Communication method, network device, communication system, and storage medium

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a first network device, a second network device, a fourth network device, a communication system, and a storage medium. The method is executed by a first network device. The method comprises: sending a first message to a second network device. The first message is used for determining an application layer identity (ID) of a terminal, and the application layer ID is associated with a ranging or sidelink (SL) application and / or application function (AF). The technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can be adapted to a communication mechanism after the introduction of ranging or SL positioning services.

Description

Communication method, network device, communication system and storage medium TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of communication, and in particular to a communication method, a first network device, a second network device, a fourth network device, a communication system and a storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the technical field of communication, ranging service refers to determining the distance between two terminals and / or the direction of one terminal to another terminal via a direct communication connection. Sidelink (SL) positioning service enables a terminal to obtain absolute position, relative position and / or ranging information using a PC5 interface.

[0003] SUMMARY

[0004] After the introduction of ranging or SL positioning service, the communication mechanism of the network needs to be adjusted.

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a first network device, a second network device, a fourth network device, a communication system and a storage medium.

[0006] According to a first aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method being performed by a first network device, and the method comprising:

[0007] sending a first message to a second network device;

[0008] wherein the first message is used to determine an application layer identity ID of a terminal, and the application layer ID is associated with an application and / or an application function AF of ranging or sidelink SL.

[0009] According to a second aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method being performed by a second network device, and the method comprising:

[0010] receiving a first message sent by a first network device;

[0011] wherein the first message is used to determine an application layer identity ID, and the application layer ID is associated with an application and / or an application function AF of ranging or sidelink SL.

[0012] According to a third aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method being performed by a fourth network device, and the method comprising:

[0013] receiving a first message sent by a second network device;

[0014] wherein the first message is used to determine an application layer identity ID, and the application layer ID is associated with an application and / or an application function AF of ranging or sidelink SL.

[0015] According to a fourth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method comprising:

[0016] sending, by a first network device, a first message to a second network device;

[0017] sending, by the second network device, the first message to a fourth network device;

[0018] wherein the first message is used to determine an application layer identity ID, and the application layer ID is associated with a ranging or sidelink (SL) application and / or application function (AF).

[0019] According to a fifth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a first network device is provided, the first network device comprising:

[0020] a transceiver module configured to:

[0021] send a first message to a second network device;

[0022] wherein the first message is used to determine an application layer identity ID, and the application layer ID is associated with a ranging or sidelink (SL) application and / or application function (AF).

[0023] According to a sixth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a second network device is provided, the second network device comprising:

[0024] a transceiver module configured to:

[0025] receive a first message sent by a first network device;

[0026] wherein the first message is used to determine an application layer identity ID, and the application layer ID is associated with a ranging or sidelink (SL) application and / or application function (AF).

[0027] According to a seventh aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a fourth network device is provided, the fourth network device comprising:

[0028] a transceiver module configured to:

[0029] receive a first message sent by a fourth network device;

[0030] wherein the first message is used to determine an application layer identity ID, and the application layer ID is associated with a ranging or sidelink (SL) application and / or application function (AF).

[0031] According to an eighth aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, the communication system comprising a first network device, a second network device and a fourth network device, wherein the first network device is configured to perform the method of the first aspect, the second network device is configured to perform the method of the second aspect, and the fourth network device is configured to perform the method of the third aspect.

[0032] According to a ninth aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a first network device is provided, the first network device comprising:

[0033] one or more processors;

[0034] The first network device is configured to perform the communication method of the first aspect.

[0035] According to a tenth aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a second network device is provided, the second network device comprising:

[0036] one or more processors;

[0037] The second network device is configured to perform the communication method of the second aspect.

[0038] According to an eleventh aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a fourth network device is provided, the fourth network device comprising:

[0039] one or more processors;

[0040] The fourth network device is configured to perform the communication method of the third aspect.

[0041] According to a twelfth aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided, wherein the storage medium stores instructions, when the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device is caused to perform the communication method provided by the first aspect, the second aspect and / or the third aspect.

[0042] The technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can be adapted to the communication mechanism after the introduction of the ranging or SL positioning service.

[0043] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory, and cannot limit the embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0044] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form part of the specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present disclosure and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 1a is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0046] FIG. 2a is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an example embodiment;

[0047] FIG. 3a is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an example embodiment;

[0048] FIG. 3b is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an example embodiment;

[0049] FIG. 4a is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an example embodiment;

[0050] FIG. 4b is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an example embodiment;

[0051] FIG. 5a is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an example embodiment;

[0052] FIG. 5b is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an example embodiment;

[0053] FIG. 6a is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an example embodiment;

[0054] FIG. 7a is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an example embodiment;

[0055] FIG. 8a is a structural diagram of a first device according to an example embodiment;

[0056] FIG. 8b is a structural diagram of a first network device according to an example embodiment;

[0057] FIG. 8c is a structural diagram of a second network device according to an example embodiment;

[0058] FIG. 9a is a structural diagram of a UE according to an example embodiment;

[0059] FIG. 9b is a structural diagram of a communication device according to an example embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a first network device, a second network device, a fourth network device, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0061] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, performed by a first network device, the method comprising:

[0062] sending, to a second network device, a first message;

[0063] The first message is used to determine an application layer identity ID of the terminal, and the application layer ID is associated with an application of ranging or sidelink SL and / or an application function AF.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the first network device can send the first message for determining the application layer ID of the terminal to the second network device, so that the second network device can determine the application layer ID associated with the application of ranging or sidelink SL and / or the application layer function AF based on the first message.

[0065] In combination with the embodiment of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first message contains a ranging or sidelink SL positioning application identifier, and the ranging or SL positioning application identifier is used to map the generic public user identifier GPSI to the application layer ID.

[0066] In the above embodiment, since the first message contains the generic public user identifier GPSI mapped to the application layer ID associated with the ranging or sidelink SL positioning application identifier, the generic public user identifier GPSI can be mapped to the application layer ID, so that the second network device can determine the application layer ID associated with the application and / or the application layer function AF.

[0067] In combination with the embodiment of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first message further contains at least one of the following:

[0068] a GPSI;

[0069] an AF identifier.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the GPSI and / or the AF can be carried in the first message, and the carrying manner is more flexible.

[0071] In combination with the embodiment of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method comprises:

[0072] receiving the first message sent by the third network device.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the first message can be obtained from the third network device.

[0074] In combination with the embodiment of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the receiving of the first message sent by the third network device comprises one of the following:

[0075] receiving a positioning provision request message sent by the third network device, and the positioning provision request message is used to determine the first message;

[0076] receive a privacy check and identity mapping request message sent by a third network device, the privacy check and identity mapping request message being used to determine the first message.

[0077] In the above embodiments, the first message can be obtained in different ways, and the acquisition manner is more flexible.

[0078] With reference to the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0079] receiving a second message sent by the second network device;

[0080] The second message is used to indicate the application layer ID.

[0081] In the above embodiments, the application layer ID can be obtained from the second network device.

[0082] In a second aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, the method being performed by a second network device, and the method includes:

[0083] receiving a first message sent by a first network device;

[0084] The first message is used to determine an application layer identity ID, and the application layer ID is associated with ranging or sidelink SL application and / or application function AF.

[0085] With reference to the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first message contains a ranging or sidelink SL positioning application identifier, and the ranging or SL application identifier is used to map a GPSI to the application layer ID.

[0086] With reference to the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first message is further used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0087] a general public user identifier GPSI;

[0088] an application function AF identifier.

[0089] With reference to the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0090] sending the first message to a fourth network device.

[0091] With reference to the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0092] receiving a second message sent by the fourth network device;

[0093] The second message is used to indicate the application layer ID.

[0094] With reference to the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0095] sending the second message to the first network device.

[0096] In a third aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, the method being performed by a fourth network device, and the method comprising:

[0097] receiving a first message sent by a second network device;

[0098] The first message is used to determine an application layer identity ID, and the application layer ID is associated with a ranging or sidelink SL application and / or an application function AF.

[0099] With reference to the embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first message contains a ranging or sidelink SL positioning application identifier, and the ranging or SL application identifier is used to map a generic public subscriber identifier GPSI to the application layer ID.

[0100] With reference to the embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first message further includes at least one of:

[0101] a GPSI;

[0102] an application function AF identifier.

[0103] With reference to the embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0104] determining the application layer ID based on the first message and a first mapping relationship;

[0105] The first mapping relationship contains a relationship between a GPSI, at least one application layer ID, and information of at least one of:

[0106] a ranging or SL application identifier;

[0107] an application function AF identifier.

[0108] With reference to the embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0109] sending a second message to the second network device;

[0110] The second message is used to indicate an application layer ID.

[0111] In a fourth aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0112] sending, by a first network device, a first message to a second network device;

[0113] The second network device sends the first message to a fourth network device.

[0114] The first message is used to determine an application layer identity ID, and the application layer ID is associated with ranging or sidelink SL application and / or application function AF.

[0115] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a first network device, the first network device comprising:

[0116] The transceiver module is configured to:

[0117] send a first message to a second network device;

[0118] The first message is used to determine an application layer identity ID, and the application layer ID is associated with ranging or sidelink SL application and / or application function AF.

[0119] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a second network device, the second network device comprising:

[0120] The transceiver module is configured to:

[0121] receive a first message sent by a first network device;

[0122] The first message is used to determine an application layer identity ID, and the application layer ID is associated with ranging or sidelink SL application and / or application function AF.

[0123] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a fourth network device, the fourth network device comprising:

[0124] The transceiver module is configured to:

[0125] receive a first message sent by a fourth network device;

[0126] The first message is used to determine an application layer identity ID, and the application layer ID is associated with ranging or sidelink SL application and / or application function AF.

[0127] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication system, the communication system comprising a first network device, a second network device and a fourth network device, the first network device being configured to implement the embodiment provided in the first aspect, the second network device being configured to implement the communication method provided in the second aspect, and the fourth network device being configured to implement the communication method provided in the third aspect.

[0128] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a first network device, the first network device comprising:

[0129] one or more processors;

[0130] The first network device is configured to perform the communication method provided in the first aspect.

[0131] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a second network device, the second network device comprising:

[0132] one or more processors;

[0133] The second network device is configured to perform the communication method provided in the second aspect.

[0134] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a fourth network device, the fourth network device comprising:

[0135] one or more processors;

[0136] The fourth network device is configured to perform the communication method provided in the second aspect.

[0137] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a storage medium, wherein the storage medium stores instructions, when the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device performs the communication method described in the optional implementation manner of the first aspect, the second aspect and / or the third aspect.

[0138] In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a program product, when the program product is executed on a communication device, the communication device performs the method described in the optional implementation manner of the first aspect, the second aspect and / or the third aspect.

[0139] In a fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer program, when the computer program is executed on a computer, the computer performs the method described in the optional implementation manner of the first aspect, the second aspect and / or the third aspect.

[0140] In a fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a chip or a chip system. The chip or the chip system comprises processing circuitry configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation manner of the first aspect, the second aspect and / or the third aspect.

[0141] It can be understood that the first network device, the second network device, the fourth network device, the communication system, the storage medium, the program product, the computer program, the chip or the chip system are all configured to perform the method provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved by them can refer to the beneficial effects in the corresponding method, which will not be described here.

[0142] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a first network device, a second network device, a fourth network device, a communication system and a storage medium. In some embodiments, the communication method and the information processing method, the information transmission method and the like can be replaced with each other, and the communication system and the information processing system and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0143] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive, but only illustrate some embodiments, and are not specific limitations on the protection scope of the present disclosure. In the case of no contradiction, each step in an embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be combined arbitrarily, for example, the scheme after removing part of the steps in an embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in an embodiment can be exchanged arbitrarily, in addition, the optional implementation manners in an embodiment can be combined arbitrarily; in addition, the embodiments can be combined arbitrarily, for example, part or all of the steps of different embodiments can be combined arbitrarily, an embodiment can be combined with the optional implementation manners of other embodiments.

[0144] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms and / or descriptions between the embodiments have consistency and can be referred to each other if there is no special description and logical conflict, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0145] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing the specific embodiments, and not as a limitation on the present disclosure.

[0146] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the elements expressed in singular form, such as "one", "a", "the", "above", "said", "preceding", "this" and the like, can represent "one and only one", or "one or more", "at least one" and the like. For example, in the case of using articles such as "a", "an", "the" and the like in English, the noun after the article can be understood as singular expression, or can be understood as plural expression.

[0147] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0148] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one of", "one or more", "a plurality of", "multiple" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0149] In some embodiments, "at least one of A, B", "A and / or B", "in one case A, in another case B", "responsive to case A, responsive to case B" and the like, can be interpreted to include both cases, A and B, in some embodiments, A (A is performed regardless of B), in some embodiments, B (B is performed regardless of A), in some embodiments, selected from the group consisting of A and B (the selection between A and B is an option), in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are performed).

[0150] In some embodiments, "A or B" and the like, can be interpreted to include both cases, A and B, in some embodiments, A (A is performed regardless of B), in some embodiments, B (B is performed regardless of A), in some embodiments, selected from the group consisting of A and B (the selection between A and B is an option).

[0151] In some embodiments, the prefix words "first", "second" and the like in the disclosure do not limit the position, order, priority, number or content of the described objects, and the description of the described objects should be understood in the context of the claims or embodiments, and should not be construed as redundant limitations. For example, the described object is "field", and the ordinal words before "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not limit the position or order between "fields", and "first" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" modified by them are in the same message or not, nor do they limit the order of "first field" and "second field". For another example, the described object is "level", and the ordinal words before "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not limit the priority between "levels". For another example, the number of described objects is not limited by ordinal words, and can be one or more. For example, "first device", where the number of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, objects modified by different prefix words can be the same or different, for example, the described object is "device", and "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different; for another example, the described object is "information", and "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0152] In some embodiments, "including A", "containing A", "for indicating A", "carrying A" can be interpreted as directly carrying A, or indirectly indicating A.

[0153] In some embodiments, the terms "in response to", "in response to determining", "in the case of", "when", "when", "if", "if" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0154] In some embodiments, the terms "greater than", "greater than or equal to", "not less than", "more than", "more than or equal to", "not less than", "higher than", "higher than or equal to", "not lower than", "above", and the like can be replaced with each other, and the terms "less than", "less than or equal to", "not greater than", "fewer than", "fewer than or equal to", "not more than", "lower than", "lower than or equal to", "not higher than", "below", and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0155] In some embodiments, the apparatuses and devices can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names described in the embodiments, and in some cases can also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "subject", and the like.

[0156] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as an apparatus included in the network, for example, an access network device, a core network device, and the like.

[0157] In some embodiments, an “access network device (AN device)” can also be referred to as a “radio access network device (RAN device),” a “base station (BS),” a “radio base station,” a “fixed station,” and in some embodiments can also be understood as a “node,” an “access point,” a “transmission point (TP),” a “reception point (RP),” a “transmission / reception point (TRP),” a “panel,” an “antenna panel,” an “antenna array,” a “cell,” a “macro cell,” a “small cell,” a “femto cell,” a “pico cell,” a “sector,” a “cell group,” a “serving cell,” a “carrier,” a “component carrier,” a “bandwidth part (BWP),” and the like.

[0158] In some embodiments, a "terminal" or "terminal device" can be referred to as a "user equipment" (UE), a "user terminal," a "mobile station" (MS), a "mobile terminal" (MT), a subscriber station, a mobile unit, a subscriber unit, a wireless unit, a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless device, a wireless communication device, a remote device, a mobile subscriber station, an access terminal, a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, a remote terminal, a handset, a user agent, a mobile client, a client, and the like.

[0159] In some embodiments, data, information, and the like can be acquired in compliance with laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0160] In some embodiments, data, information, and the like can be acquired after obtaining consent of a user.

[0161] In addition, each element, each row, or each column in the table of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0162] FIG. 1a is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0163] As shown in FIG. 1a, the communication system 100 includes a first network device 101, a second network device 102, and a fourth network device 103.

[0164] In some embodiments, the first network device 101 can be an access network device or a core network device.

[0165] In some embodiments, the second network device 102 can be an access network device or a core network device.

[0166] In some embodiments, the fourth network device 103 can be an access network device or a core network device.

[0167] In some embodiments, the communication system can further include a terminal.

[0168] In some embodiments, the terminal includes at least one of a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, a communication-capable automobile, a smart automobile, a tablet computer (Pad), a wireless transceiver-equipped computer, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, a wireless terminal device in a smart home, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0169] In some embodiments, the access network device can be at least one of a node or a device that accesses a terminal to a wireless network, and the access network device can include an evolved NodeB (eNB) in a 5G communication system, a next generation eNB (ng-eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved node B (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an Open RAN, a Cloud RAN, a base station in other communication systems, an access node in a Wi-Fi system, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0170] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of the present disclosure can be applied to an Open RAN architecture, at this time, the interfaces between or within the access network devices involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can become internal interfaces of the Open RAN, and the processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented through software or programs.

[0171] In some embodiments, the access network device can be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), where the CU can also be referred to as a control unit. The CU-DU structure can split the protocol layers of the access network device, and some of the protocol layers are controlled by the CU, and the rest or all of the protocol layers are distributed in the DU and controlled by the CU, but not limited thereto.

[0172] In some embodiments, the core network device can be one device including one or more network elements, or can be multiple devices or device groups including all or part of the above one or more network elements. The network element can be virtual or physical. The core network includes at least one of an evolved packet core (EPC), a 5G core network (5GCN), and a next-generation core (NGC).

[0173] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiments of the present disclosure is for more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art can know that, with the evolution of system architecture and the appearance of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0174] The following embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG. 1a or part of the subject, but are not limited thereto. The subjects shown in FIG. 1a are examples, and the communication system can include all or part of the subjects in FIG. 1a, or include other subjects other than those in FIG. 1a. The number and form of each subject is arbitrary, and the connection relationship between each subject is an example. Each subject can not be connected or can be connected, and the connection can be in any way, can be direct connection or indirect connection, can be wired connection or wireless connection.

[0175] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-WideBand (UWB), Bluetooth (Bluetooth (registered trademark)), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) network, Device-to-Device (D2D) system, Machine to Machine (M2M) system, Internet of Things (IoT) system, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), system using other communication methods, next-generation system expanded based thereon, and the like. In addition, a plurality of systems can be combined (for example, combination of LTE or LTE-A and 5G, and the like).

[0176] In order to better understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, the technical solutions of the present disclosure are described below through some exemplary embodiments:

[0177] In some embodiments, the ranging service refers to determining the distance between two UEs and / or the direction of one UE from another UE via a direct communication connection. The SL positioning service enables a UE to obtain absolute position, relative position, or ranging information using PC5.

[0178] In some embodiments, the ranging or SL positioning service can be applied to various verticals, such as consumer, smart home, smart city, smart transportation, smart retail, and industry 4.0, etc.

[0179] In some embodiments, an application layer identity document (ID) is transferred between two ranging or SL positioning UEs and provided to the 5G core network (5GC) in a ranging or SL positioning service request. The application layer ID needs to be mapped to a subscription permanent identifier (SUPI), which is a unique identifier used within the 5GC. Based on the mapped SUPI, the corresponding 5GC network functions (NFs) can be selected, or the 5GC NFs (location management function (LMF) and access and mobility management function (AMF)) can identify the involved UEs to perform the ranging or SL positioning procedure.

[0180] In some embodiments, the function of the gateway mobile location center (GMLC) retrieves the mapping relationship between the application layer ID and the generic public subscription identifier (GPSI) by invoking the Nnef_UEId_UeIdMappingGet service operation. However, one GPSI can be associated with multiple application layer IDs, each provided by a different ranging or SL positioning application. In related studies, it is unclear how to map the GPSI to the application layer ID from a specific ranging or SL positioning application. If the correct application layer ID cannot be obtained, the UE will not be able to perform ranging or SL positioning.

[0181] In some embodiments, one GPSI can be associated with multiple application layer IDs, each provided by a different ranging or SL positioning application. In related studies, it is unclear how to map the GPSI to the application layer ID from a specific ranging or SL positioning application. If the correct application layer ID cannot be obtained, the UE will not be able to perform ranging / SL positioning.

[0182] FIG. 2a is an interaction diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, for a communication system 100, the method comprising:

[0183] Step S2101: The third network device sends a first message to the first network device.

[0184] In some embodiments, the first network device receives the first message sent by the third network device.

[0185] In some embodiments, the first message is used to determine an application layer identity ID of the terminal.

[0186] In some embodiments, the application layer ID is associated with a ranging or sidelink (SL) application and / or an application function (AF) application.

[0187] In some embodiments, the first message contains a ranging or SL application identifier.

[0188] In some embodiments, the ranging or SL application identifier is used to map a generic public subscriber identifier (GPSI) to the application layer ID.

[0189] In some embodiments, the first network device receives a positioning provision request message sent by the third network device.

[0190] In some embodiments, the positioning provision request message is used to determine the first message.

[0191] In some embodiments, the positioning provision request message contains the ranging or SL application identifier.

[0192] In some embodiments, the first network device receives a privacy check and identity mapping request message sent by the third network device.

[0193] In some embodiments, the privacy check and identity mapping request message is used to determine the first message.

[0194] In some embodiments, the privacy check and identity mapping request message contains the ranging or SL application identifier.

[0195] In some embodiments, the third network function can be an NF or an AF, and the first network function can be a GMLC.

[0196] In some embodiments, the NF / AF sends a Ngmlc_Location_ProvideLocation request message to the GMLC to trigger the ranging or SL positioning service, the Ngmlc_Location_ProvideLocation request message being used to determine the first message.

[0197] In some embodiments, the Ngmlc_Location_ProvideLocation request message contains the ranging or SL application identifier.

[0198] In some embodiments, the third network function can be a GMLC in PLMN1, and the first network function can be a GMLC in PLMN2.

[0199] In some embodiments, the GMLC in PLMN1 sends a Ngmlc_Location_PrivacyCheck_IDMapping request message to the GMLC in PLMN2 to perform privacy check and ID mapping, the Ngmlc_Location_PrivacyCheck_IDMapping request message being used to determine the first message.

[0200] In some embodiments, the Ngmlc_Location_PrivacyCheck_IDMapping request message contains the ranging or SL application identifier.

[0201] Step S2102: The first network device sends a first message to the second network device.

[0202] In some embodiments, the second network device receives the first message sent by the first network device.

[0203] In some embodiments, the first network device sends a terminal identity identifier mapping acquisition request message to the second network device.

[0204] In some embodiments, the second network device receives the terminal identity identifier mapping acquisition request message sent by the first network device.

[0205] In some embodiments, the terminal identity identifier mapping acquisition request message contains the first message.

[0206] In some embodiments, the second network device can be a network exposure function (NEF, Network Exposure Function), responsible for managing externally open network data.

[0207] In some embodiments, the second network device (e.g., NEF) can invoke a Nudr_DM_Query service operation, invoking the Nudr_DM_Query service operation can include the second network device sending a Nudr_DM_Query request message to the fourth network device.

[0208] In some embodiments, the first network device sends a Nnef_UEId_UeIdMappingGet request message to the second network device, the Nnef_UEId_UeIdMappingGet request message containing the first message.

[0209] In some embodiments, the first message further contains at least one of:

[0210] a GPSI;

[0211] an AF identifier.

[0212] In some embodiments, the first message contains a ranging or SL positioning application identifier, a GPSI, and an AF identifier.

[0213] Step S2103: The second network device sends a first message to the fourth network device.

[0214] In some embodiments, the fourth network device receives the first message sent by the second network device.

[0215] In some embodiments, the second network device sends a query request message to the fourth network device.

[0216] In some embodiments, the fourth network device receives the query request message sent by the second network device.

[0217] In some embodiments, the query request message contains the first message.

[0218] In some embodiments, the query request message can include a ranging or SL positioning application identifier, a GPSI, and an AF identifier.

[0219] In some embodiments, the fourth network device is a unified data repository (UDR) for implementing data storage and retrieval functions.

[0220] In some embodiments, the fourth network device can store at least one of a GPSI, an application layer ID, a ranging or SL application identifier, and an AF identifier. In some embodiments, the fourth network device can store a relationship between a GPSI, at least one application layer ID, and at least one of a ranging or SL application identifier and an application function (AF) identifier.

[0221] In some embodiments, the second network device sends, to the fourth network device, an Nudr_DM_Query request message, the Nudr_DM_Query request message containing the first message.

[0222] In some embodiments, the Nudr_DM_Query request message can comprise a ranging or SL positioning application identifier, a GPSI and an AF identifier.

[0223] Step S2104: The fourth network device determines an application layer ID.

[0224] In some embodiments, the application layer ID is determined based on the first message and a first mapping relationship.

[0225] In some embodiments, the first mapping relationship comprises a relationship between a GPSI, at least one application layer ID and information of at least one of: a ranging or SL application identifier; an application function, AF, identifier.

[0226] In some embodiments, please refer to Table 1, which shows a first mapping relationship:

[0227] Table 1:

[0228] Exemplarily, the generic public user identifier GPSI can be mapped to the application layer ID1 associated with the ranging or SL positioning application identifier 1 based on the first mapping relationship.

[0229] Exemplarily, the generic public user identifier GPSI can be mapped to the application layer ID2 associated with the ranging or SL positioning application identifier 2 based on the first mapping relationship.

[0230] Exemplarily, the generic public user identifier GPSI can be mapped to the application layer ID1 associated with the AF ID1 based on the first mapping relationship.

[0231] In some embodiments, please refer to Table 2, which shows a first mapping relationship:

[0232] Table 2:

[0233] Exemplarily, the generic public user identifier GPSI can be mapped to the application layer ID1 associated with the ranging or SL positioning application identifier 1 based on the first mapping relationship.

[0234] Exemplarily, the generic public user identifier GPSI can be mapped to the application layer ID2 associated with the ranging or SL positioning application identifier 2 based on the first mapping relationship.

[0235] Exemplarily, the generic public subscriber identifier GPSI can be mapped to the application layer ID1 associated with the AF ID1 based on the first mapping relationship.

[0236] It can be understood that each element in Table 1 and Table 2 exists independently, and the elements are exemplarily listed in the same table, but it does not mean that all elements in the table must exist at the same time according to the table. The value of each element is independent of the value of any other element in Table 1 or Table 2. Therefore, those skilled in the art can understand that the value of each element in Table 1 or Table 2 is an independent embodiment.

[0237] In some embodiments, the mapping information between the application layer ID and the GPSI can be stored in the UDR.

[0238] Step S2105: The fourth network device sends a second message to the second network device.

[0239] In some embodiments, the second network device receives the second message sent by the fourth network device.

[0240] In some embodiments, the fourth network device sends a query response message to the second network device.

[0241] In some embodiments, the second network device receives the query response message sent by the fourth network device.

[0242] In some embodiments, the query response message is the second message.

[0243] In some embodiments, the second message is used to indicate the application layer ID.

[0244] In some embodiments, the fourth network device sends an Nudr_DM_Query response message to the second network device, and the Nudr_DM_Query response message is the second message.

[0245] Step S2106: The second network device sends a second message to the first network device.

[0246] In some embodiments, the first network device receives the second message sent by the second network device.

[0247] In some embodiments, the second network device sends a terminal identity mapping response message to the first network device.

[0248] In some embodiments, the first network device receives the terminal identity mapping response message sent by the second network device.

[0249] In some embodiments, the terminal identity mapping obtaining response message is the second message.

[0250] In some embodiments, the second network device sends, to the first network device, an Nnef_UEId_UeIdMappingGet response message, which is the second message.

[0251] In some embodiments, the term "information" can be mutually replaced with the terms "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "field", "data", and the like.

[0252] In some embodiments, the term "send" can be mutually replaced with the terms "transmit", "report", "transport", and the like.

[0253] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S2101 to S2106. For example, step S2101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S2106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S2102 in combination with step S2103, step S2104, step S2104, step S2105, and step S2106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S2101 in combination with step S2102, step S2103, step S2104, step S2105, and step S2106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but not limited thereto. It should be noted that each step can be independently implemented, or in the case of no contradiction, the order can be arbitrarily exchanged and freely combined for implementation.

[0254] FIG. 3a is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3a, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which is performed by a first network device, and the above-mentioned method comprises:

[0255] Step S3101: receiving a first message sent by a third network device.

[0256] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S3101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0257] Step S3102: sending a first message to a second network device.

[0258] The optional implementation of step S3102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0259] Step S3103: receiving a second message sent by the second network device.

[0260] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S3103 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2106 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0261] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S3101 to S3103. For example, step S3101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S3103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S3102 in combination with step S3103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S3101 in combination with step S3102 and step S3103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto. It should be noted that each step can be independently implemented, or can be arbitrarily exchanged in order and freely combined for implementation without contradiction.

[0262] FIG. 3b is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3b, the communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure is executed by a first network device, and the above method includes:

[0263] Step S3201: sending a first message to a second network device.

[0264] In some embodiments, the first message is used to determine an application layer identity ID of a terminal, and the application layer ID is associated with ranging or a sidelink SL application and / or an application function AF.

[0265] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S3201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0266] In some embodiments, the first message comprises a ranging or SL positioning application identifier, the ranging or SL application identifier being used to map a generic public user identifier GPSI to the application layer ID.

[0267] In some embodiments, the first message further comprises at least one of:

[0268] a GPSI;

[0269] an AF identifier.

[0270] In some embodiments, the method comprises:

[0271] receiving the first message sent by a third network device.

[0272] In some embodiments, the receiving the first message sent by the third network device comprises one of:

[0273] receiving a positioning provision request message sent by a third network device, the positioning provision request message being used to determine the first message;

[0274] receiving a privacy check and identity mapping request message sent by a third network device, the privacy check and identity mapping request message being used to determine the first message.

[0275] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0276] receiving a second message sent by the second network device;

[0277] wherein the second message is used to indicate the application layer ID.

[0278] FIG. 4a is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is performed by a first network device, and the above method comprises:

[0279] Step S4101: receiving a first message sent by a first network device.

[0280] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S4101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2a, which will not be described here.

[0281] Step S4102: sending the first message to a fourth network device.

[0282] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S4102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2103 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2a, which will not be described here.

[0283] Step S4103: receiving a second message sent by the fourth network device.

[0284] The optional implementation of step S4103 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2105 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0285] Step S4104: sending a second message to the first network device.

[0286] The optional implementation of step S4104 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2106 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0287] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S4101 to S4104. For example, step S4101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S4104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S4102 in combination with step S4103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4102 in combination with step S4103 and step S4104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S4101 in combination with step S4102, step S4103 and step S4104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but not limited thereto. It should be noted that each step can be independently implemented, or in the case of no contradiction, the order can be arbitrarily exchanged and freely combined for implementation.

[0288] FIG. 4b is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4b, the communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure is executed by a first device, and the above method includes:

[0289] Step S4201: receiving a first message sent by a first network device.

[0290] In some embodiments, the first message is used to determine an application layer identity ID, and the application layer ID is associated with a ranging or sidelink SL application and / or application function AF.

[0291] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S4201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0292] In some embodiments, the first message comprises a ranging or sidelink (SL) positioning application identifier, the ranging or SL application identifier being used to map the GPSI to the application layer ID.

[0293] In some embodiments, the first message further comprises at least one of:

[0294] a generic public user identifier (GPSI);

[0295] an application function (AF) identifier.

[0296] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0297] sending the first message to a fourth network device.

[0298] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0299] receiving a second message sent by the fourth network device;

[0300] wherein the second message is used to indicate the application layer ID.

[0301] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0302] sending the second message to the first network device.

[0303] FIG. 5a is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5a, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which is performed by a fourth network device, and the above method comprises:

[0304] Step S5101: receiving a first message sent by a second network device.

[0305] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S5101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2103 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2a, which will not be described here.

[0306] Step S5102: determining an application layer ID.

[0307] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S5102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2104 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2a, which will not be described here.

[0308] Step S5103: sending a second message to the second network device.

[0309] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S5103 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2105 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2a, which are not described herein again.

[0310] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S5101 to S5103. For example, step S5101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S5102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S5103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S5101 in combination with step S5102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S5101 in combination with step S5102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S5101 in combination with step S5102 and step S5103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. It should be noted that each step can be implemented independently, or can be arbitrarily exchanged in order and combined freely in the case of no contradiction.

[0311] FIG. 5b is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5b, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which is performed by a fourth network device, and the above method includes the following steps.

[0312] Step S5201: receiving a first message sent by a second network device.

[0313] In some embodiments, the first message is used to determine an application layer identity ID, and the application layer ID is associated with a ranging or sidelink SL application and / or an application function AF.

[0314] In some embodiments, the first message contains a ranging or sidelink SL positioning application identifier, and the ranging or SL application identifier is used to map a generic public subscriber identifier GPSI to the application layer ID.

[0315] In some embodiments, the first message further includes at least one of the following:

[0316] a GPSI;

[0317] an application function AF identifier.

[0318] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0319] determining the application layer ID based on the first message and a first mapping relationship;

[0320] wherein the first mapping relationship contains a relationship between the GPSI, at least one application layer ID, and information of at least one of the following:

[0321] a ranging or SL application identifier;

[0322] application function, AF, identifier.

[0323] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0324] sending a second message to the second network device;

[0325] wherein the second message is used to indicate an application layer ID.

[0326] Figure 6a is an interaction diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, for a communication system 100, the method comprising one of the following steps:

[0327] Step S6101: sending, by a first device, a first message to a second network device.

[0328] Step S6102: sending, by the second network device, the first message to a fourth network device.

[0329] In some embodiments, the first message is used to determine an application layer identity, ID, which is associated with a ranging or sidelink, SL, application and / or an application function, AF.

[0330] Optional implementation manners of step S6101 and step S6102 can be referred to optional implementation manners of steps and other associated parts in the embodiments involved by Figure 2a, which will not be described here.

[0331] In some embodiments, the above method can comprise the method of the above-mentioned embodiments of the communication system side, the first device side, the network device side, etc., which will not be described here.

[0332] In order to better understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, the present disclosure is further illustrated by an exemplary embodiment as follows:

[0333] In some embodiments, this enables the GMLC to map the GPSI to an application layer ID from a specific ranging or SL positioning application.

[0334] Example 1

[0335] Referring to Figure 7a, a communication method is provided, the method comprising:

[0336] Step S7101: sending a Ngmlc_Location_ProvideLocation request or a Ngmlc_Location_PrivacyCheck_IDMapping request.

[0337] In some embodiments, the NF or AF sends a Ngmlc_Location_ProvideLocation request (corresponding to the first message in this disclosure) to the GMLC to trigger a ranging or SL positioning service.

[0338] In some embodiments, the GMLC in PLMN1 sends a Ngmlc_Location_PrivacyCheck_IDMapping request to the GMLC in PLMN2 to perform a privacy check and ID mapping.

[0339] In some embodiments, a ranging or SL positioning application identifier can be included in the Ngmlc_Location_ProvideLocation request or the Ngmlc_Location_PrivacyCheck_IDMapping request.

[0340] Exemplarily, for the Ngmlc_Location_ProvideLocation service operation, the service operation name can be: Ngmlc_Location_ProvideLocation.

[0341] Exemplarily, for the Ngmlc_Location_ProvideLocation service operation, the input (mandatory) can be: UE identifier (GPSI, SUPI, application layer ID, internal group identifier, or external group identifier), client type.

[0342] Exemplarily, for the Ngmlc_Location_ProvideLocation service operation, the input (optional) can be: required Quality of Service (QoS) instance, supported Geographical Area Description (GAD) shape, UE privacy requirements, positioning service client identity, service type, indication that reliable UE location information is needed, notification target address, notification related ID, event type (defined in clause 4.1A.5.1), pre-determined location time, request to report user plane to the positioning service client or AF, user plane address of the positioning service client or AF, user plane security information of the positioning service client or AF, accumulated event reporting timer, maximum number of user plane events to report to the positioning service client or AF, event reporting expected area, reporting indication, Low Power High Accuracy Positioning (LPHAP) indication, and: for ranging and sidelink positioning, the input further includes the related UE identifier (GPSI, application layer ID) of the UE being located or SL reference UE, the requested location type (absolute position, relative position or distance and / or direction related to the UE, velocity and relative velocity), local or global coordinates, coordinate ID, and ranging or SL positioning application identifier or AF ID.

[0343] Exemplarily, for the Ngmlc_Location_ProvideLocation service operation, the output (mandatory) can be: success or failure indication.

[0344] Exemplarily, for the Ngmlc_Location_ProvideLocation service operation, the output (optional) can be: geodetic position, local position including coordinate ID, civic location, location age, indoor / outdoor indication, Line of Sight (LOS) or Non Line of Sight (NLOS) measurement indication, used location method (in case of success indication provided), cause of failure (in case of failure indication provided), achieved location QoS accuracy, timestamp of the location, ranging result.

[0345] Exemplarily, for the Ngmlc_Location_PrivacyCheck_IDMapping service operation, the service operation name can be: Ngmlc_Location_PrivacyCheck_IDMapping.

[0346] Exemplarily, for the Ngmlc_Location_PrivacyCheck_IDMapping service operation, the description can be: The consumer NF requests privacy check and ID mapping for certain UEs involved in ranging.

[0347] Exemplarily, for the Ngmlc_Location_PrivacyCheck_IDMapping service operation, the input (mandatory) can be: UEs identifiers (GPSI, application layer ID).

[0348] Exemplarily, for the Ngmlc_Location_PrivacyCheck_IDMapping service operation, the input (optional) can be: Ranging or SL positioning application identifier or AF ID.

[0349] Exemplarily, for the Ngmlc_Location_PrivacyCheck_IDMapping service operation, the output (mandatory) can be: Success or failure indication, UEs identifiers (application layer ID, GPSI).

[0350] Exemplarily, for the Ngmlc_Location_PrivacyCheck_IDMapping service operation, the output (optional) can be: Fault cause (in case of providing a failure indication).

[0351] Step S7102: sending a Nnef_UEId_UeIdMappingGet request (corresponding to the first message in the disclosure).

[0352] In some embodiments, the GMLC invokes the Nnef_UEId_UeIdMappingGet service operation to the NEF, which can include ranging or SL positioning application identifier, GPSI and AF ID.

[0353] Exemplarily, for the Nnef_UEId_UeIdMappingGet operation, the service operation name can be: Nnef_UEId_UeIdMappingGet.

[0354] Exemplarily, for the Nnef_UEId_UeIdMappingGet operation, the description can be: Get ranging or SL positioning UE identifiers.

[0355] Exemplarily, for the Nnef_UEId_UeIdMappingGet operation, the input (mandatory) can be: GPSI or application layer ID.

[0356] Exemplarily, for the Nnef_UEId_UeIdMappingGet operation, the input (optional) can be: ranging or SL positioning application identifier or AF ID.

[0357] Exemplarily, for the Nnef_UEId_UeIdMappingGet operation, the output (mandatory) can be: result, application layer ID or GPSI.

[0358] Exemplarily, for the Nnef_UEId_UeIdMappingGet operation, the output (optional) can be: none.

[0359] Step S7103: send Nudr_DM_Query request (corresponding to the first message in the present disclosure).

[0360] In some embodiments, the NEF invokes the Nudr_DM_Query service operation to the UDR, which can include the ranging or SL positioning application identifier, GPSI and AF ID.

[0361] Step S7104: send Nudr_DM_Query response (corresponding to the second message in the present disclosure).

[0362] In some embodiments, based on the stored mapping information, the UDR returns the application layer ID associated with the provided ranging or SL positioning application identifier or AF ID.

[0363] In some embodiments, the mapping information between the application layer ID and GPSI is stored in the UDR. For examples of data structures for the mapping information, please refer to Table 1 and Table 2 again.

[0364] Step S7105: send Nnef_UEId_UeIdMappingGet response (corresponding to the second message in the present disclosure).

[0365] In some embodiments, the NEF returns the obtained application layer ID to the GMLC.

[0366] In some embodiments, the GMLC continues the ranging or SL positioning procedure defined in TS23.586.

[0367] In some embodiments, for the Nnef_UEId_UeIdMappingCreate operation, the service operation name can be: Nnef_UEId_UeIdMappingCreate.

[0368] In some embodiments, for the Nnef_UEId_UeIdMappingCreate operation, the description can be: Create UE Identifier mapping information (e.g., mapping GPSI and application layer ID for ranging / SL positioning).

[0369] In some embodiments, for the Nnef_UEId_UeIdMappingCreate operation, the input (mandatory) can be: GPSI and application layer ID mapping information.

[0370] In some embodiments, for the Nnef_UEId_UeIdMappingCreate operation, the input (optional) can be: Ranging or SL positioning application identifier or AF ID.

[0371] In some embodiments, for the Nnef_UEId_UeIdMappingCreate operation, the output (mandatory) can be: Result, transaction reference ID.

[0372] In some embodiments, for the Nnef_UEId_UeIdMappingCreate operation, the output (optional) can be: None.

[0373] In some embodiments, for the Nnef_UEId_UeIdMappingUpdate operation, the service operation name can be: Nnef_UEId_UeIdMappingUpdate.

[0374] In some embodiments, for the Nnef_UEId_UeIdMappingUpdate operation, the description can be: Transaction reference ID, GPSI and application layer ID mapping information.

[0375] In some embodiments, for the Nnef_UEId_UeIdMappingUpdate operation, the input (mandatory) can be: Update UE Identifier mapping information (e.g., mapping GPSI and application layer ID for ranging / SL positioning).

[0376] In some embodiments, for the Nnef_UEId_UeIdMappingUpdate operation, the input (optional) can be: Ranging or SL positioning application identifier or AF ID.

[0377] In some embodiments, for the Nnef_UEId_UeIdMappingUpdate operation, the output (mandatory) can be: Operation execution result indication.

[0378] In some embodiments, the output (optional) for the Nnef_UEId_UeIdMappingUpdate operation can be: nothing

[0379] In some embodiments, if one GPSI is associated with multiple application layer IDs, the GMLC shall be able to provide the ranging or SL positioning application identifier to map the GPSI to the application layer ID.

[0380] In some embodiments, if one GPSI is associated with multiple application layer IDs, the NEF shall be able to provide the ranging or SL positioning application identifier to map the GPSI to the application layer ID.

[0381] In some embodiments, the UDR shall be able to store the ID mapping information, including the GSPI, the application layer ID, the AF ID and the ranging or SL positioning application identifier.

[0382] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, part or all of the steps, the optional implementation manners thereof, can be combined with part or all of the steps in other embodiments, or can be combined with the optional implementation manners in other embodiments.

[0383] The embodiments of the present disclosure also propose a device for implementing any of the above methods, for example, a device comprising units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. For another example, another device is proposed, comprising units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the network equipment (such as access network equipment, core network function node, core network equipment, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0384] It should be understood that the division of each unit or module in the above apparatus is only a logical function division, and all or part of them can be integrated into a physical entity or physically separated in actual implementation. In addition, the units or modules in the apparatus can be implemented in the form of processor calling software: for example, the apparatus includes a processor connected with a memory, the memory stores instructions, and the processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or realize the functions of each unit or module of the above apparatus, wherein the processor is, for example, a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is a memory in the apparatus or a memory outside the apparatus. Alternatively, the units or modules in the apparatus can be implemented in the form of hardware circuit, and the functions of part or all of the units or modules can be realized by the design of hardware circuit. The above hardware circuit can be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the above hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and the functions of part or all of the above units or modules are realized by the design of the logical relationship of elements in the circuit; for example, in another implementation, the above hardware circuit is a programmable logic device (PLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA) is taken as an example, which can include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits is configured by a configuration file, so as to realize the functions of part or all of the above units or modules. All units or modules of the above apparatus can be implemented in the form of processor calling software, or all units or modules can be implemented in the form of hardware circuit, or part of the units or modules are implemented in the form of processor calling software, and the remaining part is implemented in the form of hardware circuit.

[0385] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capability. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction reading and running capability, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), a digital signal processor (DSP), and the like. In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through a logical relationship of hardware circuit, and the logical relationship of the hardware circuit is fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In the reconfigurable hardware circuit, the processor loads a configuration document to implement the hardware circuit configuration. It can be understood that the processor loads instructions to implement the functions of the above part or all units or modules. In addition, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), and the like.

[0386] FIG. 8a is a structural schematic diagram of the first network device 8100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8a, the first network device 8100 can include at least one of a transceiver module 8101, a processing module 8102, and the like. Optionally, the transceiver module 8101 is configured to perform at least one of the communication steps, such as transmitting and / or receiving, performed by the first network device 8100 in any of the above methods, details of which are not described herein. Optionally, the processing module 8102 is configured to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the first network device 8100 in any of the above methods, details of which are not described herein.

[0387] FIG. 8b is a structural diagram of a second network device 8200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8b, the second network device 8200 can include at least one of a transceiver module 8201, a processing module 8202, and the like. Optionally, the transceiver module 8201 is configured to perform at least one of the communication steps, such as sending and / or receiving, performed by the second network device 8200 in any of the above methods, details of which are not described herein again. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 8201 can include a sending module and / or a receiving module, which can be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the transceiver module 8201 can be mutually replaced with a transceiver. Optionally, the processing module 8202 is configured to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the second network device 8200 in any of the above methods, details of which are not described herein again.

[0388] FIG. 8c is a structural diagram of a fourth network device 8300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8c, the fourth network device 8300 can include at least one of a transceiver module 8301, a processing module 8302, and the like. Optionally, the transceiver module 8301 is configured to perform at least one of the communication steps, such as sending and / or receiving, performed by the terminal 8300 in any of the above methods, details of which are not described herein again. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 8301 can include a sending module and / or a receiving module, which can be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the transceiver module 8301 can be mutually replaced with a transceiver. Optionally, the processing module 8302 is configured to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the fourth network device 8300 in any of the above methods, details of which are not described herein again.

[0389] In some embodiments, the processing module can be a module or can include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules perform all or part of the steps required to be performed by the processing module, respectively. Optionally, the processing module can be mutually replaced with a processor.

[0390] FIG. 9a is a structural diagram of a communication device 9100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device 9100 can be a network device (such as an access network device, a core network device, and the like), a terminal (such as a user equipment, and the like), a chip, a chip system, or a processor supporting the network device to implement any of the above methods, or a chip, a chip system, or a processor supporting the terminal to implement any of the above methods. The communication device 9100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments, details of which can be referred to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0391] As shown in FIG. 9a, the communication device 9100 includes one or more processors 9101. The processor 9101 can be a general processor or a special purpose processor, etc., for example, a baseband processor or a central processor. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, the central processor can be used to control the communication device (e.g., a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU or a CU, etc.), execute programs, and process data of the programs. The communication device 9100 is configured to perform any of the above methods.

[0392] In some embodiments, the communication device 9100 further includes one or more memories 9102 configured to store instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memory 9102 can also be outside the communication device 9100.

[0393] In some embodiments, the communication device 9100 further includes one or more transceivers 9103. When the communication device 9100 includes one or more transceivers 9103, the transceiver 9103 performs at least one of the communication steps such as transmitting and / or receiving in the above methods, and the processor 9101 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0394] In some embodiments, the transceiver can include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which can be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiving unit, transceiver, transceiving circuit, etc. can be replaced with each other, the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc. can be replaced with each other, and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc. can be replaced with each other.

[0395] In some embodiments, the communication device 9100 can include one or more interface circuits 9104. Optionally, the interface circuit 9104 is connected to the memory 9102, and the interface circuit 9104 can be used to receive signals from the memory 9102 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 9102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 9104 can read instructions stored in the memory 9102 and send the instructions to the processor 9101.

[0396] The communication device 9100 described in the above embodiments can be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 9100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 9100 can not be limited by FIG. 9a. The communication device can be a standalone device or can be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device can be: 1) a standalone integrated circuit (IC), or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a set of one or more ICs, which can optionally also include storage components for storing data, programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, a terminal device, a smart terminal device, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handset, a mobile unit, a vehicle-mounted device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, and the like; (6) and the like.

[0397] FIG. 9b is a structural schematic diagram of a chip 9200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For the case where the communication device 9100 is a chip or a chip system, the structural schematic diagram of the chip 9200 shown in FIG. 9b can be referred to, but is not limited thereto.

[0398] The chip 9200 includes one or more processors 9201, and the chip 9200 is configured to execute any of the above methods.

[0399] In some embodiments, the chip 9200 further includes one or more interface circuits 9202. Optionally, the interface circuit 9202 is connected to the memory 9203, and the interface circuit 9202 can be configured to receive signals from the memory 9203 or other devices, and the interface circuit 9202 can be configured to send signals to the memory 9203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 9202 can read instructions stored in the memory 9203 and send the instructions to the processor 9201.

[0400] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 9202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above methods, and the processor 9201 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0401] In some embodiments, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, and transceiver can be replaced by each other.

[0402] In some embodiments, the chip 9200 further includes one or more memories 9203 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memory 9203 can be outside the chip 9200.

[0403] The present disclosure further provides a storage medium having stored instructions which, when executed on the communication device 9100, cause the communication device 9100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but is not limited thereto and can also be a storage medium readable by other apparatuses. Optionally, the storage medium can be a non-transitory storage medium, but is not limited thereto and can also be a transitory storage medium.

[0404] The present disclosure further provides a program product which, when executed by the communication device 9100, causes the communication device 9100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0405] The present disclosure further provides a computer program which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is performed by a first network device, and the method comprises: sending a first message to a second network device; wherein the first message is used to determine an application layer identity ID, and the application layer ID is associated with a ranging or sidelink SL application and / or an application function AF.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first message comprises a ranging or SL positioning application identifier, and the ranging or SL application identifier is used to map a generic public subscriber identifier GPSI to the application layer ID.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The first message further comprises at least one of: a GPSI; an AF identifier.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method comprises: receiving the first message sent by a third network device.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The receiving the first message sent by the third network device comprises one of: receiving a positioning provision request message sent by the third network device, and the positioning provision request message is used to determine the first message; receiving a privacy check and identity mapping request message sent by the third network device, and the privacy check and identity mapping request message is used to determine the first message.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The method further comprises: receiving a second message sent by the second network device; wherein the second message is used to indicate the application layer ID.

7. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is performed by a second network device, and the method comprises: receiving a first message sent by a first network device; wherein the first message is used to determine an application layer identity ID, and the application layer ID is associated with a ranging or sidelink SL application and / or an application function AF.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The first message comprises a ranging or sidelink SL positioning application identifier, and the ranging or SL application identifier is used to map a GPSI to the application layer ID.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The first message further comprises at least one of: a GPSI; an AF identifier.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein, The method further comprises: sending the first message to a fourth network device.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving a second message sent by the fourth network device; wherein the second message is used to indicate the application layer ID.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein, The method further comprises: sending the second message to the first network device.

13. A method of communication, comprising: The method is performed by a fourth network device, and the method comprises: receiving a first message sent by a second network device; wherein the first message is used to determine an application layer identity ID, and the application layer ID is associated with a ranging or sidelink SL application and / or an application function AF.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The first message comprises a ranging or sidelink SL positioning application identifier, and the ranging or SL application identifier is used to map a generic public subscriber identifier GPSI to the application layer ID.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The first message further comprises at least one of: a GPSI; an AF identifier.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein, The method further comprises: determining the application layer ID based on the first message and a first mapping relationship; wherein the first mapping relationship comprises a relationship between a GPSI, at least one application layer ID, and at least one of the following: a ranging or SL application identifier; an application function AF identifier.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein, The method further comprises: sending a second message to the second network device; wherein the second message is used to indicate an application layer ID.

18. A method of communication, comprising: The method comprises: The first network device sends a first message to a second network device; The second network device sends the first message to a fourth network device; The first message is used to determine an application layer identity ID, and the application layer ID is associated with a ranging or sidelink SL application and / or application function AF.

19. A first network device, comprising: The first network device comprises: a transceiver module configured to: send a first message to a second network device; The first message is used to determine an application layer identity ID, and the application layer ID is associated with a ranging or sidelink SL application and / or application function AF.

20. A second network device, comprising: The second network device comprises: a transceiver module configured to: receive a first message sent by a first network device; The first message is used to determine an application layer identity ID, and the application layer ID is associated with a ranging or sidelink SL application and / or application function AF.

21. A fourth network device, comprising: The fourth network device comprises: a transceiver module configured to: receive a first message sent by a fourth network device; The first message is used to determine an application layer identity ID, and the application layer ID is associated with a ranging or sidelink SL application and / or application function AF.

22. A communication system, characterized by The communication system comprises a first network device, a second network device, and a third network device, wherein the first network device is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1-6, the second network device is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 7-12, and the fourth network device is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 13-17.

23. A first network device, comprising: The first network device comprises: one or more processors; The first network device is configured to perform the communication method of any one of claims 1-6.

24. A second network device, comprising: The second network device comprises: one or more processors; The second network device is configured to perform the communication method of any one of claims 7-12.

25. A fourth network device, comprising: The fourth network device comprises: one or more processors; The fourth network device is configured to perform the communication method of any one of claims 13-17.

26. A storage medium, wherein, The storage medium stores instructions, which, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method of any one of claims 1-6, 7-12, and / or 13-17.

Images