Communication method and apparatus, and storage medium

Abstract

Provided in the present disclosure are a communication method and apparatus, and a storage medium. In the present disclosure, a network device configures a first network slice for a terminal, wherein the first network slice is used for meeting AI service requirements of the terminal, and the terminal can access the first network slice, so as to meet its own AI service requirements by means of the first network slice, such that customized AI services can be provided for the terminal by means of the first network slice, and thus different AI service requirements of the terminal can be better met.

Description

Communication method and apparatus, and storage medium TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communications, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus, and a storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] The 6th Generation Mobile Communication Technology (6G) will provide efficient end-to-end support for Artificial Intelligence (AI) related services and applications, and through the 6G network, distributed intelligent agents can be intelligently connected so that AI can be deployed on a large scale in various industries. In the 6G network, different users may have different needs for AI services, and therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the 6G network can provide differentiated AI services for users with different AI service needs.

[0003] SUMMARY

[0004] In order to provide isolated customized services for AI services and better meet the different service needs of users, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method and apparatus, and a storage medium.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, applied to a terminal, and the method comprises: accessing a first network slice, the first network slice being used to meet an Artificial Intelligence (AI) service demand of the terminal.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, applied to a network device, and the method comprises: configuring a first network slice for a terminal, the first network slice being used to meet an AI service demand of the terminal.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a terminal is provided, comprising: a processing module configured to access a first network slice, the first network slice being used to meet an AI service demand of the terminal.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a network device is provided, comprising: a processing module configured to configure a first network slice for a terminal, the first network slice being used to meet an AI service demand of the terminal.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a terminal is provided, comprising: one or more processors; and wherein the terminal is configured to perform the communication method according to the first aspect.

[0010] According to a sixth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a network device is provided, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the network device is configured to perform the communication method according to the second aspect.

[0011] According to a seventh aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, comprising a terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is configured to implement the communication method according to the first aspect, and the network device is configured to implement the communication method according to the second aspect.

[0012] According to an eighth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided, which stores instructions, when the instructions run on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method according to the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0013] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, by configuring a first network slice for the terminal by the network device, the first network slice is used to meet the AI service demand of the terminal, the terminal can access the first network slice to meet its own AI service demand through the first network slice, so that the customized AI service can be provided for the terminal through the first network slice, thereby the different AI service demands of the terminal can be better met.

[0014] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory, and cannot limit the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present disclosure and serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure together with the specification.

[0016] FIG. 1 is an architecture schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 2 is an interaction schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 3A is a flow schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 3B is a flow schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 4A is a structural schematic diagram of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 4B is a structural schematic diagram of a network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 5A is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device 5100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 5B is a structural schematic diagram of the chip 5200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein with reference to the attached drawings. In the following description, the same or similar components are designated by the same or similar reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all the embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of devices and methods consistent with some aspects of the present disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0025] The terminology used in the present disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0026] It is to be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used herein to describe various messages, these messages should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one message from another. For example, a first message can be termed a second message without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and, likewise, a second message can be termed a first message. Depending on the context, the word "if' as used herein can be interpreted as meaning "when" or "in response to determining."

[0027] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method and device, and a storage medium.

[0028] In a first aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method applied to a terminal, the method comprising: accessing a first network slice, the first network slice being used to meet an artificial intelligence (AI) service requirement of the terminal.

[0029] In the above embodiments, the terminal can access the first network slice to meet its own AI service requirement through the first network slice, so that the terminal can be provided with customized AI services through the first network slice, thereby better meeting different AI service requirements of the terminal.

[0030] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further comprises: determining the first network slice according to the AI service requirement of the terminal.

[0031] In the above embodiments, the first network slice is determined according to the AI service requirement of the terminal, so that the first network slice can meet the AI service requirement of the terminal, and the terminal can access the first network slice to ensure that the AI service requirement of the terminal is met.

[0032] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first network slice includes at least one AI network slice.

[0033] In the above embodiments, the first network slice is determined as at least one AI network slice, so that the AI service requirement of the terminal can be met through the at least one AI network slice.

[0034] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first network slice is determined according to an AI network slice allowed by the network device for the terminal to access.

[0035] In the above embodiments, the first network slice is determined according to the AI network slice allowed by the network device for the terminal to access, so that the first network slice accessed by the terminal to meet the AI service requirement of the terminal is permitted by the network device, thereby ensuring the legality of the subsequent access process.

[0036] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the AI network slice is identified by a single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) or network slice selection assistance information (NSSAI), wherein a slice service type (SST) value in the S-NSSAI or the NSSAI is a standardized value, or the SST value in the S-NSSAI or the NSSAI is a non-standardized value.

[0037] In the above embodiments, multiple possible implementation manners of identifying the AI network slice are provided, so that the identification of different AI network slices can be implemented through the S-NSSAI or the NSSAI, thereby improving the flexibility and diversity of the identification manner of the AI network slice. In addition, multiple optional values of the SST value in the S-NSSAI or the NSSAI are provided, so that the SST value in the S-NSSAI or the NSSAI can be configured according to the requirement, thereby improving the flexibility of the communication process.

[0038] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the SST value in the S-NSSAI or the NSSAI includes any one of the following: an SST value defined according to an AI capability sharing manner; an SST value defined according to an AI service type; an SST value defined according to an AI use case type; and an SST value defined according to an AI resource type.

[0039] In the above embodiments, multiple optional definition manners of the SST value in the S-NSSAI or the NSSAI are provided, so that the definition of the SST value can be implemented according to multiple information, and the flexibility and diversity of the SST value definition manner are improved.

[0040] With reference to some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the AI capability sharing manner includes at least one of the following: the terminal shares the AI capability of the terminal with the network device; the network device shares the AI capability of the network device with the terminal; and the terminal shares the AI capability with other terminals.

[0041] In the above embodiments, multiple optional AI capability sharing manners are provided, so that the definition of the SST value can be implemented according to multiple AI capability sharing manners, and the flexibility of defining the SST value according to the AI capability sharing manner is improved.

[0042] With reference to some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the AI service type includes at least one of the following: AI model training service; AI model inference service; AI model verification service; and AI model data service.

[0043] In the above embodiments, multiple optional AI service types are provided, so that the definition of the SST value can be implemented according to multiple AI service types, and the flexibility of defining the SST value according to the AI service type is improved.

[0044] With reference to some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the AI use case type includes at least one of the following: AI-based positioning use case; and AI-based beam management use case.

[0045] In the above embodiments, multiple optional AI use case types are provided, so that the definition of the SST value can be implemented according to multiple AI use case types, and the flexibility of defining the SST value according to the AI use case type is improved.

[0046] With reference to some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the AI resource type includes at least one of the following: AI computing power resource; AI algorithm resource; AI data resource; and AI connection resource.

[0047] In the above embodiments, multiple optional AI resource types are provided, so that the definition of the SST value can be implemented according to multiple AI resource types, and the flexibility of defining the SST value according to the AI resource type is improved.

[0048] With reference to some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending a first request to the network device, the first request being used for the terminal to request to access a second network slice, wherein the second network slice includes an AI network slice requested to be accessed by the terminal to the network device.

[0049] In the above embodiment, the terminal sends a first request to the network device, so that the terminal can request the network device to access a second network slice through the first request, so that the network device can configure the AI network slice allowed to access for the terminal based on the second network slice requested by the terminal to access.

[0050] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second network slice is determined by the terminal based on a third network slice; wherein the third network slice includes an AI network slice configured by the network device for the terminal, and / or the third network slice includes an AI network slice allowed by the network device for the terminal to access.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the terminal determines the second network slice based on the AI network slice configured by the network device for the terminal or the AI network slice allowed by the network device for the terminal to access, so as to ensure the legality of the second network slice requested by the terminal to access the network device, thereby ensuring the success rate of the access request of the terminal.

[0052] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first network slice is determined by the network device based on the second network slice and a fourth network slice, and the fourth network slice includes an AI network slice subscribed by the terminal to use.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the network device determines the first network slice allowed for the terminal to access based on the second network slice requested by the terminal to access and the fourth network slice subscribed by the terminal to use, so as to ensure the legality of the first network slice accessed by the terminal.

[0054] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a fifth network slice sent by the network device, and the fifth network slice includes an AI network slice rejected by the network device for the terminal to access.

[0055] In the above embodiment, the network device configures a fifth network slice rejected by the terminal to access, so that the terminal can access the network slice according to the fifth network slice configured by the network device, thereby avoiding the terminal requesting to access the fifth network slice rejected.

[0056] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a sixth network slice sent by the network device, and the sixth network slice includes a suspended AI network slice.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the network device configures a sixth network slice suspended for the terminal, so that the terminal can determine which AI network slices are requested by itself but not yet confirmed by the network device according to the sixth network slice configured by the network device.

[0058] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the sixth network slice comprises at least one of: an AI network slice suspended in a starting process; an AI network slice suspended in an ongoing authentication process; an AI network slice suspended in an ongoing authorization process.

[0059] In the above embodiments, the suspended sixth network slice can include various types of network slices to improve the flexibility of the network slice configuration process.

[0060] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further comprises: receiving a seventh network slice sent by the network device, the seventh network slice being used to replace the unavailable AI network slice.

[0061] In the above embodiments, by configuring a seventh network slice for the terminal to replace the unavailable AI network slice by the network device, the terminal can replace the unavailable AI network slice according to the seventh network slice configured by the network device, so as to ensure the smooth progress of subsequent communication behavior.

[0062] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the reason why the AI network slice is unavailable comprises at least one of: the AI network slice itself is unavailable; the AI resource associated with the AI network slice is unavailable.

[0063] In the above embodiments, various possible reasons for the unavailability of the AI network slice are provided, so that the unavailable AI network slice caused by various reasons can be replaced by the seventh network slice, thereby improving the flexibility of the network slice-based service support process.

[0064] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the AI network slice is associated with an AI resource and / or an AI configuration.

[0065] In the above embodiments, by configuring the AI network slice to be associated with an AI resource and / or an AI configuration, the corresponding AI service can be provided to the terminal through the AI resource and / or the AI configuration associated with the AI network slice, so as to ensure that the AI service demand of the terminal can be met.

[0066] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the AI resource is provided by at least one of: a network device, a server, and another terminal.

[0067] In the above embodiments, the AI resource associated with the AI network slice is provided through multiple devices, so that the provision of the AI resource associated with the AI network slice can be implemented through multiple devices, and the flexibility and diversity of the AI resource source are improved.

[0068] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the AI network slice is associated with at least one of the following information: applicable time information, the applicable time information being used to indicate a valid time of the AI resource and / or AI configuration associated with the AI network slice; applicable location information, the applicable location information being used to indicate a valid area of the AI resource and / or AI configuration associated with the AI network slice; access restriction information, the access restriction information being used to indicate other network slices that can or cannot be simultaneously accessed with the AI network slice.

[0069] In the above embodiments, optional information associated with the AI network slice is provided, so that the service provided by the AI network slice can be used based on the information associated with the AI network slice, and the legality of the use process of the AI network slice is ensured.

[0070] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the AI network slice is further associated with one or more network slice instances.

[0071] In the above embodiments, the AI network slice is configured to be associated with one or more network slice instances, so that the corresponding AI service can be provided for the terminal through the network slice instance associated with the AI network slice, and it is ensured that the AI service demand of the terminal can be met.

[0072] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal can simultaneously access multiple AI network slices, and the number of AI network slices that the terminal can simultaneously access is determined in at least one of the following manners: protocol agreement; according to the AI capability of the terminal; according to the AI capability of the network device.

[0073] In the above embodiments, the terminal is configured to simultaneously access multiple AI network slices, so that the AI service demand of the terminal can be met through multiple AI network slices, and the AI service effect is improved. In addition, optional implementation manners of configuring the number of AI network slices that the terminal can simultaneously access are provided, so that the flexibility of the configuration process of the number of AI network slices that the terminal can simultaneously access is improved.

[0074] The second aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method applied to a network device, the method comprising: configuring a first network slice for a terminal, the first network slice being used to meet AI service demand of the terminal.

[0075] In the above embodiments, by configuring the first network slice for the terminal by the network device, the first network slice is used to meet the AI service requirement of the terminal, so that the terminal can meet its own AI service requirement by accessing the first network slice, and customized AI service is provided for the terminal through the first network slice, so that different AI service requirements of the terminal can be better met.

[0076] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first network slice is determined according to the AI service requirement of the terminal.

[0077] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first network slice includes at least one AI network slice.

[0078] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first network slice is determined according to an AI network slice allowed by the network device for the terminal to access.

[0079] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the AI network slice is identified by S-NSSAI or NSSAI, wherein the SST value in the S-NSSAI or the NSSAI is a standardized value; or the SST value in the S-NSSAI or the NSSAI is a non-standardized value.

[0080] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the SST value in the S-NSSAI or the NSSAI includes any one of the following: an SST value defined according to an AI capability sharing mode; an SST value defined according to an AI service type; an SST value defined according to an AI use case type; an SST value defined according to an AI resource type.

[0081] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the AI capability sharing mode includes at least one of the following: the terminal shares AI capability of the terminal with the network device; the network device shares AI capability of the network device with the terminal; AI capability is shared between the terminal and other terminals.

[0082] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the AI service type includes at least one of the following: AI model training service; AI model inference service; AI model verification service; AI model data service.

[0083] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the AI use case type includes at least one of the following: AI-based positioning use case; AI-based beam management use case.

[0084] In some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the AI resource type includes at least one of: an AI computing resource; an AI algorithm resource; an AI data resource; an AI connection resource.

[0085] In some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the configuring the terminal with the first network slice includes: receiving a first request sent by the terminal, the first request being used for the terminal to request to access a second network slice, wherein the second network slice includes an AI network slice requested by the terminal to access from the network device; and configuring the terminal with the first network slice based on the first request.

[0086] In some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second network slice is determined by the terminal based on a third network slice; wherein the third network slice includes an AI network slice configured by the network device for the terminal, and / or the third network slice includes an AI network slice allowed by the network device for the terminal to access.

[0087] In some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: determining the first network slice based on a fourth network slice and a second network slice indicated by the first request; wherein the fourth network slice includes an AI network slice subscribed by the terminal to use.

[0088] In some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending a fifth network slice to the terminal, the fifth network slice including an AI network slice rejected by the network device for the terminal to access.

[0089] In some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending a sixth network slice to the terminal, the sixth network slice including a suspended AI network slice.

[0090] In some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the sixth network slice includes at least one of: a network slice suspended in a starting process; a network slice suspended in a process of ongoing authentication; a network slice suspended in a process of ongoing authorization.

[0091] In some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending a seventh network slice to the terminal, the seventh network slice being used to replace an unavailable AI network slice.

[0092] In some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the reason why the AI network slice is unavailable includes at least one of: the AI network slice itself is unavailable; an AI resource associated with the AI network slice is unavailable.

[0093] In some embodiments combined with the second aspect, in some embodiments, the AI network slice is associated with AI resources and / or AI configurations.

[0094] In some embodiments combined with the second aspect, in some embodiments, the AI resources are provided by at least one of a network device, a server, or another terminal.

[0095] In some embodiments combined with the second aspect, in some embodiments, the AI network slice is further associated with at least one of the following information: applicable time information, the applicable time information being used to indicate a valid time of the AI resources and / or AI configurations associated with the AI network slice; applicable location information, the applicable location information being used to indicate a valid area of the AI resources and / or AI configurations associated with the AI network slice; access restriction information, the access restriction information being used to indicate other network slices that can or cannot be simultaneously accessed with the AI network slice.

[0096] In some embodiments combined with the second aspect, in some embodiments, the AI network slice is further associated with one or more network slice instances.

[0097] In some embodiments combined with the second aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal can simultaneously access multiple AI network slices, and a number of AI network slices that the terminal can simultaneously access is determined in at least one of the following manners: protocol agreement; according to AI capability of the terminal; according to AI capability of a network device.

[0098] In a third aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a terminal, comprising: a processing module configured to access a first network slice, the first network slice being used to meet artificial intelligence (AI) service requirements of the terminal.

[0099] In a fourth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a network device, comprising: a processing module configured to configure a first network slice for a terminal, the first network slice being used to meet AI service requirements of the terminal.

[0100] In a fifth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a terminal, comprising: one or more processors; and wherein the terminal is configured to perform the communication method according to the first aspect and any one of the embodiments of the first aspect.

[0101] In a sixth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a network device, comprising: one or more processors; and wherein the network device is configured to perform the communication method according to the second aspect and any one of the embodiments of the second aspect.

[0102] In a seventh aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication system, including a terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is configured to implement the communication method according to the first aspect and any one of the embodiments of the first aspect, and the network device is configured to implement the communication method according to the second aspect and any one of the embodiments of the second aspect.

[0103] In an eighth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a storage medium, which stores instructions, when the instructions are executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method according to the first aspect and any one of the embodiments of the first aspect, the second aspect and any one of the embodiments of the second aspect.

[0104] In a ninth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a program product, when the program product is executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the communication method according to the first aspect and any one of the embodiments of the first aspect, the second aspect and any one of the embodiments of the second aspect.

[0105] In a tenth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a computer program, when the computer program is executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the communication method according to the first aspect and any one of the embodiments of the first aspect, the second aspect and any one of the embodiments of the second aspect.

[0106] In an eleventh aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the communication method according to the first aspect and any one of the embodiments of the first aspect, the second aspect and any one of the embodiments of the second aspect.

[0107] It can be understood that the terminal, the network device, the communication system, the storage medium, the program product, the computer program, the chip or the chip system are all used to perform the method proposed by the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects in the corresponding method, which will not be described here.

[0108] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method and device, a storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms of communication method and information processing method, network slice-based AI service support method can be replaced with each other, the terms of communication device and information processing device, network slice-based AI service support device can be replaced with each other, and the terms of information processing system and communication system can be replaced with each other.

[0109] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive, but only illustrate some embodiments, and are not specific limitations on the protection scope of the present disclosure. In the case of no contradiction, each step in an embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be combined arbitrarily, for example, the scheme after removing part of the steps in an embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in an embodiment can be exchanged arbitrarily, in addition, the optional implementation manners in an embodiment can be combined arbitrarily; in addition, the embodiments can be combined arbitrarily, for example, part or all steps of different embodiments can be combined arbitrarily, an embodiment can be combined with optional implementation manners of other embodiments arbitrarily.

[0110] In each embodiment of the present disclosure, the terms and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent if there is no special description and logical conflict, and can be referred to each other, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0111] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing the specific embodiments, and not as a limitation on the present disclosure.

[0112] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the elements expressed in singular form, such as "one", "a", "the", "above", "said", "preceding", "this" and the like, can represent "one and only one", and can also represent "one or more", "at least one" and the like. For example, in the case of using articles such as "a", "an", "the" and the like in English, the noun after the article can be understood as singular expression, and can also be understood as plural expression.

[0113] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0114] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one of", "one or more", "a plurality of", "multiple" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0115] In some embodiments, "at least one of A, B", "A and / or B", "in one case A, in another case B", "responsive to case A, responsive to case B" and the like, can be interpreted to include both cases, A and B, in some embodiments, A (A is performed regardless of B), in some embodiments, B (B is performed regardless of A), in some embodiments, selected from the group consisting of A and B (the selection between A and B is an option), in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are performed).

[0116] In some embodiments, "A or B" and the like, can be interpreted to include both cases, A and B, in some embodiments, A (A is performed regardless of B), in some embodiments, B (B is performed regardless of A), in some embodiments, selected from the group consisting of A and B (the selection between A and B is an option).

[0117] In some embodiments, the prefix words "first", "second" and the like in the disclosure do not limit the position, order, priority, number or content of the described objects, and the description of the described objects should be understood in the context of the claims or embodiments, and should not be construed as redundant limitations. For example, the described object is "field", and the ordinal words before "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not limit the position or order between "fields", and "first" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" modified by them are in the same message or not, nor do they limit the order of "first field" and "second field". For another example, the described object is "level", and the ordinal words before "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not limit the priority between "levels". For another example, the number of described objects is not limited by ordinal words, and can be one or more. For example, "first device", where the number of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, objects modified by different prefix words can be the same or different, for example, the described object is "device", and "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different; for another example, the described object is "information", and "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0118] In some embodiments, "including A", "containing A", "for indicating A", "carrying A" can be interpreted as directly carrying A, or indirectly indicating A.

[0119] In some embodiments, the terms "in response to", "in response to determining", "in the case of", "when", "when", "if", "if" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0120] In some embodiments, the terms "greater than", "greater than or equal to", "not less than", "more than", "more than or equal to", "not less than", "higher than", "higher than or equal to", "not lower than", "above", and the like can be replaced with each other, and the terms "less than", "less than or equal to", "not greater than", "fewer than", "fewer than or equal to", "not more than", "lower than", "lower than or equal to", "not higher than", "below", and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0121] In some embodiments, the apparatuses and devices can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names described in the embodiments, and in some cases can also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "subject", and the like.

[0122] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as an apparatus included in the network, for example, an access network device, a core network device, and the like.

[0123] In some embodiments, an “access network device (AN device)” can also be referred to as a “radio access network device (RAN device),” a “base station (BS),” a “radio base station,” a “fixed station,” and in some embodiments can also be understood as a “node,” an “access point,” a “transmission point (TP),” a “reception point (RP),” a “transmission / reception point (TRP),” a “panel,” an “antenna panel,” an “antenna array,” a “cell,” a “macro cell,” a “small cell,” a “femto cell,” a “pico cell,” a “sector,” a “cell group,” a “serving cell,” a “carrier,” a “component carrier,” a “bandwidth part (BWP),” and the like.

[0124] In some embodiments, a "terminal" or "terminal device" can be referred to as a "user equipment" (UE), a "user terminal," a "mobile station" (MS), a "mobile terminal" (MT), a subscriber station, a mobile unit, a subscriber unit, a wireless unit, a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless device, a wireless communication device, a remote device, a mobile subscriber station, an access terminal, a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, a remote terminal, a handset, a user agent, a mobile client, a client, and / or the like.

[0125] In some embodiments, data, information and / or the like can be obtained in compliance with laws and regulations of a country in which data is obtained.

[0126] In some embodiments, data, information and / or the like can be obtained after obtaining consent of a user.

[0127] In addition, each element, each row, or each column in a table of embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and a combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0128] FIG. 1 is an architecture diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a network device 102.

[0129] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 includes at least one of a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, a car with communication function, a smart car, a tablet (Pad), a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, a wireless terminal device in a smart home, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0130] In some embodiments, the network device 102 includes at least one of an access network device and a core network device.

[0131] In some embodiments, the access network device is at least one of a node or a device that accesses a terminal to a wireless network, for example, and can include at least one of an evolved NodeB (eNB) in a 5G communication system, a next generation eNB (ng-eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved node B (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an Open RAN, a Cloud RAN, a base station in other communication systems, an access node in a Wi-Fi system, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0132] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of the present disclosure can be applicable to an Open RAN architecture, at this time, the interfaces between or within the access network devices involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can become internal interfaces of the Open RAN, and the processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented through software or programs.

[0133] In some embodiments, the access network device can be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), where the CU can also be referred to as a control unit. The CU-DU structure can split the protocol layers of the access network device, and some of the functions of the protocol layers are controlled by the CU, and the rest or all of the functions of the protocol layers are distributed in the DU and controlled by the CU, but not limited thereto.

[0134] In some embodiments, the core network device can be one device including the first network element, the second network element, etc., or can be multiple devices or device groups, each including all or part of the first network element, the second network element, etc. The network element can be virtual or physical. The core network includes at least one of an evolved packet core (EPC), a 5G core network (5GCN), a 6G core network (6GCN), and a next-generation core (NGC).

[0135] In some embodiments, the first network element is, for example, a network slice selection function (NSFF).

[0136] In some embodiments, the first network element is used for selecting a suitable network slice in the network, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0137] In some embodiments, the second network element is, for example, an access and mobility management function (AMF).

[0138] In some embodiments, the second network element is used for processing access requests and mobility management of users, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0139] In some embodiments, the third network element is, for example, a session management function (SMF).

[0140] In some embodiments, the third network element is used for managing user sessions, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0141] In some embodiments, the fourth network element is, for example, a Policy Control Function (PCF).

[0142] In some embodiments, the fourth network element is configured to implement policy control, without limitation.

[0143] In some embodiments, the fifth network element is, for example, a User Plane Function (UPF).

[0144] In some embodiments, the fifth network element is configured to process forwarding of user data, without limitation.

[0145] In some embodiments, each of the network elements described above can be independent of the core network device.

[0146] In some embodiments, each of the network elements described above can be part of the core network device.

[0147] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiments of the present disclosure is for more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed by the embodiments of the present disclosure. It can be known by those skilled in the art that, as the system architecture evolves and new business scenarios appear, the technical solutions proposed by the embodiments of the present disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0148] The following embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG. 1, or part of the subject, but are not limited thereto. The subjects shown in FIG. 1 are exemplary, and the communication system can include all or part of the subjects in FIG. 1, or other subjects other than FIG. 1. The number and form of each subject is arbitrary, each subject can be real or virtual, the connection relationship between each subject is exemplary, each subject can not be connected or can be connected, the connection can be any way, can be direct connection or indirect connection, can be wired connection or wireless connection.

[0149] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 6th generation mobile communication system (6G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-WideBand (UWB), Bluetooth (Bluetooth (registered trademark)), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) network, Device-to-Device (D2D) system, Machine to Machine (M2M) system, Internet of Things (IoT) system, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), system using other communication methods, next-generation system expanded based thereon, and the like. In addition, a plurality of systems can be combined (for example, combination of LTE or LTE-A and 5G, and the like).

[0150] A 6G network can provide ubiquitous intelligent services. 6G AI as a service is to build efficient, energy-saving, and secure distributed AI services through resources and functions within the network, including a 6G core network, a 6G wireless network, and a 6G terminal.

[0151] A network slice can provide a complete end-to-end virtual network for a specific user, and by dividing network resources into multiple network slices, different network slices can be used to provide differentiated services for users with different service requirements (such as delay, reliability, capacity, isolation, and other functions).

[0152] By dividing network resources into multiple network slices, an operator network can not only serve information consumption type services characterized by “Best Effort transmission” communication requirements, but also meet production control type services characterized by “deterministic transmission” communication requirements, and allocate logically or physically isolated network resources for services with different communication requirements.

[0153] Optionally, resource isolation of a network slice can be implemented in various ways.

[0154] In some embodiments, a virtualized logical network can be created through Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and Software Defined Networking (SDN) technologies to achieve resource sharing and isolation.

[0155] In some embodiments, the entire communication path from a User Equipment (UE) to a core network can be managed and optimized according to a specific Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI) to implement end-to-end network slicing.

[0156] In some embodiments, Network Slice Admission Control (NSAC) technology can be used to manage access to a specific network slice to ensure that only authorized users and devices can access specific network slice resources.

[0157] In some embodiments, network slice-specific authentication and authorization procedures can be performed for a specific S-NSSAI to ensure that a user has the right to use the requested network slice service.

[0158] In some embodiments, a network slice can be composed of a Radio Access Network (RAN) part and a Core Network (CN) part.

[0159] In some embodiments, the implementation of network slices relies on the principle that traffic of different network slices is handled by different Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions.

[0160] In some embodiments, the network can schedule and provide different physical layer (i.e., Layer 1, L1) configurations and / or data link layer (i.e., Layer 2, L2) configurations to implement different network slices.

[0161] In a 6G network, network resources can be divided into multiple AI network slices to provide different AI services through different AI network slices to meet the AI service needs of different users. Among them, AI service refers to providing AI technology, AI business or AI resource elements to the service party. Due to the special nature of AI service needs in terms of big data transmission demand, computing power algorithm demand, security and privacy demand, the network characteristics and resource allocation function of network slicing in 5G network may not be able to adapt to the AI service needs of 6G network.

[0162] Therefore, the embodiments of the present disclosure expect to propose an AI service support method based on network slicing technology to provide isolated customized services for AI services, better meet the special AI service needs of 6G network, and support roaming and improve network management flexibility.

[0163] FIG. 2 is an interaction diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, and the method comprises:

[0164] In step S2101, the network device configures a first network slice for a terminal.

[0165] In some embodiments, the first network slice (slice) can be an AI network slice for providing AI services.

[0166] In some embodiments, the name of the first network slice is not limited, for example, it is "AI network slice", "first slice", etc.

[0167] In some embodiments, the first network slice can be determined according to the AI service needs of the terminal.

[0168] In some embodiments, the first network slice includes at least one AI network slice.

[0169] In some embodiments, the first network slice is determined according to the AI network slice allowed by the network device for the terminal to access.

[0170] In some embodiments, the network device configures at least one AI network slice that the terminal is allowed to access, and the terminal can determine at least one AI network slice that can meet its AI service requirement from the at least one AI network slice that it is allowed to access according to its AI service requirement, i.e., the first network slice, and access the at least one AI network slice.

[0171] In some embodiments, the terminal can determine at least one AI network slice that can meet its AI service requirement according to its AI service requirement, and request the network device to access the at least one AI network slice, and the network device can determine whether to allow the terminal to access the at least one AI network slice according to the request of the terminal, and the first network slice accessed by the terminal is the at least one AI network slice that the network device allows the terminal to access.

[0172] In some embodiments, the AI service requirement of the terminal can be used to indicate the AI service required by the terminal, for example, the AI service requirement of the terminal is used to indicate the AI service required by the terminal, but is not limited thereto.

[0173] In some embodiments, the terminal can request the network device to access the second network slice according to its AI service requirement.

[0174] In some embodiments, the AI network slice can be associated with AI service information. Optionally, the AI service information can be used to indicate the AI service supported by the AI network slice itself, or the AI service information can be used to indicate the AI service that can be supported by the first network slice with the assistance of other network resources, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0175] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc. are not limited to the names described in the embodiments, and the terms of “information”, “message”, “signal”, “signaling”, “report”, “configuration”, “indication”, “instruction”, “command”, “channel”, “parameter”, “domain”, “field”, “symbol”, “symbol”, “codebook”, “codeword”, “code point”, “bit”, “data”, “program”, “chip”, etc. can be replaced with each other.

[0176] Optionally, the AI services associated with different first network slices can be the same or different, or in other words, the AI network slices associated with different AI services can be the same or different, that is, one AI service can be associated with one or more AI network slices.

[0177] In some embodiments, the terminal can determine the AI network slice that can meet its AI service requirement according to the AI service information associated with the AI network slice.

[0178] In some embodiments, the terminal can send a first request to the network device, and the first request is used for the terminal to request to access the second network slice.

[0179] In some embodiments, the second network slice can include the AI network slice that the terminal requests to access from the network device, or in other words, the second network slice includes the AI network slice that the terminal expects to use.

[0180] In some embodiments, the AI network slice can be identified by Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI) and / or Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (NSSAI).

[0181] Optionally, the S-NSSAI can be a component of the NSSAI, that is, the NSSAI can include one or more S-NSSAIs.

[0182] In some embodiments, the first request can include the S-NSSAI or the NSSAI used to identify the second network slice, to request the terminal to access the second network slice.

[0183] Optionally, the S-NSSAI used to identify the second network slice can be referred to as a requested S-NSSAI, and the NSSAI used to identify the second network slice can be referred to as a requested NSSAI.

[0184] In some embodiments, the second network slice can be determined for the terminal according to a third network slice.

[0185] In some embodiments, the third network slice can include the AI network slice configured by the network device for the terminal; and / or, the third network slice can include the AI network slice allowed by the network device for the terminal to access, but is not limited thereto.

[0186] The AI network slice configured by the network device for the terminal can be an AI network slice configured by the network device for the network condition of the terminal (referred to as a configured AI network slice), or the AI network slice configured by the network device for the terminal can be a default configured AI network slice.

[0187] Optionally, the requested NSSAI can be any one of the allowed NSSAI, the configured NSSAI and the default configured NSSAI, and the requested S-NSSAI can be one or more of the allowed NSSAI, the configured NSSAI and the default configured NSSAI, but is not limited thereto.

[0188] Optionally, the S-NSSAI used to identify the AI network slice configured by the network device for the terminal can be referred to as a configured S-NSSAI, and the NSSAI used to identify the AI network slice configured by the network device for the terminal can be referred to as a configured NSSAI.

[0189] Optionally, the configured S-NSSAI and the configured NSSAI can be configured by the network for the terminal. The configured S-NSSAI and the configured NSSAI can be the default S-NSSAI and the default NSSAI of the terminal, the configured S-NSSAI can be the same as or different from a subscribed S-NSSAI, and the configured NSSAI can be the same as or different from a subscribed NSSAI. Details about the subscribed S-NSSAI and the subscribed NSSAI will be described below, and thus will not be described here.

[0190] The network can include at least one of a public land mobile network (PLMN), a stand-alone non-public network (SNPN), and a public network integrated non-public network (PNI-NPN), but is not limited thereto.

[0191] In some embodiments, the configured S-NSSAI and the configured NSSAI can be sent by the network device to the terminal through a non-access layer (NAS) message.

[0192] In some embodiments, the configured S-NSSAI and the configured NSSAI are sent to the terminal by the network device through a NAS message, which can be a NAS registration acceptance (Registration Accept) message or a configuration update command (Configuration Update Command) message, but is not limited thereto.

[0193] Optionally, the configured S-NSSAI and / or the NSSAI can be configured by a serving network (i.e., a network currently accessed by the terminal) and applied to the serving network; or the configured S-NSSAI and / or the NSSAI can be configured by a local network and applied to any network that does not provide a specific configured S-NSSAI to the terminal.

[0194] Optionally, the serving network can be at least one of a PLMN, a SNPN, and a PNI-NPN, but is not limited thereto. Optionally, the local network can be at least one of a HPLMN, a local SNPN, and a local PNI-NPN, but is not limited thereto.

[0195] Optionally, the third network slice includes an AI network slice that the network device allows the terminal to access, for example, the third network slice can include an AI network slice that the network device has allowed the terminal to access in the past, or the third network slice can include an AI network slice that the network device has allowed the terminal to access last time, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0196] Optionally, the S-NSSAI used to identify the AI network slice that the network device allows the terminal to access can be referred to as an allowed S-NSSAI, and the NSSAI used to identify the AI network slice that the network device allows the terminal to access can be referred to as an allowed NSSAI.

[0197] Optionally, the allowed S-NSSAI or the allowed NSSAI can be determined by the network currently providing services according to the S-NSSAI or the NSSAI requested by the terminal at the time of registration, in combination with local configuration. Optionally, the allowed S-NSSAI or the allowed NSSAI can be bound to a network identifier and an access technology, and the allowed S-NSSAI or the allowed NSSAI determined in the case of different networks accessed and different access technologies used can be different.

[0198] The network can include at least one of a PLMN, a SNPN, a PNI-NPN, but is not limited thereto; accordingly, the network identifier can include at least one of a PLMN ID, a SNPN ID, a PNI-NPN ID, a Network Identifier (NID), a Closed Access Group (CAG) ID, but is not limited thereto.

[0199] Optionally, the allowed S-NSSAI or the allowed NSSAI can be determined by the core network device according to the subscribed S-NSSAI or the subscribed NSSAI. For example, the allowed S-NSSAI or the allowed NSSAI can be determined by an AMF network element in the core network device according to the subscribed S-NSSAI or the subscribed NSSAI; for another example, the allowed S-NSSAI or the allowed NSSAI can be determined by an NSSF network element in the core network device according to the subscribed S-NSSAI or the subscribed NSSAI, but is not limited thereto.

[0200] In some embodiments, the network device can send, to the terminal, an AI network slice that allows the terminal to access, by a first message.

[0201] In some embodiments, the first message can be a NAS message, or the first message can be a Next Generation Application Protocol (NGAP) message, but is not limited thereto.

[0202] In some embodiments, the first message is a NAS message, for example, the first message can be a NAS Registration Accept message or a Configuration Update Command message, but is not limited thereto.

[0203] In some embodiments, the first message is an NGAP message, for example, the first message can be an Initial Context Setup Request message, but is not limited thereto.

[0204] In some embodiments, the network device can receive a first request sent by the terminal, and configure a first network slice for the terminal based on the first request.

[0205] In some embodiments, the first request can be a registration request (or a registration message). Optionally, the first request can be a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message, or the first request can be a NAS message, but not limited thereto.

[0206] In some embodiments, the first request is an RRC message, for example, the first request can be an RRC Setup Complete message, but not limited thereto.

[0207] In some embodiments, the first request is a NAS message, for example, the first request can be a NAS Registration Request message, but not limited thereto.

[0208] Optionally, if the current network is a roaming network, the terminal can also carry the requested S-NSSAI and / or the NSSAI mapped to the S-NSSAI and / or the NSSAI of the user's home network in the first request.

[0209] Optionally, the home network can be at least one of a Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN), a home SNPN, a home PNI-NPN, but not limited thereto.

[0210] In some embodiments, the network device can complete the selection, verification, etc. of the network slice based on the AI network slice (i.e. the second network slice) requested by the terminal, to return the AI network slice (i.e. the first network slice) allowing the terminal to access to the terminal.

[0211] In some embodiments, the network device can determine the first network slice based on the fourth network slice and the second network slice indicated by the first request.

[0212] In some embodiments, the fourth network slice can include an AI network slice subscribed by the terminal.

[0213] Optionally, the S-NSSAI used to identify the fourth network slice can be referred to as a subscribed S-NSSAI, and the NSSAI used to identify the fourth network slice can be referred to as a subscribed S-NSSAI.

[0214] Optionally, the subscribed S-NSSAI and the subscribed NSSAI can be stored in the network device, for representing AI network slice information subscribed by the user. For example, the subscribed S-NSSAI and the subscribed NSSAI can be stored in a unified data management (UDM).

[0215] Optionally, when the terminal does not send the requested S-NSSAI or the requested NSSAI, the network device (such as a core network device) can take the subscribed S-NSSAI or the subscribed NSSAI as a default value, so as to take the AI network slice identified by the subscribed S-NSSAI or the subscribed NSSAI as an AI network slice allowed to be accessed by the terminal.

[0216] Optionally, at least one S-NSSAI in the subscribed S-NSSAI is an AI default S-NSSAI, and at least one NSSAI in the subscribed NSSAI is an AI default NSSAI.

[0217] Optionally, for a terminal supporting AI, at least two default network slices (Default S-NSSAI or Default NSSAI) are included in the subscription message of the terminal, one of which can be a default non-AI network slice (i.e., a traditional network slice), and the other can be a default AI network slice (i.e., a network slice supporting AI). Alternatively, for a terminal supporting AI, at least one default AI network slice is included in the subscription message of the terminal.

[0218] In some embodiments, for a terminal supporting AI, at least two default network slices should be included in the subscription message of the terminal, one of which can be a default non-AI network slice (i.e., a traditional network slice), and the other can be a default AI network slice (i.e., a network slice supporting AI). In the case where the terminal initiates a slice registration request, if there is no network slice that can be allowed to be used in the slice registration request of the terminal, and the subscription message of the terminal includes two default network slices, the two default network slices in the subscription message of the terminal, i.e., the default non-AI network slice (i.e., the traditional network slice) and the default AI network slice (i.e., the network slice supporting AI), can be provided to the terminal, for providing network configuration and / or network resources associated with the network slice to the terminal supporting AI, so as to serve the demand of the terminal.

[0219] In some embodiments, for the AI-enabled terminal, at least two default network slices should be included in the subscription message of the terminal, one of which can be a default non-AI network slice (i.e., a traditional network slice), and the other can be a default AI network slice (i.e., an AI-enabled network slice). In the case where the terminal initiates a slice registration request, if there is no network slice that can be allowed to be used in the slice registration request of the terminal, and the subscription message of the terminal does not include the two default network slices, the network device can directly reject the slice registration request of the terminal.

[0220] In some embodiments, for the AI-enabled terminal, at least one default network slice should be included in the subscription message of the terminal, i.e., a default AI network slice (i.e., an AI-enabled network slice). In the case where the terminal initiates a slice registration request, if there is no network slice that can be allowed to be used in the slice registration request of the terminal, and the subscription message of the terminal does not include the default AI network slice, the network device can directly reject the slice registration request of the terminal.

[0221] In some embodiments, the network device can send a first response message to the terminal, and the first response message includes S-NSSAI or NSSAI used to identify the first network slice; the terminal can receive the first response message sent by the network device, and access the first network slice configured by the network device according to the S-NSSAI or NSSAI carried in the first response message.

[0222] In some embodiments, the network device can also send a fifth network slice to the terminal, and the terminal can receive the fifth network slice sent by the network device.

[0223] In some embodiments, the fifth network slice includes an AI network slice that the network device rejects the terminal to access.

[0224] Optionally, the S-NSSAI used to identify the fifth network slice can be referred to as a rejected S-NSSAI, and the NSSAI used to identify the fifth network slice can be referred to as a rejected NSSAI.

[0225] In some embodiments, the rejected S-NSSAI or the rejected NSSAI can be used to identify an AI network slice that is rejected in the entire registration area of the PLMN.

[0226] Optionally, the fifth network slice can only be rejected to access within a specific area and / or a specific time range, but the terminal can request to access the fifth network slice again when the specific area and / or the specific time range is exceeded.

[0227] In some embodiments, the terminal will not attempt to access the fifth network slice again within the registration area of the PLMN.

[0228] In some embodiments, the network device can further send a sixth network slice to the terminal, and the terminal can receive the sixth network slice sent by the network device.

[0229] In some embodiments, the sixth network slice includes a pending AI network slice, or in other words, the sixth network slice is an AI network slice requested by the terminal but not yet confirmed by the network device.

[0230] Optionally, the S-NSSAI used to identify the sixth network slice can be referred to as a pending S-NSSAI, and the NSSAI used to identify the sixth network slice can be referred to as a pending NSSAI.

[0231] In some embodiments, the sixth network slice can include an AI network slice that is pending in a start-up process, an AI network slice that is pending in an ongoing authentication process, an AI network slice that is pending in an ongoing authorization process, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0232] In some embodiments, the network device can further send a seventh network slice to the terminal, and the terminal can receive the seventh network slice sent by the network device.

[0233] In some embodiments, the seventh network slice can be used to replace an unavailable AI network slice.

[0234] Optionally, the S-NSSAI used to identify the seventh network slice can be referred to as an alternative S-NSSAI, and the NSSAI used to identify the seventh network slice can be referred to as an alternative NSSAI.

[0235] Optionally, the reason why the AI network slice is unavailable can be that the AI network slice itself is unavailable, or the reason why the AI network slice is unavailable can be that an AI resource associated with the AI network slice is unavailable, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0236] It should be noted that the above-mentioned several S-NSSAIs or NSSAIs can be optional S-NSSAIs or NSSAIs used to identify different types of AI network slices, but it does not mean that the above-mentioned several S-NSSAIs or NSSAIs all need to be configured to the terminal. For example, the subscribed S-NSSAI or the subscribed NSSAI can be an S-NSSAI or an NSSAI used by the network device, and does not need to be configured to the terminal.

[0237] In some embodiments, both the S-NSSAI and the NSSAI can be composed of two parts, a Slice Service Type (SST) and a Slice Differentiator (SD). The SST is used to define the expected behavior of the network slice in terms of functionality and service, and the SD can be used to further differentiate different network slices in the case of the same SST.

[0238] Optionally, the S-NSSAI can only include an SST value, or the S-NSSAI can include an SST value and an SD value. The NSSAI can only include an SST value, or the NSSAI can include an SST value and an SD value.

[0239] In some embodiments, the SST value in the S-NSSAI and the NSSAI is a standardized value; or the SST value in the S-NSSAI and the NSSAI is a non-standardized value.

[0240] Optionally, the length of the SST can be 8 bits, so that 256 available SST values can be provided. In more possible implementations, the length of the SST can also be other bits to provide more or less available SST values, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0241] In one possible implementation, the SST values defined for non-AI network slices can be reused, including standardized SST values and non-standardized SST values. For example, the standardized SST values can be values between 1 and 6, and the non-standardized SST values can be values between 128 and 255.

[0242] In another possible implementation, a dedicated SST value for identifying AI network slices can be defined, for example, the standardized SST values can be values between 7 and 127, and the non-standardized SST values can be values between 128 and 255.

[0243] It should be noted that for the S-NSSAI and the NSSAI, the standardized value can only include the standardized SST value; for the S-NSSAI and the NSSAI, the non-standardized value can only include the non-standardized SST value, or the non-standardized value can include the SST value (which can be a standardized SST value or a non-standardized SST value) and the SD value.

[0244] Optionally, the identity of the existing network slice can also be used to identify the AI network slice, for example, the SST value and / or SD value for enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC) can also be used to identify the AI network slice. Further, the terminal can determine whether the AI service requirement of the terminal is met based on the network resources and / or network configuration associated with the existing network slice.

[0245] Optionally, the S-NSSAI with a non-standard value can not be used in roaming scenarios outside the associated network.

[0246] In some embodiments, the SST value in the S-NSSAI or the NSSAI is a special SST value for identifying the AI network slice. The special SST value can be defined according to the AI capability sharing mode, or the special SST value can be defined according to the AI service type, or the special SST value can be defined according to the AI use case type, or the special SST value can be defined according to the AI resource type, but not limited thereto.

[0247] In some embodiments, the AI capability sharing mode can include sharing the AI capability of the terminal by the terminal to the network device, sharing the AI capability of the network device by the network device to the terminal, sharing the AI capability between terminals (i.e., one terminal sharing its own AI capability to other terminals), etc., but not limited thereto.

[0248] In some embodiments, the AI service type can include AI model training service, AI model inference service, AI model verification service, AI model data service, etc., but not limited thereto.

[0249] Among them, the AI model training service can be used to train the AI model using data to enable it to complete the AI processing task (including but not limited to identification, prediction, classification, etc.). The AI model inference service can be used to indicate the process of using the AI model for actual AI task processing after the AI model training is completed. The AI model verification service can be used to evaluate the trained AI model to ensure that the performance of the trained AI model meets expectations. The AI model data service can provide data management and processing for training, verification and inference.

[0250] In some embodiments, the AI use case type can include AI-based positioning use case, AI-based beam management use case, etc., but not limited thereto.

[0251] In some embodiments, the AI resource type can include an AI computing resource, an AI algorithm resource (or AI model resource), an AI data resource, an AI connection resource, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0252] It should be noted that the SST value mentioned in the above embodiments can be applied to any one of the S-NSSAI or NSSAI introduced in the foregoing, including but not limited to the requested S-NSSAI or requested NSSAI, the configured S-NSSAI or configured NSSAI, the allowed S-NSSAI or allowed NSSAI, the subscribed S-NSSAI or subscribed NSSAI, the rejected S-NSSAI or rejected NSSAI, the pending S-NSSAI or pending NSSAI, the alternative S-NSSAI or alternative NSSAI, and the like.

[0253] In some embodiments, the AI network slice can also be associated with an AI resource and / or an AI configuration, for example, the AI network slice can be associated with a specific AI resource and / or AI configuration based on the AI service associated therewith.

[0254] Optionally, the AI resources and / or AI configurations associated with different AI network slices can be different, so that each AI network slice can be associated with independent AI resources and / or AI configurations.

[0255] In some embodiments, the AI resource can be provided by at least one of a network device (including an access network device (such as NG-RAN) and a core network device (such as a CN node)), a server, and another terminal, but is not limited thereto.

[0256] In some embodiments, the AI resource associated with the AI network slice can include an AI computing resource, an AI algorithm resource, an AI data resource, an AI connection resource, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0257] In some embodiments, the AI configuration can be used to indicate slice configuration information of the AI network slice (including technical and service parameters of the AI network slice, such as bandwidth, delay, quality of service requirements, and the like, but is not limited thereto), resource allocation information, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0258] In some embodiments, the AI network slice can also be associated with at least one of applicable time information, applicable location information, and access restriction information, but is not limited thereto.

[0259] In some embodiments, the applicable time information is used to indicate a valid time of the AI resource and / or the AI configuration associated with the AI network slice; or in other words, the applicable time information can be used to indicate a valid time in which the AI network slice can meet the AI service requirement of the terminal.

[0260] In some embodiments, the terms of "time", "moment", "time point", "time position" and the like can be replaced with each other, and the terms of "time", "duration", "time period", "time window", "window" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0261] In some embodiments, the applicable location information is used to indicate a valid area of the AI resource and / or the AI configuration associated with the AI network slice; or in other words, the applicable location information can be used to indicate a valid area in which the AI network slice can meet the AI service requirement of the terminal. Optionally, the valid area indicated by the applicable location information can be a cell level, a tracking area (TA) level, a registration area (RA) level, an AI service area or a geographical location area, but is not limited thereto.

[0262] In some embodiments, the terms of "cell", "component carrier (CC)", "frequency carrier", "carrier frequency" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0263] In some embodiments, the access restriction information is used to indicate other network slices that can be simultaneously accessed with the AI network slice, and the terminal can also access the network slices indicated by the access restriction information at the same time of accessing the AI network slice; or the access restriction information is used to indicate other network slices that cannot be simultaneously accessed with the AI network slice, and the terminal cannot access the network slices indicated by the access restriction information at the same time of accessing the AI network slice. Optionally, the network slices indicated by the access restriction information can be AI network slices or non-AI network slices, wherein the AI network slice can be a network slice supporting AI service, and the non-AI network slice can be a network slice not supporting AI service.

[0264] In some embodiments, the AI network slice can also be associated with one or more network slice instances.

[0265] Optionally, the AI network slice is associated with one or more network slice instances, and the network operator can construct multiple candidate network slice instances for each AI network slice based on available AI resources and service requirements. Optionally, the AI service provider can select a suitable network slice instance from the multiple candidate network slice instances according to the user's service preferences (such as the user's AI privacy protection preferences) to provide services for the terminal. Optionally, if a network slice instance is selected, the AI service can use the AI resources associated with the instance to execute. Optionally, the network operator can also dynamically create, modify, or delete the candidate network slice instances corresponding to each first network slice according to requirements.

[0266] In step S2102, the terminal accesses the first network slice.

[0267] In some embodiments, the terminal can access the first network slice to meet its own AI service requirements through the accessed first network slice.

[0268] In some embodiments, the terminal can access one or more AI network slices simultaneously, and the present disclosure does not limit this.

[0269] In some embodiments, the terminal can access multiple AI network slices simultaneously, and the number of AI network slices that the terminal can access simultaneously can be any value, for example, the number of AI network slices that the terminal can access simultaneously can be 8, but is not limited thereto.

[0270] In some embodiments, the number of AI network slices that the terminal can access simultaneously can be agreed upon by the protocol, or the number of AI network slices that the terminal can access simultaneously can be determined according to the AI capability of the terminal, or the number of AI network slices that the terminal can access simultaneously can be determined according to the AI capability of the network device, but is not limited thereto.

[0271] In some embodiments, "obtain", "get", "receive", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be replaced with each other, which can be interpreted as receiving from other subjects, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, processing to obtain, autonomous implementation, and other meanings.

[0272] In some embodiments, the terms "send", "transmit", "report", "issue", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be replaced with each other.

[0273] In some embodiments, the terms "certain", "preset", "pre-set", "set", "indicated", "any", "first", and the like can be replaced with each other, and "certain A", "preset A", "pre-set A", "set A", "indicated A", "any A", "first A" can be interpreted as A predetermined in a protocol or the like, or A obtained by setting, configuration, or indication, or a specific A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0274] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be performed by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (Boolean value) represented by true or false, or by comparison of numerical values (for example, comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0275] In some embodiments, "not expecting to receive" can be interpreted as not receiving in the time domain resource and / or the frequency domain resource, or as not performing subsequent processing on the data or the like after receiving the data or the like; "not expecting to send" can be interpreted as not sending, or as sending but not expecting the receiving party to respond to the content of the sending.

[0276] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S2101-S2102. For example, step S2101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S2101+S2102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0277] In some embodiments, step S2101 is optional, and can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0278] In some embodiments, step S2102 is optional, and can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0279] In some embodiments, reference can be made to other optional implementations described before or after the corresponding description of FIG. 2.

[0280] According to the scheme provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, different AI services can be implemented based on different AI network slices, the AI network slice is associated with independent AI network resources and AI configuration based on the specific AI service demand, and the UE accesses the corresponding network slice to meet the AI service demand of the UE.

[0281] In some embodiments, different AI network slices can be identified by different S-NSSAI and / or NSSAI, and the SST value in the S-NSSAI and / or NSSAI can be a newly defined dedicated SST value, where the SST value can be a standardized value or a non-standardized value.

[0282] Optionally, AI network slices applied to different AI services can be identified by different S-NSSAI and / or NSSAI AI, where the S-NSSAI includes SST, and the S-NSSAI optionally includes SD, the SST can be a newly defined standardized SST value (such as 7-127) or an existing standard SST value or a non-standard SST value. Where the S-NSSAI with a non-standard value is not used for roaming scenarios outside the associated network.

[0283] Optionally, standardized and non-standardized SSTs can also be used in AI service scenarios, such as eMBB, URLLC, etc.

[0284] In some embodiments, defining a dedicated SST value can include at least one of the following:

[0285] (1) Define a dedicated SST value according to an AI capability sharing mode, which includes but is not limited to network opening AI capability to UE, UE opening AI capability to network, and sharing AI capability between UEs.

[0286] (2) Define a dedicated SST value according to an AI service type, which includes but is not limited to AI training service, AI verification service, AI inference service, AI data service, etc.

[0287] (3) Define a dedicated SST value according to an AI use case type, which includes but is not limited to AI-based positioning and AI-based beam management, etc.

[0288] (4) Define a dedicated SST value according to an AI resource type, which includes but is not limited to AI data resource, AI computing resource, AI algorithm resource, AI connection resource, etc.

[0289] In some embodiments, AI network resources can be provided by UE, NG-RAN, CN Node, or third-party server.

[0290] In some embodiments, AI network resources include but are not limited to at least one of AI computing resource, AI algorithm resource (i.e., AI model), AI data resource, and AI connection resource.

[0291] In some embodiments, the S-NSSAI can be at least one of the following:

[0292] (1) Subscribed S-NSSAI: subscribed AI network slice, used to determine whether to allow Requested S-NSSAI, of which at least one is AI default S-NSSAI.

[0293] Optionally, for a UE supporting AI, at least two default AI S-NSSAIs are contained in the subscription information, one is a traditional communication slice and the other is an AI service slice. The terminal initiates a registration request, if there is no allowed NSSAI, if the UE's subscription information contains two default S-NSSAIs, the UE is provided with two default AI S-NSSAIs, and the default AI S-NSSAI and the normal default S-NSSAI can serve the UE. If neither of the two default network slices, the UE's network slice registration request is rejected.

[0294] Optionally, for a UE supporting AI, at least one default AI S-NSSAI is contained in the subscription information, and if the UE's subscription information does not contain allowed NSSAI and default AI S-NSSAI, the UE's network slice registration request is rejected.

[0295] (2) Configured S-NSSAI: Network slice configuration information can contain one or more configured AI S-NSSAIs, which can be configured by the serving PLMN and applied to the serving PLMN, or be the default configured S-NSSAI configured by the HPLMN and applied to any PLMN without specific configured S-NSSAI provided to the UE.

[0296] (3) Requested S-NSSAI: used to request the corresponding AI network slice from the network side in the registration request.

[0297] Optionally, the terminal needs to carry Requested S-NSSAI in the registration message when registering, which is used to request the corresponding AI network slice to the network side, and Requested S-NSSAI belongs to one or more of Allowed NSSAI, Configured NSSAI and Default Configured NSSAI, and Allowed NSSAI, Configured NSSAI and Default Configured NSSAI belong to AI network slice identifier. Further, if the current roaming network, the Requested S-NSSAI needs to be mapped to the corresponding mapping HPLMN S-NSSAI value and sent to the network at the same time.

[0298] (4) Allowed S-NSSAI: is the Allowed NSSAI decided by the current service PLMN according to the Requested S-NSSAI at the time of registration and local configuration, which is bound with PLMN ID and access technology, and AMF can decide Allowed S-NSSAI according to subscribed S-NSSAI(s) or request NSSF network element to decide

[0299] (5) Rejected S-NSSAI: the current service PLMN decides which S-NSSAI is not allowed according to the Requested S-NSSAI at the time of registration and local configuration, and indicates the UE, Rejected S-NSSAI can be rejected in a specific area and time range, only after exceeding the specific range, the UE can request again.

[0300] (6) Pending S-NSSAI: one or more Requested AI S-NSSAI that starts / undergoing authentication and authorization process.

[0301] (7) Alternative S-NSSAIs: used to temporarily replace S-NSSAI with alternative S-NSSAI when a certain AI network slice is unavailable or AI network slice resource is congested. AMF provides AI S-NSSAI and associated Alternative AI S-NSSAI to UE.

[0302] In some embodiments, the NSSAI can be at least one of a Subscribed NSSAI, a Configured NSSAI, a Requested NSSAI, an Allowed NSSAI, a Rejected NSSAI, a Pending NSSAI, and an Alternative NSSAI.

[0303] In some embodiments, when the UE is configured with the S-NSSAI and / or the NSSAI, additional applicable control information of the network slice can be indicated, the applicable control information including applicable time information, applicable location information, and access network slice restriction information (indicating one or more network slices that can / cannot be simultaneously accessed, the network slices can include AI network slices or non-AI network slices).

[0304] In some embodiments, one AI network slice can be associated with one or more AI network slice instances.

[0305] Optionally, the S-NSSAI and / or the NSSAI can be associated with one or more AI network slice instances, and the network operator constructs multiple candidate AI network slice instances for each network slice based on available AI resources and service requirements. Further, the AI service provider selects a suitable AI network slice instance from the candidate AI network slice instances according to the user service preference (e.g., the user's AI privacy protection preference). If an AI network slice instance is selected, the AI service will be executed using the AI resources associated with the instance. The network operator can dynamically create, modify, and delete the candidate AI network slice instances according to requirements.

[0306] In some embodiments, one UE can simultaneously support access to one or more AI network slices, and the maximum number can be 8 or other numbers, which can be agreed upon or determined according to the AI capabilities of the UE device and / or the network device.

[0307] FIG. 3A is a flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3A, the present disclosure relates to a communication method, and the above method includes:

[0308] Step S3101, access a first network slice.

[0309] The optional implementation of step S3101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 and step S2102 of FIG. 2 and other associated parts of the embodiments involved in FIG. 2, which will not be described here.

[0310] In some embodiments, the first network slice is used to meet the AI service requirements of the terminal.

[0311] In some embodiments, the first network slice is determined according to an AI service requirement of the terminal.

[0312] In some embodiments, the first network slice includes at least one AI network slice.

[0313] In some embodiments, the first network slice is determined according to an AI network slice allowed by the network device for the terminal to access.

[0314] In some embodiments, the AI network slice is identified by an S-NSSAI or an NSSAI, wherein an SST value in the S-NSSAI or the NSSAI is a standardized value; or the SST value in the S-NSSAI or the NSSAI is a non-standardized value.

[0315] In some embodiments, the SST value in the S-NSSAI or the NSSAI includes any one of an SST value defined according to an AI capability sharing manner, an SST value defined according to an AI service type, an SST value defined according to an AI use case type, or an SST value defined according to an AI resource type.

[0316] In some embodiments, the AI capability sharing manner includes at least one of sharing AI capability of the terminal by the terminal to the network device, sharing AI capability of the network device by the network device to the terminal, or sharing AI capability between the terminal and another terminal.

[0317] In some embodiments, the AI service type includes at least one of AI model training service, AI model inference service, AI model verification service, or AI model data service.

[0318] In some embodiments, the AI use case type includes an AI-based positioning use case and / or an AI-based beam management use case.

[0319] In some embodiments, the AI resource type includes at least one of AI computing resource, AI algorithm resource, AI data resource, or AI connection resource.

[0320] In some embodiments, the terminal can send a first request to the network device, the first request being used for the terminal to request to access a second network slice, wherein the second network slice includes an AI network slice requested by the terminal to access the network device.

[0321] In some embodiments, the second network slice is determined by the terminal based on a third network slice; wherein the third network slice includes an AI network slice configured by the network device for the terminal, and / or the third network slice includes an AI network slice allowed by the network device for the terminal to access.

[0322] In some embodiments, the first network slice is determined by the network device based on the second network slice and a fourth network slice, and the fourth network slice includes an AI network slice used by the terminal in a subscription.

[0323] In some embodiments, the terminal can receive a fifth network slice sent by the network device, and the fifth network slice includes an AI network slice rejected by the network device for the terminal to access.

[0324] In some embodiments, the terminal can receive a sixth network slice sent by the network device, and the sixth network slice includes a suspended AI network slice.

[0325] In some embodiments, the sixth network slice includes at least one of an AI network slice suspended in a starting process, an AI network slice suspended in an ongoing authentication process, and an AI network slice suspended in an ongoing authorization process.

[0326] In some embodiments, the terminal can receive a seventh network slice sent by the network device, and the seventh network slice is used to replace an unavailable AI network slice.

[0327] In some embodiments, the reason why the AI network slice is unavailable includes that the AI network slice itself is unavailable and / or an AI resource associated with the AI network slice is unavailable.

[0328] In some embodiments, the AI network slice is associated with an AI resource and / or an AI configuration.

[0329] In some embodiments, the AI resource is provided by at least one of the network device, a server, and another terminal.

[0330] In some embodiments, the AI network slice is associated with at least one of the following information: applicable time information, which is used to indicate a valid time of an AI resource and / or an AI configuration associated with the AI network slice; applicable location information, which is used to indicate a valid area of the AI resource and / or the AI configuration associated with the AI network slice; and access restriction information, which is used to indicate other network slices that can or cannot be simultaneously accessed with the AI network slice.

[0331] In some embodiments, the AI network slice is associated with one or more network slice instances.

[0332] In some embodiments, the terminal can simultaneously access one or more AI network slices.

[0333] In some embodiments, the terminal can access multiple AI network slices simultaneously, the number of AI network slices that the terminal can access simultaneously is agreed by a protocol, or the number of AI network slices that the terminal can access simultaneously is determined according to AI capability of the terminal, or the number of AI network slices that the terminal can access simultaneously is determined according to AI capability of the network device.

[0334] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can at least include step S3101, and step S3101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0335] FIG. 3B is a flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3B, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, and the method includes:

[0336] Step S3201, configuring a first network slice.

[0337] The optional implementation of step S3201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, which will not be described here.

[0338] In some embodiments, the network device can configure the first network slice for the terminal, but is not limited thereto, and can also configure the first network slice for other subjects.

[0339] In some embodiments, the first network slice is used to meet the AI service requirement of the terminal.

[0340] In some embodiments, the first network slice is determined for the terminal according to the AI service requirement of the terminal.

[0341] In some embodiments, the first network slice includes at least one AI network slice.

[0342] In some embodiments, the first network slice is determined according to AI network slices allowed by the network device for the terminal to access.

[0343] In some embodiments, the AI network slice is identified by S-NSSAI or NSSAI, wherein the SST value in the S-NSSAI or the NSSAI is a standardized value; or the SST value in the S-NSSAI or the NSSAI is a non-standardized value.

[0344] In some embodiments, the SST value in the S-NSSAI or the NSSAI includes any one of an SST value defined according to an AI capability sharing mode, an SST value defined according to an AI service type, an SST value defined according to an AI use case type, and an SST value defined according to an AI resource type.

[0345] In some embodiments, the AI capability sharing manner includes at least one of the terminal sharing AI capability of the terminal with the network device, the network device sharing AI capability of the network device with the terminal, and the terminal sharing AI capability with other terminals.

[0346] In some embodiments, the AI service type includes at least one of AI model training service, AI model inference service, AI model verification service, and AI model data service.

[0347] In some embodiments, the AI use case type includes an AI-based positioning use case and / or an AI-based beam management use case.

[0348] In some embodiments, the AI resource type includes at least one of AI computing resource, AI algorithm resource, AI data resource, and AI connection resource.

[0349] In some embodiments, the network device can receive a first request sent by the terminal, to configure a first network slice for the terminal based on the first request.

[0350] In some embodiments, the first request is used for the terminal to request to access a second network slice, wherein the second network slice includes an AI network slice requested by the terminal to access the network device.

[0351] In some embodiments, the second network slice is determined for the terminal based on a third network slice, wherein the third network slice includes an AI network slice configured by the network device for the terminal, and / or the third network slice includes an AI network slice allowed by the network device for the terminal to access.

[0352] In some embodiments, the network device can determine the first network slice based on a fourth network slice and a second network slice indicated by the first request, wherein the fourth network slice includes an AI network slice subscribed by the terminal to use.

[0353] In some embodiments, the network device can further send a fifth network slice to the terminal, the fifth network slice including an AI network slice rejected by the network device for the terminal to access.

[0354] In some embodiments, the network device can further send a sixth network slice to the terminal, the sixth network slice including a suspended AI network slice.

[0355] In some embodiments, the sixth network slice includes at least one of a network slice suspended in a starting process, a network slice suspended in a process of ongoing authentication, and a network slice suspended in a process of ongoing authorization.

[0356] In some embodiments, the network device can further send a seventh network slice to the terminal, the seventh network slice used to replace an unavailable AI network slice.

[0357] In some embodiments, the reason why the AI network slice is unavailable includes that the AI network slice itself is unavailable and / or AI resources associated with the AI network slice are unavailable.

[0358] In some embodiments, the AI network slice is associated with AI resources and / or AI configurations.

[0359] In some embodiments, the AI resources are provided by at least one of a network device, a server, and another terminal.

[0360] In some embodiments, the AI network slice is further associated with at least one of the following information: applicable time information, the applicable time information being used to indicate a valid time of the AI resources and / or the AI configurations associated with the AI network slice; applicable location information, the applicable location information being used to indicate a valid area of the AI resources and / or the AI configurations associated with the AI network slice; and access restriction information, the access restriction information being used to indicate other network slices that can or cannot be simultaneously accessed with the AI network slice.

[0361] In some embodiments, the AI network slice is further associated with one or more network slice instances.

[0362] In some embodiments, the terminal can simultaneously access one or more first network slices.

[0363] In some embodiments, the terminal can simultaneously access a plurality of first network slices, and the number of the first network slices that the terminal can simultaneously access is agreed by a protocol, or the number of the first network slices that the terminal can simultaneously access is determined according to AI capability of the terminal, or the number of the first network slices that the terminal can simultaneously access is determined according to AI capability of the network device.

[0364] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can at least include step S3201, and step S3201 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0365] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, step S3201 can be combined with step S3101 of FIG. 3A.

[0366] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, part or all of the steps, and optional implementation manners thereof, can be combined with part or all of the steps in other embodiments, or can be combined with optional implementation manners of other embodiments.

[0367] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a device for implementing any of the above methods, for example, a device comprising units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. For another example, another device is provided, comprising units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the network device (such as an access network device, a core network function node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0368] It should be understood that the division of each unit or module in the above device is only a logical function division, and all or part of the units or modules can be integrated into one physical entity or physically separated in actual implementation. In addition, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of processor invoking software: for example, the device comprises a processor connected with a memory, the memory stores instructions, and the processor invokes the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of each unit or module of the device, wherein the processor is a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is a memory in the device or a memory outside the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuit, and the functions of part or all of the units or modules can be implemented by the design of the hardware circuit, and the hardware circuit can be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and the functions of part or all of the units or modules are implemented by the design of the logical relationship between the elements in the circuit; for another example, in another implementation, the hardware circuit is a programmable logic device (PLD), and taking a field programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits is configured by a configuration file, so as to implement the functions of part or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented in the form of processor invoking software, or all units or modules can be implemented in the form of hardware circuit, or part of the units or modules are implemented in the form of processor invoking software, and the remaining part is implemented in the form of hardware circuit.

[0369] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capability. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction reading and running capability, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), a digital signal processor (DSP), and the like. In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through a logical relationship of hardware circuits, and the logical relationship of the hardware circuits is fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In the reconfigurable hardware circuit, the processor loads a configuration document to implement the configuration of the hardware circuit. It can be understood that the processor loads instructions to implement the functions of the above part or all units or modules. In addition, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), and the like.

[0370] FIG. 4A is a structural schematic diagram of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4A, the terminal 4100 can at least include a processing module 4101. In some embodiments, the processing module 4101 is configured to access a first network slice for meeting an AI service requirement of the terminal. Optionally, the processing module 4101 is configured to perform at least one of other steps (for example, step S21012, but not limited thereto) performed by the terminal in any of the above methods, details of which are not described herein. In some embodiments, the terminal 4100 can further include a transceiver module. Optionally, the transceiver module is configured to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the terminal in any of the above methods, details of which are not described herein.

[0371] FIG. 4B is a structural schematic diagram of a network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4B, the network device 4200 can at least include a processing module 4201. In some embodiments, the processing module 4201 is configured to configure a first network slice for a terminal, the first network slice being used to meet an AI service requirement of the terminal. Optionally, the processing module 4201 is configured to perform at least one of other steps (for example, step S2101, but not limited thereto) performed by the network device in any of the above methods, details of which are not described herein. In some embodiments, the network device 4200 can further include a transceiver module. Optionally, the transceiver module is configured to perform at least one of the communication steps (such as sending and / or receiving) performed by the network device in any of the above methods, details of which are not described herein.

[0372] In some embodiments, the transceiver module can include a sending module and / or a receiving module, which can be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the transceiver module can be mutually replaced with a transceiver.

[0373] In some embodiments, the processing module can be one module or include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules perform all or part of the steps required to be performed by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module can be mutually replaced with a processor.

[0374] FIG. 5A is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device 5100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device 5100 can be a network device (such as an access network device, a core network device, etc.), a terminal (such as a user equipment, etc.), a chip, a chip system, or a processor supporting the network device to implement any of the above methods, or a chip, a chip system, or a processor supporting the terminal to implement any of the above methods. The communication device 5100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments, and details can be referred to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0375] As shown in FIG. 5A, the communication device 5100 includes one or more processors 5101. The processor 5101 can be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (such as a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU or a CU, etc.), execute programs, and process data of the programs. The communication device 5100 is configured to execute any of the above methods.

[0376] In some embodiments, the communication device 5100 further includes one or more memories 5102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memory 5102 can also be outside the communication device 5100.

[0377] In some embodiments, the communication device 5100 further includes one or more transceivers 5103. When the communication device 5100 includes one or more transceivers 5103, the transceiver 5103 performs at least one of the communication steps of transmitting and / or receiving in the above-described methods, and the processor 5101 performs at least one of the other steps (for example, step S2101, step S2102, but not limited thereto).

[0378] In some embodiments, the transceiver can include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which can be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the terms of transceiver, transceiving unit, transceiver, transceiving circuit, etc. can be replaced with each other, the terms of transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc. can be replaced with each other, and the terms of receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc. can be replaced with each other.

[0379] In some embodiments, the communication device 5100 can include one or more interface circuits 5104. Optionally, the interface circuit 5104 is connected with the memory 5102, and the interface circuit 5104 can be used to receive signals from the memory 5102 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 5102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 5104 can read instructions stored in the memory 5102 and send the instructions to the processor 5101.

[0380] The communication device 5100 described in the above embodiments can be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 5100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 5100 can not be limited by FIG. 5A. The communication device can be a standalone device or can be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device can be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit (IC), or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a set of one or more ICs, which can optionally also include storage components for storing data, programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a Modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, a terminal device, a smart terminal device, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handset, a mobile unit, a vehicle-mounted device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0381] FIG. 5B is a structural schematic diagram of a chip 5200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For the case where the communication device 5100 is a chip or a chip system, the structural schematic diagram of the chip 5200 shown in FIG. 5B can be referred to, but is not limited thereto.

[0382] The chip 5200 includes one or more processors 5201, and the chip 5200 is configured to execute any of the above methods.

[0383] In some embodiments, the chip 5200 further includes one or more interface circuits 5202. Optionally, the interface circuits 5202 are connected with the memory 5203, and the interface circuits 5202 can be configured to receive signals from the memory 5203 or other devices, and the interface circuits 5202 can be configured to send signals to the memory 5203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 5202 can read instructions stored in the memory 5203 and send the instructions to the processor 5201.

[0384] In some embodiments, the interface circuits 5202 perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., transmitting and / or receiving) in the above-described methods, and the processor 5201 performs at least one of the other steps (e.g., steps S2101, S2102, but not limited thereto).

[0385] In some embodiments, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, transceiver, etc. can be replaced with each other.

[0386] In some embodiments, the chip 5200 further includes one or more memories 5203 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 5203 can be outside the chip 5200.

[0387] The disclosure also proposes a storage medium, and the storage medium stores instructions, and when the instructions run on the communication device 5100, the communication device 5100 performs any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer readable storage medium, but is not limited thereto, and it can also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium can be a non-transitory storage medium, but is not limited thereto, and it can also be a transitory storage medium.

[0388] The disclosure also proposes a program product, and when the program product is executed by the communication device 5100, the communication device 5100 performs any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0389] The disclosure also proposes a computer program, and when the computer program runs on a computer, the computer performs any of the above methods.

[0390] Other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the features disclosed herein. The disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptations of the disclosure following, in general, the principles of the disclosure and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which the disclosure pertains. The specification and examples are to be regarded as illustrative only, and the true scope and spirit of the disclosure are indicated by the following claims.

[0391] It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the precise construction that has been described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and that various modifications and changes can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

A communication method characterized by comprising: Applied to a terminal, the method comprises: Accessing a first network slice, the first network slice being used to meet an artificial intelligence (AI) service requirement of the terminal. The method of claim 1, wherein The method further comprises: Determining the first network slice according to the AI service requirement of the terminal. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The first network slice comprises at least one AI network slice. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The first network slice is determined according to an AI network slice allowed by a network device for the terminal to access. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that The AI network slice is identified by a single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) or a network slice selection assistance information (NSSAI), wherein a slice service type (SST) value in the S-NSSAI or the NSSAI is a standardized value; or the SST value in the S-NSSAI or the NSSAI is a non-standardized value. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The SST value in the S-NSSAI or the NSSAI comprises any one of the following: An SST value defined according to an AI capability sharing manner; An SST value defined according to an AI service type; An SST value defined according to an AI use case type; An SST value defined according to an AI resource type. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The AI capability sharing manner comprises at least one of the following: The terminal shares AI capability of the terminal with a network device; The network device shares AI capability of the network device with the terminal; The terminal shares AI capability with other terminals. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that The AI service type comprises at least one of the following: AI model training service; AI model inference service; AI model verification service; AI model data service. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that The AI use case type comprises at least one of the following: AI-based positioning use case; AI-based beam management use case. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that The AI resource type comprises at least one of the following: AI computing power resource; AI algorithm resource; AI data resource; AI connection resource. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that The method further comprises: Sending a first request to a network device, the first request being used for the terminal to request to access a second network slice, wherein the second network slice comprises an AI network slice requested by the terminal to access the network device. The method of claim 11, wherein The second network slice is determined for the terminal based on a third network slice; Wherein, the third network slice comprises an AI network slice configured by the network device for the terminal, and / or the third network slice comprises an AI network slice allowed by the network device for the terminal to access. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that The first network slice is determined by the network device based on the second network slice and a fourth network slice, and the fourth network slice comprises an AI network slice subscribed by the terminal to use. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receiving a fifth network slice sent by the network device, the fifth network slice comprising an AI network slice rejected by the network device for the terminal to access. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receiving a sixth network slice sent by the network device, the sixth network slice comprising a suspended AI network slice. The method of claim 15, wherein The sixth network slice comprises at least one of the following: An AI network slice suspended in a starting process; An AI network slice suspended in a process of ongoing authentication; An AI network slice suspended in a process of ongoing authorization. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that The method further comprises: receive a seventh network slice sent by the network device, the seventh network slice being used to replace the unavailable AI network slice. The method of claim 17, wherein The reason why the AI network slice is unavailable includes at least one of the following: The AI network slice itself is unavailable. The AI resource associated with the AI network slice is unavailable. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 18, characterized in that The AI network slice is associated with an AI resource and / or an AI configuration. The method of claim 19, wherein The AI resource is provided by at least one of the following: a network device, a server, and another terminal. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 20, characterized in that The AI network slice is associated with at least one of the following information: Applicable time information, which is used to indicate the valid time of the AI resource and / or the AI configuration associated with the AI network slice; Applicable location information, which is used to indicate the valid area of the AI resource and / or the AI configuration associated with the AI network slice; Access restriction information, which is used to indicate other network slices that can or cannot be accessed simultaneously with the AI network slice. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 21, characterized in that The AI network slice is associated with one or more network slice instances. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 22, characterized in that The terminal can simultaneously access multiple AI network slices, and the number of AI network slices that the terminal can simultaneously access is determined in at least one of the following ways: Protocol agreement; According to the AI capability of the terminal; According to the AI capability of the network device. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method applied to a network device comprises: configuring a first network slice for a terminal, the first network slice being used to meet the AI service requirement of the terminal. The method of claim 24, wherein The first network slice is determined for the terminal according to the AI service requirement of the terminal. The method according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that The first network slice includes at least one AI network slice. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that The first network slice is determined according to the AI network slice allowed by the network device for the terminal to access. The method according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that The AI network slice is identified by S-NSSAI or NSSAI, wherein the SST value in S-NSSAI or NSSAI is a standardized value; or the SST value in S-NSSAI or NSSAI is a non-standardized value. The method of claim 28, wherein The SST value in S-NSSAI or NSSAI includes any of the following: SST value defined according to AI capability sharing mode; SST value defined according to AI service type; SST value defined according to AI use case type; SST value defined according to AI resource type. The method of claim 29, wherein The AI capability sharing mode includes at least one of the following: The terminal shares the AI capability of the terminal with the network device; The network device shares the AI capability of the network device with the terminal; The AI capability is shared between the terminal and another terminal. The method according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that The AI service type includes at least one of the following: AI model training service; AI model inference service; AI model verification service; AI model data service. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that The AI use case type includes at least one of the following: AI-based positioning use case; AI-based beam management use case. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 32, characterized in that The AI resource type includes at least one of the following: AI computing power resource; AI algorithm resource; AI data resource; AI connection resource. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 33, characterized in that The configuration of the first network slice for the terminal comprises: receive a first request sent by the terminal, the first request being used for the terminal to request to access a second network slice, wherein the second network slice comprises an AI network slice requested by the terminal to access the network device; configure a first network slice for the terminal based on the first request. The method of claim 34, wherein The second network slice is determined by the network device based on a third network slice; The third network slice comprises an AI network slice configured by the network device for the terminal, and / or the third network slice comprises an AI network slice allowed by the network device for the terminal to access. The method according to claim 34 or 35, characterized in that The method further comprises: determine the first network slice based on a fourth network slice and a second network slice indicated by the first request; The fourth network slice comprises an AI network slice subscribed by the terminal. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 36, characterized in that The method further comprises: send a fifth network slice to the terminal, the fifth network slice comprising an AI network slice rejected by the network device for the terminal to access. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 37, characterized in that The method further comprises: send a sixth network slice to the terminal, the sixth network slice comprising a suspended AI network slice. The method of claim 38, wherein The sixth network slice comprises at least one of the following: a network slice suspended in a start-up process; a network slice suspended in a process of ongoing authentication; a network slice suspended in a process of ongoing authorization. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 39, characterized in that The method further comprises: send a seventh network slice to the terminal, the seventh network slice being used to replace an unavailable AI network slice. The method of claim 40, wherein The reason why the AI network slice is unavailable comprises at least one of the following: The AI network slice itself is unavailable. The AI resource associated with the AI network slice is unavailable. The method of any one of claims 26 to 41, wherein The AI network slice is associated with an AI resource and / or an AI configuration. The method of claim 42, wherein The AI resource is provided by at least one of the following: a network device, a server, and another terminal. The method of any one of claims 26 to 43, wherein The AI network slice is further associated with at least one of the following information: applicable time information, the applicable time information being used to indicate the valid time of the AI resource and / or the AI configuration associated with the AI network slice; applicable location information, the applicable location information being used to indicate the valid area of the AI resource and / or the AI configuration associated with the AI network slice; access restriction information, the access restriction information being used to indicate other network slices that can or cannot be accessed simultaneously with the AI network slice. The method of any one of claims 26 to 44, wherein The AI network slice is further associated with one or more network slice instances. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 45, characterized in that The terminal can simultaneously access multiple AI network slices, and the number of AI network slices that the terminal can simultaneously access is determined in at least one of the following ways: protocol agreement; determination according to AI capability of the terminal; determination according to AI capability of the network device. A terminal, characterized by comprising: comprise: a processing module configured to access a first network slice, the first network slice being used to meet AI service requirements of the terminal. A network device, characterized in that comprise: a processing module configured to configure a first network slice for the terminal, the first network slice being used to meet AI service requirements of the terminal. A terminal, characterized by comprising: comprise: one or more processors; The terminal is configured to perform the communication method of any one of claims 1-23. A network device, characterized in that comprise: one or more processors; The network device is configured to perform the communication method of any one of claims 24-46. A communication system characterized by The network device is configured to perform the communication method of any one of claims 24-46. A storage medium storing instructions, the instructions comprising: The instructions, when executed on the communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method of any one of claims 1-23 or 24-46.

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