Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications, and provides a communication method and apparatus. The method comprises: receiving a function management request message, wherein the function management request message is used for requesting provision of a target function for a communication device, or is used for requesting deletion of a target function of the communication device; and performing a target operation on the basis of the function management request message, wherein the target operation is used as an instruction to provide the target function for the communication device, or is used as an instruction to delete the target function of the communication device. The solution of the present application allows for flexible management of the target function of the communication device.

Description

Communication method and apparatus

[0001] This application claims priority from the Chinese patent application No. 2024108658200, filed on June 28, 2024, and entitled "Communication method and 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 technology, and in particular, to a communication method and apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0003] The communication device has corresponding software functions and can process corresponding services based on the possessed software functions.

[0004] In different scenarios, the software functions required by the communication device can be different. For example, some scenarios require the communication device to have software functions with high reliability, low latency and low data volume, some scenarios require the communication device to have software functions with high data volume, low delay and low jitter, etc. If the software functions possessed by the communication device do not match the software functions required in the scenario, the communication device can not process the corresponding services.

[0005] Currently, the software functions of the communication device are usually determined by the manufacturer of the communication device, so the software functions possessed by the communication device when it leaves the factory are already determined, and the flexibility of software function management is low. SUMMARY

[0006] The present application provides a communication method and apparatus to solve the problem of low flexibility of software function management.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present application provides a communication method. A function management network element receives a function management request message, the function management request message being used to request to provide a target function for a communication device, or being used to request to delete a target function of the communication device; and performs a target operation according to the function management request message, the target operation being used to instruct to provide the target function for the communication device, or being used to instruct to delete the target function of the communication device. In this way, the target function can be flexibly provided for the communication device or deleted, and the flexibility of function management is high.

[0008] In a possible implementation, the function management request message includes: communication device indication information, used to indicate the communication device; and / or function indication information, used to indicate the target function. The function management network element can determine the corresponding communication device through the communication device indication information, and determine the corresponding target function through the function indication information, so as to accurately provide the target function for the communication device or delete the target function.

[0009] In a possible implementation, the communication device indication information includes: a communication device identifier, used to indicate the communication device; and / or, a region identifier, used to indicate a target region where the communication device is located.

[0010] In a possible implementation, the function indication information includes: a target application identifier, used to indicate an application corresponding to the target function; and / or, target application type information, used to indicate an application type corresponding to the target function.

[0011] In a possible implementation, when the function management request message is used to request to provide the communication device with the target function, the function management network element can further determine, according to the capability information of the communication device and the capability requirement information of the target function, that the communication device meets a first condition; the first condition includes at least one of the following: the communication device does not have the target function; the communication device has a condition for executing the target function; the communication device is authorized to execute the target function; and the function providing service network element provides the communication device with a software function resource corresponding to the target function. By determining whether the communication device meets the first condition, it can be determined more accurately whether the communication device needs to be provided with the target function, so as to add or update the target function in a targeted manner.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the function management network element can send a channel establishment request message according to the function management request message, the channel establishment request message being used to request to establish a transmission channel between the communication device and the function providing service network element; receive a channel establishment response message, the channel establishment response message being used to indicate that the transmission channel is established successfully; and send a resource request message, the resource request message being used to request to provide the software function resource through the transmission channel, the software function resource being used to provide the communication device with the target function. By requesting to establish the transmission channel, it is helpful for subsequent transmission of the software function resource.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the function management network element can further receive a resource response message, the resource response message being used to indicate that the function providing service network element has provided the communication device with the software function resource through the transmission channel.

[0014] In a possible implementation, the function management network element can further receive indication information, the indication information being used to indicate that the communication device has the target function. Through the indication information, the function management network element can know that the communication device has the target function, and that the communication device is successfully provided with the target function.

[0015] In a possible implementation, when the function management request message is used to request to delete the target function of the communication device, the function management network element can further determine, according to the capability information of the communication device and the capability requirement information of the target function, that the communication device has the target function.

[0016] In a possible implementation, the function management network element can send a delete function request message according to the function management request message, the delete function request message being used to request deleting a target function in the communication device; and receive a delete function response message, the delete function response message being used to indicate that the target function has been deleted by the communication device. Through the above steps, the communication device can be instructed to delete the target function, and memory resources can be saved.

[0017] In a possible implementation, the capability requirement information is determined according to a first correspondence relationship between the function and the capability required for executing the function, and the first correspondence relationship includes at least one of the following: a correspondence relationship between an application identifier and a function type; a correspondence relationship between the application identifier and a radio access technology (RAT); a correspondence relationship between the application identifier and a key performance indicator (KPI); a correspondence relationship between an application type and the function type; a correspondence relationship between the application type and the RAT; and a correspondence relationship between the application type and the KPI. Through the first correspondence relationship, the capability requirement information of the target function can be accurately determined, so that it can be accurately judged whether the first condition is met, and it can be more accurately determined whether the communication device needs to be provided with the target function, thereby the addition or update of the target function can be performed in a targeted manner.

[0018] In a possible implementation, the function management network element can further send a function management response message, the function management response message being used to indicate that the communication device has the target function, or the communication device has deleted the target function.

[0019] In a second aspect, the present application provides a communication method, and an AF network element can send a function management request message, the function management request message being used to request providing a communication device with a target function, or used to request deleting a target function of the communication device. Through the function management request message, the management of the target function by the communication device can be triggered.

[0020] In a possible implementation, the function management request message includes: communication device indication information, used to indicate the communication device; and / or function indication information, used to indicate the target function. The AF network element can indicate the corresponding communication device to the function management network element through the communication device indication information, and can indicate the corresponding target function to the function management network element through the function indication information, so that the provision of the target function to the communication device or the deletion of the target function can be accurately triggered.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the communication device indication information includes: a communication device identifier, used to indicate the communication device; and / or a region identifier, used to indicate a target region, and the communication device is a device in the target region.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the function indication information includes: a target application identifier, used to indicate an application corresponding to the target function; and / or target application type information, used to indicate an application type corresponding to the target function.

[0023] In a possible implementation, the AF network element can also receive a function management response message, the function management response message being used to indicate that the communication device has the target function, or the communication device has deleted the target function.

[0024] In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication method. A function providing service network element can receive a resource request message, the resource request message being used to request to provide a software function resource corresponding to a target function through a transmission channel between the communication device and the function providing service network element, the software function resource being used to provide the target function for the communication device; and send the software function resource through the transmission channel. By establishing the transmission channel and sending the software function resource through the transmission channel, the communication device is enabled to add or update the target function based on the software function resource.

[0025] In a possible implementation, the function providing service network element can also send auxiliary information used to execute the target function.

[0026] In a possible implementation, the function providing service network element can also send a resource response message, the resource response message being used to indicate that the function providing service network element has provided the software function resource for the communication device through the transmission channel.

[0027] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication method. A communication device can add or update a target function, or delete the target function. Through the above manner, flexible management of the target function is achieved.

[0028] In a possible implementation, the communication device can receive a software function resource; receive auxiliary information used to execute the target function; and add or update the target function according to the software function resource and the auxiliary information.

[0029] In a possible implementation, the communication device can also send indication information, the indication information being used to indicate that the communication device has the target function.

[0030] In a possible implementation, the communication device can receive a delete function request message, the delete function request message being used to request to delete the target function in the communication device; and delete the target function according to the delete function request message.

[0031] In a possible implementation, the communication device can also send a delete function response message, the delete function response message being used to indicate that the communication device has deleted the target function.

[0032] In a possible implementation, the communication device can further send capability information of the communication device. The capability information indicates the capability of the communication device, thereby helping to determine whether the communication device meets the first condition, and more accurately determining whether the communication device needs to be provided with the target function, thereby performing the adding or updating of the target function in a targeted manner.

[0033] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication method. A tunnel management function network element can receive a tunnel establishment request message, the tunnel establishment request message being used to request establishment of a transmission tunnel between a communication device and a function service providing network element; establish the transmission tunnel; and send a tunnel establishment response message, the tunnel establishment response message being used to indicate that the transmission tunnel is established successfully. By establishing the transmission tunnel between the communication device and the function service providing network element, the function service providing network element transmits the software function resource to the communication device based on the transmission tunnel, thereby helping to provide the target function for the communication device.

[0034] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication apparatus, comprising:

[0035] A first receiving module, configured to receive a function management request message, the function management request message being used to request to provide a target function for a communication device, or being used to request to delete a target function of the communication device;

[0036] A first processing module, configured to perform a target operation according to the function management request message, the target operation being used to indicate to provide the target function for the communication device, or being used to indicate to delete the target function of the communication device.

[0037] In a possible implementation, the function management request message comprises:

[0038] Communication device indication information, used to indicate the communication device;

[0039] And / or,

[0040] Function indication information, used to indicate the target function.

[0041] In a possible implementation, the communication device indication information comprises:

[0042] A communication device identifier, used to indicate the communication device;

[0043] And / or,

[0044] A region identifier, used to indicate a target region, the communication device being a device in the target region.

[0045] In a possible implementation, the function indication information comprises:

[0046] A target application identifier, used to indicate an application corresponding to the target function.

[0047] And / or,

[0048] Target application type information, used to indicate the application type corresponding to the target function.

[0049] In one possible implementation, when the function management request message is used to request the provision of a target function for the communication device, the first processing module is further configured to:

[0050] Based on the capability information of the communication equipment and the capability requirement information of the target function, it is determined that the communication equipment meets the first condition; wherein the first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0051] The communication equipment does not have target functionality;

[0052] The communication equipment possesses the conditions corresponding to perform the target function;

[0053] The communication equipment is authorized to perform the target function;

[0054] The functional service network element provides the software function resources corresponding to the target function to the communication equipment.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the first processing module is specifically used for:

[0056] According to the function management request message, a channel establishment request message is sent. The channel establishment request message is used to request the establishment of a transmission channel between the communication equipment and the function service network element.

[0057] Receive a channel establishment response message, which indicates that the transmission channel has been successfully established.

[0058] Send a resource request message. The resource request message is used to request the provision of software function resources through the transmission channel. The software function resources are used to provide the target functions for the communication equipment.

[0059] In one possible implementation, the first transceiver module is further configured to:

[0060] Receive resource response messages, which indicate that the service-providing network element has provided software function resources to the communication equipment through the transmission channel.

[0061] In one possible implementation, the first transceiver module is further configured to:

[0062] Receive instruction information, which indicates that the communication device has the target function.

[0063] In one possible implementation, when the function management request message is used to request the deletion of a target function of the communication device, the first processing module is further configured to:

[0064] According to the capability information of the communication device and the capability requirement information of the target function, it is determined that the communication device has the target function.

[0065] In a possible implementation, the first processing module is specifically configured to:

[0066] According to the function management request message, a delete function request message is sent, and the delete function request message is used to request to delete the target function in the communication device.

[0067] A delete function response message is received, and the delete function response message is used to indicate that the communication device has deleted the target function.

[0068] In a possible implementation, the capability requirement information is determined according to a first correspondence relationship between the function and the capability information required for executing the function, and the first correspondence relationship includes at least one of the following:

[0069] A correspondence relationship between the application identifier and the function type;

[0070] A correspondence relationship between the application identifier and the RAT;

[0071] A correspondence relationship between the application identifier and the KPI;

[0072] A correspondence relationship between the application type and the function type;

[0073] A correspondence relationship between the application type and the RAT;

[0074] A correspondence relationship between the application type and the KPI.

[0075] In a possible implementation, the first transceiver module is further configured to:

[0076] A function management response message is sent, and the function management response message is used to indicate that the communication device has the target function or that the communication device has deleted the target function.

[0077] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising:

[0078] A second transceiver module is configured to send a function management request message, and the function management request message is used to request to provide the target function for the communication device or to request to delete the target function of the communication device.

[0079] In a possible implementation, the function management request message includes:

[0080] Communication device indication information is used to indicate the communication device;

[0081] And / or,

[0082] Function indication information is used to indicate the target function.

[0083] In a possible implementation, the communication device indication information comprises:

[0084] a communication device identifier, used to indicate the communication device;

[0085] and / or,

[0086] a region identifier, used to indicate a target region, the communication device being a device in the target region.

[0087] In a possible implementation, the function indication information comprises:

[0088] a target application identifier, used to indicate an application corresponding to the target function;

[0089] and / or,

[0090] target application type information, used to indicate an application type corresponding to the target function.

[0091] In a possible implementation, the second transceiver module is further configured to:

[0092] receive a function management response message, the function management response message being used to indicate that the communication device has the target function, or the communication device has deleted the target function.

[0093] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a communication apparatus, comprising:

[0094] a third transceiver module, configured to receive a resource request message, the resource request message being used to request to provide a software function resource corresponding to a target function through a transmission channel between the communication device and a function-providing service network element, the software function resource being used to provide the target function for the communication device;

[0095] a fourth transceiver module, configured to send the software function resource through the transmission channel.

[0096] In a possible implementation, the fourth transceiver module is further configured to:

[0097] send auxiliary information used to execute the target function.

[0098] In a possible implementation, the fourth transceiver module is further configured to:

[0099] send a resource response message, the resource response message being used to indicate that the function-providing service network element has provided the software function resource for the communication device through the transmission channel.

[0100] In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a communication apparatus, comprising:

[0101] a processing module, configured to add or update a target function, or delete the target function.

[0102] In a possible implementation, the processing module is specifically configured to:

[0103] receive the software function resource;

[0104] receive the auxiliary information for executing the target function;

[0105] add or update the target function according to the software function resource and the auxiliary information.

[0106] In a possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to:

[0107] send the indication information, the indication information being used to indicate that the communication device has the target function.

[0108] In a possible implementation, the processing module is specifically configured to:

[0109] receive the function deletion request message, the function deletion request message being used to request to delete the target function in the communication device;

[0110] delete the target function according to the function deletion request message.

[0111] In a possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to:

[0112] send the function deletion response message, the function deletion response message being used to indicate that the communication device has deleted the target function.

[0113] In a possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to:

[0114] send the capability information of the communication device.

[0115] In a tenth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising:

[0116] a fifth transceiver, configured to receive a channel establishment request message, the channel establishment request message being used to request to establish a transmission channel between the communication device and a function providing service network element;

[0117] an establishment module, configured to establish the transmission channel;

[0118] a sixth transceiver, configured to send a channel establishment response message, the channel establishment response message being used to indicate that the transmission channel is established successfully.

[0119] In an eleventh aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising a memory and a processor.

[0120] The memory stores computer execution instructions.

[0121] The processor executes computer-executed instructions stored in the memory, so that the processor executes the method of any one of the first aspect to the fifth aspect.

[0122] In a twelfth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, and the computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executed instructions, and the computer-executed instructions are used for implementing the method of any one of the first aspect to the fifth aspect when executed by a processor.

[0123] In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, and the computer program product comprises a computer program, and the computer program is used for implementing the method of any one of the first aspect to the fifth aspect when executed by a processor.

[0124] In a fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip, and the chip stores a computer program, and the computer program is used for implementing the method of any one of the first aspect to the fifth aspect when executed by the chip.

[0125] In a fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip module, and the chip module stores a computer program, and the computer program is used for implementing the method of any one of the first aspect to the fifth aspect when executed by the chip module.

[0126] The communication method and device provided in the embodiments of the present application can receive a function management request message from a function management network element, the function management request message is used for requesting to provide a target function for a communication device, or is used for requesting to delete a target function of the communication device. Then, the function management network element performs a target operation according to the function management request message, and the target operation is used for instructing to provide the target function for the communication device, or is used for instructing to delete the target function of the communication device. Through the above operation, the target function can be provided for the communication device when the communication device needs the target function, and the target function of the communication device can be deleted when the communication device does not need the target function, so that the management flexibility of the target function of the communication device can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0127] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system architecture provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0128] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0129] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of providing a target function for a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0130] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of providing a target function for an access network device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0131] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of providing a target function for a terminal device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0132] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of deleting a target function for an access network device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0133] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process of deleting a target function for a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0134] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0135] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0136] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0137] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0138] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0139] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0140] The exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein with reference to the attached drawings. In the following description, like reference numerals refer to like elements, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The following description of exemplary embodiments is not representative of all possible embodiments consistent with the present application. Rather, it is merely an example of apparatus and methods consistent with some aspects of the present application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0141] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but can include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, foreclose the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

[0142] The use scenarios of a communication device are diversified, which puts forward higher requirements on the software functions supported by the communication device. For example, the communication device needs to have software functions matching the use scenarios in different use scenarios. When the supported scenarios of the communication device increase or evolve, the corresponding software functions also need to be matched.

[0143] The software function of a communication device is usually determined by the manufacturer of the communication device, and thus the software function of the communication device is determined when the communication device is manufactured. Since the manufacturer of the communication device cannot know the use scenario of the communication device, the manufacturer cannot match the software function of the communication device according to the use scenario of the communication device, which may cause the software function of the communication device to be not matched with the software function required in the use scenario.

[0144] Currently, one processing manner is to match all the software functions to the communication device. However, this manner increases the complexity of the communication device and causes large memory waste.

[0145] Therefore, embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, which guides the management of a specific function of a communication device according to actual service requirement, and flexibly increases or deletes the function.

[0146] The scheme of the embodiments of the present application will be introduced below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0147] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system architecture provided by embodiments of the present application, as shown in FIG. 1, the system architecture involves a terminal device, an access network device, a channel management function network element, a function management network element, a function providing service network element and an application function (AF) network element. The channel management function network element and the function management network element belong to the components of a core network, and the function providing service network element and the AF network element can be arranged in the core network or outside the core network, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0148] The function providing service network element, for example, can be a network element in the core network or a server of a device manufacturer. The function providing service network element can provide information or resources required for managing a specific function to a network device or a terminal device according to the indication of managing the specific function.

[0149] The AF network element, for example, can be a network element in the core network or a third-party application server. The AF network element can request the function management network element to manage a specific function of a network device or a terminal device.

[0150] The function management network element provides a corresponding interface, which is used to receive a request sent by the AF network element, and the request is used to request the function management network element to manage a specific function of a network device or a terminal device.

[0151] The channel management function network element is used to establish a transmission channel to transmit information or resources corresponding to the specific function when the function management network element manages the specific function.

[0152] In the above embodiment, a system architecture of the embodiments of the present application is introduced, and the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application will be introduced below with reference to FIG. 2.

[0153] It should be noted that the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, for example: global system of mobile communication (GSM) system, code division multiple access (CDMA) system, wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) system, general packet radio service (GPRS), long term evolution (LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD), universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WIMAX) communication system, future fifth generation 5G system or new radio (NR), and can also be extended to similar wireless communication systems, such as wireless-fidelity (WIFI), and 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) related cellular systems, etc. The technical solutions provided in the present application can also be applied to future communication systems, such as the sixth generation mobile communication system, etc. The present application is not limited in this regard.

[0154] In the embodiments of the present application, the network device generally has a wireless transceiving function, and the network device can have a mobile characteristic, for example, the network device can be a mobile device. Optionally, the network device can be a satellite or a balloon station. For example, the satellite can be a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite, a medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite, a geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite, a high elliptical orbit (HEO) satellite, or the like. Of course, the network device can also be a base station arranged at a position on land or water, for example, the network device can be a next generation NodeB (gNB) or a next generation-evolved NodeB (ng-eNB). The gNB provides a user plane function and a control plane function of NR for a UE, and the ng-eNB provides a user plane function and a control plane function of evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) for a UE. It should be noted that the gNB and the ng-eNB are only names, which are used to represent a base station supporting a 5G network system, and do not have a limiting meaning.

[0155] The network device can also be a base transceiver station (BTS) in a GSM or CDMA system, or a nodeB (NB) in a WCDMA system, or an evolutional node B (eNB or eNodeB) in an LTE system. Alternatively, the network device can also be a relay station, an access point, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a network device in a network after 5G, or a network device in a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN) network, a road site unit (RSU), or the like.

[0156] The terminal device usually has a wireless transceiving function, and can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld, wearable or vehicle-mounted; can also be deployed on the water surface (such as a ship, etc.); and can also be deployed in the air (such as an airplane, a balloon and a satellite, etc.). The terminal device can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer (Pad), a computer with a wireless transceiving function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a vehicle-mounted terminal device, a wireless terminal in self driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical treatment, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, a wireless terminal device in a smart home, a wearable terminal device, etc. The terminal device involved in the embodiments of the present application can also be referred to as a terminal, a user equipment (UE), an access terminal device, a vehicle-mounted terminal, an industrial control terminal, a UE unit, a UE station, a mobile station, a mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal device, a mobile device, a UE terminal device, a wireless communication device, a UE agent or a UE apparatus, etc. The terminal device can also be fixed or mobile.

[0157] It should be noted that the execution subject of each embodiment in the present application can be a chip, a chip module, a processor, a microprocessor, etc., or a device integrating the above-mentioned chip, chip module, processor or microprocessor, etc. apparatus, such as a communication device / channel management function network element / function management network element / function service providing network element / AF network element. The specific execution subject of each embodiment of the present application is not limited, and it can be selected and set according to actual needs. In the following embodiments, the execution subject is taken as a communication device / channel management function network element / function management network element / function service providing network element / AF network element integrating the above-mentioned chip, chip module, processor or microprocessor, etc. apparatus for introduction, and does not constitute a limitation on the actual execution subject. In each embodiment of the present application, the interaction between the terminal device and the core network element can be transmitted through the access network device.

[0158] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application, which is applied to a function management network element, as shown in FIG. 2, comprising:

[0159] S21, a function management request message is received, the function management request message is used to request to provide a target function for a communication device, or is used to request to delete a target function of the communication device.

[0160] The AF network element sends a function management request message to the function management network element, and correspondingly, the function management network element receives the function management request message.

[0161] In the embodiments of the present application, the communication device can include a terminal device, and can also include a network device, wherein the network device can include an access network device, and can also include a core network device.

[0162] The function management request message is used to request to provide a target function for a communication device, or is used to request to delete a target function of the communication device. The target function can be, for example, a high-reliability low-latency low-data-volume communication function, a high-data-volume low-delay low-jitter communication function, an ambient Iot (AIoT) service processing function, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific content of the target function, and the target function can be different in different use scenarios.

[0163] S22, a target operation is performed according to the function management request message, the target operation is used to instruct to provide a target function for a communication device, or is used to instruct to delete a target function of the communication device.

[0164] If the function management request message is used to request to provide a target function for a communication device, the target operation is used to instruct to provide a target function for a communication device. For example, the target operation can include sending a channel establishment request message to request to establish a transmission channel between the communication device and a function providing service network element, and the transmission channel is used to transmit a software function resource, and through the software function resource, the target function can be provided for the communication device.

[0165] If the function management request message is used to request to delete a target function of the communication device, the target operation is used to instruct to delete a target function of the communication device. For example, the target operation can send a function deletion request message to the communication device to instruct the communication device to delete the target function.

[0166] The communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application comprises the following steps: a function management network element receives a function management request message, the function management request message being used for requesting to provide a target function for a communication device or used for requesting to delete a target function of the communication device; and the function management network element performs a target operation according to the function management request message, the target operation being used for instructing to provide the target function for the communication device or used for instructing to delete the target function of the communication device. Through the above operation, the target function can be provided for the communication device when the communication device needs the target function, and the target function of the communication device can be deleted when the communication device does not need the target function, so that the management flexibility of the target function of the communication device can be improved.

[0167] Based on any of the above embodiments, the scheme of the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail in combination with the accompanying drawings.

[0168] Firstly, the implementation of providing the target function for the communication device will be described in combination with Fig. 3.

[0169] Fig. 3 is a flowchart of providing the target function for the communication device according to the embodiments of the present application, as shown in Fig. 3, which comprises the following steps.

[0170] S301, the AF network element sends a function management request message to the function management network element.

[0171] The function management request message is used for requesting to provide the target function for the communication device.

[0172] Optionally, the function management request message comprises at least one of the following 1.1 to 1.2:

[0173] 1.1, communication device indication information.

[0174] The communication device indication information is used for indicating the communication device, and the communication device is the communication device which needs to add or update the target function.

[0175] Optionally, the communication device indication information comprises a communication device identifier and / or a region identifier. The communication device identifier is used for indicating the communication device. If the communication device which needs to add or update the target function is a terminal device, the communication device identifier can comprise an identifier of the terminal device. If the communication device which needs to add or update the target function is a network device, the communication device identifier can comprise an identifier of the network device.

[0176] The region identifier is used for indicating a target region, and the communication device which needs to add or update the target function is a device in the target region. For example, if the target function needs to be provided for the terminal devices and the network devices in a factory area, the region identifier of the factory area can be comprised in the communication device indication, and based on the region identifier, it can be determined that the communication device which needs to add or update the target function is the communication device in the factory area.

[0177] The function management network element receives the function management request message, and if the function management request message includes the communication device indication information, the function management network element can determine, based on the communication device indication information, that the communication device needs to add or update the target function.

[0178] 1.2, function indication information.

[0179] The function indication information is used to indicate the target function, i.e., the function that needs to be added or updated for the communication device.

[0180] Optionally, the function indication information includes target application identification and / or target application type information. The target application identification is used to indicate the application corresponding to the target function. If the target function needs to be added or updated for the communication device, and the application corresponding to the target function is APP1, the function indication information can include the identification of APP1, and APP1 is the application using the target function.

[0181] The target application type information is used to indicate the application type corresponding to the target function. The application type can include, for example, a voice application type, an audio and video application type, and the like, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this. If the target function needs to be added or updated for the communication device, and the application corresponding to the target function is APP1, and the application type of APP1 is type 1, the function indication information can include the target application type information, which is used to indicate type 1.

[0182] The function management network element receives the function management request message, and if the function management request message includes the function indication information, the function management network element can determine, based on the function indication information, the target function that needs to be added or updated for the communication device.

[0183] S302, the function management network element determines that the communication device meets the first condition.

[0184] Before providing the target function for the communication device, the function management network element needs to determine whether the communication device meets the first condition.

[0185] Optionally, the communication device sends the capability information of the communication device to the function management network element, and correspondingly, the function management network element receives the capability information of the communication device. Then, the function management network element can determine whether the communication device meets the first condition according to the capability information of the communication device and the capability requirement information of the target function.

[0186] Optionally, the capability information of the communication device can include, for example, a software function type supported by the communication device, an application type supported by the communication device, an application type can be indicated by application type information, an application identification supported by the communication device, a capability supported by the communication device and a corresponding key performance indicator (KPI), and the like.

[0187] Optionally, the capability information of the communication device can include, for example, hardware resources of the communication device, supported algorithm information, and the like, and the hardware resources can include, for example, microprocessor information such as a central processing unit (CPU) and a digital signal processing (DSP).

[0188] The software function type supported by the communication device can include, for example, a high-reliability low-latency type, a high-data-volume low-latency type, an A-IoT type, and the like. The application type supported by the communication device can be indicated by the application type information. The application identifier supported by the communication device is used to indicate the application supported by the terminal device.

[0189] The capability supported by the communication device can include, for example, an AI-related capability, a sustainability capability, a sensing-related capability, an interoperability capability, a coverage capability, a positioning capability, a security and resilience capability, a peak data rate-related capability, a reliability capability, a user experienced data rate-related capability, a latency-related capability, a spectrum efficiency-related capability, a mobility-related capability, a connection density-related capability, an area traffic capacity-related capability, and the like.

[0190] The capability supported by the communication device can include, for example, an AI-related capability, a sustainability capability, a sensing-related capability, an interoperability capability, a coverage capability, a positioning capability, a security and resilience capability, a peak data rate-related capability, a reliability capability, a user experienced data rate-related capability, a latency-related capability, a spectrum efficiency-related capability, a mobility-related capability, a connection density-related capability, an area traffic capacity-related capability, and the like.

[0191] The capability requirement information of the target function is determined according to a first correspondence relationship between the function and the capability required for executing the function, wherein the first correspondence relationship includes at least one of the following (a) to (f):

[0192] (a) a correspondence relationship between the application identifier and the function type.

[0193] The application identifier is used to indicate a corresponding application, and different applications correspond to different function types. According to a corresponding relationship between the application identifier and the function type, and the application identifier of the application corresponding to the target function, the function type corresponding to the target function can be determined.

[0194] (b) a corresponding relationship between the application identifier and a radio access technology (RAT).

[0195] The application identifier is used to indicate a corresponding application, and different applications correspond to different function types. According to a corresponding relationship between the application identifier and the RAT, and the application identifier of the application corresponding to the target function, the RAT corresponding to the target function can be determined.

[0196] (c) a corresponding relationship between the application identifier and a KPI.

[0197] According to a corresponding relationship between the application identifier and the KPI, and the application identifier of the application corresponding to the target function, the KPI corresponding to the target function can be determined.

[0198] (d) a corresponding relationship between the application type and the function type.

[0199] The application type is used to indicate a corresponding application, and different applications correspond to different function types. According to a corresponding relationship between the application type and the function type, and the application type corresponding to the target function, the function type corresponding to the target function can be determined.

[0200] (e) a corresponding relationship between the application type and the RAT.

[0201] According to a corresponding relationship between the application type and the RAT, and the application type corresponding to the target function, the RAT corresponding to the target function can be determined.

[0202] (f) a corresponding relationship between the application type and the KPI.

[0203] According to a corresponding relationship between the application type and the KPI, and the application type corresponding to the target function, the KPI corresponding to the target function can be determined.

[0204] The capability requirement information of the target function includes at least one of the function type corresponding to the target function, the function type corresponding to the target function, and the KPI corresponding to the target function.

[0205] After the capability requirement information of the target function is determined, the capability information of the communication device can be combined to determine whether the communication device satisfies the first condition.

[0206] Optionally, the first condition includes at least one of the following 2.1 to 2.4:

[0207] 2.1, the communication device does not have the target function.

[0208] Since the function management request message is used to request the target function to be provided for the communication device, if the communication device already has the target function, the target function does not need to be provided for the communication device. Therefore, before the target function is provided for the communication device, it is necessary to determine that the communication device does not currently have the target function. Whether the communication device has the target function can be determined according to the capability information of the communication device.

[0209] 2.2, the communication device has the condition corresponding to the target function.

[0210] The communication device has the condition corresponding to the target function, which means that the communication device has the capability to execute the target function, which can be the corresponding hardware capability, computing capability, and the like.

[0211] Since the capability requirement information of the target function has been determined, which indicates the capability required to execute the target function, and the capability information of the communication device indicates the capability of the communication device, it can be determined whether the communication device has the condition corresponding to the target function.

[0212] For example, the RAT corresponding to the target function is 5G technology, and the capability information of the communication device indicates that the communication device does not have 5G related capability, it can be determined that the communication device does not have the condition corresponding to the target function. For example, the function type corresponding to the target function is A-IoT type, and the capability information of the communication device indicates that the communication device has A-IoT related capability, it can be determined that the communication device has the condition corresponding to the target function, and the like.

[0213] 2.3, the communication device is authorized to execute the target function.

[0214] The communication device is authorized to execute the target function, which means that the communication device is allowed to be provided with the target function.

[0215] 2.4, the function providing service network element provides the software function resource corresponding to the target function for the communication device.

[0216] The software function resource refers to the resource required to add or update the target function, which can be, for example, an application installation package corresponding to the target function, or a related upgrade package, and the like.

[0217] S303, the function management network element sends a channel establishment request message to the channel management function network element according to the function management request message.

[0218] After the function management network element determines that the communication device meets the first condition, the function management network element sends a channel establishment request message to the channel management function network element, the channel establishment request message is used to request to establish a transmission channel between the communication device and the function service-providing network element, and the transmission channel is used to transmit the software function resource corresponding to the target function.

[0219] S304, the channel management function network element establishes the transmission channel between the communication device and the function service-providing network element.

[0220] After the channel management function network element receives the channel establishment request message, the channel management function network element establishes the transmission channel between the communication device and the function service-providing network element, for example, can include a user plane channel, a data plane channel, and the like.

[0221] S305, the channel management function network element sends a channel establishment response message to the function management network element.

[0222] After the channel management function network element establishes the transmission channel between the communication device and the function service-providing network element, the channel management function network element sends a channel establishment response message to the function management network element, and correspondingly, the function management network element receives the channel establishment response message. The channel establishment response message is used to indicate that the transmission channel is established successfully.

[0223] S306, the function management network element sends a resource request message to the function service-providing network element.

[0224] After the function management network element receives the channel establishment response message, it can be determined that the transmission channel between the communication device and the function service-providing network element has been successfully established, and therefore the function management network element sends a resource request message to the function service-providing network element, the resource request message is used to request to provide the software function resource through the transmission channel. In the embodiment of the application, the software function resource is used to provide the target function for the communication device, and the software function resource may, for example, include an application installation package corresponding to the target function, or a related upgrade package, and the like.

[0225] S307, the function service-providing network element sends the software function resource and the auxiliary information for executing the target function to the communication device through the transmission channel between the communication device and the function service-providing network element.

[0226] The auxiliary information is used to indicate how to execute the target function, for example, which function modules the target function may include, how these function modules cooperate, and the like. The function service-providing network element can provide the software function resource and the auxiliary information to the communication device through the transmission channel.

[0227] S308, the function service-providing network element sends a resource response message to the function management network element.

[0228] After the function-providing service network element provides the software function resource and the auxiliary information to the communication device through the transmission channel between the communication device and the function-providing service network element, the function-providing service network element can send a resource response message to the function management network element, and correspondingly, the function management network element receives the resource response message. The resource response message is used to indicate that the function-providing service network element has provided the software function resource to the communication device through the transmission channel.

[0229] S309, the communication device adds or updates the target function according to the software function resource and the auxiliary information.

[0230] After receiving the software function resource and the auxiliary information, the communication device can add or update the target function. For example, the software function resource is an application installation package corresponding to the target function, and the communication device can install an application corresponding to the target function based on the application installation package, start the application, run the application through the auxiliary information, and execute the target function. For example, the software function resource is an application upgrade package corresponding to the target function, and the communication device can upgrade an application corresponding to the target function based on the application upgrade package, start the application, run the application through the auxiliary information, and execute the target function.

[0231] S310, the communication device sends indication information to the function management network element.

[0232] Correspondingly, the function management network element receives the indication information, and the indication information is used to indicate that the communication device has the target function. After receiving the indication information, the function management network element can know that the target function has been successfully provided for the communication device.

[0233] S311, the function management network element sends a function management response message to the AF network element.

[0234] After the function management network element knows that the target function has been successfully provided for the communication device, the function management network element sends a function management response message to the AF network element, and correspondingly, the AF network element receives the function management response message. The function management response message is used to indicate that the communication device has the target function.

[0235] The scheme of the embodiment of the application can provide the target function for the communication device through the signaling interaction between the function management network element, the function-providing service network element, the channel management function network element, the communication device, and the AF network element when the communication device needs the target function, and can improve the management flexibility of the target function for the communication device.

[0236] The implementation of providing the target function for the access network device will be described below with reference to FIG. 4.

[0237] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of providing the target function for the access network device according to an embodiment of the application. As shown in FIG. 4, the method comprises the following steps.

[0238] S401, the AF network element sends a function management request message to the function management network element.

[0239] The function management request message is used to request to provide the target function for the access network device. The content included in the function management request message can refer to the related description of S301 in the above embodiments, and will not be described here.

[0240] S402, the function management network element determines that the access network device meets at least one of the following conditions:

[0241] a. The access network device does not have the target function;

[0242] b. The access network device has the condition corresponding to the target function;

[0243] c. The access network device is authorized to execute the target function;

[0244] d. The function providing service network element provides the software function resource corresponding to the target function for the access network device.

[0245] S403, the function management network element sends a channel establishment request message to the channel management function network element according to the function management request message.

[0246] After the function management network element determines that the access network device meets at least one of the conditions a to d of the S402 example, the function management network element sends a channel establishment request message to the channel management function network element. The channel establishment request message is used to request to establish a transmission channel between the access network device and the function providing service network element, and the transmission channel is used to transmit the software function resource corresponding to the target function.

[0247] S404, the channel management function network element establishes a transmission channel between the access network device and the function providing service network element.

[0248] After receiving the channel establishment request message, the channel management function network element establishes a transmission channel between the access network device and the function providing service network element, which can include a user plane channel, a data plane channel, etc.

[0249] S405, the channel management function network element sends a channel establishment response message to the function management network element.

[0250] After the channel management function network element establishes a transmission channel between the access network device and the function providing service network element, the channel management function network element sends a channel establishment response message to the function management network element. Correspondingly, the function management network element receives the channel establishment response message. The channel establishment response message is used to indicate that the transmission channel is established successfully.

[0251] S406, the function management network element sends a resource request message to the function providing service network element.

[0252] After receiving the tunnel establishment response message, the function management network element can determine that the transmission tunnel between the access network device and the function providing service network element has been successfully established. Therefore, the function management network element sends a resource request message to the function providing service network element. The resource request message is used to request to provide a software function resource through the transmission tunnel. In the embodiments of the present application, the software function resource is used to provide a target function for the access network device. The software function resource may, for example, include an application installation package corresponding to the target function, or a related upgrade package, and the like.

[0253] S407, the function providing service network element sends the software function resource and the auxiliary information for executing the target function to the access network device through the transmission tunnel between the access network device and the function providing service network element.

[0254] The auxiliary information is used to indicate how to execute the target function, for example, which function modules the target function may include, how these function modules cooperate, and the like. The function providing service network element can provide the software function resource and the auxiliary information to the access network device through the transmission tunnel.

[0255] S408, the function providing service network element sends a resource response message to the function management network element.

[0256] After the function providing service network element provides the software function resource and the auxiliary information to the access network device through the transmission tunnel between the access network device and the function providing service network element, the function providing service network element can send a resource response message to the function management network element. Correspondingly, the function management network element receives the resource response message. The resource response message is used to indicate that the function providing service network element has provided the software function resource to the access network device through the transmission tunnel.

[0257] S409, the access network device adds or updates the target function according to the software function resource and the auxiliary information.

[0258] After receiving the software function resource and the auxiliary information, the access network device can add or update the target function. For example, the software function resource is an application installation package corresponding to the target function. The access network device can install an application corresponding to the target function based on the application installation package, start the application, run the application through the auxiliary information, and execute the target function. For example, the software function resource is an application upgrade package corresponding to the target function. The access network device can upgrade the application corresponding to the target function based on the application upgrade package, start the application, run the application through the auxiliary information, and execute the target function.

[0259] S410, the access network device sends indication information to the function management network element.

[0260] Correspondingly, the function management network element receives the indication information, and the indication information is used to indicate that the access network device has the target function. After receiving the indication information, the function management network element can know that the target function has been successfully provided for the access network device.

[0261] S411, the function management network element sends a function management response message to the AF network element.

[0262] After the function management network element knows that the target function has been successfully provided for the access network device, the function management network element sends a function management response message to the AF network element. Correspondingly, the AF network element receives the function management response message, and the function management response message is used to indicate that the access network device has the target function.

[0263] The scheme of the embodiment of the application can provide the target function for the access network device through the interaction between the network elements and the access network device, and improve the management flexibility of the target function for the access network device.

[0264] The implementation of providing the target function for the terminal device will be introduced below in combination with FIG. 5.

[0265] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of providing the target function for the terminal device according to the embodiment of the application. As shown in FIG. 5, the flowchart includes the following steps.

[0266] S501, the AF network element sends a function management request message to the function management network element.

[0267] The function management request message is used to request to provide the target function for the terminal device. The content included in the function management request message can be referred to the related introduction of S301 in the above embodiment, and will not be described here.

[0268] S502, the function management network element determines that at least one of the following conditions is met.

[0269] e. The terminal device does not have the target function;

[0270] f. The access network device has the target function;

[0271] g. The terminal device has a condition corresponding to the execution of the target function;

[0272] h. The terminal device is authorized to execute the target function;

[0273] i. The function providing service network element provides the terminal device with a software function resource corresponding to the target function.

[0274] Optionally, when the target function is provided for the terminal device, the terminal device does not have the target function, but the access network device has the target function. If the access network device does not have the target function, the target function can be provided for the access network device first.

[0275] S503, the function management network element sends a channel establishment request message to the channel management function network element according to the function management request message.

[0276] After the function management network element determines that at least one of the conditions e-i in the example S502 is met, the function management network element sends a channel establishment request message to the channel management function network element, and the channel establishment request message is used to request to establish a transmission channel between the terminal device and the function service-providing network element, and the transmission channel is used to transmit the software function resource corresponding to the target function.

[0277] S504, the channel management function network element establishes a transmission channel between the terminal device and the function service-providing network element.

[0278] After the channel management function network element receives the channel establishment request message, the channel management function network element establishes a transmission channel between the terminal device and the function service-providing network element, which may include a user plane channel, a data plane channel, and the like.

[0279] S505, the channel management function network element sends a channel establishment response message to the function management network element.

[0280] After the channel management function network element establishes the transmission channel between the terminal device and the function service-providing network element, the channel management function network element sends a channel establishment response message to the function management network element, and correspondingly, the function management network element receives the channel establishment response message. The channel establishment response message is used to indicate that the transmission channel is established successfully.

[0281] S506, the function management network element sends a resource request message to the function service-providing network element.

[0282] After the function management network element receives the channel establishment response message, it can be determined that the transmission channel between the terminal device and the function service-providing network element has been successfully established, and therefore the function management network element sends a resource request message to the function service-providing network element, and the resource request message is used to request to provide the software function resource through the transmission channel. In the embodiment of the present application, the software function resource is used to provide the terminal device with the target function, and the software function resource may include an application installation package corresponding to the target function, or a related upgrade package, and the like.

[0283] S507, the function service-providing network element sends the software function resource to the terminal device through the transmission channel between the terminal device and the function service-providing network element.

[0284] Optionally, the function service-providing network element can also send auxiliary information for executing the target function to the terminal device through the transmission channel between the terminal device and the function service-providing network element.

[0285] Optionally, the service-providing network element can send software function resources to the access network device. The access network device determines auxiliary information for performing the target function based on the software function resources and sends this auxiliary information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the software function resources and the auxiliary information.

[0286] Ancillary information is used to indicate how to perform the target function, such as which functional modules the target function may include, how these functional modules cooperate, and so on. Function service network elements can provide software function resources and ancillary information to terminal devices through this transmission channel.

[0287] S508, the function provides the service network element to send resource response messages to the function management network element.

[0288] After the function service network element provides software function resources and auxiliary information to the terminal device through the transmission channel between the terminal device and the function service network element, the function service network element can send a resource response message to the function management network element, which in turn receives the resource response message. The resource response message indicates that the function service network element has provided software function resources to the terminal device through the transmission channel.

[0289] S509, the terminal device adds or updates the target function based on software function resources and auxiliary information.

[0290] After receiving software function resources and auxiliary information, the terminal device can add or update the target function. For example, if the software function resource is an application installation package corresponding to the target function, the terminal device can install the application corresponding to the target function based on the application installation package, launch the application, and run the application with the help of auxiliary information to execute the target function. Alternatively, if the software function resource is an application upgrade package corresponding to the target function, the terminal device can upgrade the application corresponding to the target function based on the application upgrade package, launch the application, and run the application with the help of auxiliary information to execute the target function.

[0291] S510, the terminal device sends instruction information to the function management network element.

[0292] Correspondingly, the function management network element receives this indication information, which indicates that the terminal device has the target function. After receiving this indication information, the function management network element can know that it has successfully provided the target function to the terminal device.

[0293] S511, the function management network element sends a function management response message to the AF network element.

[0294] Once the function management network element learns that it has successfully provided the target function to the terminal device, it sends a function management response message to the AF network element. The AF network element receives the corresponding function management response message, which indicates that the terminal device has the target function.

[0295] The solution in this application embodiment can provide target functions to terminal devices through the interaction between various network elements and terminal devices, thereby improving the flexibility of managing target functions of terminal devices.

[0296] In the above embodiments, the implementation method of providing target functions for communication devices has been described. In some embodiments, the target functions of communication devices can also be deleted. The following describes the solution with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0297] When a function management request message is used to request the removal of a target function from a communication device, the function management network element sends a delete function request message based on the function management request message. The delete function request message is used to request the removal of the target function from the communication device.

[0298] Optionally, the function management request message includes: communication device indication information and / or function indication information. For a description of the communication device indication information and function indication information, please refer to the relevant content in 1.1 to 1.2 of the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0299] Using communication equipment indication information, the function management network element can identify the communication equipment and the target function. Then, the function management network element sends a delete function request message to the communication equipment, requesting the removal of the target function from the communication equipment. Correspondingly, the communication equipment receives the delete function request message and deletes the target function accordingly.

[0300] Deleting a target function can involve actions such as uninstalling the application corresponding to the target function, deleting information related to the target function, etc. After the communication device deletes the target function, it sends a delete function response message to the function management network element. The function management network element receives this message, which indicates that the communication device has deleted the target function. Then, the function management network element sends a function management response message to the AF network element, which also indicates that the communication device has deleted the target function. The AF network element receives this message.

[0301] Optionally, the communication device sends its capability information to the function management network element. The function management network element determines whether the communication device possesses the target function based on the communication device's capability information and the capability requirement information of the target function. If the communication device possesses the target function, the function management network element sends a delete function request message based on the function management request. The process by which the function management network element determines whether the communication device possesses the target function based on the communication device's capability information and the capability requirement information of the target function can be found in the relevant description of S302 in the above embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0302] Since the function management request message is used to request the deletion of a target function of a communication device, if the communication device does not have the target function, there is no need to delete the target function. Therefore, before deleting the target function of a communication device, it is necessary to determine whether the communication device currently has the target function.

[0303] The implementation schemes for deleting the target function of access network equipment and terminal equipment are described below with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0304] Figure 6 is a flowchart of the target deletion function for access network devices provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 6, it includes:

[0305] S601, the AF network element sends a function management request message to the function management network element.

[0306] The Function Management Request message is used to request the removal of a target function from an access network device. The content included in the Function Management Request message can be found in the relevant description of S301 in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0307] S602, the function management network element determines that the access network device has the target function.

[0308] Optionally, the access network device sends its capability information to the function management network element, which in turn receives the capability information. The function management network element then determines whether the access network device possesses the target function based on the access network device's capability information and the capability requirements of the target function.

[0309] S603, the function management network element sends a delete function request message to the access network device according to the function management request message.

[0310] The delete function request message is used to request the deletion of a target function in an access network device.

[0311] S604, the access network device deletes the target function according to the delete function request message.

[0312] S605, the access network device sends a delete function response message to the function management network element.

[0313] The delete function response message is used to indicate that the access network device has deleted the target function.

[0314] S606, the function management network element sends a function management response message to the AF network element.

[0315] Function management response messages are used to indicate that the access network device has removed the target function.

[0316] The solution in this application embodiment can delete the target function of the access network device through the interaction between various network elements and access network devices, thereby improving the flexibility of target function management of access network devices and saving memory resources of access network devices.

[0317] Figure 7 is a flowchart of the function for deleting a target on a terminal device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 7, it includes:

[0318] S701, the AF network element sends a function management request message to the function management network element.

[0319] The function management request message is used to request the deletion of a target function of the terminal device. The content included in the function management request message can be found in the relevant description of S301 in the above embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0320] S702, the function management network element determines that the terminal equipment has the target function.

[0321] Optionally, the terminal device sends its capability information to the function management network element, which in turn receives the capability information. The function management network element then determines that the terminal device possesses the target function based on the terminal device's capability information and the capability requirements of the target function.

[0322] S703: The function management network element sends a delete function request message to the terminal device based on the function management request message.

[0323] The delete function request message is used to request the deletion of a target function from a terminal device.

[0324] S704, the terminal device deletes the target function based on the delete function request message.

[0325] S705, the terminal device sends a delete function response message to the function management network element.

[0326] The delete function response message is used to indicate that the terminal device has deleted the target function.

[0327] S706, the function management network element sends a function management response message to the AF network element.

[0328] Function management response messages are used to indicate that the target function has been removed from the terminal device.

[0329] The solution in this application embodiment can delete the target function of the terminal device through the interaction between various network elements and terminal devices, thereby improving the flexibility of managing the target function of the terminal device and saving the memory resources of the terminal device.

[0330] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 8, the communication device 80 includes:

[0331] The first transceiver module 81 is used to receive function management request messages, which are used to request the provision of a target function to the communication device, or to request the deletion of a target function of the communication device.

[0332] The first processing module 82 is used to execute a target operation according to the function management request message. The target operation is used to instruct the provision of a target function to the communication device, or to instruct the deletion of a target function of the communication device.

[0333] In one possible implementation, the function management request message includes:

[0334] Communication equipment indication information, used to indicate communication equipment;

[0335] And / or,

[0336] Functional indication information, used to indicate the target function.

[0337] In one possible implementation, the communication device indication information includes:

[0338] Communication equipment identifier, used to indicate communication equipment;

[0339] And / or,

[0340] A region identifier is used to indicate a target region, and the communication device is a device located in the target region.

[0341] In one possible implementation, the function indication information includes:

[0342] Target application identifier, used to indicate the application corresponding to the target function;

[0343] And / or,

[0344] Target application type information, used to indicate the application type corresponding to the target function.

[0345] In one possible implementation, when the function management request message is used to request the provision of a target function for the communication device, the first processing module 82 is further configured to:

[0346] Based on the capability information of the communication equipment and the capability requirement information of the target function, it is determined that the communication equipment meets the first condition; wherein the first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0347] The communication equipment does not have target functionality;

[0348] The communication equipment possesses the conditions corresponding to perform the target function;

[0349] The communication equipment is authorized to perform the target function;

[0350] The functional service network element provides the software function resources corresponding to the target function to the communication equipment.

[0351] In one possible implementation, the first processing module 82 is specifically used for:

[0352] According to the function management request message, a channel establishment request message is sent. The channel establishment request message is used to request the establishment of a transmission channel between the communication equipment and the function service network element.

[0353] Receive a channel establishment response message, which indicates that the transmission channel has been successfully established.

[0354] Send a resource request message. The resource request message is used to request the provision of software function resources through the transmission channel. The software function resources are used to provide the target functions for the communication equipment.

[0355] In one possible implementation, the first transceiver module 81 is further configured to:

[0356] Receive resource response messages, which indicate that the service-providing network element has provided software function resources to the communication equipment through the transmission channel.

[0357] In one possible implementation, the first transceiver module 81 is further configured to:

[0358] Receive instruction information, which indicates that the communication device has the target function.

[0359] In one possible implementation, when the function management request message is used to request the deletion of a target function of the communication device, the first processing module 82 is further configured to:

[0360] Based on the capability information of the communication equipment and the capability requirement information of the target function, it is determined that the communication equipment possesses the target function.

[0361] In one possible implementation, the first processing module 82 is specifically used for:

[0362] A delete function request message is sent according to the function management request message. The delete function request message is used to request the deletion of the target function in the communication device.

[0363] Receive a delete function response message, which indicates that the communication device has deleted the target function.

[0364] In one possible implementation, the capability requirement information is determined based on a first correspondence between a function and the capability information required to perform the function, wherein the first correspondence includes at least one of the following:

[0365] The correspondence between application identifiers and function types;

[0366] The mapping between application identifiers and RATs;

[0367] The correspondence between application identifiers and KPIs;

[0368] The correspondence between application types and function types;

[0369] The correspondence between application types and RATs;

[0370] The correspondence between application type and KPI.

[0371] In one possible implementation, the first transceiver module 81 is further configured to:

[0372] Send a function management response message, which indicates that the communication device has the target function, or that the communication device has deleted the target function.

[0373] The communication device provided in this application embodiment is used to execute the above method embodiment. Its implementation principle and technical effect are similar, and will not be described again here.

[0374] The communication device shown in the embodiments of this application can be a chip, chip module, hardware module, processor, etc. Of course, the communication device can be in other forms, and the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit it.

[0375] Figure 9 is a second schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 9, the communication device 90 includes:

[0376] The second transceiver module 91 is used to send a function management request message, which is used to request the provision of a target function to the communication device, or to request the deletion of a target function of the communication device.

[0377] In one possible implementation, the function management request message includes:

[0378] Communication equipment indication information, used to indicate communication equipment;

[0379] And / or,

[0380] Functional indication information, used to indicate the target function.

[0381] In one possible implementation, the communication device indication information includes:

[0382] Communication equipment identifier, used to indicate communication equipment;

[0383] And / or,

[0384] A region identifier is used to indicate a target region, and the communication device is a device located in the target region.

[0385] In one possible implementation, the function indication information includes:

[0386] Target application identifier, used to indicate the application corresponding to the target function;

[0387] And / or,

[0388] Target application type information, used to indicate the application type corresponding to the target function.

[0389] In one possible implementation, the second transceiver module 91 is further configured to:

[0390] Receive a function management response message. The function management response message is used to indicate that the communication device has the target function, or that the communication device has deleted the target function.

[0391] The communication device provided in this application embodiment is used to execute the above method embodiment. Its implementation principle and technical effect are similar, and will not be described again here.

[0392] The communication device shown in the embodiments of this application can be a chip, chip module, hardware module, processor, etc. Of course, the communication device can be in other forms, and the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit it.

[0393] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in the embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 10, the communication device 100 includes:

[0394] The third transceiver module 101 is used to receive resource request messages. The resource request messages are used to request a transmission channel between the communication equipment and the service network element that provides the function, and to provide software function resources corresponding to the target function. The software function resources are used to provide the target function for the communication equipment.

[0395] The fourth transceiver module 102 is used to send software function resources through the transmission channel.

[0396] In one possible implementation, the fourth transceiver module 102 is further configured to:

[0397] Send auxiliary information to perform the target function.

[0398] In one possible implementation, the fourth transceiver module 102 is further configured to:

[0399] Send a resource response message, which indicates that the service-providing network element has provided software function resources to the communication equipment through the transmission channel.

[0400] The communication device provided in this application embodiment is used to execute the above method embodiment. Its implementation principle and technical effect are similar, and will not be described again here.

[0401] The communication device shown in the embodiments of this application can be a chip, chip module, hardware module, processor, etc. Of course, the communication device can be in other forms, and the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit it.

[0402] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in the embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 11, the communication device 110 includes:

[0403] Processing module 111 is used to add or update target functions; or to delete target functions.

[0404] In one possible implementation, the processing module 111 is specifically used for:

[0405] Receive software function resources;

[0406] Receive auxiliary information for performing the target function;

[0407] Based on software functional resources and auxiliary information, add or update the target functions.

[0408] In one possible implementation, the processing module 111 is further configured to:

[0409] Send an instruction message, which indicates that the communication device has the target function.

[0410] In one possible implementation, the processing module 111 is specifically used for:

[0411] Receive a delete function request message, which is used to request the deletion of a target function in the communication device;

[0412] Delete the target function based on the delete function request message.

[0413] In one possible implementation, the processing module 111 is further configured to:

[0414] Send a delete function response message, which indicates that the communication device has deleted the target function.

[0415] In one possible implementation, the processing module 111 is further configured to:

[0416] Send communication device capability information.

[0417] The communication device provided in this application embodiment is used to execute the above method embodiment. Its implementation principle and technical effect are similar, and will not be described again here.

[0418] The communication device shown in the embodiments of this application can be a chip, chip module, hardware module, processor, etc. Of course, the communication device can be in other forms, and the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit it.

[0419] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in the embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 12, the communication device 120 includes:

[0420] The fifth transceiver module 121 is used to receive channel establishment request messages, which are used to request the establishment of a transmission channel between communication equipment and functional service network elements.

[0421] Module 122 is established to create a transmission channel;

[0422] The sixth transceiver module 123 is used to send a channel establishment response message, which indicates that the transmission channel has been successfully established.

[0423] The communication device provided in this application embodiment is used to execute the above method embodiment. Its implementation principle and technical effect are similar, and will not be described again here.

[0424] The communication device shown in the embodiments of this application can be a chip, chip module, hardware module, processor, etc. Of course, the communication device can be in other forms, and the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit it.

[0425] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 13, the communication device includes: a memory 1301, a processor 1302, and a transceiver 1303.

[0426] Memory 1301 is used to store program instructions.

[0427] The processor 1302 is used to execute the program instructions stored in the memory, so that the communication device performs the method steps performed by the function management network element / function service network element / AF network element / channel management function network element / communication device.

[0428] Transceiver 1303 may include a transmitter and / or a receiver. The transmitter may also be referred to as a transmitter, transmitter, transmitting port, or transmitting interface, and the receiver may also be referred to as a receiver, receiving port, or receiving interface, etc. Exemplarily, the memory 1301, processor 1302, and transceiver 1303 are interconnected via bus 1304.

[0429] All or part of the steps of the above method embodiments can be implemented by hardware related to program instructions. The aforementioned program can be stored in a readable memory. When the program is executed, it performs the steps of the above method embodiments; and the aforementioned memory (storage medium) includes: read-only memory (ROM), RAM, flash memory, hard disk, solid-state drive, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical disk, and any combination thereof.

[0430] This application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions. When executed by a processor, these instructions are used to implement the method steps performed by the function management network element / function service network element / AF network element / channel management function network element / communication device in the above method embodiments.

[0431] This application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, can implement the method steps executed by the function management network element / function service network element / AF network element / channel management function network element / communication device in the above method embodiments.

[0432] This application also provides a chip with a computer program stored on it. When the computer program is executed by the chip, it implements the method steps executed by the function management network element / function service network element / AF network element / channel management function network element / communication device in the above method embodiments.

[0433] This application also provides a chip module, on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by the chip module, it implements the method steps executed by the function management network element / function service network element / AF network element / channel management function network element / communication device in the above method embodiments.

[0434] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0435] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0436] Regarding the modules / units included in the various devices and products described in the above embodiments, they can be software modules / units, hardware modules / units, or a combination of both. For example, for devices and products applied to or integrated into a chip, all modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits, or at least some modules / units can be implemented using software programs running on a processor integrated within the chip, while the remaining (if any) modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. For devices and products applied to or integrated into a chip module, all modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. Different modules / units can be located in the same component (e.g., chip, circuit module, etc.) or different components of the chip module, or at least some modules / units can be implemented using software programs running on a processor integrated within the chip module, while the remaining (if any) modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. The unit can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits; for various devices and products applied to or integrated into functional management network elements / functional service network elements / AF network elements / channel management functional network elements / communication equipment, each of its modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. Different modules / units can be located in the same component (e.g., chip, circuit module, etc.) or different components within the functional management network element / functional service network element / AF network element / channel management functional network element / communication equipment. Alternatively, at least some modules / units can be implemented using software programs, which run on the processor integrated inside the functional management network element / functional service network element / AF network element / channel management functional network element / communication equipment. The remaining (if any) modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits.

[0437] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be an indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units through some interfaces, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0438] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0439] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0440] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the above-described method embodiments can be implemented by hardware related to program instructions. The aforementioned computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. When executed by a processor, the computer program implements the steps of the above-described method embodiments; and the aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0441] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive a function management request message, the function management request message being used to request to provide a target function for the communication device, or to request to delete the target function of the communication device; Perform a target operation according to the function management request message, the target operation being used to instruct the provision of the target function to the communication device, or to instruct the deletion of the target function of the communication device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The function management request message includes: Communication device indication information, used to indicate the communication device; And / or, Functional indication information, used to indicate the target function.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The communication device indication information includes: A communication device identifier is used to indicate the communication device; And / or, A region identifier is used to indicate a target region, and the communication device is a device located in the target region.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The function indication information includes: Target application identifier, used to indicate the application corresponding to the target function; And / or, Target application type information, used to indicate the application type corresponding to the target function.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, When the function management request message is used to request that the target function be provided to the communication device, the method further includes: Based on the capability information of the communication device and the capability requirement information of the target function, it is determined that the communication device meets a first condition; wherein the first condition includes at least one of the following: The communication device does not possess the target function; The communication device has the conditions to perform the target function; The communication device is authorized to perform the target function; The function service network element provides the communication device with the software function resources corresponding to the target function.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The step of performing the target operation according to the function management request message includes: According to the function management request message, a channel establishment request message is sent, which is used to request the establishment of a transmission channel between the communication device and the function service network element; Receive a channel establishment response message, which indicates that the transmission channel has been successfully established; A resource request message is sent, which requests the provision of the software function resources through the transmission channel, and the software function resources are used to provide the target function for the communication device.

7. The method according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, When the function management request message is used to request the deletion of the target function of the communication device, the method further includes: Based on the capability information of the communication device and the capability requirement information of the target function, it is determined that the communication device possesses the target function.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The step of performing the target operation according to the function management request message includes: A delete function request message is sent according to the function management request message, and the delete function request message is used to request the deletion of the target function in the communication device; Receive a delete function response message, which indicates that the communication device has deleted the target function.

9. The method according to any one of claims 5-8, characterized in that, The capability requirement information is determined based on a first correspondence between a function and the capability information required to perform the function, wherein the first correspondence includes at least one of the following: The correspondence between application identifiers and function types; The correspondence between application identifiers and Radio Access Technologies (RATs); The correspondence between application identifiers and key performance indicators (KPIs); The correspondence between application types and function types; The correspondence between application types and RATs; The correspondence between application type and KPI.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a function management response message, which indicates that the communication device already has the target function, or that the communication device has deleted the target function.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Send a function management request message, which is used to request that a target function be provided to the communication device, or to request that the target function be deleted from the communication device.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The function management request message includes: Communication device indication information, used to indicate the communication device; And / or, Functional indication information, used to indicate the target function.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The communication device indication information includes: A communication device identifier is used to indicate the communication device; And / or, A region identifier is used to indicate a target region, and the communication device is a device located in the target region.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The function indication information includes: Target application identifier, used to indicate the application corresponding to the target function; And / or, Target application type information, used to indicate the application type corresponding to the target function.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11-14, characterized in that, The method further includes: The device receives a function management response message, which indicates that the communication device already has the target function, or that the communication device has deleted the target function.

16. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive a resource request message, the resource request message being used to request a transmission channel between a communication device and a function-providing network element, and to provide software function resources corresponding to the target function, the software function resources being used to provide the target function for the communication device; The software function resources are sent through the transmission channel.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send auxiliary information for performing the target function.

18. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Add or update target functionality; or, Delete the target function.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The added or updated target functions include: Receive software function resources; Receive auxiliary information for performing the target function; The target function is added or updated based on the software functional resources and the auxiliary information.

20. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, Deleting the target function includes: Receive a delete function request message, the delete function request message being used to request the deletion of the target function in the communication device; Delete the target function according to the deletion request message.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a delete function response message, which indicates that the communication device has deleted the target function.

22. The method according to any one of claims 18-21, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send the capability information of the communication device.

23. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive a channel establishment request message, the channel establishment request message being used to request the establishment of a transmission channel between the communication device and the network element providing the functional service; Establish the aforementioned transmission channel; Send a channel establishment response message, which indicates that the transmission channel has been successfully established.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The first transceiver module is used to receive a function management request message, which is used to request to provide a target function for the communication device, or to request to delete the target function of the communication device; The first processing module is configured to perform a target operation based on the function management request message, wherein the target operation is configured to instruct the provision of the target function to the communication device, or to instruct the deletion of the target function of the communication device.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The second transceiver module is used to send a function management request message, which is used to request the provision of a target function to the communication device, or to request the deletion of the target function of the communication device.

26. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The third transceiver module is used to receive resource request messages. The resource request messages are used to request a transmission channel between the communication device and the function service network element to provide software function resources corresponding to the target function. The software function resources are used to provide the target function for the communication device. The fourth transceiver module is used to send the software function resources through the transmission channel.

27. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processing module for adding or updating a target function; or for deleting the target function.

28. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The fifth transceiver module is used to receive channel establishment request messages, which are used to request the establishment of a transmission channel between communication devices and functional service network elements; Establishment module, used to establish the transmission channel; The sixth transceiver module is used to send a channel establishment response message, which indicates that the transmission channel has been successfully established.

29. A communication device, characterized in that, include: Memory and processor; The memory stores computer-executed instructions; The processor executes computer execution instructions stored in the memory, causing the processor to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-23.

30. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, are used to implement the method described in any one of claims 1-23.

31. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes a computer program that, when executed by a computer, implements the communication method according to any one of claims 1-23.

Images