Method for minimization of drive test (MDT), apparatus, network element and terminal

Abstract

Provided in the present disclosure are a method for minimization of drive test (MDT), an apparatus, a network element and a terminal. The method is applied to a first network element, and comprises: sending a subscription request message to a second network element, the subscription request message being used for requesting configuration of at least some configuration parameters of MDT configuration parameters; receiving a subscription request response message sent by the second network element, the subscription request response message carrying a MDT measurement result corresponding to the at least some configuration parameters.

Description

Minimization of drive test (MDT) method, device, network element and terminal

[0001] The present disclosure claims priority to the Chinese patent application No. 202411000126.9, filed on July 24, 2024, and entitled "Minimization of drive test (MDT) method, device, network element and terminal", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and particularly relates to a minimization of drive test (MDT) method, device, network element and terminal. BACKGROUND

[0003] Minimization of drive test (MDT) is mainly divided into two categories: signalling based MDT and management based MDT, and both categories contain immediate MDT mechanism and logged MDT mechanism, which correspond to MDT measurement and reporting in connected state and idle state respectively. The signalling based MDT is configured by the core network to the base station, and the main process is that the access and mobility management function (AMF) sends these parameters to the next generation radio access network (NG-RAN) node through the NG interface message, and the NG-RAN node forwards them to the target NG-RAN node through the Xn interface in the handover process; the management based MDT is directly configured on the base station side by the operation administration maintenance (OAM), and then the base station sends the related information to the core network AMF.

[0004] After RAN service (including N2 interface service, E1 interface service, F1 interface service, RAN control plane service, etc.), the anchor point of the network and the RAN is no longer the AMF. The RAN can perform signaling interaction and process establishment with any NF that needs it, such as the RAN and the AMF can perform mobility-related process interaction, the RAN and the SMF can perform session-related process interaction, and the RAN and the Location Management Function (LMF) can perform positioning-related process interaction. Moreover, with the upgrading of the network and the emergence of new services, MDT configuration parameters are also increasing. Based on the signaling based MDT configured by the AMF to the base station or the management based MDT terminated at the AMF, the system requirements under the RAN service architecture cannot be met. SUMMARY

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a minimization of drive test (MDT) method and device, network element and terminal to solve the technical problem of how to perform MDT after RAN service.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a minimization of drive test (MDT) method applied to a first network element, comprising:

[0007] sending a subscription request message to a second network element, the subscription request message being used to request configuration of at least part of MDT configuration parameters;

[0008] receiving a subscription request response message sent by the second network element, the subscription request response message carrying an MDT measurement result corresponding to the at least part of configuration parameters.

[0009] In some embodiments, the MDT configuration parameters include at least one of the following:

[0010] a degree of service of a radio access network (RAN);

[0011] a required expanded coverage or capacity;

[0012] proof of use of the required expanded coverage or capacity;

[0013] a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first network element is a network element other than the access and mobility management function (AMF) that has a MDT parameter configuration requirement, and the second network element is the AMF.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first network element is a network element that has a MDT parameter configuration requirement among all network elements, and the second network element is a newly added MDT configuration management function module.

[0016] In a second aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a minimization of drive test (MDT) method applied to a second network element, comprising:

[0017] receiving a subscription request message sent by a first network element, the subscription request message being used to request configuration of at least part of MDT configuration parameters;

[0018] sending a subscription request response message to the first network element according to the subscription request message, the subscription request response message carrying MDT measurement results corresponding to the at least part of configuration parameters.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first network element is a network element other than an access and mobility management function (AMF) and having a demand for MDT parameter configuration, and the second network element is the AMF.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first network element is a network element having a demand for MDT parameter configuration among all network elements, and the second network element is a newly added MDT configuration management function module.

[0021] In some embodiments, the MDT configuration parameters include at least one of the following:

[0022] a service degree of the RAN;

[0023] a required expanded coverage or capacity;

[0024] a proof of use of the required expanded coverage or capacity;

[0025] a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement results.

[0026] In some embodiments, the MDT method further comprises:

[0027] sending a trace initiation request message to a first node, the trace initiation request message carrying the MDT configuration parameters; wherein the first node is a control plane (gNB-CU-CP) of a centralized unit of the RAN or the base station;

[0028] receiving a trace initiation response message sent by the first node, the trace initiation response message carrying the MDT measurement results.

[0029] In some embodiments, the MDT method further comprises:

[0030] receiving a cell traffic trace message sent by a first node, the cell traffic trace message carrying MDT measurement results; wherein the first node is the RAN or the gNB-CU-CP.

[0031] In a third aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for minimizing drive test (MDT), applied to a third network element, comprising:

[0032] sending a trace start request message to the first node, wherein the trace start request message carries MDT configuration parameters; or

[0033] receiving a cell traffic trace message sent by the first node, wherein the cell traffic trace message carries MDT measurement results obtained by performing MDT measurement according to the MDT configuration parameters;

[0034] The third network element is a network element that has a demand for MDT parameter configuration among all network elements.

[0035] In some embodiments, the MDT configuration parameters comprise at least one of the following:

[0036] a service degree of a radio access network (RAN);

[0037] a required extended coverage or capacity;

[0038] a use proof of the required extended coverage or capacity;

[0039] a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement results.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first node is a RAN or a gNB-CU-CP.

[0041] In a fourth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for minimizing drive test (MDT), applied to a first node, comprising:

[0042] receiving a trace start request message sent by a second network element, wherein the trace start request message carries MDT configuration parameters; wherein the MDT configuration parameters comprise at least one of the following: a service degree of a RAN, a required extended coverage or capacity, a use proof of the required extended coverage or capacity, and a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement results; or

[0043] sending a cell traffic trace message to the second network element, wherein the cell traffic trace message carries MDT measurement results; wherein the MDT measurement results are obtained by performing MDT measurement according to the MDT configuration parameters, and the MDT configuration parameters comprise at least one of the following: a service degree of a RAN, a required extended coverage or capacity, a use proof of the required extended coverage or capacity, and a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement results; or

[0044] receive a trace start request message sent by a third network element, the trace start request message carrying MDT configuration parameters; wherein the third network element is a network element that has a demand for MDT parameter configuration among all network elements; or,

[0045] send a cell traffic trace message to a third network element, the cell traffic trace message carrying MDT measurement results; wherein the third network element is a network element that has a demand for MDT parameter configuration among all network elements.

[0046] In some embodiments, the MDT configuration parameters carried in the trace start request message sent by the third network element include at least one of the following:

[0047] a degree of service of the RAN;

[0048] a required expanded coverage or capacity;

[0049] a proof of use of the required expanded coverage or capacity;

[0050] a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement results.

[0051] In some embodiments, in the case of sending a cell traffic trace message to a third network element, the MDT measurement results carried in the cell traffic trace message are obtained after MDT measurement according to MDT configuration parameters, and the MDT configuration parameters include at least one of the following:

[0052] a degree of service of the RAN;

[0053] a required expanded coverage or capacity;

[0054] a proof of use of the required expanded coverage or capacity;

[0055] a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement results.

[0056] In some embodiments, the second network element is an AMF or a newly added MDT configuration management function module.

[0057] In some embodiments, the first node is a RAN or a gNB-CU-CP.

[0058] In some embodiments, after receiving a trace start request message sent by a second network element, or after receiving a trace start request message sent by a third network element, the method further includes:

[0059] In the case that the first node is a RAN, the tracking start request message is sent to the terminal by a target RAN, or the tracking start request message is sent to the terminal; a tracking start response message sent by the terminal is received, the tracking start response message carrying the MDT measurement result; the tracking start response message is sent to the second network element or the third network element;

[0060] In the case that the first node is a gNB-CU-CP, the tracking start request message is sent to a user plane (gNB-CU-User Plane, gNB-CU-UP) of a centralized unit of a base station, or the tracking start request message is sent to a distributed unit (gNB Distributed Unit, gNB-DU) of the base station.

[0061] In some embodiments, in the case that the first node is a gNB-CU-CP, before the cell traffic trace message is sent to the second network element, or before the cell traffic trace message is sent to the third network element, the method further comprises:

[0062] A tracking session activation request sent by an element manager (EM) is received, the tracking session activation request carrying the MDT configuration parameter;

[0063] A terminal performing MDT data collection is determined;

[0064] A tracking start request message is sent to a user plane (gNB-CU-User Plane, gNB-CU-UP) of a centralized unit of a base station corresponding to the terminal, or a tracking start request message is sent to a distributed unit (gNB Distributed Unit, gNB-DU) of the base station corresponding to the terminal.

[0065] In some embodiments, in the case that the first node is a gNB-CU-CP, before the cell traffic trace message is sent to the second network element, or before the cell traffic trace message is sent to the third network element, the method further comprises:

[0066] A cell traffic trace message sent by a second node is received; wherein the second node is a gNB-DU or a gNB-CU-UP, the cell traffic trace message is sent by the second node after a terminal performing MDT data collection is determined, the second node determines the terminal performing MDT data collection according to a tracking session activation request sent by an element manager (EM), and the tracking session activation request carries the MDT configuration parameter.

[0067] In a fifth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a minimization of drive test (MDT) method applied to a terminal, comprising:

[0068] receiving a tracking start request message sent by a first node, the tracking start request message carrying MDT configuration parameters; wherein the MDT configuration parameters comprise at least one of the following: service level of a RAN, required extended coverage or capacity, proof of use of the required extended coverage or capacity, and a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result;

[0069] sending a tracking start response message to the first node, the tracking start response message carrying a MDT measurement result obtained after MDT measurement according to the MDT configuration parameters.

[0070] In some embodiments, the first node is a RAN or a gNB-CU-CP.

[0071] In a sixth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a first network element, comprising a memory, a transceiver, and a processor:

[0072] The memory is configured to store a computer program; the transceiver is configured to transceive data under control of the processor; and the processor is configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0073] sending a subscription request message to a second network element, the subscription request message being used to request configuration of at least part of the MDT configuration parameters;

[0074] receiving a subscription request response message sent by the second network element, the subscription request response message carrying a MDT measurement result corresponding to the at least part of the configuration parameters.

[0075] In some embodiments, the MDT configuration parameters comprise at least one of the following:

[0076] service level of a RAN;

[0077] required extended coverage or capacity;

[0078] proof of use of the required extended coverage or capacity;

[0079] a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result.

[0080] In some embodiments, the first network element is a network element other than an access and mobility management function (AMF) and having a need for MDT parameter configuration, and the second network element is the AMF.

[0081] In some embodiments, the first network element is a network element having a need for MDT parameter configuration among all network elements, and the second network element is a newly added MDT configuration management function module.

[0082] In a seventh aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a second network element, comprising a memory, a transceiver, and a processor.

[0083] a memory for storing a computer program; a transceiver for transceiving data under control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer program in the memory and performing the following operations:

[0084] receiving a subscription request message sent by a first network element, the subscription request message being used for requesting configuration of at least part of MDT configuration parameters;

[0085] sending a subscription request response message to the first network element according to the subscription request message, the subscription request response message carrying MDT measurement results corresponding to the at least part of configuration parameters.

[0086] In some embodiments, the first network element is a network element other than an access and mobility management function (AMF) and having a need for MDT parameter configuration among all network elements, and the second network element is the AMF.

[0087] In some embodiments, the first network element is a network element having a need for MDT parameter configuration among all network elements, and the second network element is a newly added MDT configuration management function module.

[0088] In some embodiments, the MDT configuration parameters comprise at least one of the following:

[0089] a degree of service of the RAN;

[0090] a required expanded coverage or capacity;

[0091] a proof of use of the required expanded coverage or capacity;

[0092] a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement results.

[0093] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0094] sending a trace initiation request message to a first node, the trace initiation request message carrying the MDT configuration parameters; wherein the first node is a control plane gNB-CU-CP of a centralized unit of the RAN or the base station;

[0095] receiving a trace initiation response message sent by the first node, the trace initiation response message carrying the MDT measurement results.

[0096] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0097] receive a cell traffic trace message sent by the first node, the cell traffic trace message carrying MDT measurement results; wherein the first node is a RAN or a gNB-CU-CP.

[0098] In an eighth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a third network element, comprising a memory, a transceiver, and a processor:

[0099] a memory, configured to store a computer program; a transceiver, configured to transceive data under control of the processor; and a processor, configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0100] send a trace start request message to the first node, the trace start request message carrying MDT configuration parameters; or

[0101] receive a cell traffic trace message sent by the first node, the cell traffic trace message carrying MDT measurement results, the MDT measurement results being obtained by performing MDT measurement according to the MDT configuration parameters;

[0102] wherein the third network element is a network element that has a demand for MDT parameter configuration among all network elements.

[0103] In some embodiments, the MDT configuration parameters comprise at least one of the following:

[0104] a service degree of a radio access network (RAN);

[0105] a required expanded coverage range or capacity;

[0106] a use proof of the required expanded coverage range or capacity;

[0107] a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement results.

[0108] In some embodiments, the first node is a RAN or a gNB-CU-CP.

[0109] In a ninth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a first node, comprising a memory, a transceiver, and a processor:

[0110] a memory, configured to store a computer program; a transceiver, configured to transceive data under control of the processor; and a processor, configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0111] receive a trace start request message sent by the second network element, the trace start request message carrying MDT configuration parameters; wherein the MDT configuration parameters comprise at least one of the following: a service degree of a RAN, a required expanded coverage range or capacity, a use proof of the required expanded coverage range or capacity, and a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement results; or

[0112] sending a cell traffic trace message to the second network element, the cell traffic trace message carrying the MDT measurement result; wherein the MDT measurement result is obtained according to MDT measurement based on the MDT configuration parameter, and the MDT configuration parameter comprises at least one of the following: service level of the RAN, required extended coverage or capacity, proof of use of the required extended coverage or capacity, and a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result; or

[0113] receiving a trace start request message sent by a third network element, the trace start request message carrying the MDT configuration parameter; wherein the third network element is a network element that has a demand for MDT parameter configuration among all network elements; or

[0114] sending a cell traffic trace message to the third network element, the cell traffic trace message carrying the MDT measurement result; wherein the third network element is a network element that has a demand for MDT parameter configuration among all network elements.

[0115] In some embodiments, the MDT configuration parameter carried in the trace start request message sent by the third network element comprises at least one of the following:

[0116] service level of the RAN;

[0117] required extended coverage or capacity;

[0118] proof of use of the required extended coverage or capacity;

[0119] a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result.

[0120] In some embodiments, in the case of sending a cell traffic trace message to the third network element, the MDT measurement result carried in the cell traffic trace message is obtained according to MDT measurement based on the MDT configuration parameter, and the MDT configuration parameter comprises at least one of the following:

[0121] service level of the RAN;

[0122] required extended coverage or capacity;

[0123] proof of use of the required extended coverage or capacity;

[0124] a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result.

[0125] In some embodiments, the second network element is an AMF or a newly added MDT configuration management function module.

[0126] In some embodiments, the first node is a RAN or a gNB-CU-CP.

[0127] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0128] In the case that the first node is a RAN, sending the trace initiation request message to a terminal through a target RAN, or sending the trace initiation request message to the terminal; receiving a trace initiation response message sent by the terminal, the trace initiation response message carrying the MDT measurement result; and sending the trace initiation response message to the second network element or the third network element.

[0129] In the case that the first node is a gNB-CU-CP, sending the trace initiation request message to a user plane gNB-CU-UP of a centralized unit of a base station, or sending the trace initiation request message to a distributed unit gNB-DU of the base station.

[0130] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0131] Receiving a trace session activation request sent by an element manager EM, the trace session activation request carrying the MDT configuration parameter;

[0132] Determining a terminal that performs MDT data collection;

[0133] Sending a trace initiation request message to a user plane gNB-CU-UP of a centralized unit of a base station corresponding to the terminal, or sending a trace initiation request message to a distributed unit gNB-DU of the base station corresponding to the terminal.

[0134] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0135] Receiving a cell traffic trace message sent by a second node, the second node being a gNB-DU or a gNB-CU-UP, the cell traffic trace message being sent by the second node after determining a terminal that performs MDT data collection, the second node determining the terminal that performs MDT data collection according to a trace session activation request sent by an EM, the trace session activation request carrying the MDT configuration parameter.

[0136] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a terminal, comprising a memory, a transceiver, and a processor:

[0137] The memory is configured to store a computer program; the transceiver is configured to transceive data under the control of the processor; and the processor is configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0138] receiving a tracking initiation request message sent by the first node, the tracking initiation request message carrying MDT configuration parameters; wherein the MDT configuration parameters comprise at least one of the following: service level of the RAN, required extended coverage or capacity, proof of use of the required extended coverage or capacity, and a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result;

[0139] sending a tracking initiation response message to the first node, the tracking initiation response message carrying a MDT measurement result obtained after MDT measurement according to the MDT configuration parameters.

[0140] In some embodiments, the first node is a RAN or a gNB-CU-CP.

[0141] In a eleventh aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a minimization of drive test device, applied to a first network element, comprising:

[0142] a first sending module configured to send a subscription request message to a second network element, the subscription request message being used to request configuration of at least part of MDT configuration parameters;

[0143] a first receiving module configured to receive a subscription request response message sent by the second network element, the subscription request response message carrying a MDT measurement result corresponding to the at least part of the MDT configuration parameters.

[0144] In a twelfth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a minimization of drive test device, applied to a second network element, comprising:

[0145] a second receiving module configured to receive a subscription request message sent by a first network element, the subscription request message being used to request configuration of at least part of MDT configuration parameters;

[0146] a second sending module configured to send a subscription request response message to the first network element according to the subscription request message, the subscription request response message carrying a MDT measurement result corresponding to the at least part of the MDT configuration parameters.

[0147] In a thirteenth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a minimization of drive test device, applied to a third network element, comprising:

[0148] a first transceiver module configured to send a tracking initiation request message to a first node, the tracking initiation request message carrying MDT configuration parameters; or receive a cell traffic trace message sent by the first node, the cell traffic trace message carrying a MDT measurement result obtained after MDT measurement according to the MDT configuration parameters;

[0149] The third network element is a network element that has a demand for MDT parameter configuration among all network elements.

[0150] In a fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a minimization of drive test device applied to a first node, comprising:

[0151] receiving a tracking initiation request message sent by a second network element, the tracking initiation request message carrying MDT configuration parameters; wherein the MDT configuration parameters comprise at least one of the following: service level of a RAN, required extended coverage or capacity, proof of use of the required extended coverage or capacity, and a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result; or,

[0152] sending a cell traffic trace message to the second network element, the cell traffic trace message carrying a MDT measurement result; wherein the MDT measurement result is obtained according to MDT measurement based on the MDT configuration parameters, and the MDT configuration parameters comprise at least one of the following: service level of a RAN, required extended coverage or capacity, proof of use of the required extended coverage or capacity, and a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result; or,

[0153] receiving a tracking initiation request message sent by a third network element, the tracking initiation request message carrying MDT configuration parameters; wherein the third network element is a network element that has a demand for MDT parameter configuration among all network elements; or,

[0154] sending a cell traffic trace message to the third network element, the cell traffic trace message carrying a MDT measurement result; wherein the third network element is a network element that has a demand for MDT parameter configuration among all network elements.

[0155] In a fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a minimization of drive test device applied to a terminal, comprising:

[0156] a fifth receiving module configured to receive a tracking initiation request message sent by a first node, the tracking initiation request message carrying MDT configuration parameters; wherein the MDT configuration parameters comprise at least one of the following: service level of a RAN, required extended coverage or capacity, proof of use of the required extended coverage or capacity, and a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result;

[0157] a fourth sending module configured to send a tracking initiation response message to the first node, the tracking initiation response message carrying a MDT measurement result, the MDT measurement result being obtained according to MDT measurement based on the MDT configuration parameters.

[0158] In a sixteenth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a processor-readable storage medium, which stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to make the processor execute the method in the first aspect or the second aspect or the third aspect or the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect.

[0159] In a seventeenth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a computer program product, which comprises computer instructions, and the computer instructions are executed by a processor to implement the method in the first aspect or the second aspect or the third aspect or the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect.

[0160] The present disclosure has the following beneficial effects:

[0161] In the above solution, the first network element can request configuration of at least part of the MDT configuration parameters by sending a subscription request message to the second network element. In this way, any first network element with a MDT parameter configuration requirement can perform MDT parameter configuration, which is suitable for system requirements under the RAN service architecture. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0162] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure or the related art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings needed to be used in the embodiments or the related art description. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments described in the present disclosure, and for those skilled in the art, other drawings can also be obtained without creative labor based on these drawings.

[0163] FIG. 1 shows a structure diagram of a RAN;

[0164] FIG. 2 shows a diagram of a measurement reporting trigger flow of logged MDT;

[0165] FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram of a method for minimizing road testing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0166] FIG. 4 shows a flow diagram of a method for minimizing road testing according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0167] FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram of a method for minimizing road testing according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0168] FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram of a method for minimizing road testing according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0169] FIG. 7 shows a flow diagram of a method for minimizing road testing according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0170] FIG. 8 shows a flow diagram of a method for minimizing road testing according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0171] Figure 9 shows a seventh flow chart of a minimization of drive test method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0172] Figure 10 shows an eighth flow chart of a minimization of drive test method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0173] Figure 11 shows a ninth flow chart of a minimization of drive test method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0174] Figure 12 shows a tenth flow chart of a minimization of drive test method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0175] Figure 13 shows an eleventh flow chart of a minimization of drive test method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0176] Figure 14 shows a twelfth flow chart of a minimization of drive test method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0177] Figure 15 shows a thirteenth flow chart of a minimization of drive test method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0178] Figure 16 shows a fourteenth flow chart of a minimization of drive test method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0179] Figure 17 shows a fifteenth flow chart of a minimization of drive test method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0180] Figure 18 shows a sixteenth flow chart of a minimization of drive test method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0181] Figure 19 shows a seventeenth flow chart of a minimization of drive test method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0182] Figure 20 shows an eighteenth flow chart of a minimization of drive test method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0183] Figure 21 shows a nineteenth flow chart of a minimization of drive test method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0184] Figure 22 shows a twentieth flow chart of a minimization of drive test method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0185] Figure 23 shows a twenty-first flow chart of a minimization of drive test method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0186] Figure 24 shows a twenty-second flow chart of a minimization of drive test method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0187] Figure 25 shows a twenty-third flow chart of a minimization of drive test method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0188] Figure 26 shows a first block diagram of a minimization of drive test apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0189] FIG. 27 is a second structural block diagram of the minimization of drive test apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0190] FIG. 28 is a third structural block diagram of the minimization of drive test apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0191] FIG. 29 is a fourth structural block diagram of the minimization of drive test apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0192] FIG. 30 is a fifth structural block diagram of the minimization of drive test apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0193] FIG. 31 is a hardware structural schematic diagram of a first network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0194] FIG. 32 is a hardware structural schematic diagram of a second network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0195] FIG. 33 is a hardware structural schematic diagram of a third network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0196] FIG. 34 is a hardware structural schematic diagram of a first node according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0197] FIG. 35 is a hardware structural schematic diagram of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0198] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described clearly and completely below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative work fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0199] The terms "first", "second", and the like in the specification and claims of the present disclosure are used to distinguish similar objects, and do not necessarily indicate a specific order or a chronological sequence. It should be understood that the data thus used can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances, so that the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein can be implemented in other than the order shown or described herein, for example. In addition, the terms "comprise" and "have" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a list of steps or units does not necessarily limit those steps or units to the clearly listed ones, but can include other steps or units not clearly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatuses.

[0200] The term "and / or" used in the embodiments of the present disclosure describes an association relationship of associated objects, and indicates that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B can represent three cases of A existing alone, A and B existing together, and B existing alone. The character " / " generally represents an "or" relationship between the front and rear associated objects. The term "multiple" in the embodiments of the present disclosure refers to two or more, and other quantifiers are similar.

[0201] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design presented as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of the present disclosure is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or design solutions. Rather, use of the words "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner.

[0202] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to various systems, especially the 5th Generation mobile communication technology (5G) system. For example, the applicable systems can be global system of mobile communication (GSM) system, code division multiple access (CDMA) system, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) general packet radio service (GPRS) system, long term evolution (LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD) system, long term evolution advanced (LTE-A) system, universal mobile system (UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) system, 5G New Radio (NR) system, etc. Among these various systems, there are terminals (also referred to as terminal devices) and network devices. The system can also include a core network part, such as an Evolved Packet System (EPS), a 5G system (5GS), etc.

[0203] The terminal device to which the embodiments of the present disclosure relate can also be referred to as a device providing voice and / or data connectivity to a user, a handheld device having wireless connection function, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, etc. In different systems, the name of the terminal device can also be different, for example, in the 5G system, the terminal device can be referred to as a user equipment (UE). The wireless terminal device can communicate with one or more core networks (CN) via a radio access network (RAN). The wireless terminal device can be a mobile terminal device, such as a mobile phone (or called "cellular" phone) and a computer with a mobile terminal device, for example, it can be a portable, pocket, handheld, built-in computer or vehicle-mounted mobile device, which exchanges language and / or data with the radio access network. For example, personal communication service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, session initiated protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), etc. The wireless terminal device can also be referred to as a system, a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a mobile, a remote station, an access point, a remote terminal, an access terminal, a user terminal, a user agent, a user device, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0204] The network device involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be a base station, which can include a plurality of cells (cells) serving terminals. According to different application occasions, the base station can also be called an access point, or can be a device in an access network that communicates with wireless terminal devices through one or more sectors over an air interface, or other names. The network device can be used to exchange received air frames with Internet Protocol (IP) packets as a router between the wireless terminal device and the rest of the access network, which can include an Internet Protocol (IP) communication network. The network device can also coordinate the management of the properties of the air interface. For example, the network device involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be a network device (Base Transceiver Station, BTS) in the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), and can also be a network device (NodeB) in Wide-band Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), and can also be an evolved network device (evolutional Node B, eNB or e-NodeB) in a long term evolution (LTE) system, a 5G base station (gNB) in a next generation system (5G network architecture), and can also be a Home evolved Node B (HeNB), a relay terminal node, a femto, a pico, etc., which are not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure. In some network structures, the network device can include a centralized unit (CU) node and a distributed unit (DU) node, and the centralized unit and the distributed unit can also be arranged geographically apart.

[0205] The network device and the terminal device can each use one or more antennas for multi-input multi-output (MIMO) transmission, which can be single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO) or multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO). According to the shape and number of root antenna combinations, MIMO transmission can be two-dimensional MIMO (2D-MIMO), three-dimensional MIMO (3D-MIMO), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), or massive-MIMO, or can be diversity transmission, precoding transmission, or beamforming transmission, etc.

[0206] The related concepts mentioned in the present disclosure are briefly described as follows.

[0207] I. Immediate MDT

[0208] 1. The immediate MDT measurement mainly includes UE part measurement and gNB part measurement. For the UE part immediate MDT measurement, like LTE, NR also adds corresponding location measurement and packet delay measurement information on the basis of the original RRM measurement. Compared with the logged MDT of NR, the immediate MDT adopts an immediate reporting method, and the UE does not need to record any time information. In addition, on the gNB side, the immediate MDT also supports related network performance measurement.

[0209] 2. Immediate MDT measurement content

[0210] The measurement content supported by the immediate MDT mainly includes the following parts:

[0211] M1: Downlink signal measurement results of the serving cell and intra-frequency / inter-frequency / inter-RAT neighbor cells. For NR cells, cell / beam level measurement results are included;

[0212] M2: UE power headroom measurement;

[0213] M3: LTE defines received interference power measured by base station, but in NR RAN1 there is no such definition;

[0214] M4: Data volume measurement, divided into downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), per DRB per UE;

[0215] M5: UE average throughput measurement, divided into DL and UL, per UE for DL, per DRB per UE and per UE for UL, measured by gNB;

[0216] M6: Data packet delay measurement, divided into DL and UL, per DRB per UE;

[0217] M7: Data packet loss rate measurement, divided into DL and UL, per DRB per UE;

[0218] M8: UE performs RSSI measurement (for Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) / Bluetooth (BT) measurement);

[0219] M9: UE performs RTT measurement (for WLAN measurement).

[0220] 3, Immediate MDT measurement reporting

[0221] Reporting trigger of M1-M9 measurement:

[0222] M1:

[0223] Event-triggered measurement reporting based on existing RRM configuration events A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, B1, B2.

[0224] Periodic trigger, A2 event trigger or A2 event trigger period measurement reporting, according to the measurement configuration indicated by MDT.

[0225] M2: Receive PHR based on current RRM configuration.

[0226] M4-M9: Measurement collection period ends.

[0227] 4, M1 measurement reporting content related to UE, UE reported content includes:

[0228] (1) RRM measurement results (including serving cell and neighbor cell related measurement results);

[0229] (2) Geographical location information;

[0230] (3) BT / WLAN measurement information;

[0231] (4) Sensor related information, including: air pressure related information obtained by terminal internal sensor, terminal motion direction information, terminal speed direction information. Among them, Sensor measurement is a new feature introduced in NR, and both immediate MDT and logged MDT need to report Sensor measurement, and network obtaining Sensor measurement result is beneficial to terminal configuration optimization;

[0232] (5) Results of gNB side measurement (including data packet loss rate measurement, etc.).

[0233] 5. Management based immediate MDT and signaling based immediate MDT

[0234] Immediate MDT is divided into management based immediate MDT and signaling based immediate MDT. In NR, signaling based immediate MDT can be transparently transmitted between intra-PLMN in the handover process, or when there is MDT PLMN List, the target PLMN is in the MDT PLMN List, signaling based immediate MDT can also be transparently transmitted in the handover. Signaling based immediate MDT cannot be transmitted across RATs, and is only allowed to be transmitted between base stations within a RAT.

[0235] For signaling based immediate MDT, the mobility management entity (MME) provides the master node (MN) and the secondary node (SN) with MDT configuration of the MN and the SN, including multi-RAT SN configuration, especially E-UTRA and NR MDT configuration. Then the MN forwards the NR MDT configuration to the SN. In the E-UTRA-NR dual connectivity (EN-DC) scenario, the SN is all NR.

[0236] For Management based immediate MDT, OAM provides MDT configuration to MN and SN respectively. Management based MDT cannot override signaling based MDT.

[0237] II. Logged MDT

[0238] NR R16 Logged MDT function basically follows the idea of LTE Logged MDT function, that is, it contains four parts: Logged MDT configuration process, Logged MDT data recording process, Logged MDT reporting process and Logged MDT exception handling. Among them, the Logged MDT reporting process and the Logged MDT exception handling part basically follow the corresponding part of LTE Logged MDT.

[0239] 1. Logged MDT configuration, including the following four parts:

[0240] First part: Trace and absolute timestamp configuration parameters;

[0241] Second part: Logged MDT measurement restriction information; among them, the Logged MDT measurement restriction information includes two aspects:

[0242] (1) Service cell measurement restriction information, including: PLMN list information, Cell / Tracking Area (TA) list information.

[0243] Among them, the PLMN corresponding to the service cell is contained in the PLMN list information of the Logged MDT configuration, and the terminal can perform Logged MDT measurement; otherwise, the terminal does not perform Logged MDT measurement.

[0244] Among them, the Cell Identifier (ID) / TA information corresponding to the service cell is contained in the Cell / TA list information of the Logged MDT configuration, and the terminal can perform Logged MDT measurement; otherwise, the terminal does not perform Logged MDT measurement.

[0245] Among them, the service cell measurement restriction information follows the corresponding part of the LTE Logged MDT configuration and has no enhancement.

[0246] (2) Neighbor cell measurement restriction information, including Cell / frequency point list information.

[0247] Wherein, the cell / frequency information corresponding to the neighbor cell measured by the terminal in the serving cell is contained in the neighbor cell measurement restriction information of the logged MDT configuration, and the terminal will record the neighbor cell measurement result; otherwise, the terminal will not record the neighbor cell even if it is measured.

[0248] The third part: BT / WLAN / Sensor measurement configuration information

[0249] Wherein, the sensor measurement configuration includes: the atmospheric pressure related information obtained by the terminal internal sensor, the terminal motion direction information, and the terminal speed direction information.

[0250] The fourth part: logged MDT measurement event type configuration information

[0251] (1) Periodic logged MDT measurement event type

[0252] Wherein, the periodic logged MDT measurement event type is the same as defined by LTE, and there is no enhancement.

[0253] (2) Event triggered logged MDT measurement event type, currently including two event trigger types:

[0254] Type one: OOC event trigger

[0255] Type two: L1 event trigger, which means that the signal quality of the serving cell is lower than a certain threshold.

[0256] The event triggered logged MDT measurement event type is newly introduced in NR, because the data recorded by the LTE periodic logged MDT process is much repeated and useless, and some key events such as OOC detection may be missed due to the full logged MDT memory, so it is necessary to perform logged MDT measurement for specific events. However, it should be noted that periodic logged MDT and event triggered logged MDT cannot be configured to the terminal at the same time, and only one logged MDT measurement event type can be selected at a time.

[0257] The logged MDT configuration is divided into two categories: Management Based Logged MDT and Signalling Based Logged MDT.

[0258] For the Management Based Logged MDT configuration, after the network side sends the logged MDT configuration information to the terminal, the logged MDT configuration information will not be saved in the network side terminal context.

[0259] For Signalling Based Logged MDT configuration, the network side will send the Logged MDT configuration information to the terminal, and the Logged MDT configuration information will not be saved in the network side terminal context. But there is a special case that needs to be explained. If the core network sends the Signalling Based Logged MDT configuration to the access network side and finds that the corresponding terminal is in the inactive state, the access network side will first save the Signalling Based Logged MDT configuration in the network side terminal context, and then send the Signalling Based Logged MDT configuration to the terminal when the terminal enters the connected state. After the sending is successful, the network side deletes the Signalling Based Logged MDT configuration.

[0260] 2. Logged MDT data recording process

[0261] The data recorded by NR R16 Logged MDT includes the following parts:

[0262] (1) Trace and absolute timestamp configuration parameters;

[0263] These recorded data contents are consistent with the related data of the Logged MDT configuration, and there is no enhancement compared with LTE;

[0264] (2) Logged MDT data entry list information. Each entry in the Logged MDT data entry list information includes the following information:

[0265] ① Relative timestamp information;

[0266] ② UE location information;

[0267] ③ ID identification information of the service cell associated with the recorded data; the service cell measurement result associated with the recorded data includes: cell-level measurement result of the service cell, identification information of the best beam of the service cell signal quality, beam-level measurement result of the best beam of the service cell signal quality, and number of better beams of the service cell signal quality. Except for the cell-level measurement result of the service cell and the same meaning as LTE, the remaining three recorded data are adaptive enhancements for beam technology in the NR system. However, due to the strong resistance of terminal manufacturers such as Qualcomm, the beam-level recording is greatly simplified, and Per Beam data recording is not realized;

[0268] ④ Neighbor cell measurement result;

[0269] ⑤ NR neighbor cell measurement result;

[0270] ⑥E-UTRAN Neighbor Measurement Result;

[0271] Neighbor Measurement Result is enhanced for interworking between NR and LTE, which can be referred to [5], and for NR Neighbor Measurement Result, it also includes the number of beams with good signal quality;

[0272] ⑦Any Cell Selection indication.

[0273] (3) Logged MDT related indication information, including the following three parts:

[0274] Logged MDT data available indication information;

[0275] WLAN logged data available indication information;

[0276] BT logged data available indication information;

[0277] 3、Logged MDT reporting process

[0278] As shown in Figure 1, the measurement reporting process of Logged MDT includes the following steps:

[0279] Step 11: The terminal side can indicate the network side that the Log MDT data is available in the connection establishment completion message, connection recovery completion message, connection reestablishment completion message or connection reconfiguration completion message;

[0280] Step 12: After the network side agrees to obtain the Log MDT data, it notifies the terminal to report the Log MDT data through dedicated signaling;

[0281] Step 13: After receiving the network side's message agreeing to report the Log MDT data, the terminal reports the Log MDT data recorded by itself using dedicated signaling;

[0282] 4、Logged MDT exception handling

[0283] The total measurement time T330 of the network side configured Logged MDT takes effect after being stored in the terminal, and there is no need for the terminal to return to the idle state or the inactive state. Once it takes effect, the total measurement time T330 will run until it is timed out, regardless of the RRC state or the RAT of the terminal. Once the total measurement time T330 is timed out or the Logged MDT memory is full, the terminal will stop recording new Logged MDT information and delete the corresponding Logged MDT configuration information;

[0284] Exception handling 1: T330 timeout

[0285] Once the terminal side T330 timer expires, the terminal will stop new Logged MDT information recording while starting a 48-hour countdown timer, if the 48-hour timer expires and the terminal still has not reported the stored Logged MDT information record, the terminal will delete all recorded Logged MDT information;

[0286] Exception handling 2: Logged MDT memory is full

[0287] The subsequent processing flow of exception handling 2 is consistent with exception handling 1;

[0288] Exception handling 3: the terminal receives new Logged MDT configuration information

[0289] In this scenario, the terminal first needs to delete the previously configured Logged MDT configuration information and all Logged MDT record data, and then apply the new Logged MDT configuration;

[0290] Exception handling 4: Management Based Logged MDT and Signalling Based Logged MDT priority

[0291] The protocol stipulates that the Management Based Logged MDT configuration cannot cover the Signalling Based Logged MDT configuration, which is guaranteed by the network side solution.

[0292] III. 5G base station architecture

[0293] As in FIG. 2, in 5G, a gNB can be composed of one gNB-CU and one or more gNB-DUs. The gNB-CU and the gNB-DU are connected through the F1 interface. In the architecture of gNB-CU-CP and gNB-CU-UP separation, a gNB can be composed of one gNB-CU-CP, multiple gNB-CU-UPs and multiple gNB-DUs. The gNB-CU-CP is connected to the gNB-DU through the F1-C interface, and the gNB-CU-UP is connected to the gNB-DU through the F1-U interface. The gNB-CU-UP is connected to the gNB-CU-CP through the E1 interface. Under the control of the same gNB-CU-CP, one gNB-DU can be connected to multiple gNB-CU-UPs, and one gNB-CU-UP can be connected to multiple gNB-DUs.

[0294] Among them, the gNB central unit (gNB-CU) hosts the radio resource control (RRC) of the gNB, the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) and the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) protocol. Support UE radio access control, UE connection control / management, radio bearer control, mobility management, paging and other functions.

[0295] Among them, the gNB distributed unit (gNB-DU) hosts the radio link control (RLC) of the gNB, the media access control (MAC) and the physical layer, and part of the operation is controlled by the gNB-CU.

[0296] The gNB control plane (gNB-CU-control Plane, gNB-CU-CP) hosts the control plane part of the RRC and the PDCP protocol of the gNB-CU. Support wireless resource management related functions, such as UE radio access control, UE connection control / management, radio bearer control, mobility management, paging.

[0297] The gNB user plane (gNB-CU-user Plane, gNB-CU-UP) hosts the user plane part of the PDCP protocol of the gNB-CU and the SDAP protocol.

[0298] After the RAN service (including N2 interface service, E1 interface service, F1 interface service, RAN control plane service, etc.), the signaling-based MDT is configured to the base station by the AMF or the management-based MDT is terminated in the AMF, which cannot meet the system requirements under the RAN service architecture.

[0299] The embodiment of the present disclosure provides a kind of minimization of drive test MDT method, device, network element and terminal to solve the technical problem of how to carry out MDT after RAN service.

[0300] As shown in Figure 3, the embodiment of the present disclosure provides a kind of minimization of drive test MDT method, applied to first network element, comprising the following steps:

[0301] Step 31: send a subscription request message to the second network element, the subscription request message is used to request to configure at least part of configuration parameter in MDT configuration parameter.

[0302] It should be noted that the MDT configuration parameters subscribed by the first network element to the second network element can be all the MDT configuration parameters or part of the required configuration parameters.

[0303] It can be understood that different types of first network elements may have different MDT configuration parameters subscribed to the second network element due to different requirements or functions.

[0304] Exemplarily, the first network element can include but is not limited to: a session management function (SMF), a location management function (LMF), a policy control function (PCF), a user plane function (UPF), a network exposure function (NEF), a network repository function (NRF), a unified data management (UDM), an application function (AF), a network slice selection function (NSSF), etc.

[0305] For example, the SMF only subscribes to the MDT configuration parameters related to the session.

[0306] For example, the LMF only subscribes to the configuration parameters related to the positioning.

[0307] For example, the MDT configuration parameters requested by the PCF can include: UE measurement area range, area attribute, etc., so that the PCF generates a policy for network coverage in this area.

[0308] For example, the MDT configuration parameters requested by the SMF can include: UE measurement area traffic or data characteristics related parameters, so that the SMF generates a corresponding quality of service (QoS) control file.

[0309] It should be noted that the way of subscribing to the configuration parameters can be pre-subscription or subscription when the first network element needs it, which is not limited here, and the following embodiments are not described in detail.

[0310] Exemplarily, the first network element is a network element other than the access and mobility management function (AMF) that has a need for MDT parameter configuration, and the second network element is the AMF.

[0311] In this example, the AMF manages the configuration of the MDT, other network elements subscribe to the MDT parameters of the AMF, and when the AMF updates the MDT parameters, it needs to send the related MDT parameters to other network elements that subscribe to the MDT parameters, thereby ensuring the interaction between the RAN and other network elements, and making the most appropriate decision in combination with the MDT parameters. The interface between the RAN and the AMF can be point-to-point or service-based.

[0312] The network element is also referred to as a network function (Network Function, NF).

[0313] Exemplarily, the first network element is a network element that has a configuration requirement for MDT parameters among all network elements, and the second network element is a newly added MDT configuration management function module.

[0314] In this example, a new function module, i.e., an MDT configuration management function module (for example, referred to as UE MDT), is added for measurement and configuration of the MDT, and other network elements subscribe to the MDT parameters of the MDT configuration management function module when needed. The deployment position of the MDT configuration management function module is not limited, which can be a service function after RAN service or a separate function module.

[0315] Step 32: receiving the subscription request response message sent by the second network element, the subscription request response message carrying the MDT measurement result corresponding to the at least part of the configuration parameters.

[0316] In the above embodiment, the first network element can request configuration of at least part of the MDT configuration parameters by sending a subscription request message to the second network element, so that any first network element that has a configuration requirement for MDT parameters can perform MDT parameter configuration, which is suitable for system requirements under the RAN service architecture.

[0317] In this way, the anchor point of the MDT configuration and the anchor point of the UE for reporting the MDT measurement data are no longer limited to the AMF, solving the problems of MDT configuration management and MDT measurement data reporting under the RAN service architecture, so that each NF can initiate an MDT configuration process based on the network conditions to the UE and the RAN to perform related data measurement and reporting. For example, the NF can report the service degree of the RAN to the UE, so that the UE can make PDCP and RRC layer processing according to the service degree of the RAN in the handover process, and know the MDT activation of the terminal and the configured measurement parameter conditions on the network side, to ensure that each NF under the RAN service can normally initiate the corresponding business process, such as sensing, intelligence, computing, positioning, etc.

[0318] In some embodiments, the MDT configuration parameter comprises at least one of the following:

[0319] a degree of service of a radio access network (RAN);

[0320] a required extended coverage or capacity;

[0321] a proof of use of the required extended coverage or capacity;

[0322] a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result.

[0323] The degree of service of the radio access network (RAN) comprises RAN full service, control plane service, user plane service, N2 interface service of the RAN, and the like.

[0324] It should be noted that the MDT configuration parameter further comprises other configuration parameters, and the above-mentioned configuration parameters are newly added on the basis of existing MDT data measurement records, so that the terminal measures the newly added parameters for data reporting, so that the third party entity (for example, a house / real estate owner, a community provider) can deploy RAN nodes as needed or in needed places to support the required supplementary coverage / capacity expansion service.

[0325] As shown in FIG. 4, the embodiment of the present disclosure provides a minimization of drive test (MDT) method applied to a second network element, comprising the following steps:

[0326] Step 41, receiving a subscription request message sent by a first network element, wherein the subscription request message is used to request configuration of at least part of MDT configuration parameters;

[0327] Step 42, sending a subscription request response message to the first network element according to the subscription request message, wherein the subscription request response message carries MDT measurement results corresponding to the at least part of configuration parameters.

[0328] Exemplarily, the first network element is a network element having a MDT parameter configuration requirement among other network elements except an access and mobility management function (AMF), and the second network element is the AMF.

[0329] Exemplarily, the first network element is a network element having a MDT parameter configuration requirement among all network elements, and the second network element is a newly added MDT configuration management function module.

[0330] In the above embodiment, the first network element can achieve the request for configuration of at least part of MDT configuration parameters by sending a subscription request message to the second network element. In this way, any first network element having a MDT parameter configuration requirement can be configured with MDT parameters, which can be suitable for system requirements under the RAN service architecture.

[0331] In some embodiments, the MDT configuration parameter comprises at least one of:

[0332] a service degree of the RAN;

[0333] a required extended coverage or capacity;

[0334] a proof of use of the required extended coverage or capacity;

[0335] a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result.

[0336] The service degree of the radio access network (RAN) comprises full-service of the RAN, control-plane service, user-plane service, N2 interface service of the RAN, etc.

[0337] It should be noted that the MDT configuration parameter further comprises other configuration parameters, and the above-mentioned configuration parameters are newly added on the basis of existing MDT data measurement records, so that the terminal measures the newly added parameters for data reporting, so that the third-party entity (for example, a house / real estate owner, a community provider) can deploy RAN nodes as needed or in places where needed to support the required supplementary coverage / capacity expansion service.

[0338] In some embodiments, the minimization of road side MDT method further comprises:

[0339] sending a trace initiation request message to a first node, the trace initiation request message carrying the MDT configuration parameter; wherein the first node is a control plane gNB-CU-CP of a centralized unit of the base station;

[0340] receiving a trace initiation response message sent by the first node, the trace initiation response message carrying the MDT measurement result.

[0341] Example one, under the RAN service architecture, the AMF is still responsible for the measurement and configuration of the MDT configuration parameter, but other NFs subscribe to the MDT configuration parameter from the AMF, and the AMF sends a message to the NF that subscribes to the MDT parameter when performing the measurement and configuration of the MDT.

[0342] As shown in FIG. 5, taking the first network element as any other network element except the AMF, the second network element as the AMF, and the first node as the RAN as an example, the minimization of road side MDT method comprises the following steps:

[0343] Step 51, the other NF initiates a subscription request message of the MDT related parameter to the AMF, for requesting to configure at least part of the MDT configuration parameter;

[0344] Step 52, after receiving the subscription request message sent by other NF, the AMF sends a subscription request response message to other network elements, which carries the MDT measurement results corresponding to at least part of the configuration parameters;

[0345] Step 53, the AMF sends a trace start request message to the S-RAN, and the trace start message should include the configuration parameters required for MDT measurement.

[0346] It should be noted that the AMF should consider the MDT user consent of the UE before activating the MDT configuration.

[0347] Among them, the S-RAN in Figure 5 refers to the RAN node before switching, and the T-RAN refers to the RAN node after switching, which is an example of the application scenario of RAN switching. The Xn interface between S-RAN and T-RAN for transmitting MDT configuration parameters can be the currently specified point-to-point interface, or the interface after service, and the specific interface to be used depends on the degree of RAN service.

[0348] Step 54, the S-RAN sends a trace start request message to the T-RAN, and the trace start message should include the configuration parameters required for MDT measurement;

[0349] Step 55, the T-RAN sends a trace start request message to the UE, and the trace start message should include the configuration parameters required for MDT measurement;

[0350] Step 56, the UE sends a trace start response message to the T-RAN;

[0351] Step 57, the T-RAN sends a trace start response message to the S-RAN;

[0352] Step 58, the T-RAN sends a trace start response message to the AMF;

[0353] It should be noted that there is no order between the above steps 51, 52 and 53, that is, step 53 can be placed before step 51, step 52.

[0354] Example two, add an MDT configuration management function module, which is used to configure and manage MDT according to the needs of UE and network.

[0355] As shown in FIG. 6, taking any network element in the related art as the first network element, and taking the MDT configuration management function module (for example, referred to as UE MDT) as the second network element, taking the RAN as the first node for example, the minimization roadside MDT method includes the following steps:

[0356] Step 61, the other NF sends a subscription request message to the UE MDT, and the subscription request message is used to request to configure at least part of the configuration parameters in the MDT configuration parameters.

[0357] Step 62, after receiving the subscription request message of the other NF, the UE MDT sends a subscription request response message to the corresponding NF, and the subscription request response message carries the MDT measurement result corresponding to the at least part of the configuration parameters.

[0358] Step 63, the UE MDT sends a trace start (TRACE START) request message to the S-RAN, and the trace start request message carries the MDT configuration parameters;

[0359] Wherein, the UE MDT should consider the MDT user consent of the UE before activating the MDT configuration.

[0360] Step 64, the S-RAN sends a trace start (TRACE START) request message to the T-RAN, and the trace start request message carries the MDT configuration parameters;

[0361] Step 65, the T-RAN sends a trace start (TRACE START) request message to the UE, and the trace start request message carries the MDT configuration parameters;

[0362] Step 66, the UE sends a trace start (TRACE START) response message to the T-RAN, and the trace start response message carries the MDT measurement result;

[0363] Step 67, the T-RAN sends a trace start (TRACE START) response message to the S-RAN, and the trace start response message carries the MDT measurement result;

[0364] Step 68, the T-RAN sends a trace start (TRACE START) response message to the UE MDT.

[0365] Example three, as shown in FIG. 7, for the application scenario of the split architecture of the RAN, the RAN is divided into gNB-CP, gNB-UP and gNB-DU, taking any other network element in the existing network element except the AMF as the first network element, taking the AMF as the second network element, and taking the gNB-CU-CP as the first node for example, the minimization roadside MDT method includes the following steps:

[0366] Step 71, the other NF initiates a subscription request message of MDT related parameters to the AMF, for requesting at least part of the configuration parameters in the MDT configuration parameters;

[0367] Step 72, after the AMF receives the subscription request message sent by the other NF, it sends a subscription request response message to the other network element, which carries the MDT measurement results corresponding to at least part of the configuration parameters;

[0368] Step 73, the AMF sends a TRACE START message to the gNB-CU-CP, which should include the parameters required for MDT measurements.

[0369] Wherein, the AMF should consider the MDT user consent of the UE before activating the MDT configuration.

[0370] Wherein, it is determined by the gNB-CU-CP whether the gNB-CU-UP / gNB-DU should participate in the MDT measurement.

[0371] Step 74, if the gNB-CU-UP should participate, the gNB-CU-CP sends a TRACE START message to the gNB-CU-UP, which includes the configuration parameters required for MDT measurements;

[0372] Step 75, if the gNB-DU should participate, the gNB-CU-CP sends a TRACE message to the gNB-DU, which includes the configuration parameters required for MDT measurements.

[0373] Example four, a new MDT configuration management function module is added, which is used to configure and manage MDT according to the needs of UE and network.

[0374] As shown in FIG. 8, for the application scenario of the split architecture of RAN, the RAN is divided into gNB-CP, gNB-UP and gNB-DU. Taking the first network element as any network element in the existing network element and the second network element as the MDT configuration management function module (hereinafter referred to as UE MDT), the first node is taken as gNB-CU-CP as an example, the method of minimizing roadside MDT includes the following steps:

[0375] Step 81, the NF initiates a subscription request message of MDT related parameters to the UE MDT, for requesting at least part of the configuration parameters in the MDT configuration parameters;

[0376] Step 82, after the UE MDT receives the subscription request message of the other NF, it sends a subscription request response message to it, which carries the MDT measurement results corresponding to at least part of the configuration parameters;

[0377] Step 83, the UE MDT sends a trace start request message to the gNB-CU-CP, the trace start request message carrying the MDT configuration parameters;

[0378] Wherein, the UE MDT should consider the MDT user consent of the UE before activating the MDT configuration.

[0379] Wherein, whether the gNB-CU-UP / gNB-DU should participate in the MDT measurement is determined by the gNB-CU-CP.

[0380] Step 84, if the gNB-CU-UP should participate, the gNB-CU-CP sends a trace start message to the gNB-CU-UP, the trace start message including the configuration parameters required for MDT measurement;

[0381] Step 85, if the gNB-DU should participate, the gNB-CU-CP sends a trace start message to the gNB-DU, the trace start message including the configuration parameters required for MDT measurement.

[0382] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned minimization of road side MDT method further comprises:

[0383] Receiving a cell traffic trace message sent by a first node, the cell traffic trace message carrying MDT measurement results; wherein, the first node is a RAN or a gNB-CU-CP.

[0384] Example five, other NF initiates MDT configuration parameter subscription to the AMF, and the managed MDT activation is in the gNB-CU-CP.

[0385] As shown in FIG. 9, taking any network element other than the AMF as the first network element, the second network element as the AMF, and the first node as the gNB-CU-CP as an example, the minimization of road side MDT method comprises the following steps:

[0386] Step 91, the element manager (EM) sends a trace session activation request to the gNB-CU-CP, the trace session activation request carrying the MDT configuration parameters;

[0387] Wherein, the gNB-CU-CP should select appropriate UEs for MDT data collection. If the UE is not in the specified area, or if the serving PLMN is not in the managed MDT PLMN list, the gNB-CU-CP should not select the UE for MDT data collection.

[0388] Step 92, for each selected UE, if the gNB-CU-UP should perform MDT measurement, the gNB-CU-CP sends a trace start (TRACE START) request message to the gNB-CU-UP, the trace start request message including MDT configuration parameters.

[0389] Step 93, for each selected UE, if the gNB-DU should perform MDT measurement, the gNB-CU-CP sends a TRACE START request message to the gNB-DU, the TRACE START request message including MDT configuration parameters.

[0390] Step 94, the gNB-CU-CP can send a cell traffic trace (CELL TRAFFIC TRACE) message to the AMF of the selected UE, the cell traffic trace message including MDT measurement results and a TRACE ID (trace ID) of MDT carried in the cell traffic trace message.

[0391] Wherein, the AMF forwards the trace ID and other information to a trace collection entity (TCE).

[0392] Step 95, the other NF initiates a subscription request message for MDT related parameters to the AMF, for requesting to configure at least part of the configuration parameters in the MDT configuration parameters, the subscription request message further including a TRACE ID of MDT and other information

[0393] Step 96, after receiving the subscription request message sent by the other NF, the AMF sends a subscription request response message to the corresponding NF, the subscription request response message carrying MDT measurement results corresponding to the at least part of the configuration parameters and a TRACE ID of MDT.

[0394] Example six, the other NF initiates MDT configuration parameter subscription to the AMF, and management-based MDT activation in the gNB-DU.

[0395] As shown in FIG. 10, taking the first network element as any network element other than the AMF, the second network element as the AMF, and the first node as the gNB-CU-CP as an example, the minimization of road side MDT method includes the following steps:

[0396] Step 101, the gNB-CU-CP sends a UE context setup request (UE CONTEXT SETUP REQUEST) message to the gNB-DU, the UE context setup request message including a management-based MDT PLMN list.

[0397] Wherein, the UE context setup request message can include a contaminated measurement indicator IE. If the gNB-DU has received the contaminated measurement indication IE, the gNB-DU includes the information in the indicator as part of the measurement report to be sent to the TCE, so that the TCE can associate and filter the affected measurements.

[0398] Step 102, the gNB-DU sends a UE context setup response (UE CONTEXT SETUP RESPONSE) message to the gNB-CU-CP.

[0399] Step 103, the EM sends a trace session activation request (TRACE Session Activation) to the gNB-DU, which includes MDT configuration parameters for configuring UE measurement.

[0400] Wherein, the gNB-DU selects appropriate UEs for MDT data collection. If the UE is not in the specified area, or if the serving PLMN is not within the management-based MDT PLMN list, the gNB DU should not select the UE for MDT data collection.

[0401] Step 104, for each selected UE, the gNB-DU can send a CELL TRAFFIC TRACE message (cell traffic trace message) to the gNB-CU-CP in F1 UE-related signaling, which carries MDT measurement results and MDT TRACE ID in the cell traffic trace message, the MDT measurement results are obtained after MDT measurement according to the MDT configuration parameters.

[0402] Step 105, the gNB-CU-CP can send a CELL TRAFFIC TRACE message (cell traffic trace message) to the AMF of the selected UE, which includes MDT measurement results and MDT TRACE ID (trace ID) carried in the cell traffic trace message.

[0403] Wherein, the AMF forwards the trace ID and other information to the TCE.

[0404] Step 106, the other NF initiates a subscription request message for MDT-related parameters to the AMF, which is used to request to configure at least part of the configuration parameters in the MDT configuration parameters, and the subscription request message also includes the TRACE ID (trace ID) of the MDT and other information.

[0405] Step 107, after receiving the subscription request message sent by the other NF, the AMF sends a subscription request response message to the corresponding NF, which carries the MDT measurement results corresponding to the at least part of the configuration parameters and the TRACE ID of the MDT.

[0406] Example Seven, Other NF initiates MDT configuration parameter subscription to AMF and management based MDT activation at gNB-CU-UP.

[0407] As shown in FIG. 11, taking the first network element as any network element other than the AMF, the second network element as the AMF, and the first node as the gNB-CU-CP as an example, the minimization roadside MDT method comprises the following steps:

[0408] Step 111, the gNB-CU-CP sends a management based MDT PLMN list's bearer context setup request message (BEARER CONTEXT SETUP REQUEST) to the gNB-CU-UP.

[0409] Among them, the UE context setup request message can include a pollution measurement indicator IE. If the gNB-DU has received the pollution measurement indication IE, the gNB-CU-UP includes the information in the indicator as part of the measurement report to be sent to the TCE, so that the TCE can associate and filter the affected measurements.

[0410] Step 112, the gNB-CU-UP sends a bearer context setup response (BEARER CONTEXT SETUP RESPONSE) message to the gNB-CU-CP.

[0411] Step 113, the EM sends a trace session activation request (TRACE Session Activation) to the gNB-CU-UP, which includes MDT configuration parameters for configuring UE measurements.

[0412] Among them, the gNB-CU-UP selects suitable UEs for MDT data collection. If the UE is not in the specified area, or if the service PLMN is not within the management based MDT PLMN list, the gNB-CU-UP should not select the UE for MDT data collection.

[0413] Step 114, for each selected UE, the gNB-CU-UP can send a CELL TRAFFIC TRACE message (cell traffic trace message) to the gNB-CU-CP in F1 UE related signaling, which carries MDT measurement results and MDT's TRACE ID in the cell traffic trace message, the MDT measurement results are obtained after MDT measurement according to the MDT configuration parameters.

[0414] Step 115, the gNB-CU-CP can send a CELL TRAFFIC TRACE message (cell traffic trace message) to the AMF of the selected UE, and the cell traffic trace message includes the MDT measurement result and the TRACE ID (trace ID) of the MDT carried in the cell traffic trace message.

[0415] Wherein, the AMF forwards the trace ID and other information to the TCE.

[0416] Step 116, other NF initiates a subscription request message of MDT related parameters to the AMF, for requesting to configure at least part of the MDT configuration parameters, and the subscription request message also includes the TRACE ID (trace ID) of the MDT and other information.

[0417] Step 117, after the AMF receives the subscription request message sent by the other NF, the AMF sends a subscription request response message to the corresponding NF, and the subscription request response message carries the MDT measurement result corresponding to the at least part of the configuration parameters and the TRACE ID of the MDT.

[0418] Example eight, other NF initiates MDT configuration parameter subscription to the newly added MDT configuration management function module (hereinafter referred to as UE MDT), and activates the MDT based on management in the gNB-CU-CP.

[0419] As shown in FIG. 12, taking any one of the existing network elements as the first network element, the second network element as the newly added MDT configuration management function module, and the first node as the gNB-CU-CP as an example, the minimization of road side MDT method includes the following steps:

[0420] Step 121, the element manager EM sends a trace session activation request to the gNB-CU-CP, and the trace session activation request carries the MDT configuration parameters;

[0421] Wherein, the gNB-CU-CP should select appropriate UEs for MDT data collection. If the UE is not in the specified area, or if the service PLMN is not in the management-based MDT PLMN list, the gNB-CU-CP should not select the UE for MDT data collection.

[0422] Step 122, for each selected UE, if the gNB-CU-UP should perform MDT measurement, the gNB-CU-CP sends a trace start (TRACE START) request message to the gNB-CU-UP, and the trace start request message includes the MDT configuration parameters.

[0423] Step 123, for each selected UE, if the gNB-DU should perform MDT measurement, the gNB-CU-CP sends a TRACE START request message to the gNB-DU, the TRACE START request message including MDT configuration parameters.

[0424] Step 124, the gNB-CU-CP can send a CELL TRAFFIC TRACE message to the selected UE MDT, the CELL TRAFFIC TRACE message including MDT measurement results and a TRACE ID (Tracking ID) of the MDT carried in the CELL TRAFFIC TRACE message.

[0425] Wherein, the UE MDT forwards the TRACE ID and other information to the TCE.

[0426] Step 125, the other NF initiates a subscription request message of MDT related parameters to the UE MDT, for requesting to configure at least part of the configuration parameters in the MDT configuration parameters, the subscription request message further including a TRACE ID of the MDT and other information

[0427] Step 126, after the UE MDT receives the subscription request message sent by the other NF, the UE MDT sends a subscription request response message to the corresponding NF, the subscription request response message carrying MDT measurement results corresponding to the at least part of the configuration parameters and a TRACE ID of the MDT.

[0428] Example nine, the other NF initiates MDT configuration parameter subscription to the newly added MDT configuration management function module, and activates the MDT based on management at the gNB-DU.

[0429] As shown in FIG. 13, taking any one of the existing network elements as the first network element and the second network element as the newly added MDT configuration management function module (hereinafter referred to as UE MDT), and taking the gNB-CU-CP as an example, the minimization of road side MDT method includes the following steps:

[0430] As shown in FIG. 13, taking any one of the existing network elements as the first network element and the second network element as the newly added MDT configuration management function module (hereinafter referred to as UE MDT), and taking the gNB-CU-CP as an example, the minimization of road side MDT method includes the following steps:

[0431] Step 131, the gNB-CU-CP sends a UE context setup request (UE CONTEXT SETUP REQUEST) message to the gNB-DU, the UE context setup request message including a MDT based on management PLMN list.

[0432] Wherein, the UE context setup request message can include a contaminated measurement indicator IE. If the gNB-DU has received the contaminated measurement indication IE, the gNB-DU includes the information in the indicator as part of the measurement report to be sent to the TCE, so that the TCE can associate and filter the affected measurements.

[0433] Step 132, the gNB-DU sends a UE context setup response (UE CONTEXT SETUP RESPONSE) message to the gNB-CU-CP.

[0434] Step 133, the EM sends a trace session activation request (TRACE Session Activation) to the gNB-DU, which includes MDT configuration parameters for configuring UE measurements.

[0435] Wherein, the gNB-DU selects appropriate UEs for MDT data collection. If the UE is not in the specified area, or if the serving PLMN is not within the management-based MDT PLMN list, the gNB DU should not select the UE for MDT data collection.

[0436] Step 134, for each selected UE, the gNB-DU can send a CELL TRAFFIC TRACE message (cell traffic trace message) to the gNB-CU-CP in F1 UE-related signaling, which carries MDT measurement results and MDT TRACE ID in the cell traffic trace message, the MDT measurement results are obtained after MDT measurement according to the MDT configuration parameters.

[0437] Step 135, the gNB-CU-CP can send a CELL TRAFFIC TRACE message (cell traffic trace message) to the UE MDT of the selected UE, which includes MDT measurement results and MDT TRACE ID (trace ID) carried in the cell traffic trace message.

[0438] Wherein, the UEMDT forwards the trace ID and other information to the TCE.

[0439] Step 136, other NF initiates a subscription request message of MDT-related parameters to the UEMDT, for requesting to configure at least part of the configuration parameters in the MDT configuration parameters, and the subscription request message also includes the TRACE ID (trace ID) of the MDT and other information.

[0440] Step 137, after receiving the subscription request message sent by the other NF, the UEMDT sends a subscription request response message to the corresponding NF, which carries the MDT measurement results corresponding to the at least part of the configuration parameters and the TRACE ID of the MDT.

[0441] Example ten, other NF initiates MDT configuration parameter subscription to the newly added MDT configuration management function module (hereinafter collectively referred to as UE MDT), and activates the gNB-CU-UP based on the managed MDT.

[0442] As shown in FIG. 14, taking any of the existing network elements as the first network element, the second network element as the UE MDT, and the first node as the gNB-CU-CP as an example, the minimization of road side MDT method includes the following steps:

[0443] Step 141, the gNB-CU-CP sends a managed MDT PLMN list based bearer context setup request message (BEARER CONTEXT SETUP REQUEST) to the gNB-CU-UP.

[0444] Among them, the UE context setup request message can include a pollution measurement indicator IE. If the gNB-DU has received the pollution measurement indication IE, the gNB-CU-UP includes the information in the indicator as part of the measurement report to be sent to the TCE, so that the TCE can associate and filter the affected measurements.

[0445] Step 142, the gNB-CU-UP sends a bearer context setup response (BEARER CONTEXT SETUP RESPONSE) message to the gNB-CU-CP.

[0446] Step 143, the EM sends a trace session activation request (TRACE Session Activation) to the gNB-CU-UP, which includes MDT configuration parameters for configuring UE measurements.

[0447] Among them, the gNB-CU-UP selects suitable UEs for MDT data collection. If the UE is not in the specified area, or if the service PLMN is not within the managed MDT PLMN list, the gNB-CU-UP should not select the UE for MDT data collection.

[0448] Step 144, for each selected UE, the gNB-CU-UP can send a CELL TRAFFIC TRACE message (cell traffic trace message) to the gNB-CU-CP in F1 UE related signaling, which carries MDT measurement results and MDT TRACE ID in the cell traffic trace message. The MDT measurement result is obtained after MDT measurement according to the MDT configuration parameter.

[0449] Step 145, the gNB-CU-CP can send a CELL TRAFFIC TRACE message (cell traffic trace message) to the UE MDT of the selected UE, and the cell traffic trace message includes the MDT measurement result and the TRACE ID (trace ID) of the MDT carried in the cell traffic trace message.

[0450] Wherein, the UE MDT forwards the trace ID and other information to the TCE.

[0451] Step 146, the other NF initiates a subscription request message of MDT related parameters to the UE MDT, for requesting to configure at least part of the configuration parameters in the MDT configuration parameters, and the subscription request message also includes the TRACE ID (trace ID) of the MDT and other information.

[0452] Step 147, after receiving the subscription request message sent by the other NF, the UE MDT sends a subscription request response message to the corresponding NF, and the subscription request response message carries the MDT measurement result corresponding to the at least part of the configuration parameters and the TRACE ID of the MDT.

[0453] Example eleven, the other NF initiates data subscription to the AMF

[0454] As shown in FIG. 15, the minimization of drive test MDT method can include the following steps:

[0455] Step 151, the UE can indicate that the network side Log MDT data can be taken in the connection establishment completion message, the connection recovery completion message, the connection reestablishment completion message or the connection reconfiguration completion message;

[0456] Wherein, the network determines whether to obtain the record result.

[0457] Step 152, the RAN sends a terminal record information obtaining request to the UE;

[0458] Specifically, after the RAN agrees to obtain the Log MDT data, the RAN sends a record information obtaining request to the UE through a dedicated signaling to inform the terminal to report the Log MDT data;

[0459] Step 153, the UE sends a terminal record information obtaining request response to the RAN;

[0460] Specifically, after the UE receives the obtaining request message of the RAN agreeing to report the Log MDT data, the UE sends an obtaining request response using a dedicated signaling to report the Log MDT data recorded by itself;

[0461] Step 154, the RAN sends the terminal record information to the AMF;

[0462] Step 155, other NFs (except AMF) send a subscription request message to the AMF, the subscription request message is used to request at least part of the configuration parameters in the MDT configuration parameter;

[0463] Step 156, the AMF sends a subscription request response message to the other NF according to the subscription request message, and the subscription request response message carries the MDT measurement result corresponding to the at least part of the configuration parameters.

[0464] Example twelve, a new MDT configuration management function module (hereinafter referred to as UE MDT) is added, which is used for measurement and configuration of MDT, and other NFs initiate data subscription to the UE MDT

[0465] As shown in FIG. 16, the minimization of drive test MDT method can include the following steps:

[0466] Step 161, the UE can indicate that the network side Log MDT data can be taken in the connection establishment completion message, the connection recovery completion message, the connection reestablishment completion message or the connection reconfiguration completion message;

[0467] Step 162, after the RAN agrees to obtain the Log MDT data, the terminal is notified to report the Log MDT data through dedicated signaling;

[0468] Step 163, after the UE receives the RAN agreement to report Log MDT data message, the UE reports the Log MDT data recorded by itself using dedicated signaling;

[0469] Step 164, the RAN sends the UE record information to the UE MDT;

[0470] Step 165, other NFs (including any NFs including AMF) send a subscription request message to the UE MDT, the subscription request message is used to request at least part of the configuration parameters in the MDT configuration parameter;

[0471] Step 166, the UE MDT sends a subscription request response message to the other NF according to the subscription request message, and the subscription request response message carries the MDT measurement result corresponding to the at least part of the configuration parameters.

[0472] As shown in FIG. 17, the embodiment of the disclosure provides a minimization of drive test MDT method, applied to a third network element, including the following steps:

[0473] Step 171, a tracking start request message is sent to a first node, and the tracking start request message carries MDT configuration parameters; or,

[0474] receive a cell traffic trace message sent by the first node, wherein the cell traffic trace message carries MDT measurement results obtained by performing MDT measurement according to MDT configuration parameters.

[0475] The third network element is any network element that has a demand for MDT parameter configuration among all network elements.

[0476] In some embodiments, the first node is a RAN or a gNB-CU-CP.

[0477] The third network element includes, but is not limited to, an AMF, an SMF, an LMF, a PCF, a UPF, an NRF, a UDM, an AF, an NSSF, and the like.

[0478] In the above embodiments, the network element that has a demand for MDT parameter configuration among all network elements sends a trace start request message to the first node or receives a cell traffic trace message sent by the first node. In this way, the MDT configuration parameters are no longer configured and managed by the AMF, but are configured and managed by any NF that needs to directly interact with the RAN, that is, multiple NFs such as the AMF, the SMF, and the LMF simultaneously save and manage the MDT configuration parameters, which can meet the system requirements under the RAN service architecture.

[0479] In some embodiments, the MDT configuration parameters include at least one of the following:

[0480] A service level of a radio access network RAN.

[0481] A required extended coverage or capacity.

[0482] Proof of use of the required extended coverage or capacity.

[0483] A receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement results.

[0484] The service level of the radio access network RAN includes RAN full service, control plane service, user plane service, and the like.

[0485] For example, if the first network element is a policy control function (PCF), the MDT configuration parameters requested by the PCF can include a UE measurement area range, an area attribute, and the like, so that the PCF performs network coverage policy for the area.

[0486] For example, if the first network element is a session management function (SMF), the MDT configuration parameters requested by the SMF can include: traffic or data characteristic related parameters of a UE measurement area, so that the SMF generates a corresponding quality of service (QoS) control file.

[0487] It should be pointed out that the MDT configuration parameters further include other configuration parameters, and the above-mentioned configuration parameters are newly added on the basis of existing MDT data measurement records, so that the terminal measures the newly added parameters for data reporting, so as to ensure that a third party entity (for example, a house / real estate owner, a community provider) can deploy a RAN node as needed or in a place where it is needed to support a required supplementary coverage / capacity expansion service.

[0488] Next, the scheme of sending a trace start request message by the third network element to the first node will be introduced.

[0489] Example 13: NFs that need to directly interact with the RAN can directly perform configuration management of MDT.

[0490] As shown in FIG. 18, the third network element is any network element that has a demand for MDT parameter configuration among all network elements, the first node is an S-RAN, and the minimization of road side MDT method includes the following steps:

[0491] Step 181: The NF sends a TRACE START request message (trace start request message) to the S-RAN, and the trace start request message carries MDT configuration parameters.

[0492] Among them, the AMF should consider the MDT user consent of the UE before activating the MDT configuration.

[0493] It should be noted that the MDT measurement parameters carried in the trace start request message sent by different NFs can be different.

[0494] In some embodiments, on the basis of the existing MDT configuration parameters, the MDT configuration parameters further include at least one of the following:

[0495] The degree of service of the wireless access network RAN;

[0496] The required expanded coverage or capacity;

[0497] Proof of use of the required expanded coverage or capacity;

[0498] The receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result.

[0499] Step 182, the S-RAN sends a TRACE START request message to the T-RAN, the trace start request message carrying MDT configuration parameters;

[0500] Step 183, the T-RAN sends a TRACE START request message to the UE, the trace start request message carrying MDT configuration parameters;

[0501] Step 184, the UE sends a TRACE START response message to the T-RAN, the trace start request message carrying MDT configuration parameters.

[0502] Step 185, the T-RAN sends a TRACE START response message to the S-RAN, the trace start request message carrying MDT configuration parameters;

[0503] Step 186, the T-RAN sends a TRACE START response message to all network elements in the NF that need MDT parameter configuration, the trace start request message carrying MDT configuration parameters.

[0504] Example fourteen, the RAN adopts a split RAN architecture, that is, the RAN is divided into CU-CP, CU-UP and DU three parts, and the NF that needs to interact directly with the RAN can directly perform MDT configuration management.

[0505] As shown in FIG. 19, the third network element is any network element in all network elements that need MDT parameter configuration, the first node is gNB-CU-CP, and the minimum roadside MDT method includes the following steps:

[0506] Step 191, the NF (such as AMF, SMF, etc.) sends a TRACE START message to the gNB-CU-CP to the gNB, the trace start request message carrying MDT configuration parameters.

[0507] Among them, the NF should consider the MDT user consent of the UE before activating the MDT configuration.

[0508] Among them, the gNB-CU-CP determines whether the gNB-CU-UP / gNB-DU should participate in the MDT measurement.

[0509] Step 192, if the gNB-CU-UP should participate, the gNB-CU-CP sends a TRACE START message to the gNB-CU-UP, and the TRACE START message includes MDT measurement configuration parameters.

[0510] Step 193, if the gNB-DU should participate, the gNB-CU-CP sends a TRACE START message to the gNB-DU, the TRACE START message including the MDT measurement configuration parameters.

[0511] The following describes a scheme in which the third network element receives a cell traffic trace message sent by the first node.

[0512] Example fifteen, the gNB-CU-CP sends an MDT configuration message to all NFs, and a management-based MDT is activated at the gNB-CU-CP.

[0513] As shown in FIG. 20, the third network element is any network element that has a need for MDT parameter configuration among all network elements, the first node is a gNB-CU-CP, and the minimization of road-side MDT method includes the following steps:

[0514] Step 201, an element manager EM sends a trace session activation request to the gNB-CU-CP, the trace session activation request carrying the MDT configuration parameters;

[0515] Among them, the gNB-CU-CP should select appropriate UEs for MDT data collection. If the UE is not in the specified area, or if the service PLMN is not in the management-based MDT PLMN list, the gNB-CU-CP should not select the UE for MDT data collection.

[0516] Step 202, for each selected UE, if the gNB-CU-UP should perform MDT measurement, the gNB-CU-CP sends a trace start (TRACE START) request message to the gNB-CU-UP, the trace start request message including the MDT configuration parameters.

[0517] Step 203, for each selected UE, if the gNB-DU should perform MDT measurement, the gNB-CU-CP sends a TRACE START request message to the gNB-DU, the TRACE START request message including the MDT configuration parameters.

[0518] Step 204, the gNB-CU-CP can send a CELL TRAFFIC TRACE message to NFs that have a need for MDT parameter configuration among all network elements, the cell traffic trace message including MDT measurement results and a TRACE ID (trace ID) carried in the cell traffic trace message.

[0519] Example sixteen, the gNB-CU-CP sends an MDT configuration message to all NFs, and a management-based MDT is activated at the gNB-DU.

[0520] As shown in FIG. 21, the third network element is any network element in all network elements that has a MDT parameter configuration requirement, the first node is a gNB-CU-CP, and the roadside MDT minimization method includes the following steps:

[0521] Step 211, the gNB-CU-CP sends a UE context setup request (UE CONTEXT SETUP REQUEST) message to the gNB-DU, and the UE context setup request message includes a management-based MDT PLMN list.

[0522] The UE context setup request message can include a pollution measurement indicator IE. If the gNB-DU has received the pollution measurement indication IE, the gNB-DU includes the information in the indicator as part of the measurement report to be sent to the TCE, so that the TCE can associate and filter the affected measurements.

[0523] Step 212, the gNB-DU sends a UE context setup response (UE CONTEXT SETUP RESPONSE) message to the gNB-CU-CP.

[0524] Step 213, the EM sends a trace session activation request (TRACE Session Activation) to the gNB-DU, which includes MDT configuration parameters for configuring UE measurement.

[0525] The gNB-DU selects a suitable UE for MDT data collection. If the UE is not in the specified area, or if the service PLMN is not within the management-based MDT PLMN list, the gNB DU should not select the UE for MDT data collection.

[0526] Step 214, for each selected UE, the gNB-DU can send a CELL TRAFFIC TRACE message (cell traffic trace message) to the gNB-CU-CP in F1 UE-related signaling, and the cell traffic trace message carries MDT measurement results and MDT TRACE ID, wherein the MDT measurement results are obtained after MDT measurement according to the MDT configuration parameters.

[0527] Step 215, the gNB-CU-CP can send a CELL TRAFFIC TRACE message (cell traffic trace message) to all network elements that have MDT parameter configuration requirements, and the cell traffic trace message includes MDT measurement results and MDT TRACE ID (trace ID) carried in the cell traffic trace message.

[0528] Example Seventeen, the gNB-CU-CP sends the MDT configuration message to all NFs, the management based MDT activation is at the gNB-CU-UP.

[0529] As shown in FIG. 22, the third network element is any network element that has MDT parameter configuration requirements among all network elements, the first node is the gNB-CU-CP, and the minimization of road side MDT method includes the following steps:

[0530] Step 221, the gNB-CU-CP sends a bearer context setup request message (BEARER CONTEXT SETUP REQUEST) of a management based MDT PLMN list to the gNB-CU-UP.

[0531] The UE context setup request message can include a pollution measurement indicator IE. If the gNB-DU has received the pollution measurement indication IE, the gNB-CU-UP includes the information in the indicator as part of the measurement report to be sent to the TCE, so that the TCE can associate and filter the affected measurements.

[0532] Step 222, the gNB-CU-UP sends a bearer context setup response (BEARER CONTEXT SETUP RESPONSE) message to the gNB-CU-CP.

[0533] Step 223, the EM sends a trace session activation request (TRACE Session Activation) to the gNB-CU-UP, which includes MDT configuration parameters for configuring UE measurements.

[0534] The gNB-CU-UP selects appropriate UEs for MDT data collection. If the UE is not in the specified area, or if the serving PLMN is not within the management based MDT PLMN list, the gNB-CU-UP should not select the UE for MDT data collection.

[0535] Step 224, for each selected UE, the gNB-CU-UP can send a CELL TRAFFIC TRACE message (cell traffic trace message) to the gNB-CU-CP in F1 UE related signaling, which carries MDT measurement results and MDT TRACE ID in the cell traffic trace message, the MDT measurement results are obtained after MDT measurement according to the MDT configuration parameters.

[0536] Step 225, the gNB-CU-CP can send a CELL TRAFFIC TRACE message to all network elements that have MDT parameter configuration needs, and the CELL TRAFFIC TRACE message includes MDT measurement results and a TRACE ID (trace ID) carried in the CELL TRAFFIC TRACE message.

[0537] Example eighteen, the RAN sends MDT measurement results to all NFs that have MDT parameter configuration needs.

[0538] As shown in FIG. 23, the minimization of drive test MDT method includes the following steps:

[0539] Step 231, the UE can indicate that the network side Log MDT data can be taken in the connection establishment completion message, the connection recovery completion message, the connection reestablishment completion message or the connection reconfiguration completion message;

[0540] Step 232, after the RAN agrees to obtain the Log MDT data, the terminal is notified to report the Log MDT data through dedicated signaling;

[0541] Step 233, after the UE receives the RAN agreement to report Log MDT data message, the UE reports the Log MDT data recorded by itself using dedicated signaling;

[0542] Step 234, the RAN sends UE record information to NFs that have MDT parameter configuration needs (any NF including AMF), and the UE record information includes MDT measurement results.

[0543] As shown in FIG. 24, the embodiment of the disclosure provides a minimization of drive test MDT method applied to a first node, including the following step 241, step 241 includes:

[0544] Receiving a trace start request message sent by a second network element, the trace start request message carrying MDT configuration parameters; wherein the MDT configuration parameters include at least one of the following: service level of the RAN, required expanded coverage or capacity, proof of use of the required expanded coverage or capacity, and a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result; or,

[0545] Sending a CELL TRAFFIC TRACE message to the second network element, the CELL TRAFFIC TRACE message carrying MDT measurement results; wherein the MDT measurement results are obtained after MDT measurement according to MDT configuration parameters, and the MDT configuration parameters include at least one of the following: service level of the RAN, required expanded coverage or capacity, proof of use of the required expanded coverage or capacity, and a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result; or,

[0546] receive a trace start request message sent by a third network element, the trace start request message carrying MDT configuration parameters; wherein the third network element is a network element that has a demand for MDT parameter configuration among all network elements; or

[0547] send a cell traffic trace message to the third network element, the cell traffic trace message carrying MDT measurement results; wherein the third network element is a network element that has a demand for MDT parameter configuration among all network elements.

[0548] In some embodiments, the second network element is an AMF or a newly added MDT configuration management function module.

[0549] In some embodiments, the first node is a RAN or a gNB-CU-CP.

[0550] In the above embodiments, the first node can adapt the configuration of MDT to the system requirements under the RAN service architecture by interacting with the second network element, so that any first network element that has a demand for MDT parameter configuration can perform MDT parameter configuration. Any network element that has a demand for MDT parameter configuration among all network elements sends a trace start request message to the first node or receives a cell traffic trace message sent by the first node. In this way, the MDT parameters are no longer configured and managed by the AMF, but by any NF that needs to interact directly with the RAN, which is simultaneously saved and managed by multiple NFs, and can adapt to the system requirements under the RAN service architecture.

[0551] In some embodiments, the MDT configuration parameters carried in the trace start request message sent by the third network element include at least one of the following:

[0552] the degree of service of the RAN;

[0553] the required expanded coverage or capacity;

[0554] proof of use of the required expanded coverage or capacity;

[0555] the receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement results.

[0556] In some embodiments, in the case of sending a cell traffic trace message to the third network element, the MDT measurement results carried in the cell traffic trace message are obtained after MDT measurement according to the MDT configuration parameters, and the MDT configuration parameters include at least one of the following:

[0557] the degree of service of the RAN;

[0558] the required expanded coverage or capacity;

[0559] Usage proof of the required extended coverage or capacity;

[0560] The receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result.

[0561] The service degree of the radio access network (RAN) includes: full-service RAN, control plane service, user plane service, RAN N2 interface service, etc.

[0562] It should be noted that the MDT configuration parameters also include other configuration parameters, and the above-mentioned configuration parameters are newly added on the basis of existing MDT data measurement records, so that the terminal measures the newly added parameters for data reporting, so that the third party entity (for example, a house / real estate owner, a community provider) can deploy RAN nodes as needed or in places where needed to support the required supplementary coverage / capacity expansion services.

[0563] In some embodiments, after receiving the tracking start request message sent by the second network element, or after receiving the tracking start request message sent by the third network element, the method further comprises:

[0564] In the case where the first node is a RAN, the tracking start request message is sent to the terminal through a target RAN, or the tracking start request message is sent to the terminal; a tracking start response message sent by the terminal is received, the tracking start response message carrying the MDT measurement result; the tracking start response message is sent to the second network element or the third network element.

[0565] In the case where the first node is a gNB-CU-CP, the tracking start request message is sent to a user plane gNB-CU-UP of a centralized unit of a base station, or the tracking start request message is sent to a distributed unit gNB-DU of the base station.

[0566] It should be noted that in the case where the first node is a RAN, the first node sends the tracking start response message to the second network element, which can be specifically referred to the above-mentioned example one and steps 57 to 58 shown in FIG. 5, and thus the details are not repeated here.

[0567] It should be noted that in the case where the first node is a RAN, the first node sends the tracking start response message to the third network element, which can be specifically referred to the above-mentioned example thirteen and steps 165 to 166 shown in FIG. 16, and thus the details are not repeated here.

[0568] It should be noted that in the embodiment of sending the trace start request message to the user plane gNB-CU-UP of the centralized unit of the base station or sending the trace start request message to the distributed unit gNB-DU of the base station when the first node is a gNB-CU-CP, for details, please refer to Example 14 and steps 172 and 173 in FIG. 17, which will not be repeated here.

[0569] In some embodiments, before the sending of the cell traffic trace message to the second network element or before the sending of the cell traffic trace message to the third network element when the first node is a gNB-CU-CP, the method further comprises:

[0570] receiving a trace session activation request sent by an element manager EM, the trace session activation request carrying the MDT configuration parameter;

[0571] determining a terminal that performs MDT data collection;

[0572] sending a trace start request message to the user plane gNB-CU-UP of the centralized unit of the base station corresponding to the terminal or sending a trace start request message to the distributed unit gNB-DU of the base station corresponding to the terminal.

[0573] It should be noted that this embodiment corresponds to steps 91 to 93 shown in Example 5 and FIG. 9, or steps 121 to 123 in Example 8 and FIG. 12, which can be referred to the above examples for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0574] In some embodiments, before the sending of the cell traffic trace message to the second network element or before the sending of the cell traffic trace message to the third network element when the first node is a gNB-CU-CP, the method further comprises:

[0575] receiving a cell traffic trace message sent by a second node; wherein the second node is a gNB-DU or a gNB-CU-UP, the cell traffic trace message is sent by the second node after determining a terminal that performs MDT data collection, and the second node determines the terminal that performs MDT data collection according to a trace session activation request sent by an EM, the trace session activation request carrying the MDT configuration parameter.

[0576] Exemplarily, in the case that the second node is a gNB-DU, the management-based MDT activation is at the gNB-DU, which can be specifically seen from step 104 in Example Six (FIG. 10), step 194 in Example Sixteen (FIG. 19), and step 134 in Example Nine (FIG. 13), and thus will not be repeated here. Exemplarily, in the case that the second node is a gNB-CU-UP, the management-based MDT activation is at the gNB-CU-UP, which can be specifically seen from step 114 in Example Seven (FIG. 11), step 144 in Example Ten (FIG. 14), and step 204 in Example Seventeen (FIG. 20), and thus will not be repeated here.

[0577] As shown in FIG. 25, the embodiment of the present disclosure provides a minimization of drive test (MDT) method applied to a terminal, including the following steps:

[0578] Step 51, receiving a trace start request message sent by a first node, the trace start request message carrying MDT configuration parameters; wherein the MDT configuration parameters include at least one of the following: service level of a radio access network (RAN), required extended coverage or capacity, proof of use of the required extended coverage or capacity, and a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result.

[0579] Step 52, sending a trace start response message to the first node, the trace start response message carrying a MDT measurement result, the MDT measurement result being obtained after MDT measurement according to the MDT configuration parameters.

[0580] In some embodiments, the first node is a RAN or a gNB-CU-CP.

[0581] The service level of the RAN includes full-service RAN, control-plane service, user-plane service, RAN N2 interface service, and the like.

[0582] It should be pointed out that the MDT configuration parameters also include other configuration parameters, and the above-mentioned configuration parameters are newly added on the basis of existing MDT data measurement records, so that the terminal measures the newly added parameters for data reporting, so that a third party entity (for example, a house / real estate owner, a community provider) can deploy RAN nodes as needed or in places where needed to support the required supplementary coverage / capacity expansion services.

[0583] As shown in FIG. 26, the embodiment of the present disclosure provides a minimization of drive test (MDT) device 2600 applied to a first network element, including:

[0584] A first sending module 2601 is configured to send a subscription request message to a second network element, the subscription request message being used to request configuration of at least part of the MDT configuration parameters.

[0585] The first receiving module 2602 is configured to receive a subscription request response message sent by the second network element, and the subscription request response message carries an MDT measurement result corresponding to the at least part of the configuration parameters.

[0586] In some embodiments, the MDT configuration parameters include at least one of the following:

[0587] a service degree of a radio access network RAN;

[0588] a required expanded coverage or capacity;

[0589] a proof of use of the required expanded coverage or capacity;

[0590] a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result.

[0591] In some embodiments, the first network element is a network element that has a requirement for MDT parameter configuration among other network elements except an access and mobility management function AMF, and the second network element is the AMF.

[0592] In some embodiments, the first network element is a network element that has a requirement for MDT parameter configuration among all network elements, and the second network element is a newly added MDT configuration management function module.

[0593] It should be noted that the device embodiment is one-to-one corresponding to the above-mentioned method embodiment applied to the first network element, and all implementation manners in the above-mentioned method embodiment are applicable to the device embodiment, and the same technical effects can be achieved.

[0594] As shown in FIG. 27, the disclosure embodiment provides a minimization of drive test MDT device 2700 applied to a second network element, comprising:

[0595] The second receiving module 2701 is configured to receive a subscription request message sent by a first network element, and the subscription request message is used to request configuration of at least part of MDT configuration parameters.

[0596] The second sending module 2702 is configured to send a subscription request response message to the first network element according to the subscription request message, and the subscription request response message carries an MDT measurement result corresponding to the at least part of the configuration parameters.

[0597] In some embodiments, the first network element is a network element that has a requirement for MDT parameter configuration among other network elements except an access and mobility management function AMF, and the second network element is the AMF.

[0598] In some embodiments, the first network element is a network element that has a requirement for MDT parameter configuration among all network elements, and the second network element is a newly added MDT configuration management function module.

[0599] In some embodiments, the MDT configuration parameter comprises at least one of:

[0600] a service level of the RAN;

[0601] a required extended coverage or capacity;

[0602] a proof of use of the required extended coverage or capacity;

[0603] a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result.

[0604] In some embodiments, the apparatus 2700 further comprises:

[0605] a third sending module configured to send a trace initiation request message to a first node, the trace initiation request message carrying the MDT configuration parameter; wherein the first node is a control plane gNB-CU-CP of a centralized unit of the RAN or a base station;

[0606] a third receiving module configured to receive a trace initiation response message sent by the first node, the trace initiation response message carrying the MDT measurement result.

[0607] In some embodiments, the apparatus 2700 further comprises:

[0608] a fourth receiving module configured to receive a cell traffic trace message sent by a first node, the cell traffic trace message carrying the MDT measurement result; wherein the first node is the RAN or the gNB-CU-CP.

[0609] It should be noted that the apparatus embodiment is one-to-one correspondence with the above-mentioned method embodiment applied to the second network element, all implementation manners in the above-mentioned method embodiment are applicable to the embodiment of the apparatus, and the same technical effects can be achieved.

[0610] As shown in FIG. 28, the embodiment of the disclosure provides a minimum drive test MDT apparatus 2800 applied to a third network element, comprising:

[0611] a first transceiving module 2801 configured to send a trace initiation request message to a first node, the trace initiation request message carrying a MDT configuration parameter; or receive a cell traffic trace message sent by a first node, the cell traffic trace message carrying a MDT measurement result, the MDT measurement result being obtained by performing MDT measurement according to the MDT configuration parameter;

[0612] wherein the third network element is a network element having a MDT parameter configuration requirement among all network elements.

[0613] In some embodiments, the MDT configuration parameter comprises at least one of the following:

[0614] A service level of a radio access network (RAN);

[0615] A required extended coverage or capacity;

[0616] A proof of use of the required extended coverage or capacity;

[0617] A receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result.

[0618] In some embodiments, the first node is a RAN or a gNB-CU-CP.

[0619] It should be noted that the device embodiment is one-to-one corresponding to the above-mentioned method embodiment applied to the third network element. All implementation manners in the above-mentioned method embodiment are applicable to the embodiment of the device and can achieve the same technical effects.

[0620] As shown in FIG. 29, the embodiment of the disclosure provides a minimization of drive test (MDT) device 2900 applied to a first node, comprising: a second transceiver module 2901, configured to:

[0621] receive a trace start request message sent by a second network element, wherein the trace start request message carries MDT configuration parameters; wherein the MDT configuration parameters comprise at least one of the following: a service level of a radio access network (RAN), a required extended coverage or capacity, a proof of use of the required extended coverage or capacity, and a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result; or,

[0622] send a cell traffic trace message to the second network element, wherein the cell traffic trace message carries an MDT measurement result; wherein the MDT measurement result is obtained by performing MDT measurement according to MDT configuration parameters, and the MDT configuration parameters comprise at least one of the following: a service level of a radio access network (RAN), a required extended coverage or capacity, a proof of use of the required extended coverage or capacity, and a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result; or,

[0623] receive a trace start request message sent by a third network element, wherein the trace start request message carries MDT configuration parameters; wherein the third network element is a network element that has a MDT parameter configuration requirement among all network elements; or,

[0624] send a cell traffic trace message to the third network element, wherein the cell traffic trace message carries an MDT measurement result; wherein the third network element is a network element that has a MDT parameter configuration requirement among all network elements.

[0625] In some embodiments, the MDT configuration parameter carried in the trace initiation request message sent by the third network element comprises at least one of the following:

[0626] a service degree of the RAN;

[0627] a required extended coverage or capacity;

[0628] a proof of use of the required extended coverage or capacity;

[0629] a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result.

[0630] In some embodiments, in a case where a cell traffic trace message is sent to the third network element, the MDT measurement result carried in the cell traffic trace message is obtained after MDT measurement according to the MDT configuration parameter, and the MDT configuration parameter comprises at least one of the following:

[0631] a service degree of the RAN;

[0632] a required extended coverage or capacity;

[0633] a proof of use of the required extended coverage or capacity;

[0634] a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result.

[0635] In some embodiments, the second network element is an AMF or a newly added MDT configuration management function module.

[0636] In some embodiments, the first node is a RAN or a gNB-CU-CP.

[0637] In some embodiments, the second transceiver 2901 is further configured to:

[0638] in a case where the first node is a RAN, sending the trace initiation request message to a terminal through a target RAN or sending the trace initiation request message to the terminal; receiving a trace initiation response message sent by the terminal, the trace initiation response message carrying the MDT measurement result; and sending the trace initiation response message to the second network element or the third network element;

[0639] in a case where the first node is a gNB-CU-CP, sending the trace initiation request message to a user plane gNB-CU-UP of a centralized unit of a base station or sending the trace initiation request message to a distributed unit gNB-DU of the base station.

[0640] In some embodiments, the second transceiver 2901 is further configured to:

[0641] receive a tracking session activation request sent by an element manager EM, the tracking session activation request carrying the MDT configuration parameter;

[0642] determine a terminal to perform MDT data collection;

[0643] send a trace start request message to a user plane gNB-CU-UP of a centralized unit of a base station corresponding to the terminal, or send a trace start request message to a distributed unit gNB-DU of the base station corresponding to the terminal.

[0644] In some embodiments, the second transceiver module 2901 is further configured to:

[0645] receive a cell traffic trace message sent by a second node, wherein the second node is a gNB-DU or a gNB-CU-UP, and the cell traffic trace message is sent by the second node after determining a terminal to perform MDT data collection, and the second node determines the terminal to perform MDT data collection according to a tracking session activation request sent by an element manager EM, the tracking session activation request carrying the MDT configuration parameter.

[0646] It should be noted that the device embodiment is one-to-one correspondence with the above-mentioned method embodiment applied to the first node, and all implementation manners in the above-mentioned method embodiment are applicable to the device embodiment, and the same technical effects can also be achieved.

[0647] As shown in FIG. 30, the embodiment of the disclosure provides a minimization of drive test MDT device 3000 applied to a terminal, comprising:

[0648] The fifth receiving module 3001 is configured to receive a trace start request message sent by a first node, the trace start request message carrying an MDT configuration parameter; wherein the MDT configuration parameter comprises at least one of the following: service level of the RAN, required expanded coverage or capacity, proof of use of the required expanded coverage or capacity, and a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result.

[0649] The fourth sending module 3002 is configured to send a trace start response message to the first node, the trace start response message carrying an MDT measurement result, the MDT measurement result being obtained after MDT measurement according to the MDT configuration parameter.

[0650] In some embodiments, the first node is a RAN or a gNB-CU-CP.

[0651] It should be noted that the device embodiment is one-to-one correspondence with the above-mentioned method embodiment applied to the terminal, and all implementation manners in the above-mentioned method embodiment are applicable to the device embodiment, and the same technical effects can also be achieved.

[0652] As shown in FIG. 31, the embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a first network element, comprising a processor 3100, a transceiver 3110, a memory 3120, and a program stored in the memory 3120 and executable on the processor 3100; wherein the transceiver 3110 is connected with the processor 3100 and the memory 3120 through a bus interface, wherein the processor 3100 is configured to read the program in the memory and perform the following processes:

[0653] sending a subscription request message to a second network element, the subscription request message being used to request at least part of configuration parameters in MDT configuration parameters;

[0654] receiving a subscription request response message sent by the second network element, the subscription request response message carrying MDT measurement results corresponding to the at least part of configuration parameters.

[0655] The transceiver 3110 is configured to receive and send data under the control of the processor 3100.

[0656] In FIG. 31, the bus architecture can include any number of interconnecting buses and bridges, and the various circuits described in connection with the processor 3100, which is a processing unit or units, and the memory 3120, which is a memory unit or units, are linked by the bus architecture. The bus architecture can also link various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art, and therefore, will not be described any further. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 3110 can be multiple elements, i.e., including a transmitter and a receiver, and provides a unit for communicating with various other devices on a transmission medium, including wireless channels, wired channels, optical cables, and the like.

[0657] The processor 3100 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 3120 can store data used by the processor 3100 in performing operations.

[0658] In some embodiments, the processor 3100 can be a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and the processor can also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0659] The processor calls a computer program stored in the memory to execute any of the methods provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure according to the obtained executable instructions. The processor and the memory can also be arranged physically separately.

[0660] In some embodiments, the MDT configuration parameter comprises at least one of the following:

[0661] A degree of service of a radio access network RAN;

[0662] Required extended coverage or capacity;

[0663] Proof of use of required extended coverage or capacity;

[0664] The receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result.

[0665] In some embodiments, the first network element is a network element that requires MDT parameter configuration among other network elements except the access and mobility management function AMF, and the second network element is the AMF.

[0666] In some embodiments, the first network element is a network element that requires MDT parameter configuration among all network elements, and the second network element is a newly added MDT configuration management function module.

[0667] It should be noted that the above first network element provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can implement all the method steps achieved by the above method embodiments and achieve the same technical effects. Therefore, the same parts and beneficial effects of the method embodiments will not be described in detail.

[0668] As shown in FIG. 32, the embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a second network element, comprising a processor 3200, a transceiver 3210, a memory 3220, and a program stored in the memory 3220 and executable on the processor 3200; wherein the transceiver 3210 is connected with the processor 3200 and the memory 3220 through a bus interface, wherein the processor 3200 is configured to read the program in the memory and execute the following processes:

[0669] receiving a subscription request message sent by a first network element, the subscription request message being used to request configuration of at least part of MDT configuration parameters;

[0670] According to the subscription request message, a subscription request response message is sent to the first network element, and the subscription request response message carries MDT measurement results corresponding to the at least part of configuration parameters.

[0671] The transceiver 3210 is configured to receive and send data under the control of the processor 3200.

[0672] In FIG. 32, the bus architecture can include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically, various circuitry linking one or more processors, represented by the processor 3200, and memory, represented by the memory 3220. The bus architecture can also link various other circuitry, such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuitry, which are well known in the art and thus, are not further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 3210 can be a plurality of elements, i.e., including a transmitter and a receiver, providing a means for communicating with various other apparatuses over transmission media, including wireless channels, wired channels, optical cables, and the like transmission media.

[0673] The processor 3200 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 3220 can store data used by the processor 3200 in executing operations.

[0674] In some embodiments, the processor 3200 can be a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and the processor can also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0675] The processor calls a computer program stored in the memory to execute any of the methods provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure according to the obtained executable instructions. The processor and the memory can also be physically arranged separately.

[0676] In some embodiments, the first network element is a network element that has a need for MDT parameter configuration among other network elements except the access and mobility management function (AMF), and the second network element is the AMF.

[0677] In some embodiments, the first network element is a network element that has a need for MDT parameter configuration among all network elements, and the second network element is a newly added MDT configuration management function module.

[0678] In some embodiments, the MDT configuration parameter includes at least one of the following:

[0679] The degree of service of the RAN;

[0680] The required expanded coverage or capacity;

[0681] Proof of use of the required expanded coverage or capacity;

[0682] a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result.

[0683] In some embodiments, the processor 3200 is further configured to read a computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0684] sending a trace start request message to a first node, the trace start request message carrying the MDT configuration parameter; wherein the first node is a control plane gNB-CU-CP of a centralized unit of a base station or a RAN;

[0685] receiving a trace start response message sent by the first node, the trace start response message carrying the MDT measurement result.

[0686] In some embodiments, the processor 3200 is further configured to read a computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0687] receiving a cell traffic trace message sent by a first node, the cell traffic trace message carrying an MDT measurement result; wherein the first node is a gNB-CU-CP or a RAN.

[0688] It should be noted that the above-mentioned second network element provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can realize all the method steps realized by the method embodiments applied to the second network element, and achieve the same technical effects. Therefore, the same parts and beneficial effects of the method embodiments will not be described in detail.

[0689] As shown in FIG. 33, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a third network element, comprising a processor 3300, a transceiver 3310, a memory 3320, and a program stored in the memory 3320 and executable on the processor 3300; wherein the transceiver 3310 is connected with the processor 3300 and the memory 3320 through a bus interface, wherein the processor 3300 is configured to read a program in the memory and perform the following processes:

[0690] sending a trace start request message to a first node, the trace start request message carrying the MDT configuration parameter; or,

[0691] receiving a cell traffic trace message sent by a first node, the cell traffic trace message carrying an MDT measurement result, the MDT measurement result being obtained according to MDT measurement based on the MDT configuration parameter;

[0692] wherein the third network element is a network element that has a demand for MDT parameter configuration among all network elements.

[0693] The transceiver 3310 is used for receiving and transmitting data under the control of the processor 3300.

[0694] In FIG. 30, the bus architecture can include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, which are used to link various circuits, including the processor(s) 3300, and the memory 3320, which is represented by one or more processors and memories. The bus architecture can also link various other circuits, such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and thus, will not be described further. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 3310 can be a plurality of elements, including a transmitter and a receiver, which provides a means for communicating with various other apparatuses over a transmission medium, including a wireless channel, a wired channel, optical cable, and the like.

[0695] The processor 3300 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 3320 can store data used by the processor 3300 in executing operations.

[0696] In some embodiments, the processor 3300 can be a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and the processor can also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0697] The processor is configured to execute any of the methods provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure by invoking computer program stored in the memory. The processor and the memory can also be physically arranged separately.

[0698] In some embodiments, the MDT configuration parameter comprises at least one of:

[0699] A degree of service of the radio access network RAN;

[0700] A required extended coverage or capacity;

[0701] A proof of use of the required extended coverage or capacity;

[0702] A receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result.

[0703] In some embodiments, the first node is a RAN or a gNB-CU-CP.

[0704] It should be noted that the third network element provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can implement all the method steps achieved by the method embodiments applied to the third network element and achieve the same technical effects. Therefore, the same parts and beneficial effects of the method embodiments are not described in detail.

[0705] As shown in FIG. 34, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a first node, including a processor 3400, a transceiver 3410, a memory 3420, and a program stored in the memory 3420 and executable on the processor 3400; wherein the transceiver 3410 is connected with the processor 3400 and the memory 3420 through a bus interface, wherein the processor 3400 is configured to read the program in the memory and perform the following processes:

[0706] receiving a tracking initiation request message sent by a second network element, the tracking initiation request message carrying MDT configuration parameters; wherein the MDT configuration parameters include at least one of the following: service level of a RAN, required extended coverage or capacity, proof of use of the required extended coverage or capacity, and a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result; or,

[0707] sending a cell traffic trace message to the second network element, the cell traffic trace message carrying an MDT measurement result; wherein the MDT measurement result is obtained by performing MDT measurement according to the MDT configuration parameters, and the MDT configuration parameters include at least one of the following: service level of a RAN, required extended coverage or capacity, proof of use of the required extended coverage or capacity, and a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result; or,

[0708] receiving a tracking initiation request message sent by a third network element, the tracking initiation request message carrying MDT configuration parameters; wherein the third network element is a network element that has a demand for MDT parameter configuration among all network elements; or,

[0709] sending a cell traffic trace message to the third network element, the cell traffic trace message carrying an MDT measurement result; wherein the third network element is a network element that has a demand for MDT parameter configuration among all network elements.

[0710] The transceiver 3410 is configured to receive and send data under the control of the processor 3400.

[0711] In Figure 34, the bus architecture can include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically, various circuit links between the processor(s) 3400 and the memory represented by the memory 3420. The bus architecture can also link various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage stabilizers, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art, and thus, are not further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 3410 can be a plurality of elements, i.e., including a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other apparatuses on transmission media, including wireless channels, wired channels, optical cables, and the like transmission media.

[0712] The processor 3400 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 3420 can store data used by the processor 3400 in performing operations.

[0713] In some embodiments, the processor 3400 can be a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and the processor can also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0714] The processor executes any of the methods provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure by invoking computer programs stored in the memory. The processor and the memory can also be physically arranged separately.

[0715] In some embodiments, the MDT configuration parameter carried in the trace start request message sent by the third network element includes at least one of the following:

[0716] The degree of service of the RAN;

[0717] The required expanded coverage or capacity;

[0718] Proof of use of the required expanded coverage or capacity;

[0719] The receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result.

[0720] In some embodiments, in the case that the cell traffic trace message is sent to the third network element, the MDT measurement result carried in the cell traffic trace message is obtained after MDT measurement according to MDT configuration parameters, the MDT configuration parameters include at least one of the following:

[0721] The service level of the RAN;

[0722] The required expanded coverage or capacity;

[0723] The required expanded coverage or capacity;

[0724] The receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result.

[0725] In some embodiments, the second network element is an AMF or a newly added MDT configuration management function module.

[0726] In some embodiments, the first node is a RAN or a gNB-CU-CP.

[0727] In some embodiments, the processor 3400 is further configured to read a computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0728] In the case that the first node is a RAN, the tracking start request message is sent to a terminal through a target RAN, or the tracking start request message is sent to the terminal; a tracking start response message sent by the terminal is received, the tracking start response message carries the MDT measurement result; and the tracking start response message is sent to the second network element or the third network element.

[0729] In the case that the first node is a gNB-CU-CP, the tracking start request message is sent to a user plane gNB-CU-UP of a centralized unit of a base station, or the tracking start request message is sent to a distributed unit gNB-DU of the base station.

[0730] In some embodiments, the processor 3400 is further configured to read a computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0731] A tracking session activation request sent by an element manager EM is received, the tracking session activation request carries the MDT configuration parameters;

[0732] A terminal performing MDT data collection is determined;

[0733] A tracking start request message is sent to a user plane gNB-CU-UP of a centralized unit of a base station corresponding to the terminal, or a tracking start request message is sent to a distributed unit gNB-DU of the base station corresponding to the terminal.

[0734] In some embodiments, the processor 3400 is further configured to read a computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: receiving a cell traffic trace message sent by a second node; wherein the second node is a gNB-DU or a gNB-CU-UP, the cell traffic trace message is sent by the second node after determining a terminal that performs MDT data collection, and the second node determines the terminal that performs MDT data collection according to a trace session activation request sent by the EM, wherein the MDT configuration parameter is carried in the trace session activation request.

[0735] It should be noted that the above first node provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can implement all the method steps achieved by the method embodiments applied to the first node, and achieve the same technical effects. Therefore, the same parts and beneficial effects of the method embodiments are not described in detail herein.

[0736] As shown in FIG. 35, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a terminal, which comprises a processor 3500, a transceiver 3510, a memory 3520, and a program stored in the memory 3520 and executable on the processor 3500; wherein the transceiver 3510 is connected with the processor 3500 and the memory 3520 through a bus interface, and the processor 3500 is configured to read a computer program in the memory and perform the following processes: wherein the processor is configured to read a computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0737] receiving a trace start request message sent by a first node, wherein the trace start request message carries MDT configuration parameters; wherein the MDT configuration parameters comprise at least one of the following: service level of the RAN, required expanded coverage or capacity, proof of use of the required expanded coverage or capacity, and a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result;

[0738] sending a trace start response message to the first node, wherein the trace start response message carries a MDT measurement result, and the MDT measurement result is obtained after MDT measurement according to the MDT configuration parameters.

[0739] In some embodiments, the first node is a RAN or a gNB-CU-CP.

[0740] The transceiver 3510 is configured to receive and send data under the control of the processor 3500.

[0741] In Figure 35, the bus architecture can include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically, various circuitry linking one or more processors, represented by the processor 3500, and memory, represented by the memory 3520. The bus architecture can also link various other circuitry, such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuitry, which are well known in the art and thus, are not further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 3510, which can be multiple elements, i.e., including a transmitter and a receiver, provides a means for communicating with various other apparatus over a transmission medium, including a wireless channel, a wired channel, optical cable, etc. The user interface 3530 can also be an interface capable of coupling to various other devices, including but not limited to a keyboard, a display, a speaker, a microphone, a joystick, etc., for a user of the user equipment.

[0742] The processor 3500 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 3520 can store data used by the processor 3200 in executing operations.

[0743] In some embodiments, the processor 3500 can be a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and the processor can also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0744] It should be noted that the terminal provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can implement all the method steps of the method embodiments applied to the terminal, and achieve the same technical effects. Therefore, the same parts and beneficial effects of the method embodiments are not described in detail herein.

[0745] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a computer readable storage medium, which stores a computer program, and the computer program is executed by a processor to implement the steps of the signal measurement method applied to the first device. The processor readable storage medium can be any available medium or data storage device that the processor can access, including but not limited to a magnetic storage (such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, a magneto optical disk (MO), etc.), an optical storage (such as a compact disk (CD), a digital video disk (DVD), a Blu-ray disk (BD), a high-definition versatile disk (HVD), etc.), and a semiconductor storage (such as a ROM, an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a non-volatile memory (NAND FLASH), a solid state disk (SSD), etc.), etc.

[0746] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a computer program product, which includes computer instructions, and the computer instructions are executed by a processor to implement each process in the above method embodiments and achieve the same technical effects. To avoid repetition, details are not described herein.

[0747] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments of the present disclosure can be provided as a method, a system, or a computer program product. Therefore, the present disclosure can take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Moreover, the present disclosure can take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to a magnetic disk storage and an optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0748] The computer executable instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operations steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.

[0749] These processor-executable instructions can also be stored in a processor-readable memory that can direct the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the processor-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function specified in the flowchart block or blocks.

[0750] These processor-executable instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operations steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.

[0751] Further, it is indicated that in the apparatus and method of the present disclosure, it is obvious that each component or each step can be decomposed and / or recombined. These decompositions and / or recombinations should be considered as equivalent solutions of the present disclosure. Moreover, the steps of performing the above series of processes can naturally be executed in time sequence according to the order of description, but it is not necessary to be executed in time sequence, and certain steps can be executed in parallel or independently of each other. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that all or any steps or components of the method and apparatus of the present disclosure can be implemented in hardware, firmware, software or a combination thereof in any computing device (including processors, storage media, etc.) or network of computing devices, which can be realized by those skilled in the art with their basic programming skills after reading the description of the present disclosure.

[0752] It should be noted that the division of the above modules is only a logical functional division, and all or part of them can be integrated into a physical entity or physically separated in actual implementation. These modules can all be implemented in the form of software called by a processing element; all can be implemented in the form of hardware; or some modules can be implemented in the form of software called by a processing element, and some modules can be implemented in the form of hardware. For example, a certain module can be a separately established processing element, or can be integrated into a certain chip of the above device, in addition, it can also be stored in the form of program code in the memory of the above device, and the function of the above determination module is called and executed by a certain processing element of the above device. The implementation of other modules is similar. In addition, all or part of these modules can be integrated together or independently implemented. The processing element described herein can be an integrated circuit with signal processing capability. In the implementation process, each step of the above method or each module can be completed by the integrated logic circuit of the hardware in the processor element or the instruction in the form of software.

[0753] For example, each module, unit, sub-unit or sub-module can be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above method, such as one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc. For another example, when a certain module above is implemented in the form of program code called by a processing element, the processing element can be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or other processor that can call program code. For another example, these modules can be integrated together to implement in the form of system on a chip (SOC).

[0754] The terms “first,” “second,” etc., used in this disclosure and in the claims are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this disclosure described herein may be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus. Additionally, the use of “and / or” in the specification and claims indicates at least one of the connected objects, such as A and / or B and / or C, indicating seven possibilities: A alone, B alone, C alone, and both A and B, both B and C, both A and C, and A, B, and C. Similarly, the use of “at least one of A and B” in this specification and claims should be understood as “A alone, B alone, or both A and B.”

[0755] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this disclosure without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this disclosure and their equivalents, this disclosure is also intended to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

A minimization of drive test (MDT) method applied to a first network element, the method comprising: sending a subscription request message to a second network element, the subscription request message being used to request configuration of at least part of MDT configuration parameters; receiving a subscription request response message sent by the second network element, the subscription request response message carrying MDT measurement results corresponding to the at least part of the MDT configuration parameters. The method of claim 1, wherein, The MDT configuration parameters comprise at least one of: a service level of a radio access network (RAN); a required extended coverage or capacity; proof of use of the required extended coverage or capacity; a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement results. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first network element is a network element other than an access and mobility management function (AMF) that requires MDT parameter configuration, and the second network element is the AMF. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first network element is a network element that requires MDT parameter configuration among all network elements, and the second network element is a newly added MDT configuration management function module. An MDT method, applied to a second network element, the method comprising: receiving a subscription request message sent by a first network element, the subscription request message being used to request configuration of at least part of MDT configuration parameters; sending a subscription request response message to the first network element according to the subscription request message, the subscription request response message carrying MDT measurement results corresponding to the at least part of the MDT configuration parameters. The method of claim 5, wherein, The first network element is a network element other than an access and mobility management function (AMF) that requires MDT parameter configuration, and the second network element is the AMF. The method of claim 5, wherein, The first network element is a network element that requires MDT parameter configuration among all network elements, and the second network element is a newly added MDT configuration management function module. The method of claim 5, wherein, The MDT configuration parameters comprise at least one of: a service level of a radio access network (RAN); a required extended coverage or capacity; proof of use of the required extended coverage or capacity; a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement results. The method of claim 5, further comprising: sending a trace initiation request message to a first node, the trace initiation request message carrying the MDT configuration parameters; wherein the first node is a control plane gNB-CU-CP of a centralized unit of a RAN or a base station; receiving a trace initiation response message sent by the first node, the trace initiation response message carrying the MDT measurement results. The method of claim 5, further comprising: receiving a cell traffic trace message sent by a first node, the cell traffic trace message carrying MDT measurement results; wherein the first node is a RAN or a gNB-CU-CP. An MDT method applied to a third network element, the method comprising: sending a trace initiation request message to a first node, the trace initiation request message carrying MDT configuration parameters; alternatively, receiving a cell traffic trace message sent by a first node, the cell traffic trace message carrying MDT measurement results, the MDT measurement results being obtained by performing MDT measurement according to the MDT configuration parameters; The third network element is a network element that has a demand for MDT parameter configuration among all network elements. The method of claim 11, wherein, The MDT configuration parameter includes at least one of the following: A service degree of a radio access network (RAN); A required extended coverage or capacity; A use proof of the required extended coverage or capacity; A receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result. The method of claim 11, wherein, The first node is a RAN or a gNB-CU-CP. A minimization of drive test (MDT) method applied to a first node, the method comprising: receiving a trace start request message sent by a second network element, the trace start request message carrying a MDT configuration parameter; wherein the MDT configuration parameter includes at least one of the following: a service degree of a radio access network (RAN), a required extended coverage or capacity, a use proof of the required extended coverage or capacity, and a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result; or, sending a cell traffic trace message to the second network element, the cell traffic trace message carrying a MDT measurement result; wherein the MDT measurement result is obtained after MDT measurement according to the MDT configuration parameter, and the MDT configuration parameter includes at least one of the following: a service degree of a radio access network (RAN), a required extended coverage or capacity, a use proof of the required extended coverage or capacity, and a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result; or, receiving a trace start request message sent by a third network element, the trace start request message carrying a MDT configuration parameter; wherein the third network element is a network element that has a demand for MDT parameter configuration among all network elements; or, sending a cell traffic trace message to the third network element, the cell traffic trace message carrying a MDT measurement result; wherein the third network element is a network element that has a demand for MDT parameter configuration among all network elements. The method of claim 14, wherein, The MDT configuration parameter carried in the trace start request message sent by the third network element includes at least one of the following: A service degree of a radio access network (RAN); A required extended coverage or capacity; A use proof of the required extended coverage or capacity; A receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result. The method of claim 14, wherein, In the case of sending a cell traffic trace message to the third network element, the MDT measurement result carried in the cell traffic trace message is obtained after MDT measurement according to the MDT configuration parameter, and the MDT configuration parameter includes at least one of the following: A service degree of a radio access network (RAN); A required extended coverage or capacity; A use proof of the required extended coverage or capacity; A receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result. The method of claim 14, wherein, The second network element is an AMF or a newly added MDT configuration management function module. The method of claim 14, wherein, The first node is a RAN or a gNB-CU-CP. The method of claim 14, wherein, After receiving the trace start request message sent by the second network element, or after receiving the trace start request message sent by the third network element, the method further comprises: In the case that the first node is a RAN, the method further comprises: sending the trace start request message to a terminal through a target RAN, or sending the trace start request message to the terminal; receiving a trace start response message sent by the terminal, the trace start response message carrying the MDT measurement result; and sending the trace start response message to the second network element or the third network element. In the case that the first node is a gNB-CU-CP, the method further comprises: sending the trace start request message to a user plane gNB-CU-UP of a centralized unit of a base station, or sending the trace start request message to a distributed unit gNB-DU of the base station. The method of claim 14, wherein, In the case that the first node is a gNB-CU-CP, before the step of sending the cell traffic trace message to the second network element or the step of sending the cell traffic trace message to the third network element, the method further comprises: receiving a trace session activation request sent by an element manager EM, the trace session activation request carrying the MDT configuration parameter; determining a terminal that performs MDT data collection; sending a trace start request message to a user plane gNB-CU-UP of a centralized unit of a base station corresponding to the terminal, or sending a trace start request message to a distributed unit gNB-DU of the base station corresponding to the terminal. The method of claim 14, wherein, In the case that the first node is a gNB-CU-CP, before the step of sending the cell traffic trace message to the second network element or the step of sending the cell traffic trace message to the third network element, the method further comprises: receiving a cell traffic trace message sent by a second node; wherein the second node is a gNB-DU or a gNB-CU-UP, the cell traffic trace message is sent by the second node after determining a terminal that performs MDT data collection, the second node determines the terminal that performs MDT data collection according to a trace session activation request sent by an EM, and the trace session activation request carries the MDT configuration parameter. A method for minimizing drive test (MDT), applied to a terminal, the method comprising: receiving a trace start request message sent by a first node, the trace start request message carrying a MDT configuration parameter; wherein the MDT configuration parameter comprises at least one of the following: a service level of a RAN, a required extended coverage or capacity, a proof of use of the required extended coverage or capacity, and a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result; sending a trace start response message to the first node, the trace start response message carrying a MDT measurement result, the MDT measurement result being obtained after performing MDT measurement according to the MDT configuration parameter. The method of claim 22, wherein, The first node is a RAN or a gNB-CU-CP. A first network element, comprising a memory, a transceiver, and a processor: a memory for storing the computer program; The transceiver is configured to transceive data under the control of the processor. The processor is configured to read a computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: sending a subscription request message to a second network element, the subscription request message being used to request configuration of at least part of the MDT configuration parameter; receive a subscription request response message sent by the second network element, the subscription request response message carrying the MDT measurement result corresponding to the at least part of the configuration parameters. The first network element according to claim 24, wherein The MDT configuration parameters comprise at least one of the following: a service degree of a radio access network (RAN); a required expanded coverage range or capacity; a use proof of the required expanded coverage range or capacity; a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result. The first network element according to claim 24, wherein The first network element is a network element other than an access and mobility management function (AMF) that has a requirement for MDT parameter configuration, and the second network element is the AMF. The first network element according to claim 24, wherein The first network element is a network element that has a requirement for MDT parameter configuration among all network elements, and the second network element is a newly added MDT configuration management function module. A second network element comprises a memory, a transceiver, and a processor: a memory for storing the computer program; The transceiver is configured to transceive data under the control of the processor. The processor is configured to read a computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: receive a subscription request message sent by a first network element, the subscription request message being used to request configuration of at least part of MDT configuration parameters; send a subscription request response message to the first network element according to the subscription request message, the subscription request response message carrying a MDT measurement result corresponding to the at least part of the configuration parameters. The second network element according to claim 28, wherein The first network element is a network element other than an access and mobility management function (AMF) that has a requirement for MDT parameter configuration, and the second network element is the AMF. The second network element according to claim 28, wherein The first network element is a network element that has a requirement for MDT parameter configuration among all network elements, and the second network element is a newly added MDT configuration management function module. The second network element according to claim 28, wherein The MDT configuration parameters comprise at least one of the following: a service degree of a radio access network (RAN); a required expanded coverage range or capacity; a use proof of the required expanded coverage range or capacity; a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result. The second network element according to claim 28, wherein The processor is further configured to read a computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: send a trace start request message to a first node, the trace start request message carrying the MDT configuration parameters; wherein the first node is a control plane (gNB-CU-CP) of a centralized unit of a RAN or a base station; receive a trace start response message sent by the first node, the trace start response message carrying the MDT measurement result. The second network element according to claim 28, wherein The processor is further configured to read a computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: receive a cell traffic trace message sent by a first node, the cell traffic trace message carrying a MDT measurement result; wherein the first node is a RAN or a gNB-CU-CP. A third network element comprises a memory, a transceiver, and a processor: a memory for storing the computer program; The transceiver is configured to transceive data under the control of the processor. The processor is configured to read a computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: send a trace start request message to a first node, the trace start request message carrying MDT configuration parameters; or receive a cell traffic trace message sent by the first node, the cell traffic trace message carrying an MDT measurement result obtained after MDT measurement according to the MDT configuration parameter; wherein the third network element is a network element that has a demand for MDT parameter configuration among all network elements. a third network element according to claim 34, wherein The MDT configuration parameter includes at least one of the following: a service degree of a radio access network (RAN); a required expanded coverage range or capacity; a use proof of the required expanded coverage range or capacity; a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result. The third network element according to claim 34, wherein The first node is a RAN or a gNB-CU-CP. A first node includes a memory, a transceiver, and a processor: a memory for storing the computer program; The transceiver is configured to transceive data under the control of the processor. The processor is configured to read a computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: receive a trace start request message sent by a second network element, the trace start request message carrying an MDT configuration parameter; wherein the MDT configuration parameter includes at least one of the following: a service degree of a radio access network (RAN), a required expanded coverage range or capacity, a use proof of the required expanded coverage range or capacity, and a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result; or send a cell traffic trace message to the second network element, the cell traffic trace message carrying an MDT measurement result; wherein the MDT measurement result is obtained after MDT measurement according to the MDT configuration parameter, and the MDT configuration parameter includes at least one of the following: a service degree of a radio access network (RAN), a required expanded coverage range or capacity, a use proof of the required expanded coverage range or capacity, and a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result; or receive a trace start request message sent by a third network element, the trace start request message carrying an MDT configuration parameter; wherein the third network element is a network element that has a demand for MDT parameter configuration among all network elements; or send a cell traffic trace message to the third network element, the cell traffic trace message carrying an MDT measurement result; wherein the third network element is a network element that has a demand for MDT parameter configuration among all network elements. The first node of claim 37, wherein The MDT configuration parameter carried in the trace start request message sent by the third network element includes at least one of the following: a service degree of a radio access network (RAN); a required expanded coverage range or capacity; a use proof of the required expanded coverage range or capacity; a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result. The first node of claim 37, wherein In the case of sending a cell traffic trace message to the third network element, the MDT measurement result carried in the cell traffic trace message is obtained after MDT measurement according to the MDT configuration parameter, and the MDT configuration parameter includes at least one of the following: a service degree of a radio access network (RAN); a required expanded coverage range or capacity; a use proof of the required expanded coverage range or capacity; a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result. The first node of claim 37, wherein The second network element is an AMF or a newly added MDT configuration management function module. The first node of claim 37, wherein The first node is a RAN or a gNB-CU-CP. The first node of claim 37, wherein The processor is further configured to read a computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: In the case that the first node is a RAN, the tracking start request message is sent to the terminal by a target RAN, or the tracking start request message is sent to the terminal; a tracking start response message sent by the terminal is received, and the tracking start response message carries the MDT measurement result; and the tracking start response message is sent to the second network element or the third network element; In the case that the first node is a gNB-CU-CP, the tracking start request message is sent to a user plane gNB-CU-UP of a centralized unit of a base station, or the tracking start request message is sent to a distributed unit gNB-DU of the base station. The first node of claim 37, wherein The processor is further configured to read a computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: receiving a tracking session activation request sent by an element manager (EM), the tracking session activation request carrying the MDT configuration parameter; determining a terminal that performs MDT data collection; sending a tracking start request message to a user plane gNB-CU-UP of a centralized unit of a base station corresponding to the terminal, or sending the tracking start request message to a distributed unit gNB-DU of the base station corresponding to the terminal. The first node of claim 37, wherein The processor is further configured to read a computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: receiving a cell traffic trace message sent by a second node; wherein the second node is a gNB-DU or a gNB-CU-UP, the cell traffic trace message is sent by the second node after determining a terminal that performs MDT data collection, and the second node determines the terminal that performs MDT data collection according to a tracking session activation request sent by an EM, the tracking session activation request carrying the MDT configuration parameter. A terminal, comprising a memory, a transceiver, and a processor: a memory for storing the computer program; The transceiver is configured to transceive data under the control of the processor. The processor is configured to read a computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: receiving a tracking start request message sent by a first node, the tracking start request message carrying a MDT configuration parameter; wherein the MDT configuration parameter comprises at least one of the following: a service level of a RAN, a required expanded coverage or capacity, a proof of use of the required expanded coverage or capacity, and a receiving network element corresponding to the MDT measurement result; sending a tracking start response message to the first node, the tracking start response message carrying a MDT measurement result, the MDT measurement result being obtained after MDT measurement according to the MDT configuration parameter. The terminal according to claim 45, wherein The first node is a RAN or a gNB-CU-CP. A processor-readable storage medium, wherein, The processor readable storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to make the processor execute the MDT method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, or the MDT method according to any one of claims 5 to 10, or the MDT method according to claims 11 to 13, or the MDT method according to claims 14 to 21, or the MDT method according to claim 22 or 23.

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