Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a communication method and a communication apparatus. The method comprises: sending first recommendation information to a second data analytics network element, wherein the first recommendation information is determined on the basis of second recommendation information and a first message, the second recommendation information is recommendation information generated by the second data analytics network element, the first message is a subscription message or a request message received by a first data analytics network element from a consumption network element, and the first message is used for requesting or subscribing to recommendation information; and receiving a response message from the second data analytics network element, wherein the response message indicates whether the first recommendation information is accepted. Therefore, by means of negotiating with a second data analytics network element on whether to accept second recommendation information, rational recommendation information can be generated for a consumption network element, thereby improving the user experience.

Description

Communication methods and communication devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410545107.8, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on April 30, 2024, entitled "Communication Method and Communication Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to communication methods and communication devices. Background Technology

[0003] Fifth generation (5) th In 5G communication systems, network data analytics function (NWDAF) network elements are introduced. These elements can receive subscription requests from consumer network elements, collect relevant data from the network, process and analyze this data to obtain statistical or predictive analysis results, and then feed the analysis results back to the consumer network elements.

[0004] In addition to analysis results, NWDAF network elements can also provide recommendation information to consumer network elements. For example, they can provide recommended back-off timers to access and mobility management function (AMF) network elements or recommended quality of service (QoS) parameters to policy control function (PCF) network elements. This assists consumer network elements in making communication decisions to provide better communication services to users. However, due to limited and shared network resources, recommendation information from different NWDAFs or even different recommendations from the same NWDAF may conflict. To avoid this conflict, NWDAFs can store recommendation information in the analytics data repository function (ADRF) network element after generating it, so that other NWDAFs can generate new recommendation information based on the information stored in the ADRF.

[0005] However, in actual application scenarios, the above scheme may affect the fairness of generating recommendation information between NWDAFs. For example, NWDAF1 generates recommendation information and stores the recommendation information in the ADRF, the recommendation information including a recommended QoS parameter generated by NWDAF1, if the recommended QoS parameter occupies too many network resources, it may cause NWDAF2 to be unable to generate the expected QoS parameter, that is, there is unfairness between the recommended results generated by NWDAF1 and NWDAF2, which affects the accuracy of the communication decision of the consumer network element, and ultimately affects the user experience. SUMMARY

[0006] The present application provides a communication method and a communication device, which can generate more reasonable recommendation information, thereby improving the user experience.

[0007] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to a first data analysis network element. Specifically, the method can be executed by the first data analysis network element, or can also be executed by a module (such as a chip or a circuit) of the first data analysis network element, or can also be executed by a logical node, a logical module or software capable of realizing all or part of the functions of the network element, and the present application does not limit this.

[0008] The method comprises: sending first recommendation information to a second data analysis network element, the first recommendation information being determined according to second recommendation information and a first message, the second recommendation information being recommendation information generated by the second data analysis network element, the first message being a subscription message or a request message received by the first data analysis network element from a consumer network element, the first message being used to request or subscribe to recommendation information; receiving a response message from the second data analysis network element, the response message indicating whether to accept the first recommendation information.

[0009] Based on the above scheme, the first data analysis network element can generate new recommendation information for the second data analysis network element according to the recommendation information generated by the second data analysis network element and the recommendation information subscription request of the consumer network element, and can generate reasonable recommendation information for the consumer network element by negotiating with the second data analysis network element whether to accept the new recommendation information, thereby improving the user experience.

[0010] In an implementation manner, the second recommendation information includes N groups of recommendation results, each group of recommendation results in the N groups of recommendation results including at least one first recommendation value corresponding to at least one parameter, N being an integer greater than or equal to 1; the first recommendation information includes M groups of recommendation results in the N groups of recommendation results, M being a positive integer less than N, each group of recommendation results in the M groups of recommendation results including at least one second recommendation value corresponding to the at least one parameter, the at least one first recommendation value including the at least one second recommendation value.

[0011] Based on the above scheme, when the second recommendation information includes N groups of recommendation results, and each group of recommendation results includes at least one first recommended value corresponding to at least one parameter, the first recommendation information can be a subset of the second recommendation information.

[0012] In an implementation manner, the second recommendation information includes N groups of recommendation results, each group of recommendation results includes at least one first value range corresponding to at least one parameter, the at least one first value range includes a first value range corresponding to a first parameter, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 1; the first recommendation information includes M groups of recommendation results in the N groups of recommendation results, M is a positive integer less than N, and each group of recommendation results in the M groups of recommendation results includes a second recommended value or a second value range corresponding to the first parameter, the second recommended value belongs to the first value range, and the second value range is a subset of the first value range.

[0013] Based on the above scheme, when the second recommendation information includes N groups of recommendation results, and each group of recommendation results includes at least one first value range corresponding to at least one parameter, the first recommendation information can be a subset of the second recommendation information.

[0014] In an implementation manner, the second recommendation information includes N groups of recommendation results, the N groups of recommendation results include a first recommendation result, the first recommendation result includes a first recommended value corresponding to part of parameters in at least one parameter and a first value range corresponding to other parameters in the at least one parameter except the part of parameters; the first recommendation information includes M groups of recommendation results in the N groups of recommendation results, M is a positive integer less than N, the M groups of recommendation results include a second recommendation result, the second recommendation result includes the first recommended value corresponding to the part of parameters and a first recommended value or a second value range corresponding to the other parameters, the first recommended value corresponding to the other parameters belongs to the first value range, the second value range is a subset of the first value range, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0015] Based on the above scheme, when the second recommendation information includes N groups of recommendation results, and each group includes a value or a value range of a parameter, the first recommendation information can be a subset of the second recommendation information.

[0016] In an implementation manner, when the value of N is greater than 1, the second recommendation information further includes indication information indicating a priority corresponding to each group of recommendation results in the M groups of recommendation results, the first recommendation information is determined according to the M groups of recommendation results in the N groups of recommendation results, and the priority of the M groups of recommendation results is higher than a priority corresponding to recommendation results in the N groups of recommendation results except the M groups of recommendation results.

[0017] Based on the above scheme, the first recommendation information can be determined based on the M group result with higher priority in the second recommendation information.

[0018] In an implementation manner, the method further includes: sending a first request message to a data storage function network element, the first request message being used for requesting recommendation information stored by the data storage function network element, the first request message carrying requirement information of the recommendation information, the requirement information of the recommendation information being used for determining the second recommendation information; and receiving the second recommendation information from the data storage function network element.

[0019] Based on the above scheme, the first data analysis network element can obtain the second recommendation information from the data storage function network element.

[0020] In an implementation manner, the method further includes: sending a second request message to the second data analysis network element, the second request message being used for requesting recommendation information generated by the second data analysis network element, the second request message carrying requirement information of the recommendation information, the requirement information of the recommendation information being used for determining the second recommendation information; and receiving the second recommendation information from the second data analysis network element.

[0021] In an implementation manner, the method further includes: sending a third request message to a network storage function network element, the third request message requesting the network storage function network element to discover a target data analysis network element; and receiving indication information from the network storage function network element, the indication information indicating the second data analysis network element.

[0022] Based on the above scheme, the first data analysis network element can obtain the second recommendation information from the second data analysis network element.

[0023] In an implementation manner, the third request message carries first information, the first information being used for determining the target data analysis network element, the first information including at least one of the following information: a first identifier, first filtering information, and first indication information; wherein the first identifier is used for identifying a type of requested recommendation information, the first filtering information indicates a range to which the recommendation information is applicable, and the first indication information indicates discovery of a data analysis network element with a capability of providing recommendation information.

[0024] In an implementation manner, if the response message indicates acceptance of the first recommendation information, the method further includes: generating third recommendation information according to the first recommendation information and the first message; and sending the third recommendation information to the consumer network element.

[0025] Based on the above scheme, the first data analysis network element can generate reasonable recommendation information for the consumer network element, thereby improving user experience.

[0026] In an implementation manner, if the response message indicates that the first recommendation information is not accepted, the response message further comprises fourth recommendation information generated by the second data analysis network element, and the method further comprises: generating fifth recommendation information according to the fourth recommendation information and the first message; and sending the fifth recommendation information to the second data analysis network element.

[0027] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to a second data analysis network element. Specifically, the method can be executed by the second data analysis network element, or can also be executed by a module (such as a chip or a circuit) of the second data analysis network element, or can also be executed by a logical node, a logical module or software capable of realizing all or part of the functions of the analysis function network element, and the present application does not make any limitation in this regard.

[0028] The method comprises: receiving first recommendation information from a first data analysis network element, wherein the first recommendation information is determined according to second recommendation information and a first message, the second recommendation information is recommendation information generated by the second data analysis network element, and the first message is a subscription message or a request message received by the first data analysis network element from a consumption network element, and the first message is used to request or subscribe to recommendation information; and sending a response message to the first data analysis network element, wherein the response message indicates whether the first recommendation information is accepted.

[0029] Based on the above scheme, the second data analysis network element can negotiate with the first data analysis network element whether to accept the new recommendation information determined by the first data analysis network element for the second data analysis network element, so that the first data analysis network element can generate reasonable recommendation information for the consumption network element, and the user experience is improved.

[0030] In an implementation manner, the second recommendation information comprises N groups of recommendation results, and the second recommendation information and the first recommendation information can refer to the implementation manners of the first aspect.

[0031] In an implementation manner, the method further comprises: receiving a second request message from the first data analysis network element, wherein the second request message is used to request recommendation information generated by the second data analysis network element, and the second request message carries requirement information of the recommendation information, and the requirement information of the recommendation information is used to determine the second recommendation information; and sending the second recommendation information to the first data analysis network element.

[0032] In an implementation manner, if the response message indicates that the first recommendation information is accepted, the method further comprises: generating third recommendation information according to the first recommendation information and the first message; and sending the third recommendation information to the consumption network element.

[0033] Based on the above scheme, the first data analysis network element can generate reasonable recommendation information for the consumption network element, so as to improve the user experience.

[0034] In an implementation, if the response message indicates that the first recommendation information is not accepted, the response message further comprises fourth recommendation information generated by the second data analytics network element, and the method further comprises: generating fifth recommendation information according to the fourth recommendation information and the first message; and sending the fifth recommendation information to the second data analytics network element.

[0035] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to a first data analytics network element. Specifically, the method can be executed by the first data analytics network element, or can also be executed by a module (such as a chip or a circuit) of the first data analytics network element, or can also be executed by a logical node, a logical module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the data analytics network element, and the present application does not limit this.

[0036] The method comprises: sending a first request message to a third data analytics network element, the first request message being used to request to generate recommendation information for the consumer network element; and receiving third recommendation information from the third data analytics network element, the third recommendation information being determined according to a first message corresponding to each data analytics network element in a plurality of data analytics network elements, the first message being used to request or subscribe to recommendation information, the plurality of data analytics network elements comprising the first data analytics network element and a second data analytics network element.

[0037] Based on the above scheme, the third data analytics network element can generate recommendation information for each data analytics network element according to the recommendation information subscription message or request message of the affected data analytics network element corresponding to the consumer network element, thereby improving user experience.

[0038] In an implementation, the first request message comprises indication information indicating the second data analytics network element.

[0039] Based on the above scheme, the third data analytics network element can learn the affected data analytics network element.

[0040] In an implementation, the first request message comprises at least one of second recommendation information and a second identifier; wherein the second recommendation information comprises recommendation information generated by the second data analytics network element, and the first identifier is used to identify the first message corresponding to the second data analytics network element.

[0041] Based on the above scheme, the third data analytics network element can determine the subscription message of the affected data analytics network element according to at least one of the second recommendation information or the second identifier.

[0042] In an implementation, before the first request message is sent to the third data analytics network element, a second request message is sent to a network storage function network element, the second request message requesting to discover a data analytics network element supporting recommendation result negotiation capability; and indication information indicating the third data analytics network element is received from the network storage function network element.

[0043] Based on the above scheme, the first data analysis network element can find a data analysis network element supporting the recommendation result negotiation capability.

[0044] In an implementation manner, before the first request message is sent to the third data analysis network element, a third request message is sent to a data storage function network element, the third request message being used for requesting recommendation information associated with the first message; second recommendation information is received from the data storage function network element, the second recommendation information including recommendation information generated by the second data analysis network element.

[0045] In an implementation manner, before the first request message is sent to the third data analysis network element, a fourth request message is sent to the second data analysis network element, the fourth request message being used for requesting recommendation information; recommendation information is received from the second data analysis network element.

[0046] In an implementation manner, before the fourth request message is sent to the second data analysis network element, a fifth request message is sent to a network storage function network element, the fifth request message being used for requesting the network storage function network element to find a target data analysis network element; indication information is received from the network storage function network element, the indication information indicating the second data analysis network element.

[0047] In an implementation manner, the fifth request message carries first information, the first information being used for determining the target data analysis network element, the first information including at least one of the following information: a first identifier, first filter information, and first indication information; wherein the first identifier is used for identifying a type of requested recommendation information, the first filter information indicates a condition to which the recommendation information is applicable, and the first indication information indicates finding a data analysis network element having a capability of providing recommendation information.

[0048] In a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to a third data analysis network element. Specifically, the method can be executed by the third data analysis network element, or can also be executed by a module (such as a chip or a circuit) of the third data analysis network element, or can also be executed by a logical node, a logical module or software capable of realizing all or part of the functions of the analysis function network element, and the present application does not make any limitation in this regard.

[0049] The method includes: receiving a first request message from a first data analysis network element, the first request message being used for requesting to generate recommendation information for the consumer network element; and sending third recommendation information to the first data analysis network element, the third recommendation information being determined according to a first message of each data analysis network element in a plurality of data analysis network elements, the first message being used for requesting or subscribing to recommendation information, the plurality of data analysis network elements including the first data analysis network element and a second data analysis network element.

[0050] Based on the above scheme, the third data analysis network element can generate recommendation information for each data analysis network element according to the recommendation information subscription message or the request message of the affected data analysis network element corresponding to the consumption network element, thereby improving user experience.

[0051] In an implementation manner, the first request message includes indication information indicating the second data analysis network element.

[0052] Based on the above scheme, the third data analysis network element can know the affected data analysis network element.

[0053] In an implementation manner, the first request message includes at least one of second recommendation information and a second identifier; the second recommendation information includes recommendation information generated by the second data analysis network element, and the first identifier is used to identify the first message corresponding to the second data analysis network element.

[0054] Based on the above scheme, the third data analysis network element can determine the subscription message corresponding to the affected data analysis network element according to at least one of the second recommendation information or the second identifier.

[0055] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes a transceiver unit, the transceiver unit being configured to: send first recommendation information to a second data analysis network element, the first recommendation information being determined according to second recommendation information and a first message, the second recommendation information being recommendation information generated by the second data analysis network element, and the first message being a subscription message or a request message received by the first data analysis network element from a consumption network element, the first message being used to request or subscribe to recommendation information; and receive a response message from the second data analysis network element, the response message indicating whether to accept the first recommendation information.

[0056] In an implementation manner, the second recommendation information includes N groups of recommendation results, and the first recommendation information and the second recommendation information can refer to the relationship between the first recommendation information and the second recommendation information in the first aspect.

[0057] In an implementation manner, the transceiver unit is further configured to: send a first request message to a data storage function network element, the first request message being used to request recommendation information stored by the data storage function network element, the first request message carrying requirement information of the recommendation information, and the requirement information of the recommendation information being used to determine the second recommendation information; and receive the second recommendation information from the data storage function network element.

[0058] In an implementation form, the transceiver is further configured to send a second request message to the second data analytics network element, the second request message being used to request recommended information generated by the second data analytics network element, the second request message carrying requirement information of the recommended information, the requirement information of the recommended information being used to determine the second recommended information; and receive the second recommended information from the second data analytics network element.

[0059] In an implementation form, the transceiver is further configured to send a third request message to a network storage function network element, the third request message requesting the network storage function network element to discover a target data analytics network element; and receive indication information from the network storage function network element, the indication information indicating the second data analytics network element.

[0060] In an implementation form, the third request message carries first information, the first information being used to determine the target data analytics network element, the first information comprising at least one of the following information: a first identifier, first filter information, and first indication information; wherein the first identifier is used to identify a type of the requested recommended information, the first filter information indicates a range to which the recommended information is applicable, and the first indication information indicates to discover a data analytics network element having a capability of providing recommended information.

[0061] In an implementation form, the apparatus further comprises a processing unit, if the response message indicates to accept the first recommended information, the processing unit is configured to generate third recommended information according to the first recommended information and the first message; and the transceiver is further configured to send the third recommended information to the consumer network element.

[0062] In an implementation form, the apparatus further comprises a processing unit, if the response message indicates to not accept the first recommended information, the response message further comprises fourth recommended information generated by the second data analytics network element, the processing unit is configured to generate fifth recommended information according to the fourth recommended information and the first message; and the transceiver is further configured to send the fifth recommended information to the second data analytics network element.

[0063] In a sixth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising a transceiver configured to: receive first recommended information from a first data analytics network element, the first recommended information being determined according to second recommended information and a first message, the second recommended information being recommended information generated by a second data analytics network element, the first message being a request message or a subscription message received by the first data analytics network element from a consumer network element, the first message being used to request or subscribe to recommended information; and send a response message to the first data analytics network element, the response message indicating whether to accept the first recommended information.

[0064] In an implementation form, the second recommended information comprises N groups of recommended results, and the first recommended information is a subset of the second recommended information, which can be referred to the description in the first aspect.

[0065] In an implementation, the transceiver is further configured to receive a second request message from the first data analytics network element, the second request message being used to request recommendation information generated by the second data analytics network element, the second request message carrying requirement information of the recommendation information, the requirement information of the recommendation information being used to determine the second recommendation information; and send the second recommendation information to the first data analytics network element.

[0066] In an implementation, the apparatus further comprises a processing unit, if the response message indicates to accept the first recommendation information, the processing unit is configured to generate third recommendation information according to the first recommendation information and the first message; and send the third recommendation information to the consumer network element.

[0067] In an implementation, the apparatus further comprises a processing unit, if the response message indicates to not accept the first recommendation information, the response message further comprises fourth recommendation information generated by the second data analytics network element, the processing unit is configured to generate fifth recommendation information according to the fourth recommendation information and the first message; and send the fifth recommendation information to the second data analytics network element.

[0068] In a seventh aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising a transceiver configured to: send a first request message to a third data analytics network element, the first request message being used to request recommendation information generated for the consumer network element; and receive third recommendation information from the third data analytics network element, the third recommendation information being determined according to a first message corresponding to each data analytics network element in a plurality of data analytics network elements, the first message being used to request or subscribe to recommendation information, the plurality of data analytics network elements comprising the first data analytics network element and a second data analytics network element.

[0069] In an implementation, the first request message comprises indication information indicating the second data analytics network element.

[0070] In an implementation, the first request message comprises at least one of second recommendation information and a second identifier, wherein the second recommendation information comprises recommendation information generated by the second data analytics network element, and the first identifier is used to identify the first message corresponding to the second data analytics network element.

[0071] In an implementation, the transceiver is further configured to: send a second request message to a network storage function network element, the second request message requesting to discover a data analytics network element supporting recommendation result negotiation capability; and receive indication information indicating the third data analytics network element from the network storage function network element.

[0072] In an implementation form, the transceiver is further configured to: send, to a data storage function network element, a third request message for requesting recommendation information associated with the first message; and receive, from the data storage function network element, second recommendation information including the recommendation information generated by the second data analysis network element.

[0073] In an implementation form, the transceiver is further configured to: send, to the second data analysis network element, a fourth request message for requesting recommendation information; and receive, from the second data analysis network element, the recommendation information.

[0074] In an implementation form, the transceiver is further configured to: send, to a network storage function network element, a fifth request message for requesting the network storage function network element to discover a target data analysis network element; and receive, from the network storage function network element, indication information indicating the second data analysis network element.

[0075] In an implementation form, the fifth request message carries first information for determining the target data analysis network element, the first information including at least one of: a first identifier, first filter information, and first indication information; wherein the first identifier is used to identify a type of the requested recommendation information, the first filter information is used to indicate a condition to which the recommendation information is applicable, and the first indication information is used to indicate to discover a data analysis network element having a capability of providing the recommendation information.

[0076] In an implementation form, the first request message includes indication information indicating the second data analysis network element.

[0077] In an implementation form, the first request message includes at least one of second recommendation information and a second identifier; wherein the second recommendation information includes the recommendation information generated by the second data analysis network element, and the first identifier is used to identify the first message corresponding to the second data analysis network element.

[0078] In an implementation form, the first request message includes at least one of second recommendation information and a second identifier; wherein the second recommendation information includes the recommendation information generated by the second data analysis network element, and the first identifier is used to identify the first message corresponding to the second data analysis network element.

[0079] In a ninth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which comprises a processor coupled to a memory, and the processor is configured to execute instructions in the memory to implement any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, and the method in any one of the possible implementation manners of the first aspect to the fourth aspect. Optionally, the apparatus further comprises the memory, which is deployed separately or centrally with the processor. Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface.

[0080] In an implementation manner, the communication interface can be a transceiver, or an input / output interface.

[0081] In another implementation manner, the apparatus is a first data analysis network element, a second data analysis network element, or a third data analysis network element, or a chip deployed in the first data analysis network element, the second data analysis network element, or the third data analysis network element, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first data analysis network element, the second data analysis network element, or the third data analysis network element. When the apparatus is a chip, the communication interface can be an input / output interface, an interface circuit, an output circuit, an input circuit, a pin, or related circuit on the chip or a chip system. The processor can also be embodied as a processing circuit or a logic circuit.

[0082] Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0083] In a specific implementation process, the processor can be one or more chips, the input circuit can be an input pin, the output circuit can be an output pin, and the processing circuit can be a transistor, a gate circuit, a flip-flop, and various logic circuits. The input received by the input circuit can be, but is not limited to, the input received by the receiver and inputted, the output outputted by the output circuit can be, but is not limited to, the output outputted to the transmitter and transmitted by the transmitter, and the input circuit and the output circuit can be the same circuit, which is used as the input circuit and the output circuit at different times. The specific implementation manner of the processor and various circuits is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0084] In a tenth aspect, a chip system is provided, which comprises a processor configured to execute computer programs or instructions in the memory, so that the chip system implements any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, and the method in any one of the possible implementation manners of the first aspect to the fourth aspect.

[0085] In an eleventh aspect, the present application provides a communication system, comprising: at least one of a first data analysis network element, a second data analysis network element or a third data analysis network element, the first analysis function network element being configured to perform the method in the first aspect or the fourth aspect and any possible implementation manner of the first aspect or the fourth aspect; the second data analysis network element being configured to perform the method in the second aspect and any possible implementation manner of the second aspect; and the third data analysis network element being configured to perform the method in the third aspect and any possible implementation manner of the third aspect.

[0086] In a twelfth aspect, a computer readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method in any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect and any possible implementation manner of the first aspect to the fourth aspect.

[0087] In a thirteenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, which comprises: a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) which, when executed, causes a computer to perform the method in any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect and any possible implementation manner of the first aspect to the fourth aspect.

[0088] The beneficial effects brought by the ninth aspect to the thirteenth aspect can refer to the description of the beneficial effects of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, which will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0089] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture suitable for embodiments of the present application.

[0090] FIG. 2 shows a basic flow of the NWDAF providing analysis results.

[0091] FIG. 3 shows a basic flow of the NWDAF providing recommendation information.

[0092] FIG. 4 is an example scenario in which the recommendation information provided by different NWDAFs conflicts.

[0093] FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart of the NWDAF storing and obtaining recommendation results.

[0094] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 600 provided by embodiments of the present application.

[0095] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 700 provided by embodiments of the present application.

[0096] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 800 provided by embodiments of the present application.

[0097] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 900 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0098] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 1000 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0099] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0100] FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0101] FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of a chip system according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0102] The technical solutions in the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0103] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, for example, long term evolution (LTE), 5th generation (5G), new radio (NR), internet of things (IoT), wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi), 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) related wireless communication, or other wireless communication that may appear in the future, which are not limited in the present application.

[0104] The technical solutions provided by the present application can also be applied to machine type communication (MTC), device-to-device (D2D) network, machine to machine (M2M) network, internet of things (IoT) network or other network. The IoT network may, for example, include a vehicle network. In the vehicle network system, the communication mode is collectively referred to as vehicle to X (V2X, X can represent any thing), for example, the V2X may include vehicle to vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle to infrastructure (V2I) communication, vehicle to pedestrian (V2P) communication or vehicle to network (V2N) communication, etc.

[0105] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture applicable to embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG. 1, the network architecture takes the 5G system (5GS) as an example.

[0106] The network architecture can be divided into an access network and a core network. The network architecture can include, but is not limited to: unified data management (UDM), network exposure function (NEF), network repository function (NRF), policy control function (PCF), application function (AF), access and mobility management function (AMF), session management function (SMF), user equipment (UE), wireless access network device, user plane function (UPF), data network (DN). Among them, the DN can be the Internet; the UDM, NEF, NRF, PCF, AF, AMF, SMF, UPF belong to the network element in the core network, since FIG. 1 takes the 5G system as an example, the core network can be referred to as the 5G core network (5GC or 5GCN).

[0107] The following briefly introduces each network element shown in FIG. 1.

[0108] 1. User equipment (UE): can be referred to as a terminal device, an access terminal, a user unit, a user station, a mobile station, a mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a user terminal, a terminal, a wireless communication device, a user agent or a user device.

[0109] The terminal device can be a device providing voice / data to a user, for example, a handheld device with wireless connection function, a vehicle-mounted device, etc. Currently, some examples of the terminal are: a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a palm computer, a mobile internet device (MID), a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal in smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in smart city, a wireless terminal in smart home, a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication function, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, a terminal device in a 5G network, or a terminal device in a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN), etc. The embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0110] By way of example and not limitation, in the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device can also be a wearable device. The wearable device can also be referred to as a wearable smart device, which is a general term for devices that are designed and developed by applying wearable technology to daily wear, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. The wearable device is a portable device that is directly worn on the body or integrated into the clothes or accessories of the user. The wearable device is not only a hardware device, but also has powerful functions through software support and data interaction and cloud interaction. The general wearable smart device includes a full function, a large size, and can realize complete or partial functions without relying on a smart phone, such as a smart watch or smart glasses, etc., and focuses on a certain application function and needs to cooperate with other devices such as a smart phone, such as various smart wristbands, smart jewelry, etc.

[0111] In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device can also be a terminal device in an IoT system. IoT is an important part of future information technology development, and its main technical feature is to connect objects to the network through communication technology, thereby realizing an intelligent network of human-machine interconnection and object interconnection.

[0112] It should be noted that the terminal device and the access network device can communicate with each other by using a certain air interface technology (such as new radio (NR) or LTE technology, etc.). The terminal device and the terminal device can also communicate with each other by using a certain air interface technology (such as NR or LTE technology, etc.).

[0113] In the embodiments of the present application, the device for implementing the function of the terminal device can be a terminal device, or a device capable of supporting the terminal device to implement the function, such as a chip system or a chip, which can be installed in the terminal device. In the embodiments of the present application, the chip system can be composed of a chip, or can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0114] 2, (radio) access network ((R)AN): can provide access to a communication network for authorized users in a specific area, and can specifically include a wireless network device in a 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) network, and can also include an access point in a non-3GPP (non-3GPP) network.

[0115] The RAN can manage radio resources and provide access services for user equipment, and then complete the forwarding of control signals and user equipment data between user equipment and a core network. The RAN can also be understood as a base station in a traditional network.

[0116] Exemplarily, the access network device in the embodiments of the present application can be any kind of communication device with wireless transceiving function for communicating with the user equipment. The access network device includes but is not limited to: evolved Node B (eNB), baseband unit (BBU), access point (AP) in a wireless fidelity (WIFI) system, wireless relay node, wireless backhaul node, transmission point (TP) or transmission and reception point (TRP), etc., and can also be gNB or TP in a 5G, such as a NR, system, one or a group of (including multiple antenna panels) antenna panels of a base station in a 5G system, or a network node constituting a gNB or a transmission point, such as a baseband unit (BBU) or a distributed unit (DU), etc.

[0117] In some deployments, a gNB can include a centralized unit (CU) and a DU. The gNB can also include an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU implements part of the functions of the gNB, and the DU implements part of the functions of the gNB. For example, the CU is responsible for processing non-real-time protocols and services, implementing the radio resource control (RRC) and the functions of the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer. The DU is responsible for processing the physical layer protocol and real-time services, implementing the functions of the radio link control (RLC) layer, the media access control (MAC) layer and the physical (PHY) layer. The AAU implements part of the physical layer processing function, the radio frequency processing and the related functions of the active antenna. Since the information of the RRC layer will eventually become the information of the PHY layer, or be converted from the information of the PHY layer, under this architecture, high-layer signaling, such as RRC layer signaling, can also be considered as being sent by the DU, or by the DU+AAU. It can be understood that the access network device can be a device including one or more of the CU node, the DU node and the AAU node. In addition, the CU can be divided into an access network device in a radio access network (RAN), or can be divided into an access network device in a core network (CN), which is not limited in the present application.

[0118] In different systems, the CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU can also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in an open-radio access network (O-RAN) system, the CU can also be referred to as an open-central unit (O-CU) (open CU); the DU can also be referred to as an open-distributed unit (O-DU) (open DU); the CU-CP can also be referred to as an O-CU-CP, the CU-UP can also be referred to as an O-CU-UP, and the RU can also be referred to as an O-RU. For the convenience of description, the CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU and RU are taken as examples for description in this application. Any one of the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in this application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0119] 3. A user plane function (UPF) network element: used for packet routing and forwarding, and quality of service (QoS) processing of user plane data, etc. User data can access a data network (DN) through the network element. In the embodiments of this application, the function of the user plane network element can be implemented.

[0120] 4. A data network (DN): a network used for transmitting data. For example, a network of operator services, the Internet, a third-party service network, etc.

[0121] 5. An operations, administration and management (OAM) network element: mainly used for analysis, prediction, planning and configuration of networks and services, and testing and fault management of networks and services, etc.

[0122] 6. An access and mobility management function (AMF) network element: mainly used for mobility management and access management, etc., and can be used to implement other functions in the mobility management entity (MME) function except for session management, such as access authorization / authentication functions, etc.

[0123] 7. Session management function (SMF) network element: mainly used for session management, terminal device internet protocol (IP) address allocation and management, selection and management of user plane function, terminal of policy control and charging function interface and downlink data notification, etc.

[0124] 8. Policy control function (PCF) network element: a unified policy framework for guiding network behavior, providing policy rule information for network elements (such as AMF, SMF network elements, etc.) or terminal devices, etc.

[0125] 9. Network repository function (NRF) network element: used to save the description information of network function entities and the services provided by them, and support service discovery, network element entity discovery, etc.

[0126] 10. Network exposure function (NEF) network element: used to safely open the services and capabilities provided by the third generation partnership project (3GPP) network function to the outside, etc.

[0127] 11. Unified data management (UDM) network element: used for unified data management, 5G user data management, processing user identification, access authentication, registration, or mobility management, etc.

[0128] 12. Application function (AF) network element: used for data routing for application influence, access network exposure function network element, and interact with the policy framework for policy control, etc.

[0129] 13. Network data analytics function (NWDAF) network element: NWDAF has data collection, training, analysis, and inference functions, which can be used to collect relevant data from network elements, third-party service servers, terminal devices, or network management systems, analyze and train based on relevant data, and provide data analysis results to network elements, third-party service servers, terminal devices, or network management systems. The analysis results can assist the network in selecting service quality parameters for services, or assist the network in performing traffic routing, or assist the network in selecting background data transmission strategies, etc.

[0130] In the embodiments of the present application, the NWDAF can be a separate network element, or can be combined with other network elements. For example, the NWDAF network element can be combined with the AMF or combined with the SMF.

[0131] It should be understood that the network elements included in the communication system listed above are only exemplary, and the present application is not limited thereto.

[0132] In the above network architecture, the N2 interface is the interface between the RAN and the AMF network element, used for sending wireless parameters, non-access layer (NAS) signaling, etc.; the N3 interface is the interface between the RAN and the UPF network element, used for transmitting user plane data, etc.; the N4 interface is the interface between the SMF network element and the UPF network element, used for transmitting information such as service policy, N3 connection tunnel identification information, data caching indication information, and downlink data notification message, etc. The N6 interface is the interface between the DN network element and the UPF network element, used for transmitting user plane data, etc.

[0133] It should be understood that in the above network architecture, the network elements can interact with each other through service interfaces. For example, the NWDAF network element can collect data generated by the terminal on the network element through the service interface (such as Namf, Nsmf, etc.) provided by other network elements (such as AMF, SMF, etc.), and provide analysis results (Analytics), model, also known as machine learning model, data, etc. through the Nnwdaf interface to other network elements (such as AMF, PCF, etc.).

[0134] It should be understood that the network architecture applied to the embodiments of the present application is only a network architecture described from the perspective of traditional point-to-point architecture and service architecture, and the network architecture applicable to the embodiments of the present application is not limited thereto. Any network architecture capable of realizing the functions of the above-mentioned network elements is applicable to the embodiments of the present application.

[0135] It should be noted that the names of the network elements and interfaces in the present application are only examples, and the present application does not exclude the case where the network elements are named otherwise and the functions of the network elements are combined. With the evolution of technology, any device or network element capable of realizing the functions of the above-mentioned network elements is within the scope of protection of the present application. Secondly, the above-mentioned network elements can also be referred to as entities, devices, apparatuses or modules, etc., and the present application is not particularly limited. Moreover, in the present application, in order to facilitate understanding and description, the description of "network element" is omitted in part of the description, for example, the NWDAF network element is simply referred to as NWDAF, in this case, the "NWDAF" should be understood as the NWDAF network element, and the same or similar cases are omitted below.

[0136] In addition, the network architecture described above can further include a data collection coordination function (DCCF) network element, an analytics data repository function (ADRF) network element.

[0137] The DCCF can be used to coordinate data collection with the NWDAF, reduce duplicate data collection, and implement data formatting processing. Specifically, the NWDAF can request the DCCF to collect data from certain network elements through the Ndccf interface. For example, the DCCF can learn the specific network elements serving the UE through service interfaces provided by the NRF, UDM, binding support function (BSF), etc., and then initiate a data collection request to these network elements. The DCCF can feed back data to the NWDAF after the collection is completed.

[0138] The ADRF can be used to store data collected by the network (e.g., NWDAF or DCCF) and models and analysis results trained by the NWDAF, and provide services for retrieving historical data (from network elements) and analysis results (from the NWDAF). Network elements can store and retrieve historical data (analysis results) through the Nadrf interface of the ADRF. In addition, the ADRF can subscribe to data notification services from the DCCF, so that the DCCF can feed back to the ADRF when it receives data that meets the conditions.

[0139] The introduction of the NWDAF network element allows it to receive subscription requests from consumer network elements (e.g., network functions (NFs), operations, administration and management (OAM)), then collect corresponding data from the network, and process and analyze the data to obtain statistical or predictive analysis results. The NWDAF network element feeds back the analysis results to the consumer network elements or to the network elements specified by the consumer network elements (e.g., NFs or OAM). In the current 5G network architecture, the consumer network elements can refer to consumers of the NWDAF services, such as 5GC NFs (e.g., PCF, NSSF, AMF, SMF, NEF, AF, NWDAF, DCCF) or OAM.

[0140] It should be understood that in this application, the analysis result can also be referred to as a data analysis result, which is generated by the NWDAF and can include one or more parameters statistically or predicted by the NWDAF.

[0141] Among them, the NWDAF supports providing different types of analysis results, which are distinguished by an analytics ID. For example, Analytics ID = "Service Experience" represents the service experience analysis result; Analytics ID = "Network Performance" represents the network performance analysis result; Analytics ID = "UE Mobility" represents the UE mobility analysis result. When the consumer network element subscribes to the analysis result from the NWDAF, it carries one or more Analytics IDs to identify the type of analysis result it wants to obtain from the NWDAF; the NWDAF collects corresponding data from the network according to the Analytics ID, and feeds back the derived analysis result to the consumer network element.

[0142] Figure 2 shows the basic flow of the NWDAF providing the analysis result. As shown in Figure 2, the flow includes the following steps.

[0143] S201, the consumer network element (consumer) sends a subscription message or a request message to the NWDAF to obtain the analysis result.

[0144] Exemplarily, the consumer network element can subscribe or request the analysis result from the NWDAF through an analytics subscription (Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe) message or an analytics request (Nnwdaf_AnalyticsInfo_Request) message.

[0145] Among them, the subscription message or the request message can include the following parameters:

[0146] 1. A list of analytics IDs: includes one or more analytics IDs, each of which identifies the type of requested analysis result. The analytics ID can also be referred to as an event ID.

[0147] 2. Analytics filter information: such as the area of interest (AOI), single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI), etc., indicating the applicable conditions of the analysis result.

[0148] 3. Target of analytics reporting: indicates the target to which the analytics request applies, which can be a specific UE, a group of UEs, or any UE.

[0149] 4. Analytics target period: indicates the time period for which the analytics result applies, i.e., indicates which time analytics result the consuming network element wants to obtain.

[0150] S202, the NWDAF sends a notification message or a response message to the consuming network element, carrying the analytics result.

[0151] Exemplarily, the NWDAF can collect data and generate an analytics result according to the subscription message or the request message in S201, and send the analytics result to the consuming network element through an analytics notification (Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Notify) message or an analytics request response (Nnwdaf_AnalyticsInfo_Request Response) message.

[0152] The notification message or the response message can include the following parameters:

[0153] 1. Analytics result: for each Analytics ID, the analytics information in the requested analytics target period is provided.

[0154] 2. Timestamp: indicates the time of analytics generation.

[0155] 3. Validity period: indicates the valid time of the analytics result.

[0156] 4. Confidence: indicates the confidence of the predicted analytics result.

[0157] When the NWDAF obtains the analytics result, the analytics result can be stored in the network, and can be retrieved from the network in subsequent use. In the 5G architecture, the NWDAF is supported to store, retrieve, and delete data or analytics results in the ADRF.

[0158] In addition to the analysis result, the NWDAF network element can also provide recommendation information to the consumer network element, which is used to assist the communication decision of the consumer network element, so as to provide better communication service for the user. For example, the NWDAF provides a recommended back-off timer to the AMF, or a recommended quality of service (QoS) parameter to the PCF, etc.

[0159] FIG. 3 shows the basic flow of the NWDAF providing recommendation information. As shown in FIG. 3, the flow includes the following steps.

[0160] S301, the consumer network element sends a subscription message or a request message to the NWDAF, which is used to obtain the recommendation information.

[0161] Specifically, the consumer network element can subscribe to the recommendation information of the NWDAF through a recommendation subscription (Nnwdaf_Recommendations_Subscribe) message, or request the recommendation information of the NWDAF through a recommendation request (Nnwdaf_Recommendations_Request) message.

[0162] The subscription message or the request message can include the following parameters:

[0163] 1. The desired recommendation result: indicates the desired recommendation result in a specified domain. Specifically, it can include the following parameters:

[0164] a. Recommendation identifier or recommendation type: for example, the recommendation registered ID in the given domain. The recommendation identifier is used to identify which type of recommendation result is obtained, for example, it can be used to identify the recommended QoS parameter, or to identify the recommended UPF network element, etc.

[0165] b. Optimization goal: for example, when the consumer network element wants to obtain the recommended QoS parameter, the optimization goal can be the service experience mean opinion score (MOS), for example, MOS>4, etc.

[0166]

[0167] ​c. constraints per requested parameter, denoted as parameter range. For example, if the consumer network element wants to get recommended QoS parameters, the parameter range can be 50 Mbps < bitrate < 100 Mbps, or 20 ms < delay < 50 ms, etc.

[0168]

[0169] wherein the "optimization target" and "constraints per requested parameter" are optional parameters.

[0170] 2. Time period of the recommended result: i.e. the observation period [start..end] in the future on which recommendations are requested.

[0171] 3. Maximum tolerated delay for the provision of the recommendations.

[0172] 4. Target of event reporting: i.e. the target of the recommended result, which can be a UE, or a group of UEs, or any UE. For example, if the consumer network element wants to get recommended QoS parameters, and specifies the target of event reporting as subscription permanent identifier (SUPI) #1, i.e. Target of Event Reporting = SUPI #1, it means that the consumer wants to get recommended QoS parameters for SUPI #1.

[0173] 5. Event filtering information: i.e. the recommended result filtering information, or the applicable condition of the recommended result, which can be AOI, S-NSSAI, etc. For example, if the event filtering information is cell #1, i.e. event filtering information = cell #1, it means that the consumer network element wants to get recommended results in cell #1.

[0174] S302, the NWDAF sends a notification message or a response message to the consumer network element, carrying the recommended information.

[0175] ​Exemplarily, the NWDAF can collect data and generate recommendation information according to the subscription message or the request message in S301, and send the recommendation information to the consuming network element through a recommendation notification (Nnwdaf_Recommendations_Notify) message or through a recommendation response (Nnwdaf_Recommendations_Response) message.

[0176] The recommendation information can be included in the notification message or the response message. The recommendation information indicates one or more candidate recommendation results. The recommendation result can specifically include the following parameters:

[0177] 1. Recommendation identifier: for example, a reference to the recommendation registered ID in the recommendation domain. The recommendation identifier is used to identify which type of recommendation result is obtained, for example, it can be used to identify the recommended QoS parameter, or to identify the recommended UPF network element, etc.

[0178] 2. The vector of tagged parameter recommended values or value ranges: represents the value of a set of recommended parameters or the range of recommended parameters.

[0179] 3. Associated impact: represents the impact that can be brought if the recommendation result is used (a set of predicted analytics if such parameters are chosen).

[0180] 4. Suggested order: indicates the priority order of the recommendation result (a preference order in order to suggest a preference).

[0181] Among them, the “associated impact” and “suggested order” are optional parameters.

[0182] The recommendation results provided by different NWDAFs or different recommendation results provided by the same NWDAF can conflict, which can affect the accuracy of the communication decision of the consuming network element, and thus can affect the user experience.

[0183] FIG. 4 is an example scenario in which the recommendation results provided by different NWDAFs conflict.

[0184] As shown in FIG. 4, in this scenario, PCF1 requests NWDAF1 to generate recommended QoS parameters for UE group 1 within AoI1 at time window1, and then PCF2 requests NWDAF2 to generate recommended QoS parameters for UE group 2 within AoI2 at time window1, and Cell1 is the common area of AoI1 and AoI2. For cell1, NWDAF1 generates recommended QoS parameters 1 for UE group 1, which will occupy certain network resources (e.g., gNB resource usage) within cell1 at time window1. If NWDAF2 does not consider the recommended QoS parameters 1 generated by NWDAF1 when generating recommended QoS parameters 2 for UE group 2, it may incorrectly estimate the network resources that have been occupied, and thus may generate incorrect QoS parameters, resulting in conflicting recommendations or affecting each other. For example, using QoS parameters 1 and QoS parameters 2 may cause network resource usage conflicts, such as the sum of QoS parameters 1 and QoS parameters 2 exceeding the resources that the network can provide, which may result in UE group 1 and UE group 2 being unable to achieve the expected service experience at time window1.

[0185] To avoid conflicting recommendations, NWDAF1 can store the recommended results in ADRF after generating the recommended results, and then NWDAF2 can retrieve the existing recommended results that have been generated before and may affect the generation of the recommended results this time from ADRF, and generate new recommended results based on these recommended results.

[0186] FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart of NWDAF storing and obtaining recommended results. As shown in FIG. 5, the method can include at least the following steps.

[0187] S501, NWDAF1 sends a request message #1 to ADRF.

[0188] The request message #1 is used to request to store the recommended results generated by NWDAF1 in ADRF. The request message #1 can include the following parameters:

[0189] 1, recommended results with timestamps.

[0190] 2, parameters for identifying the stored recommended results (recommendation specification).

[0191] For example, analytics ID(s), target of analytics reporting, analytics filter information, etc.

[0192] 3. Source of the recommendation.

[0193] For example, the NWDAF can identify the ID.

[0194] 4. Recommendation usage information.

[0195] Since the generation condition and usage condition of the recommendation result can be different (whether and how to use the recommendation result is determined by the consuming network element), the consuming network element can inform the NWDAF of the usage information of the recommendation result, which is further stored to the ADRF by the NWDAF. The recommendation usage information can include the following parameters:

[0196] a. Whether (only part of) the recommendation was used or will be used. For example, the value of this parameter can be: yes, no, or unknown, respectively indicating that the recommendation result has been used, the recommendation result has not been used, and it is not clear whether the recommendation result will be used.

[0197] b. Conditions for using the recommendation.

[0198] For example, time stamp, time window, AoI, S-NSSAI, and App ID, etc.

[0199] c. Target of using the recommendation.

[0200] For example, one or more SUPI(s), or internal group identifier(s), or any UE.

[0201] Among them, the "source of the recommendation" and the "recommendation usage information" are optional parameters.

[0202] S502, the ADRF sends a storage response message to the NWDAF1.

[0203] The response message can include the following parameters:

[0204] 1. Result indication: used to indicate whether the storage is successful.

[0205] 2. Storage transaction identifier: used to identify a storage.

[0206] 3. Storage approach: used to indicate the duration of storing the recommendation information, and can also indicate that the ADRF will send a notification to the consumer before deleting the recommendation information.

[0207] Among them, the above-mentioned "storage transaction identifier" and "storage approach" are optional parameters.

[0208] S503, the NWDAF2 sends a request message #2 to the ADRF.

[0209] The request message #2 is used to request to retrieve the recommendation result.

[0210] Exemplarily, when the NWDAF2 triggers to generate the recommendation result, the existing recommendation result is retrieved from the ADRF. The condition for triggering the NWDAF2 to generate the recommendation result can be that the consumer requests or subscribes the recommendation result to the NWDAF2. In addition, the NWDAF2 retrieving the recommendation result and the NWDAF1 storing the recommendation result can be different NWDAFs, or can be the same NWDAF.

[0211] The request message #2 can include the following parameters:

[0212] 1. Storage transaction identifier.

[0213] 2. Service operation: identifies the service (service) for obtaining data or analysis result, such as the analysis subscription (Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe) service.

[0214] 3、recommendation specification: used to identify the requirements for the recommendation specification of the recommendation information, the recommendation specification includes at least one parameter such as analytics ID(s), target of analytics reporting, analytics filter information, etc.

[0215] 4、time window: used to represent the time window in which the recommendation information is generated, i.e., the time window in which the recommendation result generated needs to be acquired by the NWDAF2.

[0216] 5、requirements for recommendation usage information: used to represent the usage of the recommendation result, e.g., whether the recommendation result is used, the usage condition of the recommendation result, the device to which the recommendation result is applicable, etc. For example, if the NWDAF2 only wants to acquire the recommendation result that has been used, the parameter can be used to instruct the ADRF to only provide the recommendation result that has been used.

[0217] S504, the ADRF sends a search response message to the NWDAF2.

[0218] Exemplarily, the ADRF searches for the recommendation result meeting the requirements according to the request message #2, and sends the response message to the NWDAF2, carrying the recommendation result meeting the requirements.

[0219] The response message can include the following parameters:

[0220] 1、result indication: used to indicate whether the recommendation result is successfully acquired.

[0221] When the result indication indicates that the recommendation result is successfully acquired, the response message can further include:

[0222] 2、recommendation info: used to represent the searched recommendation information, including at least one of the following:

[0223] a、the searched recommendation result.

[0224] b、the associated information of the recommendation result. For example, service operation, recommendation specification, the producer of the recommendation result, the usage of the recommendation result, etc.

[0225] In actual application scenarios, the above scheme may affect the fairness of the recommended result generated by the NWDAF2 due to limited network resources. For example, in the scenario shown in FIG. 4, if the recommended QoS parameter generated by the NWDAF1 occupies too many network resources of the cell1, the NWDAF2 cannot generate the expected QoS parameter, that is, the recommended results generated by the NWDAF1 and the NWDAF2 are not fair, which may affect the user experience.

[0226] Therefore, the present application provides a communication method and a communication device, which can coordinate different NWDAFs to generate reasonable recommended results and improve user experience.

[0227] FIG. 6 is a schematic flowchart of a method 600 of communication provided by the present application. As shown in FIG. 6, the method can at least include the following steps.

[0228] S610, the first data analysis network element sends first recommended information to the second data analysis network element, the first recommended information being determined according to the second recommended information and the first message.

[0229] The second recommended information is the recommended information generated by the second data analysis network element, that is, the recommended information generated by the second data analysis network element according to the subscription message or the request message of the consumer network element; and the first message is the subscription message or the request message received by the first data analysis network element from the consumer network element.

[0230] For example, in the case where it is determined that the recommended information generated to meet the requirements of the first message conflicts with the second recommended information, the first data analysis network element generates updated recommended information, that is, the first recommended information, according to the first message and the second recommended information, and sends the updated recommended information to the second data analysis network element. Or, in the case where it is determined that the constraint on the request parameter in the first message conflicts with the recommended result in the second recommended information, the first data analysis network element sends the first recommended information to the second data analysis network element. Or, in the case where the new recommended information (that is, the new recommended information generated according to the first message) has an impact on the second recommended information, or the new recommended information cannot be generated based on the second recommended information, or the new recommended information needs to be adjusted (updated) in the second recommended information, the first data analysis network element sends the first recommended information to the second data analysis network element.

[0231] For example, a base station has a total transmission bit rate of 500 Mbps, in a certain period of time, NWDAF2 (an example of a second data analysis network element) recommends a bit rate of 200 Mbps (an example of second recommendation information), NWDAF3 (another example of a second data analysis network element) recommends a bit rate of 250 Mbps (another example of second recommendation information), and the first data analysis network element wants to provide a recommended bit rate of 100 Mbps. In this case, the total recommended bit rate of the three exceeds the total transmission bit rate of the base station, at this time, the first data analysis network element can determine that it is unable to generate a recommendation result with a bit rate of 100 Mbps, that is, it is unable to generate new recommendation information based on the second recommendation information.

[0232] It should be understood that the recommendation (recommendation) or recommendation information in this application refers to the recommended value of one or more parameters provided by the data analysis network element (for example, NWDAF) according to the request of the consumption network element (for example, the consumer of NWDAF), which can be used by the consumption network element to provide a recommended service. For example, the recommended information is a recommended back-off timer provided to the AMF, or a recommended QoS parameter provided to the PCF, etc., which is used to assist the consumption network element to make communication decisions in order to provide better communication services for users. The recommended information can also be referred to as a recommended result.

[0233] It should be understood that the scheme of the present application can be applied to a 5G network, and as an example, the data analysis network element can refer to a network data analysis function (NWDAF) network element.

[0234] Optionally, before S610, the method further comprises S601 to S603:

[0235] S601, the consumption network element sends a first message to the first data analysis network element, and the first message is used to request to obtain recommended information.

[0236] The consumption network element is a network function service consumption network element, for example, the consumption network element is a PCF, NSSF, AMF, SMF, NEF, AF or DCCF, etc.

[0237] For example, the first message is used to request or subscribe to the recommended information, for example, the first message is a recommended information subscription (Nnwdaf_Recommendations_Subscribe) message or a recommended information request (Nnwdaf_Recommendations_Request) message.

[0238] The first message can carry at least one of the following information:

[0239] recommendation type, optimization target, constraint on request parameter, time period of recommendation information, event reporting target, event filter information, etc. The above information can refer to the description in S301 for details.

[0240] S602, the first data analysis network element acquires the second recommendation information.

[0241] In a possible implementation, the first data analysis network element acquires the second recommendation information from a data storage function network element.

[0242] For example, the data storage function network element can refer to an analytics data repository function (ADRF) network element.

[0243] For example, after the second data analysis network element generates the second recommendation information, a storage request message is sent to the ADRF (an example of a data storage function network element) to request the ADRF to store the second recommendation information; and the first data analysis network element sends a retrieval request message to the ADRF to request retrieval of the second recommendation information.

[0244] The storage request message sent by the second data analysis network element to the ADRF can refer to the request message #1 in S501.

[0245] For example, the storage request message can include the following parameters:

[0246] 1. Recommendation with timestamp.

[0247] 2. Parameter for identifying stored recommendation (recommendation specification).

[0248] For example, analytics ID (s), target of analytics reporting, analytics filter information, etc.

[0249] 3. Source of the recommendation.

[0250] For example, the identification ID of the second data analysis network element can be used.

[0251] 4. recommendation usage information.

[0252] The recommendation usage information can include the following parameters:

[0253] a. whether (only part of) the recommendation was used or will be used. For example, the value of this parameter can be: yes, no, or unknown, respectively indicating that the recommendation has been used, the recommendation has not been used, and it is unclear whether the recommendation will be used.

[0254] b. conditions for using the recommendation.

[0255] For example, time stamp, time window, AoI, S-NSSAI, and App ID, etc.

[0256] c. target of using the recommendation.

[0257] For example, one or more SUPI(s), or internal group identifier(s), or any UE.

[0258] Among them, “the producer of the recommendation result” and “recommendation usage information” are optional parameters.

[0259] Among them, the retrieval request message is, for example, a retrieval request (Nadrf_DataManagement_RetrievalRequest) message or a retrieval subscription (Nadrf_DataManagement_RetrievalSubscribe) message. The retrieval request message sent by the first data analysis network element to the ADRF can refer to the request message #2 in S503.

[0260] The retrieval request message carries the requirement information of the recommendation information, for example, the retrieval request message can include the following parameters:

[0261] 1. storage transaction identifier.

[0262] 2、service operation: identifies a service that obtains data or analytics results.

[0263] 3、recommendation specification: used to identify requirements for a recommendation specification of recommendation information. The recommendation specification can include at least one parameter such as an analytics ID, a target of analytics reporting, analytics filter information, etc.

[0264] 4、time window: represents a time window in which the recommendation information is generated.

[0265] 5、requirements for recommendation usage information: represents the usage of the recommendation information, such as whether the recommendation information is used, a usage condition of the recommendation information, a device to which the recommendation information is applicable, etc.

[0266] Among them, whether the recommendation information is used can include at least one of whether the recommendation information has been used, whether the recommendation information is about to be used, whether part of the recommendation information has been used, and whether part of the recommendation information is about to be used. Taking the "recommendation usage information" as "whether the recommendation information has been used" as an example, the value of this parameter can be "Yes", "No", or "Unknown", which respectively represent that the recommendation information has been used, the recommendation information has not been used, and it is not clear whether the recommendation information is used.

[0267] The usage condition of the recommendation information can refer to an AoI, an S-NSSAI, and / or an application identifier (App ID), etc. For example, the usage condition of the recommendation information is cell 1, which means that the recommendation result is used in cell 1. For another example, the usage condition of the recommendation information is S-NSSAI 2, which means that the recommendation result is used in S-NSSAI 2. For another example, the usage condition of the recommendation information is (cell 2, S-NSSAI 1), which means that the recommendation result is used in cell 2 and S-NSSAI 1.

[0268] The device to which the recommendation information is applicable can also be referred to as a target device, and can refer to one or more terminal devices. For example, one or more SUPIs, or Internal Group Identifiers, or any UE. For example, the target device to which the recommendation information is applicable is SUPI 1, indicating that the recommendation information is used for SUPI 1. For another example, the target device to which the recommendation information is applicable is Internal Group Identifier 1, indicating that the recommendation information is used for all UEs identified by Internal Group Identifier 1. For another example, the target device to which the recommendation information is applicable is any UE, and the usage condition of the recommendation information is cell 1, indicating that the recommendation information is used for all UEs in cell 1.

[0269] Further, in response to the retrieval request message, the ADRF sends a response message to the first data analysis network element. The response message can include the second recommendation information.

[0270] For example, the response message can include the following parameters:

[0271] 1. Result indication: used to indicate whether the recommendation result is successfully obtained.

[0272] When the result indication indicates that the recommendation result is successfully obtained, the response message can further include:

[0273] 2. Recommendation information: indicates the retrieved recommendation information (an example of the second recommendation information), and includes at least one of the following:

[0274] a. The retrieved recommendation result.

[0275] b. Association information of the recommendation result. For example, service operation, recommendation specification, producer of the recommendation result, usage of the recommendation result, etc.

[0276] The retrieved recommendation information, i.e., the second recommendation information, can include N groups of recommendation results, each group of recommendation results including a recommended value or a value range of each parameter in at least one parameter, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0277] Specifically, the content included in the second recommendation information can be divided into the following cases:

[0278] Case one, the second recommendation information includes one set of recommended results (denoted as recommended result #1), i.e., the value of N is 1; the recommended result #1 includes at least one first recommended value corresponding to each parameter in the at least one parameter.

[0279] For example, assuming that the second recommendation information includes recommended QoS parameters, such as uplink maximum bitrate (UL-maximum bitrate), packet delay budget (PDB) and packet error rate (PER), the second recommendation information can include: [UL-maximum bitrate=100 Mbps, PDB=50 ms, PER=10 -4 ] indicating that the recommended uplink maximum bitrate is 100 Mbps, the packet delay budget is 50 ms, and the packet error rate is 10 -4 . Alternatively, the first recommended value of the uplink maximum bitrate (an example of the at least one parameter) included in the second recommendation information is 100 Mbps, the first recommended value of the packet delay budget is 50 ms, and the first recommended value of the packet error rate is 10 -4 .

[0280] For another example, [UL-maximum bitrate=(100 Mbps, 110 Mbps, 120 Mbps), PDB=50 ms, PER=10-4] indicates that in the set of recommended QoS parameters, the value of UL-maximum bitrate can be 100 Mbps or 110 Mbps or 120 Mbps, or alternatively, the first recommended value of the uplink maximum bitrate (an example of the at least one parameter) included in the second recommendation information includes 100 Mbps, 110 Mbps and 120 Mbps, the first recommended value of the packet delay budget is 50 ms, and the first recommended value of the packet error rate is 10 -4 .

[0281] Case two, the second recommendation information includes multiple sets of recommended results, i.e., the value of N is greater than 1; each set of recommended results in the multiple sets of recommended results can refer to the recommended result #1 in case one.

[0282] For example, the second recommendation information includes QoS list1=[UL-maximum bitrate=100 Mbps, PDB=50 ms, PER=10 -4 ], QoS list2=[UL-maximum bitrate=80 Mbps, PDB=40 ms, PER=10 -4 ], and QoS list3=[UL-maximum bitrate=100 Mbps, PDB=20 ms, PER=10-3 ], i.e. three sets of recommended QoS parameters can meet the optimization target requirements (e.g. PCF requests the second data analytics network element to provide recommended QoS parameters, and the recommended QoS parameters make the service experience MOS > 4).

[0283] Optionally, each of the multiple sets of recommended results corresponds to a priority information.

[0284] For example, the priority of the above-mentioned QoS list1 is 1, the priority of the QoS list3 is 2, and the priority of the QoS list2 is 3, indicating that the priority of the QoS list1 is the highest, the priority of the QoS list3 is the second, and the priority of the QoS list2 is the lowest. Taking the case that the PCF (an example of a consumer network element) requests the second data analytics network element to provide recommended QoS parameters as an example, the meaning of the priority is that the second data analytics network element can generate multiple sets of recommended results that can meet the requirements of the PCF (such as MOS > 4), and each of the multiple sets of recommended results has different priorities. For example, the QoS list1 can achieve a higher service experience than the QoS list3 and the QoS list2, and therefore the second data analytics network element can provide priority information corresponding to a recommended result, so that the PCF can consider which set of recommended QoS parameters to select based on the priority information (for example, the PCF can preferentially select the QoS list1 with the highest priority).

[0285] Case three, the second recommendation information includes a set of recommended results (denoted as recommended result #1), i.e. the value of N is 1, the recommended result #1 includes a first value range of each parameter in the at least one parameter, or in other words, the recommended result #1 includes at least one first value range corresponding to the at least one parameter, and the at least one first value range includes a first value range corresponding to the first parameter, and the first parameter is any one of the at least one parameter.

[0286] For example, the second recommendation information includes [UL-maximum bitrate = 100Mbps-120Mbps, PDB = 50ms-60ms, PER = 10 -4 -10 -3 ], indicating that the recommended value range of the uplink maximum bit rate is 100Mbps-120Mbps, the value range of the packet delay budget is 50ms-60ms, and the value range of the packet error rate is 10 -4 -10 -3 .

[0287] Case four, the second recommendation information includes multiple sets of recommended results, i.e. the value of N is greater than 1; each of the multiple sets of recommended results can refer to the recommended result #1 in case three.

[0288] For example, the second recommendation information includes QoS list1 = [UL-maximum bitrate = 100Mbps-120Mbps, PDB = 50ms-60ms, PER = 10 -4 -10 -3 ]; and QoS list2 = [UL-maximum bitrate = 120Mbps-150Mbps, PDB = 20ms-50ms, PER = 10 -4 -10 -3 ]. Similarly, each of the multiple sets of recommendation results corresponds to one priority information.

[0289] Case five, the recommendation information includes one set of recommendation results (denoted as recommendation result #1), i.e., the value of N is 1; the recommendation result #1 includes recommended values of at least part of the parameters, and the value range of the other part of the parameters other than the part of the parameters, i.e., the set of recommendation results includes not only the values of the parameters, but also the value range of the parameters.

[0290] For example, the second recommendation information can include: [UL-maximum bitrate = 100Mbps-120Mbps, PDB = 50ms-60ms, PER = 10 -4 ], which indicates that the recommended value range of the uplink maximum bitrate is 100Mbps-120Mbps, the value range of the packet delay budget is 50ms-60ms, and the recommended value of the packet error rate is 10 -4 .

[0291] Case six, the recommendation information includes multiple sets of recommendation results, i.e., the value of N is greater than 1; each of the multiple sets of recommendation results can refer to the recommendation result #1 in case five.

[0292] For example, the second recommendation information includes QoS list1 = [UL-maximum bitrate = 100Mbps-120Mbps, PDB = 50ms-60ms, PER = 10 -4 ], which indicates that the recommended value range of the uplink maximum bitrate is 100Mbps-120Mbps, the value range of the packet delay budget is 50ms-60ms, and the recommended value of the packet error rate is 10 -4 ; and QoS list2 = [UL-maximum bitrate = 120Mbps-150Mbps, PDB = 30ms, PER = 10 -4 -10 -3 ], which indicates that the recommended value range of the uplink maximum bitrate is 120Mbps-150Mbps, the recommended value of the packet delay budget is 30ms, and the value range of the packet error rate is 10-4 -10 -3 Similarly, each set of recommendation result can correspond to one priority information.

[0293] In another possible implementation, the first data analytics network element performs a procedure of discovering the second data analytics network element, and obtains the second recommendation information from the second data analytics network element.

[0294] Exemplarily, the first data analytics network element requests the first network element to discover a target data analytics network element, for example, the first data analytics network element sends a third request message to the first network element, and the third request message can be used to request to discover a target data analytics network element associated with the first data analytics network element.

[0295] For example, a data analytics network element associated with the first data analytics network element can be a data analytics network element whose supported recommendation specification is associated with the supported recommendation specification of the first data analytics network element, for example, a service area of the data analytics network element has an intersection with the service area of the first data analytics network element, and / or a supported analysis identifier of the data analytics network element has an intersection with the supported analysis identifier of the first data analytics network element, and / or a supported analysis report target of the data analytics network element has an intersection with the supported analysis report target of the first data analytics network element, and / or analysis filtering information of the data analytics network element has an intersection with the supported analysis filtering information of the first data analytics network element.

[0296] For example, the first network element can be a network storage function network element, or other network element that can manage data analytics network elements or can obtain information of data analytics network elements, without limitation.

[0297] Exemplarily, the third request message can carry first information, and the first information is used to determine a data analytics network element associated with the first data analytics network element. The first information can include at least one of the following information:

[0298] For example, the first information can include at least one of the following information: an identifier #1 (an example of a first identifier), filtering information #1 (an example of a first filtering information), and indication information #1 (an example of a first indication information).

[0299] Wherein, the identification #1 is used to identify the type of recommendation information supported by the target data analytics network element, for example, the identification #1 can be a recommendation ID, or can be other names, not limited; the filtering information #1 indicates the service range supported by the target data analytics network element, or the filtering information #1 indicates the range to which the recommendation information supported by the target data analytics network element is applicable, for example, the filtering information #1 can be a recommendation filter information, or can be other names, not limited, for example, the filtering information #1 is an AOI, indicating that the service area of the discovered target data analytics network element needs to contain the AOI; the indication information #1 indicates the data analytics network element with the capability of providing recommendation information.

[0300] That is, the first network element can determine the data analytics network element with the capability of providing recommendation information, and / or the type of recommendation information supported, and / or the range of recommendation information supported, associated with the first data analytics network element, according to the first information carried by the third request message.

[0301] Further, the first network element indicates the qualified data analytics network element, i.e. the second data analytics network element, to the first data analytics network element. The first data analytics network element obtains the second recommendation information from the second data analytics network element.

[0302] Exemplarily, the first data analytics network element can send a retrieval request message to the second data analytics network element; the second data analytics network element sends a response message to the first data analytics network element, wherein the second recommendation information is carried.

[0303] Wherein, the retrieval request message and the second recommendation information can refer to the description in the foregoing.

[0304] S603, the first data analytics network element determines the first recommendation information based on the first message and the second recommendation information.

[0305] In other words, in the present application, when the first data analytics function network element needs to generate recommendation information, the previously generated recommendation information can be obtained, and the required recommendation information can be generated based on the previously generated recommendation information, so that the conflict of recommendation information can be avoided, and the accuracy and effectiveness of the data analytics function network element providing recommendation information can be improved, and thus the user experience can be improved.

[0306] Exemplarily, the first recommendation information can include the following cases:

[0307] Case one, when the second recommendation information includes N groups of recommendation results, and each group of recommendation results includes at least one recommended value of a parameter, the first recommendation information is a subset of the second recommendation information. Wherein, N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0308] Exemplarily, the first recommendation information can include M groups of recommendation results in the N groups of recommendation results. M is a positive integer less than or equal to N.

[0309] For example, the second recommendation information includes QoS list1 = [UL-maximum bitrate = 100 Mbps, PDB = 50 ms, PER = 10-4], QoS list2 = [UL-maximum bitrate = 80 Mbps, PDB = 40 ms, PER = 10-4], QoS list3 = [UL-maximum bitrate = 100 Mbps, PDB = 20 ms, PER = 10-3], and the first data analysis network element determines that QoS list3 meets the requirements, and therefore the first recommendation information can include QoS list3.

[0310] Optionally, the first recommendation information includes M groups of recommendation results with higher priority in the second recommendation information.

[0311] Exemplarily, the second recommendation information further includes indication information indicating the priority of the N groups of recommendation results, and the first data analysis network element determines, according to the indication information, that the M groups of recommendation results included in the first recommendation information are M groups of recommendation results with higher priority in the N groups of recommendation results.

[0312] For example, the second recommendation information includes multiple groups of recommendation results, and the first recommendation information includes one or more groups of recommendation results with higher priority in the multiple groups of recommendation results. For example, the second recommendation information includes QoS list1 = [UL-maximum bitrate = 100 Mbps, PDB = 50 ms, PER = 10-4], QoS list2 = [UL-maximum bitrate = 80 Mbps, PDB = 40 ms, PER = 10-4], QoS list3 = [UL-maximum bitrate = 100 Mbps, PDB = 20 ms, PER = 10-3]; the priority of QoS list1 is 1, the priority of QoS list3 is 2, and the priority of QoS list2 is 3; and the first recommendation information can include QoS list1\QoS list2 or QoS list1 and QoS list2.

[0313] Or, in the case that the second recommendation information includes N groups of recommendation results, each of the N groups of recommendation results including at least one first recommended value corresponding to at least one parameter, the first recommendation information includes M groups of recommendation results in the N groups of recommendation results, M being a positive integer less than N, each of the M groups of recommendation results including at least one second recommended value corresponding to the at least one parameter, the at least one first recommended value including the at least one second recommended value.

[0314] Case two, when the second recommendation information includes N groups of recommendation results, each of the N groups of recommendation results including a first value range of each of the at least one parameter, the first recommendation information being a subset of the second recommendation information.

[0315] Exemplarily, the first recommendation information can include M groups of recommendation results in the N groups of recommendation results.

[0316] For example, the second recommendation information includes QoS list1 = [UL-maximum bitrate = 100 Mbps-120 Mbps, PDB = 50 ms-60 ms, PER = 10 -4 -10 -3 ]; and QoS list2 = [UL-maximum bitrate = 120 Mbps-150 Mbps, PDB = 20 ms-50 ms, PER = 10 -4 -10 -3 ]; the first data analysis network element judges that QoS list1 meets the requirements, and therefore the first recommendation information can include QoS list1 = [UL-maximum bitrate = 100 Mbps-120 Mbps, PDB = 50 ms-60 ms, PER = 10 -4 -10 -3 ].

[0317] Optionally, the first recommendation information includes M groups of recommendation results with higher priority in the N groups of recommendation results.

[0318] For example, the second recommendation information includes QoS list1 = [UL-maximum bitrate = 100 Mbps-120 Mbps, PDB = 50 ms-60 ms, PER = 10 -4 -10 -3 ]; and QoS list2 = [UL-maximum bitrate = 120 Mbps-150 Mbps, PDB = 20 ms-50 ms, PER = 10 -4 -10 -3]; the priority of the QoS list1 is 1, and the priority of the QoS list2 is 2, the first recommendation information can include the QoS list1.

[0319] Optionally, the first recommendation information further includes a second recommendation result, the second recommendation result being determined according to the first recommendation result in the N groups of recommendation results.

[0320] Exemplarily, in a case that the second recommendation information includes a recommendation result #1 (an example of the first group of recommendation results), and the recommendation result #1 includes a first value range of a first parameter (any one of the at least one parameter), the first recommendation information can include a recommendation result #2 (an example of the second recommendation result), the recommendation result #2 including a first recommended value of the first parameter or a second value range, wherein the second value range and the first recommended value belong to the first value range.

[0321] For example, the second recommendation information includes QoS list1 = [UL-maximum bitrate = 100Mbps-150Mbps, PDB = 50ms-60ms, PER = 10 -4 -10 -3 ] and QoS list2 = [UL-maximum bitrate = 100Mbps-130Mbps, PDB = 20ms-50ms, PER = 10 -4 -10 -3 ] ; the first recommendation information can include QoS list3 = [UL-maximum bitrate = 100Mbps-120Mbps, PDB = 50ms-60ms, PER = 10 -4 -10 - 3 ] and QoS list2. Wherein the QoS list3 is an example of the second recommendation result, and the QoS list1 is an example of the first recommendation result.

[0322] For another example, the second recommendation information includes [UL-maximum bitrate = 100Mbps-150Mbps, PDB = 50ms-60ms, PER = 10 -4 -10 -3 ] ; the first recommendation information can include QoS list3 = [UL-maximum bitrate = 100Mbps-120Mbps, PDB = 50ms-60ms, PER = 10 -4 -10 - 3 ].

[0323] Or, the first recommendation information can include [UL-maximum bitrate = 100Mbps-120Mbps, PDB = 60ms, PER = 10 -3 ]; or, the first recommendation information can include QoS list3 = [UL-maximum bitrate = 100Mbps, PDB = 60ms, PER = 10 -3 ].

[0324] Case three, when the second recommendation information includes N groups of recommendation results, each group of recommendation results includes a first recommended value of at least one parameter (denoted as a first parameter) and a first value range of other parameters (denoted as a second parameter) except the part of parameters, the first recommendation information is a subset of the second recommendation information.

[0325] Exemplarily, the first recommendation information can include M groups of recommendation results in the N groups of recommendation results. M is a positive integer less than or equal to N.

[0326] For example, the second recommendation information includes QoS list1 = [UL-maximum bitrate = 100Mbps-120Mbps, PDB = 50ms-60ms, PER = 10 -4 ], and QoS list2 = [UL-maximum bitrate = 120Mbps-150Mbps, PDB = 30ms, PER = 10 -4 -10 -3 ]; the first data analysis network element judges that QoS list3 meets the requirements, therefore, the first recommendation information can include QoS list1 = [UL-maximum bitrate = 100Mbps-120Mbps, PDB = 50ms-60ms, PER = 10 -4 ].

[0327] Optionally, the first recommendation information includes M groups of recommendation results with higher priority in the N groups of recommendation results.

[0328] For example, the second recommendation information includes QoS list1 = [UL-maximum bitrate = 100Mbps-120Mbps, PDB = 50ms-60ms, PER = 10 -4 ], and QoS list2 = [UL-maximum bitrate = 120Mbps-150Mbps, PDB = 30ms, PER = 10 -4 -10 -3]; the priority of the QoS list1 is 1, and the priority of the QoS list2 is 2; the first recommendation information can include the QoS list1.

[0329] Optionally, the first recommendation information further includes a second recommendation result, which is determined according to the first recommendation result in the N groups of recommendation results.

[0330] Exemplarily, in a case where the second recommendation information includes a recommendation result #1 (an example of the first recommendation result), the recommendation result #1 includes a first value range of a first parameter (an example of the at least one parameter) and a recommended value of a second parameter (another example of the at least one parameter), the first recommendation information can include a recommendation result #2 (an example of the second recommendation result), the recommendation result #2 includes a first recommended value or a second value range of the first parameter, and the recommended value of the second parameter, wherein the second value range and the first recommended value belong to the first value range.

[0331] For example, the second recommendation information can include: [UL-maximum bitrate = 100Mbps-150Mbps, PDB = 50ms, PER = 10 -4 ] ; the first recommendation information can include [UL-maximum bitrate = 100-120Mbps, PDB = 50ms, PER = 10 -4 ].

[0332] For another example, the second recommendation information can include: [UL-maximum bitrate = 100Mbps-150Mbps, PDB = 50ms, PER = 10 -4 ] ; the first recommendation information can include [UL-maximum bitrate = 120Mbps, PDB = 50ms, PER = 10 -4 ].

[0333] Optionally, if the first data analysis network element determines that all the recommendation results included in the second recommendation information cannot be met, the first data analysis network element re-generates the first recommendation information instead of determining the first recommendation information from the second recommendation information.

[0334] S620, the second data analysis network element sends a recommendation negotiation response message to the first data analysis network element. Correspondingly, the first data analysis network element receives the recommendation negotiation response message.

[0335] Exemplarily, the response message can include indication information #2, which indicates whether to accept the first recommendation information.

[0336] For example, in a case where it is determined that the first recommended information can meet the requirement of the consumer network element on the recommended information, the indication information #2 can indicate to accept the first recommended information; similarly, in a case where it is determined that the first recommended information cannot meet the requirement of the consumer network element on the recommended information, the indication information #2 indicates to not accept the first recommended information.

[0337] Optionally, in a case where the first recommended information is accepted, the second data analysis network element can also update the recommended information to the data storage function network element, i.e., the second data analysis network element stores the first recommended information as the recommended information corresponding to the second data analysis network element to the data storage function network element. The specific steps of storing the recommended information can refer to S501.

[0338] Optionally, if the second data analysis network element attempts to generate new recommended information, the new recommended information is sent to the first data analysis network element, and at this time, the indication information #2 can also not be included in the response message. Optionally, the response message includes the new recommended information generated by the second data analysis network element. That is, if the second data analysis network element cannot accept the recommended information (the first recommended information) suggested by the first data analysis network element, the second data analysis network element can generate new recommended information (proposed updated recommendation(s), the new recommended information is for the second data analysis network element to use itself, and is used for the first data analysis network element to refer to).

[0339] Optionally, the method further includes: the first data analysis network element determines an action to be performed based on the recommendation negotiation response message.

[0340] For example, if the recommendation negotiation response message indicates that the negotiation is successful, i.e., the second data analysis network element accepts the first recommended information, the first data analysis network element can generate new recommended information (an example of the third recommended information) based on the second recommended information, and feed back the third recommended information to the consumer network element, or store the third recommended information to the data storage function network element.

[0341] If the recommendation negotiation response message indicates that the negotiation fails, i.e., the second data analysis network element does not accept the first recommended information, i.e., the second data analysis network element continues to use the previous recommended information, i.e., the second recommended information, the first data analysis network element can indicate to the consumer network element that the generation of the recommended information fails.

[0342] Further, if the recommended negotiation response message includes the proposed updated recommendation(s), the first data analytics network element can further determine whether the proposed updated recommendation(s) can be accepted, e.g., whether the third recommendation information can be generated based on the proposed updated recommendation(s). If not, the first data analytics network element indicates to the second data analytics network element that the negotiation fails, the second data analytics network element can continue to use the second recommendation information, and the first data analytics network element indicates to the consumer network element that the generation of the recommendation information fails; if yes, the first data analytics network element indicates to the second data analytics network element that the negotiation succeeds. Optionally, the first data analytics network element sends the updated suggested recommendation(s) to the second data analytics network element. The updated suggested recommendation(s) can be a subset of the proposed updated recommendation(s). Further, if the proposed updated recommendation(s) only contains one set of recommendation results, the first data analytics network element can not send the updated suggested recommendation(s) to the second data analytics network element.

[0343] Fig. 7 is a schematic flow chart of a method 700 of communication provided by the present application. As shown in Fig. 7, the method can comprise at least the following steps.

[0344] S710, the first data analytics network element sends a first request message to a third data analytics network element, the first request message being used to request to generate recommendation information for the consumer network element.

[0345] The third data analytics network element is a data analytics network element supporting recommendation negotiation capability, i.e., the third data analytics network element supports to generate reasonable recommendation information for each of the affected data analytics network elements (i.e., the first data analytics network element and the second data analytics network element) or to modify the existing recommendation information to generate recommendation information meeting the requirement of the consumer network element for the recommendation information in case that the recommendation information to be generated by the first data analytics network element conflicts with the recommendation information generated by other data analytics network elements (denoted as the second data analytics network element, the second data analytics network element including at least one data analytics network element).

[0346] Exemplarily, the first request message can include at least one of the following information:

[0347] For example, the following parameters are included in the request message:

[0348] 1. Indication information #1, which indicates affected NWDAFs: i.e., multiple data analytics network elements whose recommendation results are in conflict. For example, if the recommendation results of NWDAF #1 and NWDAF #2 are in conflict, the affected NWDAFs are NWDAF #1 and NWDAF #2.

[0349] It can be understood that the affected NWDAFs can include the first data analytics network element and at least one data analytics network element whose generated recommendation information has an impact on the recommendation information generated by the first data analytics network element, or the affected NWDAFs include at least one data analytics network element whose generated recommendation information has an impact on the recommendation information generated by the first data analytics network element.

[0350] 2. Optionally, associated recommendation information: if the first data analytics network element has obtained the recommendation information of each affected NWDAF, i.e., the second data analytics network element, before S710, the first data analytics network element can include the recommendation information corresponding to each affected NWDAF in the first request message. For the recommendation information corresponding to one of the affected NWDAFs, it can have the following form:

[0351] (1) Recommendation information (Recommendation Info), including:

[0352] i. Recommendation result with timestamp.

[0353] ii. Parameter for identifying stored recommendation result (recommendation specification).

[0354] For example, analytics ID(s), target of analytics reporting, analytics filter information, etc.

[0355] iii. Correlation information of the recommendation information. For example, Service Operation, Recommendation Specification, optimization goals, source of the recommendation, recommendation usage information, etc.

[0356] 3. Optionally, Subscription Correlation ID (an example of the second identifier): an identifier generated by the NWDAF when it receives the recommendation subscription, used to identify a subscription event. If the first data analytics network element has obtained the recommendation information of each affected NWDAF before S720, and has also obtained the associated Subscription Correlation ID, the first data analytics network element can include the associated Subscription Correlation ID corresponding to each affected NWDAF in the recommendation negotiation request.

[0357] Before S710, the method can further include:

[0358] S701, the consumer network element sends a first message to the first data analytics network element, the first message being used to obtain recommendation information.

[0359] Exemplarily, the first message is a recommendation information subscription (Nnwdaf_Recommendations_Subscribe) message or a recommendation information request (Nnwdaf_Recommendations_Request) message.

[0360] The information carried by the first message can refer to the description in S601. For example, the first message carries at least one of recommendation type, optimization goal, constraint on request parameter, time period of recommendation information, event reporting target, and event filtering information. The above information can refer to the description in S301.

[0361] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0362] S720, the third data analytics network element sends a request message #1 (an example of the fourth request message) to the affected NWDAFs, the request message #1 being used to request a subscription message (an example of the first message corresponding to the data analytics network element) corresponding to the recommendation information.

[0363] Exemplarily, the request message #1 can comprise at least one of the following information:

[0364] 1. Recommendation Info: the Recommendation Info corresponding to the affected NWDAFs received by the first data analytics network element.

[0365] 2. Subscription Correlation ID: the associated Subscription Correlation ID in S720.

[0366] 3. subscription info indicator: indicating to obtain the subscription information of the consumer.

[0367] That is, the third data analytics network element obtains the subscription information or the request message corresponding to the affected data analytics network elements (affected NWDAFs) of the recommendation information.

[0368] Correspondingly, after receiving the request message #2, the affected NWDAFs determine the subscription information of the previous consumer (that is, the affected NWDAFs generates the corresponding recommendation information according to the subscription information of the consumer) according to the Recommendation Info or the Subscription Correlation ID and the subscription info indicator, and send a response message to the third data analytics network element. The response message can include the subscription information of the consumer (subscription info of consumer). The specific content of the subscription info of consumer can refer to the description in S301.

[0369] Optionally, before S710, the method further comprises:

[0370] S702, the first data analytics network element performs a flow of discovering the third data analytics network element. That is, the first data analytics network element discovers the data analytics network element supporting recommendation negotiation.

[0371] Exemplarily, the first data analytics network element can request the second network element to discover data analytics network elements supporting recommendation negotiation, for example, the second network element is a network repository function (NRF); the NRF discovers one or more NWDAFs meeting the requirements based on the request of the first data analytics network element, and feeds back the one or more NWDAF instances (i.e. the identification ID and / or address information of the one or more NWDAFs) to the first data analytics network element.

[0372] Specifically, the first data analytics network element can send a request message #2 (an example of a second request message) to the NRF, and the request message #2 can carry the following information:

[0373] 1. Analytics ID(s): used to identify the type of recommendation result. For example, Analytics ID(s) = "QoS recommendation", indicating that the discovered NWDAF needs to support providing the recommended QoS.

[0374] 2. Analytics filter information: such as AOI, S-NSSAI, etc., indicating that the discovered NWDAF needs to support providing the recommendation result within the corresponding area / slice.

[0375] 3. Negotiation capability: indicating the discovered data analytics network element supporting recommendation negotiation capability.

[0376] S730, the third data analytics network element sends third recommendation information to the first data analytics network element, and the third recommendation information is determined according to the request message or the subscription message corresponding to each data analytics network element in the plurality of data analytics network elements (i.e. affected NWDAFs).

[0377] Optionally, if the third data analytics network element can generate recommendation information meeting the requirements of all NWDAFs, the third data analytics network element sends a notification message to the affected NWDAFs, and the notification message can include updated recommendation information (Updated recommendation(s)).

[0378] Exemplarily, the updated recommendation information can include a Recommendation with timestamp and one or more of the following information: Service Operation, Recommendation Specification, optimization goals, source of the recommendation, recommendation usage information.

[0379] If the third data analytics network element fails to generate a recommendation result that meets all the requirements of the NWDAFs, a notification message is sent to the affected NWDAFs, containing a failure indication, at which point the affected NWDAFs can continue to use the previously generated recommendation information and fail to generate new recommendation information for the first data analytics network element.

[0380] FIG. 8 shows a schematic flowchart of a communication method 800 provided by the present application. The method 800 details the communication method 600 provided by the present application in combination with a specific network element. The method 800 can include the following steps.

[0381] S801a, the NWDAF#2 (an example of a second data analytics network element) sends a storage request #1 to the ADRF (an example of a storage function network element), and the storage request #1 is used to request to store the recommendation information #1 into the ADRF.

[0382] The storage request #1 includes the recommendation information #1. For example, the recommendation information #1 is a set of QoS parameters.

[0383] The recommendation information #1 can be specifically referred to the description of the second recommendation information in the method 610.

[0384] The storage request #1 can also include usage information of the recommendation information #1. For example, the usage information is: recommendation was used, Target of recommendation usage = UE2, recommendation usage Filter Information = cell1.

[0385] S802a, the ADRF sends a storage response #1 to the NWDAF#2, indicating that the storage of the recommendation information #1 is successful.

[0386] For example, the ADRF stores the recommendation information #1, and after the storage is successful, the ADRF sends the storage response #1 to the NWDAF#2.

[0387] The specific content stored by the ADRF can include:

[0388] (1) Recommendation with timestamp: As recommendation information #1 is [UL-maximum bitrate = 100 Mbps, PDB = 50 ms, PER = 10 -4 ] and the generation time of recommendation information #1 is time #1;

[0389] (2) Recommendation Specification: As Analytics ID = recommended QoS parameter, Target of Analytics Reporting = UE1, Analytics Filter Information = cell1;

[0390] (3) source of the recommendation: NWDAF#2;

[0391] (4) recommendation usage information: For example, recommendation was used, Target of recommendation usage = UE2, recommendation usage Filter Information = cell1.

[0392] Optionally, the method further includes S801b and S802b.

[0393] S801b, NWDAF#3 (an example of a second data analysis network element) sends a storage request #2 to the ADRF (an example of a storage function network element), and the storage request #2 is used to request to store the recommendation information #2 into the ADRF.

[0394] S802b, the ADRF sends a storage response #2 to the NWDAF#3, indicating that the storage of the recommendation information #2 is successful.

[0395] For details, refer to the storage process of the recommendation information generated by the NWDAF#2 described above.

[0396] S803, the NWDAF#1 (an example of a first data analysis network element) sends a retrieval request message (an example of a first request message) to the ADRF, and the retrieval request message includes the requirement #1 (an example of requirement information of recommendation specification), requesting to obtain the recommendation information meeting the requirement #1.

[0397] For example, when the NWDAF#1 needs to generate recommendation information, or in other words, when the NWDAF#1 is triggered to generate recommendation information, for example, the NWDAF#1 receives a request or a subscription message (an example of the first message) from a consumer to obtain recommendation information, the NWDAF#1 performs S803.

[0398] The retrieval request message can refer to the description of the first request message in the method 600.

[0399] For example, requirement #1 is: requirements for recommendation usage information: such as recommendation was used = YES, target of recommendation usage = UE2.

[0400] S804, the ADRF sends a response message to the NWDAF#1, and the response message includes recommendation information #1 and / or recommendation information #2 (an example of the second recommendation information).

[0401] For example, the ADRF determines that the recommendation information #1 (assuming that the recommendation information #1 meets the requirement #1) can meet the requirement #1 of the NWDAF#1 according to the request of the NWDAF#1, and then sends the recommendation information #1 to the NWDAF#1.

[0402] Optionally, the response message can also include the generation time of the recommendation information, the identifier of the generator (that is, the identifier of the NWDAF#2), and the like.

[0403] The recommendation information #1 can refer to the description of the second recommendation information in S610.

[0404] S805, the NWDAF#1 sends recommendation information #3 (an example of the first recommendation information) to the NWDAF#2 and / or the NWDAF#3.

[0405] The recommendation information #3 is generated according to the recommendation information #1 and / or the recommendation information #2.

[0406] The recommendation information #3 includes suggested recommendation(s), which can refer to the description of the first recommendation information in S610.

[0407] S806, the NWDAF#2 and / or the NWDAF3 sends a recommendation negotiation response message to the NWDAF#1.

[0408] The recommendation negotiation response message can include indication information #1, and the indication information #1 indicates whether to accept the recommendation information #3.

[0409] For example, if the NWDAF#2 / NWDAF#3 can accept the proposed value provided by the NWDAF#1, the indication information #1 indicates to accept the recommended information #3. Subsequently, the NWDAF#2 and / or the NWDAF#3 can also update the recommended result to the ADRF.

[0410] For another example, if the NWDAF#2 / NWDAF#3 cannot accept the proposed value provided by the NWDAF#1, the indication information #1 indicates to not accept the recommended information #3, or to generate a new recommended parameter.

[0411] Optionally, if the NWDAF#2 / NWDAF#3 tries to generate a new recommended parameter and sends the new recommended parameter to the NWDAF#1, the indication information #1 can also not be included in the response message. Optionally, the recommended negotiation response message includes the updated recommended result generated by the NWDAF#2 / NWDAF#3.

[0412] For example, if the NWDAF#2 cannot accept the proposed value provided by the NWDAF#1, the NWDAF#2 can generate a new recommended parameter (proposed updated recommendation(s)) for the NWDAF#2 to use itself, for the NWDAF#1 to refer to.

[0413] S807, the NWDAF#1 determines the action to be performed based on the recommended negotiation response message.

[0414] After the NWDAF#1 receives the recommended negotiation response message, the NWDAF#1 determines the action to be performed based on the recommended negotiation response message.

[0415] If the recommended negotiation response message indicates that the negotiation is successful, the NWDAF#1 can generate a new recommended result (an example of the third recommended information) based on the recommended result of the NWDAF#2 / NWDAF#3 with which the negotiation with the NWDAF#2 / NWDAF#3 is successful;

[0416] If the recommended negotiation response message indicates that the negotiation fails, the NWDAF#2 / NWDAF#3 can continue to use the previous recommended result, and the NWDAF#1 indicates to the consumer that the generation of the recommended result fails.

[0417] In addition, if the NWDAF#1 receives the proposed updated recommendation(s), the NWDAF#1 determines whether the proposed updated recommendation(s) can be accepted (e.g., whether a recommended result meeting the requirements can be generated based on the proposed updated recommendation(s)).

[0418] If not acceptable, NWDAF#1 indicates to NWDAF#2 / NWDAF#3 that the negotiation fails, NWDAF#2 / NWDAF#3 can continue to use the previous recommended result, and NWDAF#1 indicates to the consumer that the generation of the recommended information fails; if acceptable, NWDAF#1 indicates to NWDAF#2 / NWDAF#3 that the negotiation succeeds, and optionally, NWDAF#1 sends updated suggested recommendation(s) to NWDAF#2 / NWDAF#3, which is a subset of the proposed updated recommendation(s) (if the proposed updated recommendation(s) only contains a set of recommended results, NWDAF#1 does not need to send updated suggested recommendation(s) to NWDAF#2 / NWDAF#3).

[0419] Optionally, S808, NWDAF#2 / NWDAF#3 stores the updated recommended information in the ADRF.

[0420] For example, if NWDAF#2 / NWDAF#3 receives the updated suggested recommendation(s) sent by NWDAF#1 and can accept the updated suggested recommendation(s), or NWDAF#2 / NWDAF#3 generates the proposed updated recommendation(s) and is accepted by NWDAF#1, then NWDAF#2 / NWDAF#3 can update the previously stored recommended result in the ADRF, including updating the content of the recommended result and / or the priority of the recommended result, etc.

[0421] FIG. 9 shows a schematic flowchart of a communication method 900 provided by the present application. The method 900 details the communication method 600 provided by the present application in combination with specific network elements. The method 900 can include the following steps.

[0422] S901, NWDAF#1 sends a network element discovery request message #1 (an example of a third request message) to the NRF (an example of a network storage function network element).

[0423] The network element discovery request message requests to discover NWDAFs that meet the requirements. For example, the network element discovery request message carries the following information:

[0424] (1) Analytics ID(s): used to identify the type of recommendation result. For example, Analytics ID(s) = "QoS recommendation", indicating that the NWDAF requested to discover needs to support providing recommendations of QoS.

[0425] (2) Analytics Filter Information: filter information such as AOI, S-NSSAI, etc., indicating that the NWDAF requested to discover needs to support providing recommendation results within the corresponding area / slice.

[0426] (3) recommendation capability: indicating that the discovered NWDAF needs to support recommendation capability, i.e., the capability of providing recommendation results.

[0427] S902, the NRF sends an indication information to the NWDAF#1, the indication information indicating one or more NWDAFs meeting the requirements.

[0428] For example, the NRF discovers one or more NWDAFs meeting the requirements based on the request of the NWDAF#1, and feeds back the one or more NWDAF instances meeting the requirements to the NWDAF#1. For example, the NRF feeds back the NWDAF#2 and the NWDAF#3 to the NWDAF#1.

[0429] S903, the NWDAF#1 sends a recommendation negotiation request message (an example of the second request message) to the NWDAF#2 and the NWDAF#3.

[0430] For example, the recommendation negotiation request message includes information such as Service Operation, Recommendation Specification, Time Window, requirements for recommendation usage information, etc., for retrieving existing recommendation results from the NWDAF#2 / NWDAF#3.

[0431] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0432] S904, the NWDAF#2 / NWDAF#3 sends a retrieval request message to the ADRF (S904a and S904b).

[0433] For example, if the NWDAF#2 / NWDAF#3 stores the local recommendation result to the ADRF, the NWDAF#2 / NWDAF#3 retrieves the recommendation result from the ADRF according to the request of the NWDAF#1.

[0434] The retrieval notification message can be Nadrf_DataManagement_RetrievalNotify.

[0435] S905, the ADRF sends a retrieval notification message (S905a and S905b) to the NWDAF#2 / NWDAF#3, the retrieval notification message including the recommendation information#1.

[0436] The ADRF determines, according to the retrieval subscription message, that the recommendation information#1 meets the requirement#1 from the plurality of recommendation information stored by the ADRF. The recommendation information#1 is described with reference to S804 in FIG. 8.

[0437] S906, the NWDAF#2 / NWDAF#3 sends a recommendation result (S906a and S906b) to the NWDAF#1.

[0438] For example, the NWDAF#2 or the NWDAF#3 sends the local recommendation result meeting the requirement or the recommendation result meeting the requirement retrieved from the ADRF to the NWDAF#1.

[0439] S907, the NWDAF#1 sends a recommendation information#3 (an example of the first recommendation information) to the NWDAF#2 and / or the NWDAF#3.

[0440] The recommendation information#3 is generated according to the recommendation information#1 and / or the recommendation information#2.

[0441] For details, reference can be made to the description of S805 in FIG. 8.

[0442] S908, the NWDAF#2 and / or the NWDAF#3 sends a recommendation negotiation response message to the NWDAF#1.

[0443] The recommendation negotiation response message can include an indication information#1, the indication information#1 indicating whether to accept the recommendation information#3.

[0444] For example, if the NWDAF#2 / NWDAF#3 can accept the suggested value provided by the NWDAF#1, the indication information#1 indicates to accept the recommendation information#3. Subsequently, the NWDAF#2 and / or the NWDAF#3 can also update the recommendation result to the ADRF.

[0445] For another example, if the NWDAF#2 / NWDAF#3 cannot accept the suggested value provided by the NWDAF#1, the indication information#1 indicates to not accept the recommendation information#3, or to generate a new recommendation parameter.

[0446] Optionally, the indication information #1 can not be included in the response message if the NWDAF#2 / NWDAF#3 tries to generate new recommended parameters and sends the new recommended parameters to the NWDAF#1. Optionally, the recommendation negotiation response message includes the updated recommended result generated by the NWDAF#2 / NWDAF#3.

[0447] S909, the NWDAF#1 determines the action to be performed based on the recommendation negotiation response message.

[0448] Reference is made to the description of S807 in FIG. 8.

[0449] Optionally, S910, the NWDAF#2 / NWDAF#3 stores the updated recommended information to the ADRF.

[0450] FIG. 10 shows a schematic flowchart of a communication method 1000 provided by the present application. The method 1000 details the communication method 700 provided by the present application in combination with specific network elements. The method 1000 can include the following steps.

[0451] S1001, the NWDAF#1 sends a network element discovery request message (an example of a second request message) to a NRF (an example of a network storage function network element).

[0452] The network element discovery request message is used to request to discover NWDAFs that meet the requirements. Reference can be made to the request message #1 in S720 for details.

[0453] S1002, the NRF feeds back one or more NWDAFs that meet the requirements to the NWDAF#1.

[0454] For example, the NRF discovers one or more NWDAFs that meet the requirements based on the request of the NWDAF#1, and feeds back the one or more NWDAF instances (i.e. the ID and / or address information of the one or more NWDAFs) that meet the requirements to the NWDAF#1.

[0455] S1003, the NWDAF#1 sends a recommendation negotiation request to the NWDAF#3.

[0456] For example, the NWDAF#1 selects one from the received one or more NWDAF instances, and sends a recommendation negotiation request to the NWDAF (an example of a third data analysis network element, i.e. a NWDAF with negotiation capability, denoted as NWDAF#3).

[0457] The recommendation negotiation request message can refer to the first request message in S720.

[0458] S1004, NWDAF#3 sends a result indication to NWDAF#1, the result indication is used to indicate whether to accept to perform the recommendation result negotiation.

[0459] S1005, NWDAF#3 sends a request message to affected NWDAFs (e.g. NWDAF#2 and NWDAF#4), the request message is used to request the subscription information of the consumer corresponding to the conflicting recommendation result (an example of the first message).

[0460] For example, the request message can include the following parameters:

[0461] 1. Recommendation Info: the received Recommendation Info in S1003.

[0462] 2. Subscription Correlation ID: the received Subscription Correlation ID in S1003.

[0463] 3. subscription info indicator: indicates to obtain the subscription information of the consumer.

[0464] S1006, the affected NWDAFs send a response message to NWDAF#3.

[0465] The response message includes the subscription info of consumer (i.e. the subscription information of the consumer). The specific content of the subscription info of consumer can refer to the subscription message or the request message in S201.

[0466] For example, NWDAF#2 / NWDAF#4 determines the subscription information of the consumer according to the Recommendation Info or the Subscription Correlation ID and the subscription info indicator (i.e. the subscription information of the consumer according to which the corresponding recommendation result is generated by NWDAF#2 / NWDAF#4), and then sends a response message to NWDAF#3.

[0467] S1007, NWDAF#3 generates a recommendation result that can meet the requirements of all NWDAFs.

[0468] For example, NWDAF#3 generates a recommendation result that can satisfy all the requirements of the NWDAFs based on the subscription info of consumer of the affected NWDAFs.

[0469] All the NWDAFs include the affected NWDAFs and the NWDAF#1.

[0470] S1008, the NWDAF 3 sends a notification message to all the NWDAFs.

[0471] The notification message contains the updated recommendation result (Updated recommendation(s)). The updated recommendation result includes the recommendation with timestamp and one or more of the following information: Service Operation, Recommendation Specification, optimization goals, source of the recommendation, recommendation usage information.

[0472] For example, if the NWDAF#3 can generate a recommendation result that can satisfy all the requirements of the NWDAFs, the NWDAF#3 sends a notification message to all the NWDAFs.

[0473] Optionally, the notification message includes indication information indicating that a new recommendation result cannot be generated for the NWDAF#1.

[0474] For example, if the NWDAF#3 cannot generate a recommendation result that can satisfy all the requirements of the NWDAFs, a notification message is sent to the NWDAF#1. At this time, the affected NWDAFs can continue to use the previously generated recommendation result.

[0475] Based on the above scheme, by introducing a NWDAF supporting negotiation capability, a recommendation result that can satisfy all the requirements of the NWDAFs is generated by the NWDAF supporting negotiation capability, which can avoid conflicts between recommendation results, and at the same time guarantee the fairness between the generation of recommendation results by different NWDAFs.

[0476] The above, in combination with FIG. 1 to FIG. 10, details the method provided by the embodiments of the application. The following, in combination with FIG. 11 to FIG. 13, details the communication device provided by the embodiments of the application. It should be understood that the description of the device embodiments corresponds to the description of the method embodiments, therefore, the content not described in detail can be referred to the method embodiments described above, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0477] FIG. 11 shows a schematic diagram of a communication apparatus 1100 provided by an embodiment of the present application. The apparatus 1100 comprises an interface unit 1110, which can be configured to perform corresponding communication functions. The interface unit 1110 can also be referred to as a communication interface, a communication unit, or a transceiver unit.

[0478] Optionally, the apparatus 1100 further comprises a processing unit 1120, which can be configured to perform data processing.

[0479] Optionally, the apparatus 1100 further comprises a storage unit, which can be configured to store instructions and / or data. The processing unit 1120 can read the instructions and / or data stored in the storage unit, so that the apparatus implements the actions of different devices in the foregoing various method embodiments.

[0480] In a possible design, the apparatus 1100 can be a data analytics network element (such as the first data analytics network element, the second data analytics network element, or the third data analytics network element) in the foregoing embodiments, or can be a component (such as a chip) of the data analytics network element. The apparatus 1100 can implement steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the data analytics network element in the method embodiments. Specifically, the interface unit 1110 can be configured to perform operations related to receiving and / or transmitting of the data analytics network element in the method embodiments; and the processing unit 1120 can be configured to perform operations related to processing of the data analytics network element in the method embodiments.

[0481] In another possible design, the apparatus 1100 can be a storage function network element (such as a data storage function network element or a network storage function network element) in the foregoing embodiments, or can be a component (such as a chip) of the storage function network element. The apparatus 1100 can implement steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the storage function network element in the method embodiments. Specifically, the interface unit 1110 can be configured to perform operations related to receiving and / or transmitting of the storage function network element in the method embodiments; and the processing unit 1120 can be configured to perform operations related to processing of the storage function network element in the method embodiments.

[0482] FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram of a communication apparatus 1200 provided by an embodiment of the present application. The apparatus 1200 comprises a processor 1210 and a memory 1220 coupled with the processor 1210. Optionally, the apparatus 1200 further comprises the memory 1220. The memory 1220 is configured to store computer programs or instructions and / or data. The processor 1210 is configured to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 1220, or read the data stored in the memory 1220, to perform the methods in the method embodiments.

[0483] Optionally, the processor 1210 is one or more.

[0484] Optionally, the memory 1220 is one or more.

[0485] Optionally, the memory 1220 is integrated with the processor 1210, or is separately arranged.

[0486] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 12, the apparatus 1200 further includes a transceiver 1230 for receiving and / or sending signals. For example, the processor 1210 is configured to control the transceiver 1230 to receive and / or send signals. The transceiver 1230 can also be referred to as an interface.

[0487] As an option, the apparatus 1200 is configured to implement operations performed by a data analytics network element (e.g., a first data analytics network element, a second data analytics network element, a third data analytics network element) in the above method embodiments.

[0488] For example, the processor 1210 is configured to execute computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 1220 to implement the related operations of the data analytics network element in the above method embodiments.

[0489] As another option, the apparatus 1200 is configured to implement operations performed by a storage function network element (e.g., a data storage function network element or a network storage function network element) in the above method embodiments.

[0490] For example, the processor 1210 is configured to execute computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 1220 to implement the related operations of the storage function network element in the above method embodiments.

[0491] In implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by integrated logic circuits of hardware in the processor 1210 or instructions in software form. The method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as hardware processor execution, or be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software module can be located in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, register, or other mature storage media in the field. The storage medium is located in the memory 1220, and the processor 1210 reads information in the memory 1220 and combines hardware to complete the steps of the above method. To avoid repetition, it will not be described in detail here.

[0492] It should be understood that, in the embodiments of the present application, the processor can be one or more integrated circuits for executing related programs to execute the method embodiments of the present application.

[0493] The processor (e.g., the processor 1210) can include one or more processors and be implemented as a combination of computing devices. The processor can respectively include one or more of a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a digital signal processing device (DSPD), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic device (PLD), a gated logic, transistor logic, discrete hardware circuits, processing circuitry, or other suitable hardware, firmware, and / or hardware and software in combination, for performing various functions described in the present disclosure. The processor can be a general purpose processor or a special purpose processor. For example, the processor 1210 can be a baseband processor or a central processor. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data. The central processor can be used to make the device execute a software program and process data in the software program. In addition, a part of the processor can also include a non-volatile random access memory. For example, the processor can also store device type information.

[0494] The program in the present application is used to represent software in a broad sense. Non-limiting examples of software include program code, programs, subprograms, instructions, instruction sets, codes, code segments, software modules, applications, or software applications, etc. The program can run in the processor and / or computer. So that the device performs various functions and / or processes described in the present application.

[0495] The memory (e.g., the memory 1220) can store data required by the processor (e.g., the processor 1210) when executing software. The memory can be implemented using any suitable storage technology. For example, the memory can be any available storage media that can be accessed by the processor and / or computer. Non-limiting examples of storage media include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM), flash memory, registers, state machines, remotely mounted memory, locally mounted memory, or any other storage medium that can be used to carry or store software, data, or information in the memory that is accessible to the processor / computer. It is understood that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0496] The memory (e.g., the memory 1220) and the processor (e.g., the processor 1210) can be separately arranged or integrated together. The memory can be used to connect with the processor, so that the processor can read information from the memory, store and / or write information in the memory. The memory can be integrated in the processor. The memory and the processor can be arranged in an integrated circuit (for example, the integrated circuit can be arranged in the UE or other network node).

[0497] FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of a chip system 1300 according to an embodiment of the present application. The chip system 1300 (or also referred to as a processing system) includes a logic circuit 1310 and an input / output interface 1320.

[0498] The logic circuit 1310 can be a processing circuit in the chip system 1300. The logic circuit 1310 can be coupled to a storage unit, and invoke instructions in the storage unit, so that the chip system 1300 can implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of the present application. The input / output interface 1320 can be an input / output circuit in the chip system 1300, and output information processed by the chip system 1300, or input data or signaling information to be processed by the chip system 1300.

[0499] As an option, the chip system 1300 is configured to implement operations performed by the first data analysis network element in the above method embodiments.

[0500] For example, the logic circuit 1310 is configured to implement processing-related operations performed by the first data analysis network element in the above method embodiments; and the input / output interface 1320 is configured to implement sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the first data analysis network element in the above method embodiments.

[0501] As another option, the chip system 1300 is configured to implement operations performed by the second data analysis network element in the above method embodiments.

[0502] For example, the logic circuit 1310 is configured to implement processing-related operations performed by the second data analysis network element in the above method embodiments; and the input / output interface 1320 is configured to implement sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the second data analysis network element in the above method embodiments.

[0503] As another option, the chip system 1300 is configured to implement operations performed by the third data analysis network element in the above method embodiments.

[0504] For example, the logic circuit 1310 is configured to implement processing-related operations performed by the third data analysis network element in the above method embodiments; and the input / output interface 1320 is configured to implement sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the third data analysis network element in the above method embodiments.

[0505] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer readable storage medium, which stores computer instructions for implementing the methods performed by the communication device (such as the first data analysis network element, the second data analysis network element, and the third data analysis network element) in the above method embodiments.

[0506] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer program product, which contains instructions executed by a computer to implement the methods performed by the communication device (such as the first data analysis network element, the second data analysis network element, and the third data analysis network element) in the above method embodiments.

[0507] The embodiments of the present application further provide a communication system, which comprises at least one of the first data analysis network element, the second data analysis network element and the third data analysis network element in the above embodiments.

[0508] The explanations and beneficial effects of the related content in any of the above-provided devices can refer to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0509] In the above embodiments, the terms and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referred to each other if there is no special description and logical conflict, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0510] In the embodiments of the present application, the words such as "example", "for example" are used to mean by way of example, illustration or description. Any embodiment or design solution described as "example" in the present application should not be interpreted as more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or design solutions. Rather, the word "example" is used to present the concept in a specific manner.

[0511] It should be understood that the "embodiments" mentioned throughout the specification mean that the specific features, structures or characteristics related to the embodiments are included in at least one embodiment of the present application. Therefore, the various embodiments throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, these specific features, structures or characteristics can be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner.

[0512] It should be understood that in various embodiments of the present application, the size of the sequence number of the above processes does not mean the order of execution, and the execution order of the processes should be determined according to its function and inherent logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application. The names of all nodes and messages in the present application are only the names set by the present application for convenience of description, and the names in the actual network may be different, and the present application should not be understood as limiting the names of various nodes and messages. On the contrary, any name with the same or similar function as the nodes or messages used in the present application is regarded as the method or equivalent replacement of the present application, and is within the protection scope of the present application.

[0513] It should also be understood that in the present application, "when", "if" and "when" all refer to the corresponding processing of the network element under certain objective circumstances, and are not limited to time, and do not require the network element to have a judgment action when implemented, nor does it mean that there are other limitations.

[0514] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, "pre-setting", "pre-configuration" and the like can be realized by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables or other means for indicating relevant information in a device (for example, a terminal device), and the specific implementation manner is not limited in the present application, for example, the preset rules, preset constants and the like in the embodiments of the present application.

[0515] In addition, the terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably herein.

[0516] The term "at least one of" or "at least one", as used herein, means all or any combination of the items in the list of items. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" can mean A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, B and C together, A and C together, or A, B, and C together. "At least one" means one or more.

[0517] 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 according to A. However, it should also be understood that determining B according to A does not mean that B is determined only according to A, but B can also be determined according to A and / or other information.

[0518] In addition, "of", "corresponding", "corresponding" and "associated" can be used interchangeably at times. It should be noted that when the distinction is not emphasized, the meaning expressed is consistent. The terms "include", "contain", "have" and their variants mean "include but not limited to", unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0519] It should be understood that in various embodiments of the present application, the first, second and various numerical designations are only for the convenience of differentiation and do not limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application. For example, different information is distinguished.

[0520] Those of ordinary skill in the art can realize that the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be realized in electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether the functions are realized in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those of ordinary skill in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present application.

[0521] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working process of the system, device and unit described above can refer to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0522] In several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed system, device and method can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic, for example, the division of the units is only a logical function division, and actual implementation can have another division manner, for example, a plurality of units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between the units shown or discussed can be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interface, device or unit, and can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0523] The units described as separate components can or can not be physically separate, and the components shown as units can or can not be physical units, that is, they can be located in one place, or can be distributed on a plurality of network units. Part or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the embodiment scheme.

[0524] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application can be integrated in one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically, or two or more units can be integrated in one unit.

[0525] If the functions are realized in the form of software function units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the present application or the essential part or part of the technical solutions that make contributions to the prior art can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium, and includes a plurality of instructions for causing a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The foregoing storage medium includes: a U disk, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk, and various program code storage media.

[0526] The above merely provides the specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited to this. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of the changes or replacements within the technical range disclosed by the present application, which should be covered in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method applied to a first data analysis network element comprises: sending first recommendation information to a second data analysis network element, the first recommendation information being determined according to second recommendation information and a first message, the second recommendation information being recommendation information generated by the second data analysis network element, the first message being a subscription message or a request message from a consumption network element received by the first data analysis network element, the first message being used for requesting or subscribing to recommendation information; receiving a response message from the second data analysis network element, the response message indicating whether to accept the first recommendation information.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The second recommendation information comprises N groups of recommendation results, each group of recommendation results in the N groups of recommendation results comprising at least one first recommendation value corresponding to at least one parameter, N being an integer greater than or equal to 1; The first recommendation information comprises M groups of recommendation results in the N groups of recommendation results, M being a positive integer less than N, each group of recommendation results in the M groups of recommendation results comprising at least one second recommendation value corresponding to the at least one parameter, the at least one first recommendation value comprising the at least one second recommendation value.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The second recommendation information comprises N groups of recommendation results, each group of recommendation results in the N groups of recommendation results comprising at least one first value range corresponding to at least one parameter, the at least one first value range corresponding to the first parameter comprising a first value range, N being an integer greater than or equal to 1; The first recommendation information comprises M groups of recommendation results in the N groups of recommendation results, M being a positive integer less than N, each group of recommendation results in the M groups of recommendation results comprising a second recommendation value or a second value range corresponding to the first parameter, the second recommendation value belonging to the first value range, the second value range being a subset of the first value range.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The second recommendation information comprises N groups of recommendation results, the N groups of recommendation results comprising a first recommendation result, the first recommendation result comprising a first recommendation value corresponding to part of at least one parameter and a first value range corresponding to other parameters except the part of the at least one parameter; The first recommendation information comprises M groups of recommendation results in the N groups of recommendation results, M being a positive integer less than N, the M groups of recommendation results comprising a second recommendation result, the second recommendation result comprising the first recommendation value corresponding to the part of the at least one parameter and a first recommendation value or a second value range corresponding to the other parameters, the first recommendation value corresponding to the other parameters belonging to the first value range, the second value range being a subset of the first value range, N being an integer greater than or equal to 1.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, When the value of N is greater than 1, the second recommendation information further comprises indication information indicating a priority corresponding to each group of recommendation results in the N groups of recommendation results, the M groups of recommendation results being determined according to the indication information, the priority of the M groups of recommendation results being higher than the priority corresponding to recommendation results in the N groups of recommendation results except the M groups of recommendation results.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The method further comprises: sending a first request message to a data storage function network element, the first request message being used for requesting recommended information stored by the data storage function network element, the first request message carrying requirement information of recommended information, the requirement information of recommended information being used for determining the second recommended information; receiving the second recommended information from the data storage function network element.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The method further comprises: sending a second request message to the second data analysis network element, the second request message being used for requesting recommended information generated by the second data analysis network element, the second request message carrying requirement information of recommended information, the requirement information of recommended information being used for determining the second recommended information; receiving the second recommended information from the second data analysis network element.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The method further comprises: sending a third request message to a network storage function network element, the third request message requesting the network storage function network element to discover a target data analysis network element; receiving indication information from the network storage function network element, the indication information indicating the second data analysis network element.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The third request message carries first information, the first information being used for determining the target data analysis network element, the first information comprising at least one of the following information: a first identifier, first filter information, and first indication information; wherein the first identifier is used for identifying a type of requested recommended information, the first filter information indicates a range to which recommended information is applicable, and the first indication information indicates discovery of a data analysis network element having a capability of providing recommended information.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, If the response message indicates acceptance of the first recommended information, the method further comprises: generating third recommended information according to the first recommended information and the first message; sending the third recommended information to the consumer network element.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, If the response message indicates non-acceptance of the first recommended information, the response message further comprises fourth recommended information generated by the second data analysis network element, and the method further comprises: generating fifth recommended information according to the fourth recommended information and the first message; sending the fifth recommended information to the second data analysis network element.

12. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method applied to a second data analysis network element comprises: receiving first recommended information from a first data analysis network element, the first recommended information being determined according to second recommended information and a first message, the second recommended information being recommended information generated by the second data analysis network element, and the first message being a subscription message or a request message received by the first data analysis network element from a consumer network element, the first message being used for requesting or subscribing to recommended information; sending a response message to the first data analysis network element, the response message indicating whether to accept the first recommended information.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, The second recommended information comprises N groups of recommended results, each group of recommended results in the N groups of recommended results comprising at least one first recommended value corresponding to at least one parameter, N being an integer greater than or equal to 1; The first recommendation information includes M groups of recommendation results in the N groups of recommendation results, M is a positive integer less than N, each group of recommendation results in the M groups of recommendation results includes at least one second recommendation value corresponding to the at least one parameter, and the at least one first recommendation value includes the at least one second recommendation value.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein, The second recommendation information includes N groups of recommendation results, each group of recommendation results in the N groups of recommendation results includes at least one first value range corresponding to at least one parameter, the at least one first value range corresponding to the first parameter includes a first value range corresponding to the first parameter, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The first recommendation information includes M groups of recommendation results in the N groups of recommendation results, M is a positive integer less than N, each group of recommendation results in the M groups of recommendation results includes a second recommendation value or a second value range corresponding to the first parameter, the second recommendation value belongs to the first value range, and the second value range is a subset of the first value range.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein, The second recommendation information includes N groups of recommendation results, the N groups of recommendation results include a first recommendation result, the first recommendation result includes a first recommendation value corresponding to part of parameters in the at least one parameter and a first value range corresponding to other parameters in the at least one parameter except the part of parameters; The first recommendation information includes M groups of recommendation results in the N groups of recommendation results, M is a positive integer less than N, the M groups of recommendation results include a second recommendation result, the second recommendation result includes a first recommendation value corresponding to the part of parameters and a first recommendation value or a second value range corresponding to the other parameters, the first recommendation value corresponding to the other parameters belongs to the first value range, the second value range is a subset of the first value range, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that, When the value of N is greater than 1, the second recommendation information further includes indication information indicating a priority corresponding to each group of recommendation results in the N groups of recommendation results, the M groups of recommendation results are determined according to the indication information, and the priority of the M groups of recommendation results is higher than the priority corresponding to the recommendation results in the N groups of recommendation results except the M groups of recommendation results.

17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: receiving a second request message from the first data analysis network element, the second request message being used to request recommendation information generated by the second data analysis network element, the second request message carrying requirement information of recommendation information, the requirement information of recommendation information being used to determine the second recommendation information; sending the second recommendation information to the first data analysis network element.

18. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that, If the response message indicates that the first recommendation information is not accepted, the response message further includes fourth recommendation information generated by the second data analysis network element, and the method further includes: generating fifth recommendation information according to the fourth recommendation information and the first message; sending the fifth recommendation information to the second data analysis network element.

19. A method of communication, comprising: Applied to a first data analysis network element, the method includes: sending a first request message to a third data analysis network element, the first request message being used to request to generate recommendation information for the consumption network element; receiving third recommendation information from the third data analytics network element, the third recommendation information being determined according to a first message corresponding to each data analytics network element in the plurality of data analytics network elements, the first message being used for requesting or subscribing to recommendation information, the plurality of data analytics network elements including the first data analytics network element and a second data analytics network element.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, The first request message includes indication information indicating the second data analytics network element.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that, The first request message includes at least one of second recommendation information and a second identifier; The second recommendation information includes recommendation information generated by the second data analytics network element, and the second identifier is used to identify the first message corresponding to the second data analytics network element.

22. The method of any one of claims 19-21, wherein, Before the first request message is sent to the third data analytics network element, the method further includes: sending a second request message to a network storage function network element, the second request message requesting to discover a data analytics network element supporting recommendation result negotiation capability; receiving indication information indicating the third data analytics network element from the network storage function network element.

23. The method of any one of claims 19-21, wherein, Before the first request message is sent to the third data analytics network element, the method further includes: sending a third request message to a data storage function network element, the third request message being used for requesting recommendation information associated with the first message; receiving second recommendation information from the data storage function network element, the second recommendation information including recommendation information generated by the second data analytics network element.

24. The method of any one of claims 19-21, wherein, Before the first request message is sent to the third data analytics network element, the method further includes: sending a fourth request message to the second data analytics network element, the fourth request message being used for requesting recommendation information; receiving recommendation information from the second data analytics network element.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein, Before the fourth request message is sent to the second data analytics network element, the method further includes: sending a fifth request message to a network storage function network element, the fifth request message being used for requesting the network storage function network element to discover a target data analytics network element; receiving indication information from the network storage function network element, the indication information indicating the second data analytics network element.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein, The fifth request message carries first information, the first information being used for determining the target data analytics network element, and the first information including at least one of the following information: a first identifier, first filter information, and first indication information; The first identifier is used to identify the type of requested recommendation information, the first filter information indicates conditions to which recommendation information is applicable, and the first indication information indicates discovery of a data analytics network element having a capability of providing recommendation information.

27. A method of communication, comprising: The method applied to a third data analytics network element includes: receiving a first request message from a first data analytics network element, the first request message being used for requesting to generate recommendation information for the consumer network element; sending third recommendation information to the first data analytics network element, the third recommendation information being determined according to a first message corresponding to each data analytics network element in the plurality of data analytics network elements, the first message being used to request or subscribe to recommendation information, the plurality of data analytics network elements including the first data analytics network element and a second data analytics network element.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein, The first request message includes indication information indicating the second data analytics network element.

29. The method of claim 27 or 28, wherein, The first request message includes at least one of second recommendation information and a second identifier. The second recommendation information includes recommendation information generated by the second data analytics network element, and the second identifier is used to identify the first message corresponding to the second data analytics network element.

30. A communications device, characterized by The apparatus includes means for performing any one of the methods of claims 1-11, or means for performing any one of the methods of claims 12-18, or means for performing any one of the methods of claims 19-26, or means for performing any one of the methods of claims 27-29.

31. A communications device, characterized by comprising: a processor coupled to a memory, the memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to perform any one of the methods of claims 1-11, or any one of the methods of claims 12-18, or means for performing any one of the methods of claims 19-26, or means for performing any one of the methods of claims 27-29.

32. A computer-readable storage medium, comprising: The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform any one of the methods of claims 1-11, or any one of the methods of claims 12-18, or means for performing any one of the methods of claims 19-26, or means for performing any one of the methods of claims 27-29.

33. A computer program product, characterised in that, The computer program product includes computer program code that, when executed by a communication apparatus, implements any one of the methods of claims 1-11, or any one of the methods of claims 12-18, or means for performing any one of the methods of claims 19-26, or means for performing any one of the methods of claims 27-29.

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