Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications, and provides a communication method and a communication apparatus. The method is applied to a first communication device. The method comprises: receiving a first message, the first message instructing a first network device to request computing power information supported by a network device; and sending first information, the first information indicating computing power information supported by a second network device, and the second network device being a neighboring network device of the first network device. The method in embodiments of the present application allows network devices to better provide computing power services for a terminal device.

Description

Communication method and communication apparatus

[0001] The present application claims priority to the Chinese Patent Application No. 202411063974.4, filed on August 2, 2024, and entitled "Communication method and communication apparatus", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0003] With the development of communication technology, in some communication systems, computing power nodes can be moved down to access network devices, so that the access network devices can provide computing power services.

[0004] However, this way of providing computing power services by the access network devices still has some problems. For example, when a terminal device requests to invoke a certain computing power service, if the access network device currently accessed by the terminal device cannot provide the computing power service, the terminal device will fail to invoke the computing power service. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application provides a communication method and a communication apparatus, which can enable a network device to better provide computing power services for terminal devices.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which includes: receiving a first message, the first message indicating computing power information supported by a first network device; and sending first information, the first information indicating computing power information supported by a second network device, the second network device being a neighboring network device of the first network device.

[0007] The method can be executed by a first communication device, or by a chip, a chip system, a processor, a processor system, a circuit unit or a circuit system applied to the first communication device, etc.

[0008] In the method, the first communication device provides the first network device with the computing power information of the neighboring network device of the first network device, which helps the first network device to provide computing power services for terminal devices based on the computing power information of the neighboring network device, for example, in a scenario where the first network device has a computing power service requested by a terminal device but cannot provide the computing power service for the terminal device, or in a scenario where the first network device does not have the computing power service requested by the terminal device, the terminal device can also be provided with the required computing power service based on the computing power information of the neighboring second network device.

[0009] In some possible implementation manners, the neighboring network device of the first network device can refer to a network device that is physically adjacent to the first network device, or a cell coverage range of the first network device is adjacent to a cell coverage range of the second network device.

[0010] In some possible implementation manners, the first communication device is a first core network device. Alternatively, the core network device provides the computing power information supported by the neighboring network device for the network device. Because the core network device can uniformly manage the computing power information of the network device, the computing power information supported by the neighboring network device can be more conveniently provided for the network device.

[0011] In some possible implementation manners, the method further includes: determining the first information according to a topology relationship between the second network device and the computing power nodes.

[0012] In some possible implementation manners, the determining the first information according to the topology relationship between the second network device and the computing power nodes includes: determining the first information according to the topology relationship between the second network device and the computing power nodes and the computing power information of the computing power nodes, and the computing power information supported by the second network device is the computing power information of the computing power nodes connected to the second network device in the topology relationship.

[0013] In some possible implementation manners, the first message carries second information, and the second information indicates the neighboring network device of the first network device, where the network device indicated by the second information includes the second network device.

[0014] In this implementation manner, the first network device informs the core network device of which network devices are included in the neighboring network device of the first network device through the message for requesting the computing power information of the network device.

[0015] In some possible implementation manners, the method further includes: determining the neighboring network device of the first network device according to third information locally configured by the first communication device, and the third information indicates the neighboring network device of the first network device.

[0016] In this implementation manner, the core network device determines which network devices are the neighboring network device of the first network device based on the locally configured information. In this way, signaling overhead can be saved.

[0017] In some possible implementation manners, the method further includes: sending a second message to a second core network device, where the second message is used to request a topology relationship between at least one network device and the computing power nodes, and the at least one network device includes the second network device; and receiving fourth information from the second core network device, where the fourth information indicates the topology relationship between the at least one network device and the computing power nodes.

[0018] The first communication device obtains the topological relationship between the network device and the computing power node from the second core network device.

[0019] In some possible implementation manners, the first communication device is locally configured with the topological relationship between the second network device and the computing power node.

[0020] In some possible implementation manners, the second network device is a network device supporting the computing power service among the neighboring network devices of the first network device.

[0021] In other words, the core network device can only provide the computing power information supported by the neighboring network device supporting the computing power service for the first network device, and signaling overhead can be saved.

[0022] In some possible implementation manners, the topological relationship is configured in the first core network device.

[0023] In some possible implementation manners, the topological relationship is configured in another core network device, the first core network device requests the computing power information of the neighboring network device of the first network device from the other core network device, and receives the first information from the other core network device.

[0024] An example of the other core network device is an AMF network element.

[0025] In some possible implementation manners, the first communication device is the second network device. In this implementation manner, the first network device directly obtains the computing power information supported by the second network device from the second network device.

[0026] In some possible implementation manners, the first message carries an identifier of the second network device.

[0027] In a second aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which comprises: sending a first message to a first communication device, the first message being used to request computing power information supported by a network device; and receiving first information from the first communication device, the first information indicating computing power information supported by a second network device, the second network device being a neighboring network device of the first network device.

[0028] The method can be executed by the first network device, or by a chip, a chip system, a processor, a processor system, a circuit unit or a circuit system applied to the first network device, and the like.

[0029] In some possible implementation manners, the first communication device is a first core network device.

[0030] In some possible implementation manners, the first message carries second information, the second information indicating the neighboring network device of the first network device, and the network device indicated by the second information includes the second network device.

[0031] In some possible implementation manners, the second network device is a network device supporting the computing power service among neighboring network devices of the first network device.

[0032] In some possible implementation manners, the first communication device is the second network device.

[0033] In some possible implementation manners, the first message carries an identifier of the second network device.

[0034] In a third aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which can be used for the first communication device in the first aspect, and can be a communication device, a device (for example, a chip, or a chip system, or a circuit, or a processor) in the communication device, or a device capable of being used with the communication device, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the communication device.

[0035] The communication apparatus includes a one-to-one corresponding module for performing the method / operation / step / action described in the first aspect or any possible implementation manner of the first aspect, which can be a hardware circuit, software, or a combination of hardware circuit and software.

[0036] In some possible implementation manners, the first communication device is a core network device.

[0037] In some possible implementation manners, the first communication device is a network device.

[0038] In a fourth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which can be used for the first network device in the second aspect, and can be a network device, a device (for example, a chip, or a chip system, or a circuit, or a processor) in the network device, or a device capable of being used with the network device, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the network device.

[0039] The communication apparatus includes a one-to-one corresponding module for performing the method / operation / step / action described in the second aspect or any possible implementation manner of the second aspect, which can be a hardware circuit, software, or a combination of hardware circuit and software.

[0040] In a fifth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, including a processor and a memory, the processor is coupled with the memory, the memory is used to store a computer program (which can also be referred to as code or instruction), and the computer program is executed by the processor to make the apparatus perform the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation manner of the first aspect.

[0041] In some possible implementation manners, the apparatus further includes a memory coupled with the processor.

[0042] In some possible implementation manners, the processor is one or more, and / or the memory is one or more.

[0043] In some possible implementation manners, the memory can be integrated with the processor, or the memory is arranged separately from the processor.

[0044] In a sixth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, including a processor and a memory, the processor being coupled with the memory, the memory being configured to store a computer program (which can also be referred to as code or instructions), the computer program being executed by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation manner of the second aspect.

[0045] In some possible implementation manners, the apparatus further includes a memory coupled with the processor.

[0046] In some possible implementation manners, the processor is one or more, and / or the memory is one or more.

[0047] In some possible implementation manners, the memory can be integrated with the processor, or the memory is arranged separately from the processor.

[0048] In a seventh aspect, a computer readable storage medium is provided, the computer readable storage medium storing a computer program (which can also be referred to as code or instructions), when the computer program is run on a computer, causing the computer to perform the method in any one of the aspects or any possible implementation manner of any one of the aspects.

[0049] In an eighth aspect, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program (which can also be referred to as code or instructions), when the computer program is run on a computer, causing the computer to perform the method in any one of the aspects or any possible implementation manner of any one of the aspects.

[0050] In a ninth aspect, a chip is provided, including a processor and a memory, the memory being configured to store a computer program (which can also be referred to as code or instructions), the processor being configured to invoke and run the computer program stored in the memory, so that an apparatus or a device installed with the chip performs the method in any one of the aspects or any possible implementation manner of any one of the aspects.

[0051] In a tenth aspect, a communication system is provided, including a communication apparatus (such as a first communication device) for performing the method in the first aspect and / or a communication apparatus (such as a first network device) for performing the method in the second aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0052] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless communication system suitable for use with the present application.

[0053] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a hash power node moving down in an embodiment of the present application.

[0054] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a networking mode in an embodiment of the present application.

[0055] FIG. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication system architecture in an embodiment of the present application.

[0056] FIG. 5 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0057] FIG. 6 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided by another embodiment of the present application.

[0058] FIG. 7 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided by yet another embodiment of the present application.

[0059] FIG. 8 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided by yet another embodiment of the present application.

[0060] FIG. 9 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided by yet another embodiment of the present application.

[0061] FIG. 10 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided by yet another embodiment of the present application.

[0062] FIG. 11 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided by yet another embodiment of the present application.

[0063] FIG. 12 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided by yet another embodiment of the present application.

[0064] FIG. 13 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided by yet another embodiment of the present application.

[0065] FIG. 14 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication apparatus provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0066] FIG. 15 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication apparatus provided by another embodiment of the present application.

[0067] FIG. 16 is a schematic structural diagram of an apparatus provided by an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0069] In the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, " / " represents a "or" relationship between the objects before and after it, for example, A / B can represent A or B; "and / or" in the present application is only a description of the relationship between the associated objects, which means that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B, which can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist together, and B exists alone, where A, B can be singular or plural. And in the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more than two. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions means any combination of the items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, or a-b-c, where a, b, c can be single or multiple. In addition, in order to clearly describe the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, "first", "second" and the like are used to distinguish the same items or similar items with basically the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art can understand that "first", "second" and the like do not limit the quantity and execution order, and "first", "second" and the like do not necessarily mean different. It should be understood that "in the case of", "if", "when", "if", and similar descriptions in the present application can be replaced.

[0070] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, for example: 5th generation (5G) system or new radio (NR), long term evolution (LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD), satellite and other non-terrestrial communication systems, communication systems integrating terrestrial and non-terrestrial communication systems, etc. The technical solutions provided in the present application can also be applied to future communication systems.

[0071] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system suitable for the communication method of the embodiments of the present application.

[0072] The communication system can include a terminal device, a data network (DN), and one or more network functions (NFs) in the following network elements: a network slice selection function (NSSF), an authentication server function (AUSF) network element, a network exposure function (NEF) network element, a policy control function (PCF) network element, a unified data management (UDM) network element, a unified data repository (UDR), a network repository function (NRF) network element, an application function (AF) network element, an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, a session management function (SMF) network element, a network slice specific authentication and authorization function (NSSAAF) network element, a service communication proxy (SCP) network element, a network slice admission control function (NSACF) network element, a radio access network (which can be a RAN or an AN, represented by (R)AN in FIG. 2), and a user plane function (UPF) network element, etc.

[0073] In the above operator network, parts other than the radio access network can be referred to as a core network part. The core network part can include control plane (CP) network elements and user plane (UP) network elements. Among them, the user plane network element can include the UPF, and the control plane network element can include the AMF, the SMF, the PCF, the AF, the NEF.

[0074] The AMF mainly includes functions such as managing user registration, reachability detection, selection of SMF nodes, and management of mobile state conversion.

[0075] SMF, the main function is to control the establishment, modification and deletion of the session, selection of user plane node, etc.

[0076] AUSF, the main function is to provide authentication services.

[0077] PCF, the main function is a policy decision point, provides rules such as detection based on service data flow or application, quality of service (QoS) and flow-based charging control. And provide policy for AMF, SMF, such as QoS policy, slice selection policy, etc.

[0078] UDM, the main function is to store user data, such as subscription information, authentication / authorization information.

[0079] AF, the main function is to interact with the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) core network to provide services, to affect service flow routing, access network capability exposure, policy control, etc.

[0080] NEF, safely open services and capabilities provided by 3GPP network functions, such as third parties, edge computing, AF, etc.

[0081] NWDAF, provides network data collection and analysis functions based on big data and artificial intelligence technologies.

[0082] NRF, a new function that provides registration and discovery functions, allowing network functions (NF) to discover and communicate with each other.

[0083] SCP, implements link aggregation, simplifies networking and connection, and facilitates network expansion and improves operation and maintenance efficiency. At the same time, it provides routing and addressing capabilities to ensure that network signaling is routed.

[0084] The terminal device can refer to a user equipment (UE), a station, an access terminal, a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a mobile, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile terminal (MT), a user terminal, a terminal (or terminal device), a wireless communication device, a user agent, or a user device, etc., or a device used to provide voice or data connectivity to a user, and can also be an Internet of Things device, for example, the terminal device includes a handheld device with wireless connection function, a vehicle-mounted device, etc., which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. The terminal device in the embodiments of the present application can be a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication function, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, a large screen, a vehicle-mounted device (for example, a car, a bicycle, an electric vehicle, an airplane, a ship, a train, a high-speed rail, etc.), a wearable device (for example, a smart watch, a smart bracelet, a pedometer, smart glasses, etc.), a machine type communication (MTC) terminal device, a terminal device in a 5G network, or a terminal device in a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN), etc., which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.The terminal device in the embodiments of the present application can also be a tablet computer (Pad), a notebook computer, a palm computer, a mobile internet device (MID), a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, a smart point of sale (POS) machine, a customer-premises equipment (CPE), a light UE, a reduced capability UE (RedCap UE), a wireless terminal in industrial control, a smart home device (for example, a refrigerator, a television, an air conditioner, an electricity meter, etc.), a smart robot, a mechanical arm, a plant device, a wireless terminal in self driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, a flight device (for example, a smart robot, a hot air balloon, a drone, an airplane), etc. The terminal device can also be a vehicle device, for example, a whole vehicle device, a vehicle-mounted module, a vehicle-mounted chip, an on board unit (OBU) or a telematics box (T-BOX), etc. The terminal device can also be other devices with terminal functions, for example, the terminal device can also be a device in device to device (D2D) communication.

[0085] In some embodiments, the terminal device can be used to act as a base station. Optionally, the terminal device can act as a scheduling entity to provide sidelink signals between terminal devices in vehicle to everything (V2X) or device to device (D2D) communication, etc. For example, a cellular phone and a car can communicate using the sidelink signals, or a cellular phone and a smart home device can also communicate using the sidelink signals without relaying the communication signals through the base station.

[0086] The network device can refer to a radio access network (RAN) node (or device) that accesses a terminal device to a wireless network, which can also be referred to as a base station (BS). For example, the network device can be a NodeB, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a next generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, a transmission reception point (TRP), an access point (AP), a network device in a non terrestrial network (NTN) system (such as a satellite), a base station in a future mobile communication system, an access node (AP) in a WiFi system, a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario, a relay station, an access point, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a network device in other communication systems evolved in the future, and the like.

[0087] In some embodiments, a terminal device can be assisted by multiple RAN nodes to implement wireless access, and different RAN nodes can respectively implement part of functions of a base station. For example, a RAN node (i.e., a network device in the present application) can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), etc. The CU and the DU can be separately arranged, or can be included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in a radio frequency device or a radio frequency unit, such as a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna processing unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). In different systems, the CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU can also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in an open radio access network (ORAN) system, the CU can also be referred to as an open CU (O-CU), the DU can also be referred to as an open DU (O-DU), the CU-CP can also be referred to as an O-CU-CP, the CU-UP can also be referred to as an O-CU-UP, and the RU can also be referred to as an O-RU. Any one of the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in the present application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module. It should be understood that the present application does not limit the specific technology and specific device form of the network device.

[0088] In some embodiments, the network device can be fixed or mobile, and the present application does not limit this. For example, a helicopter or a drone can be configured as a mobile network device, and one or more cells can move according to the position of the mobile network device. In other examples, a helicopter or a drone can be configured to serve as a device that communicates with another network device.

[0089] In some embodiments, the network device can be deployed on land or in the air, and the present application does not limit this. For example, the network device can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; can be deployed on the water surface; and can be deployed on an aircraft, a balloon, and a satellite in the air.

[0090] In the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device or the network device can include a hardware layer, an operating system layer running above the hardware layer, and an application layer running on the operating system layer. The hardware layer includes hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory management unit (MMU), and a memory (also known as main memory). The operating system can be any one or more computer operating systems that implement business processing through processes. The application layer includes applications such as browsers, address books, word processing software, instant messaging software, etc. Moreover, the specific structure of the execution subject of the method provided in the embodiments of the present application is not particularly limited in the embodiments of the present application, as long as the execution subject can communicate according to the method provided in the embodiments of the present application by running a program in which the code of the method provided in the embodiments of the present application is recorded.

[0091] FIG. 1 is an exemplary architecture diagram of a wireless communication system to which the embodiments of the present application are applied. The wireless communication system 100 can be a 5G network architecture based on a service-oriented architecture. The wireless communication system 100 can include a terminal device, a data network (DN), and an operator part.

[0092] Among them, the operator part can contain one or more of the following network elements:

[0093] Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF), Authentication Server Function (AUSF) network element, Network Exposure Function (NEF) network element, Policy Control Function (PCF) network element, Unified Data Management (UDM) network element, Unified Data Repository (UDR), Network Repository Function (NRF) network element, Application Function (AF) network element, Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element, Session Management Function (SMF) network element, Network Slice Specific Authentication and Authorization Function (NSSAAF) network element, Service Communication Proxy (SCP) network element, Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) network element, Radio Access Network (may be RAN or AN, represented by (R)AN in FIG. 1), and User Plane Function (UPF) network element, etc.

[0094] In the above operator network, parts other than the radio access network can be referred to as a core network part. The core network part can include control plane (CP) network elements and user plane (UP) network elements. Among them, the user plane network element can include the UPF, and the control plane network element can include the AMF, the SMF, the PCF, the AF, the NEF.

[0095] The following introduces each network element of the core network part.

[0096] The AF network element is similar to an application server, which interacts with other core network control plane network elements and provides service services. The AF network element can exist for different application services and can be owned by an operator or a trusted third party.

[0097] The PCF network element supports a unified policy framework to manage network behavior and provides policy rules to network entities for implementation and execution.

[0098] The UDM network element is responsible for user identification, subscription data, authentication data management, and user service network element registration management.

[0099] The UPF network element is a data processing module in the core network, and its main functions include data routing and forwarding from the base station to the network, quality of service (QoS) control, charging information statistics, and the like.

[0100] The AMF network element is responsible for UE identity authentication, authentication, registration, mobility management, and connection management functions. For example, the AMF can interact with the RAN and the UE through the N2 and N1 interfaces to complete registration, session establishment, mobility management, and the like.

[0101] The SMF network element is mainly responsible for session management, managing user PDU session creation, deletion, and the like, maintaining PDU session context and user plane forwarding pipeline information, allocating addresses for terminals, and managing various channels between the terminal and the core network. For example, the SMF can control the UPF through the N4 interface.

[0102] The user plane function (UPF) entity has the main functions of data packet routing and forwarding, serving as a session anchor, serving as an uplink classifier to support routing traffic flows to a local data network, serving as a branching point to support multi-homed PDU sessions, and the like.

[0103] The data network (DN) is, for example, an operator service, an Internet access, or a third-party service.

[0104] The devices, network elements, or entities in the present application can be replaced with each other in some scenarios.

[0105] In the architecture shown in FIG. 1, some communication interfaces between network elements are indicated, and the details are as follows:

[0106] The N1 interface is the interface between the terminal device and the core network control plane, and is used to transmit NAS signaling.

[0107] The N2 interface is the communication interface between the radio access network and the core network control plane.

[0108] The N3 interface is the communication interface between the radio access network and the core network user plane network element UPF, and is used to transmit user data.

[0109] N4 interface: a communication interface between a control plane network element SMF and a user plane network element UPF, used for policy configuration of the UPF, etc.

[0110] N6 interface: a communication interface between a core network user plane network element UPF and a DN.

[0111] It can be understood that FIG. 1 exemplarily shows an architecture diagram of a communication system to which the method provided by the embodiments of the present application is applicable. The communication system to which the method provided by the embodiments of the present application is applicable can include other network elements or network entities, which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 2, in the communication system, the computing power node can be moved down to the access network device (such as the base station side). The computing power node can refer to a node capable of providing computing power service (such as computing function) for the terminal device. The computing power service can refer to a type of service, such as rendering service, etc. The computing power service can be provided by one or more computing power nodes. The computing power node can also be referred to as a computing function node, a computing node, etc. The terminal device accesses the computing power node through the access network device. It can be understood that the terminal device can also access the computing power node through the access network device and the user plane network element (such as UPF). In this case, it can be considered that the computing power node and the user plane network element are both moved down to the access network device. Hereinafter, the terminal device accesses the computing power node through the access network device is taken as an example for description, and the case that the terminal device accesses the computing power node through the access network device and the user plane network element can be equivalently replaced. It can also be understood that the access network device accesses the computing power node, or the user plane network element accesses the computing power node can refer to direct access or indirect access. The indirect access is, for example, accessing the computing power node through the service gateway, that is, the access network device or the user plane network element accesses the service gateway, and then the service gateway accesses the computing power node.

[0113] After the computing power node is moved down, a star type networking can be adopted. For example, the base station (such as xNB) can be connected with different computing power nodes, and the base station can provide access service for multiple UEs, so from the perspective of the base station, it is a star type networking mode.

[0114] Different computing power nodes can provide the same computing power service for the UE.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 3, the base station 1 can be connected with the computing power node #1, the computing power node #2 and the computing power node #3, and the three computing power nodes can provide the computing power service A, the computing power service B and the computing power service C respectively. The base station 2 can be connected with the computing power node #4, the computing power node #5 and the computing power node #6, and the three computing power nodes can provide the computing power service A, the computing power service D and the computing power service E respectively.

[0116] However, this way of providing computing power services by access network devices still has some problems. For example, when a terminal device requests to invoke a certain computing power service, if the access network device currently accessed by the terminal device cannot provide the computing power service, the terminal device will fail to invoke the computing power service.

[0117] For example, assuming that the UE currently accesses the base station 1, if the UE requests to invoke the computing power service E, but the base station 1 cannot provide the computing power service E, the UE will fail to invoke the computing power service E; if the UE requests to invoke the computing power service A, but the base station 1 connected to the computing power node #1 capable of providing the computing power service A appears one or more of the following situations, the UE will also fail to invoke the computing power service A:

[0118] The computing resource is tight, the number of users of the service reaches the upper limit, the number of connections reaches the upper limit, the number of remaining cores reaches the upper limit, the resource availability is unavailable, etc., which can cause the base station 1 currently accessed by the UE to be unable to access the corresponding computing power service.

[0119] It can be understood that the computing power node refers to a node providing a computing power service. The computing power service refers to a type of service, such as a rendering service. The computing power service can be provided by one or more computing power nodes.

[0120] In order to solve one or more of the above technical problems, the present application proposes a new technical solution. In the technical solution proposed by the present application, the network device discovers the computing power information supported by the neighboring network device, and provides the computing power service for the terminal device based on the computing power information supported by the neighboring network device.

[0121] In some implementations, the computing power information supported by the network device can be centrally managed by the core network device and provided to the network device by the core network device.

[0122] In some implementations, the network devices interact with each other to support the computing power information.

[0123] FIG. 4 is an example structure diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 4, the communication system can include a core network (CN), a network device (such as a base station in FIG. 4), an operations, administration and maintenance (OAM), a UPF, a general computing server, a terminal device and a computing power node.

[0124] The core network can include an AMF, an SMF, a core network control plane function entity, an NEF and an intelligent unit control unit.

[0125] The OAM can include a RAN management platform and an intelligent unit management platform. The RAN management platform can manage base stations, and the intelligent unit management platform can manage computing power nodes.

[0126] The OAM can also send configuration information to the CN, for example, the OAM can configure the AMF with the topology relationship between the base station and the computing power node.

[0127] The computing power node can also be referred to as an independent intelligent unit, an intelligent unit, a computing function, or a computing node.

[0128] The computing power node provides specific computing services and computing power services, such as providing low-latency, short-connection services to UEs. Through this service, users are provided with connection, computing, and data storage functions.

[0129] The computing power node is managed by an intelligent unit control entity, including registration management, distribution, and configuration of the independent intelligent unit information to other nodes.

[0130] The computing power node has a protocol reference point with the computing power service on the UE, which can support the computing power service module on the UE to call the computing power service; and has a communication reference point with the network device, which can be based on L2 switch forwarding, or L3 IP routing direct, or tunneling transmission protocol.

[0131] The intelligent unit control entity is responsible for managing the independent intelligent unit, including receiving the registration, address allocation, QoS, etc. of the independent intelligent unit; and configuring the information of the independent intelligent unit to the base station.

[0132] The core network control plane function entity, also referred to as XCF (or xCF), can be used to implement the core network control plane of network connection, and is responsible for the connection establishment between the UE and the network device (as an optional function). For example, processing the NAS request of a user, implementing identity authentication and authorization, and establishing the connection between the UE and the base station. It can be understood that this function can be implemented by the network device itself, such as the base station processing the AS request of a user and establishing the connection between the UE and the base station.

[0133] The core network control plane function entity can also be used to manage and control the overall deployment strategy of each computing power task on the computing power node and select the cooperative computing power node.

[0134] It can be understood that the XCF can be implemented by one or more of the existing AMF, SMF, and PCF.

[0135] The network device can interface with the computing power node and be responsible for the routing of uplink and downlink messages. Optionally, it can also be responsible for the connection establishment between the UE and the base station. It can be understood that the UE accesses the computing power node through the network device and the user plane network element UPF.

[0136] In some implementations, the base station can be composed of a remote unit (RU), a distributed unit (DU), and a central unit (CU).

[0137] It can be understood that when the base station is composed of the part of functions, the CU is connected with the computing node.

[0138] In some implementations, the general computing server and the independent intelligent unit can be deployed in the DN in the wireless communication system 100 shown in FIG. 1.

[0139] FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The method 500 shown in FIG. 5 can include steps S510 and S520.

[0140] S510, a first network device sends a first message, the first message being used to request computing power information supported by the network device. Correspondingly, a first communication device receives the first message.

[0141] In some scenarios, the first communication device is a core network device, for example, an XCF or an AMF.

[0142] In some scenarios, the first communication device is a network device.

[0143] In some implementations, the first message is used to request the computing power information supported by the first network device and / or the computing power information supported by a neighboring network device of the first network device.

[0144] In some implementations, the first message carries an identifier of the first network device and / or an identifier of the neighboring network device of the first network device.

[0145] In some implementations, the neighboring network device of the first network device can be understood as a network device having a connection with the first network device, for example, a network device around the physical location of the first network device. It can be understood that having a connection with the first network device means direct connection or indirect connection. Direct connection, such as fiber connection; indirect connection, such as the first network device connecting with the neighboring network device through other nodes (which can be a network device or a user plane network element).

[0146] S520, the first communication device sends first information to the first network device, the first information indicating computing power information supported by a second network device, the second network device being a neighboring network device of the first network device. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the first information.

[0147] It can be understood that the computing power information supported by the second network device can be described as computing power information corresponding to the second network device, or computing power information supported by a computing power node connected to the second network device. For example, the first information can indicate related information of the second network device, and specifically can include an identifier of the second network device and computing power information supported by a computing power node connected to the second network device.

[0148] In some implementations, after the first network device receives the first information, the first network device can route a message of the terminal device based on the first information, such as a message corresponding to a computing power service.

[0149] For example, in a case where the first network device cannot provide the terminal device with a computing power service called by the terminal device, if the first network device determines based on the first information that the second network device can provide the terminal device with the computing power service called by the terminal device, the first network device can route a message of the terminal device to the second network device.

[0150] In this embodiment, the network device obtains computing power information supported by adjacent network devices from other communication devices, and routes the terminal device to a network device capable of providing the terminal device with a computing power service required by the terminal device based on the computing power information supported by the adjacent network devices, so that the computing power service requirement of the terminal device can be guaranteed to be met.

[0151] For example, in FIG. 3, in a case where the UE calls a computing power service A, if the base station 1 cannot provide the UE with the computing power service A, since the base station 1 knows that the base station 2 can provide the computing power service A, the base station 1 can route a message of the computing power service A of the UE to the base station 2, and the base station 2 can provide the UE with the computing power service A.

[0152] For another example, in FIG. 3, in a case where the UE calls a computing power service E, the base station 1 cannot provide the UE with the computing power service E, since the base station 1 knows that the base station 2 can provide the computing power service E, the base station 1 can route a message of the computing power service E of the UE to the base station 2, and the base station 2 can provide the UE with the computing power service E.

[0153] FIG. 6 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. The method 600 shown in FIG. 6 can include steps S610 and S620.

[0154] S610, a first network device sends a first message, the first message being used to request computing power information supported by at least one network device, the at least one network device including adjacent network devices of the first network device. Accordingly, the first core network device receives the first message.

[0155] In some scenarios, the first core network device is an XCF.

[0156] In some implementations, the at least one network device further includes the first network device.

[0157] In some implementations, the first message contains an identity of the first network device.

[0158] In some implementations, the first message carries second information, which indicates the at least one network device.

[0159] In some implementations, when the second information indicates the at least one network device, the second information is a network device list, which contains the at least one network device.

[0160] In some implementations, the network device list is denoted as xNB list, and the xNB list is {xNB1, xNB2, xNB3}.

[0161] In some implementations, the first network device sends the xNB list to the XCF only when it judges that it supports providing computing power service for UEs (which can refer to part or all of the UEs connected by the first network device).

[0162] In some implementations, the first network device is aware of whether the neighboring network devices support providing computing power service for UEs. If a neighboring network device supports providing computing power service for UEs, the network device list contains this network device.

[0163] In some implementations, the first network device interacts with the neighboring network devices to obtain capability information, i.e., capability information about whether to support providing computing power service for UEs.

[0164] S620, the first core network device sends first information to the first network device, the first information indicating computing power information supported by a second network device, the second network device being a neighboring network device of the first network device. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the first information.

[0165] The second network device can contain one or more network devices.

[0166] In some implementations, the first core network device returns a response message to the first network device according to a topological relationship between the network devices and the computing power nodes, the response message carrying computing power information corresponding to each network device in the second network device.

[0167] Optionally, the first core network device returns the response message to the first network device according to the computing power information of the computing power nodes and the topological relationship between the network devices and the computing power nodes.

[0168] Optionally, the response message further contains computing power information corresponding to the first network device.

[0169] The topological relationship between the network devices and the computing power nodes can be referred to as a connection relationship between the network devices and the computing power nodes.

[0170] The computing power node connected to the second network device can be a computing power node having a connection relationship with the network device indicated by the second information in the topology relationship, and the computing power information supported by the second network device is the computing power information of the computing power node.

[0171] In some implementations, the second network device is a network device in the at least one network device indicated by the second information.

[0172] In some implementations, the first core network device judges whether the network device indicated by the second information supports the computing power service. If it supports, the first core network device returns a response message to the first network device based on the topology relationship between the network device and the computing power node and the computing power information of the optional computing power node. Alternatively, the second network device can be a network device in the network device indicated by the second information that supports the computing power service.

[0173] In some implementations, the first core network device is locally configured with a list of network devices supporting the provision of the computing power service. The first core network device determines the network device supporting the computing power service in the adjacent network device of the first network device based on the locally configured network device list and the network device list indicated by the second information, and records it as the second network device.

[0174] For example, the first core network device is locally configured with xNB list={xNB1~xNB2, xNB7~xNB10}, so that the first core network device can determine that the adjacent xNB supporting the computing power service includes {xNB1~xNB2} in combination with the local configuration and the second information.

[0175] In some implementations, the network device reports to the first core network device whether it supports the computing power service. In this way, the first core network device can also perceive whether the network device supports the computing power service. If the network device does not support the computing power service, the first core network device can not include the related information (such as the identifier of the network device and the computing power information supported by the computing power node connected to the network device) of the network device in the first information sent by the first core network device; if the network device supports the computing power service, the first core network device can include the related information of the network device in the first information sent by the first core network device.

[0176] For example, each network device reports its capability information to the first core network device when it is powered on, and the capability information indicates whether it supports the computing power service.

[0177] In this embodiment, the network device obtains the computing power information supported by the adjacent network device from the core network device, so as to route the terminal device to the network device capable of providing the computing power service required by the terminal device based on the computing power information supported by the adjacent network device, thereby guaranteeing that the computing power service requirement of the terminal device can be met.

[0178] It should be noted that step S610 in the above method 600 can be an optional step (such as step S830 in the following method 800 and step S950 in the method 900), for example, the first core network device can directly indicate the computing power information supported by the second network device to the first network device without the first network device sending a request message to the first core network device first.

[0179] FIG. 7 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. The method shown in FIG. 7 includes S710, S720, S730, S740 and S750.

[0180] S710, the first core network device perceives the computing power information of the computing power node.

[0181] This step can include S701 and S703. Optionally, this step can further include S702.

[0182] S701, the computing power node sends a service registration message. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the service registration message.

[0183] In some implementations, the service registration message includes at least one of the following information: an entry point / interface address / name of the computing power node; a location for indicating the location where the computing power node is located, which can be a cell, a tracking area (TA), a geographical location area, a base station ID, etc.; a capability, for example, a supported number of users / connections, a minimum / large service computing resource unit; a list of supported computing power services <computing power service ID, end-to-end (E2E) service level agreement (SLA) <E2E latency>>; and area information for indicating the area where the computing power node can provide computing power services, and the granularity of the area can be a cell, a tracking area (TA), a geographical location area, a base station ID, etc.

[0184] S702, the first core network device allocates an address for the computing power node.

[0185] In some implementations, the first core network device allocates an internet protocol (IP) address for the computing power node.

[0186] S703, the first core network device sends a registration response message. Correspondingly, the computing power node receives the registration response message.

[0187] If the first core network device allocates an address for the computing node in S702, in some implementations, the address is carried in the registration response message.

[0188] In S720, the first core network device configures the topology relationship between the network device and the computing node.

[0189] The topology relationship between the network device and the computing node includes the connection relationship between the network device and the computing node. Table 1 is an example of the topology relationship between the network device and the computing node.

[0190] Table 1 Topology relationship between network device and computing node

[0191] As can be seen from Table 1, base station 1 has a connection relationship with computing node #1, computing node #2 and computing node #3; base station 2 has a connection relationship with computing node #4 and computing node #5; and base station n has a connection relationship with computing node #7 and computing node #8.

[0192] It can be understood that the connection relationship between the network device and the computing node can be described as the connection relationship or the corresponding relationship between the network device and the computing service. For example, computing node #1 connected with base station 1 provides computing service A and computing service B, and computing node #2 connected with base station 1 provides computing service C. Then, the connection relationship between the network device and the computing service can refer to the connection relationship or the corresponding relationship between base station 1 and computing service A, B and C.

[0193] In this embodiment, it can be understood that S720 is an optional step. For example, when the perceived computing power information in S710 includes the network device or the network device list corresponding to the computing node, S720 can not be performed. Alternatively, if the first core network device can obtain the topology relationship between the network device and the computing node from other channels, S720 can not be performed.

[0194] In S730, the first network device sends a first message to the first core network device, and the first message is used to request the computing power information supported by at least one network device, and the at least one network device includes the adjacent network device of the first network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the first message.

[0195] This step can refer to S610, which will not be described here.

[0196] In S740, the first core network device sends first information to the first network device, and the first information indicates the computing power information supported by the second network device, and the second network device is the adjacent network device of the first network device. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the first information.

[0197] This step can refer to S620, which will not be described here.

[0198] In some implementations, the computing power information supported by the second network device indicated by the first information can not be completely the same as the computing power information supported by the second network device perceived in S710.

[0199] For example, the first core network device can perform some processing on the computing power information perceived in S710 according to a local configuration policy, such as updating an E2E service in the computing power information, so as to obtain new computing power information, and indicating the new computing power information in the first information.

[0200] S750, the first network device routes the packet of the terminal device based on the first information.

[0201] This step can refer to the related content of the first network device routing the terminal device based on the first information in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5.

[0202] In this embodiment, the first core network device registers the computing power information of the computing power node and is configured with the topological relationship between the network device and the computing power node, so as to provide the computing power information supported by the adjacent network device for the first network device. Moreover, the first network device can be informed of which network devices are adjacent to the first network device.

[0203] FIG. 8 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. The method shown in FIG. 8 can include S810, S820, S830 and S840.

[0204] S810, the first core network device sends a third message to a second core network device, the third message being used to request adjacent network devices of at least one network device. Correspondingly, the second core network device receives the third message.

[0205] In some scenarios, the first core network device is an XCF.

[0206] In some scenarios, the second core network device is an AMF or a PCF.

[0207] In some implementations, the third message contains an identifier of the at least one network device.

[0208] S820, the second core network device sends third information to the first core network device, the third information indicating adjacent network devices of each network device in the at least one network device.

[0209] In some implementations, the at least one network device includes the first network device.

[0210] In some implementations, the adjacent network devices of the first network device include the second network device.

[0211] In some implementations, the third information indicates a list of adjacent network devices of each network device in the at least one network device.

[0212] S830, the first network device sends a first message to the first core network device, the first message being used to request computing power information supported by at least one network device, the at least one network device including a neighboring network device of the first network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the first message.

[0213] This step can refer to S610, which will not be repeated here. Optionally, step S830 can be an optional step.

[0214] In some implementations, the first message carries an identifier of the first network device.

[0215] S840, the first core network device sends first information to the first network device, the first information indicating computing power information supported by a second network device, the second network device being a neighboring network device of the first network device. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the first information.

[0216] This step can refer to S620, which will not be repeated here.

[0217] In some implementations of the present embodiment, S810 and S820 can be located between S830 and S840.

[0218] In the present embodiment, the first core network device learns from the second core network device which network devices are the neighboring network devices of the network device.

[0219] In some implementations of the present embodiment, the first core network device is locally configured with a list of neighboring network devices of the network device. In this implementation, S810 and S820 can not be performed.

[0220] FIG. 9 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. The method shown in FIG. 9 includes S910, S920, S930, S940, S950, S960 and S970.

[0221] S910, the first core network device perceives computing power information of a computing power node.

[0222] This step can include S901 and S903. Optionally, this step can further include S902.

[0223] S901, the computing power node sends a service registration message. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the service registration message.

[0224] S902, the first core network device allocates an address to the computing power node.

[0225] S903, the first core network device sends a registration response message. Correspondingly, the computing power node receives the registration response message.

[0226] This step S910 can refer to S710, which will not be repeated here.

[0227] S920, the first core network device configures the topological relationship between the network device and the computing node.

[0228] This step can refer to S720, which will not be repeated here.

[0229] S930, the first core network device sends a third message to the second core network device, the third message being used to request the adjacent network device of the network device. Correspondingly, the second core network device receives the third message.

[0230] S940, the second core network device sends third information, the third information indicating the adjacent network device of each network device in the at least one network device.

[0231] This step can refer to S820, which will not be repeated here.

[0232] S950, the first network device sends a first message to the first core network device, the first message being used to request the computing power information supported by the at least one network device, the at least one network device including the adjacent network device of the first network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the first message.

[0233] This step can refer to S830, which will not be repeated here.

[0234] S960, the first core network device sends first information to the first network device, the first information indicating the computing power information supported by the second network device, the second network device being the adjacent network device of the first network device. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the first information.

[0235] This step can refer to S840, which will not be repeated here.

[0236] S970, the first network device routes the packet of the terminal device based on the first information.

[0237] This step can refer to the related content of the first network device routing the terminal device based on the first information in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5.

[0238] In some implementation manners of this embodiment, S930 and S940 can be located between S950 and S960.

[0239] FIG. 10 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. The method shown in FIG. 10 can include S1005, S1010, S1020, S1030 and S1040.

[0240] S1005, the second core network device configures the topological relationship between the network device and the computing node.

[0241] In some scenarios, the second core network device is an AMF or a PCF.

[0242] This step can refer to the related content of the first core network device configuring the topological relationship in S720, which will not be repeated here.

[0243] S1010, the first network device sends a first message to the first core network device, the first message is used to request computing power information supported by at least one network device, and the at least one network device includes a neighboring network device of the first network device. Accordingly, the first core network device receives the first message.

[0244] In some scenarios, the first core network device is an XCF.

[0245] This step can refer to S830, which will not be repeated here.

[0246] In some implementations, the first network device triggers S1010 when powered on.

[0247] S1020, the first core network device sends a second message to the second core network device, the second message is used to request a topological relationship between the second network device and the computing power node, and the second network device is a neighboring network device of the first network device. Accordingly, the second core network device receives the fourth information.

[0248] In some implementations, the second message includes an identifier of the second network device.

[0249] In some implementations, the second information is carried in the first message. In this implementation, the manner in which the first core network device determines the second network device can refer to the related content in S620.

[0250] In some implementations, the first message carries an identifier of the first network device, and the first core network device locally configures a list of network devices supporting providing computing power services. In this implementation, the manner in which the first core network device determines the second network device can refer to the related content in S620.

[0251] S1030, the second core network device sends the fourth information, the fourth information indicates the topological relationship between the second network device and the computing power node. Accordingly, the first core network device receives the fourth information.

[0252] The second core network device determines the first information based on the computing power information of the computing power node and the topological relationship in S1005. The content of this operation can refer to the related content of the first core network device determining the first information based on the topological relationship in S620, which will not be repeated here.

[0253] S1040, the first core network device sends first information to the first network device, the first information indicating the computing power information supported by the second network device. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the first information.

[0254] FIG. 11 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. The method shown in FIG. 11 includes S1110, S1120, S1130, S1140, S1150, S1160 and S1170.

[0255] S1110, the first core network device perceives the computing power information of the computing power node.

[0256] This step can refer to S710, which will not be repeated here.

[0257] In some scenarios, the first core network device is an XCF.

[0258] S1120, the second core network device configures the topological relationship between the network device and the computing power node.

[0259] This step can refer to S1005, which will not be repeated here.

[0260] In some scenarios, the second core network device is a PCF or an AMF.

[0261] S1130, the first network device sends a first message to the first core network device, the first message being used to request the computing power information supported by at least one network device, the at least one network device including the adjacent network device of the first network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the first message.

[0262] This step can refer to S1010, which will not be repeated here.

[0263] S1140, the first core network device sends a second message to the second core network device, the second message being used to request the topological relationship between the second network device and the computing power node, the second network device being the adjacent network device of the first network device. Correspondingly, the second core network device receives the fourth information.

[0264] This step can refer to S1020, which will not be repeated here.

[0265] S1150, the second core network device sends the fourth information, the fourth information indicating the topological relationship between the second network device and the computing power node. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the fourth information.

[0266] This step can refer to S1030, which will not be repeated here.

[0267] S1160, the first core network device sends first information to the first network device, the first information indicating the computing power information supported by the second network device. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the first information.

[0268] S1170, the first network device routes the message of the terminal device based on the first information.

[0269] This step can refer to the related content of the first network device routing the terminal device based on the first information in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5.

[0270] FIG. 12 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. The method shown in FIG. 12 can include steps S1210 and S1220.

[0271] S1210, the first network device sends a first message, the first message being used to request the computing power information supported by the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the first message.

[0272] In some implementations, the first message carries the identifier of the second network device.

[0273] It can be understood that S1210 can be performed when the first network device is powered on, or S1210 can be performed when the first network device receives a first message, or S1210 can be performed when the first network device receives a message corresponding to the first computing power (or a message corresponding to the computing power service). The first network device can determine whether the received message is a message corresponding to the computing power according to the message header of the message, such as the destination address, the computing power identifier, etc. in the message header.

[0274] S1220, the second network device sends first information, the first information indicating the computing power information supported by the second network device. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the first information.

[0275] After receiving the first information, the first network device stores or records the first information.

[0276] In this embodiment, the computing power information supported by the network devices is exchanged between the network devices.

[0277] FIG. 13 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. The method shown in FIG. 13 includes S1310, S1320, S1330, S1340 and S1350.

[0278] S1310, the first network device perceives the computing power information.

[0279] In some implementations, S1310 includes S1301.

[0280] In some implementations, S1310 further includes S1302.

[0281] S1301, the computing power node sends a service registration message. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the service registration message.

[0282] The manner in which the computing power node registers with the first network device can refer to the manner in which the computing power node registers with the first core network device in S701, which will not be described herein again.

[0283] In some implementations, the computing power node can directly register the computing power information with the first network device, for example, the computing power node directly sends a service registration message to the first network device; or, the computing power node can also register the computing power information with the first network device through the first core network device, for example, the computing power node sends a service registration message to the first core network device, and configures the computing power node on the first network device through the first core network device.

[0284] S1302, the first network device sends a registration response message. Correspondingly, the computing power node receives the registration response message.

[0285] If the second network device allocates an address for the computing power node, in some implementations, the registration response message carries the address.

[0286] S1320, the second network device perceives the computing power information.

[0287] In some implementations, S1310 includes S1311.

[0288] In some implementations, S1310 further includes S1312.

[0289] S1311, the computing power node sends a service registration message. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the service registration message.

[0290] The manner in which the computing power node registers with the second network device can refer to the manner in which the computing power node registers with the first core network device in S701, which will not be described herein again.

[0291] In some implementations, the computing power node can directly register the computing power information with the second network device; or, the computing power node can also register the computing power information with the second network device through the first core network device. This step can refer to S1301, which will not be described herein again.

[0292] S1312, the second network device sends a registration response message. Correspondingly, the computing power node receives the registration response message.

[0293] If the second network device allocates an address for the computing power node, in some implementations, the registration response message carries the address.

[0294] S1330, the second network device sends a first message, the first message being used to request computing power information supported by the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the first message.

[0295] In some implementations, the first message carries an identifier of the second network device.

[0296] S1340, the second network device sends first information, the first information indicating the computing power information supported by the second network device. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the first information.

[0297] After the first network device receives the first information, the first network device stores or records the first information.

[0298] S1350, the first network device routes a packet of the terminal device based on the first information.

[0299] This step can refer to the related content of the first network device routing the terminal device based on the first information in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5.

[0300] The method embodiments of the present application are described in detail above in combination with FIGS. 1 to 13, and the device embodiments of the present application are described in detail below in combination with FIGS. 14 to 16. It should be understood that the description of the method embodiments corresponds to the description of the device embodiments, and therefore, the parts not described in detail can be referred to the foregoing method embodiments.

[0301] FIG. 14 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1400 shown in FIG. 14 can be used in the first communication device in the foregoing embodiments. The communication device 1400 can be the first communication device, or a device (for example, a processor, a chip, a chip system, a circuit, or a functional module, etc.) in the first communication device, or a device capable of being used in the first communication device, or a logic module or software capable of realizing all or part of the first communication device.

[0302] As shown in FIG. 14, the communication device 1400 includes a receiving unit 1410 and a sending unit 1420, which are specifically as follows.

[0303] The receiving unit 1410 is configured to receive a first message, the first message indicating computing power information requested by a first network device from a network device.

[0304] The sending unit 1420 is configured to send first information, the first information indicating computing power information supported by a second network device, the second network device being a neighboring network device of the first network device.

[0305] Optionally, the first communication device is a first core network device.

[0306] Optionally, the apparatus 1400 further includes a determining unit 1430 configured to determine the first information according to a topological relationship between the second network device and the computing power node.

[0307] Optionally, the determining unit 1430 is specifically configured to determine the first information according to the topological relationship between the second network device and the computing power node and computing power information of the computing power node, wherein the computing power information supported by the second network device is the computing power information of the computing power node.

[0308] Optionally, the first message carries second information, and the second information indicates adjacent network devices of the first network device, wherein the network devices indicated by the second information include the second network device.

[0309] Optionally, the apparatus 1400 further includes a determining unit 1430 configured to determine the adjacent network devices of the first network device according to third information locally configured by the first communication device or the third information obtained from a second core network device, wherein the third information indicates the adjacent network devices of the first network device, and the network devices indicated by the third information include the second network device.

[0310] Optionally, the sending unit 1420 is further configured to send a second message to a second core network device, wherein the second message is used to request a topological relationship between at least one network device and a computing power node, and the at least one network device includes the second network device; and the receiving unit 1410 is further configured to receive fourth information from the second core network device, wherein the fourth information indicates the topological relationship between the at least one network device and the computing power node.

[0311] Optionally, the first communication device is locally configured with the topological relationship between the second network device and the computing power node.

[0312] Optionally, the second network device is a network device supporting a computing power service in the adjacent network devices of the first network device.

[0313] Optionally, the first communication device is the second network device.

[0314] Optionally, the first message carries an identifier of the second network device.

[0315] FIG. 15 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication apparatus 1500 shown in FIG. 15 can be used in the first network device in the foregoing embodiments. The communication apparatus 1500 can be the first network device, or a device (processor, chip, chip system, circuit or a functional module, etc.) in the first network device, or a device capable of matching the first network device, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the first network device.

[0316] As shown in FIG. 15, the communication apparatus 1500 includes a sending unit 1510 and a receiving unit 1520, which are specifically as follows.

[0317] The sending unit 1510 is configured to send a first message to a first communication device, where the first message is used to request computing power information supported by a network device.

[0318] The receiving unit 1520 is configured to receive first information from the first communication device, where the first information indicates computing power information supported by a second network device, and the second network device is a neighboring network device of the first network device.

[0319] Optionally, the first communication device is a first core network device.

[0320] Optionally, the first message carries second information, where the second information indicates a neighboring network device of the first network device, and the network device indicated by the second information includes the second network device.

[0321] Optionally, the second network device is a network device supporting computing power service in the neighboring network devices of the first network device.

[0322] Optionally, the first communication device is the second network device.

[0323] Optionally, the first message carries an identifier of the second network device.

[0324] FIG. 16 is a schematic structural diagram of a device according to an embodiment of the present application. The dashed line in FIG. 16 indicates that the unit or module is optional. The device 1600 can be used to implement the method described in the foregoing method embodiments. The device 1600 can be a chip or a communication apparatus.

[0325] The apparatus 1600 can include one or more processors 1610. The processor 1610 can support the apparatus 1600 to implement the methods described in the foregoing method embodiments. The processor 1610 can be a general purpose processor or a special purpose processor. For example, the processor can be a central processing unit (CPU). Alternatively, the processor can also be other general purpose processors, microprocessor units (MPU), microcontroller units (MCU), graphics processing units (GPU), artificial intelligence processors (AI processor) or neural processing units (NPU), digital signal processors (DSP), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, etc. The general purpose processor can be a microprocessor or the processor can also be any conventional processor.

[0326] The apparatus 1600 can also include one or more memories 1620. The memory 1620 stores programs, which can be executed by the processor 1610, so that the processor 1610 performs the methods described in the foregoing method embodiments. The memory 1620 can be independent of the processor 1610 or integrated in the processor 1610. In the embodiments of the present application, the memory 1620 can include, but is not limited to, a cache, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), or a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), etc.

[0327] The apparatus 1600 can further include a transceiver 1630. The processor 1610 can communicate with other devices or chips through the transceiver 1630. For example, the processor 1610 can perform data transceiving with other devices or chips through the transceiver 1630.

[0328] It should be noted that the information interaction, execution process and the like between the above apparatus / units are based on the same concept as the method embodiments of the present application, and specific functions and brought technical effects can be referred to the method embodiments part, which will not be repeated here.

[0329] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, only the above-mentioned division of functional units and modules is exemplified, and in actual application, the above-mentioned functions can be completed by different functional units and modules according to needs, that is, the internal structure of the apparatus is divided into different functional units or modules to complete all or part of the functions described above. Each functional unit and module in the embodiment can be integrated in one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically, or two or more units can be integrated in one unit. The integrated unit can be realized in the form of hardware or software. In addition, the specific name of each functional unit and module is only for easy distinction, and does not limit the protection scope of the present application. The specific working process of the unit and module in the system can refer to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0330] The embodiment of the present application further provides a computer readable storage medium, the computer readable storage medium stores a computer program, when the computer program runs on a computer, the computer program makes the computer realize the steps in each method embodiment.

[0331] The embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product, the computer program product includes a computer program, when the computer program runs on a computer, the computer program makes the computer realize the steps in each method embodiment.

[0332] The embodiment of the present application further provides a chip, the chip includes a processor and a memory, the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory, so that the apparatus or device (such as a communication apparatus) installed with the chip executes the steps in each method embodiment.

[0333] The integrated unit, if implemented in the form of a software function unit and sold or used as an independent product, can be stored in a computer readable storage medium. Based on such understanding, the present application can implement all or part of the processes in the above-mentioned embodiment methods through a computer program to instruct relevant hardware to complete, and the computer program can be stored in a computer readable storage medium. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of each method embodiment described above can be implemented. The computer program includes computer program code, which can be in the form of source code, object code, executable files, or some intermediate forms. The computer readable storage medium at least includes any entity or device capable of carrying the computer program code to the device, recording medium, computer memory, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), electrical carrier signal, telecommunication signal, and software distribution medium. For example, U disk, mobile hard disk, magnetic disk or optical disk, etc. In some jurisdictions, according to legislation and patent practice, the computer readable storage medium can not be an electrical carrier signal and a telecommunication signal.

[0334] In the above embodiments, the description of each embodiment has its own focus, and the parts not described or recorded in detail in a certain embodiment can be referred to the relevant description of other embodiments.

[0335] Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in combination with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether the functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professionals can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present application.

[0336] In the embodiments provided by the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic. The division of the modules or units is only a logical function division, and there can be another division in actual implementation. For example, a plurality of units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between the units shown or discussed can be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interface, device or unit, and can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0337] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components displayed as units may or may not be physical units, that is, may be located in one place, or may also be distributed to multiple network units. Part or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of the embodiment scheme according to actual needs.

[0338] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, but not limit them; although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that the technical solutions recorded in the foregoing embodiments can still be modified, or some technical features can be replaced by equivalents; and these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and should be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is applied to a first communication device, and the method comprises: receiving a first message, the first message indicating that a first network device requests network device supported computing power information; sending first information, the first information indicating second network device supported computing power information, the second network device being a neighboring network device of the first network device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first communication device is a first core network device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further comprises: determining the first information according to a topological relationship between the second network device and a computing power node.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The determining the first information according to the topological relationship between the second network device and the computing power node comprises: determining the first information according to the topological relationship between the second network device and the computing power node and computing power information of the computing power node, the second network device supported computing power information being the computing power information of the computing power node.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first message carries second information, the second information indicating neighboring network devices of the first network device, wherein the network devices indicated by the second information include the second network device.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method further comprises: determining the neighboring network devices of the first network device according to third information locally configured by the first communication device or the third information acquired from a second core network device, the third information indicating the neighboring network devices of the first network device, and the network devices indicated by the third information including the second network device.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method further comprises: sending a second message to a second core network device, the second message being used to request a topological relationship between at least one network device and a computing power node, the at least one network device including the second network device; receiving fourth information from the second core network device, the fourth information indicating the topological relationship between the at least one network device and the computing power node.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The first communication device is locally configured with the topological relationship between the second network device and the computing power node.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first communication device is the second network device.

10. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is applied to a first network device, and the method comprises: sending a first message to a first communication device, the first message being used to request network device supported computing power information; receiving first information from the first communication device, the first information indicating second network device supported computing power information, the second network device being a neighboring network device of the first network device.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The first communication device is a first core network device.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The first message carries second information, the second information indicating neighboring network devices of the first network device, wherein the network devices indicated by the second information include the second network device.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein, The first communication device is the second network device.

14. A communications device, characterized by comprise: a module or unit for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A communications device, characterized by comprise: a processor and a memory, the processor being coupled to the memory, the memory being used to store a computer program, the computer program being executed by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

16. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer readable storage medium has stored thereon a computer program which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 13.

17. A computer program product, characterised in that, comprising: The computer readable storage medium has stored thereon a computer program which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 13.

18. A chip, characterized by comprising: A processor and a memory for storing a computer program, the processor being configured to invoke and run the computer program stored in the memory, so that the device or apparatus in which the chip is installed performs the method of any one of claims 1 to 13.

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