Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and a communication apparatus, which relate to the technical field of communications. The method comprises: determining first information, which is used by an AIoT access network device to send second information to a first AIoT core network device; and sending a first message, which comprises the second information and the first information, wherein the second information comprises data and / or signaling related to an AIoT service. In the method provided in the present application, first information is used for making an AIoT access network device know to which AIoT core network device second information, which is sent by an AIoT device, is to be sent, thereby enabling the AIoT access network device to send the received second information to a related AIoT core network device.

Description

Communication method and communication apparatus

[0001] The present application claims priority to the Chinese patent application No. 202411336426.4, filed on September 23, 2024, and entitled "Communication method and communication apparatus", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0003] Ambient Internet of Things (AIoT) is an advanced Internet of Things technology that emphasizes integrating Internet of Things devices into the environment, making them part of the environment rather than independent entities. The goal of AIoT is to create a fully immersive environment where devices and sensors are almost invisible, but still provide rich information and services.

[0004] AIoT includes four topologies: the first structure is that AIoT devices and base stations communicate bidirectionally, the second structure is that AIoT devices and base stations communicate through intermediate nodes, the third structure is that AIoT devices send data or signaling to the base station and receive data or signaling from the auxiliary node, or AIoT devices receive data or signaling from the base station and send data or signaling to the auxiliary node, and the fourth structure is that AIoT devices and terminal devices communicate bidirectionally.

[0005] Among them, in the first topology, when the AIoT access network device connects multiple AIoT core network devices, the AIoT access network device cannot determine which AIoT core network device to send the information sent by the AIoT device to. SUMMARY

[0006] The present application provides a communication method and a communication apparatus, which can make the AIoT access network device send the received information to the related AIoT core network device.

[0007] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, which includes determining first information, the first information being used for the AIoT access network device to send second information to a first AIoT core network device; and sending a first message, the first message including the second information and the first information, the second information including AIoT service related data and / or signaling.

[0008] For example, the communication method can be implemented by an AIoT device, or by a module, unit, processor, circuit, chip or chip system included in the AIoT device.

[0009] The method provided in the application is used for enabling the AIoT access network device to know which AIoT core network device to send the second information sent by the AIoT device to, and therefore, after the AIoT device determines the first information, the AIoT device sends the first message to the AIoT access network device, the first message including the first information and the second information, thereby helping the AIoT access network device to send the received second information to the related AIoT core network device.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: first identification information, second identification information, third identification information, or fourth identification information; the first identification information is used for identifying the first AIoT core network device; the second identification information is used for identifying an operator; the third identification information is used for identifying an AIoT service; and the fourth identification information is used for identifying a server.

[0011] In the embodiments of the application, through the first identification information, the second identification information, the third identification information, and the fourth identification information, the AIoT access network device can know which AIoT core network device to send the second information sent by the AIoT device to.

[0012] It should be noted that the AIoT core network device can be an AMF, or a TMF, or an Ambient IoT Function (AIoTF) network element, an Ambient IoT Management Function (AIoTMF) network element, or other core network network elements / nodes / devices supporting / enabling AIoT, and the specific name is not limited.

[0013] For example, when the AIoT core network device is an AMF, the first identification information is used for identifying the identifier corresponding to the AMF; the second identification information is used for identifying the operator to which the AMF belongs; the third identification information is used for identifying the AIoT service corresponding to the AMF; and the fourth identification information is used for identifying the identifier of the server corresponding to the AMF.

[0014] For another example, when the AIoT core network device is a TMF, the first identification information is used for identifying the identifier corresponding to the TMF; the second identification information is used for identifying the operator to which the TMF belongs; the third identification information is used for identifying the AIoT service corresponding to the TMF; and the fourth identification information is used for identifying the identifier of the server corresponding to the TMF.

[0015] The embodiments of the application do not specifically limit the network element corresponding to the AIoT core network device.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first identification information comprises at least one of the following: a region identifier Region ID of the first AIoT core network device, a group identifier Group ID / Set ID of the first AIoT core network device, or a pointer identifier Pointer of the first AIoT core network device.

[0017] It should be noted that the first identification information can also include other identifiers, which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0018] In some embodiments, the third identification information comprises at least one of the following: a task identifier Task ID, a transaction identifier Transaction ID, a session identifier Session ID, or a service identifier Service ID.

[0019] It should be noted that the third identification information can also include other identifiers, which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0020] In some embodiments, the determining the first information comprises: receiving a third message, wherein the third message comprises the first information.

[0021] In this implementation manner, the AIoT device receives a third message, and the third message comprises the first information.

[0022] For example, the third message can be a paging message sent by the AIoT access network device.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first information can also be pre-configured by the AIoT device.

[0024] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, comprising: receiving a first message, wherein the first message comprises second information and first information, and the first message is used for the AIoT access network device to send the second information to a first core network device, and the second information comprises AIoT service related data and / or signaling; based on the first message, sending the second information to the first AIoT core network device.

[0025] For example, the communication method can be implemented by the AIoT access network device, or can be implemented by a module, unit, processor, circuit, chip or chip system included in the AIoT access network device.

[0026] The method provided in the application, the first information is used for enabling the AIoT access network device to know which AIoT core network device sends the second information sent by the AIoT device, the first message includes the first information and the second information, and therefore the AIoT access network device sends the received second information to the related AIoT core network device (the first AIoT core network device) after receiving the first message.

[0027] In some embodiments, before the receiving of the first message, the method further includes: receiving a fourth message sent by the AIoT core network device, the fourth message including the first information; and sending a third message to the AIoT device, the third message including the first information.

[0028] In this implementation manner, before the AIoT access network device receives the first message sent by the AIoT device, the AIoT access network device receives a fourth message (for example, the fourth message can be a service request message) sent by the AIoT core network device, the fourth message carrying the first information, and then the AIoT access network device sends a third message (for example, the third message can be a paging message) to the AIoT device, the third message carrying the first information, and the AIoT device sends the first message to the AIoT access network device after receiving the first information, the first message including the first information and the second information.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: first identification information, second identification information, third identification information or fourth identification information; the first identification information is used for identifying the first AIoT core network device; the second identification information is used for identifying an operator; the third identification information is used for identifying an AIoT service; and the fourth identification information is used for identifying a server.

[0030] In the embodiments of the application, through the first identification information, the second identification information, the third identification information and the fourth identification information, the AIoT access network device can know which AIoT core network device sends the second information sent by the AIoT device.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first identification information includes at least one of the following: a region identifier Region ID of the first AIoT core network device, a group identifier Group ID / Set ID of the first AIoT core network device, or a pointer identifier Pointer of the first AIoT core network device.

[0032] It should be noted that the first identification information can also include other identifiers, which are not limited in the embodiments of the application.

[0033] In some embodiments, the third identification information includes at least one of the following: Task ID, Transaction ID, Session ID, or Service ID.

[0034] It should be noted that the third identification information may also include other identifications, but this application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0035] In some embodiments, when the first information is third identification information, the method further includes: saving the third identification information; sending the second information to the first AIoT core network device includes: matching the third identification information with the first information in the first message; when the third identification information and the first information are successfully matched, sending the second information to the first AIoT core network device, wherein the first information corresponds to the service of the first AIoT core network device.

[0036] In this implementation, when the first information is the third identification information, and the third identification information is used to identify the AIoT service corresponding to the first AIoT core network device, the AIoT access network device saves the third identification information and then matches it with the first information in the first message. When the third identification information and the first information match successfully, it indicates that the service in the first information corresponds to the service of the first AIoT core network device.

[0037] In some embodiments, the fourth message includes at least one of the following: inventory service, location service, sensing service, or command service.

[0038] It should be noted that the fourth message may also include other business requests, but this application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0039] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, the method comprising: sending a first request message to a first network element, the first request message being used to request information from a first AIoT core network device, the first AIoT access network device being used to receive second information, the second information including data and / or signaling related to AIoT services; receiving a first message, the first message including information from the first AIoT core network device; and sending the second information to the first AIoT core network device based on the first message.

[0040] For example, the communication method can be implemented by an AIoT access network device, or by modules, units, processors, circuits, chips or chip systems included in the AIoT access network device.

[0041] The method provided in the application, when the AIoT access network device receives the second information sent by the AIoT device, the AIoT access network device does not know which AIoT core network device to send the second information to, therefore, the AIoT access network device sends first request information to the first network element, for requesting information of the first AIoT core network device related to the second information, and finally receives first information sent by the first network element, the first information being used for the AIoT access network device to send the second information to the first AIoT core network device; the first information includes information of the first AIoT core network device.

[0042] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: first identification information, second identification information, third identification information, or fourth identification information; the first identification information is used for identifying the first AIoT core network device; the second identification information is used for identifying an operator; the third identification information is used for identifying an AIoT service; and the fourth identification information is used for identifying a server.

[0043] In the embodiments of the application, through the first identification information, the second identification information, the third identification information, and the fourth identification information, the AIoT access network device can know which AIoT core network device to send the second information sent by the AIoT device to.

[0044] In some embodiments, the first identification information includes at least one of the following: a region identifier RegionID of the first AIoT core network device, a group identifier Group ID / Set ID of the first AIoT core network device, or a specific identifier Pointer of the first AIoT core network device.

[0045] It should be noted that the first identification information can also include other identifiers, which are not limited in the embodiments of the application.

[0046] In some embodiments, the third identification information includes at least one of the following: a task identifier Task ID, a service identifier Transaction ID, a session identifier Session ID, or a service identifier Service ID.

[0047] It should be noted that the third identification information can also include other identifiers, which are not limited in the embodiments of the application.

[0048] In a fourth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which comprises: means (for example, comprising a processing means and a communication means) for performing the steps of the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect above; or means for performing the steps of the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect above; or means for performing the steps of the method in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect above. For example, the communication apparatus can be or can comprise the AIoT device, or the communication apparatus can be or can comprise the AIoT access network device.

[0049] In a fifth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which comprises at least one processor configured to perform: the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect above, or the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect above, or the method in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect above.

[0050] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus can further comprise a memory configured to store a computer program, and the at least one processor is configured to perform the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect above, or the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect above, or the method in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect above by executing the computer program stored in the memory. Optionally, the processor and the memory can be integrated together.

[0051] In a possible implementation, the at least one processor is configured to perform the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect above, or the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect above, or the method in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect above by logic circuitry or processing circuitry.

[0052] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus can further comprise interface circuitry configured to perform specific signal transceiving. For example, the communication apparatus can be or can comprise a component (chip, chip system, or processor) of a terminal, or can be or can comprise a logic module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the terminal.

[0053] For another example, the communication apparatus can be or can comprise a component (chip, chip system, or processor) of a network device, or can be or can comprise a logic node, logic module, or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the network device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0054] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an application framework involving RIC modules under an O-RAN architecture.

[0055] FIG. 2 shows an example diagram of an O-RAN system.

[0056] FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a network architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0057] FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a topology 1 architecture protocol stack.

[0058] FIG. 5 shows a schematic interaction diagram of an example communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0059] FIG. 6 shows a schematic interaction diagram of another example communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0060] FIG. 7 shows a schematic interaction diagram of another example communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0061] FIG. 8 shows a schematic block diagram of a communication apparatus provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0062] FIG. 9 shows a schematic block diagram of another communication apparatus provided by an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0064] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, “ / ” represents a “or” relationship between the objects associated in front and back, for example, A / B can represent A or B; “and / or” in the embodiments of the present application is only a description of the association relationship between the associated objects, which means that there can be three kinds of relationships, for example, A and / or B, which can represent: A alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. And in the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, “multiple” means two or more than two. “At least one of the following” or similar expressions means any combination of these items, including any combination of single item (s) or multiple items (s). For example, at least one of a, b, or c, can represent: a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, or a-b-c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. In addition, in order to clearly describe the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, the same items or similar items with basically the same function and role are distinguished by using “first”, “second”, etc. The skilled in the art can understand that “first”, “second”, etc. do not limit the quantity and execution order, and “first”, “second”, etc. also do not limit the difference.

[0065] In each of the method embodiments of the embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial number does not mean the order of execution, and the order of execution should be determined according to its function and inherent logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0066] It can be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, "in the case of", "if", "when", "if" and the like can be used instead. And these descriptions all mean that under certain objective circumstances, the corresponding processing will be done, not limited by time, and also does not require judgment action when implemented, nor does it mean that there are other limitations.

[0067] It can be understood that some optional features in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented independently in some scenarios without relying on other features, such as the scheme currently based on, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Also, in some scenarios, it can be combined with other features according to the needs. Correspondingly, the devices given in the embodiments of the present application can also realize these features or functions, which will not be described here.

[0068] In the embodiments of the present application, the same or similar parts of each embodiment can be mutually referenced unless otherwise specified. In the embodiments of the present application and each implementation / implementation method / realization method in each embodiment, if there is no special specification and no logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions of different embodiments and each implementation / implementation method / realization method in each embodiment are consistent and can be mutually referenced. The technical features of different embodiments and each implementation / implementation method / realization method in each embodiment can be combined to form new embodiments, implementations, implementation methods, or realization methods according to their inherent logical relationship. The implementation of the present application described below does not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the present application.

[0069] The AIoT device in the embodiments of the present application can also be referred to as a terminal device, and the terminal device can be specifically an AIoT function, and the terminal device can also be referred to as a user equipment (user equipment, UE), an access terminal, a user unit, a user station, a mobile station, a mobile station (mobile station, MS), a mobile terminal (mobile terminal, MT), a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a user terminal, a terminal, a wireless core network network element, a user agent, a user device or a terminal device. The terminal device in the embodiments of the present application can refer to a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user, and can be used to connect people, things and machines, such as handheld devices with wireless connection functions, vehicle-mounted devices, etc. The terminal device in the embodiments of the present application can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a palm computer, a mobile internet device (mobile internet device, MID), a wearable device, a virtual reality (virtual reality, VR) device, an augmented reality (augmented reality, AR) device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal in smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in smart city, a wireless terminal in smart home, etc. Optionally, the terminal device can be used to act as a base station. For example, the terminal device can act as a scheduling entity, which provides sidelink signals between terminal devices in vehicle-to-everything (vehicle-to-everything, V2X) or device to device (device to device, D2D), etc. For example, a cellular phone and a car communicate with each other using sidelink signals. The cellular phone and the smart home device communicate with each other without relaying the communication signals through the base station.

[0070] The AIoT access network device in the embodiments of this application can be an access device through which a terminal accesses the network architecture by a wireless manner, and is mainly responsible for wireless resource management, quality of service (QoS) management, data compression and encryption and the like on the air interface side. The access network device can also be referred to as a radio access network (RAN) device, for example, the access network device can be a base station. The base station can broadly cover various names in the following or replace the following names, such as: Node B (NodeB), evolved Node B (eNB), next generation Node B (gNB), relay station, access point, transmitting and receiving point (TRP), transmitting point (TP), master eNB (MeNB), secondary eNB (SeNB), multi-standard radio (MSR) node, home base station, network controller, access node, wireless node, access point (AP), transmission node, transceiver node, baseband unit (BBU), remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), remote radio head (RRH), central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), positioning node, etc. The base station can be a macro base station, a micro base station, a relay node, a donor node or the like, or a combination thereof. The base station can also refer to a communication module, modem or chip used in the aforementioned device or apparatus. The base station can also be a mobile switching center and a device assuming the function of a base station in D2D, V2X, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, a device assuming the function of a base station in a future communication system, etc. The base station can support networks of the same or different access technologies. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the access network device.

[0071] The base station can be fixed or mobile. For example, a helicopter or a drone can be configured to act as a mobile base station, and one or more cells can move according to the location of the mobile base station. In other examples, the helicopter or the drone can be configured to serve as a device communicating with another base station.

[0072] In some deployments, the access network device in the embodiments of the present application can refer to a CU or a DU, or the access network device includes a CU and a DU. The gNB can also include an AAU.

[0073] The AIoT core network element in the embodiments of the present application can include a user plane function (UPF) network element, an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, a session management function (SMF) network element, a policy control function (PCF) network element, a network slice selection function (NSSF) network element, an authentication server function (AUSF) network element, a unified data management (UDM) network element, a NEF network element, a NRF network element, a network slice-specific authentication and authorization function (NSSAAF) network element, a network slice admission control function (NSACF) network element, an edge application server discovery function (EASDF) network element, a service communication proxy (SCP) network element, a charging function (CHF) network element, and a location management function (LMF) network element. Among them, the UPF network element is mainly responsible for the transmission of user data, and other network elements can be referred to as control plane function network elements, which are mainly responsible for authentication, authorization, registration management, session management, mobility management, and policy control, etc. to ensure reliable and stable transmission of user data.

[0074] Before introducing the communication method provided by the present application, the related background art is first specifically described.

[0075] 1. Passive radio frequency identification (RFID).

[0076] An RFID system includes a reader and a tag device. The reader reads information in the tag device or writes information to be stored in the tag device. The reader and the tag device perform non-contact data communication. The tag device has a simple function and needs to rely on the excitation of the reader to send information, that is, the tag device converts the wireless signal transmitted by the reader into energy to drive itself to work. The tag supports micro-watt or hundred-micro-watt power consumption and cannot support complex design.

[0077] If the RFID is applied to a communication system, for example, applied to a 5G system, the base station can serve as the reader to implement the function of the reader. Currently, the RFID technology can be used to identify targets.

[0078] 2. Ambient Internet of Things (AIoT) technology.

[0079] With the development of communication technology, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) defines the AIoT technology.

[0080] The AIoT in the AIoT technology includes network devices and first-type terminal devices, or in other words, the communication system based on the AIoT includes network devices and first-type terminal devices. The first-type terminal device can be a device with the function of the AIoT terminal device. In this case, the reader and the AIoT terminal device can be implemented based on the infrastructure in the cellular network. In other words, the reader and the AIoT terminal device can be devices in the cellular network. For example, the function of the reader can be implemented by a network device, such as a base station. The AIoT terminal device can be implemented by a terminal in the cellular network, such as an extremely low power consumption, extremely low complexity Internet of Things terminal, i.e., a first-type terminal. The network device and the first-type terminal device can perform non-contact data communication, so as to read information from the first-type terminal device and / or write information to be stored in the first-type terminal device. The AIoT technology can be used to implement one or more of the following services: inventory, positioning, sensing, and command. For the application range, the AIoT technology can be applied to scenarios such as logistics, warehousing, industrial manufacturing, identity recognition, or environmental monitoring.

[0081] In the inventory business, the AIoT device in the coverage is written by the reader, and the successfully accessed device needs to send its own unique identifier to the reader. The inventory business can also be referred to as an inventory operation, which can obtain the identification information of the tag. For example, the reader can obtain the identification information of the tag by using the query, confirmation and other commands. In order to facilitate the inventory of the tag, the tag includes a total of four session identifiers, and each session identifier corresponds to two inventory states: A and B. The inventory state is indicated by an inventory flag (sessInventoried flag). When the reader selects a tag, the select command sent to the tag carries a session identifier, and the tag stores the session identifier. When the reader performs the inventory business on the tag, the query command sent to the tag includes the session identifier, and at this time the tag can flip the inventory state corresponding to the session identifier from A to B. If the reader sends the query command again to perform the inventory business, since the inventory state in the tag is B, the tag will not respond to the reader, thereby avoiding that the same tag is inventoried multiple times in one inventory cycle.

[0082] The positioning business is to use some positioning signals to position the location of the tag.

[0083] The sensing business is that the tag reports sensing data such as temperature data to the base station.

[0084] The command business can include at least one of a read business, a write business or a business in a lock process:

[0085] The read business can read the electronic product code (EPC) of the tag, the tag identifier (TID), the content stored in the reserved area of the tag or the content stored in the user storage area.

[0086] The write business can perform a write operation on the storage area of the tag, that is, the BS sends a downlink instruction and data to instruct the tag to write the data into its own memory.

[0087] The kill business can make the tag never work.

[0088] The lock business can lock the information of the tag, and can prevent the read business or the write business on the tag. Alternatively, the lock business can also lock the storage area, and can prevent or allow the read business or the write business on the storage area.

[0089] The above is just an example, and other businesses or operations can be performed between the tag and the reader, which will not be illustrated one by one here.

[0090] The terminal devices in AIoT can be divided into three categories: Device A, Device B, and Device C.

[0091] Device A (similar to passive tag): no energy storage, cannot independently generate signals, and uses backscatter to transmit signals.

[0092] Device B (similar to semi-passive tag): has energy storage, but cannot independently generate signals, uses backscatter to transmit signals, and the stored energy can amplify the reflected signal.

[0093] Device C (similar to active tag): has energy storage, can independently generate signals, and has active RF elements for transmission.

[0094] For device A (passive tag / device) and B (semi-passive tag / device), the tag needs to obtain a carrier signal from the outside for backscatter communication.

[0095] For device C (active tag / device), a carrier can be generated actively, so it does not need to rely on external devices / nodes for active communication.

[0096] In addition, RAN1#116 further defines the following three categories of AIoT devices: Device 1, Device 2a, and Device 2b.

[0097] Device 1 (Device 1): ~1μW peak power consumption, with energy storage function, initial sampling frequency offset (SFO) up to 10X ppm, and cannot amplify DL and UL signals. It needs to obtain a carrier signal from the outside for backscatter communication to perform uplink transmission.

[0098] Device 2a (Device 2a): peak power consumption less than or equal to several hundred μW, with energy storage function, initial sampling frequency offset (SFO) up to 10X ppm, and can amplify DL and / or UL signals. It needs to obtain a carrier signal from the outside for backscatter communication to perform uplink transmission.

[0099] Device 2b (Device 2b): Peak power consumption is less than or equal to a few hundred μW, has energy storage function, initial sampling frequency offset (SFO) reaches 10X ppm, and can amplify DL and / or UL signals. The device can perform uplink transmission without relying on externally provided carriers.

[0100] For Device 1 (Device 1) and Device 2a (Device 2a), the tag needs to obtain a carrier signal from the outside for backscattering communication;

[0101] For Device 2b (Device 2b), the carrier can be generated by itself, so it can actively communicate without relying on external devices / nodes.

[0102] 3. RIC and AI architecture in O-RAN.

[0103] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an application framework involving a RIC module under the O-RAN architecture. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system includes a RAN intelligent controller (RIC). The RIC includes a near-real time RIC (near-RT RIC) and a non-real time RIC (Non-RT RIC).

[0104] The near-real time RIC is used for model training and inference. For example, it is used for training an AI model and performing inference using the AI model. The near-real time RIC can obtain network side and / or terminal side information from RAN nodes (such as CUs, CU-CPs, CU-UPs, DUs, and / or RUs) and / or terminals. This information can be used as training data or inference data. Optionally, the near-real time RIC can deliver inference results to RAN nodes and / or terminals. Optionally, the inference results can be exchanged between CUs and DUs, and / or between DUs and RUs. For example, the near-real time RIC delivers inference results to a DU, which then sends them to an RU.

[0105] The non-real time RIC is used for model training and inference. For example, it is used for training an AI model and performing inference using the model. The non-real time RIC can obtain network side and / or terminal side information from RAN nodes (such as CUs, CU-CPs, CU-UPs, DUs, and / or RUs) and / or terminals. This information can be used as training data or inference data, and the inference results can be delivered to RAN nodes and / or terminals. Optionally, the inference results can be exchanged between CUs and DUs, and / or between DUs and RUs. For example, the non-real time RIC delivers inference results to a DU, which then sends them to an RU.

[0106] Further, the near real-time RIC and the non-real-time RIC can be separately configured as a network element. Alternatively, the near real-time RIC and the non-real-time RIC can be part of other devices, for example, the near real-time RIC is configured in the RAN node (e.g., in the CU, DU), and the non-real-time RIC is configured in the OAM, in the cloud server, in the core network device, or in other network devices.

[0107] The network elements in the communication system are connected through interfaces (e.g., NG, Xn) or air interfaces. One or more AI modules (only one is shown in the figure for clarity) are configured in one or more of the network element nodes, such as the core network device, the access network node (RAN node), the terminal, or the OAM. The access network node can be a single RAN node or can include multiple RAN nodes, such as the CU and the DU. The CU and / or the DU can also be configured with one or more AI modules. Alternatively, the CU can be further split into a CU-CP and a CU-UP. One or more AI modules are configured in the CU-CP and / or the CU-UP.

[0108] The AI module is used to implement the corresponding AI function. The AI modules deployed in different network elements can be the same or different. The AI module can implement different functions according to different parameter configurations of the model of the AI module. The model of the AI module can be configured based on one or more of the following parameters: structural parameters (such as at least one of the number of neural network layers, the width of the neural network, the connection relationship between layers, the weight of neurons, the activation function of neurons, or the bias in the activation function), input parameters (such as the type of input parameters and / or the dimension of input parameters), or output parameters (such as the type of output parameters and / or the dimension of output parameters). The bias in the activation function can also be referred to as the bias of the neural network.

[0109] One AI module can have one or more models. One model can infer an output including one parameter or multiple parameters. The learning process, the training process, or the inference process of different models can be deployed in different nodes or devices, or can be deployed in the same node or device.

[0110] 4. CU, DU, and RU architecture in O-RAN.

[0111] Figure 2 shows an example diagram of an O-RAN system, as shown in Figure 2, the O-RAN system can include other components than the components shown in the figure. As shown, an access network device (RAN, which can be an eNB or gNB or next generation access network device, for example) communicates with a core network (CN) through a backhaul link and communicates with a user equipment (UE) through an air interface.

[0112] In some examples, the CU is a logical node that carries a radio resource control (RRC) layer, a service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, and other control functions of the access network device. The CU is connected to network nodes such as a core network through some interfaces, which can be an E2 interface or the like. Optionally, the CU can have part of the functions of the core network. The CU (e.g., the PDCP layer and higher layers) is connected to the DU (e.g., the RLC layer and lower layers) through some interfaces, which can be an Fl interface or the like. In some examples, these interfaces (e.g., the Fl interface) can provide control plane (C-Plane) and user plane (U-Plane) functions (e.g., interface management, system information management, UE context management, RRC message transmission, etc.). The FlAP is an application protocol of the Fl interface, which defines the signaling procedures of the Fl in some examples. The Fl interface supports a control plane Fl-C and a user plane Fl-U.

[0113] In some examples, the CU can be split into a CU-CP (Control Unit-Control Plane) and a CU-UP (Control Unit-User Plane), where the CU-CP is a logical node carrying the RRC layer and the PDCP-C (Control plane part of PDCP) layer, used to implement the control plane function of the CU. The CU-CP can interact with a network element in the core network used to implement the control plane function. The network element in the core network used to implement the control plane function can be an access and mobility function network element, such as an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in a 5G system. The AMF network element is used to be responsible for mobility management in a mobile network, such as location updating of a terminal device, registration of the terminal device to a network, handover of the terminal device, and the like. The CU-UP is a logical node carrying the SDAP layer and the PDCP-U (User plane part of PDCP) layer, used to implement the user plane function of the CU. The CU-UP can interact with a network element in the core network used to implement the user plane function. The network element in the core network used to implement the user plane function, for example, a User Plane Function (UPF) in a 5G system, is used to be responsible for forwarding and receiving data in a terminal device. The above configuration of the CU and the DU is merely an example, and the CU and the DU can be configured to have functions as needed. For example, the CU or the DU can be configured to have functions of more protocol layers, or the CU or the DU can be configured to have partial processing functions of protocol layers. For example, partial functions of the RLC layer and functions of protocol layers above the RLC layer are arranged in the CU, and the remaining functions of the RLC layer and functions of protocol layers below the RLC layer are arranged in the DU. For another example, the functions of the CU or the DU can be divided according to a service type or other system requirements, for example, according to a delay requirement. Functions that need to meet a relatively low delay requirement in processing time are arranged in the DU, and functions that do not need to meet the delay requirement are arranged in the CU.

[0114] In some examples, a DU is a logical node that hosts radio link control (RLC) layer, medium access control (MAC) layer, higher physical layer (Higher PHY) layer, and other functions. In some examples, a DU can control at least one RU. The DU is connected with the RUs through some interfaces, which can be a fronthaul interface. In some examples, the Higher PHY layer includes parts of PHY layer processing, such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation and demodulation, etc.

[0115] In some examples, an RU is a logical node that hosts lower physical layer (Lower PHY) and radio frequency (RF) processing. In some examples, an RU can be a 3GPP transmission reception point (TRP) or a remote radio head (RRH) or other similar functional entity. In some examples, the Low-PHY includes parts of PHY processing, such as fast Fourier transform (FFT), inverse fast Fourier transformation (IFFT), digital beamforming and filtering, etc. An RU communicates with one or more UEs through a wireless link.

[0116] The DU and the RU can be co-located or not co-located. The DU and the RU exchange control plane information and user plane information via a Lower-Layer Split CUS-Plane (LLS-CUS) interface through a fronthaul link. The LLS-CUS can include a LLS-C interface and a LLS-U interface that provide a control plane (C-Plane) and a user plane (U-Plane), respectively. In some examples, the control plane (C-Plane) refers to real-time control between the DU and the RU. The DU and the RU exchange management information via a LLS-M interface of the fronthaul link, and the management plane (M-Plane) refers to non-real-time management operations between the DU and the RU.

[0117] The DU and the RU can cooperate to jointly implement the functions of the PHY layer. One DU can be connected with one or more RUs. The functions of the DU and the RU can be configured in multiple ways according to design. For example, the DU is configured to implement baseband functions, and the RU is configured to implement radio frequency functions. For another example, the DU is configured to implement high-layer functions in the PHY layer, and the RU is configured to implement low-layer functions in the PHY layer or implement the low-layer functions and radio frequency functions. The high-layer functions in the PHY layer can include a part of functions of the PHY layer that are closer to the MAC layer, and the low-layer functions in the PHY layer can include another part of functions of the PHY layer that are closer to the radio frequency side.

[0118] First, the network architecture diagram involved in the present application is explained, and FIG. 3 shows a network architecture diagram provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in (a) of FIG. 3, it is a first kind of topology architecture, and bidirectional communication exists between AIoT devices and network devices. The communication between the network devices and the AIoT devices includes environmental Internet of Things data and / or signaling. In this architecture, there are network devices that send signaling to AIoT devices and network devices that receive signaling from AIoT devices, that is, there is uplink / downlink data / signaling transmission between the network devices and the AIoT devices.

[0119] As shown in (b) of FIG. 3, it is a second kind of topology architecture, and bidirectional communication exists between AIoT devices and network devices through intermediate nodes. In this structure, the intermediate nodes can be relays, IAB nodes, terminal devices, and other devices that can implement environmental Internet of Things. The intermediate nodes transmit AIoT data and / or signaling between the network devices and the AIoT devices.

[0120] As shown in (c) of FIG. 3, it is a third kind of topology architecture, and AIoT devices send downlink data or signaling to base stations and receive data or signaling from auxiliary nodes;

[0121] Or, as shown in (d) of FIG. 3, it is a fourth kind of topology architecture, and AIoT devices receive data or signaling from network devices and send data or signaling to auxiliary nodes. In this architecture, the auxiliary nodes can be relays, IABs, UEs, relays, and other devices that can implement Internet of Things.

[0122] As shown in (e) of FIG. 3, AIoT devices and terminal devices perform bidirectional communication. The communication between the AIoT devices and the terminal devices includes environmental Internet of Things data and / or signaling.

[0123] In the architecture shown in (a) of FIG. 3, when the AIoT access network device is connected with multiple AIoT core network devices, the AIoT access network device cannot determine which AIoT core network device to report the data sent by the AIoT device.

[0124] For example, FIG. 4 shows a first topology architecture protocol stack diagram. As shown in FIG. 4, there is an Upper Layer between the AIoT device and the AIoT core network device, the Upper Layer is used to transmit AIoT data or signaling, and the data sent by the AIoT device is included in the Upper Layer. The AIoT access network device is used to forward the data or signaling sent by the AIoT device.

[0125] It should be understood that the Upper Layer can be a NAS layer.

[0126] It should be noted that FIG. 4 is an example of the first topology architecture protocol stack, and of course the first topology architecture has other protocol stacks, which are not limited by the embodiments of the present application.

[0127] In summary, when the AIoT access network device is connected to multiple AIoT core network devices, how the AIoT access network device sends the data sent by the AIoT device to the corresponding AIoT core network device is a problem that needs to be solved at present.

[0128] It should be noted that under the 5G architecture, the next generation radio access network (NG-RAN) supports the non-access layer node selection function (NNSF), and when the NG-RAN is directly connected to multiple access and mobility management functions (AMF), the NG-RAN determines which AMF the terminal device sends uplink data to according to the 5G subscription temporary mobile subscriber identity (5G-S-TMSI) assigned by the AMF to the identity identifier of the terminal device in the 5G network.

[0129] It should be understood that the NNSF is responsible for selecting a suitable network node (such as an eNodeB or a gNodeB) for the terminal device to access according to certain rules and strategies. The main purpose of the NNSF is to optimize the use of network resources and determine the best quality of service that the terminal device can obtain.

[0130] It should also be understood that the 5G-S-TMSI is an identity identifier used in 5G networks to temporarily identify users. It is a temporary identity assigned to users by the network, mainly used to protect the user's permanent identity (international mobile subscriber identity, IMSI) from being leaked, because the IMSI is easily captured by monitors when transmitted on the wireless interface. The 5G-S-TMSI is usually assigned by the AMF and stored in the terminal device and the network. When the terminal device initiates a call or data request, it will use the 5G-S-TMSI instead of the IMSI to identify itself, so even if it is intercepted on the wireless interface, the attacker cannot immediately obtain the user's permanent identity information. When the IMSI needs to be used, the network can map the 5G-S-TMSI back to the corresponding IMSI by querying the database. The 5G-S-TMSI is part of the 5G network security measures, aiming to enhance user privacy and data protection.

[0131] In view of this, the present application provides a communication method, which comprises: determining first information, the first information being used for an AIoT access network device to send second information to a first AIoT core network device; and sending a first message, the first message comprising the second information and the first information, the second information comprising AIoT service related data and / or signaling. In the method provided by the present application, the first information is used to enable the AIoT access network device to know which AIoT core network device to send the second information sent by the AIoT device to, thereby helping the AIoT access network device to send the received second information to the related AIoT core network device.

[0132] The communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below.

[0133] The communication method provided by an example of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 shows a schematic interaction diagram of the communication method provided by an example of the present application. The method can be applied in the architecture shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, and of course can also be applied in other network architectures. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 5, the method 500 shown in FIG. 5 can comprise S510 to S530. The steps in the method 500 will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 5.

[0135] S510, the AIoT device determines first information, the first information being used for an AIoT access network device to send second information to a first AIoT core network device.

[0136] It should be understood that the AIoT device needs to send the second information to the AIoT core network device through the AIoT access network device. The second information comprises AIoT service related data and / or signaling.

[0137] It should be noted that the second information can be device-originated autonomous.

[0138] However, when the AIoT access network device is connected with the plurality of AIoT core network devices, the AIoT access network device cannot know which AIoT core network device to send the second information sent by the AIoT device to.

[0139] The first information determined by the AIoT device in step S510 is used for the AIoT access network device to send the second information to a first AIoT core network device in the plurality of AIoT core network devices.

[0140] In some possible implementation manners, the first information includes at least one of the following: first identification information, second identification information, third identification information, or fourth identification information.

[0141] The first identification information is used for identifying the first AIoT core network device; the second identification information is used for identifying an operator; the third identification information is used for identifying a service; and the fourth identification information is used for identifying a server.

[0142] In the embodiment of the present application, the first AIoT core network device can be identified based on the first identification information, the second identification information, the third identification information, or the fourth identification information, so that the AIoT access network device sends the second information to the first AIoT core network device.

[0143] Optionally, the first identification information includes at least one of the following: a first AIoT core network device region identifier Region ID, a first AIoT core network device group identifier Group ID / Set ID, or a first AIoT core network device pointer identifier Pointer.

[0144] It should be noted that the first AIoT core network device region identifier Region ID is used for identifying a region responsible by the first AIoT core network device.

[0145] The first AIoT core network device group identifier Group ID / Set ID refers to a group of first AIoT core network devices in an AIoT core network device region.

[0146] The first AIoT core network device pointer identifier Pointer refers to one or more first AIoT core network devices in an AIoT core network device group.

[0147] Of course, the first identification information can also be other information used for identifying the first AIoT core network device, and the embodiment of the present application does not make specific limitation thereto.

[0148] Optionally, the second identification information can be a public land mobile network identifier (PLMN ID). The PLMN ID is used in a mobile communication network to identify a specific mobile network operator. The PLMN ID consists of two parts: a mobile country code (MCC) and a mobile network code (MNC). The role of the PLMN ID is to help the AIoT device to identify the location and the network used at present.

[0149] Optionally, the third identification information includes at least one of the following: a task identifier Task ID, a transaction identifier Transaction ID, a session identifier Session ID, or a service identifier Service ID.

[0150] It should be noted that the third identification information can also include other identifiers, which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0151] Optionally, the fourth identification information can be a server ID.

[0152] For example, the AIoT access network device pre-stores the server ID corresponding to each AIoT core network device, and the server ID can be associated with the related first AIoT core network device.

[0153] It should be understood that the correspondence between each AIoT core network device and the server ID pre-stored in the AIoT access network device can be sent by the AIoT device to the AIoT access network device, or can be sent by the AIoT core network device.

[0154] It should be noted that the AIoT core network device can be an AMF, or a tag management function (TMF), or an Ambient IoT Function (AIoTF) network element, an Ambient IoT Management Function (AIoTMF) network element, or other core network network elements / nodes / devices supporting / enabling AIoT, and the specific name is not limited.

[0155] For example, when the AIoT core network device is an AMF, the first identification information is used to identify an identity corresponding to the AMF, the second identification information is used to identify an operator to which the AMF belongs, the third identification information is used to identify an AIoT service corresponding to the AMF, and the fourth identification information is used to identify an identity of a server corresponding to the AMF.

[0156] For another example, when the AIoT core network device is a TMF, the first identification information is used to identify an identity corresponding to the TMF, the second identification information is used to identify an operator to which the TMF belongs, the third identification information is used to identify an AIoT service corresponding to the TMF, and the fourth identification information is used to identify an identity of a server corresponding to the TMF.

[0157] The AIoT core network device corresponding to the AIoT core network device is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0158] In step S520, the AIoT device determines the first information and sends a first message including the second information and the first information to the AIoT access network device.

[0159] In step S520, the AIoT device determines the first information and sends a first message including the second information and the first information to the AIoT access network device.

[0160] It should be understood that the second information mainly includes AIoT service related data and / or signaling.

[0161] For example, when the AIoT service is an inventory service, the second information is an identity of the AIoT device. Of course, the AIoT service can also be other services, such as a positioning service, a sensing service, or a command, and thus the specific content of the second information is related to the AIoT service, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit the same.

[0162] In step S530, the AIoT access network device receives the first message, obtains the first information in the first message, and then sends the second information to the first AIoT core network device based on the first information.

[0163] In step S530, the AIoT access network device receives the first message, obtains the first information in the first message, and then sends the second information to the first AIoT core network device based on the first information.

[0164] For example, when the first information is the second identification information, the AIoT access network device sends the second information to the first AIoT core network device according to the PLMN ID to which the PLMN ID belongs.

[0165] When the first information is the third identification information, the AIoT access network device sends the second information to the first AIoT core network device according to the service corresponding to the first AIoT core network device.

[0166] It should be noted that the AIoT core network device mentioned above can be an AMF or a tag management function (TMF). Alternatively, the TMF can also be replaced with a network element with an AIoT function, a network element with an AIoT management function, or other core network network elements / nodes / devices supporting / enabling AIoT, and the embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations thereto.

[0167] For example, when the AIoT core network device is an AMF, the interface between the AIoT core network device and the AIoT access network device is an N2 interface, and the information exchanged between the two is included in an NGAP msg.

[0168] For another example, when the AIoT core network device is a TMF, a network element with an AIoT function, a network element with an AIoT management function, or other core network network elements / nodes / devices supporting AIoT, the interface between the AIoT core network device and the AIoT access network device is a first interface.

[0169] Specifically, the first interface can be an NG interface, and the information exchanged on the first interface is included in an NGAP msg.

[0170] The first interface can also be an interface defined between the AIoT access network device and the AIoT core network device, and the information exchanged on the first interface is included in an XXAP msg. The XXAP can be an NGAP, a simplified version of the NGAP, or an application protocol defined for the first interface, used to provide signaling services between the AIoT access network device node and the AIoT core network device.

[0171] The embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations on the interface between the AIoT access network device and the AIoT core network device.

[0172] It should also be noted that after the DU in the AIoT access network device receives the first message, the DU sends the first message to the CU in the AIoT access network device through an F1AP interface, and then the CU sends the second information to the first AIoT core network device.

[0173] The method provided by the embodiments of the present application is used to enable the AIoT access network device to know which AIoT core network device to send the second information sent by the AIoT device to, so that the AIoT device determines the first information and sends the first message to the AIoT access network device, and the first message includes the first information and the second information, thereby helping the AIoT access network device to send the received second information to the related AIoT core network device.

[0174] In the method 500, the AIoT device determines the first information in two manners. In the first manner, the AIoT device can be preconfigured with the first information. In the second manner, the AIoT device can receive a third message sent by the AIoT access network device, and the third message includes the first information. The determination of the first information by the AIoT device is described below in detail with reference to FIG. 6.

[0175] FIG. 6 shows a schematic interaction diagram of another example communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application, which can be applied in the architecture shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, and of course can be applied in other network architectures, which are not limited herein by the embodiments of the present application.

[0176] As shown in FIG. 6, the method 600 shown in FIG. 6 can include S610 to S640. The steps in the method 600 are described in detail below with reference to FIG. 6.

[0177] S610. The at least one AIoT core network device respectively sends a fourth message to the AIoT access network device, and the fourth message includes the first information.

[0178] In some possible implementation manners, the fourth message in step S610 can include an inventory request message, a positioning service request message, a sensing service request message, or a command message.

[0179] The command message can include a read service, a write service, a lock service, and a disable message, and the disable message includes temporary disable or permanent disable.

[0180] It should be noted that the fourth message can also be other messages, which are not limited herein by the embodiments of the present application.

[0181] It should be further noted that the fourth message further includes an AIoT device identifier, which is used to identify one / group or all AIoT devices. For example, the AIoT device identifier can be a mask or a group ID, and the specific form of the AIoT device identifier is not limited herein by the embodiments of the present application.

[0182] For example, when the fourth message is an inventory request message, the fourth message is used to request the identifier of the AIoT device, and the fourth message includes the first information.

[0183] It should be further noted that the AIoT access network device is connected to the plurality of AIoT core network devices, and thus the plurality of core network devices send the fourth message to the AIoT device through the AIoT access network device.

[0184] It should be understood that the at least one AIoT core network device can be understood as the plurality of AIoT core network devices, and when there is at least one AIoT core network device, there is at least one fourth message.

[0185] The AIoT access network device saves the first information in the fourth message, S620a.

[0186] When the first information in step S710 is the third identification information, the AIoT access network device can save the first information in the fourth message, so as to facilitate the AIoT device to match when sending the first information.

[0187] It should be noted that step S720a is an optional step, that is, when the first message is the third identification information, the AIoT access network device can execute this step. When the first message is the first identification information, the second identification information or the fourth identification information, the AIoT access network device can not execute this step.

[0188] The AIoT access network device sends the third message including the first information to at least one AIoT device, S620b.

[0189] When the AIoT access network device receives the fourth message sent by the plurality of AIoT core network devices respectively, the AIoT access network device sends the third message including the first information to the plurality of AIoT devices respectively.

[0190] It should be noted that after the CU in the AIoT access network device receives the fourth message, the CU sends the fourth message to the DU in the AIoT access network device through the F1AP interface, and then the DU in the AIoT access network device sends the third message to at least one AIoT device.

[0191] For example, when the fourth message is a stock business message, the third message can be a paging message, and the first information is included in the paging message.

[0192] It should be understood that there is at least one third message, that is, when there are a plurality of AIoT devices, there are also a plurality of third messages. (In FIG. 6, one AIoT device is taken as an example for description).

[0193] The AIoT device sends the first message including the second information and the first information to the AIoT access network device, S630, wherein the second information includes AIoT service related data and / or signaling.

[0194] When the AIoT access network device sends the third message to at least one AIoT device in step S620b, correspondingly, at least one AIoT device receives the third message respectively, and then the target AIoT device (AIoT device in FIG. 6) sends the first message to the AIoT access network device.

[0195] Exemplarily, when the fourth message is the inventory service message, and the third message is the paging message, the AIoT device that succeeds in accessing sends its unique identifier to the AIoT core network device. That is, the first message includes the unique identifier of the AIoT device and the first information.

[0196] S640a, the AIoT access network device matches the first information saved in step S620a with the first information in the first message.

[0197] When the first information in step S730 is the third identifier information, the AIoT access network device matches the first information saved in step S620a with the first information in step S630, and when the service matching succeeds, the AIoT core network device corresponding to the service is the first AIoT core network device.

[0198] Exemplarily, the first information saved in step S620a includes the inventory service sent by the first AIoT core network device, the positioning service sent by the second AIoT core network device, and the sensing service sent by the third AIoT core network device. The first information carried in the first message in step S630 is the inventory service, and the AIoT access network device can determine that the second information needs to be sent to the AIoT core network device corresponding to the inventory service, that is, the first AIoT core network device.

[0199] It should be noted that step S620 is an optional step, that is, when the first message is the third identifier information, the AIoT access network device can execute this step. When the first message is the first identifier information, the second identifier information, or the fourth identifier information, the AIoT access network device can not execute this step.

[0200] S640b, the AIoT access network device sends the second information to the first AIoT core network device.

[0201] The method provided by the embodiment of the application, the AIoT device determines the first information through the fourth message sent by the AIoT core network device, and then sends the first message including the first information and the second information to the AIoT access network device, thereby helping the AIoT access network device to send the received second information to the related AIoT core network device.

[0202] The embodiment of the application further provides another example of a communication method, in which the AIoT access network device obtains the information of the first AIoT core network device with the assistance of the first network element, so that the AIoT access network device can send the second information sent by the AIoT device to the related AIoT core network device.

[0203] Another example of the communication method provided by the present application will be described in detail below in combination with FIG. 7. FIG. 7 shows a schematic interaction diagram of another example of the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application, which can be applied in the architecture shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, and of course can also be applied in other network architectures, which are not limited herein by the embodiments of the present application.

[0204] As shown in FIG. 7, the method 700 shown in FIG. 7 can include S710 to S730. Each step in the method 700 will be described in detail below in combination with FIG. 7.

[0205] S710, the AIoT device sends second information to the AIoT access network device, the second information including data and / or signaling related to the AIoT service.

[0206] In step S710, the AIoT device sends second information to the AIoT access network device, the second information being related to the AIoT service.

[0207] For example, the second information can be an identifier of the AIoT device related to the inventory service.

[0208] Of course, the second information can also be other data and / or signaling related to the AIoT service, which is not limited herein by the embodiments of the present application.

[0209] S720, the AIoT access network device sends a first request message based on the second information to a first network element, the first request message being used to request information of a first AIoT core network device.

[0210] Since the AIoT access network device is connected to multiple AIoT access network devices, when the AIoT access network device receives the second information sent by the AIoT device, it does not know which AIoT core network device should send the second information to.

[0211] In step S720, the AIoT access network device sends a first request message to the first network element to request information of the first AIoT core network device.

[0212] It should be noted that the first network element is preconfigured with the correspondence between the AIoT device and the first AIoT core network device.

[0213] S730, the first network element sends first information, the first information including information of the first AIoT core network device.

[0214] After receiving the first request message sent by the AIoT access network device, the first network element sends first information to the AIoT access network device, the first information being used for the AIoT access network device to send the second information to the first AIoT core network device, the first information including information of the first AIoT core network device.

[0215] Specifically, the specific description of the first information can refer to the description in the method 600 and the method 700, which will not be repeated here.

[0216] In some possible implementation ways, the first information can further include an identifier of the first AIoT core network device.

[0217] At S740, the AIoT access network device sends, based on the first information, second information to the first AIoT core network device.

[0218] Finally, the AIoT access network device sends, based on the first information, the second information to the related first AIoT core network device.

[0219] The method provided by the embodiment of the application can be used for the AIoT access network device to request the first network element to obtain the information of the first AIoT core network device after receiving the second information sent by the AIoT device, so as to send the second information to the first AIoT core network device.

[0220] The above describes the method embodiment provided by the application, and the following describes the device embodiment provided by the application. It should be understood that the description of the device embodiment corresponds to the description of the method embodiment, and therefore, the content not described in detail can be referred to the method embodiment, and for brevity, will not be repeated here.

[0221] FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the application. As shown in FIG. 8, the communication device 800 can include a transceiver unit 810 and / or a processing unit 820. The transceiver unit 810 can implement a corresponding communication function, and the processing unit 820 is used for data processing. The transceiver unit 810 can also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication unit. Optionally, the device 800 can also include a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions and / or data, and the processing unit 820 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit, so that the device implements the foregoing method embodiments.

[0222] In a possible design, the device 800 can be the AIoT device in the foregoing method embodiments, for example, the device 800 can be an AIoT device, or can be a chip, a processor or a chip system for implementing the AIoT device function, and can also be a logic node, a logic module or software, etc. that can implement all or part of the AIoT device function. The device 800 can be used to execute the steps or processes performed by the AIoT device in any of the foregoing method embodiments.

[0223] Specifically, the processing unit 820 is configured to determine first information, the first information being used for the AIoT access network device to send second information to a first AIoT core network device; and the transceiver 810 is configured to send a first message, the first message comprising the second information and the first information, the second information comprising AIoT service related data and / or signaling.

[0224] Optionally, the first information comprises at least one of the following: first identification information, second identification information, third identification information, or fourth identification information; the first identification information is used to identify the first AIoT core network device; the second identification information is used to identify an operator; the third identification information is used to identify an AIoT service; and the fourth identification information is used to identify a server.

[0225] Optionally, the first identification information comprises at least one of the following: a region identifier Region ID of the first AIoT core network device, a group identifier Group ID / Set ID of the first AIoT core network device, or a pointer identifier Pointer of the first AIoT core network device.

[0226] Optionally, the third identification information comprises at least one of the following: a task identifier Task ID, a transaction identifier Transaction ID, a session identifier Session ID, or a service identifier Service ID.

[0227] Optionally, the transceiver 810 is further configured to receive a third message, the third message comprising the first information.

[0228] In a possible design, the apparatus 800 can be an AIoT access network device in the above method embodiments, or can be a chip, a processor or a chip system for implementing an AIoT access network device function, and can also be a logic node, a logic module or software, etc. for implementing all or part of the AIoT access network device function. The apparatus 800 can be used to execute steps or processes performed by the AIoT access network device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0229] Specifically, the transceiver 810 is configured to receive a first message, the first message comprising second information and first information, the first message being used for the AIoT access network device to send the second information to a first AIoT core network device, the second information comprising AIoT service related data and / or signaling; and the transceiver 810 is further configured to send, based on the first message, the second information to the first AIoT core network device.

[0230] Optionally, the first information includes at least one of the following: first identification information, second identification information, third identification information, or fourth identification information; the first identification information is used to identify the first AIoT core network device; the second identification information is used to identify an operator; the third identification information is used to identify an AIoT service; and the fourth identification information is used to identify a server.

[0231] Optionally, the first identification information includes at least one of the following: a region identifier Region ID of the first AIoT core network device, a group identifier Group ID / Set ID of the first AIoT core network device, or a pointer identifier Pointer of the first AIoT core network device.

[0232] Optionally, the third identification information includes at least one of the following: a task identifier Task ID, a transaction identifier Transaction ID, a session identifier Session ID, or a service identifier Service ID.

[0233] Optionally, the processing unit 820 is configured to save the third identification information, match the third identification information with first information in the first message, and send second information to the first AIoT core network device when the third identification information and the first information match successfully, where the first information corresponds to a service of the first AIoT core network device.

[0234] Optionally, the fourth message includes at least one of the following: an inventory service, a positioning service, a sensing service, or a command service.

[0235] In a possible design, the apparatus 800 can be an AIoT access network device in the above method embodiments. For example, the apparatus 800 can be an AIoT access network device, or can be a chip, processor, or chip system implementing an AIoT access network device function, and can also be a logic node, logic module, or software, etc. that can implement all or part of the AIoT access network device function. The apparatus 800 can be configured to perform steps or processes performed by the AIoT access network device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0236] Specifically, the transceiver 810 can be configured to send first request information to a first network element, where the first request information is used to request information of a first AIoT core network device, the first AIoT access network device is configured to receive second information, and the second information includes AIoT service related data and / or signaling; receive first information, where the first information includes information of the first AIoT core network device; and send the second information to the first AIoT core network device based on the first message.

[0237] Optionally, the first information includes at least one of the following: first identification information, second identification information, third identification information, or fourth identification information; the first identification information is used to identify the first AIoT core network device; the second identification information is used to identify an operator; the third identification information is used to identify an AIoT service; and the fourth identification information is used to identify a server.

[0238] Optionally, the first identification information includes at least one of the following: a region identifier Region ID of the first AIoT core network device, a group identifier Group ID / Set ID of the first AIoT core network device, or a pointer identifier Pointer of the first AIoT core network device.

[0239] Optionally, the third identification information includes at least one of the following: a task identifier Task ID, a transaction identifier Transaction ID, a session identifier Session ID, or a service identifier Service ID.

[0240] It should be understood that the "unit" in the apparatus 800 can be implemented by hardware, or by software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. For example, the "unit" can refer to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (for example, a shared processor, a dedicated processor, or a group processor, etc.) and a memory for executing one or more software or firmware programs, a combination logic circuit, and / or other suitable components supporting the described functions. For another example, the transceiver unit 810 can be replaced by a transceiver circuit (for example, which can include a receiving circuit and a transmitting circuit), and the processing unit 820 can be replaced by a processor or a processing circuit.

[0241] FIG. 9 shows a schematic block diagram of another communication apparatus provided by the embodiments of the present application. The communication apparatus 900 can be a first network element, a second network element, or a third network element, or a chip, a chip system, or a processor, etc. implemented in the first network element, the second network element, or the third network element to implement the above method. The apparatus can be used to implement the method described in the above method embodiments, and specific reference can be made to the description in the above method embodiments.

[0242] The communication apparatus 900 can include one or more processors 910, which can also be referred to as processing units, and can implement certain control functions. The processor 910 can be a general purpose processor or a special purpose processor, etc. For example, it can be 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 apparatus, execute software programs, and process data of the software programs.

[0243] In an alternative design, the processor 910 can also store instructions and / or data, which can be executed by the processor 910, so that the communication device 900 performs the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0244] In another alternative design, the communication device 900 can include a communication interface 920 for implementing receiving and sending functions. For example, the communication interface 920 can be a transceiver circuit, an interface, an interface circuit or a transceiver, etc. The transceiver circuit, the interface, the interface circuit or the transceiver for implementing receiving and sending functions can be separate or integrated together. The above transceiver circuit, the interface, the interface circuit or the transceiver can be used for reading and writing of code / data, or the above transceiver circuit, the interface, the interface circuit or the transceiver can be used for transmission or transfer of signals.

[0245] Optionally, the communication device 900 can include one or more memories 930, which can store instructions executable by the processor 910, so that the communication device 900 performs the methods described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memory 930 can also store data. Optionally, the processor 910 can also store instructions and / or data. The processor 910 and the memory 930 can be separately arranged or integrated together.

[0246] It should be understood that in a possible design, each step in the method embodiments provided by the embodiments of the present application can be completed by integrated logic circuits of hardware in the processor or instructions in the form of software. The steps of the method disclosed in combination with the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as completed by a hardware processor, or completed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software module can be located in a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory, an electrically erasable programmable memory, a register, or other mature storage media in the art. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and combines the hardware to complete the steps of the above method. To avoid repetition, it will not be described in detail here.

[0247] It should be noted that the processor in the embodiments of the present application can be an integrated circuit chip with a processing capability of signals. In the implementation process, each step of the method embodiments described above can be completed by the integrated logic circuit of hardware or the instruction in the form of software in the processor. The processor described above can be a general processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, a discrete hardware component. Each method, step and logic block diagram disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented or executed. The general processor can be a microprocessor or the processor can also be any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in conjunction with the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as a hardware code processor for execution, or can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the code processor. The software module can be located in a random memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory or an electrically erasable programmable memory, a register or other mature storage medium in the art. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory, and combines the hardware to complete the steps of the above method.

[0248] It is to be understood that the memory in the embodiments of the present application can be a volatile memory or a nonvolatile memory, or can include both volatile and nonvolatile memory. Among them, the nonvolatile memory can be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically EPROM (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory can be a random access memory (RAM) used as an external cache. By way of example, and not limitation, many forms of RAM can be used, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory of the system and method described herein is intended to include, but not be limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0249] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer program product, which comprises computer program code, when the computer program code is run on a computer, so that the computer executes each step or process performed by the network element / device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0250] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer readable storage medium, which stores program code, when the program code is run on a computer, so that the computer executes each step or process performed by the network element / device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0251] The embodiments of the present application also provide a communication device, which comprises a processor and an interface for transmitting and / or receiving signals, so that the processor executes each step or process performed by the network element / device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0252] The various device embodiments and method embodiments described above can fully correspond, and respective steps are performed by corresponding modules or units, for example, the communication unit or communication interface performs the steps of receiving or sending in the method embodiments, and other steps except sending and receiving can be performed by the processing unit or processor.

[0253] In the embodiments of the present application, each term and English abbreviation is an exemplary example given for the convenience of description, and should not constitute any limitation on the present application. The embodiments of the present application do not exclude the possibility of defining other terms capable of achieving the same or similar functions in existing or future protocols.

[0254] The terms "component", "module", "system" and the like used in the present specification are used to represent computer-related entities, hardware, combinations of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and / or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a computing device and the computing device can be a component. One or more components can reside within a process and / or thread of execution, and a component can be localized on one computer and / or distributed between two or more computers. In addition, these components can execute from various computer readable media having various data structures stored thereon. The components can communicate via local and / or remote processes that are in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., data from programs running on one or more computers in a networked environment, data from another component, etc.), such as data in a signal provided to or from the Internet.

[0255] Those of ordinary skill in the art can realize that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented or performed with electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. The choice of hardware or software implementation depends on the specific application and design constraints imposed on the technical solution. Skilled professionals can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present application.

[0256] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working process of the above-described system, device and unit can be based on the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiments, which will not be described here.

[0257] In several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed system, device and method can be implemented in other manners. For example, the described device embodiments are merely schematic. The division of the units is merely logical function division. There can be another division manner for the actual implementation, for example, multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the displayed or discussed mutual couplings or direct couplings or communication connections can be indirect couplings or communication connections through some interfaces, devices or units, and can be in electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0258] The units described as separate components can or can not be physically separate, and the components shown as units can or can not be physical units, i.e., can be located in one place, or can be distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the embodiment.

[0259] In addition, each functional unit in the various embodiments of the present application can be integrated into a processing unit, or each unit can exist physically, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0260] In the above embodiments, the functions of each functional unit can be implemented wholly or partially by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented by software, it can be implemented in the form of a computer program product in whole or in part. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions (programs). When the computer program instructions (programs) are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are wholly or partially generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network or other programmable devices. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another, for example, the computer instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server or data center to another through wired (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) manner. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server, data center, etc. integrated with one or more available media. The available media can be magnetic media (such as floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), optical media (such as DVD), or semiconductor media (such as solid state disk (SSD)) and the like.

[0261] If the functions are implemented in the form of software function units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application or the parts that essentially contribute to the prior art or the parts of the technical solutions can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes a plurality of instructions for causing a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the embodiments of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes a U disk, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk, and various media that can store program codes.

[0262] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or replacements within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be covered within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is applied to an AIoT device or a chip in the device, and the method comprises: determining first information, the first information being used for the AIoT access network device to send second information to a first AIoT core network device; sending a first message, the first message comprising the second information and the first information, the second information comprising AIoT service related data and / or signaling.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first information comprises at least one of the following: first identification information, second identification information, third identification information, or fourth identification information. The first identification information is used for identifying the first AIoT core network device. The second identification information is used for identifying an operator. The third identification information is used for identifying an AIoT service. The fourth identification information is used for identifying a server.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The first identification information comprises at least one of the following: a first AIoT core network device region identifier Region ID, a first AIoT core network device group identifier Group ID / Set ID, or a first AIoT core network device pointer identifier Pointer.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The third identification information comprises at least one of the following: a task identifier Task ID, a transaction identifier Transaction ID, a session identifier Session ID, or a service identifier Service ID.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The determining first information comprises: receiving a third message, the third message comprising the first information.

6. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is applied to an AIoT access network device or a chip in the AIoT access network device, and the method comprises: receiving a first message, the first message comprising second information and first information, the first message being used for the AIoT access network device to send the second information to a first AIoT core network device, the second information comprising AIoT service related data and / or signaling; based on the first message, sending the second information to the first AIoT core network device.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, Before the receiving first message, the method further comprises: receiving a fourth message sent by an AIoT core network device, the fourth message comprising the first information; sending a third message to an AIoT device, the third message comprising the first information.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The first information comprises at least one of the following: first identification information, second identification information, third identification information, or fourth identification information. The first identification information is used for identifying the first AIoT core network device. The second identification information is used for identifying an operator. The third identification information is used for identifying an AIoT service. The fourth identification information is used for identifying a server.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The first identification information comprises at least one of the following: a first AIoT core network device region identifier Region ID, a first AIoT core network device group identifier Group ID / Set ID, or a first AIoT core network device pointer identifier Pointer.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The third identification information includes at least one of the following: a task identifier Task ID, a transaction identifier Transaction ID, a session identifier Session ID, or a service identifier Service ID.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8-10, characterized in that, When the first information is third identification information, the method further includes: storing the third identification information; sending second information to the first AIoT core network device, including: matching the third identification information with the first information in the first message; when the third identification information and the first information match successfully, sending the second information to the first AIoT core network device, the first information corresponding to a service of the first AIoT core network device.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8-11, characterized in that, The fourth message includes at least one of the following: inventory service, positioning service, sensing service, or command service.

13. A method of communication, comprising: The method is applied to an AIoT access network device or a chip in an AIoT access network device, and the method includes: sending first request information to a first network element, the first request information being used to request information of a first AIoT core network device, the first AIoT access network device being used to receive second information, the second information including AIoT service related data and / or signaling; receiving first information, the first information including information of the first AIoT core network device; sending the second information to the first AIoT core network device based on the first information.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The first information includes at least one of the following: first identification information, second identification information, third identification information, or fourth identification information; The first identification information is used to identify the first AIoT core network device. The second identification information is used to identify an operator. The third identification information is used to identify an AIoT service. The fourth identification information is used to identify a server.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The first identification information includes at least one of the following: a region identifier Region ID of the first AIoT core network device, a group identifier Group ID / Set ID of the first AIoT core network device, or a pointer identifier Pointer of the first AIoT core network device.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that The third identification information includes at least one of the following: a task identifier Task ID, a transaction identifier Transaction ID, or a session identifier Session ID.

17. A communications device, characterized by including a module or unit for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 5, or including a module or unit for performing the method of any one of claims 6 to 12, or including a module or unit for performing the method of any one of claims 13 to 16.

18. A communications device, characterized by including: a processor and a memory, the processor being coupled to the memory, the memory being used to store a computer program, the computer program being executed by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 5, or to perform the method of any one of claims 6 to 12, or to perform the method of any one of claims 13 to 16.

19. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer program is stored on a computer-readable storage medium when it is run, so that the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 is executed, or so that the method as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 12 is executed, or so that the method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 16 is executed.

20. A computer program product, characterised in that, comprising: The computer program is stored on a computer-readable storage medium when it is run, so that the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 is executed, or so that the method as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 12 is executed, or so that the method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 16 is executed.

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