Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and a communication apparatus. The method comprises: a network data analytics function network element determines that a trusted application function network element and an untrusted application function network element are discovered; the network data analytics function network element sends a first request and a second request to a network storage function network element, the first request being used for requesting information about the trusted application function network element, and the second request being used for requesting information about the untrusted application function network element; and the network data analytics function network element receives a first response and a second response from the network storage function network element, the first response comprising the information about the trusted application function network element, and the second response comprising the information about the untrusted application function network element. Thus, the network data analytics function network element can obtain both the information about the trusted application function network element and the information about the untrusted application function network element from the network storage function network element, thereby meeting the requirement for AI collaboration of the network data analytics function network element with both the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element.

Description

Communication method and communication apparatus

[0001] The present application claims priority to the Chinese patent application No. 202410669244.2, filed on May 24, 2024, and entitled "Communication method and communication apparatus", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication, in particular to communication and communication apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0003] The function network element in the communication network can utilize the artificial intelligence (AI) technology and the big data in the communication network, output analysis data through model training and inference, to assist the communication network policy making and network resource adjustment.

[0004] For the function network element to obtain the data set of the operator network, the data privacy protection between the operator network and the application provider can cause the function network element to be unable to obtain the data of the application provider, and further can cause the model training to be infeasible or the precision to be low. Therefore, the distributed joint modeling manner can be used for model training, and the data island can be broken. For example, multiple function network elements (or called participants) can jointly model through vertical federated learning (VFL) without sharing the original data, to realize the AI cooperation.

[0005] However, how the network element of the operator network realizes the distributed joint modeling with the application function (AF) network element of the business provider remains to be studied. SUMMARY

[0006] The communication method and the communication apparatus provided by the embodiments of the present application can realize the function network element of the operator network to simultaneously discover the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element of the application provider.

[0007] To achieve the above object, the embodiments of the present application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0008] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a component of a network data analytics function network element, such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system of the network data analytics function network element, and can also be implemented by a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the network data analytics function network element. The method includes: determining, by the network data analytics function network element, to discover trusted application function network elements and untrusted application function network elements; sending, by the network data analytics function network element, a first request and a second request to a network repository function network element, the first request being used to request information of the trusted application function network elements, and the second request being used to request information of the untrusted application function network elements; and receiving, by the network data analytics function network element, a first response and a second response from the network repository function network element, the first response including the information of the trusted application function network elements, and the second response including the information of the untrusted application function network elements.

[0009] In the embodiments of the present application, when the network data analytics function network element determines to discover the trusted application function network elements and the untrusted application function network elements, the network data analytics function network element can send a discovery request message of the trusted application function network elements and a discovery request message of the untrusted application function network elements to the network repository function network element respectively, so that the network data analytics function network element can obtain the information of the trusted application function network elements and the information of the untrusted application function network elements from the network repository function network element at the same time.

[0010] In a possible implementation, the network data analytics function network element determines to discover the trusted application function network elements and the untrusted application function network elements, including: determining, by the network data analytics function network element, to discover the trusted application function network elements and the untrusted application function network elements according to first information, the first information including: when the network data analytics function network element needs to interact with the application function network elements for a first purpose, the network data analytics function network element determines to discover the trusted application function network elements and the untrusted application function network elements. That is, when the network data analytics function network element needs to interact with the application function network elements for the first purpose, the network data analytics function network element determines to discover the trusted application function network elements and the untrusted application function network elements. Further, if the interaction is not for the first purpose, the network data analytics function network element does not need to determine to discover the trusted application function network elements and the untrusted application function network elements at the same time. In this way, the network data analytics function network element conditions the action of determining the trusted application function network elements and the untrusted application function network elements, and can avoid sending two requests (i.e., the first request and the second request) by the network data analytics function network element.

[0011] In a possible implementation, the first purpose comprises one or more of the following purposes: the network data analytics function network element collecting data from the application function network element, the network data analytics function network element sending data analytics results to the application function network element, or joint data analytics between the network data analytics function network element and the application function network element. That is, when the network data analytics function network element determines that it needs to collect data from the application function network element, send data analytics results to the application function network element, or perform joint data analytics with the application function network element, the network data analytics function network element needs to determine the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element. In this way, the network data analytics function network element further conditionally limits the action of determining the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element, and the network data analytics function network element can avoid sending two requests (i.e., the first request and the second request).

[0012] In a possible implementation, the joint data analytics comprises one or more of the following: artificial intelligence model training, machine learning model training, artificial intelligence model inference, or machine learning model inference. It should be understood that here, the joint data analytics is further limited to one or more of the following: artificial intelligence model training, machine learning model training, artificial intelligence model inference, or machine learning model inference, that is, when the network data analytics function network element determines that it needs to perform one or more of the following purposes with the application function network element: artificial intelligence model training, machine learning model training, artificial intelligence model inference, or machine learning model inference, the network data analytics function network element needs to determine the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element. In this way, the network data analytics function network element further conditionally limits the action of determining the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element, and the network data analytics function network element can avoid sending two requests (i.e., the first request and the second request).

[0013] In a possible implementation, the artificial intelligence or machine learning comprises vertical federated learning. It should be understood that here, the artificial intelligence or machine learning is further limited to vertical federated learning, that is, when the network data analytics function network element determines that it needs to perform the purpose of vertical federated learning model training or vertical federated learning model inference with the application function network element, the network data analytics function network element needs to determine the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element. In this way, the network data analytics function network element further conditionally limits the action of determining the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element, and the network data analytics function network element can avoid sending two requests (i.e., the first request and the second request).

[0014] In a possible implementation, the first request comprises a network function type of the application function network element. That is, when the network data analysis function network element determines to find the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element, the network data analysis function network element sends the first request carrying the network function type of the trusted application function network element to the network storage function network element, so as to facilitate the network storage function network element to determine the information of the trusted application function network element according to the first request.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the second request comprises a network function type of the network capability exposure function network element. That is, when the network data analysis function network element determines to find the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element, the network data analysis function network element sends the second request carrying the network function type of the untrusted application function network element to the network storage function network element, so as to facilitate the network storage function network element to determine the information of the untrusted application function network element according to the second request.

[0016] In a possible implementation, the first request or the second request can further comprise demand information of vertical federated learning. That is, when the network storage function network element obtains the demand information of vertical federated learning from the first request or the second request of the network data analysis function network element, the network storage function network element can determine the information of the trusted application function network element meeting the demand of vertical federated learning and / or the information of the untrusted application function network element meeting the demand of vertical federated learning, and then feeds back to the network data analysis function network element respectively.

[0017] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be executed by components of a network storage function network element, such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system of the network storage function network element, and can also be implemented by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the network storage function network element. The method comprises:

[0018] The network storage function network element receives a third request from the network data analysis function network element, the third request comprising first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate to obtain the information of the trusted application function network element and the information of the untrusted application function network element; the network storage function network element determines the information of the trusted application function network element and the information of the untrusted application function network element according to the first indication information; and the network storage function network element sends a third response to the network data analysis function network element, the third response comprising the information of the trusted application function network element and the information of the untrusted application function network element.

[0019] In the embodiment of the present application, the network storage function network element receives a discovery request message (i.e., the third request) of the application function network element carrying the first indication information from the network data analysis function network element, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate the information of the trusted application function network element and the information of the untrusted application function network element, so that the network storage function network element can provide the information of the trusted application function network element and the information of the untrusted application function network element to the network data analysis function network element at the same time.

[0020] In a possible implementation, the first indication information includes the network function type of the application function network element and the network function type of the network capability exposure function network element. That is, when the network storage function network element receives the third request including the network function type of the application function network element and the network function type of the network capability exposure function network element from the network data analysis function network element, the network storage function network element determines the information of the trusted application function network element and the information of the untrusted application function network element, and then provides them to the network data analysis function network element.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the first indication information includes the network function type of the application function network element and the network function type of the network capability exposure function network element. That is, when the network storage function network element receives the third request including the network function type of the application function network element and the network function type of the network capability exposure function network element from the network data analysis function network element, the network storage function network element determines the information of the trusted application function network element and the information of the untrusted application function network element, and then provides them to the network data analysis function network element.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the first indication information includes the type of the application function network element and the second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate that the type of the application function network element is trusted and untrusted. That is, when the network storage function network element receives the third request including the type of the application function network element and the second indication information indicating that the type of the application function network element is trusted and untrusted from the network data analysis function network element, the network storage function network element determines the information of the trusted application function network element and the information of the untrusted application function network element, and then provides them to the network data analysis function network element.

[0023] In a possible implementation, the third request can also include demand information of vertical federated learning. That is, when the network storage function network element determines that the third request includes the demand information of vertical federated learning, the network storage function network element can determine the information of the trusted application function network element meeting the demand of the vertical federated learning and / or the information of the untrusted application function network element meeting the demand of the vertical federated learning, and then provides them to the network data analysis function network element.

[0024] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a component of a network data analytics function network element, such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system of the network data analytics function network element, and can also be implemented by a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the network data analytics function network element. The method includes: sending, by the network data analytics function network element, a third request to a network storage function network element, the third request including first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate information of a trusted application function network element and information of an untrusted application function network element; and receiving, by the network data analytics function network element, a third response from the network storage function network element, the third response including the information of the trusted application function network element and the information of the untrusted application function network element.

[0025] In the embodiments of the present application, when the network data analytics function network element determines that the application function network element needs to be discovered, the network data analytics function network element can send a discovery request message of the application function network element carrying the first indication information (i.e., the third request) to the network storage function network element, so as to obtain the information of the trusted application function network element and the information of the untrusted application function network element from the network storage function network element.

[0026] In a possible implementation, the first indication information includes the network function type of the application function network element and the network function type of the network capability exposure function network element. That is, when the network data analytics function network element determines that the application function network element needs to be discovered, the network data analytics function network element can indicate the network storage function network element to determine the information of the trusted application function network element and the information of the untrusted application function network element, and then feed back to the network data analytics function network element, by carrying the first indication information indicating the network function type of the application function network element and the network function type of the network capability exposure function network element in the third request sent to the network storage function.

[0027] In a possible implementation, the first indication information includes the network function type of the application function network element and the network function type of the network capability exposure function network element. That is, when the network data analytics function network element determines that the application function network element needs to be discovered, the network data analytics function network element can indicate the network storage function network element to determine the information of the trusted application function network element and the information of the untrusted application function network element, and then feed back to the network data analytics function network element, by carrying the first indication information indicating the network function type of the application function network element and the network function type of the network capability exposure function network element in the third request sent to the network storage function.

[0028] In a possible implementation, the first indication information includes a type of the application function network element and the second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate that the type of the application function network element is trusted and untrusted. That is, when the network data analysis function network element determines that the application function network element needs to be discovered, the network data analysis function network element can indicate the network storage function network element to determine the information of the trusted application function network element and the information of the untrusted application function network element, and then feed back to the network data analysis function network element, by carrying the first indication information and the second indication information in the third request sent to the network storage function network element, the first indication information including the type of the application function network element and the second indication information used to indicate that the type of the application function network element is trusted and untrusted.

[0029] In a possible implementation, before the network data analysis function network element sends the third request to the network storage function network element, the network data analysis function network element determines to discover the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element. It should be understood that, as an optional mode, the network data analysis function network element can determine to discover the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element before sending the third request. In this case, the network data analysis function network element determines to discover the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element before sending the third request to the network storage function network element, so that the condition of sending the third request is further limited, and the waste of resources of the network storage function network element is avoided.

[0030] In a possible implementation, the network data analysis function network element determines to discover the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element, including: the network data analysis function network element determines to discover the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element according to first information, and the first information includes: when the network data analysis function network element needs to interact with the application function network element for a first purpose, the network data analysis function network element determines to discover the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element. It should be understood that, the condition of the network data analysis function network element determining to discover the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element is further limited. In this case, the network data analysis function network element determines to discover the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element when the network data analysis function network element needs to interact with the application function network element for the first purpose, and then sends the third request to the network storage function network element, so that the condition of sending the third request is further limited, and the waste of resources of the network storage function network element is avoided.

[0031] In a possible implementation, the first purpose includes one or more of the following purposes: the network data analytics function network element collecting data from the application function network element, the network data analytics function network element sending data analysis results to the application function network element, or joint data analysis between the network data analytics function network element and the application function network element. It should be understood that the condition in which the network data analytics function network element determines to discover the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element is further limited here. When the network data analytics function network element needs to interact with the application function network element for one or more of the following: the network data analytics function network element collecting data from the application function network element, the network data analytics function network element sending data analysis results to the application function network element, or joint data analysis between the network data analytics function network element and the application function network element, the network data analytics function network element determines to discover the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element only when the third request is sent to the network storage function network element, thereby further limiting the condition for sending the third request, and avoiding waste of resources of the network storage function network element.

[0032] In a possible implementation, the joint data analysis includes one or more of the following: artificial intelligence model training, machine learning model training, artificial intelligence model inference, or machine learning model inference. It should be understood that the condition in which the network data analytics function network element determines to discover the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element is further limited here. When the network data analytics function network element needs to interact with the application function network element for one or more of the following: the network data analytics function network element collecting data from the application function network element, the network data analytics function network element sending data analysis results to the application function network element, or joint data analysis between the network data analytics function network element and the application function network element, the network data analytics function network element determines to discover the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element only when the third request is sent to the network storage function network element, thereby further limiting the condition for sending the third request, and avoiding waste of resources of the network storage function network element.

[0033] In a possible implementation, the artificial intelligence or machine learning includes longitudinal federated learning. It should be understood that the condition under which the network data analytics function network element determines to discover the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element is further limited here. When the network data analytics function network element needs to interact with the application function network element for one or more of the following: the network data analytics function network element collects data from the application function network element, the network data analytics function network element sends data analysis results to the application function network element, or the network data analytics function network element and the application function network element perform longitudinal federated learning model training or longitudinal federated learning model inference, the network data analytics function network element determines to discover the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element, and then sends a third request to the network storage function network element, so that the condition for sending the third request is further limited, and resource waste of the network storage function network element is avoided.

[0034] In a possible implementation, the third request can further include demand information of the longitudinal federated learning. That is, when the network storage function network element obtains the demand information of the longitudinal federated learning from the third request sent by the network data analytics function network element, the network storage function network element can determine the information of the trusted application function network element that meets the demand of the longitudinal federated learning and / or the information of the untrusted application function network element that meets the demand of the longitudinal federated learning, and then feeds back to the network data analytics function network element.

[0035] In a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by components of a network data analytics function network element, such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system of the network data analytics function network element, and can also be implemented by a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the network data analytics function network element. The method includes: sending, by the network data analytics function network element, a fourth request to a network storage function network element, the fourth request including third indication information, the third indication information including a network function type of an application function and fourth indication information, the fourth indication information being used to indicate that the type of the application function is trusted and / or untrusted; and receiving, by the network data analytics function network element, a fourth response from the network storage function network element, the fourth response including information of a trusted application function network element and / or information of an untrusted application function network element.

[0036] In the embodiments of the present application, when the network data analytics function network element determines that the application function network element needs to be discovered, the network data analytics function network element can send a discovery request message (i.e., the fourth request) carrying the third indication information to the network storage function network element, so as to obtain the information of the trusted application function network element and / or the information of the untrusted application function network element from the network storage function network element.

[0037] In a possible implementation, before sending the fourth request to the network storage function network element, the network data analytics function network element determines the trusted application function network element and / or the untrusted application function network element. It should be understood that, as an optional mode, the network data analytics function network element can determine the trusted application function network element and / or the untrusted application function network element before sending the fourth request. In the case that the network data analytics function network element determines the trusted application function network element and / or the untrusted application function network element before sending the fourth request to the network storage function network element, the condition for sending the fourth request is further limited, thereby avoiding waste of resources of the network storage function network element.

[0038] In a possible implementation, the network data analytics function network element determining the trusted application function network element and / or the untrusted application function network element comprises: the network data analytics function network element determining the trusted application function network element and / or the untrusted application function network element according to the second information, the second information comprising: the network data analytics function network element determining the trusted application function network element and / or the untrusted application function network element when the network data analytics function network element needs to interact with the application function network element for a second purpose. It should be understood that, the condition for the network data analytics function network element determining the trusted application function network element and / or the untrusted application function network element is further limited. In the case that the network data analytics function network element determines the trusted application function network element and / or the untrusted application function network element when the network data analytics function network element needs to interact with the application function network element for a second purpose, the fourth request is sent to the network storage function network element, thereby the condition for sending the fourth request is further limited, thereby avoiding waste of resources of the network storage function network element.

[0039] In a possible implementation, the second purpose comprises one or more of the following purposes: the network data analytics function network element collecting data from the application function network element, the network data analytics function network element sending data analysis result to the application function network element, or the network data analytics function network element and the application function network element performing joint data analysis. It should be understood that, the condition for the network data analytics function network element determining the trusted application function network element and / or the untrusted application function network element is further limited. In the case that the network data analytics function network element determines the trusted application function network element and / or the untrusted application function network element when the network data analytics function network element needs to interact with the application function network element for one or more of the following purposes: the network data analytics function network element collecting data from the application function network element, the network data analytics function network element sending data analysis result to the application function network element, or the network data analytics function network element and the application function network element performing joint data analysis, the fourth request is sent to the network storage function network element, thereby the condition for sending the fourth request is further limited, thereby avoiding waste of resources of the network storage function network element.

[0040] In a possible implementation, the joint data analysis includes one or more of the following: artificial intelligence model training, machine learning model training, artificial intelligence model inference, or machine learning model inference. It should be understood that the condition under which the network data analysis function network element determines to discover the trusted application function network element and / or the untrusted application function network element is further limited here. When the network data analysis function network element needs to interact with the application function network element for one or more of the following: the network data analysis function network element collects data from the application function network element, the network data analysis function network element sends data analysis results to the application function network element, or the network data analysis function network element and the application function network element perform one or more of the following: artificial intelligence model training, machine learning model training, artificial intelligence model inference, or machine learning model inference, the network data analysis function network element determines to discover the trusted application function network element and / or the untrusted application function network element. Then, the network data analysis function network element sends the fourth request to the network storage function network element, so that the condition for sending the fourth request is further limited, and the waste of resources of the network storage function network element is avoided.

[0041] In a possible implementation, the artificial intelligence or machine learning includes vertical federated learning. It should be understood that the condition under which the network data analysis function network element determines to discover the trusted application function network element and / or the untrusted application function network element is further limited here. When the network data analysis function network element needs to interact with the application function network element for one or more of the following: the network data analysis function network element collects data from the application function network element, the network data analysis function network element sends data analysis results to the application function network element, or the network data analysis function network element and the application function network element perform one or more of the following: vertical federated learning model training or vertical federated learning model inference, the network data analysis function network element determines to discover the trusted application function network element and / or the untrusted application function network element. Then, the network data analysis function network element sends the fourth request to the network storage function network element, so that the condition for sending the fourth request is further limited, and the waste of resources of the network storage function network element is avoided.

[0042] In a possible implementation, the fourth request can further include demand information of the vertical federated learning. That is, when the network storage function network element obtains the fourth request from the network data analysis function network element and the fourth request carries the demand information of the vertical federated learning, the network storage function network element can determine the information of the trusted application function network element that meets the demand of the vertical federated learning and / or the information of the untrusted application function network element that meets the demand of the vertical federated learning, and then feeds back to the network data analysis function network element.

[0043] In a fifth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the methods described above. The communication apparatus can be a network data analytics function network element in any of the above aspects or any possible implementation thereof, or a device including the network data analytics function network element, or a device included in the network data analytics function network element, such as a chip. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means for implementing the corresponding functions of the above methods, which can be implemented by hardware, software, or by a combination of hardware and software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0044] In some possible designs, the communication apparatus can include a processing module and a transceiver module. The transceiver module, which can also be referred to as a transceiver unit, is configured to implement the functions of transmitting and / or receiving in any of the above aspects and any possible implementation thereof. The transceiver module can be implemented by a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver chip, or a communication interface. The processing module can be configured to implement the processing functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementation thereof.

[0045] In some possible designs, the transceiver module includes a transmitting module and a receiving module, which are configured to implement the functions of transmitting and receiving in any of the above aspects and any possible implementation thereof.

[0046] In a sixth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which includes at least one processor, and the processor is configured to execute computer programs or instructions to cause the communication apparatus to perform the methods described in any of the above aspects.

[0047] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus further includes the memory. Optionally, the memory is coupled to the processor, and the memory can be integrated with the processor, or the memory can be independent of the processor. Optionally, the processor is configured to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory.

[0048] In a possible implementation, the memory is independent of the communication apparatus.

[0049] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus further includes a communication interface, which is configured to communicate with modules outside the communication apparatus.

[0050] The communication apparatus can be a network data analytics function network element in any of the above aspects or any possible implementation thereof, or a device including the network data analytics function network element, or a device included in the network data analytics function network element, such as a chip.

[0051] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program or instructions, when running on a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method in any one of the aspects or any one of the implementation forms thereof.

[0052] In an eighth aspect, a computer program product is provided, which contains instructions, when running on a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method in any one of the aspects or any one of the implementation forms thereof.

[0053] In a ninth aspect, a communication device (for example, the communication device can be a chip or a chip system) is provided, which includes a processor for implementing the functions involved in any one of the aspects or any one of the implementation forms thereof.

[0054] In some possible designs, the communication device includes a memory for storing necessary program instructions and data.

[0055] In some possible designs, when the device is a chip system, the device can be composed of a chip or include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0056] It can be understood that, when the communication device in any one of the fifth aspect to the ninth aspect is a chip, the sending action / function described above can be understood as output, and the receiving action / function described above can be understood as input.

[0057] The technical effects brought by any one of the designs in the fifth aspect to the ninth aspect can be referred to the technical effects brought by the different designs in the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect and the fourth aspect, which will not be described herein again.

[0058] In a tenth aspect, a communication system is provided, which includes the network data analysis function network element and the network storage function network element in any one of the aspects or any one of the implementation forms thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0059] FIG. 1 is a registration and discovery process of an operator trusted AF network element according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] FIG. 2 is a registration and discovery process of an operator untrusted AF network element according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] FIG. 3 is an architecture diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an information transmission method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an information transmission method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0064] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method for transmitting information according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0065] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a method for transmitting information according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0066] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0067] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application, first, a brief introduction of the related technical terms of the present application is given. The brief introduction is as follows.

[0069] In the prior art, there are two cases for the application function (AF) network element of a service provider:

[0070] In a first case, a trusted AF network element of an operator network can directly communicate with a network element (such as a network data analytics function (NWDAF) network element) of the operator network. Optionally, the trusted AF is located in or deployed in a 3GPP operator domain. Optionally, the AF located in or deployed in the 3GPP operator domain is a trusted AF. Optionally, the AF (i.e., the trusted AF network element) located in or deployed in the 3GPP operator domain can directly communicate with other network elements (such as the NWDAF network element) of the operator network. Next, the registration of the trusted AF network element and the process of discovering the trusted AF network element by the NWDAF network element will be introduced in combination with FIG. 1.

[0071] In S101, the trusted AF network element sends an Nnrf_NFManagement_NFRegister request message to a network repository function (NRF) network element to inform the NRF of a network function profile (NF profile) of the trusted AF network element when the trusted AF network element is first operable.

[0072] In a possible implementation, Table 1 shows the information content included in the trusted AF profile, as follows:

[0073] Table 1

[0074] Among them, the network function type in Table 1 is used to indicate the network element NF type (enumeration value "AF") of the trusted AF network element.

[0075] Further, the contents included in the trustAfInfo in Table 1 are as shown in Table 2, as follows:

[0076] Table 2

[0077] The contents included in the NFService (information of network element service) in Table 1 are as shown in Table 3, as follows:

[0078] Table 3

[0079] It is worth noting that the information of the service of the network element in the present application can refer to the contents of Table 3. For example, assuming that the network element is a trusted AF network element, the information of the Naf_EventExposure service supported by the trusted AF network element includes the service instance identifier of the Naf_EventExposure service or the service name of the Naf_EventExposure service (that is, Naf_EventExposure), and other services of the AF can refer to the description here, and will not be repeated.

[0080] S102, the NRF network element stores the NF profile of the trusted AF network element, and marks that the trusted AF network element is available.

[0081] S103, the NRF network element confirms by Nnrf_NFManagement_NFRegister response that the registration of the trusted AF network element is accepted.

[0082] S104, the NWDAF network element hopes to discover the available services in the network according to the service name of the trusted AF network element and the target NF type (that is, "AF"). The NWDAF calls Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request (service name of the expected trusted AF network element, NF type (that is, "AF") of the expected trusted AF network element instance) from the appropriately configured NRF in the same PLMN.

[0083] S105, the NRF network element authorizes the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request. The NRF network element determines whether to allow the NWDAF network element to discover the desired trusted AF network element instance according to the service name of the desired trusted AF network element, the NF type of the desired trusted AF network element instance. If allowed, the NRF network element determines a set of trusted AF network element instances matching the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request and the internal policy of the NRF network element, and issues the determined NF profile of the trusted AF network element instance. Each NF profile outputs at least the parameters required by the NWDAF network element to the NWDAF network element through the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request Response message.

[0084] The second case, the operator network untrusted AF network element, needs to interact with other network elements (such as the NWDAF network element) of the operator network through the network capability exposure function (NEF) network element of the operator network. Optionally, the untrusted AF is located or deployed outside the 3GPP management domain (3GPP operator domain). Or, the AF located or deployed outside the 3GPP management domain (3GPP operator domain) is an untrusted AF. It can be understood that the AF located or deployed outside the 3GPP management domain (3GPP operator domain) (i.e., the untrusted AF network element) needs to interact with other network elements (such as the NWDAF network element) of the operator network through the network capability exposure function (NEF) network element of the operator network. Optionally, the untrusted AF is located or deployed outside the 3GPP management domain (3GPP operator domain), and next, the registration of the untrusted AF network element and the process of the NWDAF network element discovering the untrusted AF network element through the NEF network element will be introduced in combination with FIG. 2.

[0085] S200, the untrusted AF network element registers the information of the untrusted AF network element to the NWDAF through the OAM configuration of the NEF network element, including: AF identifier, AF service identifier (for example, endpoint information of Naf_EventExposure), and available data type (for example, identified by event identifier Event ID(s)) that each application can provide.

[0086] S201, after registering the untrusted AF network element information on the NEF network element, the NEF network element generates an event with a new EventID to be associated with the available data to be collected from the untrusted AF network element. The NEF network element invokes the Nnrf_NFManagement_NFUpdate_request service operation to update its registration information (i.e. NEF's NF profile) including the generated EventID and the associated AF identity, application ID (i.e. internal application ID or application ID known in the core network).

[0087] Among them, the content about the NF profile of the NEF can refer to the NF Profile of the trusted AF network element in Table 1-Table 3. For example, the NF profile of the NEF can also include nfType = "NEF", nefInfo and network element service information.

[0088] Further, the nefInfo includes the untrustAFinfo and the afEeData of the untrusted AF network element, the untrustAFinfo includes the AF identity, slice, data network name (DNN) and other information associated with the untrusted AF network element, and the afEeData includes the data that the untrusted AF network element can provide and other information.

[0089] The network element service information includes the service instance identifier and the service name (such as Nnef_EventExposure) of the NEF.

[0090] S202, the NRF network element stores the received NEF network element registration information, including the available data types collected from the untrusted AF network element.

[0091] S203, the NRF network element sends the Nnrf_NFManagement_NFUpdate_response message to the NEF network element, indicating that the request of the NEF network element to update its NF profile is accepted.

[0092] S204, when the NWDAF network element needs to discover available data from the untrusted AF network element and the appropriate NEF network element to collect the data, the NWDAF network element invokes the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request_request service operation using the NEF NF type as a parameter, and optionally using the event ID (s), AF identity and application ID list.

[0093] S205, the NRF network element matches the query for available data in the untrusted AF network element with the request with the registered NEF profile, and sends this information to the NWDAF network element through the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request_response message.

[0094] 3. Interoperability indicator

[0095] The interoperability indicator can correspond to the MTLF, or correspond to the analytics indicator, or correspond to the analytics indicator corresponding to the MTLF. Or described as, the interoperability indicator is related to the MTLF, or the interoperability indicator is related to the analytics indicator. Among them, the interoperability indicator can also be called interoperability indication, or ML model interoperability indicator, or model interoperability indicator (ML Model interoperability indicator).

[0096] The interoperability indicator includes a vendor list, or described as a NWDAF provider (or supplier) list. The vendors in the vendor list are allowed to retrieve or use the models provided by the MTLF. The interoperability indicator also indicates that the MTLF supports the NWDAF request for the models provided by the MTLF for the vendors in the vendor list. The interoperability indicator also indicates that the vendors in the vendor list are allowed to obtain the models from the MTLF. The interoperability indicator also indicates that the MTLF allows the vendors in the vendor list to obtain the models from the MTLF.

[0097] The network function network element or entity corresponding to the interoperability indicator can be understood as the network function network element or entity within the scope of the interoperability indicator. For example: the interoperability indicator includes a vendor list, that is, a set of vendor IDs, and the production vendor ID of the network function network element or entity corresponding to the interoperability indicator is located in the interoperability indicator. For another example, the interoperability indicator includes the identifier of the application function network element, such as: App name (application name) or AF corresponding vendor identifier, and the App name (application member name) or AF corresponding vendor identifier of the network function network element or entity corresponding to the interoperability indicator is located in the interoperability indicator.

[0098] The interoperability identifier corresponding to the vertical federated learning group can be consistent with the interoperability identifier in the existing protocol, or can extend the content of the interoperability identifier in the existing protocol. For example, the interoperability identifier corresponding to the vertical federated learning group can also include one or more of the following: App name, AF corresponding manufacturer identifier, AF ID. The manufacturers in the manufacturer list are allowed to retrieve or use the model provided by the MTLF. The interoperability identifier indicates that the vertical federated entity supports providing vertical federated learning services for the manufacturers, AFs, and Apps in the list. Alternatively, the manufacturers in the interoperability identifier are allowed or authorized to use the vertical federated learning service. Optionally, the group identifier of the vertical federated learning group corresponds to the interoperability identifier. The group identifier of the vertical federated learning group is used to identify the interoperability identifier.

[0099] The interoperability identifier is a list of MTLF providers. For example, the interoperability identifier represents a manufacturer identifier, or the interoperability identifier is associated with a manufacturer identifier. The interoperability identifier can be associated with an analysis identifier, such as a one-to-one correspondence, indicating that the MTLF allows the corresponding manufacturer or the MTLF contained in the manufacturer to obtain the model corresponding to the analysis identifier, and / or indicating that the MTLF is allowed to interoperate the model corresponding to the analysis identifier with the AnLF. Optionally, an MTLF can have one or more interoperability identifiers. If there are multiple interoperability identifiers, the multiple interoperability identifiers correspond to different analysis identifiers, respectively. For example, MTLF NF ID 1 corresponds to analysis identifier 1 and analysis identifier 2, wherein the MTLF to which MTLF NF ID 1 belongs has interoperability identifier 1 and interoperability identifier 2, interoperability identifier 1 corresponds to analysis identifier 1, and interoperability identifier 2 corresponds to analysis identifier 2. Optionally, if the MTLF to which MTLF NF ID 1 belongs supports interoperability with the MTLF to which MTLF NF ID 2 belongs, the MTLF to which MTLF NF ID 2 belongs can have interoperability identifier 1 and interoperability identifier 2, wherein interoperability identifier 1 corresponds to analysis identifier 1, and / or interoperability identifier 2 corresponds to analysis identifier 2, that is, the MTLF of the same manufacturer can have the same interoperability identifier for the same analysis identifier. In addition, if the MTLF to which MTLF NF ID 1 belongs and the MTLF to which MTLF NF ID 2 belong to different manufacturers, the MTLF to which MTLF NF ID 2 belongs can have interoperability identifier 3 and interoperability identifier 4, wherein interoperability identifier 3 corresponds to analysis identifier 1, and / or interoperability identifier 4 corresponds to analysis identifier 2, that is, the MTLF of the same manufacturer can have different interoperability identifiers for the same analysis identifier.

[0100] For example, the analysis ID 1 is related to the model 1, i.e. the model 1 is used to perform the service corresponding to the analysis ID 1, and the analysis ID 1 is related to the interoperation ID 1, i.e. the model 1 is related to the interoperation ID 1. It is assumed that the interoperation ID 1 includes the identification of the vendor 1 and the identification of the vendor 2, i.e. the model 1 can be provided to the vendor 1 and the vendor 2, or it can be understood that if the vendor of the NWDAF is the vendor 1 or the vendor 2, the NWDAF can use the model 1.

[0101] For example, one MTLF can have one or more interoperation IDs, and if there are multiple interoperation IDs, the multiple interoperation IDs can correspond to different analysis IDs. For example, the MTLF 1 corresponds to the analysis ID 1 and the analysis ID 2, wherein the interoperation ID 1 corresponds to the analysis ID 1, and the interoperation ID 2 corresponds to the analysis ID 2.

[0102] 4. Analysis ID (analysis ID)

[0103] The analysis ID can be used to represent the type of analysis service or analysis service, which is referred to as service. The service is related to the model, i.e. the model can be used to perform the service. Or described as, the analysis ID is related to the model, i.e. the model is used to perform the service corresponding to the analysis ID.

[0104] Or it can also be understood that the MTLF is related to the analysis ID, i.e. the model provided by the MTLF supports the service corresponding to the analysis ID. For example, the MTLF can be related to one or more analysis IDs. It can be understood that the MTLF can provide a model of each analysis ID in one or more analysis IDs. For example, the MTLF 1 is related to the analysis ID 1 and the analysis ID 2, i.e. the MTLF 1 corresponds to the analysis ID 1 and the analysis ID 2, then the MTLF 1 can provide a model of the service corresponding to the analysis ID 1, and a model of the service corresponding to the analysis ID 2.

[0105] In the prior art, the behavior of the NWDAF network element discovering trusted AF network elements or untrusted AF network elements is often decoupled, either by requesting discovery of trusted AF network element instance information from the NRF through NF Type="AF", or by requesting discovery of untrusted AF network element instance information configured on the NEF from the NRF through NF Type="NEF". In vertical federated learning between an operator network and an application provider, since the AF network elements of the application provider include both trusted and untrusted, if the prior art is used, only one kind of AF network element can be discovered. Therefore, in vertical federated learning between an operator network and an application provider, if the AF network elements of the application provider include both trusted and untrusted, how to discover both trusted AF network elements and untrusted AF network elements is a technical problem to be solved by the present application.

[0106] In view of the technical problems above, the embodiments of the present application propose the technical solutions below, which will be described below in combination with other drawings.

[0107] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as a wireless network system, a vehicle to everything (V2X) communication system, a device-to-device (D2D) communication system, a vehicle networking communication system, a 4G mobile communication system such as a long term evolution (LTE) system, a worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, a 5G mobile communication system such as a new radio (NR) system, and a future communication system.

[0108] In the embodiments of the present application, “indication” can include direct indication and indirect indication, and can also include explicit indication and implicit indication. The information indicated by a certain information (such as the first indication information, the second indication information, or the third indication information below) is referred to as to-be-indicated information. In the implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the to-be-indicated information, for example, but not limited to, the to-be-indicated information can be directly indicated, such as the to-be-indicated information itself or an index of the to-be-indicated information. The to-be-indicated information can also be indirectly indicated by indicating other information, where the other information and the to-be-indicated information have an association relationship. The to-be-indicated information can also be only indicated in part, and the other part of the to-be-indicated information is known or agreed in advance. For example, the indication of a specific information can also be achieved by means of the arrangement order of each information agreed in advance (for example, a protocol), thereby reducing the indication overhead to a certain extent. Meanwhile, the common part of each information can be identified and uniformly indicated, so as to reduce the indication overhead caused by separately indicating the same information.

[0109] In addition, the specific indication manner can also be various existing indication manners, for example, but not limited to, the indication manners above and various combinations thereof. The specific details of various indication manners can refer to the prior art, which will not be described herein. As known from the above, for example, when multiple information of the same type needs to be indicated, the indication manners of different information can be different. In the implementation process, the required indication manner can be selected according to the specific needs, and the selected indication manner is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. In this way, the indication manner involved in the embodiments of the present application should be understood as covering various methods that can enable the to-be-indicated party to know the to-be-indicated information.

[0110] The predefinition or pre-configuration can be realized by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables or other means for indicating relevant information in the device, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific implementation manner. The storage can be in one or more memories. The one or more memories can be separately arranged or integrated in the encoder or decoder, processor or communication device. The one or more memories can be partially separately arranged and partially integrated in the decoder, processor or communication device. The memory can be any form of storage medium, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit the same.

[0111] The protocol referred to in the embodiments of the present application can refer to a protocol family in the communication field, a standard protocol similar to the protocol family frame structure, or a relevant protocol applied to a future communication system, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit the same.

[0112] In the embodiments of the present application, the descriptions such as "when", "in the case of", "if" and "whether" all refer to that the device will make corresponding processing under certain objective condition, and are not limited in time, and do not require the device to have a judgment action when implemented, nor mean that there are other limitations.

[0113] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, " / " represents that the objects before and after the correlation are in an "or" relationship, for example, A / B can represent A or B; "and / or" in the embodiments of the present application is only a description of the association relationship of the associated objects, which means that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone, of which A and B can be singular or plural. And in the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more than two. "At least one of the following" or the like means any combination of the items, including any combination of single item or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b or c can represent: a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, or a-b-c, of which a, b, and c can be single or multiple. In addition, in order to clearly describe the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, "first", "second", etc. are used to distinguish the same items or similar items with basically the same function and role. The skilled in the art can understand that "first", "second", etc. do not limit the quantity and execution order, and "first", "second", etc. also do not limit the difference. At the same time, in the embodiments of the present application, "exemplary" or "for example" means to serve as an example, illustration or description. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of the present application should not be interpreted as more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Rather, "exemplary" or "for example" is used to present the relevant concept in a specific manner, and to facilitate understanding.

[0114] The network architecture and service scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are used to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application. The skilled in the art can know that with the evolution of network architecture and the appearance of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0115] For the convenience of understanding the embodiments of the present application, FIG. 3 is a 5G network architecture based on a service interface provided by an embodiment of the present application. The architecture includes network elements such as a terminal device (user equipment, UE), a radio access network device (radio access network, RAN), operation / administration and maintenance (operation administration and maintenance, OAM), an access and mobility management function (access and mobility management function, AMF), a session management function (session management function, SMF), a user plane function (user plane function, UPF), a policy control function (policy control function, PCF), a unified data management (unified data management, UDM), an NRF, a NWDAF, an NEF, an AF, and the like.

[0116] wherein,

[0117] UE: can be located within the coverage range of the beam / cell of the access network device, and the access network device can provide communication services for the terminal device.

[0118] In FIG. 3, the UE can be a device with wireless transceiver function or a chip or chip system that can be provided in the device, and can allow a user to access a network, which is a device for providing voice and / or data connectivity to a user. The UE can also be referred to as a terminal device, a subscriber unit, a terminal, or a mobile station (MS) or a mobile terminal (MT), etc.

[0119] For example, the UE in FIG. 3 can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, or a computer with wireless transceiver function. The terminal device can also be a user station, a mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal device, a mobile terminal device, a user terminal device, a wireless communication device, a user agent, a user device, 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, a processing device connected to a wireless modem, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device, a terminal device in Internet of Things, a household appliance, a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in unmanned, a wireless terminal in telemedicine, a wireless terminal in smart grid, a wireless terminal in smart city, a wireless terminal in smart home, a vehicle with vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication capability, a smart connected vehicle, a drone with unmanned aerial vehicle to unmanned aerial vehicle (U2U) communication capability, a terminal device in future network, or a terminal device in future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN), etc., without limitation.

[0120] RAN: can be any kind of device deployed in an access network capable of wireless communication with a terminal device, can also be a chip or chip system that can be provided in the above-mentioned device, can also be a logical node or a logical module or a software-implemented function, and can be used to implement wireless physical control functions, resource scheduling and wireless resource management, wireless access control, and mobility management, etc. Specifically, the network device can be a device supporting wired access or a device supporting wireless access.

[0121] Exemplarily, an access network device can be composed of one or more access network (AN) / radio access network (RAN) nodes. The AN / RAN node can be a continue evolution of NodeB (gNB), a transmission reception point (TRP), an evolved NodeB (eNB), a radio network controller (RNC), a NodeB (NB), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a home base station (for example, a home evolved NodeB, or home NodeB, HNB), a base band unit (BBU), or a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) access point (AP), and the like.

[0122] In yet another example, the wireless access network device can also be a device including a centralized unit (CU) node, or including a distributed unit (DU) node, or including a CU node and a DU node. For example, the access network device can be divided into a CU and a DU from a logical function perspective, the functions of part of protocol layers are placed in the CU for centralized control, and the rest or all protocol layers are distributed in the DU, which is controlled by the CU. Further, the centralized unit CU can also be divided into a control plane (CU-CP) and a user plane (CU-UP). In different systems, the CU (including CU-CP or CU-UP), or the DU can also have different names. For example, in an open radio access network (O-RAN) system, the CU can also be referred to as an O-CU (open CU), the DU can also be referred to as an O-DU, the CU-CP can also be referred to as an O-CU-CP, and the CU-UP can also be referred to as an O-CU-UP.

[0123] NWDAF network element: with functions of data collection, model training, data analysis, model inference, etc., which can be used to collect relevant data from network function network elements, third-party service servers, terminal devices or network management systems (such as OAM), make data analysis or model training based on relevant data, and provide data analysis results to network function network elements, third-party service servers, terminal devices or network management systems, or provide trained models to other data analysis function network elements. Network data analysis function network elements can be divided into analysis logic function and model training logic function according to functions. Among them, the analysis logic function is a logical function in the network data analysis function network element, which is used to perform model inference, derive analysis results (i.e. derive statistical or predicted analysis results according to the request of analysis consumer), and open analysis results. The model training logic function is a logical function in the network data analysis function network element, which is used to train models and open training services (such as providing trained models). A network data analysis function network element may only contain analysis logic function or only contain model training logic function, or may contain both analysis logic function and model training logic function, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0124] AMF network element: mainly responsible for terminal device access authentication, mobility management, signaling interaction between various function network elements, and termination of non-access layer (NAS) layer signaling security, etc. Such as: management of user registration state, reachability state, N1 / N2 interface signaling transmission, access authentication and authorization, user connection state, user registration into network, tracking area update, cell handover user authentication, key security, etc.

[0125] SMF network element: mainly provides session management of terminal device session (such as session establishment, modification and release), internet protocol (IP) address allocation and management, and selection and control of user plane network element, etc.

[0126] UPF network element: responsible for packet routing and forwarding, policy implementation, traffic reporting, quality of service (QoS) processing, etc.

[0127] UDM network element: manages user subscription, access authorization, authentication information generation, etc.

[0128] NRF network element: provides network element registration and discovery capability in network.

[0129] PCF network element: mainly responsible for generating terminal device access policy and quality of service flow control policy, and can also provide generated policy to access and mobility management function network element or session management function network element, etc.

[0130] OAM: mainly complete daily network and service analysis, prediction, planning and configuration, and test and fault management of network and its service, etc. OAM can interact with RAN to obtain UE location information measured by RAN or reported by UE.

[0131] AF network element: mainly an intermediate functional entity for interaction between application server in data network (DN) and network element in core network, delivering application side demand to network side (such as quality of service demand or user state event subscription, etc.), through which application server can realize dynamic control of network quality of service and charging, obtain running information of certain network element in core network, etc. In the embodiments of the present application, the application function network element can be a functional entity deployed by an operator, that is, a trusted AF, or a functional entity deployed by a service provider, which can be a third-party service provider (corresponding to untrusted AF), or an internal service provider of the operator (corresponding to trusted AF), without limitation.

[0132] NEF network element: mainly responsible for providing network capabilities and event exposure to external access entities (such as untrusted AF network element), and receiving related external information (such as receiving information provided by untrusted AF network element).

[0133] To solve the above problems, the present application provides a communication method, so that in vertical federated learning between an operator network and an application provider, if the AF network element of the application provider includes trusted and untrusted ones, the NWDAF network element can discover the trusted AF network element and the untrusted AF network element at the same time.

[0134] The interaction process between the network elements / devices in the communication system will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 4-5 by method embodiments. The information transmission method provided by the embodiments of the present application can be applied to the communication system shown in FIG. 3.

[0135] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of one information transmission method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0136] S400, trusted application function network element or untrusted application function network element registration process to network storage function network element. The trusted application function network element registration process to the network storage function network element can refer to steps S101-S103 of FIG. 1, and will not be described again; the untrusted application function network element registration process to the network storage function network element can refer to steps S200-S203 of FIG. 2, and will not be described again.

[0137] S401, the network data analysis function network element determines to discover the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element.

[0138] In a possible implementation, the network data analytics function network element determines to discover the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element according to an operator policy. Specifically, the operator policy is that when the network data analytics function network element needs to interact with the application function network element (including the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element) for a specific purpose, the network data analytics function network element determines to discover the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element. The specific purpose includes that the network data analytics function network element collects data from the application function network element, the network data analytics function network element sends a data analysis result to the application function network element, or the network data analytics function network element and the application function network element jointly perform data analysis (including one or more of the following: artificial intelligence model training, machine learning model training, artificial intelligence model inference, or machine learning model inference), and the like.

[0139] In a possible implementation, the artificial intelligence or machine learning is vertical federated learning.

[0140] In a possible implementation, the network data analytics function network element determines, according to locally preconfigured information, that the application function network element to be discovered is a trusted application function network element or an untrusted application function network element. For example, the locally preconfigured information includes one or more of the following: a related identifier of the application function network element (for example, an App Name of the application function network element or an AF ID of the application function network element) and an identifier indicating that the application is trusted or untrusted. For another example, the locally preconfigured information includes an interoperation identifier, and the interoperation identifier includes a related identifier of the application function network element, an identifier indicating that the application is trusted or untrusted.

[0141] In a possible implementation, the network data analytics function network element determines to discover the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element according to locally preconfigured information. For example, the locally preconfigured information includes one or more of the following: an interoperation identifier, an indication that a network function network element or entity corresponding to the interoperation identifier includes an untrusted application function network element, an indication that a network function network element or entity corresponding to the interoperation identifier includes a trusted application function network element, and an indication that a network function network element or entity corresponding to the interoperation identifier includes a trusted application function network element and an untrusted application function network element.

[0142] S402a and S403a, regarding the process of discovering the untrusted application function network element by the network data analytics function network element, can refer to steps S204 and S205 of FIG. 2, respectively.

[0143] In a possible implementation, the first request sent by the network data analytics function network element to the network storage function network element (step S402a) can further include demand information of vertical federated learning. Specifically, the demand information of vertical federated learning includes one or more of the following information:

[0144] 1) an interoperation identity,

[0145] 2) an identifier corresponding to the interoperation identity, or a vertical federation identity;

[0146] 3) an analysis identity;

[0147] 4) an identifier corresponding to the analysis identity in the interoperation identity, for example: a Vendor ID (manufacturer ID);

[0148] 5) a vertical federated learning service. It can be understood that the service name in the first request message is the vertical federated learning service. Illustratively, the vertical federated learning service can include or specifically be one or more of the following: a sample alignment service, a vertical federated training service, a vertical federated inference service, etc.

[0149] It should be understood that the requirement information of the vertical federated learning mentioned elsewhere in the present application can be referred to the description herein and will not be repeated.

[0150] S402b and S403b, the process of discovering the trusted application function network element by the network data analysis function network element, can refer to steps S104 and S105 of FIG. 1, respectively.

[0151] In one possible implementation, the network data analysis function network element can further include the requirement information of the vertical federated learning in the second request sent to the network storage function network element (step S402b).

[0152] It is worth noting that the execution of the above-mentioned discovery process of the untrusted application function network element (i.e., S402a and S403a) and the registration process of the trusted application function network element (S402b and S403b) has no sequence, that is, the sequence of the two network element discovery processes can be:

[0153] The network data analysis function network element can first request the network storage function network element to discover the untrusted application function network element, and then request the network storage function network element to discover the trusted application function network element; or,

[0154] The network data analysis function network element can first request the network storage function network element to discover the trusted application function network element, and then request the network storage function network element to discover the untrusted application function network element; or,

[0155] The network data analysis function network element can simultaneously request the network storage function network element to discover the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element, respectively.

[0156] In a possible implementation, in step S403a, if the network storage function network element determines the information of the untrusted application function network element that can meet the requirement of step S402a, the information of the untrusted application function network element can be included in the first response; if the network storage function network element fails to determine the information of the untrusted application function network element that can meet the requirement of step S402a, the information of the untrusted application function network element can not be included in the first response.

[0157] In a possible implementation, in step S403b, if the network storage function network element determines the information of the trusted application function network element that can meet the requirement of step S402b, the information of the trusted application function network element can be included in the first response; if the network storage function network element fails to determine the information of the trusted application function network element that can meet the requirement of step S402b, the information of the trusted application function network element can not be included in the first response.

[0158] It should be understood that, although the network data analysis function network element expects to discover both the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element in step S401, whether both the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element can be discovered is determined by the network storage function network element. Therefore, after receiving the first response and the second response from the network storage function network element, the network data analysis function network element can obtain the information of the application function network element in the following four cases:

[0159] 1) both the information of the untrusted application function network element and the information of the trusted application function network element are obtained;

[0160] 2) only the information of the untrusted application function network element is obtained;

[0161] 3) only the information of the trusted application function network element is obtained;

[0162] 4) neither the information of the untrusted application function network element nor the information of the trusted application function network element is obtained.

[0163] It should be understood that, through the flow one provided in FIG. 4, the network data analysis function network element can respectively send the discovery request message of the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element to the network storage function network element in the case of determining that the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element need to be discovered, so as to obtain the information of the trusted application function network element and the information of the untrusted application function network element from the network storage function network element.

[0164] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram two of an information transmission method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0165] S500, the trusted application function network element or the untrusted application function network element registers with the network storage function network element. Wherein the trusted application function network element registers with the network storage function network element can refer to steps S101-S103 of FIG. 1, and will not be described herein again; the untrusted application function network element registers with the network storage function network element can refer to steps S200-S203 of FIG. 2, and will not be described herein again.

[0166] S501, the network data analysis function network element determines the discovered application function network element.

[0167] In a possible implementation, the network data analysis function network element determining the discovered application function network element includes that the network data analysis function network element determines that the application function network element includes the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element.

[0168] In a possible implementation, the network data analysis function network element determining the discovered application function network element includes that the network data analysis function network element determines that the application function network element includes the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element.

[0169] In a possible implementation, the network data analysis function network element determining that the application function network element includes the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element includes that the network data analysis function network element determines the discovered trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element according to an operator policy. Specifically, the operator policy is that when the network data analysis function network element needs to interact with the application function network element (including the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element) for a specific purpose, the network data analysis function network element determines the discovered trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element. The specific purpose includes that the network data analysis function network element collects data from the application function network element, the network data analysis function network element sends a data analysis result to the application function network element, or the network data analysis function network element and the application function network element perform joint data analysis (including one or more of the following: artificial intelligence model training, machine learning model training, artificial intelligence model inference, or machine learning model inference), etc.

[0170] In a possible implementation, the network data analytics function network element determines the application function network element including the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element includes: the network data analytics function network element determines to discover the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element according to the operator policy. Specifically, the operator policy is that when the network data analytics function network element needs to interact with the application function network element (including the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element) for a specific purpose, the network data analytics function network element determines to discover the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element. The specific purpose includes that the network data analytics function network element collects data from the application function network element, the network data analytics function network element sends a data analysis result to the application function network element, or the network data analytics function network element and the application function network element perform joint data analysis (including artificial intelligence / machine learning model training or inference / federated learning training (including horizontal or vertical)).

[0171] S502, the network data analytics function network element sends a third request to the network storage function network element, and the third request is used to request information of the application function network element. The first indication information for indicating the information of the trusted type of application function network element and the information of the untrusted type of application function network element is included in the third request.

[0172] In a possible implementation, the first indication information includes two network function types, that is, "network capability exposure function" and "application function".

[0173] In a possible implementation, the first indication information includes one network function type, that is, "network capability exposure function + application function".

[0174] In a possible implementation, the first indication information includes one network function type, that is, "application function" and the second indication information, wherein the second indication information is used to indicate that the type of the application function network element is trusted and untrusted.

[0175] In a possible implementation, the first indication information includes one network function type, that is, "application function" and the second indication information, wherein the second indication information is used to indicate that the type of the application function network element is trusted and untrusted.

[0176] In a possible implementation, the third request can further include demand information of vertical federated learning.

[0177] Correspondingly, the network storage function network element receives the third request including the first indication information from the network data analytics function network element.

[0178] S503, the network storage function network element determines the information of the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element matched with the internal policy of the network storage function network element according to the first indication information, and sends the network function network element configuration file of the determined trusted application function network element (or trusted application function network element instance) and the network function network element configuration file or configuration information of the untrusted application function network element (or untrusted application function network element instance) to the network data analysis function network element through a third response message. It can be understood that the network element configuration information of the untrusted application function network element can exist in the network function network element configuration file or configuration information of the untrusted application function network element (or untrusted application function network element instance), or in the network function network element configuration file or configuration information of the network function exposure network element. Optionally, the network storage function network element returns the configuration file or configuration information of one or more network function exposure function network elements corresponding to the untrusted application function network element. It can be understood that the network function exposure function network element corresponding to the untrusted application function network element includes the information of the untrusted application function network element, for example, the identifier of the untrusted application function network element, in the configuration file of the network function exposure function network element.

[0179] It should be understood that the trusted application function network element (or trusted application function network element instance) and the untrusted application function network element (or untrusted application function network element instance) determined by the network storage function network element can be one or multiple, which is not limited by the embodiments of the present application. In the embodiments of the present application, the trusted application function network element (or trusted application function network element instance) and the untrusted application function network element (or untrusted application function network element instance) determined by the network storage function network element can be one or multiple at other places, which will not be repeated here.

[0180] It should be understood that the information of the application function network element obtained by the network data analysis function network element according to the third response has the following three situations:

[0181] 1) the information of the untrusted application function network element and the information of the trusted application function network element are obtained at the same time;

[0182] 2) only the information of the untrusted application function network element is obtained;

[0183] 3) only the information of the trusted application function network element is obtained.

[0184] In a possible implementation, the third response can not include the information of the untrusted application function network element and the information of the trusted application function network element at the same time.

[0185] It should be understood that the step of determining to discover trusted application function network elements and untrusted application function network elements by the network data analytics function in step S501 is optional. Accordingly, the network data analytics function network element can perform step S502 in the case of determining to discover application function network elements, or can perform step S502 in the case of determining to discover trusted application function network elements and untrusted application function network elements.

[0186] It should be understood that through the above steps, the network data analytics function network element can send a discovery request message of application function network elements to the network storage function network element in the case of determining to discover application function network elements, so as to obtain the information of trusted application function network elements and the information of untrusted application function network elements from the network storage function network element at the same time. Alternatively, the network data analytics function network element can send a discovery request message of application function network elements to the network storage function network element in the case of determining to discover trusted application function network elements and untrusted application function network elements, so as to obtain the information of trusted application function network elements and the information of untrusted application function network elements from the network storage function network element at the same time. Compared with the embodiment described in FIG. 4, the embodiment described in FIG. 5 reduces the step of the network data analytics function network element requesting application function network elements from the network storage function network element and the corresponding step of the network storage function network element sending the information of application function network elements to the network data analytics function network element.

[0187] As another implementation manner, for the embodiment of the present application in FIG. 5, as an alternative to the first indication information, the third indication information is included in the third request in step S502, the third indication information includes a network function type, i.e. “application function”, and fourth indication information, wherein the fourth indication information is used to indicate that the type of the application function network element is trusted and / or untrusted, and accordingly, the information of trusted application function network elements (or trusted application function network element instances) and / or the information of untrusted application function network elements (or untrusted application function network element instances) are included in the third response in step S503. Optionally, the information of untrusted application function network elements is included in the information of network exposure function network elements (such as NEF profile), or the information of untrusted application function network elements (such as Untrusted AF profile) is included in the information of network exposure function network elements. It should be understood that the network storage function network element determines the information of trusted application function network elements (or trusted application function network element instances) and / or the information of untrusted application function network elements (or untrusted application function network element instances) according to the third indication information in the third request from the network data analytics function network element.

[0188] As a specific embodiment of the information transmission method shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method for transmitting information according to an embodiment of the present application. Specifically, the network data analysis function network element is an NWDAF network element, the network storage function network element is an NRF network element, the trusted application function network element is a trusted AF network element, and the untrusted application function network element is an untrusted AF network element.

[0189] S600-S603, for the registration process of the untrusted AF network element, please refer to steps S200-S203 of FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0190] S604-S606, for the registration process of the trusted AF network element, please refer to steps S101-S103 of FIG. 1, which will not be repeated here.

[0191] It is worth mentioning that the registration process of the untrusted AF network element (i.e. S600-S603) and the registration process of the trusted AF network element (S604-S606) have no order of execution, that is, the order of the two network element registration processes can be:

[0192] The untrusted AF network element registers with the NRF network element first, and then the trusted AF network element registers with the NRF network element; or,

[0193] The trusted AF network element registers with the NRF network element first, and then the untrusted AF network element registers with the NRF network element; or,

[0194] The trusted AF network element and the untrusted AF network element register with the NRF at the same time.

[0195] S607, the NWDAF network element determines to discover the trusted AF network element and the untrusted AF network element.

[0196] In one possible implementation, the NWDAF network element determines to discover the trusted AF and the untrusted AF according to the operator policy. Specifically, the operator policy is that when the NWDAF network element needs to interact with the AF network element (including the trusted AF network element and the untrusted AF network element) for a specific purpose, the NWDAF network element determines to discover the trusted AF network element and the untrusted AF network element. The specific purpose includes that the NWDAF network element collects data from the AF network element, the NWDAF network element sends data analysis results to the AF network element, or the NWDAF network element and the AF network element perform joint data analysis (including one or more of the following: artificial intelligence model training, machine learning model training, artificial intelligence model inference, or machine learning model inference).

[0197] In one possible implementation, the artificial intelligence or machine learning is vertical federated learning.

[0198] S608a and S609a, the process of discovering untrusted AF network elements by the NWDAF network element, can refer to steps S204 and S205 of FIG. 2.

[0199] In a possible implementation, the requirement information of vertical federated learning can also be included in the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request service operation sent by the NWDAF network element to the NRF network element (step S608a).

[0200] S608b and S609b, the process of discovering trusted AF network elements by the NWDAF network element, can refer to steps S104 and S105 of FIG. 1.

[0201] In a possible implementation, the requirement information of vertical federated learning can also be included in the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request service operation sent by the NWDAF network element to the NRF network element (step S608b).

[0202] It is worth noting that the execution of the above-mentioned discovery process of untrusted AF network elements (i.e., S608a-S609a) and the registration process of trusted AF network elements (S608b-S609b) has no order, that is, the order of the two network element discovery processes can be:

[0203] The NWDAF network element can first request the NRF network element to discover untrusted AF network elements, and then request the NRF network element to discover trusted AF network elements; or,

[0204] The NWDAF network element can first request the NRF network element to discover trusted AF network elements, and then request the NRF network element to discover untrusted AF network elements; or,

[0205] The NWDAF network element can simultaneously request the NRF network element to discover trusted AF network elements and untrusted AF network elements, respectively.

[0206] In a possible implementation, in step S609a: if the NRF network element determines the information of untrusted application function network elements that can meet the requirements of step S608a, the information of untrusted AF network elements can be included in the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request_response service operation; if the NRF network element cannot determine the information of untrusted AF network elements that can meet the requirements of step S608a, the information of untrusted application function network elements can not be included in the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request_response service operation.

[0207] In a possible implementation, in step S609b, if the NRF network element determines the information of the untrusted application function network element that can meet the requirement of step S608b, the information of the trusted AF network element can be included in the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request_response service operation; if the NRF network element cannot determine the information of the trusted AF network element that can meet the requirement of step S608b, the information of the trusted application function network element can not be included in the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request_response service operation.

[0208] It should be understood that although the NWDAF network element expects to discover the trusted AF network element and the untrusted AF network element in step S607, whether both the AF network elements can be discovered is determined by the NRF network element. Therefore, after the NWDAF network element receives the first response and the second response from the NRF network element, the information of the AF network element that can be obtained has the following four cases:

[0209] 1) The information of the untrusted AF network element and the information of the trusted AF network element are obtained at the same time;

[0210] 2) Only the information of the untrusted AF network element is obtained;

[0211] 3) Only the information of the trusted AF network element is obtained;

[0212] 4) Neither the information of the untrusted AF network element nor the information of the trusted AF network element is obtained.

[0213] It can be understood that through the above steps, the NWDAF network element can respectively send the discovery request message of the trusted AF network element and the untrusted AF network element to the NRF in the case of determining that the trusted AF network element and the untrusted AF network element need to be discovered, so as to obtain the information of the trusted AF network element and the information of the untrusted AF network element from the NRF network element.

[0214] As a specific embodiment of the information transmission method shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a fourth information transmission method provided by the embodiments of the present application. Specifically, the network data analysis function network element is the NWDAF network element, the network storage function network element is the NRF network element, the trusted application function network element is the trusted AF network element, and the untrusted application function network element is the untrusted AF network element.

[0215] S700-S703, for the registration process of the untrusted AF network element, please refer to steps S200-S203 of FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0216] S704-S706, for the registration process of the trusted AF network element, please refer to steps S101-S103 of FIG. 1, which will not be repeated here.

[0217] It is worth noting that the execution of the registration process of the untrusted AF network element (i.e., S700-S703) and the registration process of the trusted AF network element (S704-S706) has no order, that is, the order of the two network element registration processes can be:

[0218] The untrusted AF network element registers with the NRF network element first, and then the trusted AF network element registers with the NRF network element later; or,

[0219] The trusted AF network element registers with the NRF network element first, and then the untrusted AF network element registers with the NRF network element later; or,

[0220] The trusted AF network element and the untrusted AF network element register with the NRF at the same time.

[0221] S707, the NWDAF network element determines to discover the AF network element.

[0222] In one possible implementation, the AF network element includes a trusted AF network element and an untrusted AF network element.

[0223] In one possible implementation, the NWDAF network element determines to discover the trusted AF and the untrusted AF according to an operator policy. Specifically, the operator policy is that when the NWDAF network element needs to interact with the AF network element (including the trusted AF network element and the untrusted AF network element) for a specific purpose, the NWDAF network element determines to discover the trusted AF network element and the untrusted AF network element. The specific purpose includes that the NWDAF network element collects data from the AF network element, the NWDAF network element sends data analysis results to the AF network element, or the NWDAF network element and the AF network element perform joint data analysis (including one or more of the following: artificial intelligence model training, machine learning model training, artificial intelligence model inference, or machine learning model inference), etc.

[0224] S708, the NWDAF network element calls the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request_request service operation to request the information of the AF network element from the NRF. The Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request_request service operation includes first indication information for indicating the information of the trusted type AF network element and the untrusted type AF network element.

[0225] In one possible implementation, the first indication information includes two NF Types, i.e., “NEF” and “AF”.

[0226] In one possible implementation, the first indication information includes one NF Type, i.e., “NEF+AF”.

[0227] In a possible implementation, the first indication information includes an NF Type, i.e., "AF", and the second indication information, wherein the second indication information is used to indicate that the type of the AF network element is trusted and untrusted.

[0228] In a possible implementation, the first indication information includes an NF Type, i.e., "AF", and the second indication information, wherein the second indication information is used to indicate that the type of the AF network element is trusted and untrusted.

[0229] In a possible implementation, the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request service operation can further include the requirement information of vertical federated learning.

[0230] Correspondingly, the NRF network element receives the above Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request service operation from the NWDAF network element.

[0231] S709, the NRF network element determines the information of the trusted AF network element and the untrusted AF network element instance matched with the internal policy of the NRF network element according to the first indication information, and sends the NF profile of the determined trusted AF network element (or trusted AF network element instance) and the NF profile of the untrusted AF network element (or untrusted AF network element instance) to the NWDAF network element through the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request Response service operation.

[0232] It should be understood that the information of the AF network element obtained by the NWDAF network element according to the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request Response service operation has the following three situations:

[0233] 1) both the information of the untrusted AF network element and the information of the trusted AF network element are obtained;

[0234] 2) only the information of the untrusted AF network element is obtained;

[0235] 3) only the information of the trusted AF network element is obtained.

[0236] In a possible implementation, the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request Response service operation can neither include the information of the untrusted AF network element nor include the information of the trusted AF network element.

[0237] It should be understood that the step of determining to discover trusted AF network elements and untrusted AF network elements by the NWDAF in step S708 is optional. Accordingly, the NWDAF network element can perform step S708 in a case where it is determined that it is required to discover both trusted AF network elements and untrusted AF network elements, or can perform step S708 in a case where it is determined that it is required to discover AF network elements only.

[0238] It should be understood that through the above steps, the NWDAF network element, in a case where it is determined that it is required to discover AF network elements, can send a discovery request message of AF network elements to the NRF, so as to obtain information of trusted AF network elements and information of untrusted AF network elements from the NRF at the same time. Alternatively, the NWDAF network element, in a case where it is determined that it is required to discover both trusted AF network elements and untrusted AF network elements, can send a discovery request message of AF network elements to the NRF, so as to obtain information of trusted AF network elements and information of untrusted AF network elements from the NRF at the same time.

[0239] As another implementation, for the embodiment of FIG. 7 of the present application, as an alternative to the first indication information, the third indication information is included in the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request service operation in step S708, the third indication information includes a network function type, i.e., “application function”, and the fourth indication information, wherein the fourth indication information is used to indicate that the type of the AF network element is trusted and / or untrusted, accordingly, the information of the trusted AF network element (or trusted AF network element instance) and / or the information of the untrusted AF network element (or untrusted AF network element instance) is included in the S709.Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request_response service operation in step S709. Optionally, the information of the untrusted AF network element is included in the information of the NEF network element (such as NEF profile), or the information of the untrusted AF network element (such as Untrusted AF profile) is included in the information of the NEF network element. It should be understood that the NRF network element determines the information of the trusted AF network element (or trusted AF network element instance) and / or the information of the untrusted AF network element (or untrusted AF network element instance) according to the third indication information in the third request from the NWDAF network element. It should be understood that the NRF network element determines the information of the trusted AF network element (or trusted AF network element instance) and / or the information of the untrusted AF network element (or untrusted AF network element instance) according to the third indication information in the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request service operation from the NWDAF network element. It should be understood that the NRF network element determines that the NWDAF network element requests to discover the information of the trusted AF network element (or trusted AF network element instance) and / or the information of the untrusted AF network element (or untrusted AF network element instance) according to the third indication information in the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request service operation from the NWDAF network element (service consumer), and the NRF sends the determined information of the AF network element (or trusted AF network element instance) and / or the information of the untrusted AF network element (or untrusted AF network element instance) to the NWDAF network element (service consumer) by invoking the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request Response service message. It should be understood that the information of the AF network element (or trusted AF network element instance) and / or the information of the untrusted AF network element (or untrusted AF network element instance) includes one or more of the following: AF Instance ID, App Name, Vendor ID, NF Instance ID of the NEF network element.

[0240] The above describes the scheme provided by the embodiments of the present application mainly from the perspective of interaction between network elements. Correspondingly, the embodiments of the present application also provide a communication device for implementing the above methods. The communication device can be the network data analysis function network element in the above method embodiments, or a device containing the network data analysis function network element, or a component for the network data analysis function network element device; or the communication device can be the network storage function network element in the above method embodiments, or a device containing the network storage function network element, or a component for the network storage function network element. It can be understood that the communication device contains the hardware structure and / or software module for executing each function in order to implement the above functions. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the present application can be realized in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a certain function is realized in the form of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional technicians can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present application.

[0241] The embodiments of the present application can divide the function modules of the communication device according to the above method embodiments, for example, each function module can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated in one processing module. The above integrated module can be realized in the form of hardware or software function module. It should be noted that the division of modules in the embodiments of the present application is illustrative, and is only a logical function division. Actual implementation can have another division manner.

[0242] Taking the communication device as the network data analysis function network element or the network storage function network element in the above method embodiments as an example, FIG. 8 is a structure schematic diagram of a communication device provided by the embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG. 8, the communication device 800 includes a processing module 801 and a transceiver module 802. The processing module 801 is used to execute the processing function of the network data analysis function network element or the network storage function network element in the above method embodiments. The transceiver module 802 is used to execute the transceiving function of the network data analysis function network element or the network storage function network element in the above method embodiments.

[0243] Wherein, all the related contents of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be cited to the function description of the corresponding function module, which will not be repeated here.

[0244] Since the communication device 800 provided by the embodiments of the present application can execute the above information transmission method, the technical effects it can obtain can refer to the above method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0245] In a possible design, the transceiver module 802 can include a receiving module and a sending module (not shown in FIG. 8). The transceiver module is configured to implement the sending function and the receiving function of the communication apparatus 800.

[0246] In a possible design, the communication apparatus 800 can further include a storage module (not shown in FIG. 8), which stores programs or instructions. When the processing module 801 executes the programs or instructions, the communication apparatus 800 can perform the function of the network data analysis function network element or the network storage function network element in any of the methods shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0247] It should be understood that the processing module 801 involved in the communication apparatus 800 can be implemented by a processor or a processor-related circuit component, and can be a processor or a processing unit; and the transceiver module 802 can be implemented by a transceiver or a transceiver-related circuit component, and can be a transceiver or a transceiving unit.

[0248] Exemplarily, FIG. 9 is a structural schematic diagram of another communication apparatus provided by an embodiment of the present application. The communication apparatus can be a network data analysis function network element or a network storage function network element, or can be a chip (system) or other components or elements that can be arranged in the network data analysis function network element or the network storage function network element. As shown in FIG. 9, the communication apparatus 900 can include a processor 901. In a possible design, the communication apparatus 900 can further include a memory 902 and / or a transceiver 903. The processor 901 is coupled with the memory 902 and the transceiver 903, for example, through a communication bus.

[0249] The components of the communication apparatus 900 will be introduced in detail below in combination with FIG. 9:

[0250] The processor 901 is the control center of the communication apparatus 900, and can be one processor or a plurality of processing elements. For example, the processor 901 can be one or more central processing units (CPUs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement one or more embodiments of the present application, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0251] In one possible design, the processor 901 can perform various functions of the communication device 900 by running or executing software programs stored in the memory 902 and by calling data stored in the memory 902.

[0252] In specific implementations, as an example, the processor 901 can include one or more CPUs, such as the CPU0 and the CPU1 shown in FIG. 9.

[0253] In specific implementations, as an example, the communication device 900 can also include multiple processors, such as the processor 901 and the processor 904 shown in FIG. 9. Each of these processors can be a single-CPU or a multi-CPU. The processor herein can refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores for processing data (for example, computer program instructions).

[0254] The memory 902 is configured to store software programs for implementing the solutions of the present application, and the processor 901 is configured to control execution of the software programs. The specific implementation manners can refer to the methods in the above method embodiments, and details are not described herein.

[0255] In one possible design, the memory 902 can be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device that can store information and instructions, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disk storage, a magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited to this. The memory 902 can be integrated with the processor 901 or exist independently and be coupled to the processor 901, and the embodiments of the present application do not make a specific limitation in this regard.

[0256] The transceiver 903 is configured to communicate with other communication devices. For example, the communication device 900 is a network data analytics function network element, and the transceiver 903 can be configured to communicate with a network storage function network element and the like. For another example, the communication device 900 is a network storage function network element, and the transceiver 903 can be configured to communicate with a network data analytics function network element and the like.

[0257] In a possible design, the transceiver 903 can include a receiver and a transmitter (not shown separately in FIG. 9). The receiver is configured to implement the receiving function, and the transmitter is configured to implement the transmitting function.

[0258] In a possible design, the transceiver 903 can be an input / output interface or an interface circuit, configured to input and / or output a signal.

[0259] In a possible design, the transceiver 903 can be integrated with the processor 901, or exist independently and be coupled to the processor 901, and the embodiments of the present application do not make a limitation in this regard.

[0260] It should be noted that the structure of the communication device 900 shown in FIG. 9 does not constitute a limitation on the communication device, and actually, the communication device can include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or have a different component arrangement.

[0261] In addition, the communication device 900 can perform the information transmission method described above, and thus the technical effects that can be achieved by the communication device 900 can refer to the above method embodiments, which are not described herein again.

[0262] In a possible implementation, the embodiments of the present application further provide a computer-readable storage medium, which stores a computer program or instructions, and the computer program or instructions are executed by a computer to implement the functions of the above method embodiments.

[0263] In a possible implementation, the embodiments of the present application further provide a computer program product, which is executed by a computer to implement the functions of the above method embodiments.

[0264] In a possible implementation, the embodiments of the present application further provide a communication system, which includes the network data analytics function network element and the network storage function network element described in the above method embodiments.

[0265] In a possible implementation, the embodiments of the present application further provide a communication method, which includes the method described in any of the above method embodiments or any implementation thereof.

[0266] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented by software, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions according to the embodiments of the present application are generated. The computer can be a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a computer network or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer readable storage medium to another computer readable storage medium, for example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center through wired (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) mode. The computer readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or include one or more data storage devices such as servers, data centers, etc. that can be integrated with the medium. The available medium can be magnetic medium (such as floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), optical medium or semiconductor medium (such as solid state drive (SSD)) and the like.

[0267] Those skilled in the art can realize that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in combination 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 skilled in the art can use different methods to realize the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present application.

[0268] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of the description, the specific working processes of the above described system, device and unit can refer to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, which will not be described here.

[0269] 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, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0270] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components displayed as units may or may not be physical units, i.e., may be located in one place, or may be distributed on multiple network units. Part or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the embodiment scheme.

[0271] In addition, the functional units in each embodiment of the present application can be integrated in one processing unit, or each unit can be physically present separately, or two or more units can be integrated in one unit.

[0272] If the functions are realized in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the present application or the parts that essentially contribute to the prior art or the parts of the technical solutions can be embodied in the form of software products. 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 aforementioned 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.

[0273] Although the present application is described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, those skilled in the art can understand and implement other changes of the disclosed embodiments by referring to the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims during the implementation of the claimed present application. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "one" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. Some measures are recorded in mutually different dependent claims, but this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce good results.

[0274] Although the present application has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be evident that many modifications and changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the application. Accordingly, it is intended to cover all modifications, alterations, combinations, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the application. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present application without departing from the scope or spirit of the application. Thus, it is intended that the present application cover the modifications and variations of this application provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: The network data analysis function network element determines to discover trusted application function network elements and untrusted application function network elements; The network data analysis function network element sends a first request and a second request to a network storage function network element, the first request is used to request information of the trusted application function network elements, and the second request is used to request information of the untrusted application function network elements; The network data analysis function network element receives a first response and a second response from the network storage function network element, the first response comprises the information of the trusted application function network elements, and the second response comprises the information of the untrusted application function network elements.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The network data analysis function network element determines to discover trusted application function network elements and untrusted application function network elements, comprising: The network data analysis function network element determines to discover trusted application function network elements and untrusted application function network elements according to first information, the first information comprises: When the network data analysis function network element needs to interact with an application function network element for a first purpose, the network data analysis function network element determines to discover the trusted application function network elements and the untrusted application function network elements.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The first purpose comprises one or more of the following purposes: the network data analysis function network element collects data from the application function network element, the network data analysis function network element sends data analysis results to the application function network element, or the network data analysis function network element and the application function network element perform joint data analysis.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The joint data analysis comprises one or more of the following: artificial intelligence model training, machine learning model training, artificial intelligence model inference, or machine learning model inference.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The artificial intelligence or machine learning comprises vertical federated learning.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first request comprises a network function type of an application function network element.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The second request comprises a network function type of a network capability exposure function network element.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first request or the second request can further comprise requirement information of the vertical federated learning.

9. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: The network storage function network element receives a third request from a network data analysis function network element, the third request comprises first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate to obtain information of trusted application function network elements and information of untrusted application function network elements; The network storage function network element determines the information of the trusted application function network elements and the information of the untrusted application function network elements according to the first indication information; The network storage function network element sends a third response to the network data analysis function network element, the third response comprises the information of the trusted application function network elements and the information of the untrusted application function network elements.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The first indication information comprises a network function type of an application function network element and a network function type of a network capability exposure function network element.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein, The first indication information comprises network function types of an application function network element and a network capability exposure function network element.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein, The first indication information comprises a type of the application function network element and second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate that the type of the application function network element is trusted and untrusted.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that, The third request can further comprise requirement information of vertical federated learning.

14. A communication method, comprising: The method comprises: The network data analysis function network element sends a third request to the network storage function network element, the third request comprising first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate information of a trusted application function network element and information of an untrusted application function network element; The network data analysis function network element receives a third response from the network storage function network element, the third response comprising information of a trusted application function network element and information of an untrusted application function network element.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The first indication information comprises network function types of the application function network element and network function types of the network capability exposure function network element.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein, The first indication information comprises network function types of the application function network element and network function types of the network capability exposure function network element.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein, The first indication information comprises a type of the application function network element and second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate that the type of the application function network element is trusted and untrusted.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that, Before the network data analysis function network element sends the third request to the network storage function network element, the network data analysis function network element determines to discover the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, The network data analysis function network element determines to discover the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element, comprising: The network data analysis function network element determines to discover the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element according to first information, the first information comprising: The network data analysis function network element determines to discover the trusted application function network element and the untrusted application function network element when the network data analysis function network element needs to interact with the application function network element for a first purpose.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, The first purpose comprises one or more of the following purposes: the network data analysis function network element collects data from the application function network element, the network data analysis function network element sends data analysis results to the application function network element, or the network data analysis function network element and the application function network element perform joint data analysis.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein, The joint data analysis comprises one or more of the following: artificial intelligence model training, machine learning model training, artificial intelligence model inference, or machine learning model inference.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein, The artificial intelligence or machine learning comprises vertical federated learning.

23. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 22, characterized in that, The third request can further comprise requirement information of the vertical federated learning.

24. A communications device, characterized by The communication apparatus comprises a module or unit for performing the method of any one of claims 1-8, or a module or unit for performing the method of any one of claims 9-13, or a module or unit for performing the method of any one of claims 14-23.

25. A communications device, characterized by The communication apparatus further comprises a processor configured to cause the communication apparatus to perform the method of any one of claims 1-8, or to perform the method of any one of claims 9-13, or to perform the method of any one of claims 14-23.

26. The communication apparatus according to claim 25, wherein The communication apparatus further comprises a memory configured to store the instructions.

27. The communication apparatus according to claim 25 or 26, wherein, The communication device further comprises a communication interface for input and / or output of signaling and / or data.

28. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium comprises instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the method according to any one of claims 1-8 to be implemented, or cause the method according to any one of claims 9-13 to be implemented, or cause the method according to any one of claims 14-23 to be implemented.

29. A computer program product, characterised in that, The computer program product comprises instructions which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-8, or cause the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 9-13, or cause the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 14-23.

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