Communication method and apparatus, and storage medium and program product

Abstract

A communication method and apparatus, and a storage medium and a program product. The method comprises: a first network element sending a first request message to a third network element, wherein the first request message is used for requesting a second network element to provide a service, and the first request message comprises an identifier of the first network element and an identifier of the second network element; the third network element sending the first request message to the second network element; the second network element sending a first response message to the third network element, wherein the first response message is used for indicating a first service result, and the first response message comprises the identifier of the first network element and the identifier of the second network element; and the third network element sending the first response message to the first network element. By using the solution, the present application constructs an access-network signaling network architecture, and a third network element is responsible for signaling exchange between network elements, such that the efficiency and robustness of signaling exchange at an access network side can be improved, thereby improving the network efficiency and performance.

Description

Communication method and apparatus, storage medium, and program product

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application No. 202410898364.X, filed on July 4, 2024, and entitled “Communication method and apparatus, storage medium, and program product”, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus, a storage medium, and a program product. BACKGROUND

[0003] Currently, in a fifth generation (5 th generation,5G) mobile communication system radio access network (RAN), a base station can include a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), and a remote unit (RU). The signaling forwarding between the RU, the DU, and the CU is performed according to a fixed connection relationship.

[0004] However, with the development of communication technology, the functional network elements on the RAN side will continue to increase. If the signaling interaction is still based on the existing fixed connection relationship, it will cause a signaling storm problem, resulting in a decrease in network efficiency and performance on the RAN side.

[0005] Therefore, how to improve the efficiency and robustness of the signaling interaction on the RAN side, and thus improve the network efficiency and performance, is a problem to be solved. SUMMARY

[0006] The present application provides a communication method and apparatus, a storage medium, and a program product to improve the efficiency and robustness of the signaling interaction on the RAN side, and thus improve the network efficiency and performance.

[0007] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be applied to a network side, for example, a third network element on the network side, a module (for example, a circuit, a chip or a chip system, etc.) in the third network element, or a logic node, a logic module or software capable of realizing all or part of the functions of the third network element. Taking the case where the method is applied to the third network element, in the method, the third network element receives a first request message from a first network element, the first request message is used to request a second network element to provide a service, the first request message comprises an identifier of the first network element and an identifier of the second network element; the third network element sends the first request message to the second network element; the third network element receives a first response message from the second network element, the first response message is used to indicate a first service result, the first response message comprises the identifier of the first network element and the identifier of the second network element; and the third network element sends the first response message to the first network element.

[0008] With the above method, in the case where the first network element requests the second network element to provide a service, a request can be sent to the third network element, the third network element sends the request to the second network element when receiving the request of the first network element, and the service result of the second network element is also sent to the first network element through the third network element. The present application constructs an access network signaling network architecture, the third network element is responsible for the signaling interaction between network elements, which can improve the efficiency and robustness of the signaling interaction on the access network side, and further improve the network efficiency and performance.

[0009] In a possible design, the method further comprises: the third network element receives a second request message from the first network element and / or the second network element, the second request message is used to request registration to the third network element, and the second request message comprises the identifier of the first network element and / or the identifier of the second network element.

[0010] In another possible design, the second request message is further used to indicate that the first network element and / or the second network element are associated with at least one fourth network element, and the at least one fourth network element comprises the second network element and / or the first network element.

[0011] In yet another possible design, the second network element provides a primary service, and the at least one fourth network element provides a backup service.

[0012] In yet another possible design, before the third network element receives the first request message from the first network element, the method further comprises: the third network element receives a third request message from the first network element, the third request message comprises a service capability parameter that needs to be supported by the second network element; the third network element sends the third request message to the second network element; the third network element receives a second response message from the second network element, the second response message is used to indicate resources reserved based on the service capability parameter; and the third network element sends the second response message to the first network element.

[0013] In yet another possible design, the first request message further includes an identification of a fifth network element, and the at least one fourth network element includes the fifth network element; the method further includes: receiving, by the third network element, a fourth request message from the first network element, the fourth request message being used to request the second network element to provide the service, the first request message including the identification of the first network element and the identification of the second network element; in a case where the third network element determines that the second network element is down, sending, by the third network element, a fifth request message to the fifth network element, the fifth request message being used to request the fifth network element to provide the service, the fifth request message including the identification of the first network element and the identification of the fifth network element; receiving, by the third network element, a third response message from the fifth network element, the third response message being used to indicate a second service result, the third response message including the identification of the first network element and the identification of the fifth network element; and sending, by the third network element, the third response message to the first network element.

[0014] With the above design, the first network element requests the second network element to provide the service through the third network element, and in a case where the second network element is down, the third network element can reselect a target network element and continue to request the target network element to provide the service for the first network element, thereby improving the robustness of signaling communication at the access network side and further improving the stability of the network.

[0015] In yet another possible design, the method further includes: saving, by the third network element, a context of communication between the first network element and the second network element based on the identification of the first network element and the identification of the second network element.

[0016] In yet another possible design, the method further includes: sending, by the third network element, a first message to the fifth network element, the first message including the identification of the first network element, the identification of the second network element, and the context of communication between the first network element and the second network element.

[0017] In yet another possible design, the first network element or the second network element is configured to provide at least one of the following functions: an artificial intelligence (AI) prediction function, an AI computing function, a perception function, a positioning calculation function, and a communication function.

[0018] In another possible design, the second network element is a service unit (SU), the SU is configured to provide an AI prediction function, and the first request message is configured to request the SU to provide the AI prediction service; or the second network element is a SU, the SU is configured to provide an AI computation function, and the first request message is configured to request the SU to provide the AI computation service; or the second network element is a SU, the SU is configured to provide a sensing function, and the first request message is configured to request the SU to provide the sensing service; or the second network element is a SU, the SU is configured to provide a positioning computation function, and the first request message is configured to request the SU to provide the positioning computation service; or the second network element is a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a remote unit (RU), the CU, the DU, or the RU is configured to provide a communication service, and the first request message is configured to request the CU, the DU, or the RU to provide the communication service.

[0019] In another possible design, the first request message and / or the first response message is an encrypted message.

[0020] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be applied to a network side, for example, a first network element on the network side, a module (for example, a circuit, a chip, or a chip system) in the first network element, or a logic node, a logic module, or software that can implement all or part of the function of the first network element. Taking the case where the method is applied to the first network element, in the method, the first network element sends a first request message to a third network element, the first request message is configured to request a second network element to provide a service, the first request message includes an identifier of the first network element and an identifier of the second network element; and the first network element receives a first response message from the third network element, the first response message is configured to indicate a first service result, and the first response message includes the identifier of the first network element and the identifier of the second network element.

[0021] With the method, the first network element can request the second network element to provide the service through the third network element, the third network element sends the request to the second network element when receiving the request from the first network element, and the service result of the second network element is also sent to the first network element through the third network element. The present application constructs an access network signaling network architecture, and the third network element is responsible for signaling interaction between network elements, which can improve the efficiency and robustness of signaling interaction on the access network side, and further improve the network efficiency and performance.

[0022] In a possible design, the method further includes that the first network element sends a second request message to the third network element, the second request message is configured to request registration to the third network element, and the second request message includes the identifier of the first network element.

[0023] In another possible design, the second request information further indicates that the first network element and / or the second network element is associated with at least one fourth network element, and the at least one fourth network element includes the second network element and / or the first network element.

[0024] In yet another possible design, the second network element provides a primary service, and the at least one fourth network element provides a backup service.

[0025] In yet another possible design, the method further includes: sending, by the first network element, a third request message to a third network element, the third request message including a service capability parameter that needs to be supported by the second network element; and receiving, by the first network element, a second response message from the third network element, the second response message indicating resources reserved based on the service capability parameter.

[0026] In yet another possible design, the first network element is configured to provide at least one of the following functions: an AI prediction function, an AI computation function, a perception function, a positioning computation function, and a communication function.

[0027] In yet another possible design, the first request message and / or the first response message is an encrypted message.

[0028] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be applied to a network side, e.g., a second network element on the network side, a module (e.g., a circuit, a chip, or a chip system) in the second network element, or a logic node, a logic module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second network element. Taking the case where the method is applied to the second network element, in the method, the second network element receives a first request message from a third network element, the first request message being used to request the second network element to provide a service, the first request message including an identity of the first network element and an identity of the second network element; and the second network element sends a first response message to the third network element, the first response message being used to indicate a first service result, the first response message including the identity of the first network element and the identity of the second network element.

[0029] With the above method, the first network element can request the second network element to provide a service through the third network element, the third network element sends the request to the second network element upon receiving the request from the first network element, and the service result of the second network element is also sent to the first network element through the third network element. The present disclosure constructs an access network signaling network architecture, and the third network element is responsible for signaling interaction between network elements, which can improve the efficiency and robustness of signaling interaction on the access network side, and further improve network efficiency and performance.

[0030] In one possible design, the method further includes: sending, by the second network element, a second request message to the third network element, the second request message being used to request registration to the third network element, and the second request message including an identity of the second network element.

[0031] In another possible design, the second request message further indicates that the first network element and / or the second network element is associated with at least one fourth network element, and the at least one fourth network element includes the second network element and / or the first network element.

[0032] In yet another possible design, the second network element provides a primary service, and the at least one fourth network element provides a backup service.

[0033] In yet another possible design, the method further includes: receiving, by the second network element, a third request message from a third network element, the third request message including a service capability parameter that the second network element needs to support; and sending, by the second network element to the third network element, a second response message, the second response message indicating resources reserved based on the service capability parameter.

[0034] In yet another possible design, the second network element is configured to provide at least one of the following: an AI prediction function, an AI computation function, a perception function, a positioning computation function, and a communication function.

[0035] In yet another possible design, the second network element is a SU, the SU is configured to provide an AI prediction function, and the first request message is used to request the SU to provide an AI prediction service; or the second network element is a SU, the SU is configured to provide an AI computation function, and the first request message is used to request the SU to provide an AI computation service; or the second network element is a SU, the SU is configured to provide a perception function, and the first request message is used to request the SU to provide a perception service; or the second network element is a SU, the SU is configured to provide a positioning computation function, and the first request message is used to request the SU to provide a positioning computation service; or the second network element is a CU, a DU, or an RU, the CU, the DU, or the RU is configured to provide a communication service, and the first request message is used to request the CU, the DU, or the RU to provide the communication service.

[0036] In yet another possible design, the first request message and / or the first response message is an encrypted message.

[0037] In a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be applied to a network side, e.g., a fifth network element on the network side, a module (e.g., a circuit, a chip, or a chip system) in the fifth network element, or a logic node, a logic module, or software that can implement all or part of the function of the fifth network element. For example, the method is applied to the fifth network element. In the method, in a case where the second network element fails and goes down, the fifth network element receives a fifth request message from a third network element, the fifth request message being used to request the fifth network element to provide a service, and the fifth request message including an identity of the first network element and an identity of the fifth network element; and the fifth network element sends a third response message to the third network element, the third response message being used to indicate a second service result, and the third response message including the identity of the first network element and the identity of the fifth network element.

[0038] In a possible design, the second network element provides a primary service, and the fifth network element provides a backup service.

[0039] With the method, the first network element requests the second network element to provide a service through the third network element. In a case where the second network element fails and is down, the third network element can reselect a target network element and continue to request the target network element to provide the service for the first network element, thereby improving robustness of signaling communication at the access network side and further improving stability of the network.

[0040] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to an access network including a first network element, a second network element, and a third network element. The method includes: sending, by the first network element, a first request message to the third network element, where the first request message is used to request the second network element to provide a service, and the first request message includes an identifier of the first network element and an identifier of the second network element; sending, by the third network element, the first request message to the second network element; sending, by the second network element, a first response message to the third network element, where the first response message is used to indicate a first service result, and the first response message includes the identifier of the first network element and the identifier of the second network element; and sending, by the third network element, the first response message to the first network element.

[0041] In a possible design, the method further includes: sending, by the first network element and / or the second network element, a second request message to the third network element, where the second request message is used to request registration to the third network element, and the second request message includes the identifier of the first network element and / or the identifier of the second network element.

[0042] In another possible design, the second request message is further used to indicate that the first network element and / or the second network element are associated with at least one fourth network element, and the at least one fourth network element includes the second network element and / or the first network element.

[0043] In yet another possible design, the second network element provides a primary service, and the at least one fourth network element provides a backup service.

[0044] In yet another possible design, before the first network element sends the first request message to the third network element, the method further includes: sending, by the first network element, a third request message to the third network element, where the third request message includes a service capability parameter that needs to be supported by the second network element; sending, by the third network element, the third request message to the second network element; sending, by the second network element, a second response message to the third network element, where the second response message is used to indicate resources reserved based on the service capability parameter; and sending, by the third network element, the second response message to the first network element.

[0045] In yet another possible design, the first request message further includes an identifier of the fifth network element, and the at least one fourth network element includes the fifth network element; the method further includes that the first network element sends a fourth request message to the third network element, the fourth request message is used to request the second network element to provide the service, and the first request message includes an identifier of the first network element and an identifier of the second network element; in a case where the third network element acquires that the second network element is down due to a failure, the third network element sends a fifth request message to the fifth network element, the fifth request message is used to request the fifth network element to provide the service, and the fifth request message includes the identifier of the first network element and the identifier of the fifth network element; the fifth network element sends a third response message to the third network element, the third response message is used to indicate the second service result, and the third response message includes the identifier of the first network element and the identifier of the fifth network element; and the third network element sends the third response message to the first network element.

[0046] In yet another possible design, the method further includes that the third network element stores a context of communication between the first network element and the second network element based on the identifier of the first network element and the identifier of the second network element.

[0047] In yet another possible design, the method further includes that the third network element sends a first message to the fifth network element, the first message includes the identifier of the first network element, the identifier of the second network element, and the context of communication between the first network element and the second network element.

[0048] In yet another possible design, the first network element or the second network element is configured to provide at least one of the following functions: an AI prediction function, an AI computing function, a perception function, a positioning calculation function, and a communication function.

[0049] In yet another possible design, the second network element is an SU, the SU is configured to provide an AI prediction function, and the first request message is used to request the SU to provide an AI prediction service; or the second network element is an SU, the SU is configured to provide an AI computing function, and the first request message is used to request the SU to provide an AI computing service; or the second network element is an SU, the SU is configured to provide a perception function, and the first request message is used to request the SU to provide a perception service; or the second network element is an SU, the SU is configured to provide a positioning calculation function, and the first request message is used to request the SU to provide a positioning calculation service; or the second network element is a CU, a DU, or an RU, the CU, the DU, or the RU is configured to provide a communication service, and the first request message is used to request the CU, the DU, or the RU to provide the communication service.

[0050] In yet another possible design, the first request message and / or the first response message is an encrypted message.

[0051] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication apparatus, which has the function of implementing the first aspect, for example, the communication apparatus comprises a module or unit or means corresponding to the operation of the first aspect, which can be implemented by software, or by hardware, or by the combination of software and hardware.

[0052] For example, the communication apparatus comprises a communication unit, and can further comprise a processing unit and a storage unit; wherein:

[0053] The communication unit is configured to receive a first request message from a first network element, the first request message being used to request a second network element to provide a service, the first request message comprising an identity of the first network element and an identity of the second network element; the communication unit is further configured to send the first request message to the second network element; the communication unit is further configured to receive a first response message from the second network element, the first response message being used to indicate a first service result, the first response message comprising the identity of the first network element and the identity of the second network element; and the communication unit is further configured to send the first response message to the first network element.

[0054] In a possible design, the communication unit is further configured to receive a second request message from the first network element and / or the second network element, the second request message being used to request to register to the communication apparatus, the second request message comprising the identity of the first network element and / or the identity of the second network element.

[0055] In another possible design, the second request message is further used to indicate that the first network element and / or the second network element are associated with at least one fourth network element, the at least one fourth network element comprising the second network element and / or the first network element.

[0056] In yet another possible design, the second network element provides a primary service, and the at least one fourth network element provides a backup service.

[0057] In yet another possible design, the communication unit is further configured to receive a third request message from the first network element, the third request message comprising a service capability parameter that needs to be supported by the second network element; the communication unit is further configured to send the third request message to the second network element; the communication unit is further configured to receive a second response message from the second network element, the second response message being used to indicate resources reserved based on the service capability parameter; and the communication unit is further configured to send the second response message to the first network element.

[0058] In yet another possible design, the first request message further includes an identification of a fifth network element, and the at least one fourth network element includes the fifth network element; the communication unit is further configured to receive a fourth request message from the first network element, the fourth request message being used to request the second network element to provide a service, the first request message including an identification of the first network element and an identification of the second network element; the communication unit is further configured to send a fifth request message to the fifth network element in a case where the second network element is determined to be down, the fifth request message being used to request the fifth network element to provide the service, the fifth request message including the identification of the first network element and the identification of the fifth network element; the communication unit is further configured to receive a third response message from the fifth network element, the third response message being used to indicate a second service result, the third response message including the identification of the first network element and the identification of the fifth network element; and the communication unit is further configured to send the third response message to the first network element.

[0059] In yet another possible design, the processing unit is configured to store a context of communication between the first network element and the second network element based on the identification of the first network element and the identification of the second network element.

[0060] In yet another possible design, the communication unit is further configured to send a first message to a fifth network element, the first message including the identification of the first network element, the identification of the second network element, and the context of communication between the first network element and the second network element.

[0061] In yet another possible design, the first network element or the second network element is configured to provide at least one of the following functions: an AI prediction function, an AI computation function, a perception function, a positioning computation function, and a communication function.

[0062] In yet another possible design, the second network element is a SU, the SU is configured to provide an AI prediction function, and the first request message is used to request the SU to provide an AI prediction service; or the second network element is a SU, the SU is configured to provide an AI computation function, and the first request message is used to request the SU to provide an AI computation service; or the second network element is a SU, the SU is configured to provide a perception function, and the first request message is used to request the SU to provide a perception service; or the second network element is a SU, the SU is configured to provide a positioning computation function, and the first request message is used to request the SU to provide a positioning computation service; or the second network element is a CU, a DU, or an RU, the CU, the DU, or the RU is configured to provide a communication service, and the first request message is used to request the CU, the DU, or the RU to provide the communication service.

[0063] In yet another possible design, the first request message and / or the first response message is an encrypted message.

[0064] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a communication apparatus, which has the function of the second aspect, for example, the communication apparatus includes a module or unit or means corresponding to the operation of the second aspect, which can be implemented by software, or by hardware, or by software and hardware together.

[0065] For example, the communication apparatus includes a communication unit, and can further include a processing unit and a storage unit; wherein:

[0066] The communication unit is configured to send a first request message to a third network element, the first request message being used to request a second network element to provide a service, the first request message including an identifier of the communication apparatus and an identifier of the second network element; and the communication unit is further configured to receive a first response message from the third network element, the first response message being used to indicate a first service result, the first response message including the identifier of the communication apparatus and the identifier of the second network element.

[0067] In a possible design, the communication unit is further configured to send a second request message to the third network element, the second request message being used to request registration to the third network element, the second request message including the identifier of the communication apparatus.

[0068] In another possible design, the second request message is further used to indicate that the communication apparatus and / or the second network element is associated with at least one fourth network element, the at least one fourth network element including the second network element and / or the communication apparatus.

[0069] In yet another possible design, the second network element provides a primary service, and the at least one fourth network element provides a backup service.

[0070] In yet another possible design, the communication unit is further configured to send a third request message to the third network element, the third request message including a service capability parameter that needs to be supported by the second network element; and the communication unit is further configured to receive a second response message from the third network element, the second response message being used to indicate resources reserved based on the service capability parameter.

[0071] In yet another possible design, the communication apparatus is configured to provide at least one of the following functions: an AI prediction function, an AI calculation function, a perception function, a positioning calculation function, and a communication function.

[0072] In yet another possible design, the first request message and / or the first response message is an encrypted message.

[0073] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a communication apparatus, which has the function of the third aspect, e.g., the communication apparatus includes a module or unit or means corresponding to the operations of the third aspect, which can be implemented by software, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0074] Exemplarily, the communication apparatus includes a communication unit, and can further include a processing unit and a storage unit; wherein:

[0075] The communication unit is configured to receive a first request message from a third network element, the first request message being used to request the communication apparatus to provide a service, the first request message including an identity of the first network element and an identity of the communication apparatus; and the communication unit is further configured to send a first response message to the third network element, the first response message being used to indicate a first service result, the first response message including the identity of the first network element and the identity of the communication apparatus.

[0076] In a possible design, the communication unit is further configured to send a second request message to the third network element, the second request message being used to request registration to the third network element, the second request message including the identity of the communication apparatus.

[0077] In another possible design, the second request message is further used to indicate that the first network element and / or the communication apparatus is associated with at least one fourth network element, the at least one fourth network element including the communication apparatus and / or the first network element.

[0078] In yet another possible design, the communication apparatus provides a primary service, and the at least one fourth network element provides a backup service.

[0079] In yet another possible design, the communication unit is further configured to receive a third request message from the third network element, the third request message including a service capability parameter that needs to be supported by the communication apparatus; and the communication unit is further configured to send a second response message to the third network element, the second response message being used to indicate resources reserved based on the service capability parameter.

[0080] In yet another possible design, the communication apparatus is configured to provide at least one of the following functions: an AI prediction function, an AI computing function, a perception function, a positioning calculation function, and a communication function.

[0081] In another possible design, the communication apparatus is an SU, the SU is configured to provide an AI prediction function, the first request message is configured to request the SU to provide the AI prediction service; or the communication apparatus is an SU, the SU is configured to provide an AI computation function, the first request message is configured to request the SU to provide the AI computation service; or the communication apparatus is an SU, the SU is configured to provide a perception function, the first request message is configured to request the SU to provide the perception service; or the communication apparatus is an SU, the SU is configured to provide a positioning solution function, the first request message is configured to request the SU to provide the positioning solution service; or the communication apparatus is a CU, a DU, or an RU, the CU, the DU, or the RU is configured to provide a communication service, and the first request message is configured to request the CU, the DU, or the RU to provide the communication service.

[0082] In another possible design, the first request message and / or the first response message is an encrypted message.

[0083] In a ninth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus has the functions of the fourth aspect. For example, the communication apparatus includes modules or units or means corresponding to the operations of the fourth aspect. The modules or units or means can be implemented in software or hardware, or a combination of both.

[0084] For example, the communication apparatus includes a communication unit, and can further include a processing unit and a storage unit. The communication unit is configured to receive the fifth request message from the third network element in the case that the second network element is down due to a failure, the fifth request message is configured to request the communication apparatus to provide a service, and the fifth request message includes the identifier of the first network element and the identifier of the communication apparatus. The communication unit is further configured to send, to the third network element, a third response message, the third response message is configured to indicate a second service result, and the third response message includes the identifier of the first network element and the identifier of the communication apparatus.

[0085] In a possible design, the second network element provides a primary service, and the communication apparatus provides a backup service.

[0086] In a possible design, the second network element provides a primary service, and the communication apparatus provides a backup service.

[0087] In a tenth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus has the functions of the fifth aspect. For example, the communication apparatus includes modules or units or means corresponding to the operations of the fifth aspect. The modules or units or means can be implemented in software or hardware, or a combination of both.

[0088] For example, the communication apparatus includes a first network element, a second network element, and a third network element, and can further include at least one fourth network element. The first network element is configured to provide a first service, the second network element is configured to provide a second service, and the third network element is configured to provide a third service. The first service, the second service, and the third service are different from each other.

[0089] The first network element is configured to send a first request message to the third network element, the first request message being used to request the second network element to provide a service, the first request message comprising an identifier of the first network element and an identifier of the second network element; the third network element is configured to send the first request message to the second network element; the second network element is configured to send a first response message to the third network element, the first response message being used to indicate a first service result, the first response message comprising the identifier of the first network element and the identifier of the second network element; and the third network element is configured to send the first response message to the first network element.

[0090] In a possible design, the first network element and / or the second network element are further configured to send a second request message to the third network element, the second request message being used to request registration to the third network element, the second request message comprising the identifier of the first network element and / or the identifier of the second network element.

[0091] In another possible design, the second request message is further used to indicate that the first network element and / or the second network element are associated with at least one fourth network element, the at least one fourth network element comprising the second network element and / or the first network element.

[0092] In yet another possible design, the second network element provides a primary service, and the at least one fourth network element provides a backup service.

[0093] In yet another possible design, the first network element is further configured to send a third request message to the third network element, the third request message comprising a service capability parameter that needs to be supported by the second network element; the third network element is further configured to send the third request message to the second network element; the second network element is further configured to send a second response message to the third network element, the second response message being used to indicate resources reserved based on the service capability parameter; and the third network element is further configured to send the second response message to the first network element.

[0094] In yet another possible design, the first request message further comprises an identifier of a fifth network element, and the at least one fourth network element comprises the fifth network element; the first network element is further configured to send a fourth request message to the third network element, the fourth request message being used to request the second network element to provide a service, the first request message comprising the identifier of the first network element and the identifier of the second network element; the third network element is further configured to send a fifth request message to the fifth network element in a case where the second network element is found to be down, the fifth request message being used to request the fifth network element to provide a service, the fifth request message comprising the identifier of the first network element and the identifier of the fifth network element; the fifth network element is configured to send a third response message to the third network element, the third response message being used to indicate a second service result, the third response message comprising the identifier of the first network element and the identifier of the fifth network element; and the third network element is further configured to send the third response message to the first network element.

[0095] In yet another possible design, the third network element is further configured to store a context corresponding to the communication between the first network element and the second network element based on the identity of the first network element and the identity of the second network element.

[0096] In yet another possible design, the third network element is further configured to send, to a fifth network element, a first message including the identity of the first network element, the identity of the second network element, and the context corresponding to the communication between the first network element and the second network element.

[0097] In yet another possible design, the first network element or the second network element is configured to provide at least one of the following: an AI prediction function, an AI computation function, a perception function, a positioning computation function, a communication function.

[0098] In yet another possible design, the second network element is a SU, the SU is configured to provide an AI prediction function, and the first request message is configured to request the SU to provide an AI prediction service; or the second network element is a SU, the SU is configured to provide an AI computation function, and the first request message is configured to request the SU to provide an AI computation service; or the second network element is a SU, the SU is configured to provide a perception function, and the first request message is configured to request the SU to provide a perception service; or the second network element is a SU, the SU is configured to provide a positioning computation function, and the first request message is configured to request the SU to provide a positioning computation service; or the second network element is a CU, a DU, or a RU, the CU, the DU, or the RU is configured to provide a communication service, and the first request message is configured to request the CU, the DU, or the RU to provide the communication service.

[0099] In yet another possible design, the first request message and / or the first response message is an encrypted message.

[0100] In an eleventh aspect, a communication apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus includes an interface circuit and one or more processors. The one or more processors are coupled to a memory. The memory is configured to store part or all of the computer programs or instructions necessary to implement the functions related to any of the first aspect to the fifth aspect. The one or more processors are configured to execute the computer programs or instructions, which, when executed, cause the communication apparatus to implement the method in any possible design or implementation manner of any of the first aspect to the fifth aspect. The interface circuit is configured to implement the communication function within the communication apparatus and / or the communication function between the communication apparatus and other apparatuses or components.

[0101] In a possible design, the processor is configured to communicate with other apparatuses or components via the interface circuit.

[0102] In a possible design, the communication apparatus can further include the memory.

[0103] The communication device can be a network element, a module (e.g., a circuit, a chip or a chip system, etc.) in the network element, or a logic node, a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network element.

[0104] In a twelfth aspect, the present application provides a communication system, which comprises the communication device according to the sixth aspect or any one of the possible implementation manners of the sixth aspect, the communication device according to the seventh aspect or any one of the possible implementation manners of the seventh aspect, the communication device according to the eighth aspect or any one of the possible implementation manners of the eighth aspect, and the communication device according to the ninth aspect or any one of the possible implementation manners of the ninth aspect.

[0105] In a thirteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer readable storage medium, which stores computer readable instructions, and when a computer reads and executes the computer readable instructions, the computer is caused to perform the method according to any one of the possible implementation manners of the first aspect to the fifth aspect.

[0106] In a fourteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product, and when a computer reads and executes the computer program product, the computer is caused to perform the method according to any one of the possible implementation manners of the first aspect to the fifth aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0107] FIG. 1 is a possible, non-limiting system diagram;

[0108] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are possible application framework diagrams in a communication system;

[0109] FIG. 4 is a diagram of the connection relationship between network elements on the access network side;

[0110] FIG. 5 is a diagram of the architecture between network elements according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0111] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D are diagrams of the architecture between network elements according to a specific example of an embodiment of the present application;

[0112] FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B are diagrams of the interface protocol stack of network elements according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0113] FIG. 8 to FIG. 12 are flow diagrams of communication methods according to embodiments of the present application;

[0114] FIG. 13 is a possible exemplary block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0115] FIG. 14 is a diagram of the structure of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0116] Figure 1 shows a possible, non-limiting, schematic diagram of a system. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 10 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. The RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (e.g., 110a and 110b in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (e.g., 120a-120j in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 120). Other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 1), etc., can also be included in the RAN 100. The terminals 120 are wirelessly connected to the RAN nodes 110. The RAN nodes 110 are connected to the core network 200 through wireless or wired means. The core network devices in the core network 200 and the RAN nodes 110 in the RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or can be the same physical device integrated with core network logic functions and radio access network logic functions, respectively. The RAN 100, the core network 200 can also be connected to the Internet 300.

[0117] The RAN 100 can be a third generation partnership project (3 rd generation partnership project,3GPP) related cellular system, such as a 4G, 5G mobile communication system, or a future-oriented evolved system. The RAN 100 can also be an open radio access network (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. The RAN 100 can also be a communication system that combines two or more of the above systems.

[0118] The RAN nodes 110, which can also be referred to as access network devices, RAN entities, or access nodes, etc., form part of the communication system and help terminals to access wirelessly. The RAN nodes 110 in the communication system 10 can be the same type of node or different types of nodes. In some scenarios, the roles of the RAN nodes 110 and the terminals 120 are relative, e.g., the network element 120i in Figure 1 can be a helicopter or a drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For those terminals 120j that access the RAN 100 through the network element 120i, the network element 120i is a base station; but for the base station 110a, the network element 120i is a terminal. The RAN nodes 110 and the terminals 120 are sometimes referred to as communication apparatuses, e.g., the network elements 110a and 110b in Figure 1 can be understood as communication apparatuses with base station functions, and the network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication apparatuses with terminal functions.

[0119] In one possible scenario, the RAN node can be a base station, an evolved Node B (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system, etc. The RAN node can be a macro base station (e.g., 110a in Figure 1), a micro base station or indoor station (e.g., 110b in Figure 1), a relay node or donor node, or a wireless controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, the RAN node can also be a server, a wearable device, a vehicle or vehicle-mounted device, etc. For example, the access network device in vehicle to everything (V2X) technology can be a road side unit (RSU). All or part of the functions of the RAN node in the present application can also be implemented by software functions running on hardware, or by virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The RAN node can also be provided with a communication module, circuit or chip for performing corresponding communication functions, and program instructions for performing corresponding communication functions. The RAN node in the present application can also be a logical node, a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the RAN node.

[0120] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes cooperate to assist a terminal to implement wireless access, and different RAN nodes respectively implement part of the functions of a base station. For example, the RAN node can be a CU, a DU, a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), etc. The CU and the DU can be separately arranged, or can be included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in a radio frequency device or a radio frequency unit, such as a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH).

[0121] In different systems, the CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU can also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in the ORAN system, the CU can also be referred to as O-CU (open CU), the DU can also be referred to as O-DU, the CU-CP can also be referred to as O-CU-CP, the CU-UP can also be referred to as O-CU-UP, and the RU can also be referred to as O-RU. For the convenience of description, the CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU and RU are taken as examples for description in this application. Any one of the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in this application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0122] A terminal can access the above communication system and has corresponding communication functions. The terminal can also be referred to as a terminal device, a user equipment (UE), a mobile station, a mobile terminal, etc. The terminal can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), internet of things (IOT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, remote medical treatment, smart power grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wear, smart transportation, smart city, etc. The terminal can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a wearable device, a vehicle, a drone, a helicopter, an airplane, a ship, a robot, a mechanical arm, a smart home device, a transport vehicle with wireless communication function, a communication module, etc. Embodiments of the present application do not limit the device form of the terminal. The terminal is usually provided with a communication module, circuit or chip for executing corresponding communication functions. The terminal is also configured with program instructions for executing corresponding communication functions.

[0123] In order to support AI technology in a wireless network, an AI node can also be introduced in the network.

[0124] The AI node can be deployed in one or more of the following positions in the communication system: an access network node (RAN node), a terminal, or a core network device, etc. Alternatively, the AI node can also be deployed separately, for example, in a position other than any of the above devices, such as a host or a cloud server of an over the top (OTT) system. The AI node can communicate with other devices in the communication system, which can be one or more of the following: a network device, a terminal, or a network element of a core network, etc.

[0125] It can be understood that the number of AI nodes is not limited in the present application. For example, when there are multiple AI nodes, the multiple AI nodes can be divided based on functions, such as different AI nodes being responsible for different functions.

[0126] It can also be understood that the AI nodes can be independent devices, can be integrated into the same device to implement different functions, or can be network elements in a hardware device, or can be software functions running on a dedicated hardware, or virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (for example, a cloud platform), and the specific form of the AI nodes is not limited in the present application.

[0127] The AI node can be an AI network element or an AI module.

[0128] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a possible application framework in a communication system. As shown in FIG. 2, the network elements in the communication system are connected through interfaces (for example, NG, Xn) or air interfaces. One or more AI modules (only one is shown in FIG. 2 for clarity) are arranged in one or more of the network element nodes, such as a core network device, an access network node (RAN node), a terminal, or an operations administration and maintenance (OAM) device. The access network node can be a single RAN node or can include multiple RAN nodes, for example, including a CU and a DU. The CU and / or the DU can also be provided with one or more AI modules. The CU can also be split into a CU-CP and a CU-UP, and the CU-CP and / or the CU-UP can be provided with one or more AI modules.

[0129] The AI module is used to implement corresponding AI functions. The AI modules deployed in different network elements can be the same or different. The model of the AI module can implement different functions according to different parameter configurations. The model of the AI module can be configured based on one or more of the following parameters: a structural parameter (for example, at least one of a number of neural network layers, a neural network width, a connection relationship between layers, a weight of a neuron, an activation function of a neuron, or a bias in the activation function), an input parameter (for example, a type of input parameter and / or a dimension of the input parameter), or an output parameter (for example, a type of output parameter and / or a dimension of the output parameter). The bias in the activation function can also be referred to as a bias of the neural network.

[0130] In one example, the neural network described above can be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), or a generative adversarial network (GAN).

[0131] A DNN is a type of artificial neural network architecture that has multiple layers of nonlinear transformation units stacked together in a hierarchical structure, forming a deep computational model. Compared to a shallow neural network, a DNN has more hidden layers, allowing the network model to capture more complex intrinsic structures of data and high-level abstract features.

[0132] A CNN is a type of DNN with a convolutional structure. A CNN includes a feature extractor composed of convolutional layers and subsampling layers. The feature extractor can be viewed as a filter, and the convolution process can be viewed as using a trainable filter to convolve with an input image or a convolutional feature map.

[0133] An RNN is a type of recursive neural network that takes sequence data as input, performs recursion in the evolution direction of the sequence, and connects all nodes (recurrent units) in a chain.

[0134] A GAN is a type of deep learning model. It is composed of a generator and a discriminator, and is trained through adversarial learning, with the goal of estimating the underlying distribution of data samples and generating new data samples.

[0135] An AI module can have one or more models. A model can infer an output, which includes a parameter or multiple parameters. The learning process, training process, or inference process of different models can be deployed in different nodes or devices, or can be deployed in the same node or device.

[0136] It can be understood that in addition to the AI module in the architecture of FIG. 2, other new functions such as perception and positioning can also be included, and there will be corresponding logic modules, which can be separate or integrated.

[0137] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of another possible application framework in a communication system. As shown in FIG. 3, a RAN intelligent controller (RIC) is included in the communication system. The RIC can be the AI module shown in FIG. 2, for example, to implement AI-related functions. The RIC includes a near-real time RIC (near-RT RIC) and a non-real time RIC (non-RT RIC). The non-RT RIC mainly processes non-real-time information, such as data that is not sensitive to latency, which can be on the order of seconds. The near-RT RIC mainly processes near-real-time information, such as data that is relatively sensitive to latency, which can be on the order of tens of milliseconds.

[0138] The near-RT RIC is used to perform model training and inference. For example, to train an AI model, and to perform inference using the AI model. The near-RT RIC can obtain network-side and / or terminal-side information from RAN nodes (such as CUs, CU-CPs, CU-UPs, DUs, and / or RUs) and / or terminals. The information can be used as training data or inference data. The inference result can be submitted to the RAN nodes and / or terminals by the near-RT RIC. The inference result can be exchanged between CUs and DUs, and / or between DUs and RUs. For example, the inference result is submitted to a DU by the near-RT RIC, and the DU sends it to an RU.

[0139] The non-RT RIC is also used to perform model training and inference. For example, to train an AI model, and to perform inference using the AI model. The non-RT RIC can obtain network-side and / or terminal-side information from RAN nodes (such as CUs, CU-CPs, CU-UPs, DUs, and / or RUs) and / or terminals. The information can be used as training data or inference data, and the inference result can be submitted to the RAN nodes and / or terminals. The inference result can be exchanged between CUs and DUs, and / or between DUs and RUs. For example, the inference result is submitted to a DU by the non-RT RIC, and the DU sends it to an RU.

[0140] The near-RT RIC and the non-RT RIC can also be separately set as a network element, respectively. The near-RT RIC and the non-RT RIC can also be part of other devices, for example, the near-RT RIC is set in a RAN node (such as a CU, a DU), and the non-RT RIC is set in an OAM, a cloud server, a core network device, or other network devices.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 4, a schematic diagram of a connection relationship of network elements on the access network side is shown. On the 5G access network side, a gNB can further include a CU and a DU. One CU can be connected to multiple DUs, but one DU can only be connected to one CU. The CU and the DU can be split according to the protocol stack. In one possible way, the radio resource control (RRC) layer, the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, and the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer are deployed in the CU, and the radio link control (RLC) layer, the media access control (MAC) layer, and the physical (PHY) layer are deployed in the DU. The CU and the DU are connected through an F1 interface. The CU is connected to the core network through an NG interface, and the CU is connected to other gNBs through an Xn interface. In actual deployment of a base station, in addition to the logical gNB composed of the CU and the DU, the base station also includes an RU. The RU is a hardware unit that includes part of the PHY layer function and an antenna, and is connected to the DU through a fronthaul (FH) interface. Similarly, one DU can be connected to multiple RUs, but one RU can only be connected to one DU. The signaling forwarding among the RU, the DU, and the CU is performed according to a fixed connection relationship.

[0142] Considering future fronthaul interface standardization, the RU is separated from the DU. In addition, for the service based architecture (SBA) requirement of the RAN, new functions such as AI, sensing, and positioning can be defined as independent network elements on the RAN side or can be integrated together as an SU on the RAN side. According to the above trend, the number of functional network elements on the RAN side will continue to increase. If the signaling interaction is still based on the existing fixed connection relationship, it will cause a problem similar to the signaling storm of the 3GPP protocol released 15 (R15) core network, which reduces the network efficiency and performance of the RAN side and ultimately affects the service experience of users.

[0143] Therefore, the application provides a communication scheme. When a first network element requests a second network element to provide a service, a request is sent to a third network element. The third network element sends the request to the second network element when receiving the request from the first network element. The service result of the second network element is also sent to the first network element through the third network element. The application constructs an access network signaling network architecture. The third network element is responsible for signaling interaction between network elements. The efficiency and robustness of signaling interaction on the access network side can be improved, and the network efficiency and performance can be improved.

[0144] As shown in FIG. 5, an architecture between network elements provided by the embodiment of the application is shown. The architecture includes a third network element 51, M first network elements 52, N second network elements 53, and Q fourth network elements 54. M, N, and Q are positive integers. M, N, and Q can be the same or different. The M first network elements 52, the N second network elements 53, and the Q fourth network elements 54 perform signaling (especially control plane (CP) signaling) interaction through the third network element 51.

[0145] The network elements described above can also be a logic unit of an access network device.

[0146] The second network elements 53 provide primary services, and the fourth network elements 54 provide backup services.

[0147] The M first network elements 52, the N second network elements 53, and the Q fourth network elements 54 can be collectively referred to as xU units. They are configured to provide at least one of the following functions: AI prediction function, AI computing function, sensing function, positioning calculation function, and communication function. The network element configured to provide the communication function includes at least one of the following: CU, DU, and RU. The CU is a logical node configured to carry data and / or signaling of at least one protocol stack in the radio resource control (RRC), service data adaption protocol (SDAP), and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) of an access network device. The DU is a logical node configured to carry data and / or signaling of at least one protocol stack in the radio link control (RLC), medium access control (MAC), and physical (PHY) layer of an access network device. The RU includes part of the physical layer function and is a hardware unit connected to an antenna. The SU is configured to provide at least one of the following functions: AI prediction function, AI computing function, and sensing function. The new functions, such as AI, sensing, and positioning, can be defined as independent network elements on the RAN side or integrated as an SU on the RAN side. The AI prediction function is configured to assist in improving communication performance. The AI computing function is configured to help the terminal or network complete the AI computing task. The sensing function is configured to generate at least the sensing point cloud information and provide the sensing object information. The positioning calculation function is configured to calculate the position information of the terminal, which can be accurate to latitude, longitude, and altitude.

[0148] Further, the third network element 51 stores the context of communication between network elements, such as the communication context between the network elements and the terminal, and the context of services provided by some network elements, such as sensing, positioning calculation, AI prediction, and AI computing.

[0149] As shown in FIG. 6A, the architecture between the network elements of a specific example provided by the embodiment of the application is shown in FIG. 6A. The architecture is a reference point-based architecture between network elements. Under this architecture, the third network element can be the RAN communication proxy (RCP) and the RAN data repository (RDR). For example, the RDR can be combined with the RCP function in terms of function implementation, that is, the RDR and the RCP can be the same network element, as shown in FIG. 6A. The RDR can be separately provided from the RCP function in terms of function implementation. The RDR and the RCP can also be located in a certain xU.

[0150] The RCP is responsible for indirect communication between the xUs, mainly control plane signaling. User / data plane data can be transmitted directly between the xUs, or indirectly via the RCP.

[0151] The RCP is also used for access network function / service discovery, signaling routing / caching, overload control, load balancing, etc.

[0152] The RCP is also responsible for signaling security. A security gateway (SeGW) can be deployed on the RCP, and signaling between the xUs can be encrypted based on internet protocol security (IPSec) and then transmitted by the RCP.

[0153] It can be understood that the RCP can also be other names, and can refer to a network element or logical node suitable for the above architecture and having the above at least one function. The name of the RCP is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0154] The RDR is responsible for unified storage and management of data, such as storage and management of terminal / service (providing awareness, positioning, AI prediction, AI calculation, etc.) context, service data, and xU configuration information. The xU can place / backup data to the RDR for storage, or store the data locally, and the former xU needs to obtain data from the RDR, and the latter xU needs to relay the data to the target xU through the RCP.

[0155] It can be understood that the RDR can also be other names, and can refer to a network element or logical node suitable for the above architecture and having the above at least one function. The name of the RDR is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0156] As shown in FIG. 6B, FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram of an architecture between network elements according to another specific example provided by the embodiments of the present application. The architecture is different from the architecture of FIG. 6A in that the architecture is a bus-based architecture.

[0157] As shown in FIG. 6C, FIG. 6C is a schematic diagram of an architecture between network elements according to another specific example provided by the embodiments of the present application. The architecture is different from the architecture of FIG. 6A in that the architecture is an O-RAN-based access network signaling network architecture. The near real-time / non-real-time RIC is responsible for indirect communication between the xUs, mainly indirect communication between the xUs, mainly control plane signaling, and unified storage and management of data, such as storage and management of terminal / service (providing awareness, positioning, AI prediction, AI calculation, etc.) context, service data, and xU configuration information.

[0158] As shown in FIG. 6D, FIG. 6D is a schematic diagram of an architecture between network elements according to another specific example of the embodiments of the present application. The architecture is different from the architecture of FIG. 6C in that the architecture is a bus-based architecture.

[0159] As shown in FIG. 7A, FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram of an interface protocol stack of network elements according to the embodiments of the present application. The interface between network elements can be a protocol stack of an Xn F1 interface. For example, in the architecture of FIG. 6A, the CU communicates with the RCP through an Fz interface, and the CU can access the CU / DU / RU / SU through the Fz interface and the RCP; the RU communicates with the RCP through an Fy interface, and the RU can access the CU / DU / RU / SU through the Fy interface and the RCP; the DU communicates with the RCP through an Fx interface, and the DU can access the CU / DU / RU / SU through the Fx interface and the RCP; and the SU communicates with the RCP through an Fs interface, and the SU can access the CU / DU / RU / SU through the Fs interface and the RCP.

[0160] As shown in FIG. 7B, FIG. 7B is another schematic diagram of an interface protocol stack of network elements according to the embodiments of the present application. The interface between network elements can be a service interface protocol stack of hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) 2 / 3.

[0161] As shown in FIG. 8, FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a flow of a communication method according to the embodiments of the present application. The method can include the following steps.

[0162] S801a. The first network element sends a second request message to the third network element.

[0163] S801b. The second network element sends a second request message to the third network element.

[0164] Correspondingly, the third network element receives the second request message.

[0165] The second request message is used to request registration to the third network element. The third network element registers the first network element and the second network element in the third network element.

[0166] The first network element and the second network element can be an independent network element or a logical node in an access network device. For example, the first network element and the second network element can be any one of a CU, a DU, a RU, and a SU.

[0167] The second request message sent by the first network element includes an identifier of the first network element. The identifier of the first network element is used to uniquely identify the first network element.

[0168] The second request message sent by the second network element includes an identifier of the second network element. The identifier of the second network element is used to uniquely identify the second network element.

[0169] Further, the second request message can further comprise capability information of the first network element / second network element, such as supported public land mobile network (PLMN), network slice, sensing capability, etc.

[0170] Further, the second request information is further used to indicate that the first network element and / or the second network element are associated with at least one fourth network element, which can comprise the second network element and / or the first network element. The second network element provides a primary service, and the at least one fourth network element provides a backup service. Exemplarily, the backup service can comprise the primary service, and can further comprise more services. For example, the second request message can further comprise binding information with other xUs. The binding information is used for subsequent xU discovery and signaling routing forwarding. The binding information comprises an identification of a primary xU providing a primary service and an identification of a backup xU, which can be a connection relationship inherent to the CU and the DU. Based on the binding information, the third network element preferentially performs signaling interaction with the xU corresponding to the identification of the primary xU, and the xU corresponding to the identification of the backup xU serves as a flexible backup. When the primary xU fails, the RCP can forward the signaling to the backup xU, and then continue to complete the service, thereby guaranteeing the stability of the network. The binding information can also be preconfigured in each xU by an operation administration and maintenance (OAM) manner.

[0171] The information of the first network element and the second network element described above can also be provided to the third network element by an OAM manner, and therefore, the steps S801a and S801b are optional steps, which are represented by dashed lines in the figure.

[0172] S802. The first network element sends a third request message to the third network element.

[0173] Correspondingly, the third network element receives the third request message.

[0174] In the embodiment, the first network element requests the second network element to provide a service, and the first network element can first request the second network element to reserve resources. Therefore, the first network element sends a third request message to the third network element. The third request message comprises service capability parameters required to be supported by the second network element. The service capability parameters refer to service related parameters, and refer to the capability required to be possessed by the second network element for providing the service for the first network element.

[0175] Further, the third request message can further include the binding information.

[0176] S803. The third network element sends a third request message to the second network element.

[0177] Correspondingly, the second network element receives the third request message.

[0178] After receiving the third request message, the third network element can select a suitable second network element based on the service capability parameter, and then forwards the third request message to the selected second network element (i.e. target network element). The content of the third request message can refer to the description above.

[0179] S804. The second network element sends a second response message to the third network element.

[0180] Correspondingly, the third network element receives the second response message.

[0181] After receiving the third request message, the second network element reserves resources for the request of the first network element based on the service capability parameter, and sends a second response message to the third network element. The second response message is used to indicate the resources reserved based on the service capability parameter. Exemplarily, the resources can be the address of a uniform resource locator (URL). The second response message can include the identifier of the second network element and the address information of the URL.

[0182] S805. The third network element sends the second response message to the first network element.

[0183] Correspondingly, the first network element receives the second response message.

[0184] After receiving the second response message, the third network element sends the second response message to the first network element. The content of the second response message can refer to the description above.

[0185] The service capability parameter can be pre-configured in each network element by the OAM, therefore, the steps S802-S805 are optional steps, which are represented by dashed lines in the figure.

[0186] S806. The first network element sends a first request message to the third network element.

[0187] Correspondingly, the third network element receives the first request message.

[0188] After the third network element obtains the registration information of the first network element and the second network element, and the second network element reserves resources for providing services for the first network element, the first network element can send a first request message to the third network element. The first request message is used to request the second network element to provide services, and the first request message includes the identifier of the first network element and the identifier of the second network element.

[0189] Exemplarily, the service can be at least one of AI prediction, AI calculation, perception, positioning calculation, communication, etc.

[0190] For example, the second network element is an SU, the SU is configured to provide an AI prediction function, and the first request message is configured to request the SU to provide an AI prediction service; or

[0191] The second network element is an SU, the SU is configured to provide an AI calculation function, and the first request message is configured to request the SU to provide an AI calculation service; or

[0192] The second network element is an SU, the SU is configured to provide a perception function, and the first request message is configured to request the SU to provide a perception service; or

[0193] The second network element is an SU, the SU is configured to provide a positioning calculation function, and the first request message is configured to request the SU to provide a positioning calculation service; or

[0194] The second network element is a CU, a DU, or an RU, the CU, the DU, or the RU is configured to provide a communication service, and the first request message is configured to request the CU, the DU, or the RU to provide a communication service.

[0195] Exemplarily, the first request message can be an encrypted message. The first request message can be in plaintext or in a container.

[0196] S807. The third network element sends the first request message to the second network element.

[0197] Correspondingly, the second network element receives the first request message.

[0198] After receiving the first request message, the third network element sends the first request message to the target network element (i.e., the second network element). The content of the first request message can refer to the description above.

[0199] S808. The second network element sends a first response message to the third network element.

[0200] Correspondingly, the third network element receives the first response message.

[0201] After receiving the first request message, the second network element provides a corresponding service for the first network element based on the service requested by the first request message, and sends a first response message to the third network element. The first response message is configured to indicate a first service result, and the first response message includes an identifier of the first network element and an identifier of the second network element.

[0202] Exemplarily, when the first network element requests to provide the AI prediction service, the first service result can be an AI prediction result; when the first network element requests to provide the AI computing service, the first service result can be an AI computing result; when the first network element requests to provide the perception service, the first service result can be a perception result; when the first network element requests to provide the positioning solution service, the first service result can be a positioning solution result; when the first network element requests to provide the communication service, the first service result can be a communication result, signaling acquired by communication, and the like.

[0203] Exemplarily, the first response message can be a message after encryption, and the first response message can be in plaintext or in a container.

[0204] S809. The third network element sends a first response message to the first network element.

[0205] Correspondingly, the first network element receives the first response message.

[0206] After receiving the first response message, the third network element forwards the first response message to the first network element. The content of the first response message can be referred to the description above.

[0207] Exemplarily, the interaction between the third network element and the first network element and the second network element can be forwarding a message based on the identification of the first network element and the second network element, or can be based on the internet protocol (IP) forwarding.

[0208] According to the communication method provided by the embodiment of the application, in the case that the first network element requests the second network element to provide a service, a request can be sent to the third network element, the third network element sends the request to the second network element when receiving the request of the first network element, and the service result of the second network element is also sent to the first network element through the third network element. The application constructs an access network signaling network architecture, and the third network element is responsible for the signaling interaction between network elements, which can improve the efficiency and robustness of the signaling interaction on the access network side, and further improve the network efficiency and performance.

[0209] The above embodiment is further described below taking the architecture shown in FIG. 6A as an example:

[0210] As shown in FIG. 9, it is a flowchart of another communication method provided by the embodiment of the application. Exemplarily, the method can include the following steps:

[0211] S901a. The source xU sends a second request message to the RCP (RDR).

[0212] S901b. The target xU sends a second request message to the RCP (RDR).

[0213] Correspondingly, the RCP (RDR) receives the second request message.

[0214] The second request message is used to request registration to the RCP (RDR). The RCP (RDR) registers the source xU and the target xU in the RCP (RDR). Exemplarily, the second request message can be a RAN service registration message.

[0215] The source xU and the target xU can be an independent network element or a logical node in the access network device. Exemplarily, the source xU and the target xU can be any one of a CU, a DU, an RU, and an SU. In FIG. 9, the source xU is taken as the DU and the target xU is taken as the CU as an example for description.

[0216] The specific implementation of steps S901a and S901b can refer to the description of steps S801a and S801b in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0217] S902. The source xU sends a third request message to the RCP (RDR).

[0218] Correspondingly, the RCP (RDR) receives the third request message.

[0219] In this embodiment, the source xU requests the target xU to provide a service, and the source xU can first request the target xU to reserve resources. Therefore, the source xU sends a third request message to the RCP (RDR). The third request message includes a service capability parameter that needs to be supported by the target xU.

[0220] The specific implementation of step S902 can refer to the description of step S802 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0221] Exemplarily, the third request message can be a RAN service discovery request.

[0222] S903. The RCP (RDR) sends the third request message to the target xU.

[0223] Correspondingly, the target xU receives the third request message.

[0224] After the RCP (RDR) receives the third request message, the RCP (RDR) can select a suitable target xU based on the service capability parameter, and then forward the third request message to the selected target xU (i.e., the target network element). The content of the third request message can refer to the description above.

[0225] S904. The target xU sends a second response message to the RCP (RDR).

[0226] Correspondingly, the RCP (RDR) receives the second response message.

[0227] After receiving the third request message, the target xU performs resource reservation for the request of the source xU based on the service capability parameter, and sends a second response message to the RCP (RDR). The second response message is used to indicate the reserved resource based on the service capability parameter.

[0228] The specific implementation of the step S904 can refer to the description of the step S804 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, and will not be described here.

[0229] S905. The RCP (RDR) sends a second response message to the source xU.

[0230] Correspondingly, the source xU receives the second response message.

[0231] After receiving the second response message, the RCP (RDR) sends a second response message to the source xU. The content of the second response message can refer to the description above.

[0232] Exemplarily, the second response message can be a RAN service discovery response.

[0233] The service capability parameter can be preconfigured in each network element by the OAM, and therefore, the steps S902-S905 are optional steps, which are represented by dashed lines in the figure.

[0234] S906. The source xU sends a first request message to the RCP (RDR).

[0235] Correspondingly, the RCP (RDR) receives the first request message.

[0236] After the RCP (RDR) obtains the registration information of the source xU and the target xU, and the target xU reserves the resource for providing the service for the source xU, the source xU can send a first request message to the RCP (RDR). The first request message is used to request the target xU to provide the service, and the first request message includes the identifier of the source xU and the identifier of the target xU.

[0237] Exemplarily, the service can be at least one of AI prediction, AI calculation, perception, positioning calculation, communication, etc.

[0238] Exemplarily, the first request message can be in plaintext or in a container.

[0239] S907. The RCP (RDR) sends a first request message to the target xU.

[0240] Correspondingly, the target xU receives the first request message.

[0241] After receiving the first request message, the RCP (RDR) sends the first request message to the target network element (i.e., the target xU). The content of the first request message can refer to the description above.

[0242] Exemplarily, the first request message can be an F1AP message.

[0243] S908. The target xU sends a first response message to the RCP (RDR).

[0244] Correspondingly, the RCP (RDR) receives the first response message.

[0245] After receiving the first request message, the target xU provides the corresponding service for the source xU based on the service requested by the first request message, and sends a first response message to the RCP (RDR). The first response message is used to indicate the first service result, and the first response message includes the identifier of the source xU and the identifier of the target xU.

[0246] The specific implementation of the step S909 can refer to the description of the step S808 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, which will not be described here.

[0247] Exemplarily, the first response message can also be an F1AP message.

[0248] S909. The RCP (RDR) sends the first response message to the source xU.

[0249] Correspondingly, the source xU receives the first response message.

[0250] After receiving the first response message, the RCP (RDR) forwards the first response message to the source xU. The content of the first response message can refer to the description above.

[0251] Exemplarily, the interaction between the RCP (RDR) and the source xU and the target xU can be message forwarding based on the identifier of the source xU and the target xU, or can be IP-based forwarding.

[0252] According to the communication method provided by the embodiment of the application, in the case that the source xU requests the target xU to provide a service, a request can be sent to the RCP (RDR), the RCP (RDR) sends the request to the target xU when receiving the request of the source xU, and the service result of the target xU is also sent to the source xU through the RCP (RDR). The application constructs an access network signaling network architecture, and the RCP (RDR) is responsible for the signaling interaction between network elements, which can improve the efficiency and robustness of the signaling interaction on the access network side, and further improve the network efficiency and performance.

[0253] The above embodiments are further described below taking the architecture shown in FIG. 6C or FIG. 6D as an example:

[0254] As shown in FIG. 10, a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown. The method can include the following steps:

[0255] S1001a. The source xU sends a second request message to the RIC.

[0256] S1001b. The target xU sends a second request message to the RIC.

[0257] Correspondingly, the RIC receives the second request message.

[0258] The second request message is used to request registration to the RIC. The RIC registers the source xU and the target xU in the RIC. The second request message can be an access network service registration message.

[0259] The source xU and the target xU can be an independent network element or a logical node in an access network device. The source xU and the target xU can be any one of a CU, a DU, an RU, and an SU. In FIG. 10, the source xU is taken as the DU and the target xU is taken as the CU as an example.

[0260] The specific implementation of steps S1001a and S1001b can refer to the description of steps S801a and S801b of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, which will not be described here.

[0261] S1002. The source xU sends a third request message to the RIC.

[0262] Correspondingly, the RIC receives the third request message.

[0263] In this embodiment, the source xU requests the target xU to provide a service. The source xU can first request the target xU to reserve resources. Therefore, the source xU sends a third request message to the RIC. The third request message includes a service capability parameter that needs to be supported by the target xU.

[0264] The specific implementation of step S1002 can refer to the description of step S802 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, which will not be described here.

[0265] The third request message can be an access network service discovery request.

[0266] S1003. The RIC sends the third request message to the target xU.

[0267] Correspondingly, the target xU receives the third request message.

[0268] After receiving the third request message, the RIC can select a target xU based on the service capability parameter, and then forward the third request message to the selected target xU (i.e., target network element). The content of the third request message can refer to the description above.

[0269] S1004. The target xU sends a second response message to the RIC.

[0270] Correspondingly, the RIC receives the second response message.

[0271] After receiving the third request message, the target xU performs resource reservation based on the service capability parameter for the request of the source xU, and sends a second response message to the RIC. The second response message is used to indicate the reserved resources based on the service capability parameter.

[0272] The specific implementation of the step S1004 can refer to the description of the step S804 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, and will not be described here.

[0273] S1005. The RIC sends a second response message to the source xU.

[0274] Correspondingly, the source xU receives the second response message.

[0275] After receiving the second response message, the RIC sends a second response message to the source xU. The content of the second response message can refer to the description above.

[0276] Exemplarily, the second response message can be an access network service discovery response.

[0277] The service capability parameter can be preconfigured in each network element by the OAM, so the steps S1002-S1005 are optional steps, which are represented by dashed lines in the figure.

[0278] S1006. The source xU sends a first request message to the RIC.

[0279] Correspondingly, the RIC receives the first request message.

[0280] After the RIC obtains the registration information of the source xU and the target xU, and the target xU reserves resources for the source xU to provide services, the source xU can send a first request message to the RIC. The first request message is used to request the target xU to provide services, and the first request message includes the identifier of the source xU and the identifier of the target xU.

[0281] Exemplarily, the service can be at least one of AI prediction, AI calculation, perception, positioning calculation, communication, etc.

[0282] Exemplarily, the first request message can be in plaintext or in a container.

[0283] S1007. The RIC sends a first request message to the target xU.

[0284] Correspondingly, the target xU receives the first request message.

[0285] After the RIC receives the first request message, the RIC sends the first request message to the target network element (i.e., the target xU). The content of the first request message can refer to the description above.

[0286] Exemplarily, the first request message can be an F1AP message.

[0287] S1008. The target xU sends a first response message to the RIC.

[0288] Correspondingly, the RIC receives the first response message.

[0289] After the target xU receives the first request message, the target xU provides the corresponding service for the source xU based on the service requested by the first request message, and sends a first response message to the RIC. The first response message is used to indicate the first service result, and the first response message includes the identifier of the source xU and the identifier of the target xU.

[0290] The specific implementation of the step S1008 can refer to the description of the step S808 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, and will not be described here.

[0291] Exemplarily, the first response message can also be an F1AP message.

[0292] S1009. The RIC sends the first response message to the source xU.

[0293] Correspondingly, the source xU receives the first response message.

[0294] After the RIC receives the first response message, the RIC forwards the first response message to the source xU. The content of the first response message can refer to the description above.

[0295] Exemplarily, the interaction between the RIC and the source xU and the target xU can be forwarding messages based on the identifiers of the source xU and the target xU, or can be IP forwarding.

[0296] According to the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application, in the case that the source xU requests the target xU to provide a service, a request can be sent to the RIC. When the RIC receives the request of the source xU, the RIC sends the request to the target xU, and the service result of the target xU is also sent to the source xU through the RIC. The present application constructs an access network signaling network architecture, and the RIC is responsible for the signaling interaction between network elements, which can improve the efficiency and robustness of the signaling interaction on the access network side, and further improve the network efficiency and performance.

[0297] The above Figs. 8 and 9 further describe embodiments of the present application based on exemplary architectures. It can be appreciated that the principles of the present application can be applied to similar architectures in the future.

[0298] In the above embodiments, the first network element requests the second network element to provide the service, however, in the case that the second network element fails and is down, how to provide continuous service will be described in the following embodiments:

[0299] As shown in Fig. 11, a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown. Exemplarily, the method can include the following steps:

[0300] S1101. The first network element sends a first request message to a third network element.

[0301] Correspondingly, the third network element receives the first request message.

[0302] The first request message is used to request the second network element to provide the service, and the first request message includes the identification of the first network element and the identification of the second network element.

[0303] The specific implementation of this step can refer to step S806 of the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, which will not be described here.

[0304] S1102. The third network element sends the first request message to the second network element.

[0305] Correspondingly, the second network element receives the first request message.

[0306] The specific implementation of this step can refer to step S807 of the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, which will not be described here.

[0307] S1103. The second network element sends a first response message to the third network element.

[0308] Correspondingly, the third network element receives the first response message.

[0309] The first response message is used to indicate the first service result, and the first response message includes the identification of the first network element and the identification of the second network element.

[0310] The specific implementation of this step can refer to step S808 of the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, which will not be described here.

[0311] S1104. The third network element sends the first response message to the first network element.

[0312] Correspondingly, the first network element receives the first response message.

[0313] The specific implementation of this step can refer to step S809 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, and will not be described here again.

[0314] S1105. The third network element correspondingly saves the context of the communication between the first network element and the second network element based on the identification of the first network element and the identification of the second network element.

[0315] The third network element correspondingly saves the context of the communication between the first network element and the second network element based on the identification of the first network element and the identification of the second network element in the process of or after executing steps S1101-S1104.

[0316] The second network element breaks down. The breakdown here can also be understood as a link failure between the third network element and the second network element.

[0317] S1106. The first network element sends a fourth request message to the third network element.

[0318] Correspondingly, the third network element receives the fourth request message.

[0319] The fourth request message is used to request the second network element to provide a service, and the first request message includes the identification of the first network element and the identification of the second network element.

[0320] The specific implementation of this step can refer to step S806 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 or step S1101 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, and will not be described here again.

[0321] S1107. In the case where the third network element acquires that the second network element breaks down, the third network element sends a fifth request message to a fifth network element.

[0322] Correspondingly, the fifth network element receives the fifth request message.

[0323] In the case where the third network element acquires that the second network element breaks down, the third network element reselects a target xU, i.e., the fifth network element, which can be one of the at least one fourth network element. Exemplarily, the third network element can select the fifth network element based on the identification of the alternative xU carried in the first request message or the binding relationship. The fifth network element can be a network element that provides similar services to the first-preferred xU, in addition to which, it can also be a network element that is physically close to the first network element, etc. The fifth request message is used to request the fifth network element to provide a service. The fifth request message includes the identification of the first network element and the identification of the fifth network element.

[0324] S1108. The fifth network element acquires the context of the communication between the first network element and the second network element.

[0325] The fifth network element receives the fifth request message, and can obtain the context of the communication between the first network element and the second network element based on the identifier of the first network element.

[0326] S1109. The fifth network element sends a third response message to the third network element.

[0327] Correspondingly, the third network element receives the third response message.

[0328] The third response message is used to indicate the second service result. The third response message includes the identifier of the first network element and the identifier of the fifth network element.

[0329] The specific implementation of this step can refer to step S808 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 or step S1103 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, which will not be described here again.

[0330] S1110. The third network element sends a third response message to the first network element.

[0331] Correspondingly, the first network element receives the third response message.

[0332] The specific implementation of this step can refer to step S809 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 or step S1104 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, which will not be described here again.

[0333] According to the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application, the first network element requests the second network element to provide services through the third network element. In the case that the second network element fails and is down, the third network element can reselect a target network element and continue to request the target network element to provide services for the first network element, thereby improving the robustness of the signaling communication on the access network side and further improving the stability of the network.

[0334] The architecture shown in FIG. 6B is taken as an example for description:

[0335] As shown in FIG. 12, it is a flowchart of another communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application. The method can include the following steps:

[0336] S1201. The source xU sends a first request message to the RCP.

[0337] Correspondingly, the RCP receives the first request message.

[0338] The first request message is used to request a preferred xU to provide services. The first request message includes the identifier of the source xU and the identifier of the preferred xU. Further, the identifier of a backup xU can also be included. In this embodiment, the source xU can be a DU, the preferred xU can be a CU1, and the backup xU can be a CU2.

[0339] The specific implementation of this step can refer to step S806 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, and will not be described here again.

[0340] S1202. The RCP sends a first request message to the preferred xU.

[0341] Correspondingly, the preferred xU receives the first request message.

[0342] The specific implementation of this step can refer to step S807 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, and will not be described here again.

[0343] S1203. The preferred xU sends a first response message to the RCP.

[0344] Correspondingly, the RCP receives the first response message.

[0345] The first response message is used to indicate a first service result, and the first response message includes an identity of the source xU and an identity of the preferred xU.

[0346] The specific implementation of this step can refer to step S808 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, and will not be described here again.

[0347] S1204. The RCP sends the first response message to the source xU.

[0348] Correspondingly, the source xU receives the first response message.

[0349] The specific implementation of this step can refer to step S809 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, and will not be described here again.

[0350] The RCP can alternatively perform the following steps S1205a or S1205b to save the context of the communication between the source xU and the preferred xU:

[0351] S1205a. The RCP saves the context of the communication between the source xU and the preferred xU to the alternative xU.

[0352] The alternative xU can be the at least one fourth network element.

[0353] S1205b. The RCP saves the context of the communication between the source xU and the preferred xU to the RDR.

[0354] The RCP saves the context of the communication between the source xU and the preferred xU to the alternative xU or the RDR based on the identity of the source xU, the identity of the preferred xU, and / or the identity of the alternative xU during or after performing the above steps S1201-S1204. In the saving process, the identity of the DU and the CU1, and the context are carried.

[0355] Exemplarily, the backup of the context described above can be periodic; or can be triggered based on an event, for example, the DU communicates with the CU1, and then the context is backed up into the CU2 or the RDR.

[0356] The preferred xU fails and is down.

[0357] S1206. The source xU sends a fourth request message to the RCP.

[0358] Correspondingly, the RCP receives the fourth request message.

[0359] The fourth request message is used to request the preferred xU to provide services, and the first request message includes the identification of the source xU and the identification of the preferred xU.

[0360] The specific implementation of this step can refer to step S806 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 or step S1101 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, which will not be described here again.

[0361] S1207. In the case where the RCP obtains that the preferred xU fails and is down, the RCP sends a fifth request message to the alternative xU.

[0362] Correspondingly, the alternative xU receives the fifth request message.

[0363] In the case where the RCP obtains that the preferred xU fails and is down, the RCP reselects the target Xu, i.e., the alternative xU, which can be one of the at least one fourth network element described above. The fifth request message is used to request the alternative xU to provide services. The fifth request message includes the identification of the source xU and the identification of the alternative xU.

[0364] Corresponding to the two ways of saving the context by the RCP described above, the RCP can obtain the context by the following ways:

[0365] S1208a. The RCP obtains the context of the communication between the source xU and the preferred xU from the alternative xU.

[0366] S1208b. The RCP obtains the context of the communication between the source xU and the preferred xU from the RDR.

[0367] After the RCP receives the fifth request message described above, the RCP can obtain the context of the communication between the source xU and the preferred xU.

[0368] Exemplarily, in the case where the context is saved in the alternative xU, the RCP can obtain the context from the alternative xU; in the case where the context is saved in the RDR, the RCP can obtain the context from the RDR.

[0369] After the RCP obtains the context, the RCP re-establishes the context of the communication between the source xU and the alternative xU on the alternative xU based on the identifier of the alternative xU or based on the binding relationship.

[0370] S1209. The RCP sends a sixth request message to the alternative xU.

[0371] Correspondingly, the alternative xU receives the sixth request message.

[0372] The sixth request message is different from the fifth request message in that the sixth request message further includes the context of the communication between the source xU and the preferred xU.

[0373] S1210. The alternative xU sends a third response message to the RCP.

[0374] Correspondingly, the RCP receives the third response message.

[0375] The third response message is used to indicate the second service result. The third response message includes the identifier of the source xU and the identifier of the alternative xU.

[0376] The specific implementation of this step can refer to step S808 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 or step S1103 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, and will not be described here again.

[0377] S1211. The RCP sends a third response message to the source xU.

[0378] Correspondingly, the source xU receives the third response message.

[0379] The specific implementation of this step can refer to step S809 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 or step S1104 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, and will not be described here again.

[0380] According to the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application, the source xU requests the preferred xU to provide a service through the RCP. In the case where the preferred xU fails and is down, the RCP can reselect a target network element and continue to request the target network element to provide the service for the source xU, thereby improving the robustness of the signaling communication on the access network side and further improving the stability of the network.

[0381] In the present application, "sending information" can be understood as that a device sends information to another device, or can also be understood as that a logical module in a device sends information to another logical module. For example, "the access network device sends information" can be understood as that the access network device sends information to another device (such as a terminal), or can be understood as that a logical module 1 in the access network device sends information to a logical module 2 in the access network device.

[0382] In the present application, "receiving information" can be understood as a device receiving information from another device, or can also be understood as a logical module inside a device receiving information from another logical module. For example, "the access network device receiving information" can be understood as the access network device receiving information from another device (such as a terminal), or can be understood as a logical module 1 in the access network device receiving information from a logical module 2 in the access network device.

[0383] In the present application, "sending information to (for example, a terminal)" or related illustrations in the drawings can be understood as that the destination of the information is the terminal. It can include directly or indirectly sending information to the terminal. "Receiving information from (for example, a terminal)" or "receiving information from (for example, a terminal)" or "receiving information sent by (for example, a terminal)", or related illustrations in the drawings can be understood as that the source of the information is the terminal, and can include directly or indirectly receiving information from the terminal. The information can be processed as necessary between the source and the destination of the information, such as format change, etc., but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in the present application can be similarly understood, and will not be repeated here.

[0384] FIG. 13 shows a possible exemplary block diagram of a communication apparatus involved in the embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG. 13, the communication apparatus 1300 can include modules or units for implementing the above-mentioned method embodiments. In a possible design, the communication apparatus 1300 includes a processing unit 1302 and a communication unit 1303. Optionally, the communication apparatus 1300 can further include a storage unit 1301 (indicated by a dashed line in the figure) for storing apparatus program code and / or data.

[0385] The communication apparatus 1300 can be a network side device in the above-mentioned embodiments, for example, a third network element or a communication module in the third network element, or a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in the third network element.

[0386] For example, in one embodiment, the communication unit 1303 is configured to receive a first request message from a first network element, the first request message being used to request a second network element to provide a service, the first request message including an identifier of the first network element and an identifier of the second network element; the communication unit 1303 is further configured to send the first request message to the second network element; the communication unit 1303 is further configured to receive a first response message from the second network element, the first response message being used to indicate a first service result, the first response message including the identifier of the first network element and the identifier of the second network element; and the communication unit 1303 is further configured to send the first response message to the first network element.

[0387] In an example, the communication unit 1303 is further configured to receive a second request message from the first network element and / or the second network element, the second request message being used to request registration to the communication apparatus 1300, the second request message comprising the identity of the first network element and / or the identity of the second network element.

[0388] In another example, the second request message is further used to indicate that the first network element and / or the second network element is associated with at least one fourth network element, the at least one fourth network element comprising the second network element and / or the first network element.

[0389] In yet another example, the second network element provides a primary service, and the at least one fourth network element provides a backup service.

[0390] In yet another example, the communication unit 1303 is further configured to receive a third request message from the first network element, the third request message comprising a service capability parameter that needs to be supported by the second network element; the communication unit 1303 is further configured to send the third request message to the second network element; the communication unit 1303 is further configured to receive a second response message from the second network element, the second response message being used to indicate reserved resources based on the service capability parameter; and the communication unit 1303 is further configured to send the second response message to the first network element.

[0391] In yet another example, the first request message further comprises an identity of a fifth network element, and the at least one fourth network element comprises the fifth network element; the communication unit 1303 is further configured to receive a fourth request message from the first network element, the fourth request message being used to request the second network element to provide a service, the first request message comprising the identity of the first network element and the identity of the second network element; the communication unit 1303 is further configured to send a fifth request message to the fifth network element in a case where the second network element fails and goes down, the fifth request message being used to request the fifth network element to provide the service, the fifth request message comprising the identity of the first network element and the identity of the fifth network element; the communication unit 1303 is further configured to receive a third response message from the fifth network element, the third response message being used to indicate a second service result, the third response message comprising the identity of the first network element and the identity of the fifth network element; and the communication unit 1303 is further configured to send the third response message to the first network element.

[0392] In yet another example, the processing unit 1302 is configured to save a context of communication between the first network element and the second network element based on the identity of the first network element and the identity of the second network element.

[0393] In yet another example, the communication unit 1303 is further configured to send a first message to the fifth network element, the first message comprising the identity of the first network element, the identity of the second network element, and the context of communication between the first network element and the second network element.

[0394] In yet another possible design, the first network element or the second network element is configured to provide at least one of the following: an AI prediction function, an AI computation function, a perception function, a positioning computation function, a communication function.

[0395] In yet another possible design, the second network element is an SU, the SU is configured to provide an AI prediction function, and the first request message is configured to request the SU to provide an AI prediction service; or the second network element is an SU, the SU is configured to provide an AI computation function, and the first request message is configured to request the SU to provide an AI computation service; or the second network element is an SU, the SU is configured to provide a perception function, and the first request message is configured to request the SU to provide a perception service; or the second network element is an SU, the SU is configured to provide a positioning computation function, and the first request message is configured to request the SU to provide a positioning computation service; or the second network element is a CU, a DU, or an RU, the CU, the DU, or the RU is configured to provide a communication service, and the first request message is configured to request the CU, the DU, or the RU to provide the communication service.

[0396] In yet another possible design, the first request message and / or the first response message is an encrypted message.

[0397] The communication apparatus 1300 can be a network side device in the above-described embodiments, e.g., a first network element or a communication module in the first network element, or a circuit or a chip responsible for a communication function in the first network element.

[0398] For example, in an embodiment, the communication unit 1303 is configured to send, to a third network element, a first request message, the first request message being configured to request a second network element to provide a service, the first request message including an identity of the communication apparatus 1300 and an identity of the second network element; and the communication unit 1303 is further configured to receive, from the third network element, a first response message, the first response message being configured to indicate a first service result, the first response message including the identity of the communication apparatus 1300 and the identity of the second network element.

[0399] In a possible design, the communication unit 1303 is further configured to send, to the third network element, a second request message, the second request message being configured to request registration to the third network element, the second request message including the identity of the communication apparatus 1300.

[0400] In another possible design, the second request message is further configured to indicate that the communication apparatus 1300 and / or the second network element is associated with at least one fourth network element, the at least one fourth network element including the second network element and / or the communication apparatus 1300.

[0401] In yet another possible design, the second network element provides a primary service, and the at least one fourth network element provides a backup service.

[0402] In another possible design, the communication unit 1303 is further configured to send, to a third network element, a third request message including a service capability parameter that the second network element needs to support, and the communication unit 1303 is further configured to receive, from the third network element, a second response message indicating resources reserved based on the service capability parameter.

[0403] In another possible design, the communication apparatus 1300 is configured to provide at least one of the following: an AI prediction function, an AI calculation function, a perception function, a positioning calculation function, and a communication function.

[0404] In another possible design, the first request message and / or the first response message is an encrypted message.

[0405] The communication apparatus 1300 can be a network side device in the above-described embodiments, e.g., a second network element or a communication module in the second network element, or a circuit or chip responsible for a communication function in the second network element.

[0406] For example, in an embodiment, the communication unit 1303 is configured to receive, from a third network element, a first request message for requesting the communication apparatus 1300 to provide a service, the first request message including an identity of the first network element and an identity of the communication apparatus 1300, and the communication unit 1303 is further configured to send, to the third network element, a first response message indicating a first service result, the first response message including the identity of the first network element and the identity of the communication apparatus 1300.

[0407] In a possible design, the communication unit 1303 is further configured to send, to the third network element, a second request message for requesting registration to the third network element, the second request message including the identity of the communication apparatus 1300.

[0408] In another possible design, the second request message further indicates that the first network element and / or the communication apparatus 1300 is associated with at least one fourth network element, and the at least one fourth network element includes the communication apparatus 1300 and / or the first network element.

[0409] In another possible design, the communication apparatus 1300 provides a primary service, and the at least one fourth network element provides a backup service.

[0410] In another possible design, the communication unit 1303 is further configured to receive, from the third network element, a third request message including a service capability parameter that the communication apparatus 1300 needs to support, and the communication unit 1303 is further configured to send, to the third network element, a second response message indicating resources reserved based on the service capability parameter.

[0411] In yet another possible design, the communication apparatus 1300 is configured to provide at least one of the following: an AI prediction function, an AI computing function, a perception function, a positioning calculation function, and a communication function.

[0412] In yet another possible design, the communication apparatus 1300 is a SU, the SU is configured to provide an AI prediction function, and the first request message is configured to request the SU to provide an AI prediction service; or the communication apparatus 1300 is a SU, the SU is configured to provide an AI computing function, and the first request message is configured to request the SU to provide an AI computing service; or the communication apparatus 1300 is a SU, the SU is configured to provide a perception function, and the first request message is configured to request the SU to provide a perception service; or the communication apparatus 1300 is a SU, the SU is configured to provide a positioning calculation function, and the first request message is configured to request the SU to provide a positioning calculation service; or the communication apparatus 1300 is a CU, a DU, or an RU, and the CU, the DU, or the RU is configured to provide a communication service, and the first request message is configured to request the CU, the DU, or the RU to provide the communication service.

[0413] In yet another possible design, the first request message and / or the first response message is an encrypted message.

[0414] The communication apparatus 1300 can be a network-side device in the above-described embodiments, for example, a fifth network element or a communication module in the fifth network element, or a circuit or chip responsible for a communication function in the fifth network element.

[0415] For example, in an embodiment, the communication unit 1303 is configured to receive a fifth request message from a third network element in a case where a second network element is down due to a failure, the fifth request message is configured to request the communication apparatus 1300 to provide a service, and the fifth request message includes an identifier of the first network element and an identifier of the communication apparatus 1300; and the communication unit 1303 is further configured to send a third response message to the third network element, the third response message is configured to indicate a second service result, and the third response message includes the identifier of the first network element and the identifier of the communication apparatus 1300.

[0416] In a possible design, the second network element provides a primary service, and the communication apparatus 1300 provides a backup service.

[0417] It can be understood that the division of units in the above apparatus is only a logical function division, one function can correspond to one functional unit, or two or more functions can be integrated into one functional unit. In actual implementation, all or part of the units can be integrated into one physical entity, or can be distributed in different physical entities. In addition, the above functional units can be realized in the form of hardware, or in the form of software, or in the form of hardware combined with software. Whether a certain function is executed in the form of hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical scheme. Professional technicians can use different methods to implement the described functions for specific applications, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present application.

[0418] In one example, the functional units in any of the above apparatuses can be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, such as one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microcontroller units (MCUs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms.

[0419] In one example, the storage unit 1301 can include random access memory, flash memory, read only memory, programmable read only memory, or electrically erasable programmable memory, and / or registers, etc.

[0420] Referring to FIG. 14, a structural schematic diagram of a terminal 1400 provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown, which can correspond to the terminal shown in FIG. 8, and is used to implement the operation of the terminal in the above embodiments. As shown in FIG. 14, the terminal includes one or more antennas 1410, a radio frequency processing system 1420, and a processor system 1430.

[0421] In the downlink or sidelink direction, the radio frequency processing system 1420 receives radio frequency signals through the antenna 1410, and sends the signals after radio frequency processing to the processor system 1430 for further processing. In the uplink or sidelink direction, the processor system 1430 performs signal processing on the information at the terminal side, and sends it to the radio frequency processing system 1420, which performs radio frequency processing on the signal and transmits it through the antenna 1410.

[0422] In one example, the radio frequency processing system 1420, which serves as a communication interface for the terminal to communicate with the outside, can include a radio frequency front end 1421 (RFFE) and a radio frequency transceiver 1422. The RFFE 1421 is mainly used for one or more of shaping, passband selection, or gain processing of RF signals received by an antenna or to be transmitted through an antenna, and can include one or more of radio frequency switches, duplexers, filters, power amplifiers, antenna tuning, and low-noise amplifiers. The RFFE 1421 can be circuitry composed of a plurality of discrete devices, or can be integrated and packaged in one or more chips. The radio frequency transceiver 1422 is used to process RF signals received by the RFFE into baseband / intermediate frequency signals for further processing by the processor system 1430, and to process baseband / intermediate frequency signals provided by the processor system 1430 into RF signals for transmission to the RFFE 1421. The baseband / intermediate frequency signals transmitted between the radio frequency transceiver 1422 and the processor system 1430 can be digital signals or analog signals. The radio frequency transceiver 1422 can be implemented by one or more chips, which are commonly referred to as radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs).

[0423] In one example, the processor system 1430 can include one or more processors for processing signals and executing one or more communication protocols. Optionally, the processor system 1430 can further include a memory 1436. In one example, the one or more processors include at least one baseband processor 1431 (also referred to as a modem processor). The memory 1436 is used to store data and / or computer program instructions. Optionally, the processor system 1430 can further include one or more application processors 1432 for implementing processing of the terminal operating system and application layer. The application processor 1432 can include a GPU, for example. Optionally, the processor system 1430 can further include one or more of a voice subsystem 1433, a multimedia subsystem 1434, or an interface circuit 1435. The voice subsystem 1433 is used to process voice signals, the multimedia subsystem 1434 is used to process multimedia-related operations such as video encoding and decoding, image processing, etc., and the interface circuit 1435 is used to implement communication with other terminal components such as a display 1440, an input device 1450, a memory 1460, etc. The above-mentioned components in the processor system 1430 can communicate with each other through a bus or a communication interface circuit.

[0424] In one example, the processor system 1430 can be packaged as one processor chip, such as a system on chip (SoC) chip or a system in package (SIP) chip. In one example, the processor system 1430 can be a system composed of multiple chips, for example, the baseband processor 1431 can be packaged as a separate chip, or packaged as a chip with part or all of the circuitry of the radio frequency processing system.

[0425] In one example, the memory 1436 can be an on-chip memory, i.e., located on the chip of the processor system 1430. In one example, the memory 1460 can be an off-chip memory, i.e., located off the chip of the processor system 1430.

[0426] In one example, the baseband processor 1431 can include one or more processor cores 14311 and interface circuitry 14314. The one or more processor cores 14311 are configured to process signals and perform one or more communication protocols. Optionally, the baseband processor 1431 can further include a memory 14312 configured to store at least part of corresponding computer program instructions and / or data. In one example, the one or more processor cores 14311 implement the relevant operations in the above method embodiments by executing the computer program instructions stored in the memory 14312. In this disclosure, the memory 14312 configured to store corresponding computer program instructions and / or data can mean that the memory 14312 is configured to store all corresponding computer program instructions and / or data for execution by the processor core 14311; or can mean that the memory 14312 is configured to store part of corresponding computer program instructions and / or data, which includes computer program instructions and / or data currently needed for execution by the processor core 14311, and the memory 14312 can store different parts of computer program instructions and / or data for execution by the processor core 14311 multiple times to implement the relevant operations in the above method embodiments. The interface circuitry 14314 serves as a communication interface to enable communication with other components, such as transmitting signals with the radio frequency processing system 1420, communicating with other subsystems and related components of the processor system 1430 through a bus, such as transmitting data control signals with the application processor 1432, and transmitting data or computer program instructions with the memory 1436 or the memory 1460. Optionally, to reduce the load of the processor core, a baseband signal processing circuit 14313 can be further provided to implement at least part of the processing of baseband signals, including one or more of demodulation, modulation, encoding or decoding of signals.

[0427] In one example, the communication device provided by the present application can be a terminal 1400, a communication module including a processor system 1430 and a radio frequency processing system 1420, the processor system 1430, or a baseband processor 1431.

[0428] The above processor, processor system, application processor, baseband processor, processor circuit or processor core can be collectively referred to as a processor, which can include one or a combination of a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor unit (MPU), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an artificial intelligence processor (AI processor) or a neural network processor (NPU).

[0429] The above-mentioned memory can include one or more of the following storage media: random access memory (RAM), static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), phase-change memory (PCM), resistive RAM (ReRAM), magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FRAM), cache, register, read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), hard disk, etc. In one example, computer program instructions for implementing the above-described embodiments can be stored on a nonvolatile memory, such as at least part of the above-mentioned memory 1460 (e.g., one or more of a ROM, a flash memory, an EPROM, or a hard disk). During terminal operation, corresponding computer program instructions can be loaded in whole or in part into a memory that transmits data at a faster speed with the processor, such as at least part of the above-mentioned memory 1436 and / or memory 14312 (e.g., one or more of a RAM, an SRAM, a DRAM, a PCM, a ReRAM, a MRAM, a FRAM, a cache, or a register), for execution by the processor to implement the steps in the above-described method embodiments.

[0430] In one example, the radio frequency transceiver 1422 and the radio frequency front end 1421 can also be packaged in one chip. In one example, the radio frequency transceiver 1422, the radio frequency front end 1421, and the baseband processor 1431 can also be packaged in one chip.

[0431] The terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of the present application can be used interchangeably. "At least one" means one or more, and "multiple" means two or more. The "and / or" describes the association relationship of the associated objects, which means that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B, which can represent the cases of A alone, A and B together, and B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after it. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions means any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, "at least one of A, B, or C" includes A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and "at least one of A, B, and C" can also be understood to include A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC. In addition, unless otherwise specified, the ordinal numbers "first", "second", etc. mentioned in the embodiments of the present application are used to distinguish a plurality of objects, and are not used to limit the order, time sequence, priority or importance of the plurality of objects.

[0432] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments of the present application can be provided as a method, a system, or a computer program product. Therefore, the present application can take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Moreover, the present application can take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0433] The present application is described with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams according to the methods, devices (systems), and computer program products of the present application. It should be understood that each flow and / or block in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, and the combination of flows and / or blocks in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus produce the functions specified in one or more flows in the flowcharts and / or one or more blocks in the block diagrams.

[0434] These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to work in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce a product including instruction means, which implements the functions specified in one or more flows in the flowcharts and / or one or more blocks in the block diagrams.

[0435] These computer program instructions can also be loaded into a computer or other programmable data processing devices, so that a series of operational steps are performed on the computer or other programmable devices to generate computer-implemented processes, so that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable devices provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more flows in the flowchart and / or one or more blocks in the block diagram.

[0436] Obviously, various modifications and changes can be made to the present application by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present application. Thus, it is intended that the present application embrace all such modifications and changes and, accordingly, the application is not to be limited by the above-described one or more embodiments.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is applied to an access network comprising a first network element, a second network element and a third network element, and comprises: The third network element receives a first request message from the first network element, the first request message being used for requesting the second network element to provide a service, the first request message comprising an identity of the first network element and an identity of the second network element; The third network element sends the first request message to the second network element; The third network element receives a first response message from the second network element, the first response message being used for indicating a first service result, the first response message comprising the identity of the first network element and the identity of the second network element; The third network element sends the first response message to the first network element.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises: The third network element receives a second request message from the first network element and / or the second network element, the second request message being used for requesting registration to the third network element, the second request message comprising the identity of the first network element and / or the identity of the second network element.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The second request message is further used for indicating that the first network element and / or the second network element are associated with at least one fourth network element, the at least one fourth network element comprising the second network element and / or the first network element.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The second network element provides a primary service, and the at least one fourth network element provides a backup service.

5. The method of any one of claims 1-4, wherein, Before the third network element receives the first request message from the first network element, the method further comprises: The third network element receives a third request message from the first network element, the third request message comprising a service capability parameter that needs to be supported by the second network element; The third network element sends the third request message to the second network element; The third network element receives a second response message from the second network element, the second response message being used for indicating resources reserved based on the service capability parameter; The third network element sends the second response message to the first network element.

6. The method of any one of claims 3-5, wherein, The first request message further comprises an identity of a fifth network element, and the at least one fourth network element comprises the fifth network element; the method further comprises: The third network element receives a fourth request message from the first network element, the fourth request message being used for requesting the second network element to provide a service, the first request message comprising the identity of the first network element and the identity of the second network element; In a case where the third network element acquires that the second network element fails and goes down, the third network element sends a fifth request message to the fifth network element, the fifth request message being used for requesting the fifth network element to provide a service, the fifth request message comprising the identity of the first network element and the identity of the fifth network element; The third network element receives a third response message from the fifth network element, the third response message being used for indicating a second service result, the third response message comprising the identity of the first network element and the identity of the fifth network element; The third network element sends the third response message to the first network element.

7. The method of any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The method further comprises: The third network element correspondingly saves a context of communication between the first network element and the second network element based on the identity of the first network element and the identity of the second network element.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein, The method further comprises: The third network element sends a first message to the fifth network element, the first message comprising an identity of the first network element, an identity of the second network element, and a context of communication between the first network element and the second network element.

9. The method of any one of claims 1-8, wherein, The first network element or the second network element is configured to provide at least one of the following functions: an artificial intelligence (AI) prediction function, an AI computing function, a perception function, a positioning calculation function, and a communication function.

10. The method of any one of claims 1-9, wherein, The second network element is a service unit (SU), the SU is configured to provide an AI prediction function, and the first request message is configured to request the SU to provide an AI prediction service. The second network element is a SU, the SU is configured to provide an AI computing function, and the first request message is configured to request the SU to provide an AI computing service. The second network element is a SU, the SU is configured to provide a perception function, and the first request message is configured to request the SU to provide a perception service. The second network element is a SU, the SU is configured to provide a positioning calculation function, and the first request message is configured to request the SU to provide a positioning calculation service. The second network element is a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a remote radio unit (RU), the CU, the DU, or the RU is configured to provide a communication service, and the first request message is configured to request the CU, the DU, or the RU to provide the communication service.

11. The method of any one of claims 1-10, wherein, The first request message and / or the first response message is an encrypted message.

12. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is applied to an access network comprising a first network element, a second network element, and a third network element, and the method comprises: The first network element sends a first request message to the third network element, the first request message being configured to request the second network element to provide a service, and the first request message comprising an identity of the first network element and an identity of the second network element. The first network element receives a first response message from the third network element, the first response message being configured to indicate a first service result, and the first response message comprising the identity of the first network element and the identity of the second network element.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, The method further comprises: The first network element sends a second request message to the third network element, the second request message being configured to request registration to the third network element, and the second request message comprising the identity of the first network element.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The second request message is further configured to indicate that the first network element and / or the second network element is associated with at least one fourth network element, the at least one fourth network element comprising the second network element and / or the first network element.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The second network element provides a primary service, and the at least one fourth network element provides a backup service.

16. The method of any one of claims 12-15, wherein, The method further comprises: The first network element sends a third request message to the third network element, the third request message comprising a service capability parameter that needs to be supported by the second network element. The first network element receives a second response message from the third network element, the second response message being configured to indicate resources reserved based on the service capability parameter.

17. The method of any one of claims 12-16, wherein, The first network element is configured to provide at least one of the following functions: an artificial intelligence (AI) prediction function, an AI computing function, a perception function, a positioning calculation function, and a communication function.

18. The method of any one of claims 12-17, wherein, The first request message and / or the first response message is an encrypted message.

19. A method of communication, comprising: The method is applied to an access network, the access network comprising a first network element, a second network element and a third network element, the method comprising: The second network element receives a first request message from the third network element, the first request message being used for requesting the second network element to provide a service, the first request message comprising an identity of the first network element and an identity of the second network element; The second network element sends a first response message to the third network element, the first response message being used for indicating a first service result, the first response message comprising the identity of the first network element and the identity of the second network element.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, The method further comprises: The second network element sends a second request message to the third network element, the second request message being used for requesting registration to the third network element, the second request message comprising an identity of the second network element.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein, The second request message is further used for indicating that the first network element and / or the second network element is associated with at least one fourth network element, the at least one fourth network element comprising the second network element and / or the first network element.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein, The second network element provides a primary service, and the at least one fourth network element provides a backup service.

23. The method of any one of claims 19-22, wherein, The method further comprises: The second network element receives a third request message from the third network element, the third request message comprising a service capability parameter that the second network element needs to support; The second network element sends a second response message to the third network element, the second response message being used for indicating resources reserved based on the service capability parameter.

24. The method of any one of claims 19-23, wherein, The second network element is configured to provide at least one of the following functions: an artificial intelligence (AI) prediction function, an AI computing function, a perception function, a positioning calculation function, and a communication function.

25. The method of any one of claims 19-24, wherein, The second network element is a service unit (SU), the SU is configured to provide the AI prediction function, and the first request message is used for requesting the SU to provide an AI prediction service; or The second network element is a SU, the SU is configured to provide the AI computing function, and the first request message is used for requesting the SU to provide an AI computing service; or The second network element is a SU, the SU is configured to provide the perception function, and the first request message is used for requesting the SU to provide a perception service; or The second network element is a SU, the SU is configured to provide the positioning calculation function, and the first request message is used for requesting the SU to provide a positioning calculation service; or The second network element is a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU) or a remote radio unit (RU), the CU, the DU or the RU is configured to provide the communication service, and the first request message is used for requesting the CU, the DU or the RU to provide the communication service.

26. The method of any one of claims 19-25, wherein, The first request message and / or the first response message is an encrypted message.

27. A method of communication, comprising: The method is applied to an access network, the access network comprising a first network element, a second network element, a third network element and a fifth network element, the method comprising: In a case where the second network element fails, the fifth network element receives a fifth request message from the third network element, the fifth request message being used for requesting the fifth network element to provide a service, the fifth request message comprising an identifier of the first network element and an identifier of the fifth network element; The fifth network element sends a third response message to the third network element, the third response message being used for indicating a second service result, the third response message comprising the identifier of the first network element and the identifier of the fifth network element.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein, The second network element provides a primary service, and the fifth network element provides a backup service.

29. A communications device, characterized by The computer readable storage medium stores instructions which, when executed, cause the method of any one of claims 1-11 to be performed, or cause the method of any one of claims 12-18 to be performed, or cause the method of any one of claims 19-26 to be performed, or cause the method of claim 27 or 28 to be performed.

30. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer readable storage medium stores instructions which, when executed, cause the method of any one of claims 1-11 to be performed, or cause the method of any one of claims 12-18 to be performed, or cause the method of any one of claims 19-26 to be performed, or cause the method of claim 27 or 28 to be performed.

31. A computer program product, characterised in that, The computer readable storage medium stores instructions which, when executed, cause the method of any one of claims 1-11 to be performed, or cause the method of any one of claims 12-18 to be performed, or cause the method of any one of claims 19-26 to be performed, or cause the method of claim 27 or 28 to be performed.

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