RAN notification area information from a radio access network RAN device, where the RAN notification area information includes identifiers of cells and / or base stations within the RAN notification area; The terminal device sends location update information to the RAN device, where the location update information includes an identifier of the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located. The location update information is used to determine whether the terminal device enters or leaves a target area for timing service.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein The method further comprises: If the terminal device is in an inactive state, the terminal device sends the location update information to the RAN device.

9. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The first network element sends a first message to a radio access network RAN device, where the first message includes target area information of a timing service, where the target area information includes identifiers of cells and / or base stations within the target area of the timing service, and the target area information is used to determine whether a terminal device enters or leaves the target area of the timing service; The first network element receives a second message from the RAN device, where the second message is used to instruct the terminal device to enter or leave the target area of the timing service.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein The target area information is further used to determine RAN notification area information, where the RAN notification area information includes identifiers of cells and / or base stations within the RAN notification area.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The method further comprises: If the first network element determines that the terminal device has entered the target area of the timing service, activating the timing service of the terminal device; or If the first network element determines that the terminal device has left the target area of the timing service, the timing service of the terminal device is deactivated.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein: The second message includes an identifier of the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located.

13. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The first network element receives a first request from the second network element, where the first request is used to request a timing service at a cell and / or base station granularity; The first network element sends a second request to the third network element, where the second request is used to request a control strategy, where the control strategy includes target area information of the timing service, where the target area information includes identifiers of cells and / or base stations within the target area of the timing service, and where the control strategy is used to indicate that the timing service is to be performed based on the target area of the timing service.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein The control strategy includes at least one of the following: controlling the terminal device to no longer perform timing according to the system information of the timing service after leaving the target area of the timing service, or controlling the terminal device to perform a mobility registration update process or a service request process after entering or leaving the target area of the timing service, or controlling the terminal device to perform the mobility registration update process or the service request process or the random access process when the terminal device does not receive the system information of the timing service within the target area of the timing service.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first network element receives the control policy from the third network element; The first network element sends the control policy to the terminal device.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein: The method further comprises: The first network element receives a first message from a terminal device, where the first message includes the capability of the terminal device, and the capability of the terminal device is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports executing a mobility registration update process, a service request process, or a random access process based on the control policy.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein The method further comprises: The first network element sends a third request to the terminal device, where the third request is used to request capabilities of the terminal device.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein: The first request includes an identification of the terminal device.

19. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein: The first request further includes target area information of the timing service.

20. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The terminal device receives a control policy from the first network element, the control policy including target area information of the timing service, the target area information including identifiers of cells and / or base stations within the target area of the timing service, and the control policy is used to instruct to perform the timing service based on the target area of the timing service; The terminal device determines that the terminal device enters or leaves the target area of the timing service; The terminal device executes the control strategy.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein The control strategy includes at least one of the following: controlling the terminal device to no longer perform timing according to the system information of the timing service after leaving the target area of the timing service, or controlling the terminal device to perform a mobility registration update process or a service request process after entering or leaving the target area of the timing service, or controlling the terminal device to perform the mobility registration update process or the service request process or the random access process when the terminal device does not receive the system information of the timing service within the target area of the timing service.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein: The terminal device determining that the terminal device enters or leaves the target area of the timing service includes: If the identifiers of the cells and / or base stations within the target area of the timing service include the identifiers of the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located, the terminal device determines that the terminal device has entered the target area of the timing service; If the identifiers of the cells and / or base stations within the target area of the timing service do not include the identifiers of the cell and / or base station where the terminal device is currently located, the terminal device determines that the terminal device has left the target area of the timing service.

23. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein: The method further comprises: The terminal device sends a first message to the first network element, where the first message includes the capabilities of the terminal device, and the capabilities of the terminal device are used to indicate whether the terminal device supports executing a mobility registration update process, a service request process, or a random access process based on the control policy.

24. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein: The method further comprises: The terminal device receives a third request from the first network element, where the third request is used to request a capability of the terminal device; Based on the third request, the terminal device sends a first message to the first network element, where the first message includes the capabilities of the terminal device, and the capabilities of the terminal device are used to indicate whether the terminal device supports executing a mobility registration update process, a service request process, or a random access process based on the control policy.

25. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein: The control strategy is executed when the terminal device is in a non-connected state.

26. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The second network element determines target area information of the timing service, where the target area information includes identifiers of cells and / or base stations within the target area of the timing service; The second network element sends a first request to the first network element, where the first request is used to request a timing service at a cell and / or base station granularity.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein The second network element determines target area information of the timing service, including: The second network element receives a second message from the fourth network element and a third message from the fifth network element, where the second message includes first area information of the timing service, and the third message includes second area information of the timing service; The second network element determines target area information of the timing service according to the first area information and the second area information.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein: The second message also includes the capability of the terminal device, where the capability of the terminal device is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports executing a mobility registration update procedure, a service request procedure, or a random access procedure based on a control policy.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein The first request includes an identification of the terminal device.

30. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein: The first request further includes target area information of the timing service.

31. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device comprises a memory and a processor, wherein the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor runs the computer program to enable the communication device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

32. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device comprises a memory and a processor, wherein the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor runs the computer program to enable the communication device to perform the method according to any one of claims 9 to 12 or any one of claims 13 to 19.

33. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device comprises a memory and a processor, wherein the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor runs the computer program to enable the communication device to perform the method according to any one of claims 26 to 30.

34. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device comprises a memory and a processor, wherein the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor runs the computer program to enable the communication device to perform the method according to any one of claims 7 to 8 or any one of claims 20 to 25.

35. A communication system, characterized in that: The method comprises a radio access network RAN device and a terminal device, wherein the RAN device is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and the terminal device is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 7 to 8.

36. The system according to any one of claims 35, wherein: The system further includes a first network element, which is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 9 to 12.

37. A communication system, characterized in that: The method comprises a radio access network RAN device and a first network element, wherein the RAN device is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and the first network element is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 9 to 12.

38. A communication system, characterized in that: It includes a first network element and a terminal device, the first network element is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 13-19, and the terminal device is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 20-25.

39. The system according to any one of claims 38, wherein: The system further includes a second network element, which is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 26 to 30.

40. A communication system, characterized in that: The method comprises a first network element and a second network element, wherein the first network element is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 13 to 19, and the second network element is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 26 to 30.

41. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The computer-readable storage medium includes a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, enables the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, any one of claims 7 to 8, any one of claims 9 to 12, any one of claims 13 to 19, any one of claims 20 to 25, or any one of claims 26 to 30 to be implemented.

42. A chip, characterized in that: The chip includes a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface is used to communicate with an external device or an internal device, and the processor is used to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, any one of claims 7 to 8, any one of claims 9 to 12, any one of claims 13 to 19, any one of claims 20 to 25, or any one of claims 26 to 30.

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