Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

A communication method, comprising: a first communication device receives, from a second communication device, a first request message for requesting to provide a first service, the first request message comprising a first network identifier. On the basis of the first network identifier, the first communication device determines whether the first request message is to be routed to a first distributed network. The second communication device can access the first network and the first distributed network by means of the first communication device, and the first distributed network shares at least one network element in the first network. In the technical solution, even if a terminal can simultaneously use services in an operator network (e.g., the above-described first network) and a local network (e.g., the above-described first distributed network), an access network device can distinguish, on the basis of a network identifier carried in a request message which requests for a service and is sent by the terminal, whether signaling received from the terminal is to be forwarded to the operator network or the local network.

Description

A communication method and a communication apparatus

[0001] The present application claims priority to the Chinese patent application No. 202410954900.3, filed on July 16, 2024, and entitled "A communication method and a communication apparatus", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to the field of wireless communication, and more particularly, to a communication method and a communication apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0003] With the development of wireless network technology, the interface between the radio access network (RAN) and the core network in the future mobile network can adopt a service form. Under such architecture, the RAN can register as a network function (NF) to the network function repository function (NRF) in the network, and other NFs in the network can discover the RAN through a service interface. After the interface between the RAN and the core network is serviced, the RAN can directly communicate with the network elements in the core network.

[0004] In addition, distributed network is one of the architecture evolution trends of future campus shared network. The distributed network architecture supports each campus to establish a local network, and each local network can only deploy part of the network elements required by the campus, and other network elements are shared by the operator network, so that the cost of the campus in constructing the local network is lower. Users can use services in the operator network and the local network at the same time.

[0005] In the scenario of distributed network combined with RAN interface service architecture, the following problems can exist: the RAN cannot correctly forward the signaling for the terminal device, resulting in poor service experience of the terminal. SUMMARY

[0006] The present application provides a communication method to improve the service experience of the terminal.

[0007] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a first communication device. In the absence of special description, the "first communication device" in the present application can refer to the first communication device itself (e.g., a network device, etc.), a component in the first communication device (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software capable of realizing all or part of the functions of the first communication device. For ease of description, the following description takes the first communication device as an example.

[0008] The communication method comprises: receiving a first request message from a second communication device, the first request message being used for requesting to provide a first service, and the first request message comprising a first network identifier. It is determined whether the first request message is routed to a first distributed network according to the first network identifier, wherein the second communication device can access a first network and the first distributed network through the first communication device, and the first distributed network shares at least one network element in the first network.

[0009] Based on the technical solution, after the first communication device receives the first request message for requesting the first service from the second communication device, it can determine whether to route the first request message to the first distributed network according to the first network identifier in the first request message. The second communication device can access the first network and at least one distributed network through the first communication device. In the technical solution, the distributed network can share at least one network in the first network. The first network can be understood as an operator network, the distributed network can be understood as a local network deployed in a park, the second communication device can be understood as a terminal, and the first communication device can be understood as an access network device. In the technical solution, even if the terminal can use services in the operator network (for example, the first network) and the local network (for example, the at least one distributed network) at the same time, the access network device can distinguish whether to forward the signaling received from the terminal to the operator network or the local network based on the network identifier carried in the request message for requesting the service sent by the terminal, correctly forward the signaling of the terminal, and improve the service experience of the terminal.

[0010] With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the determining whether the first request message is routed to the first distributed network according to the first network identifier comprises: determining whether the first request message is routed to the first distributed network according to first configuration information and the first network identifier, the first configuration information comprising at least one network identifier belonging to a distributed network or at least one network identifier not belonging to a distributed network; if the first network identifier is one of the at least one network identifier belonging to a distributed network, it is determined that the first request message is routed to the first distributed network; and if the first network identifier is one of the at least one network identifier not belonging to a distributed network, it is determined that the first request message is routed to the first network.

[0011] Based on the above technical solution, the first communication device can determine whether the first request message is routed to the first distributed network according to the first configuration information preconfigured locally and the first network identifier carried in the received first request message. The first configuration information can be configured to at least one network identifier corresponding to at least one distributed network, or at least one network identifier corresponding to at least one network that is not a distributed network. It can be understood that the first configuration information can be configured as a white list (such as configuring the network identifier of the distributed network) or a black list (such as configuring the network identifier of the network that is not a distributed network), so that the first communication device can determine the routing path of the first request message according to the preconfiguration locally and the first network identifier carried in the received first request message, to ensure that the first communication device can accurately determine how to forward the first request message.

[0012] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, in the case where it is determined that the first request message is routed to the first distributed network according to the first network identifier, the method further includes: sending the first request message to a first network element in the first distributed network; or sending the first request message to a management network element of the first distributed network, wherein the first network element is a network element in the first distributed network that provides the first service, and the management network element is used to manage network elements in the first distributed network, or the management network element is used to route signaling sent to the first distributed network to the first network element.

[0013] Based on the above technical solution, after the first communication device determines that the first request message is to be forwarded to the first distributed network, the first communication device can forward the first request message to a first network element in the first distributed network that can provide the first service, or can forward the first request message to a management network element of the first distributed network, and the management network element continues the subsequent transmission process of the first request message. In this technical solution, there are multiple ways for the first communication device to forward the first request message, thereby providing flexibility for the solution to some extent. Moreover, one of the forwarding ways is that the first communication device forwards the first request message to the management network element of the first distributed network, without the need to accurately obtain the first network element in the first distributed network that provides the first service, thereby simplifying the operation of the first communication device.

[0014] In some implementations of the first aspect, before sending the first request message to the first network element in the first distributed network, the method further includes: sending a first discovery request message to a first network function storage network element in the first distributed network, the first discovery request message being used to request information of the first network element, and the first discovery request message including type information of the first network element; and receiving a first discovery response message from the first network function storage network element, the first discovery response message including the information of the first network element.

[0015] According to the above technical solution, before the first communication device sends the first request message to the first network, the first communication device can obtain the information of the first network element from the first network function storage network element in the first distributed network through the network discovery process, so that the first communication device can determine the destination network element of the first request message, and the routing accuracy of the first request message is ensured.

[0016] In some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending a second discovery request message to a network function storage network element in the first network, the second discovery request message being used to request information of the first network function storage network element, and the first discovery request message including type information of the first network function storage network element and the first network identifier; and receiving a second discovery response message from the network function storage network element in the first network, the second discovery response message including the information of the first network function storage network element.

[0017] In some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: storing a first correspondence relationship between the first network identifier and the information of the first network function storage network element.

[0018] According to the above technical solution, after the first communication device obtains the information of the first network function storage network element from the network function storage network element of the first network, the first communication device can store the first correspondence relationship between the information of the first network function storage network element and the first network identifier of the first distributed network, so that after the first communication device subsequently receives a message to be forwarded to the first distributed network, the first communication device can quickly determine the first network function storage network element in the first distributed network according to the first correspondence relationship, and the time delay of message forwarding is further reduced.

[0019] In some implementations of the first aspect, before sending the first request message to the management network element of the first distributed network, the method further includes: sending a third discovery request message to a network function storage network element in the first network, the third discovery request message being used to request information of the management network element, the third discovery request message including the type information of the management network element and the first network identifier; and receiving a third discovery response message from the network function storage network element in the first network, the third discovery response message including the information of the management network element.

[0020] According to the above technical solution, before sending the first request message to the management network element, the first communication device can obtain the information of the management network element from the network function storage network element in the first network through the network discovery process, so that the first communication device can determine the destination network element of the first request message, and ensure the routing accuracy of the first request message.

[0021] In some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: storing a second correspondence relationship between the first network identifier and the information of the management network element.

[0022] According to the above technical solution, after obtaining the information of the management network element from the network function storage network element of the first network, the first communication device can store the second correspondence relationship between the information of the management network element and the first network identifier of the first distributed network, so that after subsequently receiving a message to be forwarded to the first distributed network, the first communication device can quickly determine the management network element in the first distributed network according to the second correspondence relationship, and further reduce the time delay of message forwarding.

[0023] In some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving first information from a mobility management network element in the first network, the first information including at least one network identifier corresponding to at least one distributed network allowed by the second communication device. According to the first network identifier and the at least one network identifier, it is determined whether the distributed network identified by the first network identifier is a distributed network allowed by the second communication device, and if the distributed network identified by the first network identifier is a distributed network allowed by the second communication device, it is determined to route the first request message.

[0024] Based on the above technical solution, the mobile management network element in the first network can provide the first communication device with the first information based on the subscription information of the second communication device, indicating at least one distributed network allowed by the second communication device, so that after the first communication device receives the first request message from the second communication device, the first communication device can determine whether the first distributed network to which the first request message is to be forwarded is a distributed network allowed by the second communication device according to the at least one distributed network allowed by the first information, and if so, the first communication device forwards the first request message, and if not, the first communication device rejects to forward the first request message, thereby reducing unnecessary signaling overhead to a certain extent.

[0025] With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, if the first network identifier identifies a distributed network that is not allowed by the second communication device, it is determined not to route the first request message.

[0026] With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, in a case where it is determined not to route the first request message, the method further includes sending a first rejection message to the second communication device, the first rejection message being used to indicate rejection of routing the first request message.

[0027] With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first rejection message includes first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate that the reason for rejection of routing the first request message is that the second communication device requests a distributed network that is not allowed.

[0028] With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes determining whether the first network identifier identifies a first distributed network that is supported by the first communication device, and if so, it is determined to route the first request message.

[0029] Based on the above technical solution, if the first communication device determines that the first distributed network to which the first request message is to be routed is a distributed network supported by the first communication device, the first communication device can determine to route the first request message, otherwise, the first communication device can reject to route the first request message, thereby reducing unnecessary signaling overhead to a certain extent.

[0030] With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, if the first distributed network is not a distributed network supported by the first communication device, it is determined not to route the first request message.

[0031] With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, in a case where it is determined not to route the first request message, the method further includes: sending, to the second communication device, a second rejection message, the second rejection message being used to indicate rejection of routing the first request message.

[0032] With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second rejection message includes second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate that the reason for rejection of routing the first request message is that the first communication device does not support the first distributed network.

[0033] With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first network identifier includes at least one of the following: slice information of the first distributed network, data network name (DNN) information of the first distributed network, or closed access group (CAG) information corresponding to the first distributed network.

[0034] With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first service includes any one of the following: a positioning service, a perception service, a computing service, or a time service.

[0035] The second aspect provides a communication method. The method can be performed by a second communication device. In the absence of special description, the "first communication device" in the present application can refer to the second communication device itself (for example, a terminal device, etc.), a component (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.) in the second communication device, or a logic module or software capable of realizing all or part of the functions of the second communication device. For ease of description, the following describes an example in which the second communication device performs the method.

[0036] The communication method includes: generating a first request message, the first request message being used to request a first distributed network to provide a first service, the first request message including a first network identifier of the first distributed network; and sending, to a first communication device, the first request message, wherein the second communication device can access a first network and the first distributed network through the first communication device, and the first distributed network shares at least one network element in the first network.

[0037] Based on the above technical solution, the second communication device carries the first network identifier of the first distributed network in the first request message for requesting the first service sent to the first communication device, so that the first communication device can determine that the first request message is for requesting the first service from the network in the first distributed network based on the first network identifier. The second communication device can access the first network and at least one distributed network through the first communication device. In the technical solution, the distributed networks can share at least one network in the first network. The first network can be understood as an operator network, the distributed network can be understood as a local network deployed in a park, and the second communication device can be understood as a terminal. The first communication device can be understood as an access network device. In the technical solution, even if the terminal can use services in the operator network and the local network at the same time, the access network device can distinguish whether to forward the signaling received from the terminal to the operator network or the local network based on the network identifier carried in the request message for requesting the service sent by the terminal.

[0038] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving first policy information from a mobility management network element in the first network, the first policy information including information of each distributed network in the at least one distributed network, wherein the information of each distributed network includes a name of the distributed network, a network identifier of the distributed network, and information of a supported service of the distributed network.

[0039] Based on the above technical solution, the second communication device can receive the first policy information from the mobility management network element in the first network, and the first policy information includes information of the distributed network, so as to support the second communication device to determine the network identifier of the distributed network based on the first policy information.

[0040] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the generating the first request message includes: providing a service interface for each distributed network supporting the first service respectively, an identifier of the service interface being associated with the name of the distributed network; determining a first service interface to be invoked according to the first service; and determining the first network identifier of the first distributed network according to the first policy information and the name of the first distributed network corresponding to the first service interface.

[0041] Based on the technical solution, the second communication device can provide a service interface for the distributed network supporting different services indicated in the first policy information after obtaining the first policy information, and associate the name of the service interface with the name of the distributed network, so that when the second communication device determines to invoke a certain service interface, the second communication device can determine the name of the first distributed network providing the first service according to the association between the name of the service interface and the name of the distributed network, and then determine the first network identifier of the first distributed network according to the first policy information and the determined name of the first distributed network, so that the first network identifier can be carried in the first request message.

[0042] With reference to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving second policy information from a mobility management network element in the first network, the second policy information including at least one selection policy rule, each selection policy rule including an application descriptor and a routing selection descriptor, the application descriptor being used to determine an application requesting a distributed network service, and the routing selection descriptor being used to determine a network identifier of a distributed network.

[0043] Based on the technical solution, the second communication device can receive second policy information from a mobility management network element in the first network, and the second policy information includes selection policy rules to support the second communication device to determine the network identifier of the distributed network based on the second policy information.

[0044] With reference to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the generating the first request message includes: generating an invocation request according to the first service, the invocation request being used to request to invoke a system service interface corresponding to the first service, the invocation request including an application descriptor, the application descriptor being used to indicate an application requesting to invoke the first service; and determining a first network identifier of a distributed network providing the first service according to the service application descriptor and the second policy information.

[0045] Based on the technical solution, the second communication device can determine a first network identifier of a first distributed network providing a first service according to an application descriptor corresponding to an application requesting to invoke the first service and the second policy information after obtaining the second policy information, so that the first network identifier can be carried in the first request message.

[0046] With reference to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving third policy information from a mobility management network element in the first network, the third policy information including information of each distributed network in at least one distributed network, wherein the information of each distributed network includes a network identifier of the distributed network and information of a supported service of the distributed network.

[0047] Based on the technical solution, the second communication device can receive the first policy information from the mobility management network element in the first network, and the first policy information includes information of the distributed network to support the second communication device to determine the network identity of the distributed network based on the first policy information.

[0048] With reference to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the generating the first request message comprises: selecting the first distributed network according to the third policy information, and determining the first network identity of the first distributed network; or, if the information of each distributed network includes the name of the distributed network, selecting the first distributed network, determining the name of the first distributed network, and determining the first network identity of the first distributed network according to the name of the first distributed network and the third policy information.

[0049] Based on the technical solution, in the case that the second communication device obtains the third policy information, the second communication device can determine the first network identity corresponding to the first distributed network according to the first distributed network selected by the network selection function, so that the first network identity can be carried in the first request message. In addition, the application in the second communication device can not provide the feature of the application when invoking the system positioning service interface, and can not consider which specific distributed network service interface is provided by the system. The selection of the distributed network is implemented by the network selection function in the system, which simplifies the operation of the second communication device.

[0050] With reference to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the selecting the first distributed network comprises: selecting the first distributed network according to the first service and a first priority list, wherein the first priority list indicates the priority of at least one distributed network providing the first service, and the first distributed network is a distributed network with a priority higher than a first threshold in the first priority list.

[0051] Based on the technical solution, in the process of selecting the distributed network providing the first service by the network selection function, the priority of different distributed networks capable of providing the first service can be considered, and the distributed network with a higher priority is selected, so as to improve the performance of the distributed network providing the first service.

[0052] With reference to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further comprises: obtaining the first priority list.

[0053] In a third aspect, a communication apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus is configured to perform the method in the first aspect and any of the implementation forms thereof. Specifically, the communication apparatus includes a processor and a memory storing a computer program. The processor is configured to invoke and run the computer program from the memory, so that the communication apparatus performs the method in the first aspect and any of the implementation forms thereof.

[0054] In an implementation form, the communication apparatus is a network device. When the communication apparatus is a network device, the transceiver unit can be a transceiver, or an input / output interface. The processing unit can be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0055] In another implementation form, the communication apparatus can be a chip, a chip system or a circuit in a network device. In this case, the transceiver unit can be an input / output interface, an interface circuit, an output circuit, an input circuit, a pin or related circuit on the chip, the chip system or the circuit; the processing unit can be at least one processor, a processing circuit or a logic circuit.

[0056] In a fourth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus is configured to perform the method in the second aspect and any of the implementation forms thereof. Specifically, the communication apparatus includes a processor and a memory storing a computer program. The processor is configured to invoke and run the computer program from the memory, so that the communication apparatus performs the method in the second aspect and any of the implementation forms thereof.

[0057] In an implementation form, the communication apparatus is a terminal device. When the communication apparatus is a terminal device, the transceiver unit can be a transceiver, or an input / output interface. The processing unit can be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0058] In another implementation form, the communication apparatus can be a chip, a chip system or a circuit in a terminal device. In this case, the transceiver unit can be an input / output interface, an interface circuit, an output circuit, an input circuit, a pin or related circuit on the chip, the chip system or the circuit; the processing unit can be at least one processor, a processing circuit or a logic circuit.

[0059] In a fifth aspect, a computer readable storage medium is provided. The computer readable storage medium stores a computer program which, when executed, causes the method in any of the implementation forms of the first aspect and the second aspect to be performed.

[0060] In a sixth aspect, a computer program product including instructions is provided. When the computer program product is run, the method provided by any one of the implementation manners of the first aspect and the second aspect is executed.

[0061] In a seventh aspect, a chip is provided. The chip includes a processor and a communication interface. The processor reads instructions through the communication interface, and executes the method provided by any one of the implementation manners of the first aspect and the second aspect.

[0062] Optionally, as an implementation manner, the chip further includes a memory. The memory stores a computer program or instructions. The processor is configured to execute the computer program or instructions stored in the memory. When the computer program or instructions are executed, the processor is configured to execute the method provided by any one of the implementation manners of the first aspect and the second aspect.

[0063] In an eighth aspect, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes the communication device of the third aspect and the communication device of the fourth aspect.

[0064] In a ninth aspect, a computer program is provided. When the computer program is run, the method provided by any one of the implementation manners of the first aspect and the second aspect is executed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0065] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system suitable for the present application.

[0066] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture of a distributed network.

[0067] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a hierarchical deployment of an NRF.

[0068] FIG. 4 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0069] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a management network element in a distributed network provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0070] FIG. 6 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0071] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a policy information provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0072] FIG. 8 is a schematic flowchart of still another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0073] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of another policy information provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0074] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a policy information processing manner provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0075] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of another strategy information processing manner provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0076] FIG. 12 is a schematic flowchart of still another communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0077] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of still another strategy information provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0078] FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram of a communication apparatus provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0079] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of another communication apparatus provided by the embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0080] In order to facilitate the understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the following points are first explained.

[0081] First, in the present application, "for indicating" can include for directly indicating and for indirectly indicating. When describing that certain indication information is for indicating A, it can include that the indication information directly indicates A or indirectly indicates A, and does not mean that A must be carried in the indication information.

[0082] The information indicated by the indication information is referred to as to-be-indicated information, and there are many ways to indicate the to-be-indicated information in the specific implementation process, for example but not limited to, the to-be-indicated information can be directly indicated, such as the to-be-indicated information itself or an index of the to-be-indicated information. The to-be-indicated information can also be indirectly indicated by indicating other information, where the other information and the to-be-indicated information have an association relationship. The to-be-indicated information can also be only indicated in part, and the other part of the to-be-indicated information is known or agreed in advance. For example, the indication of a specific information can also be achieved by means of the arrangement order of each information agreed in advance (for example, a protocol stipulates), thereby reducing the indication overhead to a certain extent. At the same time, the common part of each information can be identified and uniformly indicated, so as to reduce the indication overhead caused by separately indicating the same information.

[0083] Second, "at least one" in the present application means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more (including two). In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, "first", "second", and various numerical numbers (for example, "#1", "#2", and the like) are only used for the convenience of description and do not limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application. The size of the serial number of each process below does not mean the order of execution, and the execution order of each process should be determined according to its function and inherent logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that the objects thus described can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances, so as to be able to describe solutions other than the embodiments of the present application. In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, "S410" and the like are only used for the convenience of description and do not limit the order of execution steps.

[0084] Third, in the embodiments of the present application, "exemplary" or "for example" and the like are used to represent an example, illustration or description. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the present application should not be interpreted as more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Rather, the use of "exemplary" or "for example" and the like is intended to present the relevant concept in a specific manner.

[0085] Fourth, in the embodiments of the present application, "saving" can mean saving in one or more memories. The one or more memories can be separately arranged or integrated in the encoder or decoder, processor, or communication device. The one or more memories can be partially separately arranged and partially integrated in the decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, which is not limited in the present application.

[0086] Fifth, in the embodiments of the present application, "protocol" can refer to a standard protocol in the communication field, which can include NR protocol and related protocols applied to future communication systems, which is not limited in the present application.

[0087] Sixth, in the embodiments of the present application, "of", "corresponding", "corresponding" and "associated" can be used interchangeably at times, and it should be pointed out that when the distinction is not emphasized, the meanings expressed are consistent.

[0088] Seventh, in the embodiments of the present application, "in the case of", "when", "if" can be used interchangeably at times, and it should be pointed out that when the distinction is not emphasized, the meanings expressed are consistent.

[0089] Eighth, the term "and / or" in this document is only a description of the association relationship of the associated objects, which means that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B can represent three cases of A alone, A and B together, and B alone. In addition, the character " / " in this document generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after it.

[0090] Ninth, the terms "message", "information", or "information element (IE)" can be used interchangeably in this document, and the names of messages or information are not limited in any way as long as the corresponding functions can be implemented.

[0091] Tenth, in this application, "sending" and "receiving" represent the direction of signal transmission. For example, "sending information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, and "sending information" can include direct sending or indirect sending through other units or modules. "Receiving information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, and "receiving information" can include direct reception from YY or indirect reception from YY through other units or modules. In addition to air interface sending or air interface receiving signals implemented by network devices or terminal devices at the whole machine level, "sending" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receiving" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface. For example, the Modem or system-level chip (such as SoC chip or SIP chip, etc.) sends or receives signals. "Sending" or "receiving" can also be performed by device components, such as sending or receiving signals through several parts, modules, chips of a device using buses, wires or interfaces.

[0092] The technical solutions in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0093] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, for example: long term evolution (LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD), universal mobile communication system (UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, 5th generation (5G) system or new radio (NR), and future communication systems, vehicle-to-X (V2X), which can include vehicle-to-network (V2N), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P), etc., LTE-V (long term evolution-vehicle), Internet of Vehicles, machine type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), LTE-M (long term evolution-machine), machine-to-machine (M2M), wireless local area network (WLAN), etc.

[0094] In the communication system, part operated by an operator can be referred to as a public land mobile network (PLMN), which can also be referred to as an operator network, etc. The PLMN is a network established and operated for the purpose of providing public land mobile communication services, mainly a public network in which a mobile network operator (MNO) provides mobile broadband access services for users. The PLMN described in the embodiments of the present application can be a network conforming to the requirements of the 3GPP standard, referred to as a 3GPP network. The 3GPP network generally includes but is not limited to a 5G network, a 4th-generation (4G) network, and other future communication systems.

[0095] For convenience of description, PLMN or 5G network will be taken as an example for illustration in embodiments of the present application.

[0096] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system suitable for use with the present application. Take the 5G network architecture based on service-oriented architecture in the non-roaming scenario defined in the 3GPP standardization process as an example. As shown in the figure, the network architecture can include three parts, which are terminal device part, DN and operator network PLMN part respectively. The functions of the network elements of each part are briefly described below.

[0097] The terminal device part can include a terminal device 110, which can also be referred to as a user equipment (UE). The terminal device 110 in this application is a device with wireless transceiver function, which can communicate with one or more core network (CN) devices through an access network device (or also referred to as an access device) in a radio access network (RAN) 140. The terminal device 110 can also be referred to as an access terminal, a terminal, a user unit, a user station, a mobile station, a mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a user terminal, a user agent, or a user device, etc. The terminal device 110 can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; can also be deployed on water (such as ships, etc.); can also be deployed in the air (such as airplanes, balloons and satellites, etc.). The terminal device 110 can be a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a smart phone, a mobile phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), etc. Alternatively, the terminal device 110 can also be a handheld device, a computing device or other device connected to a wireless modem with wireless communication function, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a drone device, or a terminal in Internet of Things, Internet of Vehicles, 5G network and future network, any form of terminal in future network, relay user equipment or terminal in future evolved network, etc. Among them, the relay user equipment can be, for example, a 5G residential gateway (RG). For example, the terminal device 110 can be a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical, a wireless terminal in smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in smart city, a wireless terminal in smart home, etc. The terminal device here refers to a 3GPP terminal. The embodiments of this application do not limit the type or category of terminal device. For ease of description, the embodiments of this application will be described hereinafter by taking the UE as an example.

[0098] The operator network PLMN part can include, but is not limited to, the RAN 120 and a core network (CN) part.

[0099] The RAN 120 is an implementation system between service nodes and the terminal device 110 in the operator network. The terminal device 110 wants to access the operator network, and first passes through the RAN 120, and then can be connected with the service nodes of the operator network through the RAN 120. The access network device (RAN device) in the embodiments of the present application is a device that provides wireless communication functions for the terminal device 110, and can also be referred to as a network device. The RAN device includes, but is not limited to, a next generation node base station (gNB) in a 5G system, an evolved node B (eNB) in long term evolution (LTE), a radio network controller (RNC), a node B (NB), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a home base station (for example, a home evolved node B or a home node B, HNB), a base band unit (BBU), a transmitting and receiving point (TRP), a transmitting point (TP), a pico, a mobile switching center, or a network device in a future network, etc. In systems using different wireless access technologies, the names of devices with access network device functions may be different. For convenience of description, all embodiments of the present application collectively refer to the above-mentioned devices that provide wireless communication functions for the terminal device 110 as access network devices or simply as RAN or AN. It should be understood that the specific types of access network devices are not limited herein.

[0100] As a possible implementation, the RAN 120 can communicate with the CN part through a communication interface (such as the N2 interface shown in FIG. 1) between the RAN 120 and an access and mobility management function (AMF) 138, that is, in this implementation, the AMF 138 acts as a signaling concentration point for the RAN 120 to communicate with the CN part.

[0101] As another possible implementation, with the development of wireless network technologies, the interface between the RAN 120 and the CN part in future mobile networks can be in a service-based form (e.g., the Nran interface as shown in FIG. 1). In this implementation, the RAN 120 nodes can register to a network function repository function (NRF) 132 in the network as one network function (NF). In addition, other NFs in the network can also discover the RAN 120 nodes through the service-based interface.

[0102] It can be understood that after the interface between the RAN 120 nodes and the core network is service-based, the AMF 138 can no longer be the centralized point of signaling, and the RAN 120 nodes can directly communicate with the network elements in the core network.

[0103] The CN part can include, but is not limited to, the following NFs: a user plane function (UPF) 130, a network exposure function (NEF) 131, an NRF 132, a policy control function (PCF) 133, a unified data management (UDM) 134, a unified data repository (UDR) 135, a network data analytics function (NWDAF) 136, an authentication server function (AUSF) 137, an AMF 138, a session management function (SMF) 139.

[0104] The data network DN 140, which can also be referred to as a packet data network (PDN), is usually a network located outside the operator network, for example, a third-party network. Of course, in some implementations, the DN can also be deployed by the operator, that is, the DN belongs to a part of the PLMN. The present application does not limit whether the DN belongs to the PLMN. The operator network PLMN can access multiple data networks DN 140, and various services can be deployed on the data networks DN 140 to provide data and / or voice services for the terminal device 110. For example, the data network DN 140 can be a private network of a certain smart factory, and the sensors installed in the workshop of the smart factory can be terminal devices 110. A control server of the sensors is deployed in the data network DN 140, and the control server can provide services for the sensors. The sensors can communicate with the control server, obtain instructions from the control server, and transmit the collected sensor data to the control server according to the instructions, and the like. For another example, the data network DN 140 can be an internal office network of a certain company, and the mobile phones or computers of employees of the company can be terminal devices 110. The mobile phones or computers of the employees can access information and data resources on the internal office network of the company. The terminal device 110 can establish a connection with the operator network through an interface (for example, N1, etc.) provided by the operator network, and use data and / or voice services provided by the operator network. The terminal device 110 can also access the data network DN 140 through the operator network, use operator services deployed on the data network DN 140, and / or third-party services.

[0105] The NF functions contained in the CN are further briefly described below.

[0106] 1. The UPF 130 is a gateway provided by the operator, which is a gateway for communication between the operator network and the data network DN 140. The UPF 130 includes user plane related functions such as data packet routing and transmission, data packet detection, service usage reporting, quality of service (QoS) processing, lawful monitoring, uplink data packet detection, and downlink data packet storage.

[0107] 2. The NEF 131 is a control plane function provided by the operator, which mainly enables third parties to use services provided by the network, supports network exposure of its capabilities, event and data analysis, provision of information for PLMN security from external applications, conversion of information between the inside and outside of the PLMN, provides API interfaces exposed by the operator network to the outside, and provides interaction between external service servers and internal operator networks.

[0108] 3. NRF 132 is a control plane function provided by an operator, which can be used to maintain real-time information of network functions, services in the network. For example, support network service discovery, maintain NF profile supported services, support service discovery of service communication proxy (SCP), maintain SCP profile of SCP instance, send notifications about newly registered, deregistered, updated NF and SCP, maintain health status of NF and SCP running, etc.

[0109] 4. PCF 133 is a control plane function provided by an operator, which supports a unified policy framework to govern network behavior, provides policy rules, subscription information related to policy decision to other control functions, etc.

[0110] 5. UDM 134 is a control plane function provided by an operator, which is responsible for storing information such as subscriber permanent identifier (SUPI) of a subscription user in an operator network, generic public subscription identifier (GPSI) of a subscription user, credential, etc. The SUPI will be protected in confidentiality in the transmission process first, and the SUPI protected by confidentiality is called subscription concealed identifier (SUCI). The information stored by the UDM 134 can be used for authentication and authorization of the terminal device 110 accessing the operator network. Among them, the subscription user of the operator network can be a user using the service provided by the operator network, for example, a user using a China Telecom mobile phone chip card (subscriber identity module, SIM) card, or a user using a China Mobile mobile phone chip card, etc. The credential of the subscription user can be a long-term key stored in the mobile phone chip card or a small file stored in the information related to the encryption of the mobile phone chip card, which is used for authentication and / or authorization. It should be noted that the permanent identifier, credential, security context, authentication data (cookie), and token, etc. are related to the same verification / authentication, authorization information, which are not distinguished and limited in the embodiments of the present application for the sake of convenience.

[0111] 6. UDR 135 is a control plane function provided by an operator, which provides storage and retrieval of subscription data for UDM, storage and retrieval of policy data for PCF, storage and retrieval of user NF group ID (group ID) information, etc.

[0112] 7、NWDAF 136 is a control plane function provided by an operator, and its main function is to collect data from NFs, external application functions AF, and operation and maintenance (OAM) systems, and provide NWDAF services such as registration, data exposure, and analysis data for NFs and AFs. In this application, the NWDAF is mainly responsible for security-related data analysis, so in this application, the NWDAF can also be understood as a network element with a security analysis function, and the network element with a security analysis function is referred to as NWDAF, which is only an example, and other network element names can also be used in the future, which is not limited in this application.

[0113] 8、AUSF 137 is a control plane function provided by an operator, and is usually used for primary authentication, that is, authentication between the terminal device 110 (subscribed user) and the operator network. After receiving the authentication request initiated by the subscribed user, the AUSF 137 can authenticate and / or authorize the subscribed user through the authentication information and / or authorization information stored in the UDM 134, or generate the authentication and / or authorization information of the subscribed user through the UDM 134. The AUSF 137 can feed back the authentication information and / or authorization information to the subscribed user.

[0114] 9、AMF 138 is a control plane network function provided by an operator network, responsible for access control and mobility management of the terminal device 110 accessing the operator network, including functions such as mobile state management, allocation of user temporary identity, authentication and authorization of users, etc.

[0115] 10、SMF 139 is a control plane network function provided by an operator network, responsible for managing PDU sessions of the terminal device 110. The PDU session is a channel for transmitting PDU, and the terminal device transmits PDU with the data network DN 140 through the PDU session. The PDU session is responsible for establishment, maintenance and deletion by the SMF 139. The SMF 139 includes session management (such as session establishment, modification and release, including tunnel maintenance between the user plane function UPF 130 and the RAN 120), UPF 130 selection and control, service and session continuity (SSC) mode selection, roaming, and other session-related functions.

[0116] 11、AF 141 is a control plane network function provided by an operator network, used to provide application layer information, and can interact with the policy framework through a network exposure function network element, or directly interact with the policy framework to request policy decision, etc. It can be located in the operator network or outside the operator network.

[0117] It can be understood that the above network element or function can be a physical entity in a hardware device, or a software instance running on a dedicated hardware, or a virtualized function instantiated on a shared platform (for example, a cloud platform). In short, an NF can be implemented by hardware or software.

[0118] In FIG. 1, Nnef, Nnrf, Npcf, Nudm, Nudr, Nnwdaf, Nausf, Namf, Nsmf, Nran, N1, N2, N3, N4, and N6 are interface sequence numbers. For example, the meanings of the above interface sequence numbers can refer to the meanings defined in the 3GPP standard protocol, and the present application does not limit the meanings of the above interface sequence numbers. It should be noted that the interface names between the network functions in the figure are only an example, and in the specific implementation, the interface names of the system architecture can also be other names, which are not limited by the present application. In addition, the names of the messages (or signaling) transmitted between the above network elements are also only an example, and do not constitute any limitation on the function of the message itself.

[0119] For the convenience of description, the network functions (such as NEF 131…SMF 139) in the embodiments of the present application are collectively / referred to as NF, that is, the NF described hereinafter in the embodiments of the present application can be replaced by any network function. In addition, FIG. 1 only schematically describes part of the network functions, and the NF described hereinafter is not limited to the network functions shown in FIG. 1.

[0120] It should be understood that the network architecture applied to the embodiments of the present application is only a network architecture described from the perspective of service architecture, and the network architecture applicable to the embodiments of the present application is not limited to this. Any network architecture capable of realizing the functions of the above network elements is applicable to the embodiments of the present application.

[0121] It should also be understood that the AMF, SMF, UPF, NEF, AUSF, NRF, PCF, and UDM shown in the figure can be understood as network elements in the core network for realizing different functions, for example, can be combined into a network slice as needed. These core network elements can be independent devices, or can be integrated into the same device to realize different functions, and the present application does not limit the specific form of the above network elements.

[0122] It should also be understood that the above naming is only defined for the convenience of distinguishing different functions, and should not constitute any limitation on the present application. The present application does not exclude the possibility of using other names in the 5G network and future other networks. For example, in future communication networks, part or all of the above network elements can use the terms in 5G, or other names, etc.

[0123] For the convenience of understanding the embodiments of the present application, some basic concepts related to the present application are briefly described.

[0124] 1. Distributed Network: This is one of the future architectural trends for shared campus networks. Each campus can establish a local network, and each local network can deploy some of the network elements needed by the campus (such as local location network elements, local session management network elements, local subscription management network elements, local awareness service network elements, etc.). Other network elements can share network elements from the operator's central network (such as access and mobility management network elements, etc.). This reduces the cost of building local networks for each campus. Users can use services in both the operator's central network and local networks simultaneously. Each NF in the local network can register only with the local NRF, without needing to register with the NRF in the operator's central network. That is, the operator's central network does not need to know which services and functions are deployed in each campus.

[0125] To facilitate understanding, the network architecture of a distributed network will be briefly introduced with reference to Figure 2.

[0126] As shown in Figure 2, users can simultaneously use services from the central core network and at least one of the services from campus core network #1 and campus core network #2. Campus core network #1 only needs to deploy the network elements required for campus #1 (such as the local NRF, SMF, local UDM, local positioning network elements, and local sensing service network elements shown in Figure 2). Similarly, campus core network #2 only needs to deploy the network elements required for campus #2 (such as the local NRF, SMF, local UDM, local positioning network elements, and local sensing service network elements shown in Figure 2). Other network elements can share the network elements deployed in the central core network (as shown in Figure 2, campus core networks #1 and #2 can share the AMF in the central core network).

[0127] 2. Public network integrated non-public network (PNI-NPN): This can be understood as a distributed network within a PLMN. PNI-NPN can be identified by dedicated slice information and / or data network name (DNN).

[0128] For example, PNI-NPN can provide isolation of access network resources for distributed network users. For instance, closed access groups (CAGs) are introduced in PNI-NPN for access control.

[0129] Specifically, the introduction of CAG for access control in PNI-NPN includes the following features:

[0130] 1) The UE's pre-configured or subscribed data includes CAG, which allows the UE to select the cell to access based on the CAG;

[0131] 2) The RAN broadcasts the CAG in the Cell information;

[0132] 3) During UE mobility, if a RAN handover occurs, the RAN after the handover will determine whether to allow the UE to access based on the CAG.

[0133] 4) The AMF performs UE access control based on the CAG;

[0134] 5) The AMF sends mobility restriction information to the RAN, which includes the CAGs allowed by the UE.

[0135] When a UE accesses the PNI-NPN, the AMF can select the target NF of the signaling and perform routing based on the DNN and / or Slice information contained in the NAS signaling sent by the UE.

[0136] 3. Location Services: User plane communication for a UE may include data services and non-data services. Data services can transmit data by establishing a PDU session. When establishing a PDU session, the UE carries the slice information of the PDU session in the request message. Non-data services may include location services, sensing services, computing services, artificial intelligence (AI) services, etc.

[0137] Taking location services as an example, applications (APPs) in the UE can trigger the use of location functions in the following two ways:

[0138] Method 1: The UE's system provides a unified positioning function interface, which the APP on the UE can call to obtain positioning results. For example, the UE's system provides a location fusion function interface, which, when called by the APP, determines how to use and fuse data from positioning service sources such as Global Positioning System (GPS), 5G, or Bluetooth.

[0139] Method 2: The system provides different interfaces for various positioning services. The APP on the UE can choose one of these interfaces to call and obtain the positioning result. For example, the APP can further specify the lower-level sub-interface to call through the location fusion function interface. The sub-interfaces are distinguished by their interface names, such as: GPS_PROVIDER for GPS positioning service, NETWORK_PROVIDER for network positioning service, and UWB_PROVIDER for UWB sensor positioning service.

[0140] When using mobile network positioning, the UE sends a positioning service request message to the network. This positioning service request message includes positioning protocol information (e.g., UE location estimation positioning service, the positioning service client or AF to which the UE location estimation is to be sent, and positioning assistance data).

[0141] 4. NRF Discovery: Considering the distributed network architecture, a local NF can register only with the local NRF, and a local NRF can register with the NRF in the first network. That is, NRFs can be deployed in layers and perform iterative or recursive queries.

[0142] As shown in Figure 3, NF1 belongs to slice 1 and is registered to NRF1, which serves slice 1; NF2 belongs to slice 2 and is registered to NRF3, which serves slice 2; NRF1 and NRF3 are registered or pre-configured to NRF2. When NF1 requests to discover NF2 from NRF1, if NRF1 cannot determine NF2, then NRF1 can request to discover NF2 from NRF2.

[0143] For example, NRF1 can request NRF2 to discover NF2, which includes the following two possible implementations:

[0144] As one possible implementation, NRF2 redirects NRF1 requests to NRF3.

[0145] In this implementation, NRF1 requests NRF2 to discover NF2, which includes the following steps:

[0146] Step 1: NF1 determines NRF1 based on the pre-configuration and sends an NF discovery request message to NRF1. The NF discovery request message includes the type of NF2 and the slice information (e.g., slice 2).

[0147] Step 2: If NRF1 cannot determine NF2, it sends an NF discovery request message to NRF2. The NF discovery request message includes the type of NF2 and the slice information (e.g., slice 2).

[0148] Step 3: Based on the information requested by NRF1 and the registration information of NRF3 (serving slice 2), NRF2 determines that NRF3 serves this slice and sends the address of NRF3 to NRF1; or,

[0149] NRF2 cannot determine NF2, and sends the address of NRF3 to NRF1 according to the pre-configuration.

[0150] Step 4: NRF1 sends a discovery request message to NRF3, including the type of NF2 and slice information.

[0151] As another possible implementation, NRF2 acts as a relay, forwarding requests from NRF1 to NRF3.

[0152] In this implementation, NRF1 requests NRF2 to discover NF2, which includes the following steps:

[0153] Step 1: NF1 determines NRF1 based on the pre-configuration and sends an NF discovery request message to NRF1. The NF discovery request message includes the type of NF2 and the slice information (e.g., slice 2).

[0154] Step 2: If NRF1 cannot determine NF2, it sends an NF discovery request message to NRF2. The NF discovery request message includes the type of NF2 and the slice information (e.g., slice 2).

[0155] Step 3: Based on the information requested by NRF1 and the information registered by NRF3 (serving slice 2), NRF2 determines that NRF3 serves the slice and sends an NF discovery request to NRF3, including the type of NF2 and slice information.

[0156] Step 4: NRF3 sends a discovery request response message to NRF2, including NF2's ID, address, etc. NRF2 then sends a discovery response message to NRF1.

[0157] The preceding text, with reference to Figure 1, briefly introduced the application scenarios of the communication method provided in this application embodiment, and also introduced the basic concepts that may be involved in this application embodiment. Among the basic concepts, a distributed network was introduced. As can be seen from the above, in the distributed network architecture, users can simultaneously use services in the central network and the distributed network. Each NF in the distributed network can register only with its local NRF, without needing to register with the NRF in the first network in the central network. That is, the operator's central network does not need to know which services and functions are deployed in each campus. However, the following problems exist:

[0158] The RAN cannot distinguish whether the signaling received from the UE is destined for the central network or the distributed network. As a result, in scenarios where the distributed network is combined with the RAN interface service architecture, the RAN may not be able to accurately forward signaling to the UE, which will affect the UE's service experience to some extent. For example, when the UE requests the network to provide a certain service, the RAN may not be able to accurately forward the service request to the UE, causing the network to be unable to provide the corresponding service to the UE, thus affecting the UE's service experience.

[0159] The basic concepts mentioned above also introduced PNI-NPN. As we know, PNI-NPN controls UE access to a distributed network through CAG. However, in PNI-NPN, there are no locally deployed NFs running parallel to the public network. Therefore, it cannot meet the UE's need to use local network NF services. In other words, PNI-NPN's method of controlling UE access to a distributed network through CAG cannot solve the problems existing in the aforementioned distributed network.

[0160] As described in the basic concepts above, the UE does not consider the distributed network architecture when requesting location services; that is, the UE does not consider which network element provides the location service. Furthermore, regarding the description of NRF discovery, the NF requests the NRF to discover other network elements based on a pre-configured structure. This configuration is generally static, and the NF does not need to know the network information of the target NF; it only needs to request from the NRF. However, in a distributed network architecture, since the NRF in the first network and the local NRF are deployed far apart, the aforementioned NRF discovery methods all suffer from high communication latency, affecting user experience and incurring unnecessary signaling overhead.

[0161] To address the aforementioned problems in distributed networks, this application provides a communication method that enables the RAN to distinguish and route signaling sent to different distributed networks within a distributed network architecture, thereby improving the UE's service experience.

[0162] The communication method provided in this application can be applied to systems that communicate using multi-antenna technology, such as the communication system 100 shown in FIG1. ​​This communication system may include at least one network device and at least one terminal device.

[0163] The embodiments shown below do not specifically limit the structure of the execution entity of the method provided in the embodiments of this application. As long as communication can be performed according to the method provided in the embodiments of this application by running a program that records the code of the method provided in the embodiments of this application. For example, the method provided in the embodiments of this application can be executed by a first communication device. Unless otherwise specified, "first communication device" in this application can refer to the first communication device itself (e.g., a network device, a terminal device), a component in the first communication device (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a chip system), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first communication device. As another example, the method provided in the embodiments of this application can be executed by a second communication device. Unless otherwise specified, "second communication device" in this application can refer to the second communication device itself (e.g., a network device, a terminal device), a component in the second communication device (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a chip system), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second communication device.

[0164] Figure 4 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application, including the following steps:

[0165] S410, the first communication device receives a first request message from the second communication device, and correspondingly, the second communication device sends a first request message to the first communication device.

[0166] For example, a first request message is used to request a first service, which may be provided by a first network element in a first distributed network. The first request message includes a first network identifier of the first distributed network, which is used to identify the first distributed network. The second communication device can access both the first network and the first distributed network through the first communication device, and the first distributed network shares at least one network element in the first network.

[0167] For example, the first network can be a central core network (e.g., the central core network shown in Figure 2), and the first distributed network can be a campus core network (e.g., campus core network #1 or campus core network #2 shown in Figure 2). The first network can be referred to as the central network, and the first distributed network can be referred to as the first subnet. Optionally, the first distributed network can be one of at least one distributed network accessed by the second communication device. For example, in this embodiment, the second communication device can access the first network and at least one distributed network through the first communication device.

[0168] For example, the first service includes, but is not limited to, location service, timing service, sensing service, or computing service. This application does not limit the specific form of the first service; any service required by the second communication device can be considered as the first service.

[0169] For example, the first network identifier includes at least one of the following: slice information of the first distributed network, DNN information of the first distributed network, or CAG information corresponding to the first distributed network. This application does not limit the specific form of the first network identifier; any information that can be used to identify the first distributed network and can be recognized by the network side is acceptable.

[0170] In this embodiment, the first communication device can be an access network device that provides access services to the second communication device; for example, the first communication device can be a base station. Alternatively, the second communication device can be a terminal device.

[0171] Furthermore, after receiving the first request message, the first communication device can determine whether the first request message should be forwarded to the distributed network or the first network based on the first network identifier carried in the first request message. Therefore, the method flow shown in Figure 4 further includes:

[0172] S420, the first communication device determines whether the first request message is routed to the first distributed network based on the first network identifier.

[0173] For example, in this embodiment, to avoid unnecessary signaling overhead, the first communication device can determine whether to route the first request message in the following ways:

[0174] As one possible implementation, the first communication device determines, based on the cell currently accessed by the second communication device and the first request message of the second communication device, that the first network identifier contained in the first request message of the second communication device is the network identifier of the first distributed network, but the first communication device does not support the first distributed network: the first communication device determines not to forward the first request message.

[0175] In this implementation, the first communication device can reject the first request message from the second communication device and send a first rejection message to the second communication device. The first rejection message is used to indicate that the first request message should not be forwarded.

[0176] Optionally, the first rejection message includes first indication information, which indicates that the reason for rejecting the request is that the current network does not support the first distributed network. The first indication information may be referred to as a first reason value.

[0177] This can be understood as follows: under this implementation, when the first communication device supports the first distributed network, it determines the route for the first request message.

[0178] As another possible implementation, the first communication device determines whether the distributed network identified by the first network identifier is a distributed network permitted by the second communication device, based on at least one network identifier of at least one distributed network permitted by the second communication device stored locally. The first communication device can obtain the at least one network identifier of the at least one distributed network permitted by the second communication device from the network side. For example, the first communication device receives first information from a mobility management network element in the first network, the first information including at least one network identifier corresponding to each of the at least one distributed network permitted by the second communication device.

[0179] In this implementation, when the first communication device determines that the first network identifier contained in the first request message of the second communication device is the network identifier of the first distributed network, but the first distributed network is not a distributed network allowed by the second communication device, the first communication device determines not to forward the first request message.

[0180] In this implementation, the first communication device can reject the first request message from the second communication device and send a second rejection message to the second communication device. The second rejection message is used to indicate that the first request message should not be forwarded.

[0181] Optionally, the second rejection message includes second indication information, which indicates that the reason for rejecting the request is that the UE requested an unauthorized distributed network. This second indication information can be referred to as a second reason value.

[0182] This can be understood as follows: in this implementation, when the first distributed network is a distributed network permitted by the second communication device, the route for the first request message is determined.

[0183] As another possible implementation, the first communication device determines, based on the cell currently accessed by the second communication device and the first request message of the second communication device, that the first network identifier contained in the first request message of the second communication device is the network identifier of the first distributed network, and the first distributed network is a distributed network allowed by the second communication device, but the cell currently accessed by the second communication device does not support the first distributed network: the first communication device determines not to forward the first request message.

[0184] In this implementation, the first communication device can reject the first request message from the second communication device and send a third rejection message to the second communication device. The third rejection message is used to indicate that the first request message should not be forwarded.

[0185] Optionally, the first rejection message includes third indication information, which indicates that the reason for rejecting the request is that the current cell does not support the first distributed network. This third indication information can be referred to as a third reason value.

[0186] It should be understood that the above-described method by which the first communication device determines whether to route the first request message is merely an example and does not constitute any limitation on the scope of protection of this application. For example, the first communication device may also determine whether to route the first request message in other ways, such as determining that routing the message to the first distributed network will fail based on historical communication data, or based on its own situation, etc., which will not be illustrated here.

[0187] The following details how the first communication device routes the first request message:

[0188] As one possible implementation, the first communication device can determine, based on the first configuration information, that the first request message should be routed to the first distributed network.

[0189] For example, the first configuration information includes at least one network identifier that belongs to the distributed network, or at least one network identifier that does not belong to the distributed network.

[0190] For example, the first configuration information indicates that network identifier #1 corresponds to the first distributed network, network identifier #2 corresponds to the second distributed network, and network identifier #3 corresponds to the third distributed network. When the first request message carries network identifier #1, the first communication device can determine that the first request message is to be routed to the first distributed network based on network identifier #1.

[0191] For example, if the first configuration information indicates that network identifier #4 does not correspond to any distributed network, and network identifier #1 is carried in the first request message, the first communication device can determine that the first request message is to be routed to the distributed network based on network identifier #1.

[0192] In this implementation, the method flow shown in Figure 4 also includes:

[0193] S401, The first communication device pre-configures the first configuration information.

[0194] As another possible implementation, the first communication device can determine the first request message to be routed to the distributed network based on historical communication data.

[0195] For example, before the first communication device receives the first request message, it has already forwarded message #1 to the first distributed network for the second communication device, and the message carries the first network identifier. Then the first communication device can determine, based on the historical forwarding records, that the first request message carrying the first network identifier is to be routed to the first distributed network.

[0196] As another possible implementation, the first communication device can query the NRF in the first network of the central network to determine that the first request message is to be routed to the first distributed network.

[0197] For example, the NRF in the first network of the central network stores the network identifiers of each distributed network. The first communication device can query the NRF in the first network using the first network identifier and determine, based on the feedback information from the NRF in the first network, that the first request message should be routed to the first distributed network. For instance, the NRF in the first network stores the network identifier #1 of the first distributed network, the network identifier #2 of the second distributed network, and the network identifier #3 of the third distributed network. If the first request message carries the network identifier #1, the first communication device can send a query message #1 to the NRF in the first network, carrying the network identifier #1 in the query message. The NRF in the first network determines the corresponding first distributed network based on the network identifier #1 and informs the first communication device of the first distributed network through a notification message #1, so that the first communication device can determine that the first request message should be routed to the distributed network.

[0198] It should be understood that the above-mentioned implementation methods are merely examples illustrating how the first communication device determines the route of the first request message to the first distributed network based on the first network identifier after receiving the first request message carrying the first network identifier. They do not constitute any limitation on the scope of protection of this application. The first communication device can also determine the route of the first request message to the first distributed network based on the first network identifier through other means, such as querying other management devices.

[0199] Furthermore, after determining that the first request message needs to be routed to the first distributed network, the first communication device can determine the forwarding process of subsequent first request messages in the following two ways:

[0200] Method 1.1: The first communication device sends a first request message to the first network element in the first distributed network.

[0201] In the case described in Method 1.1, the first communication device can determine, through the first NRF in the first distributed network, that the first request message is to be forwarded to the first network element in the first distributed network.

[0202] This can be understood as follows: In the case described in Method 1.1, if the first communication device cannot determine which network element of the first distributed network the first request message is to be forwarded to, the first communication device can discover the first network element of the first distributed network from the first NRF. That is, in this application, the first communication device can determine the NF deployed in the distributed network. However, if the first communication device cannot determine the first NRF, the first communication device can discover the first NRF serving the first distributed network from the NRF in the first network.

[0203] In this embodiment, the first communication device determines the first NRF serving the first network element, including but not limited to the following two implementation methods:

[0204] As one possible implementation, the first communication device locally stores information about a first NRF serving a first distributed network.

[0205] For example, if the first communication device has already forwarded the message to the network element in the first distributed network before forwarding the first request message to the network element in the first distributed network, and has stored information about the first NRF serving the first distributed network, then the first communication device can determine the information of the first NRF based on the stored information.

[0206] As another possible implementation, the first communication device discovers the first NRF serving the first distributed network from the NRF in the first network.

[0207] For example, if the first communication device can determine the first NRF serving the first distributed network through the NRF in the first network, then the method flow shown in Figure 4 further includes:

[0208] S421, the first communication device sends a second discovery request message to the NRF in the first network, and correspondingly, the NRF in the first network receives the second discovery request message from the first communication device.

[0209] For example, a first discovery request message is used to request the discovery of a first NRF serving a first distributed network. This first discovery request message includes the network element type information of the first NRF and a first network identifier. For instance, the first discovery request message includes the following information:

[0210] The type of the first NRF, the DNN information of the first distributed network, and / or the slice information of the first distributed network, etc.

[0211] S422, the NRF in the first network sends a second discovery response message to the first communication device, and correspondingly, the first communication device receives the second discovery response message from the NRF in the first network.

[0212] For example, the second discovery response message includes information about the first NRF, such as the identifier and address of the first NRF.

[0213] Optionally, after the first communication device obtains the information of the first NRF of the first distributed network through the NRF in the first network, it can locally store the first correspondence between the information of the first distributed network and the first NRF, so that when there is a need to forward messages to network elements in the first distributed network, the first NRF of the first distributed network can be obtained based on the locally stored information. Then the method flow shown in Figure 4 may further include:

[0214] S423, the first communication device stores a first correspondence between information of the first distributed network and information of the first NRF.

[0215] For example, the first communication device may store a first correspondence between a first network identifier of the first distributed network and an identifier of the first NRF.

[0216] Furthermore, after the first communication device obtains the information of the first NRF, it can discover the first network element to which the first request message is to be forwarded from the first NRF. Therefore, the method flow shown in Figure 4 further includes:

[0217] S424, the first communication device sends a first discovery request message to the first NRF, and correspondingly, the first NRF receives the first discovery request message from the first communication device.

[0218] For example, a first discovery request message is used to request the discovery of a first network element providing a first service. The second discovery request message includes type information of the first network element; for example, if the first service is a location service, then the type information of the first network element is LMF. The first communication device can determine the type of the first service based on the first request message sent by the second communication device. For example, the first communication device can determine the type of the first service based on the message name of the first request message; for example, if the message name of the first request message is "Location Service Request Message," then the first communication device determines that the first service is a location service. Alternatively, the first request message can carry type indication information for the first service; for example, if the first request message includes indication information indicating that the first service is a location service, then the first communication device determines that the first service is a location service.

[0219] S425, the first NRF sends a first discovery response message to the first communication device, and correspondingly, the first communication device receives a first response message from the first NRF.

[0220] For example, the second discovery response message includes information about the first network element, such as the identifier and address of the first network element.

[0221] S426, the first communication device forwards the first request message to the first network element.

[0222] Method 1.2: The first communication device sends a first request message to the management element of the first distributed network, wherein the management element is used to manage the network elements in the first distributed network, or the management element is used to route the signaling sent to the first distributed network to the first network element.

[0223] As shown in Figure 5, the first distributed network includes management network elements, such as the telecommunication cloud entrance (TCE).

[0224] In the case shown in Method 1.2, the first communication device can simply send the signaling to the management network element without needing to discover the specific local NF through the local NRF.

[0225] In this embodiment, the first communication device determines the management network element serving the first distributed network, including but not limited to the following two implementation methods:

[0226] As one possible implementation, the first communication device locally stores information about management network elements serving the first distributed network.

[0227] For example, before forwarding the first request message to a network element in the first distributed network, the first communication device has already forwarded the message to the network element in the first distributed network and has stored information about the management network element serving the first distributed network. Then, the first communication device can determine the information of the management network element based on the stored information.

[0228] As another possible implementation, the first communication device discovers the management network element serving the first distributed network from the NRF in the first network.

[0229] For example, if the first communication device can determine the management network element serving the first distributed network through the NRF in the first network, then the method flow shown in Figure 4 further includes:

[0230] S431, the first communication device sends a third discovery request message to the NRF in the first network, and correspondingly, the NRF in the first network receives the third discovery request message from the first communication device.

[0231] For example, a third discovery request message is used to request the discovery of management network elements serving the first distributed network. This third discovery request message includes network element type information of the management network element and the first network identifier. For instance, the third discovery request message includes the following information:

[0232] The types of management network elements, the DNN information of the first distributed network, and / or the slice information of the first distributed network, etc.

[0233] S432, the NRF in the first network sends a third discovery response message to the first communication device, and correspondingly, the first communication device receives the third discovery response message from the NRF in the first network.

[0234] For example, the third discovery response message includes information about the management network element, such as the identifier and address of the management network element.

[0235] Optionally, after the first communication device obtains the information of the management element of the first distributed network through the NRF in the first network, it can store the correspondence between the information of the first distributed network and the management element locally. This allows the device to determine the management element of the first distributed network based on the locally stored information when there is a need to forward messages to the network elements in the first distributed network. In this case, the method flow shown in Figure 4 may further include:

[0236] S433, the first communication device stores a second correspondence between information of the first distributed network and information of management network elements.

[0237] For example, the first communication device may store a second correspondence between the first network identifier of the first distributed network and the identifier of the management network element.

[0238] Furthermore, after the first communication device obtains the information of the management network element, it can forward the first request message to the management network element, which will then continue the subsequent forwarding process. Therefore, the method flow shown in Figure 4 further includes:

[0239] S434, the first communication device forwards the first request message to the management network element.

[0240] In the communication method shown in Figure 4, after the first communication device receives a first request message from the second communication device requesting a first service, it can determine whether to route the first request message to the first distributed network based on the first network identifier in the first request message. The second communication device can access the first network and at least one distributed network through the first communication device. In this technical solution, the distributed network can share at least one network within the first network. The first network can be understood as an operator network, and the distributed network can be understood as a local network deployed in a campus. The second communication device can be understood as a terminal, and the first communication device can be understood as an access network device. In this technical solution, even if the terminal can simultaneously use services in both the operator network (e.g., the first network mentioned above) and the local network (e.g., at least one distributed network mentioned above), the access network device can distinguish whether the signaling received from the terminal is forwarded to the operator network or the local network based on the network identifier carried in the service request message sent by the terminal.

[0241] As described above, the first request message sent by the second communication device to the first communication device carries a first network identifier of the first distributed network. In this application, the second communication device can determine the first network identifier based on the received policy information. As an example and not a limitation, the second communication device can determine the first network identifier in the following ways:

[0242] Method 1: The second communication device determines the first network identifier mentioned above based on the name of the service interface called by the application.

[0243] To facilitate understanding, the process of the second communication device determining the first network identifier in the case shown in Method 1 will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 6.

[0244] Figure 6 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application, including the following steps:

[0245] S610, the second communication device sends a registration request message to the AMF in the first network through the first communication device, and correspondingly, the AMF in the first network receives the registration request message from the second communication device.

[0246] For example, the registration request message includes the identifier of the second communication device, such as the subscription concealed identifier (SUCI) of the second communication device.

[0247] S620, the AMF in the first network obtains the subscription data of the second communication device and establishes a policy association with the PCF in the first network.

[0248] For example, the subscription data of the second communication device includes:

[0249] The second communication device includes information about the distributed network it has signed up for, the CAG (Content AG), and the services supported by the distributed network. The distributed network information is used to identify the distributed network and can be the distributed network's S-NSSAI (Service-Specific Access AG). The CAG is used for access control.

[0250] For example, if the distributed network subscribed to by the second communication device includes distributed network #1, distributed network #2, and distributed network #3, then the subscription data of the second communication device includes S-NSSAI #1 of distributed network #1, S-NSSAI #2 of distributed network #2, and S-NSSAI #3 of distributed network #3. If distributed network #1 and distributed network #2 support location services, then the subscription data of the second communication device includes information indicating that distributed network #1 supports location services and information indicating that distributed network #2 supports location services; if distributed network #3 supports sensing services, then the subscription data of the second communication device includes information indicating that distributed network #3 supports sensing services.

[0251] S630, the AMF in the first network sends a registration acceptance message to the second communication device, and correspondingly, the second communication device receives the registration acceptance message from the AMF in the first network.

[0252] For example, the registration acceptance message includes allowed S-NSSAI. Optionally, if the distributed network subscribed to by the second communication device includes the aforementioned distributed network #1, distributed network #2, and distributed network #3, then the allowed S-NSSAI included in the registration acceptance message can be S-NSSAI#1 of distributed network #1, S-NSSAI#2 of distributed network #2, and S-NSSAI#3 of distributed network #3.

[0253] It should be understood that the above steps S610 to S630 are the registration process of the second communication device. This application does not limit the registration process of the second communication device in any way. You can refer to the description of the terminal registration process in the current related technology. It will not be repeated here.

[0254] Optionally, after the second communication device registers, the AMF in the first network sends the network identifier of the distributed network allowed by the second communication device to the first communication device based on the subscription information of the second communication device. That is, the method flow shown in Figure 6 may also include:

[0255] S631, the AMF in the first network sends first information to the first communication device, and correspondingly, the first communication device receives the first information from the AMF in the first network.

[0256] For example, the first information includes at least one network identifier corresponding to at least one distributed network permitted by the second communication device.

[0257] The first communication device stores the network identifier of the distributed network allowed by the second communication device in the context of the second communication device. Thus, after receiving the first request message, the first communication device can determine whether the first distributed network identified by the first network identifier is a distributed network allowed by the second communication device based on the first network identifier carried in the first request message.

[0258] S640, the PCF or UDM in the first network determines the first policy information.

[0259] For example, the first strategy information includes information about each distributed network in at least one distributed network.

[0260] The information for each distributed network includes the name of the distributed network, the network identifier of the distributed network, and information about the supporting services of the distributed network.

[0261] S650, the PCF or UDM in the first network sends the first policy information to the second communication device through the AMF in the first network.

[0262] S660, the second communication device determines the first network identifier of the first distributed network based on the first strategy information.

[0263] For example, the second communication device provides a service interface for each distributed network that supports the first service, and the identifier of each service interface is associated with the name of its corresponding distributed network.

[0264] For example, as shown in Figure 7, the first strategy information includes:

[0265] The names of distributed network #1 (as shown in Figure 7), S-NSSAI #1, and supporting service #1 are: Name of distributed network #1 (as shown in Figure 7), S-NSSAI #2, and supporting service #1; Name of distributed network #3 (as shown in Figure 7), S-NSSAI #3, and supporting service #2. Therefore, distributed networks #1 and #2 support service #1, and distributed network #3 supports service #2. The S-NSSAI of a distributed network can be understood as its network identifier.

[0266] The operating system of the second communication device provides corresponding service interfaces based on the services supported by the distributed network. For example, it provides a service interface with service name #1 for distributed network #1, a service interface with service name #2 for distributed network #2, and a service interface with service name #3 for distributed network #3. Service name #1 and the name of distributed network #1 are related, or they are the same; similarly, service name #2 and the name of distributed network #2 are related, or they are the same; and service name #3 and the name of distributed network #3 are related, or they are the same.

[0267] For example, when the second communication device wants to use service #1 within the distributed network, for instance, service #1 is a location service, and the second communication device wants to use location services within the distributed network (e.g., it wants the location data to remain within the campus area), then the second communication device calls the desired service interface to trigger the location service. In this application, the second communication device can determine whether to use a service within the distributed network. Optionally, when both the first network and the distributed network can provide a certain type of service (such as a location service), the second communication device can determine whether to use a service within the distributed network.

[0268] For example, as shown in Figure 7, APP#1 in the second communication device calls service#1 by calling the service interface named "service name#1". The second communication device determines that the distributed network corresponding to service name#1 is distributed network#1, and then determines the network identifier of distributed network#1 as S-NSSAI#1 according to the first policy information, so that the network identifier of distributed network#1 can be carried in the request message for requesting service#1.

[0269] In the communication method shown in Figure 6, different apps can call the service interfaces of different distributed networks, which can support the second communication device to access multiple distributed networks at the same time and select to use the services in different distributed networks.

[0270] Method 2: The second communication device determines the first network identifier mentioned above according to the service routing selection policy rules.

[0271] To facilitate understanding, the process of determining the first network identifier by the second communication device in the case shown in Method 2 will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 8.

[0272] Figure 8 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application, including the following steps:

[0273] S810, the second communication device sends a registration request message to the AMF in the first network through the first communication device, and correspondingly, the AMF in the first network receives the registration request message from the second communication device.

[0274] S820, the AMF in the first network obtains the subscription data of the second communication device and establishes a policy association with the PCF in the first network.

[0275] S830, the AMF in the first network sends a registration acceptance message to the second communication device, and correspondingly, the second communication device receives the registration acceptance message from the AMF in the first network.

[0276] Steps S810 to S830 are referenced from steps S610 to S630 in Figure 6, and will not be repeated here.

[0277] S840, the PCF or UDM in the first network determines the second policy information.

[0278] For example, the second policy information includes at least one selection policy rule, each selection policy rule including an application descriptor and a routing descriptor, the application descriptor being used to determine the application requesting the distributed network service, and the routing descriptor being used to determine the network identifier of the distributed network.

[0279] For example, the second strategy information is shown in Table 1:

[0280] Table 1 Second Strategy Information

[0281] The service routing selection policies in Table 1 are the second policy information. At least one selection policy rule included in this second policy information is the service routing selection policy rule in Table 1 (e.g., rule 1, rule 2, ... in Table 1).

[0282] As an example and not a limitation, the above service routing strategy rules are shown in Table 2 below:

[0283] Table 2 Service Routing Selection Policy Rules

[0284] As shown in Table 2, the service routing policy rules include application descriptors and routing descriptors. The application descriptor is used to determine the application requesting the distributed network service, and the routing descriptor includes network slice selection, which is used to determine the network identifier of the distributed network. Optionally, the application descriptor may also include the name of the distributed network and / or the service types supported by the distributed network.

[0285] S850, the PCF or UDM in the first network sends the second policy information to the second communication device through the AMF in the first network.

[0286] S860, the second communication device determines the first network identifier of the first distributed network according to the second strategy information.

[0287] For example, as shown in Figure 9, the second strategy information includes:

[0288] Selection policy rule #1: Apply descriptor #1, route selection descriptor #1; Selection policy rule #2: Apply descriptor #2, route selection descriptor #2.

[0289] Optionally, when the second communication device wishes to use the location service within the distributed network, it can request the location service within the distributed network from the network through the following steps:

[0290] Step 1: The application in the second communication device generates a call request based on the first service. The call request requests the system service interface corresponding to the first service. The call request includes an application descriptor, which indicates the application requesting the call to the first service. Optionally, the call request may also include the name of the distributed network requesting the location service.

[0291] Step 2: The second communication device determines the first network identifier of the distributed network providing the first service based on the service application descriptor and the second policy.

[0292] For example, the second communication device determines a service routing policy rule whose application descriptor in the second policy information is the same as the application descriptor in the call request, based on the application descriptor carried in the call request. Optionally, if the call request carries the name of a distributed network, the second communication device determines a service routing policy rule whose name in the second policy information is the same as the name of the distributed network carried in the call request, based on the name of the distributed network carried in the call request, and then determines the routing descriptor in the selected service routing policy rule. This routing descriptor is used to determine the network identifier corresponding to the distributed network, so that the network identifier of the distributed network can be carried in the request message requesting service.

[0293] As one possible implementation, in step one, the application in the second communication device calls the system location service interface (as shown in Figure 9, where the APP calls the system location service interface). In step two, the routing module in the second communication device (e.g., the UEroute selection policy (URSP) module) evaluates the service routing policy to obtain the network identifier of the distributed network (as shown in Figure 9, where the routing module determines the network identifier). Then, the communication function module in the second communication device sends a location request signaling to the network device, and the distributed network identifier is carried in the parameters when calling the communication function interface.

[0294] As another possible implementation, step two above can also be performed by the communication function module in the second communication device, as shown in Figure 10. The routing module calls the communication function module to send a location service request, which includes the application descriptor of the application; the communication function module evaluates the service routing strategy and obtains the network identifier corresponding to the distributed network, so that it can carry the network identifier of the distributed network in the request message for requesting service.

[0295] As another possible implementation, the service routing strategy function may be included in the communication function module. The communication function module can determine the network identifier of the distributed network through its internal implementation, as shown in Figure 11.

[0296] Method 3: The second communication device determines the first network identifier mentioned above based on the distributed network selected by the network selection function.

[0297] To facilitate understanding, the process of determining the first network identifier by the second communication device in the case shown in Method 3 will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 12.

[0298] Figure 12 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application, including the following steps:

[0299] S1210, the second communication device sends a registration request message to the AMF in the first network through the first communication device, and correspondingly, the AMF in the first network receives the registration request message from the second communication device.

[0300] S1220, the AMF in the first network obtains the subscription data of the second communication device and establishes a policy association with the PCF in the first network.

[0301] S1230, the AMF in the first network sends a registration acceptance message to the second communication device, and correspondingly, the second communication device receives the registration acceptance message from the AMF in the first network.

[0302] Steps S1210 to S1230 refer to steps S610 to S630 in Figure 6, and will not be repeated here.

[0303] S1240, the PCF or UDM in the first network determines the third policy information.

[0304] For example, the third strategy information includes information about each distributed network in at least one distributed network, wherein the information about each distributed network includes the network identifier of the distributed network and information about the supporting services of the distributed network.

[0305] S1250, the PCF or UDM in the first network sends the third policy information to the second communication device through the AMF in the first network.

[0306] S1260, the second communication device determines the first network identifier of the first distributed network based on the third strategy information.

[0307] As shown in Figure 13, the third policy information received by the second communication device includes information about distributed network #1, distributed network #2, and distributed network #3. The third policy information shown in Figure 13 includes S-NSSAI #1 and distributed network #1 support service #1 information for distributed network #1, S-NSSAI #2 and distributed network #2 support service #1 information for distributed network #2, and S-NSSAI #3 and distributed network #3 support service #2 information for distributed network #3.

[0308] When the second communication device wants to use service #1 in the distributed network, the application in the second communication device calls the system location service interface to trigger the network selection function to select the distributed network, as shown in Figure 13.

[0309] For example, the network selection function performs distributed network selection in several ways, including but not limited to the following:

[0310] As one possible implementation, the network selection function selects a first distributed network and determines the first network identifier of the first distributed network. If the first distributed network supports the first service required by the second communication device according to the third policy information, the first network identifier is carried in the request message. If the first distributed network does not support the first service required by the second communication device according to the third policy information, the selection of a distributed network is triggered.

[0311] As another possible implementation, the network selection function selects the first distributed network that supports the first service, and determines the first network identifier of the first distributed network based on the third policy information.

[0312] As another possible implementation, if the information of each distributed network includes the name of the distributed network, then the network selection function selects the first distributed network, determines the name of the first distributed network, and determines the first network identifier of the first distributed network based on the name of the first distributed network and the third strategy information.

[0313] In the communication method shown in Figure 12, when the application in the second communication device calls the system location service interface, it may not need to provide the application's characteristics, nor may it need to consider which specific distributed network service interfaces the system provides. The selection of the distributed network is achieved by the network selection function in the system.

[0314] Optionally, similar to the communication method shown in Figure 9 above, obtaining the network identifier of the distributed network through the network selection function can also be performed by the communication function module in the second communication device, or the network selection function can be integrated with the communication function module. This application does not impose any limitations on the division of functional modules in the second communication device.

[0315] Optionally, for the network selection function, different distributed network priority lists are used for different types of services. That is, the network selection function selects the first distributed network according to the first service and the first priority list, wherein the first priority list indicates the priority of at least one distributed network providing the first service, and the first distributed network is a distributed network in the first priority list whose priority is higher than a first threshold.

[0316] For example, the first priority list is shown in Table 3 below:

[0317] Table 3

[0318] As shown in Table 3 above, if the service required by the current second communication device is location service, the first distributed network selected by the network selection function based on the location service and the first priority list can be distributed network #1; if the service required by the current second communication device is sensing service, the first distributed network selected by the network selection function based on the sensing service and the first priority list can be distributed network #2; if the service required by the current second communication device is timing service, the first distributed network selected by the network selection function based on the timing service and the first priority list can be distributed network #3.

[0319] As one possible implementation, the first priority list could be pre-configured on the second communication device.

[0320] As another possible implementation, the first priority list can be either sent from the network to the second communication device.

[0321] In methods one through three described above, the network identifier of the distributed network is issued by the network side, such as the network identifier of the distributed network included in the first policy information, the routing descriptor included in the second policy information, or the network identifier of the distributed network included in the third policy information. Optionally, the APP in the second communication device may also obtain the network identifier of the distributed network through other means, such as pre-configuring the network identifier of the distributed network. Alternatively, it may obtain the network identifier of the distributed network through application layer functions.

[0322] It should be understood that the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0323] It should also be understood that, in the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0324] It should also be understood that the above embodiments are mainly illustrated using devices in existing network architectures as examples. It should be understood that the specific form of the device is not limited in the embodiments of this application. For example, any device that can achieve the same function in the future is applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0325] It is understood that the methods and operations implemented by devices (such as the first communication device and the second communication device) in the above-described method embodiments can also be implemented by components (such as chips or circuits) that can be used in the devices.

[0326] It is also understood that some optional features in the various embodiments of this application may, in some scenarios, be independent of other features, or may be combined with other features in other scenarios, without limitation. Furthermore, simple modifications to the embodiments of this application are also within the protection scope of this application.

[0327] The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application has been described in detail above with reference to Figures 4 to 13. The above communication method is mainly described from the perspective of the first communication device and the second communication device. It can be understood that, in order to achieve the above functions, the first communication device and the second communication device include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function.

[0328] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is implemented in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0329] The communication device provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 14 and 15. It should be understood that the description of the device embodiments corresponds to the description of the method embodiments. Therefore, for content not described in detail, please refer to the method embodiments above. For the sake of brevity, some content will not be repeated.

[0330] This application embodiment can divide the transmitting or receiving device into functional modules according to the above method examples. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. The following description uses the division of functional modules according to each function as an example.

[0331] Figure 15 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 10 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 10 includes a transceiver module 11 and a processing module 12. The transceiver module 11 can implement corresponding communication functions, and the processing module 12 is used for data processing. In other words, the transceiver module 11 is used to perform receiving and sending related operations, and the processing module 12 is used to perform other operations besides receiving and sending. The transceiver module 11 can also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication unit. The transceiver module 11 may include a receiving module and / or a sending module, whereby the receiving module performs receiving-related operations and the sending module performs sending-related operations.

[0332] Optionally, the communication device 10 may further include a storage module 13, which may be used to store computer programs or instructions and / or data. The processing module 12 may read the computer programs or instructions and / or data in the storage module so that the device can perform the operation of the device in the aforementioned method embodiments. The above modules may also be referred to as units, such as transceiver units, processing units, storage units, etc.

[0333] In one design, the communication device 10 may correspond to the first communication device in the above method embodiments, or to a component (such as a chip) of the first communication device.

[0334] The communication device 10 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to those executed by the first communication device in the above method embodiment. The transceiver module 11 can be used to perform the transceiver-related operations of the first communication device in the above method embodiment, and the processing module 12 can be used to perform the processing-related operations of the first communication device in the above method embodiment.

[0335] In one possible implementation, transceiver module 11 is configured to receive a first request message from a second communication device, the first request message being used to request the provision of a first service, and the first request message including a first network identifier. Processing module 12 is configured to determine, based on the first network identifier, whether the first request message is routed to a first distributed network, wherein the second communication device can access both the first network and the first distributed network through the first communication device, and the first distributed network shares at least one network element in the first network.

[0336] When the communication device 10 is used to execute the method in FIG4, the transceiver module 11 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as steps S410, S421, S422, S424, S425, S426, S431, S432 and S434; the processing module 12 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as steps S401, S420, S423 and S433.

[0337] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0338] In another design, the communication device 10 may correspond to the second communication device in the above method embodiment, or to a component (such as a chip) of the second communication device.

[0339] The communication device 10 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the second communication device in the above method embodiments. The transceiver module 11 can be used to perform the transceiver-related operations of the second communication device in the above method embodiments, and the processing module 12 can be used to perform the processing-related operations of the second communication device in the above method embodiments.

[0340] In one possible implementation, processing module 12 is configured to generate a first request message, which requests a first distributed network to provide a first service. The first request message includes a first network identifier of the first distributed network. Transceiver module 11 is configured to send the first request message to a first communication device, wherein the second communication device can access the first network and the first distributed network through the first communication device, and the first distributed network shares at least one network element in the first network.

[0341] When the communication device 10 is used to execute the method in FIG4, the transceiver module 11 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as step S410; the processing module 12 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method.

[0342] When the communication device 10 is used to execute the method in FIG6, the transceiver module 11 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as steps S610, S630 and S650; the processing module 12 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as step S660.

[0343] When the communication device 10 is used to execute the method in FIG8, the transceiver module 11 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as steps S810, S830 and S850; the processing module 12 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as step S860.

[0344] When the communication device 10 is used to execute the method in FIG12, the transceiver module 11 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as steps S1210, S1230 and S1250; the processing module 12 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as step S1260.

[0345] It should be understood that the specific process by which each module or unit performs the above-mentioned corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0346] It should also be understood that the communication device 10 here is embodied in the form of a functional module. The term "module" here can refer to application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electronic circuits, processors (e.g., shared processors, proprietary processors, or group processors, etc.) and memories for executing one or more software or firmware programs, combined logic circuits, and / or other suitable components supporting the described functions. In an alternative example, those skilled in the art will understand that device 10 may specifically be a mobility management network element in the above embodiments, and may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the mobility management network element in the above method embodiments; or, device 10 may specifically be a terminal device in the above embodiments, and may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the terminal device in the above method embodiments. To avoid repetition, further details are omitted here.

[0347] The communication device 10 of each of the above-described schemes has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the device (such as the first communication device) in the above-described methods. This function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-described functions; for example, the transceiver module can be replaced by a transceiver (for example, the transmitting module in the transceiver module can be replaced by a transmitter, and the receiving module in the transceiver module can be replaced by a receiver), and other units, such as processing modules, can be replaced by processors, which respectively execute the transceiver operations and related processing operations in each method embodiment.

[0348] In addition, the transceiver module 11 can also be a transceiver circuit (for example, it may include a receiving circuit and a transmitting circuit), and the processing module can be a processing circuit.

[0349] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of another communication device 20 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 20 includes a processor 21, which is used to execute computer programs or instructions stored in a memory 22, or to read data / signaling stored in the memory 22, to perform the methods in the above method embodiments. Optionally, there may be one or more processors 21.

[0350] Optionally, as shown in FIG15, the communication device 20 further includes a transceiver 23, which is used for receiving and / or transmitting signals. For example, the processor 21 is used to control the transceiver 23 to receive and / or transmit signals. The transceiver 23 may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, the receiver being used for receiving signals and the transmitter for transmitting signals; if the communication device 20 is a chip, then the transceiver 23 is the chip's input / output interface, where the output corresponds to transmitting and the input corresponds to receiving.

[0351] Optionally, as shown in FIG15, the communication device 20 further includes a memory 22 for storing computer programs or instructions and / or data. The memory 22 may be integrated with the processor 21 or may be separately configured. Optionally, there may be one or more memories 22.

[0352] As one option, the communication device 20 is used to implement the operations performed by the first communication device or the second communication device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0353] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0354] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM). For example, RAM can be used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, RAM includes the following forms: static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0355] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor.

[0356] It should also be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0357] This application provides a chip system. The chip system (or processing system) includes logic circuits and an input / output interface.

[0358] The logic circuit can be a processing circuit in the chip system. The logic circuit can be coupled to a memory cell, calling instructions from the memory cell, enabling the chip system to implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application. The input / output interface can be an input / output circuit in the chip system, outputting processed information or inputting data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system for processing.

[0359] As one approach, the chip system is used to implement the operations performed by the first or second communication device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0360] For example, the logic circuit is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the first communication device or the second communication device in the above method embodiments; the input / output interface is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0361] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for implementing the methods executed by the device in the above-described method embodiments.

[0362] For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, it enables the computer to implement the methods executed by the first communication device or the second communication device in the various embodiments of the above methods.

[0363] This application also provides a computer program product comprising a computer program or instructions which, when executed by a computer, implement the methods performed by the first communication device or the second communication device in the above-described method embodiments.

[0364] This application also provides a communication system, including the aforementioned first communication device and second communication device.

[0365] The explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant contents in any of the devices provided above can be found in the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0366] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0367] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0368] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0369] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0370] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0371] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0372] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is applied to a first communication device, and comprises: receiving a first request message from a second communication device, the first request message being used to request to provide a first service, and the first request message comprising a first network identity; determining whether the first request message is routed to a first distributed network according to the first network identity, wherein the second communication device can access a first network and the first distributed network through the first communication device, and the first distributed network shares at least one network element in the first network.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The determining whether the first request message is routed to the first distributed network according to the first network identity comprises: determining whether the first request message is routed to the first distributed network according to first configuration information and the first network identity, wherein the first configuration information comprises at least one network identity belonging to a distributed network or at least one network identity not belonging to a distributed network; if the first network identity is one of the at least one network identity belonging to a distributed network, determining that the first request message is routed to the first distributed network; if the first network identity is one of the at least one network identity not belonging to a distributed network, determining that the first request message is routed to the first network.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the case of determining that the first request message is routed to the first distributed network according to the first network identity, the method further comprises: sending the first request message to a first network element in the first distributed network; or sending the first request message to a management network element of the first distributed network, wherein the first network element is a network element in the first distributed network that provides the first service, the management network element is used to manage network elements in the first distributed network, or the management network element is used to route signaling sent to the first distributed network to the first network element.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, Before sending the first request message to the first network element in the first distributed network, the method further comprises: sending a first discovery request message to a first network function storage network element in the first distributed network, the first discovery request message being used to request information of the first network element, and the first discovery request message comprising type information of the first network element; receiving a first discovery response message from the first network function storage network element, the first discovery response message comprising the information of the first network element.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The method further comprises: sending a second discovery request message to a network function storage network element in the first network, the second discovery request message being used to request information of the first network function storage network element, and the first discovery request message comprising type information of the first network function storage network element and the first network identity; receiving a second discovery response message from the network function storage network element in the first network, the second discovery response message comprising the information of the first network function storage network element.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The method further comprises: storing a first correspondence relationship between the first network identity and the information of the first network function storage network element.

7. The method of claim 3, wherein, Before sending the first request message to the management network element of the first distributed network, the method further comprises: sending a third discovery request message to a network function storage network element in the first network, the third discovery request message being used for requesting information of the management network element, and the third discovery request message comprising type information of the management network element and the first network identifier; receiving a third discovery response message from the network function storage network element in the first network, the third discovery response message comprising information of the management network element.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The method further comprises: storing a second correspondence relationship between the first network identifier and the information of the management network element.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The method further comprises: receiving first information from a mobility management network element in the first network, the first information comprising at least one network identifier corresponding to at least one distributed network allowed by the second communication device; determining whether the distributed network identified by the first network identifier is a distributed network allowed by the second communication device according to the first network identifier and the at least one network identifier, if the distributed network identified by the first network identifier is a distributed network allowed by the second communication device, determining to route the first request message.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The method further comprises: determining whether the first distributed network identified by the first network identifier is a distributed network supported by the first communication device; if the first distributed network is a distributed network supported by the first communication device, determining to route the first request message.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The first network identifier comprises at least one of the following: slice information of the first distributed network, data network name (DNN) information of the first distributed network, or closed access group (CAG) information corresponding to the first distributed network.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The first service comprises any one of the following: positioning service, perception service, computing service, or timing service.

13. A method of communication, comprising: The method applied to a second communication device comprises: generating a first request message, the first request message being used for requesting a first distributed network to provide a first service, and the first request message comprising a first network identifier of the first distributed network; sending the first request message to a first communication device, wherein the second communication device can access a first network and the first distributed network through the first communication device, and the first distributed network shares at least one network element in the first network.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving first policy information from a mobility management network element in the first network, the first policy information comprising information of each distributed network in at least one distributed network, wherein the information of each distributed network comprises a name of the distributed network, a network identifier of the distributed network, and information of a supported service of the distributed network.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The method of generating the first request message comprises: providing a service interface for each distributed network supporting the first service respectively, and an identifier of the service interface being associated with the name of the distributed network; determining to invoke a first service interface according to the first service. According to the first policy information and a name of the first distributed network corresponding to the first service interface, a first network identifier of the first distributed network is determined.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving second policy information from a mobility management network element in the first network, the second policy information comprising at least one selection policy rule, each selection policy rule comprising an application descriptor and a routing selection descriptor, the application descriptor being used to determine an application requesting a distributed network service, and the routing selection descriptor being used to determine a network identifier of a distributed network.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, The generating the first request message comprises: generating a call request according to the first service, the call request being used to request calling a system service interface corresponding to the first service, and the call request comprising an application descriptor, the application descriptor being used to indicate an application requesting calling the first service; determining a first network identifier of a distributed network providing the first service according to the service application descriptor and the second policy information.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving third policy information from a mobility management network element in the first network, the third policy information comprising information of each distributed network in at least one distributed network, wherein the information of each distributed network comprises a network identifier of the distributed network and information of a supported service of the distributed network.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, The generating the first request message comprises: selecting the first distributed network according to the third policy information, and determining a first network identifier of the first distributed network; or if the information of each distributed network comprises a name of the distributed network, selecting the first distributed network, determining a name of the first distributed network, and determining a first network identifier of the first distributed network according to the name of the first distributed network and the third policy information.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, The selecting the first distributed network comprises: selecting the first distributed network according to the first service and a first priority list, wherein the first priority list indicates a priority of at least one distributed network providing the first service, and the first distributed network is a distributed network with a priority higher than a first threshold in the first priority list.

21. A communications device, characterized by A processor coupled with a memory, the memory being used to store computer programs or instructions, the processor being used to execute the computer programs or instructions in the memory, so that the method in any one of claims 1 to 12 is executed, or so that the method in any one of claims 13 to 20 is executed.

22. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer readable storage medium has stored thereon computer programs or instructions which, when run on a computer, cause the method in any one of claims 1 to 20 to be executed.

23. A chip system, characterized by The computer readable storage medium has stored thereon computer programs or instructions which, when run on a computer, cause the method in any one of claims 1 to 20 to be executed.

24. A computer program product, characterised in that, The computer readable storage medium has stored thereon computer programs or instructions which, when run on a computer, cause the method in any one of claims 1 to 20 to be executed. The computer readable storage medium has stored thereon computer programs or instructions which, when run on a computer, cause the method in any one of claims 1 to 20 to be executed.

Images