Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications, and provides a communication method and apparatus. In the method, a label management network element in a core network may acquire an identifier of an access network node, so as to bypass an access management network element to directly send a first message to the access network node, wherein the first message is used for instructing, via the access network node, a terminal to execute an inventory operation.

Description

Communication method and apparatus

[0001] The present application claims priority to the Chinese patent application No. 202411403578.1, filed on October 2, 2024, and entitled "A communication method and 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 in particular, to a communication method and apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0003] Currently, the application scenarios of ambient internet of things (AIoT) technology are becoming more and more extensive. For example, in the logistics and warehousing scenarios, the ambient IoT terminals can be used for goods inventory, tracking, or detecting the environment and goods status during the goods transportation. For another example, in the industrial manufacturing scenarios, the ambient IoT terminals can be used for resource management, production process management, environment and device status detection, etc.

[0004] Some ambient IoT terminals have simple functions and usually need to rely on external excitation to send information. The excitation generally comes from a reader (or card reader). Some ambient IoT terminals can collect environmental energy in addition to the reader excitation, so they can communicate with the reader without relying on the reader excitation. In order to enrich the application scenarios of AIoT, a scheme is proposed to integrate the functions of the reader into a communication terminal (such as a mobile phone, a tablet, etc.), so that the communication terminal can directly inventory the ambient IoT terminals and perform read, write, destroy, or lock operations on the ambient IoT terminals.

[0005] The communication terminal usually inventories the ambient IoT terminals based on the indication of a core network element. However, the current transmission delay of information between the core network element and the communication terminal is relatively long, and the communication efficiency is relatively low. SUMMARY

[0006] The present application provides a communication method and apparatus, which can reduce the information transmission delay between the core network element and the communication terminal and improve the communication efficiency.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0008] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a first network element in a core network. The first network element herein can refer to the first network element itself, or a processor, circuit, module, logic node, chip, or chip system, etc. in the first network element that implements the method. Exemplarily, the first network element is a label management network element.

[0009] The method comprises: obtaining a first identifier and first information, the first identifier indicating a first terminal, and the first information indicating a first access network node, the first access network node being an access network node accessed by the first terminal; and sending a first message to the first access network node, the first message comprising the first identifier, the first message being used to instruct the first terminal to perform a first inventory operation via the first access network node, and the first message not passing through an access management network element.

[0010] Based on the method provided in the first aspect, the first network element can obtain the first information indicating the first access network node, so that the first message can be directly sent to the first access network node without passing through the access management network element. Since the first message does not pass through the access management network element, the above method can reduce the information transmission delay between the first network element and the first terminal, and improve the communication efficiency.

[0011] In a possible implementation, the first message further comprises indication information of a first mode, the first mode being that information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal does not pass through the access management network element.

[0012] Based on the possible implementation, the first access network element can determine that the first message is transmitted in the first mode.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the first identifier is configured for a terminal having an inventory function; and the obtaining of the first identifier comprises: receiving the first identifier from a unified data management network element.

[0014] Based on the possible implementation, when the first identifier is configured for the terminal having the inventory function, the first network element can obtain the first identifier from the unified data management network element.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the first identifier is a temporary identifier of the first terminal, or the first identifier is configured for a terminal having an inventory function; and the obtaining of the first identifier comprises: receiving second information from a unified data management network element, the second information comprising information of an access management network element and a permanent identifier of the first terminal; sending, to the access management network element, the permanent identifier of the first terminal according to the second information; and receiving the first identifier from the access management network element.

[0016] Based on the possible implementation, when the first identifier is a temporary identifier, or is configured for the terminal having the inventory function, the first network element can obtain the first identifier from the access management network element.

[0017] In a possible implementation, the method further comprises: sending a first subscription request to the access management network element, the first subscription request being used to request the access management network element to send a newly allocated temporary identifier to the first network element after the access management network element reallocates the temporary identifier for the first terminal.

[0018] Based on the possible implementation manner above, the first network element can obtain the updated temporary identifier in time, thereby communicating with the first access network node.

[0019] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: sending, to the access management network element, subscription cancellation information, the subscription cancellation information being used to cancel the information subscribed by the first subscription request.

[0020] Based on the possible implementation manner above, the first network element can cancel the subscription of the updated temporary identifier in time, thereby reducing the signaling overhead of the access management network element and the first network element.

[0021] In a possible implementation manner, after the first message is sent to the first access network node, the method further includes: obtaining a second identifier, the second identifier indicating the first terminal, the second identifier being an updated temporary identifier of the first terminal; and sending, to the first access network node, a second message, the second message including the second identifier, the second message being used to instruct the first terminal to perform a second inventory operation via the first access network node.

[0022] Based on the possible implementation manner above, after the first network element obtains the second identifier, the first network element can communicate with the first access network node by using the second identifier.

[0023] In a possible implementation manner, obtaining the first information includes: receiving the first information from the access management network element.

[0024] Based on the possible implementation manner above, the first network element can obtain the first information from the access management network element.

[0025] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: sending, to the access management network element, first inventory preparation information, the first inventory preparation information including the first identifier or a permanent identifier of the first terminal.

[0026] Based on the possible implementation manner above, the first network element can send the first identifier or the permanent identifier of the first terminal to the access management network element, so that the access management network element determines the information of the access network node accessed by the first terminal and returned to the first network element based on the identifier.

[0027] In a possible implementation manner, obtaining the first information includes: sending, to a second network element in the core network, first query information, the first query information being used to query the access network node accessed by the first terminal; and receiving first query result from the second network element, the first query result including the first information.

[0028] Based on the possible implementation manner above, the first network element can query the first information from the second network element.

[0029] In a possible implementation, the first query result further comprises information of an access management network element.

[0030] Based on the possible implementation, the first network element can further acquire the information of the access management network element.

[0031] In a possible implementation, the second network element is a unified data management network element or a network storage network element.

[0032] Based on the possible implementation, the first network element can query the first information from the unified data management network element or the network storage network element.

[0033] In a possible implementation, the first information is acquired by: receiving location information of the first access network node; receiving a first service request, the first service request being used to request performing an inventory operation in the first area; and determining the first information according to the location information of the first access network node and the first service request.

[0034] Based on the possible implementation, the first network element can determine the first information by itself.

[0035] In a possible implementation, the first identifier is acquired by: sending second inventory preparation information to the first access network node, the second inventory preparation information indicating a first mode, the first mode being that information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal does not pass through an access management network element; and receiving the first identifier from the first access network node.

[0036] Based on the possible implementation, the first network element can acquire the first identifier from the first access network node.

[0037] In a possible implementation, the method further comprises: receiving first indication information from the first access network node, the first indication information indicating that the first access network node supports the first mode, the first mode being that information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal does not pass through an access management network element.

[0038] Based on the possible implementation, the first network element can determine that the first access network node supports the first mode.

[0039] In a possible implementation, the method further comprises: sending second indication information to the first access network node, the second indication information indicating that the first network element supports the first mode, the first mode being that information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal does not pass through an access management network element.

[0040] Based on the possible implementation, the first access network node can be caused to determine that the first network element supports the first mode.

[0041] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving first inventory end information from the first access network node, or the third message, the first inventory end information being used to indicate that the first inventory operation ends, the third message indicating a result of the first inventory operation, the first inventory end information and the third message including the first identifier.

[0042] Based on the possible implementation, the first network element can determine that the first inventory operation ends, or the first network element can obtain an execution result of the first inventory operation.

[0043] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving third information from the second access network node, the third information indicating that the first terminal switches to the second access network node, the third information including the first identifier.

[0044] Based on the possible implementation, the first network element can determine that the first terminal switches to the second access network node. Subsequently, the first network element can communicate with the first terminal through the second access network node.

[0045] In a possible implementation, the third information further includes an identifier allocated to the second terminal by the second access network node, and at least one of the following: an identifier allocated to the second terminal by the first access network node, or an identifier allocated to the second terminal by the first network element.

[0046] Based on the possible implementation, the first network element can determine, according to the identifier allocated to the second terminal by the first access network node, or the identifier allocated to the second terminal by the first network element, that an AIoT service related to the second terminal is subsequently delivered through the second access network node.

[0047] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be performed by a first access network node. The first access network node here can refer to the first access network node itself, or a processor, circuit, module, logic node, chip, or chip system, etc. in the first access network node that implements the method.

[0048] The method includes: receiving a first message from a first network element in a core network, the first message including a first identifier, the first message being used to instruct a first terminal to perform a first inventory operation via the first access network node, the first identifier being used to indicate the first terminal, the first access network node being an access network node accessed by the first terminal, the first message not passing through an access management network element; and sending a fourth message to the first terminal, the fourth message being determined according to the first message.

[0049] In the method, the first access network node can bypass the access management network element, receive the first message from the first network element, and instruct the first terminal to perform the first inventory operation. Since the first message does not pass through the access management network element, the method can reduce the information transmission delay between the first network element and the first terminal, and improve the communication efficiency.

[0050] In a possible implementation, at least one of the first message or the fourth message includes indication information of a first mode, and the first mode refers to information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal without passing through the access management network element.

[0051] Based on the possible implementation, when the first message includes the indication information of the first mode, the first access network node can be caused to determine that the first message and the fourth message are transmitted in the first mode. When the fourth message includes the indication information of the first mode, the first terminal can be caused to determine that the fourth message is transmitted in the first mode.

[0052] In a possible implementation, the first identifier is configured for a terminal with an inventory function; or the first identifier is a temporary identifier of the first terminal.

[0053] Based on the possible implementation, the first identifier can be a plurality of types of identifiers, and the flexibility of the scheme implementation is improved.

[0054] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving second inventory preparation information from the first network element, the second inventory preparation information indicating the first mode, and the first mode referring to information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal without passing through the access management network element; and sending the first identifier to the first network element.

[0055] Based on the possible implementation, the first network element can obtain the first identifier, and determine that the service is performed by the first terminal.

[0056] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a first paging message according to the second inventory preparation information, and the first paging message is used to page the first terminal or a terminal with an inventory function.

[0057] Based on the possible implementation, the first access network element node can page the first terminal, so that the first terminal enters a connected state and performs the service.

[0058] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: keeping the first terminal in a connected state or an inactive state.

[0059] Based on the possible implementation manner above, the first terminal can be prevented from entering the idle state, so that the first access network node can find the context of the first terminal and return the first identifier to the first network element as soon as possible.

[0060] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: sending location information of the first access network node to the first network element.

[0061] Based on the possible implementation manner above, the first network element can determine the first information in combination with the location information of the first access network node.

[0062] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: in a case where it is determined that the first terminal is to perform the inventory operation, sending information of a first resource to the first terminal, the first resource being used by the first terminal to perform the inventory operation.

[0063] Based on the possible implementation manner above, the first access network node can configure an inventory resource for the first terminal in a case where it is determined that the first terminal is to perform the inventory operation.

[0064] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: sending first indication information to the first network element or the access management network element, the first indication information indicating that the first access network node supports a first mode, the first mode being that information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal does not pass through the access management network element.

[0065] Based on the possible implementation manner above, the first network element or the access management network element can determine that the first access network node supports the first mode.

[0066] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: receiving second indication information from the first network element, the second indication information indicating that the first network element supports the first mode, the first mode being that information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal does not pass through the access management network element.

[0067] Based on the possible implementation manner above, the first access network node can determine that the first network element supports the first mode.

[0068] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: receiving the context of the first terminal from the access management network element, the context of the first terminal including at least one of the following: the first identifier, indication information that the first terminal has the inventory capability, or indication information of whether the first mode is supported, the first mode being that information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal does not pass through the access management network element.

[0069] Based on the possible implementation manner above, the first access network node can determine whether the first terminal is allowed to perform the inventory function or whether the first terminal is supported.

[0070] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving second inventory end information from the first terminal, the second inventory end information indicating that the first inventory operation ends; and sending first inventory end information to the first network element according to the second inventory end information, the first inventory end information including the first identifier.

[0071] Based on the above possible implementation, the first network element can determine that an inventory operation ends.

[0072] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: in a case where it is determined to switch the first terminal to a second access network node, sending fifth information to the second access network node, the fifth information including at least one of the following: the first identifier, indication information that the first terminal is inventory-capable, indication information that the first terminal supports a first mode, an identifier allocated by the first access network node for the second terminal, an identifier allocated by the first network element for the second terminal, or information related to the inventory operation performed by the first terminal; the first mode refers to information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal without passing through an access management network element.

[0073] Based on the above possible implementation, the second access network node can take over the first access network node to perform subsequent services.

[0074] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be performed by a first terminal. The first terminal herein can refer to the terminal itself, or a processor, circuit, module, logic node, chip, or chip system, etc. in the first terminal that implements the method.

[0075] The method includes: receiving a fourth message from a first access network node, the fourth message indicating a first mode and instructing the first terminal to perform a first inventory operation, the first mode referring to information transmitted between a first network element of a core network and the first terminal without passing through an access management network element; sending a fifth message to a second terminal, the fifth message instructing the first inventory operation on the second terminal; receiving a sixth message from the second terminal, the sixth message indicating a result of the first inventory operation; and sending a seventh message to the first network element through the first access network node, the seventh message indicating the result of the first inventory operation, the seventh message not passing through the access management network element.

[0076] Based on the method provided in the third aspect above, the first terminal can perform the first inventory operation according to the instruction and send the seventh message in the first mode.

[0077] In a possible implementation, the seventh message further indicates that the result of the first inventory operation is sent to the first network element in the first mode.

[0078] Based on the possible implementation manner above, the first terminal can indicate to the first access network node that the result of the first inventory operation is sent to the first network element through the first mode.

[0079] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: receiving an eighth message from the first access network node, the eighth message indicating a second mode and instructing the first terminal to perform a third inventory operation, the second mode indicating that information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal passes through an access management network element and an access network node; sending a ninth message to a third terminal, the ninth message indicating that the third terminal performs the third inventory operation; receiving a tenth message from the third terminal, the tenth message indicating a result of the third inventory operation; and sending an eleventh message to the access management network element through the first access network node, the eleventh message indicating the result of the third inventory operation.

[0080] Based on the possible implementation manner above, the first terminal and the first network element can also communicate in the second mode.

[0081] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: receiving a first paging message or a second paging message; the first paging message is used for paging the first terminal or a terminal with an inventory function; the second paging message is used for paging the first terminal, and the second paging message includes inventory indication information, the inventory indication information indicating that a purpose of paging by the first terminal is to perform an inventory operation.

[0082] Based on the possible implementation manner above, the first terminal can enter a connected state, and thus perform an inventory operation.

[0083] In a possible implementation manner, after receiving the first paging message or the second paging message, the method further includes: receiving information of a first resource from the first access network node, the first resource being used for the first terminal to perform an inventory operation.

[0084] Based on the possible implementation manner above, the first terminal can perform an inventory operation by using the first resource.

[0085] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: sending second inventory end information to the first access network node, the second inventory end information indicating that the first inventory operation ends.

[0086] Based on the possible implementation manner above, the first terminal can indicate that the first inventory operation ends.

[0087] In a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be performed by an access management network element. The access management network element can refer to the access management network element itself, or a processor, circuit, module, logic node, chip, or chip system, etc. in the access management network element that implements the method.

[0088] The method comprises: receiving first inventory preparation information from a first network element in a core network, the first inventory preparation information comprising information of a first terminal; and sending first information to the first network element according to the first inventory preparation information, the first information indicating a first access network node, the first access network node being an access network node accessed by the first terminal, the first information being used for the first network element to send a first message to the first access network node, the first message being used for instructing the first terminal to perform a first inventory operation via the first access network node, and the first message not passing through an access management network element.

[0089] Based on the method provided in the fourth aspect, the access management network element can indicate the first access network node to the first network element, so that the first network element directly sends the inventory-related message, such as the first message, to the first access network node, thereby improving the communication efficiency.

[0090] In a possible implementation, the information of the first terminal comprises a first identifier or a permanent identifier of the first terminal; the first identifier indicates the first terminal, and the first identifier is configured for a terminal with an inventory function, or the first identifier is a temporary identifier of the first terminal.

[0091] Based on the possible implementation, the first network element can obtain the information of the first access network node from the access management network element based on the first identifier or the permanent identifier of the first terminal.

[0092] In a possible implementation, the method further comprises: sending a context of the first terminal to the first access network node, the context of the first terminal comprising at least one of the following: the first identifier, indication information that the first terminal has an inventory capability, or indication information of whether the first mode is supported; the first mode refers to information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal not passing through the access management network element.

[0093] Based on the possible implementation, the first access network node can determine whether to allow the first terminal to perform the inventory function, and can also determine whether the first terminal supports the first mode.

[0094] In a possible implementation, the method further comprises: receiving third indication information from the first access network node, the third indication information indicating that the first access network node supports the first mode, the first mode referring to information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal not passing through the access management network element.

[0095] Based on the possible implementation, the access management network element can determine that the first access network node supports the first mode.

[0096] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a first subscription request from the first network element, the first subscription request being used to request the access management network element to send the first network element the reallocated temporary identifier after reallocating the temporary identifier for the first terminal.

[0097] Based on the possible implementation, the access management network element sends the first network element the reallocated temporary identifier after reallocating the temporary identifier for the first terminal, so as to enable the first network element to communicate with the first access network node.

[0098] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving subscription cancellation information from the first network element, the subscription cancellation information being used to cancel the information subscribed by the first subscription request.

[0099] Based on the possible implementation, the signaling overhead of the access network management network element and the first network element can be saved.

[0100] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: sending, to the unified data management network element, information about the first network element corresponding to the first terminal.

[0101] Based on the possible implementation, other network elements, such as a network exposure network element, can query the first network element corresponding to the first terminal from the unified data management network element, so as to trigger the first network element to instruct the first terminal to perform the inventory operation.

[0102] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: in a case where the connection state of the first terminal changes, sending fourth information to a second network element, the fourth information including information about a third access network node; when the connection state of the first terminal changes to a connected state, the fourth information instructs the second network element to save the information about the third access network node, the third access network node being an access network node currently accessed by the first terminal; when the connection state of the first terminal changes to an idle state, the fourth information instructs the second network element to delete the previously saved information about the third access network node, the third access network node being an access network node accessed by the first terminal before the first terminal enters the idle state.

[0103] Based on the possible implementation, the second network element can update the information about the access network node accessed by the first terminal in a timely manner.

[0104] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: in a case where the first terminal switches from one access network node to another access network node, sending fourth information to a second network element, the fourth information including information about a third access network node, the fourth information instructing the second network element to save the information about the third access network node, the third access network node being an access network node currently accessed by the first terminal.

[0105] Based on the possible implementation manner above, the second network element can update the information of the access network node accessed by the first terminal in time.

[0106] / / Embodiment 4 UDM subscribes to AMF UE Reader connection state change and location change

[0107] In a possible implementation manner, the second network element is a unified data management network element, and the method further includes: receiving a second subscription request from the second network element, the second subscription request being used to request that the second network element be notified when the connection state of the first terminal changes or the location of the first terminal changes.

[0108] Based on the possible implementation manner above, the access management network element can notify the unified data management network element when the connection state of the first terminal changes or the location of the first terminal changes.

[0109] In a possible implementation manner, the second network element is a network storage network element, and the fourth information further includes at least one of the following: the first identifier or information of the access management network element.

[0110] Based on the possible implementation manner above, the access management network element can further send at least one of the first identifier or the information of the access management network element to the network storage network element.

[0111] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: sending a second paging message according to the first inventory preparation information, the second paging message being used to page the first terminal, and the second paging message including inventory indication information, the inventory indication information indicating that the purpose of paging of the first terminal is to perform an inventory operation.

[0112] Based on the possible implementation manner above, the first terminal can enter a connected state, and determine that entering the connected state is to perform an inventory operation.

[0113] In a fifth aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be performed by a unified data management network element. The unified data management network element herein can refer to the unified data management network element itself, or a processor, circuit, module, logic node, chip, or chip system, etc. in the unified data management network element that implements the method.

[0114] The method includes: receiving eighth information from an access management network element, the eighth information indicating a first network element in a core network, the first network element corresponding to the first terminal; receiving second query information from a network exposure network element, the second query information being used to query the first network element, the first network element being used to manage an inventory operation performed by the first terminal; and sending second query results to the network exposure network element according to the eighth information and the second query information, the second query results including information of the first network element.

[0115] Based on the method provided in the fifth aspect, the access management network element can register the first network element corresponding to the first terminal in the unified data management network element, so that the network exposure network element queries the first network element corresponding to the first terminal from the unified data management network element.

[0116] In a possible implementation, the second query result further includes at least one of the following: the first identifier or information of the access management network element; the first identifier is used to indicate the first terminal.

[0117] Based on the possible implementation, the network exposure network element can further query at least one of the first identifier or the information of the access management network element.

[0118] In a possible implementation, the first identifier is configured for a terminal with an inventory function; or the first identifier is a temporary identifier of the first terminal.

[0119] In a possible implementation, the unified data management network element stores subscription information of the first terminal, and the subscription information of the first terminal includes the first identifier.

[0120] The sixth aspect provides a communication method, which can be executed by a network exposure network element. The network exposure network element can refer to the network exposure network element itself, or a processor, circuit, module, logic node, chip, or chip system, etc. in the network exposure network element that implements the method.

[0121] The method includes: receiving a second service request, the second service request being used to request to perform an inventory operation; sending second query information to a unified data management network element according to the second service request, the second query information being used to query a first network element in a core network, the first network element being used to manage an inventory operation performed by the first terminal; receiving a second query result from the unified data management network element, the second query result including information of the first network element.

[0122] Based on the method provided in the sixth aspect, the network exposure network element can query the first network element corresponding to the first terminal from the unified data management network element, so as to issue the inventory operation on the first terminal through the first network element.

[0123] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a third service request to the first network element, the third service request being used to request to perform the first inventory operation.

[0124] Based on the possible implementation, the network exposure network element can indicate to the first network element to issue the first inventory operation.

[0125] In a possible implementation, the second query result further includes at least one of the following: the first identifier or information of the access management network element; and the first identifier is used to indicate the first terminal.

[0126] Based on the possible implementation, the network exposure network element can query at least one of the first identifier or information of the access management network element.

[0127] In a possible implementation, the first identifier is configured for a terminal with the inventory function; or the first identifier is a temporary identifier of the first terminal.

[0128] In a seventh aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a second network element. The second network element can refer to a terminal itself, or a processor, circuit, module, logic node, chip or chip system, etc. in the second network element that implements the method.

[0129] The method includes: receiving fourth information from an access management network element, the fourth information including information of a third access network node, the fourth information indicating that the second network element saves the information of the third access network node or deletes previously saved information of the third access network node; receiving first query information from a first network element in the core network, the first query information being used to query an access network node accessed by a first terminal; and sending first query result to the first network element.

[0130] Based on the method provided in the seventh aspect, the first network element can obtain information of the first access network node, so as to indicate an inventory operation to the first terminal through the first access network node.

[0131] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a second subscription request to the access management network element, the second subscription request being used to request that the second network element be notified when a connection state of the first terminal changes or a location of the first terminal changes.

[0132] Based on the possible implementation, the second network element can subscribe to the connection state or location information of the first terminal from the access management network element, so as to obtain information of an access network node accessed by the first terminal in time.

[0133] In a possible implementation, the second network element is a unified data management network element.

[0134] In a possible implementation, the second network element stores subscription information of the first terminal, the subscription information of the first terminal including the first identifier, and the first identifier being configured for a terminal with the inventory function.

[0135] In a possible implementation, the fourth information further includes at least one of the following: the first identifier or information of the access management network element; the first identifier is configured for the terminal with the inventory function; or the first identifier is a temporary identifier of the first terminal.

[0136] Based on the possible implementation, the second network element can further acquire at least one of the first identifier or information of the access management network element.

[0137] In a possible implementation, the second network element is a network storage network element.

[0138] In an eighth aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be performed by an access management network element. Here, the terminal can refer to the access management network element itself, or a processor, circuit, module, logic node, chip, or chip system, etc. in the access management network element that implements the method.

[0139] The method includes: determining a connection state change of a first terminal; sending fourth information to a second network element, the fourth information including information of a third access network node; when the connection state of the first terminal changes to a connected state, the fourth information instructs the second network element to save information of the third access network node, the third access network node being an access network node currently accessed by the first terminal; when the connection state of the first terminal changes to an idle state, the fourth information instructs the second network element to delete previously saved information of the third access network node, the third access network node being an access network node accessed by the first terminal before entering the idle state.

[0140] Alternatively, the method includes: determining that the first terminal switches from one access network node to another access network node; sending fourth information to a second network element, the fourth information including information of a third access network node, the fourth information instructing the second network element to save information of the third access network node, the third access network node being an access network node currently accessed by the first terminal.

[0141] Based on the method provided in the eighth aspect, the access management network element can update information of an access network node accessed by a first terminal to a second network element when a connection state of the first terminal changes, or the first terminal switches from one access network node to another access network node.

[0142] In a possible implementation, the second network element is a unified data management network element, and the method further includes: receiving a second subscription request from the second network element, the second subscription request being used to request notification of the second network element when a connection state of the first terminal changes or a location of the first terminal changes.

[0143] Based on the possible implementation manner above, the unified data management network element can subscribe to the connection state of the first terminal or the location of the first terminal, so that the access management network element updates the information of the access network node accessed by the first terminal to the second network element when the connection state of the first terminal changes or the first terminal switches from one access network node to another access network node.

[0144] In a possible implementation manner, the second network element is a network storage network element, and the fourth information further includes at least one of the following: the first identifier or information of the access management network element; the first identifier is configured for a terminal with an inventory function; or the first identifier is a temporary identifier of the first terminal.

[0145] Based on the possible implementation manner above, the network storage network element can further acquire at least one of the first identifier or the information of the access management network element.

[0146] In a ninth aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be performed by a second access network node. The second access network node herein can refer to the second access network node itself, or a processor, circuit, module, logic node, chip, or chip system, etc. in the second access network node that implements the method.

[0147] The method includes: receiving fifth information from a first access network node, the fifth information indicating that a first terminal is switched to the second access network node; and sending third information to a first network element in a core network, the first network element being used for managing an inventory operation performed by the first terminal, the third information indicating that the first terminal is switched to the second access network node, the third information including a first identifier, the first identifier being used for indicating the first terminal.

[0148] Based on the method provided in the ninth aspect above, the second access network node can make a corresponding indication to the first network element after the first terminal is switched, so that the first network element indicates the first terminal through the second access network node in a subsequent inventory process.

[0149] In a possible implementation manner, the fifth information includes at least one of the following: the first identifier, indication information that the first terminal has an inventory capability, indication information that the first terminal supports a first mode, an identifier allocated to the second terminal by the first access network node, an identifier allocated to the second terminal by the first network element, or information related to the inventory operation performed by the first terminal; the first mode refers to information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal without passing through an access management network element.

[0150] Based on the possible implementation manner above, the second access network node can determine the capability of the first terminal and acquire the inventory-related information, so as to take over the work of the first access network node in a subsequent process to instruct the first terminal to perform the inventory operation.

[0151] In a possible implementation, the third information further includes an identifier allocated to the second terminal by the second access network node, and at least one of the following: an identifier allocated to the second terminal by the first access network node, or an identifier allocated to the second terminal by the first network element.

[0152] Based on the above possible implementation, the first network element can instruct the first terminal via the second access network node in a subsequent inventory procedure.

[0153] In a possible implementation, the first identifier is configured for a terminal with an inventory function; or the first identifier is a temporary identifier of the first terminal.

[0154] In a tenth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the method in the first aspect. The communication apparatus can be the first network element in the first aspect. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above-described method, which can be implemented by hardware, software, or by executing corresponding software with hardware. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0155] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus can include a processing module and an interface module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect. The processing module can be, for example, a processor. The interface module, which can also be referred to as an interface unit, is used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect. The interface module can include an interface circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver, or a communication interface.

[0156] In a possible implementation, the processing module is configured to obtain a first identifier and first information, the first identifier indicating a first terminal, and the first information indicating a first access network node, the first access network node being an access network node accessed by the first terminal; and the interface module is configured to send a first message to the first access network node, the first message including the first identifier, the first message being used to instruct the first terminal to perform a first inventory operation via the first access network node, and the first message not passing through an access management network element.

[0157] In a possible implementation, the first message further includes indication information of a first mode, the first mode being that information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal does not pass through an access management network element.

[0158] In a possible implementation, the first identifier is configured for a terminal with an inventory function; and the processing module is specifically configured to receive the first identifier from a unified data management network element.

[0159] In a possible implementation, the first identifier is a temporary identifier of the first terminal; the processing module is specifically configured to receive second information from a unified data management network element, the second information comprising information of an access management network element and a permanent identifier of the first terminal; the processing module is further specifically configured to send, according to the second information, the permanent identifier of the first terminal to the access management network element; and the processing module is further specifically configured to receive the first identifier from the access management network element.

[0160] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to send a first subscription request to the access management network element, the first subscription request being used to request the access management network element to send a newly allocated temporary identifier to the first network element after re-allocating the temporary identifier for the first terminal.

[0161] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to send subscription cancellation information to the access management network element, the subscription cancellation information being used to cancel information subscribed by the first subscription request.

[0162] In a possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to obtain a second identifier, the second identifier indicating the first terminal and being a newly updated temporary identifier of the first terminal; and the interface module is further configured to send a second message to the first access network node, the second message comprising the second identifier and being used to instruct the first terminal to perform a second inventory operation via the first access network node.

[0163] In a possible implementation, the processing module is specifically configured to receive the first information from an access management network element.

[0164] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to send first inventory preparation information to the access management network element, the first inventory preparation information comprising the first identifier or a permanent identifier of the first terminal.

[0165] In a possible implementation, the processing module is specifically configured to send first query information to a second network element in the core network, the first query information being used to query an access network node accessed by the first terminal; and the processing module is further specifically configured to receive first query results from the second network element, the first query results comprising the first information.

[0166] In a possible implementation, the first query results further comprise information of an access management network element.

[0167] In a possible implementation, the second network element is a unified data management network element or a network storage network element.

[0168] In a possible implementation, the processing module is specifically configured to receive the location information of the first access network node; the processing module is further specifically configured to receive a first service request, the first service request being used to request to perform an inventory operation in the first area; and the processing module is further specifically configured to determine the first information according to the location information of the first access network node and the first service request.

[0169] In a possible implementation, the processing module is specifically configured to send second inventory preparation information to the first access network node, the second inventory preparation information indicating a first mode, the first mode being that information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal does not pass through an access management network element; and the processing module is further specifically configured to receive the first identifier from the first access network node.

[0170] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive first indication information from the first access network node, the first indication information indicating that the first access network node supports a first mode, the first mode being that information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal does not pass through an access management network element.

[0171] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to send second indication information to the first access network node, the second indication information indicating that the first network element supports a first mode, the first mode being that information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal does not pass through an access management network element.

[0172] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive first inventory end information or the third message from the first access network node, the first inventory end information being used to indicate that the first inventory operation ends, and the third message indicating a result of the first inventory operation, the first inventory end information and the third message including the first identifier.

[0173] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive third information from a second access network node, the third information indicating that the first terminal switches to the second access network node, and the third information including the first identifier.

[0174] In a possible implementation, the third information further includes an identifier allocated by the second access network node for the second terminal, and at least one of the following: an identifier allocated by the first access network node for the second terminal, or an identifier allocated by the first network element for the second terminal.

[0175] In a eleventh aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the method in the second aspect. The communication apparatus can be the first access network node in the second aspect. The communication apparatus comprises modules, units, or means for performing the functions of the corresponding method. The modules, units, or means can be implemented by hardware, software, or by a combination of hardware and software.

[0176] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus can include a processing module and an interface module. The processing module can be configured to implement the processing functions in the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect. The processing module can be, for example, a processor. The interface module, which can also be referred to as an interface unit, can be configured to implement the functions of sending and / or receiving in the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect. The interface module can include an interface circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver, or a communication interface.

[0177] In a possible implementation, the interface module is configured to receive a first message from a first network element in a core network, the first message including a first identifier, the first message being used to instruct a first terminal to perform a first inventory operation via the first access network node, the first identifier being used to indicate the first terminal, the first access network node being an access network node accessed by the first terminal, and the first message not passing through an access management network element; and the interface module is further configured to send a fourth message to the first terminal, the fourth message being determined according to the first message.

[0178] In a possible implementation, at least one of the first message or the fourth message includes indication information of a first mode, the first mode being that information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal does not pass through an access management network element.

[0179] In a possible implementation, the first identifier is configured for a terminal having an inventory function; or the first identifier is a temporary identifier of the first terminal.

[0180] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive second inventory preparation information from the first network element, the second inventory preparation information indicating a first mode, the first mode being that information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal does not pass through an access management network element; and the interface module is further configured to send the first identifier to the first network element.

[0181] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to send a first paging message according to the second inventory preparation information, the first paging message being used to page the first terminal or a terminal having an inventory function.

[0182] In a possible implementation, the processing module is configured to maintain the first terminal in a connected state or an inactive state.

[0183] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to send location information of the first access network node to the first network element.

[0184] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to, in a case where it is determined that the first terminal is to perform the inventory operation, send information of a first resource to the first terminal, the first resource being used by the first terminal to perform the inventory operation.

[0185] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to send first indication information to the first network element or the access management network element, the first indication information indicating that the first access network node supports a first mode, the first mode being that information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal does not pass through the access management network element.

[0186] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive second indication information from the first network element, the second indication information indicating that the first network element supports the first mode, the first mode being that information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal does not pass through the access management network element.

[0187] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive, from the access management network element, a context of the first terminal, the context of the first terminal including at least one of the following: the first identifier, indication information that the first terminal is inventory-capable, or indication information of whether the first mode is supported, the first mode being that information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal does not pass through the access management network element.

[0188] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive second inventory end information from the first terminal, the second inventory end information indicating that the first inventory operation ends; and the interface module is further configured to send, according to the second inventory end information, first inventory end information to the first network element, the first inventory end information including the first identifier.

[0189] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to, in a case where it is determined to switch the first terminal to a second access network node, send fifth information to the second access network node, the fifth information including at least one of the following: the first identifier, indication information that the first terminal is inventory-capable, indication information of whether the first terminal supports the first mode, an identifier allocated by the first access network node to the second terminal, an identifier allocated by the first network element to the second terminal, or information related to the inventory operation performed by the first terminal, the first mode being that information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal does not pass through the access management network element.

[0190] In a twelfth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the method in the third aspect. The communication apparatus can be the first terminal in the third aspect. The communication apparatus comprises modules, units, or means for implementing the corresponding functions of the method. The modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, or by software with the support of the hardware.

[0191] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus can include a processing module and an interface module. The processing module can be configured to implement the processing functions in the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect. The processing module can be, for example, a processor. The interface module, which can also be referred to as an interface unit, can be configured to implement the functions of sending and / or receiving in the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect. The interface module can include an interface circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver, or a communication interface.

[0192] In a possible implementation, the interface module is configured to receive a fourth message from the first access network node, the fourth message indicating a first mode and instructing the first terminal to perform a first inventory operation, the first mode indicating that information transmitted between the first network element of the core network and the first terminal does not pass through the access management network element; the interface module is further configured to send a fifth message to a second terminal, the fifth message indicating that the first inventory operation is performed on the second terminal; the interface module is further configured to receive a sixth message from the second terminal, the sixth message indicating a result of the first inventory operation; and the interface module is further configured to send a seventh message to the first network element through the first access network node, the seventh message indicating the result of the first inventory operation, the seventh message not passing through the access management network element.

[0193] In a possible implementation, the seventh message further indicates that the result of the first inventory operation is sent to the first network element through the first mode.

[0194] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive an eighth message from the first access network node, the eighth message indicating a second mode and instructing the first terminal to perform a third inventory operation, the second mode indicating that information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal passes through the access management network element and the access network node; the interface module is further configured to send a ninth message to a third terminal, the ninth message indicating that the third inventory operation is performed on the third terminal; the interface module is further configured to receive a tenth message from the third terminal, the tenth message indicating a result of the third inventory operation; and the interface module is further configured to send an eleventh message to the access management network element through the first access network node, the eleventh message indicating the result of the third inventory operation.

[0195] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive a first paging message or a second paging message; the first paging message is used for paging the first terminal or a terminal with inventory function; the second paging message is used for paging the first terminal, and the second paging message comprises inventory indication information, which indicates that the purpose of paging the first terminal is to perform an inventory operation.

[0196] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive information of a first resource from the first access network node, and the first resource is used for the first terminal to perform an inventory operation.

[0197] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to send second inventory end information to the first access network node, and the second inventory end information indicates that the first inventory operation ends.

[0198] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus is configured to implement the method in the fourth aspect. The communication apparatus can be an access management network element in the fourth aspect. The communication apparatus comprises modules, units, or means corresponding to the method, which can be implemented by hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software comprises one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions.

[0199] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus can comprise a processing module and an interface module. The processing module can be configured to implement the processing functions in the fourth aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module can be, for example, a processor. The interface module, which can also be referred to as an interface unit, is configured to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in the fourth aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The interface module can comprise an interface circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver, or a communication interface.

[0200] In a possible implementation, the interface module is configured to receive first inventory preparation information from a first network element in a core network, and the first inventory preparation information comprises information of a first terminal; and the interface module is further configured to send first information to the first network element according to the first inventory preparation information, the first information indicating a first access network node, and the first access network node being an access network node accessed by the first terminal; and the first information is used for the first network element to send a first message to the first access network node, the first message being used for instructing the first terminal to perform a first inventory operation via the first access network node, and the first message not passing through an access management network element.

[0201] In a possible implementation, the information of the first terminal comprises a first identifier, or a permanent identifier of the first terminal; the first identifier indicates the first terminal, the first identifier is configured for a terminal with a function of inventory, or the first identifier is a temporary identifier of the first terminal.

[0202] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to send, to the first access network node, a context of the first terminal, the context of the first terminal comprising at least one of the following: the first identifier, indication information that the first terminal has the function of inventory, or indication information whether the first mode is supported; the first mode refers to information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal without passing through the access management network element.

[0203] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive third indication information from the first access network node, the third indication information indicating that the first access network node supports the first mode, the first mode referring to information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal without passing through the access management network element.

[0204] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive a first subscription request from the first network element, the first subscription request being used to request the access management network element to send, to the first network element, a temporarily allocated identifier after the access management network element reallocates the temporarily allocated identifier for the first terminal.

[0205] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive subscription cancellation information from the first network element, the subscription cancellation information being used to cancel information subscribed by the first subscription request.

[0206] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to send, to a unified data management network element, information of the first network element corresponding to the first terminal.

[0207] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to send, to a second network element, fourth information comprising information of a third access network node in a case where a connection state of the first terminal changes; when the connection state of the first terminal changes to a connected state, the fourth information instructs the second network element to save the information of the third access network node, the third access network node being an access network node currently accessed by the first terminal; when the connection state of the first terminal changes to an idle state, the fourth information instructs the second network element to delete previously saved information of the third access network node, the third access network node being an access network node accessed by the first terminal before the first terminal enters the idle state.

[0208] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to, in a case that the first terminal is handed over from one access network node to another access network node, send fourth information to the second network element, the fourth information comprising information of the third access network node, the fourth information indicating that the second network element saves the information of the third access network node, the third access network node being the access network node currently accessed by the first terminal.

[0209] In a possible implementation, the second network element is a unified data management network element, and the interface module is further configured to receive a second subscription request from the second network element, the second subscription request being used to request that the second network element is notified when a connection state of the first terminal changes or a location of the first terminal changes.

[0210] In a possible implementation, the second network element is a network storage network element, and the fourth information further comprises at least one of the following: the first identifier, or information of the access management network element.

[0211] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to send a second paging message according to the first inventory preparation information, the second paging message being used to page the first terminal, the second paging message comprising inventory indication information, the inventory indication information indicating that a purpose of paging the first terminal is to perform an inventory operation.

[0212] A fourteenth aspect provides a communication apparatus for implementing the method in the fifth aspect. The communication apparatus can be the unified data management network element in the fifth aspect. The communication apparatus comprises modules, units, or means corresponding to the method, which can be implemented by hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software comprises one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0213] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus can comprise a processing module and an interface module. The processing module can be configured to implement the processing functions in the fifth aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module can be, for example, a processor. The interface module, which can also be referred to as an interface unit, is configured to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in the fifth aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The interface module can comprise an interface circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver, or a communication interface.

[0214] In a possible implementation, the interface module is configured to receive eighth information from the access management network element, the eighth information indicating a first network element in the core network, the first network element corresponding to the first terminal; the interface module is further configured to receive second query information from the network exposure network element, the second query information being used to query the first network element, the first network element being used to manage an inventory operation performed by the first terminal; and the interface module is further configured to send, to the network exposure network element, second query result according to the eighth information and the second query information, the second query result including information of the first network element.

[0215] In a possible implementation, the second query result further includes at least one of the following: a first identifier or information of the access management network element; the first identifier being used to indicate the first terminal.

[0216] In a possible implementation, the first identifier is configured for a terminal with an inventory function; or the first identifier is a temporary identifier of the first terminal.

[0217] In a possible implementation, the unified data management network element stores subscription information of the first terminal, the subscription information of the first terminal including the first identifier.

[0218] In a fifteenth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the method in the sixth aspect. The communication apparatus can be the network exposure network element in the sixth aspect. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the method, which can be implemented by hardware, software, or by executing corresponding software with the hardware. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0219] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus can include a processing module and an interface module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in the sixth aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module can be, for example, a processor. The interface module, which can also be referred to as an interface unit, is used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in the sixth aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The interface module can include an interface circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver, or a communication interface.

[0220] In a possible implementation, the interface module is configured to receive a second service request, the second service request being used to request to perform an inventory operation; the interface module is further configured to send, to a unified data management network element, second query information according to the second service request, the second query information being used to query a first network element in the core network, the first network element being used to manage an inventory operation performed by the first terminal; and the interface module is further configured to receive second query result from the unified data management network element, the second query result including information of the first network element.

[0221] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to send a third service request to the first network element, where the third service request is used to request execution of the first inventory operation.

[0222] In a possible implementation, the second query result further includes at least one of the following: a first identifier or information of the access management network element, where the first identifier is used to indicate the first terminal.

[0223] In a possible implementation, the first identifier is configured for a terminal with an inventory function; or the first identifier is a temporary identifier of the first terminal.

[0224] In a sixteenth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the method in the seventh aspect. The communication apparatus can be the second network element in the seventh aspect. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above-described method, which can be implemented by hardware, software, or by a combination of hardware and software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0225] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus can include a processing module and an interface module. The processing module can be configured to implement the processing functions in the seventh aspect and any possible implementation of the seventh aspect. The processing module can be, for example, a processor. The interface module, which can also be referred to as an interface unit, is configured to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in the seventh aspect and any possible implementation of the seventh aspect. The interface module can include an interface circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver, or a communication interface.

[0226] In a possible implementation, the interface module is configured to receive fourth information from the access management network element, where the fourth information includes information of a third access network node, and the fourth information indicates that the second network element saves information of the third access network node or that the second network element deletes previously saved information of the third access network node; the interface module is further configured to receive first query information from the first network element in the core network, where the first query information is used to query an access network node accessed by the first terminal; and the interface module is further configured to send a first query result to the first network element.

[0227] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to send a second subscription request to the access management network element, where the second subscription request is used to request notification of the second network element when a connection state of the first terminal changes or a location of the first terminal changes.

[0228] In a possible implementation, the second network element is a unified data management network element.

[0229] In a possible implementation, the second network element stores the subscription information of the first terminal, and the subscription information of the first terminal comprises a first identifier, which is configured for a terminal with inventory function.

[0230] In a possible implementation, the fourth information further comprises at least one of the following: the first identifier or information of the access management network element; the first identifier is configured for a terminal with inventory function; or the first identifier is a temporary identifier of the first terminal.

[0231] In a possible implementation, the second network element is a network storage network element.

[0232] In a seventeenth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the method in the eighth aspect. The communication apparatus can be the access management network element in the eighth aspect. The communication apparatus comprises modules, units, or means corresponding to the method, which can be implemented by hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software comprises one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0233] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus can comprise a processing module and an interface module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in the eighth aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module can be, for example, a processor. The interface module, which can also be referred to as an interface unit, is used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in the eighth aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The interface module can comprise an interface circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver, or a communication interface.

[0234] In a possible implementation, the processing module is configured to determine a connection state change of the first terminal; and the interface module is configured to send, to the second network element, fourth information comprising information of a third access network node, wherein the fourth information instructs the second network element to save the information of the third access network node when the connection state of the first terminal changes to a connected state, the third access network node being a currently accessed access network node of the first terminal; and the fourth information instructs the second network element to delete previously saved information of the third access network node when the connection state of the first terminal changes to an idle state, the third access network node being an accessed access network node of the first terminal before the idle state.

[0235] Alternatively, the processing module is configured to determine that the first terminal switches from one access network node to another access network node; and the interface module is configured to send, to the second network element, fourth information comprising information of the third access network node, wherein the fourth information instructs the second network element to save the information of the third access network node, the third access network node being a currently accessed access network node of the first terminal.

[0236] In a possible implementation, the second network element is a unified data management network element, and the interface module is further configured to receive a second subscription request from the second network element, the second subscription request being used to request that the second network element be notified of a change in the connection state of the first terminal or a change in the location of the first terminal.

[0237] In a possible implementation, the second network element is a network storage network element, and the fourth information further includes at least one of the following: the first identifier, or information of the access management network element; the first identifier is configured for a terminal with an inventory function; or the first identifier is a temporary identifier of the first terminal.

[0238] In an eighteenth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the method in the ninth aspect. The communication apparatus can be the second access network node in the ninth aspect. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the modules, units, or means for implementing the method. The modules, units, or means can be implemented by hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0239] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus can include a processing module and an interface module. The processing module can be configured to implement the processing functions in the ninth aspect and any possible implementation of the ninth aspect. The processing module can be, for example, a processor. The interface module, which can also be referred to as an interface unit, is configured to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in the ninth aspect and any possible implementation of the ninth aspect. The interface module can include an interface circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver, or a communication interface.

[0240] In a possible implementation, the interface module is configured to receive fifth information from the first access network node, the fifth information indicating that the first terminal is to be handed over to the second access network node; and the interface module is further configured to send third information to a first network element in a core network, the first network element being configured to manage an inventory operation performed by the first terminal, the third information indicating that the first terminal is handed over to the second access network node, the third information including a first identifier, the first identifier being used to indicate the first terminal.

[0241] In a possible implementation, the fifth information includes at least one of the following: the first identifier, indication information that the first terminal has an inventory capability, indication information that the first terminal supports a first mode, an identifier allocated by the first access network node to the second terminal, an identifier allocated by the first network element to the second terminal, or information related to the inventory operation performed by the first terminal; the first mode refers to information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal not passing through an access management network element.

[0242] In a possible implementation, the third information further includes an identifier allocated to the second terminal by the second access network node, and at least one of the following: an identifier allocated to the second terminal by the first access network node, or an identifier allocated to the second terminal by the first network element.

[0243] In a possible implementation, the first identifier is configured for a terminal with inventory function; or the first identifier is a temporary identifier of the first terminal.

[0244] In a nineteenth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which includes a processor. The processor is configured to cause the communication apparatus to perform the method in any one of the preceding aspects by executing computer programs (or computer executable instructions) stored in a memory and / or by a logic circuit. The communication apparatus can be the first network element in the first aspect; or the communication apparatus can be the first access network node in the second aspect; or the communication apparatus can be the first terminal in the third aspect; or the communication apparatus can be the access management network element in the fourth aspect; or the communication apparatus can be the unified data management network element in the fifth aspect; or the communication apparatus can be the network exposure network element in the sixth aspect; or the communication apparatus can be the second network element in the seventh aspect; or the communication apparatus can be the access management network element in the eighth aspect; or the communication apparatus can be the second access network node in the ninth aspect. Optionally, the number of processors can be one or more.

[0245] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus further includes a memory.

[0246] In a possible implementation, the processor and the memory are integrated; or the memory is independent of the processor.

[0247] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus further includes a communication interface, which is configured to enable the communication apparatus to communicate with other devices, such as transmitting or receiving data and / or signals. For example, the communication interface can be a transceiver, a circuit, a bus, a module or other types of communication interfaces.

[0248] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication apparatus is a chip system, it can be composed of a chip or include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0249] In a twentieth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which comprises a processor and an interface circuit; the interface circuit is configured to receive a computer program or instructions and transmit the computer program or instructions to the processor; the processor is configured to execute the computer program or instructions, so that the communication apparatus performs the method in any one of the preceding aspects. The communication apparatus can be the first network element in the first aspect; or the communication apparatus can be the first access network node in the second aspect; or the communication apparatus can be the first terminal in the third aspect; or the communication apparatus can be the access management network element in the fourth aspect; or the communication apparatus can be the unified data management network element in the fifth aspect; or the communication apparatus can be the network exposure network element in the sixth aspect; or the communication apparatus can be the second network element in the seventh aspect; or the communication apparatus can be the access management network element in the eighth aspect; or the communication apparatus can be the second access network node in the ninth aspect. Optionally, the number of processors can be one or more.

[0250] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication apparatus is a chip system, the communication apparatus can be composed of a chip or can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0251] In a twenty-first aspect, a computer readable storage medium is provided, which stores instructions, when the instructions are executed on a computer, the computer can execute the method in any one of the preceding aspects.

[0252] In a twenty-second aspect, a computer program product is provided, which includes instructions, when the instructions are executed on a computer, the computer can execute the method in any one of the preceding aspects.

[0253] In a twenty-third aspect, a communication system is provided, which includes at least one of the following: the first network element configured to execute the method in the first aspect, the first access network node configured to execute the method in the second aspect, the first terminal configured to execute the method in the third aspect, the access management network element configured to execute the method in the fourth aspect, the unified data management network element configured to execute the method in the fifth aspect, the network exposure network element configured to execute the method in the sixth aspect, the second network element configured to execute the method in the seventh aspect, the access management network element configured to execute the method in the eighth aspect, or the second access network node configured to execute the method in the ninth aspect.

[0254] The technical effects brought by any one of the tenth aspect to the twenty-third aspect or any possible implementation of the aspect can refer to the technical effects brought by any one of the first aspect to the ninth aspect or any possible implementation of the aspect, which will not be described herein.

[0255] It can be understood that the schemes in each of the above aspects can be combined without contradiction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0256] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture provided by the present application;

[0257] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a communication network provided by the present application;

[0258] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a communication device provided by the present application;

[0259] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0260] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0261] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0262] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0263] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0264] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0265] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0266] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0267] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0268] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided by the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0269] Before introducing the technical schemes of the present application, the related technical terms involved in the present application are explained and described. It can be understood that these explanations and descriptions are for the purpose of making the present application easier to understand, and should not be regarded as limiting the scope of protection required by the present application.

[0270] 1、Radio frequency identification (RFID)

[0271] RFID technology is a kind of automatic identification technology, which realizes non-contact two-way data communication through wireless radio frequency. RFID technology can realize the reading and writing of tags by a reader through wireless radio frequency, so as to achieve the purpose of identifying targets and data exchange.

[0272] 2. Reader

[0273] The reader is also called a card reader, a read-write device, a reading device, a scanner, a read head, a communicator, a reader, a decipherer, a device with reading and / or writing functions, a device for reading information from a tag and / or writing information to a tag, etc.

[0274] 3. Tag (label)

[0275] The tag is also called a response device, a device, an AIoT device, an electronic tag, an RFID tag, a radio frequency tag, a transponder, a data carrier, a recording medium, a radio frequency card, an internet of things (IoT) device, an IoT terminal, an environmental IoT terminal, a low-power IoT terminal, or an IoT terminal, etc.

[0276] The tag can respond to the radio frequency signal sent by the card reader. The tag can include an active tag, a semi-passive tag, and a passive tag. The source here can refer to a power supply.

[0277] The active tag is also called an active tag, and the working power of the tag is supplied by the battery inside the tag, and the energy of the battery can also be converted into the radio frequency energy required for the tag to communicate with the reader. The semi-passive tag has a battery, but does not actively emit radio frequency signals, but receives and responds to radio frequency signals from the reader. The passive tag is also called a passive tag, and the tag does not have a battery inside, when the tag is outside the reading range of the reader, the tag is in a passive state, when the tag is within the reading range of the reader, the tag extracts the energy required for its work from the radio frequency energy emitted by the reader.

[0278] 4. Inventory function

[0279] The inventory function includes an inventory operation and a command operation.

[0280] The inventory operation is an operation performed by the reader on one or more tags. The tag can respond to the operation and feed back the corresponding identification, or not feed back the identification, which is not limited. The inventory operation is used to discover tags that meet the conditions within the coverage range of the reader and obtain the identification of the tags. The tags that meet the conditions can respond to the inventory operation and carry the identification in the response message.

[0281] The command operation includes read, write, destroy, or lock operations. The reader can send a radio frequency signal to the tag through the built-in antenna to query data from the tag or write data to the tag, or make the tag return a reflected signal.

[0282] It should be understood that, as the communication technology evolves, the inventory function can also include other operations (such as one or more operations introduced by future Internet of Things) and there can be other names (such as names introduced by future Internet of Things). In this application, inventory can be replaced by inventory. The inventory operation can be replaced by the inventory operation, the AIoT operation, the Internet of Things operation, the AIoT business or the Internet of Things business, etc.

[0283] It can be understood that the read-write device has an inventory function. The "read-write device function" and "inventory function" in the embodiments described below in this application can be replaced with each other.

[0284] 5、Access network node

[0285] The access network node is also called an access network device, a radio access network (RAN) node, a RAN device or a RAN entity, etc. The access network node can help the terminal to realize wireless access. The access network node is, for example, a node in the RAN, or a node in the open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN).

[0286] The access network node includes, but is not limited to, an evolved Node B (eNB or e-NodeB) in long term evolution (LTE), a next generation eNB (ng-eNB) in next generation LTE, a base station (gNodeB or gNB) in new radio (NR), a transmitting point (TP) or a transmission receiving point (TRP), a base station in a subsequent evolution of the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP), a base station in a future mobile communication system, a satellite, an access point (AP) in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system, a wireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a network device in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication system, i.e., can be deployed in a low-altitude platform, a high-altitude platform, or a satellite, etc. The base station can be a macro base station, a micro base station, a pico base station, a femto base station, a relay station, or a balloon station, etc. The plurality of base stations can support the network of the same technology mentioned above, or support the network of different technologies mentioned above. The base station can include one or more co-sited or non-co-sited TRPs. The access network node can also be a device in device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) communication, or machine communication, which plays a base station function. The access network node can also be a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. The access network node can also be a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), a radio unit (RU), a roadside unit (RSU) with a base station function, a wired access gateway, or a core network element, etc. The access network node can also be a server, a wearable device, a machine communication device, or a vehicle-mounted device, etc. For example, the access network device in V2X technology can be an RSU. The following is described by taking the access network node as a base station as an example.The plurality of access network nodes can be base stations of the same type or base stations of different types. The base stations can communicate with the terminal directly or through a relay station. The terminal can communicate with a plurality of base stations of different technologies, for example, the terminal can communicate with a base station supporting an LTE network, and can also communicate with a base station supporting a 5G network, and can also support dual connectivity with the base station of the LTE network and the base station of the 5G network.

[0287] In this application, the CU can implement the functions of the radio resource control (RRC) layer and the functions of the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer in the 3GPP standard. The CU can also implement the functions of the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer. The DU can implement the functions of the radio link control (RLC) layer and the medium access control (MAC) layer in the 3GPP standard. The DU can also implement part of the physical layer or the entire physical layer, such as implementing forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding, scrambling / descrambling, or modulation / demodulation. The RU can be used to implement the functions of transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals. The CU and the DU can be separately arranged or can be included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). It can be understood that the CU can be divided into network devices in the access network, or the CU can be divided into network devices in the core network, which is not limited herein. In addition, the CU can be further divided into a CU-CP and a CU-UP. The CU-CP can implement the functions of the RRC layer and the control plane functions of the PDCP layer. The CU-UP can implement the functions of the SDAP layer and the user plane functions of the PDCP layer.

[0288] In this application, the RU can be included in a radio frequency device or a radio frequency unit, for example, included in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). The RU can implement part of the functions of the physical layer in the 3GPP standard and radio frequency functions. Among them, the functions of the physical layer that the RU can implement include one or more of the following: fast Fourier transform (FFT), inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) transform, digital beamforming, or extraction and filtering of a physical random access channel (PRACH), etc.

[0289] In different systems, the CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU can also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in the ORAN system, the CU can also be referred to as O-CU (open CU), the DU can also be referred to as O-DU, the CU-CP can also be referred to as O-CU-CP, the CU-UP can also be referred to as O-CU-UP, and the RU can also be referred to as O-RU. For the convenience of description, the CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU and RU are taken as examples for description in this application. Any one of the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in this application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0290] Optionally, the access network node integrates the function of the reader / writer, so that the access network node has the inventory capability (i.e., the inventory function) to increase the communication distance between the tag and the reader / writer, thereby supporting more application scenarios.

[0291] 6、Terminal

[0292] A terminal is a device with a wireless transceiver function. The terminal can also be referred to as a terminal device, which can be a user equipment (UE), a mobile station (MS), a mobile terminal (MT), or the like, or a device for providing voice or data connectivity to a user. Among them, the UE includes a handheld device with a wireless communication function, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device (such as a smart watch, a smart bracelet, a pedometer, etc.), or a computing device. Exemplarily, the UE can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a palm computer, a mobile internet device (MID), a satellite terminal, or a computer with a wireless transceiver function. The UE can also be a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless modem, a smart point of sale (POS) machine, a customer-premises equipment (CPE), a smart robot, a mechanical arm, a workshop device, a smart home device (such as a refrigerator, a television, an air conditioner, an electric meter, etc.), a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in unmanned driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical treatment, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in smart traffic, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, a vehicle-mounted terminal, an RSU with a terminal function, or a flight device (such as a smart robot, a hot air balloon, a drone, an airplane), and the like. The terminal can also be other devices with a terminal function, for example, the terminal can also be a device with a terminal function in D2D communication.

[0293] In this application, the terminal can be a terminal in an IoT system, and IoT is an important part of future information technology development, and its main technical feature is to connect objects through communication technology and network, so as to realize the intelligent network of man-machine interconnection and object-object interconnection. The terminal in this application can be a terminal in machine type communication (MTC).

[0294] It can be understood that in some scenarios, the roles of the access network node and the terminal are relative. For example, a helicopter or a drone that is usually configured as a terminal can also be configured as a mobile base station, and a device accessing to the RAN through the helicopter or the drone is configured as a terminal.

[0295] Embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0296] The method provided by the present application can be used in various communication systems. For example, the communication system can be an LTE system, a 5th generation (5G) communication system, a WiFi system, a 3GPP related communication system, a communication system evolved after 5G, or a system integrating multiple systems, etc., without limitation. The 5G can also be referred to as NR. The method provided by the present application will be described below with reference to the communication system 10 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is merely a schematic diagram and does not constitute a limitation on the applicable scenarios of the technical solutions provided by the present application.

[0297] As shown in FIG. 1, it is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 10 provided by the present application. In FIG. 1, the communication system 10 includes a first network element 101, an access network node 102 in communication connection with the first network element 101, at least one terminal 107 (only one is shown in FIG. 1) in communication connection with the access network node 102, and at least one terminal 108 (only one is shown in FIG. 1) in communication connection with the terminal 107. The description of the access network node 102 can refer to the description of the access network node above. The description of the terminal 107 and the terminal 108 can refer to the description of the terminal above.

[0298] In order to support more flexible application scenarios, the terminal 107 in FIG. 1 has the function of a reader / writer, the terminal 108 has the function of a tag, and the terminal 107 can perform inventory operation and command operation on the terminal 108. Therefore, the terminal 107 can also be referred to as UE Reader, and the terminal 108 can also be referred to as a tag. The description of the reader / writer, the tag, and the inventory can refer to the corresponding description above, and will not be repeated here.

[0299] The first network element 101 in FIG. 1 is a network element in the core network, which can manage AIoT services or IoT services. For example, the first network element 101 can manage the inventory operation of the terminal 107. The first network element 101 can also manage the command operation of the terminal 107. For example, the first network element 101 is a tag management network element, a tag management function (TMF) network element, an IoT service management network element, an AIoT function, an AIoT network function, an AIoT management function, or an AIoT service management network element, etc.

[0300] In the present application, the first network element 101, the access network node 102 and the terminal 107 can communicate through the first mode or the second mode. The first mode means that the information transmitted between the first network element 101 and the terminal 107 passes through the access network node (such as the access network node 102 or the access network node 109) but does not pass through the access management network element (such as the access management network element 103). The second mode means that the information transmitted between the first network element 101 and the terminal 107 passes through the access management network element (such as the access management network element 103) and the access network node (such as the access network node 102 or the access network node 109).

[0301] For example, the information transmission path in the first mode and the information transmission path in the second mode can be as shown in FIG. 1. For the first mode, in the downlink transmission, the information sent by the first network element 101 can reach the access network node 102 without passing through the access management network element. The access network node 102 can directly send the information to the terminal 107 (such as transparently transmitting / forwarding to the terminal 107) or send the information to the terminal 107 after further processing. After receiving the information, the terminal 107 can process the information, such as performing corresponding operations on the terminal 108 based on the information. In the uplink transmission, the information sent by the terminal 107 (such as the information fed back by the terminal 108 to the terminal 107 based on the above operations) can reach the access network node 102. The access network node 102 can directly send the information to the first network element 101 (such as transparently transmitting / forwarding to the first network element 101) or send the information to the first network element 101 after further processing, but the information does not pass through the access management network element.

[0302] For the second mode, in the downlink transmission, the information sent by the first network element 101 first reaches the access management network element 103. The access management network element 103 can directly send the information to the access network node 102 (such as transparently transmitting / forwarding to the access network node 102) or send the information to the access network node 102 after further processing. The access network node 102 can directly send the received information to the terminal 107 (such as transparently transmitting / forwarding to the terminal 107) or send the received information to the terminal 107 after further processing. After receiving the information, the terminal 107 can process the information, such as performing corresponding operations on the terminal 108 based on the information. In the uplink transmission, the information sent by the terminal 107 (such as the information fed back by the terminal 108 to the terminal 107 based on the above operations) can reach the access network node 102. The access network node 102 can directly send the information to the access management network element 103 (such as transparently transmitting / forwarding to the access management network element 103) or send the information to the access management network element 103 after further processing. The access management network element 103 can directly send the received information to the first network element 101 (such as transparently transmitting / forwarding to the first network element 101) or send the received information to the first network element 101 after further processing.

[0303] In a possible implementation, in the second mode, the first network element 101 communicates with the terminal 107 based on a non access stratum (NAS) protocol.

[0304] As an example, for downlink communication, the first network element 101 sends information 1 to the access management network element 103. After receiving the information 1, the access management network element 103 encapsulates the information 1 in a NAS message and sends the NAS message to the access network node 102. Subsequently, the access network node 102 sends the NAS message to the terminal 107 through an RRC message. After decapsulating the NAS message, the terminal 107 obtains the information 1. For uplink communication, the terminal 107 encapsulates information 2 in a NAS message and sends the NAS message to the access network node 102 through an RRC message. After receiving the NAS message, the access network node 102 sends the NAS message to the access management network element 103. Subsequently, the access management network element 103 decapsulates the NAS message to obtain the information 2 and sends the information 2 to the first network element 101.

[0305] As another example, for downlink communication, the first network element 101 sends information 1 to the access management network element 103. The information 1 includes a newly defined NAS' message between the first network element 101 and the terminal 107, and the NAS' message includes the information 1. After receiving the information 1, the access management network element 103 encapsulates the NAS' message in a NAS message and sends the NAS message to the access network node 102. Subsequently, the access network node 102 sends the NAS message to the terminal 107 through an RRC message. After decapsulating the NAS message, the terminal 107 obtains the NAS' message, and after decapsulating the NAS' message, the terminal 107 obtains the information 1. For uplink communication, the terminal 107 encapsulates information 2 in a NAS' message, encapsulates the NAS' message in a NAS message, and sends the NAS message to the access network node 102 through an RRC message. After receiving the NAS message, the access network node 102 sends the NAS message to the access management network element 103. Subsequently, the access management network element 103 decapsulates the NAS message to obtain the NAS' message, sends the NAS' message to the first network element 101, and the first network element 101 decapsulates the NAS' message to obtain the information 2.

[0306] As can be seen, in the first mode, the access network node and the first network element do not need to communicate through the access management network element, and in the second mode, the access network node and the first network element need to communicate through the access management network element. In some scenarios, the access network node and the first network element can also communicate through a user plane network element in the second mode. Therefore, the first mode can also be referred to as a direct mode, and the second mode can also be referred to as a non-direct mode, a regular mode, or a traditional mode, etc.

[0307] Optionally, the communication system 10 further comprises one or more of the following network elements: an access management network element 103, a network storage network element 104, a unified data management network element 105, a network exposure network element 106, or an access network node 109. Among them, the access management network element 103, the network storage network element 104, the unified data management network element 105, and the network exposure network element 106 are network elements in the core network. The access network node 109 can refer to the description of the access network node above.

[0308] In this application, the access management network element is also called a mobile management network element, an access and mobile management network element, or an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element. The network storage network element is also called a storage network element or a network storage function (NRF) network element. The unified data management network element is also called a data management network element or a unified data management (UDM) network element. The network exposure network element is also called an exposure network element or a network exposure function (NEF) network element.

[0309] In some embodiments, the access management network element 103, the network storage network element 104, or the unified data management network element 105 can send the information of the access network node 102 to the first network element 101, so that the first network element 101 communicates with the terminal 107 in the first mode.

[0310] In some embodiments, the unified data management network element 105 can send the identifier of the terminal 107 to the first network element 101, so that the first network element 101 carries the identifier of the terminal 107 in the first message and sends it to the access network node 102. After receiving the first message, the access network node 102 determines to perform the inventory operation by the terminal 107, and sends a fourth message to the terminal 107 to instruct the terminal 107 to perform the inventory operation, or the access network node 102 determines to send the first message to the terminal 107.

[0311] In some embodiments, when the terminal 107 registers in the access management network element 103, the access management network element 103 can determine that the IoT service of the terminal 107 is managed by the first network element 101, and indicate to the unified data management network element 105 that the terminal 107 corresponds to the first network element 101. Subsequently, after the network exposure network element 106 receives the IoT service request for the terminal 107, it can query the first network element 101 from the unified data management network element 105, and send the service request to the first network element 101.

[0312] In some embodiments, the terminal 107 can be handed over from the access network node 102 to the access network node 109. In this scenario, the first mode refers to the information transmitted between the first network element 101 and the terminal 107 passing through the access network node 109 but not passing through the access management network element 103. The second mode refers to the information transmitted between the first network element 101 and the terminal 107 passing through the access management network element 103 and the access network node 109.

[0313] It can be understood that the above-mentioned communication system 10 can be applicable to various communication networks, for example, can be applicable to the currently discussed 5G network, can also be applicable to other networks in the future, etc., and the present application does not make specific limitations thereto.

[0314] For example, the communication system 10 is applicable to the communication network shown in FIG. 2. The communication network includes a NEF network element, a NRF network element, a policy control function (PCF) network element, a UDM network element, an application function (AF) network element, an authentication server function (AUSF) network element, an AMF network element, a TMF network element, a session management function (SMF) network element, a data network (DN), a user plane function (UPF) network element, a RAN node, a first terminal and a second terminal.

[0315] In FIG. 2, the first terminal can perform an inventory operation on the second terminal, the first terminal accesses the communication network through the RAN node, and the first terminal communicates with the AMF network element through the N1 interface (N1 for short); the RAN node communicates with the AMF network element through the N2 interface (N2 for short) and communicates with the UPF network element through the N3 interface (N3 for short); the SMF network element communicates with the UPF network element through the N4 interface (N4 for short), and the UPF network element accesses the DN through the N6 interface (N6 for short). In addition, there is also an interface between the RAN node and the TMF network element, such as the N2' interface (N2' for short). The second terminal can also access the communication network through the RAN node.

[0316] In the present application, the N2' interface is the communication interface between the RAN node and the TMF network element, and the N2' interface can also have other naming methods, which are not limited. In some scenarios, the function of the N2' interface is similar to that of the N2 interface, the design of the N2' interface can be redesigned by referring to the N2 interface, or the design of the N2' interface can be compatible with the N2 interface (such as the N2' interface can support the communication between the RAN node and the AMF network element and the TMF network element at the same time).

[0317] The AUSF network element, the AMF network element, the TMF network element, the SMF network element, the NEF network element, the NRF network element, the PCF network element, the UDM network element, or the AF network element shown in FIG. 2 can interact with each other through a service interface. For example, the service interface provided by the AUSF network element to the outside is Nausf; the service interface provided by the AMF network element to the outside is Namf; the service interface provided by the TMF network element to the outside is Ntmf; the service interface provided by the SMF network element to the outside is Nsmf; the service interface provided by the NEF network element to the outside is Nnef; the service interface provided by the NRF network element to the outside is Nnrf; the service interface provided by the PCF network element to the outside is Npcf; the service interface provided by the UDM network element to the outside is Nudm; and the service interface provided by the AF network element to the outside is Naf.

[0318] It can be understood that the device or entity corresponding to the first network element 101 in the communication system 10 is the TMF network element in the communication network shown in FIG. 2. The device or entity corresponding to the access network node 102 or the access network node 109 in the communication system 10 is the RAN node in the communication network shown in FIG. 2. The device or entity corresponding to the terminal 107 in the communication system 10 is the first terminal in the communication network shown in FIG. 2. The device or entity corresponding to the terminal 108 in the communication system 10 is the second terminal in the communication network shown in FIG. 2. The device or entity corresponding to the access management network element 103 in the communication system 10 is the AMF network element in the communication network shown in FIG. 2. The device or entity corresponding to the network storage network element 104 in the communication system 10 is the NRF network element in the communication network shown in FIG. 2. The device or entity corresponding to the unified data management network element 105 in the communication system 10 is the UDM network element in the communication network shown in FIG. 2. The device or entity corresponding to the network exposure network element 106 in the communication system 10 is the NEF network element in the communication network shown in FIG. 2.

[0319] It can be understood that the communication system 10 shown in FIG. 1 is only used for example and is not used to limit the technical solutions of the present application. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that, in the specific implementation process, the communication system 10 can also include other devices, and the number of devices or network elements in FIG. 1 can also be determined according to specific needs, and is not limited.

[0320] Optionally, each network element or device (for example, the first network element, the access network node, the terminal, the access management network element, the network storage network element, the unified data management network element, or the network exposure network element) in FIG. 1 of the present application can also be referred to as a communication apparatus, which can be a general-purpose device or a special-purpose device, and the present application does not make specific limitations.

[0321] Optionally, the functions of the network elements or devices (e.g., the first network element, the access network node, the terminal, the access management network element, the network storage network element, the unified data management network element, or the network exposure network element, etc.) in FIG. 1 of the present application can be implemented by one device, or by multiple devices together, or by one or more functional modules in one device, and the present application does not make a specific limitation thereon. It can be understood that the above functions can be network elements in a hardware device, or software functions running on a special hardware, or a combination of hardware and software, or virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0322] In a specific implementation, each of the network elements or devices (e.g., the first network element, the access network node, the terminal, the access management network element, the network storage network element, the unified data management network element, or the network exposure network element, etc.) in FIG. 1 of the present application can adopt the constituent structure shown in FIG. 3, or include the components shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 shows a hardware structure diagram of a communication apparatus applicable to the present application. It can be understood that the communication apparatus 30 includes necessary means such as modules, units, elements, circuits, or interfaces, etc., which are properly configured together to execute the schemes provided by the present application. For example, the communication apparatus 30 includes one or more processors 301 for implementing the methods provided by the present application.

[0323] The processor 301 can be a general purpose processor or a special purpose processor, etc. For example, the processor 301 can be a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). 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 30 (such as the first access network node, the second access network node, the first terminal, the first network element, the access management network element, the network storage network element, the unified data management network element, the network exposure network element, or a chip, etc.), execute software programs, and process data of the software programs. Optionally, in one design, the processor 301 can include a program 305 (which can also be referred to as code or instructions sometimes), and the program 305 can be run on the processor 301 to enable the communication apparatus 30 to execute the methods described in the following embodiments. In another possible design, the communication apparatus 30 includes a circuit (not shown in FIG. 3) for implementing the functions of the first access network node, the second access network node, the first terminal, the TMF network element, the AMF network element, the NRF network element, the UDM network element, or the NEF network element in the following embodiments.

[0324] Optionally, the communication apparatus 30 can include one or more memories 303. The memory 303 can be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM), a cache, or other type of dynamic storage device that can store information and instructions, and can be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or other optical disk storage, a magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of storing instructions or data that can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory provided in the present application can generally be non-volatile. Optionally, the memory 303 has a program 307 (which can also be referred to as code or instructions) stored thereon, and the program 307 can be run on the processor 301, so that the communication apparatus 30 performs the methods described in the following method embodiments.

[0325] Optionally, the processor 301 can include an artificial intelligence (AI) module 306, and / or the memory 303 can include an AI module 308. The AI module is used to implement AI-related functions. The AI module can be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. For example, the AI module can include a RAN intelligent controller (RIC) module. For example, the AI module can be a near-real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0326] Optionally, the processor 301 and / or the memory 303 can also store data. The processor 301 and the memory 303 can be separately provided or integrated together.

[0327] Optionally, the communication apparatus 30 can also include a transceiver 302 and / or an antenna 304. The processor 301 can also be referred to as a processing unit, and controls the communication apparatus 30. The transceiver 302 can also be referred to as a transceiving unit, a transceiver, a transceiving circuit, or a transceiver, and is used to implement the transceiving function of the communication apparatus 30 through the antenna 304.

[0328] It can be understood that the constituent structure shown in FIG. 3 does not constitute a limitation on the communication device, and the communication device can include more or fewer components than those shown in FIG. 3, or combine certain components, or different component arrangements, in addition to the components shown in FIG. 3.

[0329] The method provided in the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Each network element in the following embodiments can have the components shown in FIG. 3, which will not be described again.

[0330] It can be understood that the method provided in the present application can be applied to the communication system 10 shown in FIG. 1. For example, the TMF network element in the following embodiments of the present application can be the first network element 101 in the communication system 10, the first access network node in the following embodiments of the present application can be the access network node 102 in the communication system 10, the first terminal in the following embodiments of the present application can be the terminal 107 in the communication system 10, the second terminal in the following embodiments of the present application can be the terminal 108 in the communication system 10, the AMF network element in the following embodiments of the present application can be the access management network element 103 in the communication system 10, the NRF network element in the following embodiments of the present application can be the network storage network element 104 in the communication system 10, the UDM network element in the following embodiments of the present application can be the unified data management network element 105 in the communication system 10, the NEF network element in the following embodiments of the present application can be the network exposure network element 106 in the communication system 10. The second access network node in the following embodiments of the present application can be the access network node 109 in the communication system 10.

[0331] It can be understood that the TMF network element, and / or the first access network node, and / or the first terminal, and / or the second terminal, and / or the AMF network element, and / or the NRF network element, and / or the UDM network element, and / or the NEF network element, and / or the second access network node in the following embodiments of the present application can perform part or all of the steps in the present application, which are only examples, and the present application can also perform other steps or variations of various steps. In addition, each step can be performed in a different order than presented in the present application, and it is possible that not all steps in the present application are performed.

[0332] It can be understood that the TMF network element, access network node (such as the first access network node or the second access network node), terminal (such as the first terminal or the second terminal), AMF network element, NRF network element, UDM network element, NEF network element in the following provided method are taken as an example to illustrate the method, but the present application does not limit the execution subject of the interaction.

[0333] Exemplarily, the TMF network element in the method provided in the following of the present application can also be a chip, a chip system, or a processor supporting the TMF network element to implement the method, and can also be a logic node, a logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the TMF network element functions; the terminal in the method provided in the following of the present application can also be a chip, a chip system, or a processor supporting the terminal to implement the method, and can also be a logic node, a logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal functions; the access network node in the method provided in the following of the present application can also be a chip, a chip system, or a processor supporting the access network node to implement the method, and can also be a logic node, a logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the access network node functions; the AMF network element in the method provided in the following of the present application can also be a chip, a chip system, or a processor supporting the AMF network element to implement the method, and can also be a logic node, a logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the AMF network element functions; the NRF network element in the method provided in the following of the present application can also be a chip, a chip system, or a processor supporting the NRF network element to implement the method, and can also be a logic node, a logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the NRF network element functions; the UDM network element in the method provided in the following of the present application can also be a chip, a chip system, or a processor supporting the UDM network element to implement the method, and can also be a logic node, a logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the UDM network element functions; the NEF network element in the method provided in the following of the present application can also be a chip, a chip system, or a processor supporting the NEF network element to implement the method, and can also be a logic node, a logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the NEF network element functions.

[0334] As shown in FIG. 4, a communication method provided in the present application can include the following steps:

[0335] S401: The TMF network element acquires the first identifier and the first information.

[0336] In the present application, the first identifier indicates the first terminal.

[0337] In one possible design, the first identifier is configured for a terminal with inventory function. In other words, when a terminal has inventory function (or reader capability), an identifier can be allocated to the terminal to distinguish other terminals with inventory function. The first identifier can also be referred to as Reader_ID.

[0338] Optionally, the terminal with inventory function herein can be replaced by a device with inventory function. In other words, when a device (such as a terminal or an access network node) has inventory function (or reader capability), an identifier can be allocated to the device to distinguish other devices with inventory function.

[0339] Optionally, the first identifier is assigned to the first terminal when the first terminal subscribes. For example, the first identifier is included in the subscription information of the first terminal stored in the UDM network element. The first identifier can be used to identify the first terminal between the TMF network element, the access network node, the AMF network element and the first terminal.

[0340] In another possible design, the first identifier is a temporary identifier of the first terminal. For example, the first identifier is a globally unique temporary identifier (GUTI).

[0341] Optionally, the first identifier is assigned to the first terminal by the AMF network element. The first identifier can be used to identify the first terminal between the network element in the core network, the access network node and the first terminal.

[0342] In this application, the first information indicates the first access network node. The first access network node is the access network node accessed by the first terminal.

[0343] For example, the first information includes an identifier or an address of the first access network node. Here, the address can be an internet protocol (IP) address of the first access network node or a fully qualified domain name (FQDN) of the first access network node.

[0344] S402: The TMF network element sends a first message to the first access network node. Correspondingly, the first access network node receives the first message from the TMF network element.

[0345] In this application, the first message is used to instruct the first terminal to perform the first inventory operation via the first access network node, and the first message includes the first identifier. That is, after receiving the first message, the first access network node can determine to instruct the first terminal to perform the first inventory operation. For example, the first access network node forwards the first message to the first terminal. For another example, the first access network node further processes the first message, such as decapsulation, encapsulation, adding information or deleting information, and sends the processed message to the first terminal.

[0346] The first inventory operation can include one or more operations of the AIoT service or the IoT service. The first inventory operation can be described with reference to the description of the inventory operation in the foregoing. Optionally, the first inventory operation further includes reading, writing, destroying or locking operations.

[0347] In a possible design, the first message does not pass through the AMF network element. That is, in the process of sending the first message by the TMF network element and receiving the first message by the first access network node, the first message does not pass through the AMF network element. In this application, “does not pass through the AMF network element” can be replaced by “does not pass through the UPF network element”.

[0348] In a possible implementation, the first message is also not sent by the AMF network element.

[0349] Based on the above possible design, the first message transmitted between the TMF network element and the first access network node does not need to pass through the AMF network element, so that the information transmission delay can be reduced and the communication efficiency can be improved.

[0350] Optionally, the first message further includes at least one of the following: indication information of the first mode, information of the second terminal, information of one or more command operations, or fourth indication information.

[0351] The indication information of the first mode is used to indicate the first mode. The first mode indicates that information transmitted between the TMF network element and the first terminal does not pass through the AMF network element.

[0352] It can be understood that if the first access network node does not support the first mode, the TMF network element can be indicated that the first mode is not supported, and the TMF network element indicates the first terminal to perform the first inventory operation in the second mode. If the first message does not carry the indication information of the first mode, the first access network node can determine to transmit the first message in the second mode. The second mode indicates that in addition to the access network node, information transmitted between the TMF network element and the first terminal also passes through at least one core network element (such as an access management network element or a user plane network element).

[0353] The first mode and the second mode are described above with reference to the communication system 10 shown in FIG. 1, and will not be described again.

[0354] The first message carrying the information of the second terminal can enable the first access network node to determine that the first terminal performs the inventory operation on the second terminal. For example, the information of the second terminal includes an identifier of the second terminal or an area where the second terminal is located. The identifier of the second terminal can be a temporary identifier allocated by the first access network node or the first network element for the second terminal. The area here can be a geographic area, such as a geographic coordinate, or a coverage area composed of multiple geographic coordinates, or an administrative area, etc. It can also be a communication area, such as a cell or a tracking area, etc.

[0355] The information of one or more command operations can indicate reading, writing, etc.

[0356] The fourth indication information indicates whether the TMF network element will subsequently send the information of the command operation. If the fourth indication information indicates that the TMF network element will not subsequently send the information of the command operation, the first access network node does not need to wait for the TMF network element to indicate the command operation after determining that the first terminal has completed the first inventory operation, but indicates the first terminal to inventory the next terminal, so as to improve the inventory efficiency.

[0357] Optionally, before S402, the first access network node can indicate to the TMF network element whether the first access network node supports the first mode. For example, if the first access network node supports the first mode, the first access network node can send first indication information to the TMF network element. The first indication information indicates that the first access network node supports the first mode.

[0358] It can be understood that after the TMF network element receives the first indication information, the TMF network element can determine that the first access network node supports the first mode, and thus the TMF network element can communicate with the first access network node in the first mode.

[0359] Optionally, the first access network node can also indicate to the AMF network element whether the first access network node supports the first mode. For example, if the first access network node supports the first mode, the first access network node can send third indication information to the AMF network element. The third indication information indicates that the first access network node supports the first mode.

[0360] Optionally, the TMF network element sends second indication information to the first access network node. The second indication information indicates that the TMF network element supports the first mode. After the first access network node receives the second indication information, the first access network node can determine that the TMF supports the first mode. Subsequently, the first access network node can communicate with the TMF network element in the first mode.

[0361] Optionally, the first access network node and the TMF network element can exchange the first indication information and the second indication information in the process of establishing a connection between the first access network node and the TMF network element.

[0362] Optionally, the first access network node and the AMF network element can send the third indication information to the AMF network element in the process of establishing a connection between the first access network node and the AMF network element, or the first access network node can send the third indication information to the AMF network element in the registration process of the first terminal.

[0363] It can be understood that the present application does not limit the number of first access network nodes. That is, the TMF network element can send a message to one or more access network nodes, so that the corresponding access network nodes instruct the terminal to perform the inventory operation.

[0364] S403: The first access network node sends a fourth message to the first terminal. Correspondingly, the first terminal receives the fourth message from the first access network node.

[0365] It can be understood that the fourth message is determined according to the first message. For example, the first message and the fourth message are the same, or the first access network node further processes the first message to obtain the fourth message. The fourth message can instruct the first terminal to perform the first inventory operation.

[0366] In one possible design, the fourth message indicates the first mode and instructs the first terminal to perform the first inventory operation.

[0367] It can be understood that the present application does not limit the number of first terminals. That is, the first access network node can send a message to one or more first terminals, instructing the corresponding first terminal to perform the inventory operation.

[0368] S404: The first terminal sends a fifth message to the second terminal. Correspondingly, the second terminal receives the fifth message from the first terminal.

[0369] In the present application, the fifth message instructs the first inventory operation on the second terminal.

[0370] It can be understood that the present application does not limit the number of second terminals. That is, the first terminal can perform the first inventory operation on one or more second terminals. In addition, the first terminal can perform the first inventory operation on one second terminal at a time, or on two or more second terminals at a time.

[0371] Based on the method shown in FIG. 4, the TMF network element can instruct the first terminal to perform the first inventory operation through the first message. The first message passes through the first access network node but not the AMF network element, so that the transmission delay of the first message can be shortened and the communication efficiency can be improved. Generally, the AMF is deployed in a large network. The large network refers to a core network deployed for multiple administrative regions, one or more cities, or one province. However, the AIoT service or the IoT service can be deployed in a specific region or a specific area, such as an administrative region or a specific park (such as an enterprise park, etc.). Therefore, by using the above method, the service data can be kept within the region where the service is deployed, the data transmission security can be improved, and the communication efficiency can be greatly improved, which has a high application prospect.

[0372] Optionally, in a possible implementation manner of the method shown in FIG. 4, the second terminal can send the result of the first inventory operation to the first terminal in response to the fifth message. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the method shown in FIG. 4 further includes the following steps:

[0373] S405: The second terminal sends a sixth message to the first terminal. Correspondingly, the first terminal receives the sixth message from the second terminal.

[0374] In the present application, the sixth message indicates the result of the first inventory operation. For example, the sixth message contains the device identifier of the second terminal. Before sending the sixth message, the second terminal and the first terminal can perform necessary access layer procedures, such as random access procedures.

[0375] S406: The first terminal sends a seventh message to the TMF network element through the first access network node. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the seventh message through the first access network node.

[0376] In the present application, the seventh message indicates the result of the first inventory operation. The seventh message does not pass through the AMF network element. That is, the first terminal sends the response of the first inventory operation through the first mode.

[0377] For example, the first terminal can send the seventh message to the first access network node. After receiving the seventh message, the first access network node can send the third message to the TMF network element. The third message can be the same as the seventh message, or the third message is obtained after the first access network node further processes the seventh message, such as encapsulation, decapsulation, format conversion, adding information, or deleting information.

[0378] Optionally, the seventh message also indicates that the result of the first inventory operation is sent to the TMF network element through the first mode. The seventh message can indicate the above information in an explicit or implicit manner. For example, the seventh message includes indication information of the first mode. For another example, the message format of the seventh message is the first format, which can indicate that the result of the first inventory operation is sent to the TMF network element through the first mode.

[0379] Optionally, the seventh message and / or the third message includes the first identifier to indicate that the message is for the first terminal.

[0380] Optionally, the seventh message and / or the third message includes an identifier allocated by the first terminal for the second terminal, so that the TMF network element determines that the information is for a new terminal (such as a terminal that has not been inventoried before).

[0381] Optionally, the third message includes an identifier allocated by the first access network node for the second terminal, so that the TMF network element determines that the information is for a new terminal (such as a terminal that has not been inventoried before).

[0382] Optionally, after receiving the seventh message or the third message, the TMF network element can allocate an identifier for the second terminal.

[0383] It can be understood that if the TMF network element indicates to perform the inventory operation in the second mode, the response returned by the first terminal can also be transmitted to the TMF network element through the second mode.

[0384] Exemplarily, the TMF network element sends a twelfth message to the first access network node via the AMF network element. The twelfth message indicates the first terminal to perform the third inventory operation via the first access network node. The twelfth message can also carry the second mode indication information. After receiving the twelfth message, the first access network node can send an eighth message to the first terminal. The eighth message indicates the second mode and indicates the first terminal to perform the third inventory operation. After receiving the eighth message, the first terminal sends a ninth message to the third terminal. The ninth message indicates the third terminal to perform the third inventory operation. The third terminal and the second terminal can be the same or different. Subsequently, the third terminal can send a tenth message to the first terminal. The tenth message indicates the result of the third inventory operation. After receiving the tenth message, the first terminal sends an eleventh message to the AMF network element via the first access network node, so that the AMF network element sends the eleventh message to the TMF network element. The eleventh message indicates the result of the third inventory operation. It should be understood that the AMF network element in this example can also be replaced by other network elements in the core network, such as the UPF network element.

[0385] Optionally, in a possible implementation of the method shown in FIG. 4, the first terminal can indicate the first access network node that the first inventory operation ends, so that the first access network node indicates the TMF network element that the first inventory operation ends. Exemplarily, as shown in FIG. 5, the method shown in FIG. 4 further includes the following steps:

[0386] S407: The first terminal sends second inventory end information to the first access network node. Correspondingly, the first access network node receives the second inventory end information from the first terminal.

[0387] In this application, the second inventory end information indicates that the first inventory operation ends. Optionally, the second inventory end information can also indicate that the third inventory operation ends.

[0388] In a possible implementation, the first terminal determines that the first inventory operation ends, and sends the second inventory end information to the first access network node.

[0389] Exemplarily, the first terminal sends the second inventory end information to the first access network node when the first terminal does not receive the response of the second terminal within a time period, or when the inventory process exceeds a first time length. The time length of the time period or the first time length can be set as needed.

[0390] S408: The first access network node sends first inventory end information to the TMF network element according to the second inventory end information. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the first inventory end information from the first access network node.

[0391] In this application, the first inventory end information indicates that the first inventory operation ends. The first inventory end information includes a first identifier to indicate that the first inventory end information is for the first terminal.

[0392] It can be understood that the TMF network element can determine that the first inventory operation is completed after receiving the first inventory end information. Subsequently, the TMF network element can send the related information of the first inventory operation to the corresponding application server, such as the AF network element.

[0393] Optionally, in a possible implementation of the method shown in FIG. 4, the TMF network element can obtain the first identifier from the UDM network element or the AMF network element. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the method shown in FIG. 4 further includes S401a or S401b-S401d.

[0394] S401a: The UDM network element sends the first identifier to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the first identifier from the UDM network element.

[0395] In a possible design, the first identifier is configured for the terminal with the inventory function. When the first terminal is subscribed, the operator, the AIoT service provider or the IoT service provider can allocate the first identifier for the first terminal and store the first identifier in the UDM network element. Subsequently, the UDM network element can send the first identifier to the TMF network element.

[0396] For example, after receiving the service request, the TMF network element can send third query information to the UDM network element to query the first identifier. The third query information can include the related information of the first terminal, such as the generic public subscription identifier (GPSI) or the permanent identifier of the first terminal. For example, the permanent identifier of the first terminal is the subscription permanent identifier (SUPI). After receiving the third query information, the UDM network element can send the third query result to the TMF network element, and the third query result includes the first identifier.

[0397] Optionally, the third query result further includes the information of the AMF network element (such as the identifier or address of the AMF network element), so that the TMF network element can subsequently communicate with the AMF network element, such as paging the first terminal through the AMF network element. The AMF network element is the network element registered by the first terminal. Here, the address can be an IP address or a uniform resource identifier (URI).

[0398] It can be understood that in a specific application, the first identifier can also be a temporary identifier, which is usually allocated by the AMF network element, so that the TMF network element can obtain the first identifier from the AMF network element. When the first identifier is configured for the terminal with the inventory function, the TMF network element can also obtain the first identifier by the following method. For example, the TMF network element can obtain the first identifier by S401b-S401d as follows.

[0399] S401b: The UDM network element sends the second information to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the second information from the UDM network element.

[0400] In this application, the second information includes the information of the AMF network element (such as the identifier or address of the AMF network element) and the permanent identifier of the first terminal.

[0401] For example, after receiving the service request, the TMF network element can send fourth query information to the UDM network element. The fourth query information can include the related information of the first terminal, such as GPSI or the permanent identifier of the first terminal. After receiving the fourth query information, the UDM network element can send the fourth query result to the TMF network element, and the fourth query result includes the second information.

[0402] S401c: The TMF network element sends the permanent identifier of the first terminal to the AMF network element according to the second information. Correspondingly, the AMF network element receives the permanent identifier of the first terminal from the TMF network element.

[0403] It can be understood that the AMF network element stores the mapping relationship between the first identifier and the permanent identifier of the first terminal, so that after receiving the permanent identifier of the first terminal, the AMF network element can query the first identifier and send the first identifier to the TMF network element. For example, the AMF network element can perform S401d.

[0404] S401d: The AMF network element sends the first identifier to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the first identifier from the AMF network element.

[0405] It can be understood that when the first identifier is a temporary identifier, the AMF network element can update the identifier, so that the TMF can subscribe to the temporary identifier allocated by the AMF network element to obtain the temporary identifier in time.

[0406] Optionally, the TMF network element sends a first subscription request to the AMF network element. Correspondingly, the AMF network element receives the first subscription request from the TMF network element. The first subscription request is used to request the AMF network element to re-allocate a temporary identifier for the first terminal and send the re-allocated temporary identifier to the TMF network element.

[0407] It can be understood that after the TMF network element obtains the new temporary identifier, the TMF network element can use the new temporary identifier to communicate with the first access network node.

[0408] For example, the TMF network element can obtain a second identifier. The second identifier indicates the first terminal, and the second identifier is an updated temporary identifier of the first terminal. Subsequently, the TMF network element can send a second message to the first access network node. The second message includes the second identifier. The second message is used to instruct the first terminal to perform a second inventory operation via the first access network node. After receiving the second message, the first access network node can instruct the first terminal to perform the second inventory operation.

[0409] In one case, the first access network node receives the second identifier sent by the AMF network element before receiving the first message, so the first access network node cannot identify the first identifier. The first access network node can indicate to the TMF network element that the first identifier cannot be identified. After receiving the indication of the first access network node, the TMF network element can send the second message. Alternatively, after obtaining the second identifier, the TMF network element does not receive feedback from the first access network node within a period of time, and can send the second message. In this scenario, the second inventory operation is the same as the first inventory operation.

[0410] In another case, the first access network node receives the second identifier sent by the AMF network element after receiving the first message, so the first access network node can identify the first identifier. The TMF network element can send the second message when it needs the first terminal to perform a second inventory operation. In this scenario, the second inventory operation can be the same as or different from the first inventory operation.

[0411] Optionally, after the inventory task of the first terminal is completed, the TMF network element does not need to obtain the temporary identifier of the first terminal, so the TMF network element can indicate to the AMF network element to unsubscribe the temporary identifier of the first terminal to reduce the signaling overhead of the AMF network element and the TMF network element. For example, the TMF network element sends subscription cancellation information to the AMF network element. The subscription cancellation information is used to cancel the information subscribed by the first subscription request. After receiving the subscription cancellation information, if the temporary identifier of the first terminal is updated, the AMF network element will not send the updated temporary identifier to the TMF network element.

[0412] Optionally, in a possible implementation of the method shown in FIG. 4, the TMF network element can obtain the first information from the AMF network element or a second network element (such as a UDM network element or a NRF network element); or the TMF network element can determine the first information by itself. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the method shown in FIG. 4 further includes S401e, or includes S401f-S401g, or includes S401h-S401j.

[0413] S401e: The AMF network element sends the first information to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the first information from the AMF network element.

[0414] In a possible implementation, in S401d, the AMF network element sends the first information to the TMF network element in addition to the first identifier.

[0415] In another possible implementation, the TMF network element can send first inventory preparation information to the AMF network element. The first inventory preparation information includes the information of the first terminal. The information of the first terminal includes the first identifier or the permanent identifier of the first terminal. After receiving the first inventory preparation information, the AMF network element sends the first information to the TMF network element according to the first inventory preparation information. For example, the AMF network element queries the first information according to the information of the first terminal, and sends the first information, so that the TMF network element sends the first message to the first access network node.

[0416] It can be understood that if the first terminal is in a connection management (CM) connected state, the AMF network element can query the first information according to the information of the first terminal. If the first terminal is in a CM idle state, the AMF network element can page the first terminal.

[0417] Optionally, the AMF network element can send a second paging message to the first terminal. Correspondingly, after receiving the second paging message, the first terminal can enter the CM connected state.

[0418] Optionally, the second paging message includes inventory indication information. The inventory indication information indicates that the purpose of this paging of the first terminal is to perform an inventory operation, so that the first terminal determines that it is paged to subsequently perform the inventory operation.

[0419] It can be understood that in addition to obtaining the first information from the AMF network element, the TMF network element can also obtain the first information from a UDM network element or an NRF network element. In the following, the process in which the TMF network element obtains the first information is introduced by taking the UDM network element as an example. Specifically, reference can be made to S401f-S401g below. It should be understood that the UDM network element in S401f-S401g can be replaced by the NRF network element.

[0420] S401f: The TMF network element sends first query information to the UDM network element. Correspondingly, the UDM network element receives the first query information from the TMF network element.

[0421] In this application, the first query information is used to query the access network node accessed by the first terminal.

[0422] In a possible design, the first query information includes the first identifier, the phone number of the first terminal, or the permanent identifier of the first terminal, etc.

[0423] It can be understood that after the UDM network element receives the first query information, the first information can be queried according to the information included in the first query information, and the first information is sent to the TMF network element. For example, the UDM network element can perform S401g.

[0424] S401g: The UDM network element sends the first query result to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the first query result from the UDM network element.

[0425] In this application, the first query result includes the first information.

[0426] Optionally, the first query result further includes information of the AMF network element, such as an identifier or an address (such as an IP address) of the AMF network element.

[0427] Optionally, when the UDM network element in S401f-S401g is replaced by an NRF network element, the first query information includes the first identifier, a phone number of the first terminal, or a permanent identifier of the first terminal. Alternatively, the first query information includes information of a region where the first terminal is located. The region here can be a geographical region, such as geographical coordinates, or a coverage region composed of multiple geographical coordinates, or an administrative region, etc., or a communication region, such as a cell or a tracking area, etc.

[0428] In one possible implementation, the UDM network element can subscribe to the connection state of the first terminal or the location information of the first terminal to the AMF network element to perceive the access network node accessed by the first terminal. In this way, the TMF network element can query the access network node accessed by the first terminal in the UDM network element.

[0429] For example, the UDM network element sends a second subscription request to the AMF network element. The second subscription request is used to request that the UDM network element be notified when the connection state of the first terminal changes or the location of the first terminal changes. The connection state change of the first terminal refers to the change from the connected state (such as CM connected state) to the idle state (such as CM idle state), or the change from the idle state (such as CM idle state) to the connected state (such as CM connected state). The location change of the first terminal refers to the handover of the first terminal from one access network node to another access network node.

[0430] It can be understood that after the AMF network element receives the second subscription request, the fourth information can be sent to the UDM network element when the connection state of the first terminal changes or the location of the first terminal changes. The fourth information includes information of the third access network node, such as an identifier or an address of the third access network node. The address here can be an IP address or an FQDN. The third access network node and the first access network node can be the same or different.

[0431] In one case, when the connection state of the first terminal changes to a connected state (e.g., CM connected state), the fourth information indicates that the UDM network element saves information of the third access network node, which is the access network node currently accessed by the first terminal.

[0432] In another case, when the connection state of the first terminal changes to an idle state (e.g., CM idle state), the fourth information indicates that the UDM network element deletes the information of the third access network node saved previously. Here, the third access network node is the access network node accessed by the first terminal before the first terminal enters the idle state.

[0433] In another case, when the first terminal switches from one access network node to another access network node, the fourth information indicates that the UDM network element saves information of the third access network node, which is the access network node currently accessed by the first terminal or the access network node to which the first terminal switches.

[0434] In one possible implementation, the AMF network element can register service information of the first terminal, such as information of the access network node accessed by the first terminal, in the NRF network element, so that the NRF is aware of the access network node accessed by the first terminal. In this way, the TMF network element can query the access network node accessed by the first terminal in the NRF network element.

[0435] For example, after the first terminal is registered in the AMF network element through the first access network node, the AMF network element can send sixth information to the NRF network element. The sixth information includes the first identifier and information of the first access network node. Optionally, the sixth information also includes information of the AMF network element. Subsequently, when the connection state of the first terminal changes or the location of the first terminal changes, the AMF network element can update the service information of the first terminal to the NRF network element. For example, the AMF network element sends seventh information to the NRF network element.

[0436] In one case, when the connection state of the first terminal changes to a connected state (e.g., CM connected state) and the first terminal currently accesses the third access network node, the seventh information includes information of the third access network node, and the seventh information indicates that the NRF network element saves information of the third access network node.

[0437] In another case, when the connection state of the first terminal changes to an idle state (e.g., CM idle state), the seventh information includes information of the first access network node, and the seventh information indicates that the UDM network element deletes the information of the first access network node saved previously.

[0438] In another case, when the first terminal switches from the first access network node to the third access network node, the seventh information includes information of the third access network node, and the seventh information indicates that the NRF network element saves information of the third access network node.

[0439] Optionally, the seventh information further comprises at least one of the following: the first identifier or information of the AMF network element.

[0440] It can be understood that in addition to obtaining the first information from the AMF network element, the UDM network element and the NRF network element, the TMF network element can also determine the first information by itself. For example, the TMF network element can obtain the first information through the following S401h-S401j.

[0441] S401h: The first access network node sends the location information of the first access network node to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the location information of the first access network node from the first access network node.

[0442] Illustratively, the first access network node sends the location information of the first access network node to the TMF network element in the process of establishing a connection with the TMF network element.

[0443] S401i: The AF network element sends the first service request to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the first service request from the AF network element.

[0444] In this application, the first service request is used to request to perform the inventory operation in the first area. For example, the first service request comprises information of the first area. The first area here can be a geographical area, such as geographical coordinates, or a coverage area composed of multiple geographical coordinates, or an administrative area, etc., or a communication area, such as a cell or a tracking area, etc.

[0445] It can be understood that the AF network element can directly send the first service request to the TMF network element, or send the first service request to the TMF network element through the NEF network element.

[0446] The above-mentioned information of the first area can be directly carried by the AF network element, or added by the NEF network element when forwarding the information.

[0447] S401j: The TMF network element determines the first information according to the location information of the first access network node and the first service request.

[0448] It can be understood that the TMF network element can match the above-mentioned information of the first area with the locally saved location information of multiple access network nodes to determine which access network nodes to find terminals to execute the service request.

[0449] Illustratively, if the coverage range of the first access network node has an intersection with the first area, the TMF network element determines to execute the service request by the terminals in the first access network node.

[0450] Optionally, the TMF network element also considers whether the access network node supports the first mode when selecting the access network node.

[0451] Exemplarily, if the coverage of the access network node 1 and the coverage of the access network node 2 both have intersection with the first area, the access network node 1 supports the first mode, and the access network node 2 does not support the first mode, the TMF network element determines that the terminal in the access network node 1 performs the service request.

[0452] Optionally, the TMF network element can send a response of the first service request to the AF network element, to indicate whether the first service request succeeds. For example, if the TMF network element cannot determine a suitable access network node, it can indicate that the first service request fails.

[0453] Optionally, for the scenario shown in S401h-S401j, the TMF network element can obtain the first identifier from the first access network node. In other words, the above S401a, or S401b-S401d, can be replaced by the following S401k-S401l:

[0454] S401k: The TMF network element sends second inventory preparation information to the first access network node. Correspondingly, the first access network node receives the second inventory preparation information from the TMF network element.

[0455] In this application, the second inventory preparation information indicates the first mode.

[0456] S401l: The first access network node sends the first identifier to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the first identifier from the first access network node.

[0457] A possible implementation is that if the terminals with the inventory function under the first access network node are in the RRC connected state, the first access network node can determine the first terminal for performing the first inventory operation from these terminals, and send the first identifier to the TMF network element.

[0458] A possible implementation is that if one or more terminals with the inventory function under the first access network node are in the RRC inactive state (or the RRC idle state), the first access network node can page these terminals to enter the RRC connected state, and determine the first terminal for performing the first inventory operation from these terminals, and send the first identifier to the TMF network element.

[0459] Exemplarily, taking the first terminal in the RRC inactive state (or the RRC idle state) as an example, the first access network node can send the first paging message according to the second inventory preparation information.

[0460] In one case, the first paging message is used to page the first terminal, for example, the first paging message includes the first identifier.

[0461] In another case, the first paging message is used to page the terminal with the inventory function.

[0462] For example, the first paging message is broadcasted in a specific broadcast channel, which is related to the terminals with the inventory function. The terminals in the RRC inactive state or the RRC idle state can detect the specific broadcast channel, and when the first paging message is detected, the terminals can enter the RRC connected state.

[0463] For another example, the first paging message includes an identifier, such as a third identifier. The third identifier is related to the terminals with the inventory function. The terminals in the RRC inactive state or the RRC idle state can detect whether the third identifier is carried in the paging message sent by the first access network node. If the third identifier is carried, the terminals can enter the RRC connected state.

[0464] It can be understood that if a part of the terminals are in the RRC inactive state and a part of the terminals are in the RRC idle state, the first access network node can send paging messages respectively to page the terminals in different states.

[0465] Optionally, the first access network node can send the paging message to the terminal supporting the first mode.

[0466] Optionally, the first access network node stores the context of the first terminal. The context of the first terminal includes at least one of the following: the first identifier, the indication information that the first terminal has the inventory capability, or the indication information whether the first terminal supports the first mode. The indication information that the first terminal has the inventory capability can indicate whether the first terminal is allowed to perform the inventory function. Therefore, based on the context of the first terminal, the first access network node can determine whether the first terminal is allowed to perform the inventory function, and can also determine whether the first terminal supports the first mode.

[0467] Optionally, the context of the first terminal is obtained by the first access network node from an AMF network element. For example, after the registration of the first terminal is completed, the AMF network element sends the context of the first terminal to the first access network node. After receiving the context of the first terminal, the first access network node saves it locally.

[0468] Optionally, the first access network node keeps the first terminal in the connected state (such as the RRC connected state) or the inactive state (such as the RRC inactive state). In other words, the first access network node keeps the first terminal from entering the idle state (such as the RRC idle state). In this way, the first access network node can avoid deleting the context of the first terminal.

[0469] Optionally, in a possible implementation of the method shown in FIG. 4, the first access network node can allocate resources to be used by the first terminal for inventory. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the method shown in FIG. 4 further includes the following steps:

[0470] S401m: The first access network node sends information of the first resource to the first terminal. Correspondingly, the first terminal receives the information of the first resource from the first access network node.

[0471] In this application, the information of the first resource is used to indicate the first resource. The first resource is used for the first terminal to perform the inventory operation, such as performing the first inventory operation, the second inventory operation, or the third inventory operation. The first resource is, for example, a frequency point or a frequency band for performing the inventory operation.

[0472] In a possible implementation, the first access network node can send the information of the first resource in the registration process of the first terminal. Alternatively, after the registration of the first terminal is completed, the first access network node sends the information of the first resource to the first terminal. Alternatively, in the case where it is determined that the first terminal will perform the inventory operation, the first access network node sends the information of the first resource to the first terminal.

[0473] FIG. 5 is drawn taking S401m as an example, which is executed after S401l and before S402. In specific applications, the execution time of S401m is not limited. For example, S401m can also be executed before S401, or after S402, or after the first access network node sends the first paging message, or after the AMF network element sends the second paging message, and so on.

[0474] Optionally, in a possible implementation of the method shown in FIG. 4, when the first access network node determines to switch the first terminal to the second access network node, the first access network node can indicate to the second access network node that the first terminal is switched to the second access network node. Then, the second access network node can send corresponding information to the TMF network element to indicate that the first terminal is switched to the second access network node, so that the TMF network element sends the instruction or command of the subsequent inventory operation to the second access network node. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the method shown in FIG. 4 further includes the following steps:

[0475] S409: The first access network node sends the fifth information to the second access network node. Correspondingly, the second access network node receives the fifth information from the first access network node.

[0476] In this application, the fifth information indicates that the first terminal is switched to the second access network node.

[0477] In a possible design, the fifth information includes at least one of the following: the first identifier, the indication information that the first terminal has the inventory capability, the indication information that the first terminal supports the first mode, the identifier allocated by the first access network node for the second terminal, the identifier allocated by the TMF network element for the second terminal, or the information related to the inventory operation performed by the first terminal.

[0478] In the present application, the indication information that the first terminal has the inventory capability can indicate whether the first terminal is allowed to perform the inventory function. The information related to the inventory operation performed by the first terminal can include information previously sent by the first access network node to the first terminal (such as the first message), and / or information previously received by the first access network node from the first terminal (such as the seventh message), and / or information to be subsequently sent by the first access network node to the first terminal.

[0479] It can be understood that the fifth information includes the first identifier, which can enable the second access network node to determine that the first terminal will perform the handover. The indication information that the first terminal has the inventory capability can enable the second access network node to determine whether the first terminal is allowed to perform the inventory function. The indication information that the first terminal supports the first mode can enable the second access network node to determine whether the first terminal supports the first mode. The information related to the inventory operation performed by the first terminal can enable the second access network node to determine which inventory operations or commands have been performed by the first terminal, or which inventory operations or commands are to be performed by the first terminal.

[0480] It can be understood that the identifier allocated to the second terminal by the first access network node, and / or the identifier allocated to the second terminal by the TMF network element, can be carried in the third information of S410, so that the TMF network element associates the second access network node to the inventory operation of the first terminal, and the TMF network element can subsequently send the information of the inventory operation of the first terminal to the second access network node instead of the first access network node.

[0481] S410: The second access network node sends the third information to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the third information from the second access network node.

[0482] In the present application, the third information indicates that the first terminal performs the handover to the second access network node. The third information can include the first identifier.

[0483] Optionally, the third information further includes an identifier allocated to the second terminal by the second access network node, and at least one of the following: an identifier allocated to the second terminal by the first access network node, or an identifier allocated to the second terminal by the TMF network element.

[0484] Optionally, after the first terminal performs the handover to the second access network node, the second access network node can allocate inventory resources to the first terminal, such as a frequency or a frequency band for performing the inventory operation.

[0485] Optionally, in a possible implementation of the method shown in FIG. 4, the AMF network element can register the network element managing the inventory operation of the first terminal in the UDM network element, so that other network elements in the core network, such as the NEF network element, can query the network element managing the inventory operation of the first terminal. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the method shown in FIG. 4 further includes the following steps:

[0486] S400a: The AMF network element sends the eighth information to the UDM network element. Correspondingly, the UDM network element receives the eighth information from the AMF network element.

[0487] In this application, the eighth information indicates the TMF network element, and the TMF network element corresponds to the first terminal. In other words, the eighth information includes the information of the TMF network element corresponding to the first terminal. For example, the eighth information includes the identifier or address (such as IP address) of the TMF network element.

[0488] In a possible implementation, after receiving the registration request of the first terminal, the AMF network element determines the TMF network element for the first terminal, and sends the eighth information to the UDM network element.

[0489] Optionally, the AMF network element sends a context creation request to the TMF network element to request to create the context of the first terminal. The context creation request can include the first identifier, the permanent identifier or GPSI of the first terminal, etc.

[0490] S400b: The AF network element sends the second service request to the NEF network element. Correspondingly, the NEF network element receives the second service request from the AF network element.

[0491] In this application, the second service request is used to request to perform the AIoT service or the IoT service.

[0492] S400c: The NEF network element sends the second query information to the UDM network element. Correspondingly, the UDM network element receives the second query information from the NEF network element.

[0493] In this application, the second query information is used to query the network element managing the inventory operation of the first terminal, such as the TMF network element. For example, the second query information includes the first identifier, the permanent identifier or GPSI of the first terminal, etc.

[0494] S400d: The UDM network element sends the second query result to the NEF network element according to the eighth information and the second query information. Correspondingly, the NEF network element receives the second query result from the UDM network element.

[0495] In this application, the second query result includes the information of the TMF network element. Of course, the second query result can also indicate a query failure.

[0496] Optionally, the second query result further comprises at least one of the first identifier or information of the AMF network element.

[0497] S400e: The NEF network element sends a third service request to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the third service request from the NEF network element.

[0498] In the present application, the third service request is used to request to perform the first inventory operation. Therefore, after receiving the third service request, the TMF network element can perform S401.

[0499] For example, after receiving the third service request, the TMF network element determines to perform the first inventory operation by the first terminal according to the third service request and the locally stored context of the terminal, so the TMF network element performs S401.

[0500] It can be understood that the actions of the TMF network element, the first access network node, the second access network node, the first terminal, the AMF network element, the NRF network element, the UDM network element, or the NEF network element in the above steps can be performed by the processor 301 in the communication apparatus 30 in FIG. 3 invoking the application program code stored in the memory 303, and the present application does not make any limitation thereto.

[0501] In order to better understand the method provided by the present application, the following will be described in conjunction with specific communication scenarios.

[0502] It should be understood that the description of the steps or technical features with the same function in the methods shown in FIGS. 4-5 and the methods shown in FIGS. 6-12 below can be mutually referred to.

[0503] First, taking the first identifier as Reader_ID (i.e., the first identifier is configured for the terminal with the inventory function), the first terminal as UE Reader, the second terminal as TAG, and the first access network node as RAN node as an example, the communication method provided by the present application is introduced.

[0504] As shown in FIG. 6, another communication method provided by the present application can include the following steps:

[0505] S601: The RAN node sends a connection establishment request to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the connection establishment request from the RAN node.

[0506] In the present application, the RAN node and the TMF network element can communicate based on the N2' interface, so the above connection establishment request can be an N2' connection establishment request. The connection establishment request is used to request to establish a connection between the RAN node and the TMF network element.

[0507] In a possible design, the connection establishment request indicates that the RAN node supports the first mode. For example, the connection establishment request carries first indication information, which indicates that the RAN node supports the first mode.

[0508] It can be understood that if the RAN node does not support the first mode (for example, the RAN node supports the second mode), the connection establishment request can not carry the indication.

[0509] The first mode, the second mode, and the first indication information can be described with reference to the method shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5.

[0510] S602: The TMF network element sends a connection establishment response to the RAN node. Correspondingly, the RAN node receives the connection establishment response from the TMF network element.

[0511] In a possible design, the connection establishment response indicates that the TMF network element supports the first mode. For example, the connection establishment response carries second indication information, which indicates that the TMF network element supports the first mode. The second indication information can be described with reference to the method shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5.

[0512] It can be understood that if the TMF network element does not support the first mode (for example, the TMF network element supports the second mode), the connection establishment request can not carry the indication.

[0513] S603: The UE Reader registers with the AMF network element, to implement registration and authorization of the UE Reader.

[0514] In a possible implementation, the UE Reader (through the RAN node) sends a registration request to the AMF network element. The registration request carries UE Reader capability information. The UE Reader capability information includes at least one of the following: an indication of whether the UE Reader supports the Reader function, or an indication of whether the UE Reader supports the first mode. After receiving the registration request, the AMF network element can obtain subscription information of the UE Reader from a UDM network element. The subscription information includes a Reader_ID. As an implementation, the Reader_ID can be a unique identifier of all Readers (including the UE Reader, the RAN Reader, and other possible Reader forms).

[0515] Optionally, the subscription information further includes first authorization information. The first authorization information indicates whether the UE Reader is allowed to act as a Reader. Optionally, the Reader_ID is stored in a context of the UE Reader.

[0516] Optionally, the AMF network element determines whether to authorize the UE Reader to use the Reader function according to the first authorization information and / or the Reader_ID, and saves corresponding indication information in the context of the UE Reader.

[0517] For example, if the Reader_ID is included in the subscription information, the AMF network element authorizes the UE Reader to use the Reader function. Alternatively, if the first authorization information indicates that the UE Reader is allowed to act as a Reader, the AMF network element authorizes the UE Reader to use the Reader function. Alternatively, if the first authorization information indicates that the UE Reader is allowed to act as a Reader and the Reader_ID is included in the subscription information, the AMF network element authorizes the UE Reader to use the Reader function.

[0518] Optionally, the context of the UE Reader includes fifth indication information. The fifth indication information indicates whether the UE Reader is allowed to use the first mode.

[0519] In one possible implementation, the AMF network element saves the indication of whether the UE Reader supports the first mode included in the UE Reader capability information as the fifth indication information in the context of the UE Reader. That is, the AMF network element does not determine whether the UE Reader is allowed to use the first mode, so as to simplify the operation of the AMF network element.

[0520] In another possible implementation, the AMF network element can determine whether the UE Reader is allowed to use the first mode according to whether the AMF network element supports the first mode and the indication of whether the UE Reader supports the first mode. For example, when the UE Reader and the AMF network element both support the first mode, the AMF network element determines that the UE Reader is allowed to use the first mode, and the fifth indication information indicates that the UE Reader is allowed to use the first mode.

[0521] In another possible implementation, the AMF network element can determine whether the UE Reader is allowed to use the first mode according to the indication of whether the UE Reader supports the first mode and whether the RAN node supports the first mode. For example, when the UE Reader and the RAN node both support the first mode, the AMF network element determines that the UE Reader is allowed to use the first mode, and the fifth indication information indicates that the UE Reader is allowed to use the first mode.

[0522] In another possible implementation, the AMF network element can determine whether to allow the UE Reader to use the first mode according to whether the AMF network element supports the first mode, whether the UE Reader supports the first mode as indicated, and whether the RAN node supports the first mode. For example, when the AMF network element, the UE Reader, and the RAN node all support the first mode, the AMF network element determines to allow the UE Reader to use the first mode, and the fifth indication information indicates to allow the UE Reader to use the first mode.

[0523] Optionally, the AMF network element can obtain whether the RAN node supports the first mode in the following manner: the RAN node indicates to the AMF network element whether the RAN node supports the first mode when establishing an N2 connection, or carries an indication of whether the RAN node supports the first mode when the RAN node forwards a registration request of the UE Reader.

[0524] Optionally, the AMF network element indicates to the UE Reader whether the UE Reader is authorized to use the Reader function. For example, the AMF network element sends a registration accept message to the UE Reader. The registration accept message contains an indication of whether the UE Reader is authorized to use the Reader function.

[0525] Optionally, the AMF network element sends a context of the UE Reader to the RAN node.

[0526] In summary, the AMF network element can indicate to the UE Reader whether the UE Reader is authorized to use the Reader function. The AMF network element can indicate to the RAN node at least one of the Reader ID, whether the UE Reader is allowed to use the first mode, or whether the UE Reader is authorized to use the Reader function.

[0527] It can be understood that, in specific applications, the AMF network element can also indicate the above information to the UE Reader and the RAN node through a process other than the registration process, without limitation. For example, the AMF network element, the UE Reader, and the RAN node can first complete the registration of the UE Reader, and then initiate a process of activating or authorizing the Reader function.

[0528] Optionally, the RAN node can allocate AIoT resources, such as information of a frequency band or a frequency point used by the UE Reader, to the UE Reader after the Reader function of the UE is authorized. For example, the RAN node sends information of a first resource to the UE Reader. Details can be referred to S401m.

[0529] It can be understood that the application does not limit the execution order of S601-S602 and S603. For example, S601-S602 can be executed first, then S603, or S603 can be executed first, then S601-S602, or S601-S602 and S603 can be executed simultaneously.

[0530] S604: The AF network element sends a service request to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the service request from the AMF network element.

[0531] The service request can be inventory and / or commands (such as read, write, disable, etc.), which is not limited by the application. In addition to carrying the parameters required for executing the request, the service request can also carry information required to determine which UE Reader to execute the service request.

[0532] It can be understood that the service request can be forwarded by the NEF network element to the TMF network element, or directly sent by the AF network element to the TMF network element. The information carried by the service request can be directly carried by the AF network element, or converted or supplemented by the NEF network element when processing the service request of the AF network element.

[0533] In one possible design, the service request indicates the UE Reader, so that the TMF network element determines the UE Reader to execute the service request. For example, the service request includes the identity of the UE Reader, such as SUPI, GPSI or Reader_ID. For another example, the service request includes information indirectly mapped to the identity of the UE Reader.

[0534] It can be understood that if the service request does not directly carry the identity of the UE Reader, the TMF network element can determine the identity of the UE Reader according to the information carried by the service request.

[0535] For example, the service request carries a location name or ID (such as a certain warehouse), and the TMF network element has one or more UE Reader information corresponding to the name or ID, which includes the identity of the UE Reader (such as SUPI, GPSI or Reader_ID). The TMF network element can determine the identity of the UE Reader according to the location name or ID carried in the service request.

[0536] For example, the service request carries information of an area surrounded by multiple geographic coordinates, the TMF network element has UE Reader information within the area, and the UE Reader information includes an identifier (such as SUPI, GPSI, or Reader_ID) of the UE Reader. The TMF network element can determine the identifier of the UE Reader according to the information of the area carried in the service request.

[0537] For example, the service request carries a name of a UE Reader or a name of a set of multiple UE Readers (such as a certain reader, which can move), the TMF network element has UE Reader information corresponding to the name, and the UE Reader information includes an identifier (such as SUPI, GPSI, or Reader_ID) of the UE Reader. The TMF network element can determine the identifier of the UE Reader according to the name of the UE Reader carried in the service request.

[0538] S605: The TMF network element obtains, from a UDM network element, information of an AMF network element registered by the UE Reader.

[0539] In a possible implementation, the TMF network element queries the UDM network element for the AMF network element registered by the UE Reader according to the identifier of the UE Reader.

[0540] For example, the TMF network element sends query information to the UDM network element to query the AMF network element registered by the UE Reader. The query information can include the identifier of the UE Reader. After receiving the query information, the UDM network element can send a query result to the TMF network element, where the query result includes information (such as an identifier or an address) of the AMF network element.

[0541] Optionally, the query result further includes the Reader_ID. For example, if the identifier of the UE Reader includes SUPI or GPSI, the query result further includes the Reader_ID.

[0542] Optionally, the TMF network element returns a service request response to the AF network element to indicate whether the service request is successful. For example, if the TMF network element cannot determine the identifier of the UE Reader, or cannot query, from the UDM network element, information of the AMF network element corresponding to the UE Reader (for example, the UE Reader is powered off), the TMF network element can indicate that the service request fails. Before returning the service request response, the TMF network element can further perform further checks, for example, checks whether the AF network element has a permission to perform the service request.

[0543] S606: The TMF network element sends a check preparation request to the AMF network element. Correspondingly, the AMF network element receives the check preparation request from the TMF network element.

[0544] In one possible implementation, the TMF network element sends the check preparation request (corresponding to the first check preparation information in the foregoing embodiment) to the AMF network element according to the information of the queried AMF network element. In addition to carrying the information required by the check request, the check preparation request can also carry the Reader_ID or SUPI to indicate the UE Reader.

[0545] The AMF network element finds the context of the UE Reader according to the Reader_ID or SUPI (because the context of the UE Reader contains the Reader_ID according to the foregoing description).

[0546] If the UE Reader is in the connected state (such as the CM connected state), the AMF network element can perform S609 and subsequent steps.

[0547] If the UE Reader is in the idle state (such as the CM idle state), the AMF network element can perform S607-S608.

[0548] S607: The AMF network element sends a paging message (corresponding to the second paging message in the foregoing embodiment) to the UE Reader. Correspondingly, the UE Reader receives the paging message from the AMF network element.

[0549] Optionally, the paging message carries check indication information. The check indication information can indicate that this paging of the RAN node and / or the UE Reader is for performing the check operation or for the check request.

[0550] It can be understood that addressing the RAN where the UE Reader is located by the AMF network element can ensure the reachability of the UE Reader. Whether the UE Reader is in the connected state or the idle state, it can be supported.

[0551] Optionally, based on the foregoing check indication information, the RAN node can allocate AIoT resources (such as frequency band or frequency information) for the UE Reader in the access process of the UE Reader, so as to realize dynamic resource allocation. For example, the RAN node sends information of the first resource to the UE Reader.

[0552] S608: The UE Reader sends a service request to the AMF network element. Correspondingly, the AMF network element receives the service request from the UE Reader.

[0553] It can be understood that the UE Reader can send a service request to the AMF network element, so that the UE Reader enters the connected state. Optionally, the UE Reader can carry the inventory indication information in the service request based on the above inventory indication information.

[0554] S609: The AMF network element sends a response of the inventory preparation request to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the response of the inventory preparation request from the AMF network element.

[0555] The response of the inventory preparation request can indicate whether the inventory preparation work is completed.

[0556] It can be understood that if the preparation work is normally completed, such as the UE Reader is in the connected state, the AMF network element returns the information of the RAN node where the UE Reader resides, such as RAN ID.

[0557] Optionally, the AMF network element can also return an indication of whether the UE Reader supports the first mode, so that the TMF network element decides whether to initiate an inventory request in other modes (such as the second mode), thereby supporting the first mode and other mode negotiation and compatibility processing.

[0558] Optionally, the AMF network element can also return Reader ID to indicate that the response is for the UE Reader. For example, if the Reader ID is not carried in the query result in S605, the AMF network element can also return the Reader ID.

[0559] As described above, the response of the inventory preparation request can carry the RAN ID. Optionally, the response of the inventory preparation request can carry at least one of the Reader ID or the indication of whether the UE Reader supports the first mode.

[0560] S610: The TMF network element sends a first inventory request (corresponding to the first message in the foregoing embodiment) to the RAN node. Correspondingly, the RAN node receives the first inventory request from the TMF network element.

[0561] One possible implementation is that the TMF network element directly issues the first inventory request to the RAN node according to the above RAN ID.

[0562] The first inventory request can carry related parameters. For example, the first inventory request carries the Reader ID and the indication information of the first mode. The Reader ID is used for the RAN node to find the corresponding UE Reader, and the indication information of the first mode is used to instruct the RAN node to process the communication between the UE Reader and the TMF network element in the first mode.

[0563] It can be understood that if the RAN node does not support the first mode, or the RAN node determines that the UE Reader does not support the first mode (as indicated in the context of the UE Reader described above), a response to the first inventory request can be sent to the TMF network element to indicate rejection of the first inventory request. After receiving the response, the TMF network element can continue to perform subsequent inventory and command processes using other modes, thereby achieving the effect of coexistence of the first mode and other modes.

[0564] It can be understood that if the RAN node accepts the first inventory request, the response to the first inventory request can indicate acceptance of the first inventory request.

[0565] Optionally, the RAN node can also allocate AIoT resources (such as frequency band or frequency information) for the UE Reader at this time, thereby realizing dynamic resource allocation. For example, the RAN node sends information of the first resource to the UE Reader.

[0566] S611: The RAN node sends a second inventory request to the UE Reader (corresponding to the fourth message in the foregoing embodiment). Correspondingly, the UE Reader receives the second inventory request from the RAN node.

[0567] The second inventory request can carry indication information of the first mode.

[0568] S612: The UE Reader sends a third inventory request to the TAG (corresponding to the fifth message in the foregoing embodiment). Correspondingly, the TAG receives the third inventory request from the UE Reader.

[0569] At this point, the UE Reader starts the inventory process.

[0570] Optionally, the UE Reader sends an inventory start notification to the RAN node.

[0571] Optionally, the RAN node forwards the inventory start notification to the TMF network element. The inventory start notification can carry Reader_ID to identify which UE Reader message.

[0572] S613: The TAG responds to the third inventory request and sends a response to the third inventory request to the UE Reader. Correspondingly, the UE Reader receives the response to the third inventory request from the TAG.

[0573] The response to the third inventory request can include an identifier of the TAG

[0574] Optionally, the random access process between the RAN node and the TAG before this belongs to the access layer implementation.

[0575] S614: The UE Reader sends a response of the second inventory request to the RAN node. Correspondingly, the RAN node receives the response of the second inventory request from the UE Reader.

[0576] It can be understood that the response of the second inventory request carries all or part of the information in the response of the third inventory request.

[0577] Optionally, the response of the second inventory request can carry parameters sent to the TMF network element. For example, the response can carry a temporary identifier allocated by the UE Reader for the TAG, so that the TMF network element determines that the message is an inventory response sent by a new TAG. For example, the response can carry parameters required for communication between the UE Reader and the RAN node.

[0578] S615: The RAN node sends a response of the first inventory request to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the response of the first inventory request from the RAN node.

[0579] It can be understood that the response of the first inventory request carries all or part of the information in the response of the second inventory request.

[0580] Optionally, the response of the first inventory request carries Reader_ID, which is used by the TMF network element to identify the message for which UE Reader.

[0581] Optionally, the response of the first inventory request carries a temporary identifier allocated by the RAN node for the TAG, such as RAN_Temp_ID.

[0582] It can be understood that after receiving the above response, the TMF network element can determine that it is a response sent by a new TAG according to Reader_ID and the temporary identifier allocated by the UE Reader for the TAG, or according to Reader_ID and the temporary identifier allocated by the RAN node for the TAG, or directly according to the device identifier (such as the identifier of the TAG) in the above response.

[0583] Optionally, after completing the processing of the above response (such as verifying the legality of the TAG), the TMF network element can determine whether to issue a command to the TAG according to the service request of S604. If the service request is an inventory request, the TMF network element can no longer issue a command. If the service request requires performing other operations, such as a read operation, the TMF network element can issue a read command request to the TAG. As an implementation, a read command can also be issued directly in the first inventory request, so that there is no need to issue a read command again.

[0584] It can be understood that if the TMF network element determines to continue to issue commands to the TAG, the TMF network element sends a command request to the RAN node. In addition to the parameters of the command request itself that need to be sent to the TAG, the command request can carry a Reader_ID, which is used to indicate the UE Reader.

[0585] Optionally, the command request can also carry a temporary identifier of the TAG, which is used to indicate which TAG the command request is sent to.

[0586] It can be understood that if the temporary identifier of the TAG is allocated by the UE Reader, the temporary identifier of the TAG carried in the command request is sent to the UE Reader. If the temporary identifier of the TAG is allocated by the RAN node, the temporary identifier of the TAG carried in the command request is sent to the RAN node.

[0587] Optionally, the command request can also carry a temporary identifier of the TAG allocated by the TMF network element for the TAG. The command request can be sent to the UE Reader or the RAN node.

[0588] Optionally, one or more of the temporary identifier of the TAG allocated by the UE Reader for the TAG, the temporary identifier of the TAG allocated by the RAN node for the TAG, or the temporary identifier of the TAG allocated by the TMF network element for the TAG can be carried in the interaction message for the TAG.

[0589] Optionally, if the TMF network element determines to continue to issue commands to the TAG, the TMF network element can perform the following steps:

[0590] S616: The TMF network element sends a first command request to the RAN node. Correspondingly, the RAN node receives the first command request from the TMF network element.

[0591] Optionally, the first command request carries a Reader_ID, which is used to indicate that the RAN node forwards the first command request to the UE Reader.

[0592] Optionally, the first command request carries one or more of the temporary identifier of the TAG allocated by the UE Reader for the TAG, the temporary identifier of the TAG allocated by the RAN node for the TAG, or the temporary identifier of the TAG allocated by the TMF network element for the TAG.

[0593] S617: The RAN sends a second command request to the UE Reader. Correspondingly, the UE Reader receives the second command request from the RAN node.

[0594] It can be understood that the second command request includes all or part of the information in the first command request. For example, if the UE Reader allocates a temporary identity for the TAG, the second command request includes the temporary identity allocated by the UE Reader for the TAG and / or the temporary identity allocated by the TMF for the TAG in the first command request.

[0595] S618: The UE Reader sends a third command request to the TAG. Correspondingly, the TAG receives the third command request from the UE Reader.

[0596] It can be understood that the third command request includes all or part of the information in the second command request.

[0597] S619: The TAG sends a response of the third command request to the UE Reader. Correspondingly, the UE Reader receives the response of the third command request from the TAG.

[0598] In a possible implementation, after the TAG completes the execution of the third command request, the TAG sends the response of the third command request to the UE Reader.

[0599] S620: The UE Reader sends a response of the second command request to the RAN node. Correspondingly, the RAN node receives the response of the second command request from the UE Reader.

[0600] It can be understood that the response of the second command request includes all or part of the information in the response of the third command request.

[0601] S621: The RAN node sends a response of the first command request to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the response of the first command request from the RAN node.

[0602] It can be understood that the response of the first command request includes all or part of the information in the response of the second command request.

[0603] Optionally, the response of the first command request carries a Reader_ID to indicate that the response is for the UE Reader.

[0604] It can be understood that according to the needs of the service request, the TMF network element can continue to issue a command request to the TAG.

[0605] Optionally, if the TMF network element does not receive the command request from the TAG, the TMF network element can send a continue inventory message to the UE Reader, notifying the UE Reader that the current TAG command request has ended and the UE Reader can continue to inventory the next TAG. The TMF network element sends the message to the RAN node, carries the Reader_ID to the RAN node, and carries the temporary identifier (allocated by the TMF network element, the RAN node or the UE Reader for the TAG) to the RAN node or the UE Reader.

[0606] After the RAN node receives the continue inventory message, the RAN node can send the message to the UE Reader.

[0607] After the UE Reader receives the message, the UE Reader can perform an access layer random access process and inventory the next TAG. The process is similar to the process of S613-S621 described above, and reference can be made to the description in S613-S621 described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0608] S622: The UE Reader sends second inventory end information (corresponding to the second inventory end information in the foregoing embodiments) to the RAN node. Correspondingly, the RAN node receives the second inventory end information from the UE Reader.

[0609] One possible implementation is that if the UE Reader determines that there is no TAG response to the inventory request (or the inventory process exceeds a certain time length), the UE Reader determines that the current inventory process ends. The UE Reader indicates the end of the inventory to the TMF network element through the RAN node.

[0610] S623: The RAN node sends first inventory end information (corresponding to the first inventory end information in the foregoing embodiments) to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the first inventory end information from the RAN node.

[0611] It can be understood that the first inventory end information can include all or part of the information in the second inventory end information.

[0612] Optionally, the first inventory end information carries the Reader_ID to indicate that the information is for the UE Reader.

[0613] Optionally, the RAN node determines whether to send a connection release request to the AMF network element according to the needs of connection management.

[0614] Optionally, the connection release request carries indication information to indicate that the connection release is due to the end of the inventory process.

[0615] Optionally, the UE Reader sends a NAS message with a connection release indication to the AMF network element, to inform the AMF network element to release the connection.

[0616] S624: The TMF network element sends a service report to the AF network element. Correspondingly, the AF network element receives the service report from the TMF network element.

[0617] In one possible design, the service report includes the processing result of the inventory and the command.

[0618] It can be understood that the TMF network element can send the corresponding service report after receiving each inventory response or command response. Alternatively, the TMF network element can send the corresponding service report after receiving multiple inventory responses or command responses. Alternatively, the TMF network element can send the corresponding service report after receiving all inventory responses and all command responses.

[0619] It should be understood that in the above process, the RAN node can use a stateless forwarding processing mode for the information sent by the UE Reader or the TMF network element. For example, the RAN node transparently forwards the messages between the UE Reader and the TMF network element over the Uu interface and the N2' interface, thereby simplifying the implementation of the RAN node. Of course, the RAN node can also use a stateful processing mode, including the RAN node managing the inventory task or assigning a temporary identifier to the TAG.

[0620] Based on the method shown in FIG. 6, the messages between the TMF network element, the RAN node, and the UE Reader for inventory or command can not pass through the AMF network element, so the latency of the inventory process can be shortened and the inventory efficiency can be improved. In the above process, the TMF network element does not need to maintain the context of the UE Reader, and can directly issue an inventory request to the RAN node through the N2' interface interaction, so that the data transmission does not need to pass through the AMF network element or the UPF network element, thereby improving the transmission efficiency and simplifying the processing of the TMF network element and reducing resource consumption.

[0621] In addition, in the conventional technology, the GUTI used by the TMF network element and the RAN node in communication can be updated at any time, which can complicate the inventory process. The Reader_ID can uniquely identify the UE Reader in all devices with inventory function, so the TMF network element and the RAN node can use the Reader_ID to identify the UE Reader when communicating, thereby simplifying the inventory process.

[0622] In addition, the method shown in FIG. 6 can be compatible with the first mode and the second mode, and has high flexibility.

[0623] In addition, the RAN node can allocate AIoT resources for the UE Reader at multiple occasions, to realize dynamic allocation of AIoT resources (e.g., different resources can be allocated each time a service request is made).

[0624] The following describes a communication method provided by the present application, taking the first identifier as GUTI, the first terminal as UE Reader, the second terminal as TAG, and the first access network node as RAN node as an example.

[0625] As shown in FIG. 7, another communication method provided by the present application can include the following steps:

[0626] S701: The RAN node sends a connection establishment request to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the connection establishment request from the RAN node.

[0627] S702: The TMF network element sends a connection establishment response to the RAN node. Correspondingly, the RAN node receives the connection establishment response from the TMF network element.

[0628] It can be understood that the processes of S701-S702 are similar to those of S601-S602 described above, and the corresponding descriptions in S601-S602 can be referred to, and will not be described in detail.

[0629] S703: The UE Reader registers with the AMF network element, to realize registration and authorization of the UE Reader.

[0630] In one possible implementation, the UE Reader sends a registration request to the AMF network element (through the RAN node). The registration request carries UE Reader capability information. The UE Reader capability information includes at least one of the following: an indication of whether the UE Reader supports the Reader function, or an indication of whether the UE Reader supports the first mode. After receiving the registration request, the AMF network element can obtain the subscription information of the UE Reader from the UDM network element.

[0631] Optionally, the subscription information includes first authorization information. The first authorization information indicates whether the UE Reader is allowed to act as a Reader.

[0632] Optionally, the AMF network element determines whether to authorize the UE Reader to use the Reader function according to the first authorization information, and saves the corresponding indication information in the context of the UE Reader.

[0633] For example, if the first authorization information indicates that the UE Reader is allowed to act as a Reader, the AMF network element authorizes the UE Reader to use the Reader function.

[0634] Optionally, the context of the UE Reader includes fifth indication information. The fifth indication information indicates whether the UE Reader is allowed to use the first mode.

[0635] In one possible implementation, the AMF network element saves the indication of whether the UE Reader supports the first mode included in the UE Reader capability information as the fifth indication information in the context of the UE Reader. That is, the AMF network element does not determine whether the UE Reader is allowed to use the first mode, so as to simplify the operation of the AMF network element.

[0636] In another possible implementation, the AMF network element can determine whether the UE Reader is allowed to use the first mode according to whether the AMF network element supports the first mode and the indication of whether the UE Reader supports the first mode. For example, when the UE Reader and the AMF network element both support the first mode, the AMF network element determines that the UE Reader is allowed to use the first mode, and the fifth indication information indicates that the UE Reader is allowed to use the first mode.

[0637] In another possible implementation, the AMF network element can determine whether the UE Reader is allowed to use the first mode according to the indication of whether the UE Reader supports the first mode and whether the RAN node supports the first mode. For example, when the UE Reader and the RAN node both support the first mode, the AMF network element determines that the UE Reader is allowed to use the first mode, and the fifth indication information indicates that the UE Reader is allowed to use the first mode.

[0638] In another possible implementation, the AMF network element can determine whether the UE Reader is allowed to use the first mode according to whether the AMF network element supports the first mode, the indication of whether the UE Reader supports the first mode, and whether the RAN node supports the first mode. For example, when the AMF network element, the UE Reader, and the RAN node all support the first mode, the AMF network element determines that the UE Reader is allowed to use the first mode, and the fifth indication information indicates that the UE Reader is allowed to use the first mode.

[0639] Optionally, the AMF network element can obtain whether the RAN node supports the first mode in the following manner: the RAN node indicates to the AMF network element whether the RAN node supports the first mode when establishing the N2 connection, or carries the indication of whether the RAN node supports the first mode when forwarding the registration request of the UE Reader.

[0640] Optionally, the AMF network element allocates a temporary identifier GUTI for the UE Reader and saves the temporary identifier GUTI to the context of the UE Reader.

[0641] Optionally, the AMF network element indicates to the UE Reader whether the UE Reader is authorized to use the Reader function. For example, the AMF network element sends a registration accept message to the UE Reader. The registration accept message includes an indication of whether the UE Reader is authorized to use the Reader function.

[0642] Optionally, the AMF network element sends the context of the UE Reader to the RAN node.

[0643] In summary, the AMF network element can indicate to the UE Reader whether the UE Reader is authorized to use the Reader function. The AMF network element can indicate to the RAN node at least one of the GUTI, whether the UE Reader is allowed to use the first mode, or whether the UE Reader is authorized to use the Reader function.

[0644] It can be understood that in specific applications, the AMF network element can also indicate the above information to the UE Reader and the RAN node through a process other than the registration process, without limitation. For example, the AMF network element, the UE Reader, and the RAN node can first complete the registration of the UE Reader, and then initiate the activation or authorization process of the Reader function.

[0645] Optionally, the RAN node can allocate AIoT resources for the UE Reader after the UE's Reader function is authorized, such as configuring the frequency band or frequency point used by the UE Reader, and the like. For example, the RAN node sends information of the first resource to the UE Reader. Specifically, reference can be made to the description of S401m.

[0646] It can be understood that the present application does not limit the execution order of S701-S702 and S703. For example, S701-S702 can be executed first, and then S703 can be executed, or S703 can be executed first, and then S701-S702 can be executed, or S701-S702 and S703 can be executed simultaneously.

[0647] S704: The AF network element sends a service request to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the service request from the AMF network element.

[0648] The above service request can be inventory, and / or a command (such as read, write, disable, etc.), which is not limited by the present application. In addition to carrying the parameters required for executing the request, the service request can also carry information required to determine which UE Reader to execute the service request.

[0649] It can be understood that the above service request can be forwarded to the TMF network element by the NEF network element through the AF network element, or can be directly sent to the TMF network element by the AF network element. The information carried by the service request can be directly carried by the AF network element, or can be converted or supplemented by the NEF network element when processing the service request of the AF network element.

[0650] A possible design, the service request indicates the UE Reader, so that the TMF network element determines to execute the service request by the UE Reader. For example, the service request includes the identification of the UE Reader, such as SUPI or GPSI. For another example, the service request includes information indirectly mapped into the identification of the UE Reader.

[0651] It can be understood that if the service request does not directly carry the identification of the UE Reader, the TMF network element can determine the identification of the UE Reader according to the information carried by the service request.

[0652] For example, a place name or ID (such as a certain warehouse) is carried in the service request, and the TMF network element has one or more UE Reader information corresponding to the name or ID in the TMF network element, and the UE Reader information includes the identification (such as SUPI or GPSI) of the UE Reader. The TMF network element can determine the identification of the UE Reader according to the place name or ID carried in the service request.

[0653] For example, the information of an area surrounded by multiple geographic coordinates is carried in the service request, and the TMF network element has the UE Reader information within the area range, and the UE Reader information includes the identification (such as SUPI or GPSI) of the UE Reader. The TMF network element can determine the identification of the UE Reader according to the information of the area carried in the service request.

[0654] For example, the name of a UE Reader or the name of a plurality of UE Reader sets (such as a certain reader, and the UE Reader can move) is carried in the service request, and the TMF network element has the UE Reader information corresponding to the name in the TMF network element, and the UE Reader information includes the identification (such as SUPI or GPSI) of the UE Reader. The TMF network element can determine the identification of the UE Reader according to the name of the UE Reader carried in the service request.

[0655] S705: The TMF network element obtains the information of the AMF network element registered by the UE Reader from the UDM network element.

[0656] In a possible implementation, the TMF network element queries the UDM network element for the AMF network element registered by the UE Reader according to the identity of the UE Reader.

[0657] For example, the TMF network element sends query information to the UDM network element to query the AMF network element registered by the UE Reader. The query information can include the identity (such as SUPI or GPSI) of the UE Reader. After receiving the query information, the UDM network element can send a query result to the TMF network element, where the query result includes the information (such as the identity or address of the AMF network element) of the AMF network element.

[0658] Optionally, the query result further includes the SUPI.

[0659] Optionally, the TMF network element returns a service request response to the AF network element to indicate whether the service request is successful. For example, if the TMF network element cannot determine the identity of the UE Reader or cannot query the information of the AMF network element corresponding to the UE Reader from the UDM network element (for example, the UE Reader is in the I-off state), the TMF network element can indicate that the service request fails. Before returning the service request response, the TMF network element can further perform further checks, such as checking whether the AF network element has the permission to perform the service request.

[0660] S706: The TMF network element sends a check preparation request to the AMF network element. Correspondingly, the AMF network element receives the first check preparation request from the TMF network element.

[0661] In a possible implementation, the TMF network element sends a check preparation request to the AMF network element according to the information of the AMF network element queried (corresponding to the first check preparation information in the foregoing embodiment). In addition to carrying the information required by the check request, the check preparation request can also carry the SUPI to indicate the UE Reader.

[0662] The AMF network element finds the context of the UE Reader according to the SUPI.

[0663] If the UE Reader is in the connected state (such as the CM-connected state), the AMF network element can perform S709 and subsequent steps.

[0664] If the UE Reader is in the idle state (such as the CM-idle state), the AMF network element can perform S707-S708.

[0665] S707: The AMF network element sends a paging message to the UE Reader (corresponding to the second paging message in the foregoing embodiment). Correspondingly, the UE Reader receives the paging message from the AMF network element.

[0666] S708: The UE Reader sends a service request to the AMF network element. Correspondingly, the AMF network element receives the service request from the UE Reader.

[0667] It can be understood that the processes of S707-S708 are similar to the processes of S607-S608 described above, and the corresponding descriptions in S607-S608 can be referred to, and details are not described herein.

[0668] S709: The AMF network element sends a response of the inventory preparation request to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the response of the inventory preparation request from the AMF network element.

[0669] The response of the inventory preparation request can indicate whether the inventory preparation work is completed.

[0670] It can be understood that if the preparation work is normally completed, for example, the UE Reader is in a connected state, the AMF network element returns the information of the RAN node in which the UE Reader is located, for example, RAN ID. The AMF network element also determines the GUTI according to the SUPI and returns the GUTI.

[0671] Optionally, the AMF network element can also return an indication of whether the UE Reader supports the first mode, so that the TMF network element decides whether to re-initiate the inventory request in other modes (such as the second mode), thereby supporting the first mode and other mode negotiation and compatibility processing.

[0672] In summary, the response of the inventory preparation request can carry the RAN ID and the GUTI. Optionally, the response of the inventory preparation request can carry an indication of whether the UE Reader supports the first mode.

[0673] S710: The TMF network element sends a first subscription request (corresponding to the first subscription request in the foregoing embodiments) to the AMF network element. Correspondingly, the AMF network element receives the first subscription request from the TMF network element.

[0674] Exemplarily, the first subscription request indicates that the AMF network element notifies the TMF network element after re-allocating the GUTI for the UE Reader. The first subscription request carries the SUPI to indicate the UE Reader.

[0675] Optionally, the first subscription request also carries an address of the TMF network element for accepting the subscription notification.

[0676] Optionally, the first subscription request can also indicate to subscribe to more information, such as location change information of the UE Reader.

[0677] It can be understood that the AMF network element can re-allocate the GUTI for the UE Reader at any time thereafter. After the TMF network element obtains the GUTI re-allocated by the AMF network element, the TMF network element can communicate with the RAN node based on the GUTI. The method shown in FIG. 7 is described taking the TMF network element obtaining the GUTI re-allocated by the AMF network element after receiving the response to the first inventory request as an example.

[0678] S711: The TMF network element sends a first inventory request (corresponding to the first message in the foregoing embodiments) to the RAN node. Correspondingly, the RAN node receives the first inventory request from the TMF network element.

[0679] In a possible implementation, the TMF network element directly issues the first inventory request to the RAN node according to the RAN ID.

[0680] The first inventory request can carry relevant parameters. For example, the first inventory request carries a GUTI and indication information of a first mode. The GUTI is used for the RAN node to find the corresponding UE Reader, and the indication information of the first mode is used to instruct the RAN node to process the communication between the UE Reader and the TMF network element in the first mode.

[0681] It can be understood that if the RAN node does not support the first mode, or the RAN node determines that the UE Reader does not support the first mode (for example, according to the indication in the context of the UE Reader described above), the RAN node can send a response to the TMF network element to indicate rejection of the first inventory request. After receiving the response, the TMF network element can continue to perform subsequent inventory and command processes in other modes, thereby realizing the effect of coexistence of the first mode and other modes.

[0682] It can be understood that if the RAN node accepts the first inventory request, the response can indicate acceptance of the first inventory request.

[0683] Optionally, the RAN node can also allocate AIoT resources (such as frequency band or frequency information) for the UE Reader at this time, thereby realizing dynamic resource allocation. For example, the RAN node sends information of a first resource to the UE Reader.

[0684] It can be understood that the present application does not limit the execution order of S710 and S711. For example, S710 can be executed first, and then S711 can be executed, or S711 can be executed first and then S710 can be executed, or S710 and S711 can be executed simultaneously.

[0685] S712: The RAN node sends a second inventory request to the UE Reader (corresponding to the fourth message in the previous embodiments). Correspondingly, the UE Reader receives the second inventory request from the RAN node.

[0686] The second inventory request can carry the indication information of the first mode.

[0687] S713: The UE Reader sends a third inventory request to the TAG (corresponding to the fifth message in the previous embodiments). Correspondingly, the TAG receives the third inventory request from the UE Reader.

[0688] Up to now, the UE Reader starts the inventory process.

[0689] Optionally, the UE Reader sends an inventory start notification to the RAN node.

[0690] Optionally, the RAN node forwards the inventory start notification to the TMF network element. The inventory start notification can carry the GUTI to identify which UE Reader message it is.

[0691] S714: The TAG sends a response to the third inventory request to the UE Reader. Correspondingly, the UE Reader receives the response to the third inventory request from the TAG.

[0692] Optionally, the random access procedure between the RAN node and the TAG before this belongs to the access layer implementation.

[0693] S715: The UE Reader sends a response to the second inventory request to the RAN node. Correspondingly, the RAN node receives the response to the second inventory request from the UE Reader.

[0694] It can be understood that the response to the second inventory request carries all or part of the information in the response to the third inventory request.

[0695] Optionally, the response to the second inventory request can carry parameters sent to the TMF network element. For example, the response can carry the temporary identifier allocated by the UE Reader for the TAG, so that the TMF network element determines that this message is an inventory response sent by a new TAG. For example, the response can carry the parameters required for communication between the UE Reader and the RAN node.

[0696] S716: The RAN node sends a response to the first inventory request to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the response to the first inventory request from the RAN node.

[0697] It can be understood that the response of the first inventory request carries all or part of the information in the response of the second inventory request.

[0698] Optionally, the response of the first inventory request carries GUTI, which is used by the TMF network element to identify which UE Reader the message is for.

[0699] Optionally, the response of the first inventory request carries a temporary identifier allocated by the RAN node for the TAG, such as RAN_Temp_ID.

[0700] It can be understood that after receiving the above response, the TMF network element can determine that the response is sent by a new TAG according to the GUTI and the temporary identifier allocated by the UE Reader for the TAG, or according to the GUTI and the temporary identifier allocated by the RAN node for the TAG, or directly according to the device identifier (such as the identifier of the TAG) in the above response.

[0701] Optionally, after completing the processing of the above response (such as checking the legality of the TAG), the TMF network element can determine whether to issue a command to the TAG according to the service request of S704. If the service request is an inventory request, the TMF network element can no longer issue a command. If the service request requires other operations, such as a read operation, the TMF network element can issue a read command request to the TAG. As an implementation, a read command can also be issued directly in the first inventory request, so there is no need to issue a read command again.

[0702] It can be understood that if the TMF network element determines to continue to issue a command to the TAG, the TMF network element sends a command request to the RAN node. In addition to the parameters in the command request that need to be sent to the TAG, the command request can carry GUTI, which is used to indicate the UE Reader.

[0703] Optionally, the command request can also carry a temporary identifier of the TAG, which is used to indicate which TAG the command request is for.

[0704] It can be understood that if the temporary identifier of the TAG is allocated by the UE Reader, the command request is sent to the UE Reader. If the temporary identifier of the TAG is allocated by the RAN node, the command request is sent to the RAN node.

[0705] Optionally, the command request can also carry a temporary identifier allocated by the TMF network element for the TAG. The command request can be sent to the UE Reader or the RAN node.

[0706] Optionally, one or more of the temporary identifier allocated by the UE Reader for the TAG, the temporary identifier allocated by the RAN node for the TAG, or the temporary identifier allocated by the TMF network element for the TAG can be carried in the interaction message for the TAG.

[0707] S717: The AMF network element re-allocates a GUTI for the UE Reader.

[0708] S718: The AMF network element sends the re-allocated GUTI (referred to as new GUTI) for the UE Reader to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the new GUTI from the AMF network element.

[0709] Illustratively, the new GUTI can be carried in the subscription notification message.

[0710] Optionally, if the TMF network element determines to continue to issue commands to the TAG, the TMF network element can perform the following steps in which the information exchanged between the TMF network element and the RAN node can carry the new GUTI.

[0711] S719: The TMF network element sends a first command request to the RAN node. Correspondingly, the RAN node receives the first command request from the TMF network element.

[0712] Optionally, the first command request includes the new GUTI to instruct the RAN node to forward the first command request to the UE Reader.

[0713] Optionally, the first command request includes one or more of the temporary identifier allocated by the TAG, the temporary identifier allocated by the RAN node for the TAG, or the temporary identifier allocated by the TMF network element for the TAG.

[0714] S720: The RAN sends a second command request to the UE Reader. Correspondingly, the UE Reader receives the second command request from the RAN node.

[0715] It can be understood that the second command request includes all or part of the information in the first command request.

[0716] S721: The UE Reader sends a third command request to the TAG. Correspondingly, the TAG receives the third command request from the UE Reader.

[0717] It can be understood that the third command request includes all or part of the information in the second command request.

[0718] S722: The TAG sends a response to the third command request to the UE Reader. Correspondingly, the UE Reader receives the response to the third command request from the TAG.

[0719] In one possible implementation, after the TAG completes the third command request, the TAG sends a response of the third command request to the UE Reader.

[0720] S723: The UE Reader sends a response of the second command request to the RAN node. Correspondingly, the RAN node receives the response of the second command request from the UE Reader.

[0721] It can be understood that the response of the second command request includes all or part of the information in the response of the third command request.

[0722] S724: The RAN node sends a response of the first command request to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the response of the first command request from the RAN node.

[0723] It can be understood that the response of the first command request includes all or part of the information in the response of the second command request.

[0724] Optionally, the response of the first command request further includes a new GUTI, to indicate that the response is for the UE Reader.

[0725] It can be understood that according to the needs of the service request, the TMF network element can continue to issue a command request to the TAG.

[0726] Optionally, if the TMF network element does not issue a command request to the TAG, the TMF network element can issue a continue inventory message to the UE Reader, to inform the UE Reader that the current TAG command request has ended and the UE Reader can continue to inventory the next TAG. The TMF network element sends the message to the RAN node, carries the new GUTI to the RAN node, and carries the temporary identifier (allocated by the TMF network element, the RAN node, or the UE Reader for the TAG) to the RAN node or the UE Reader.

[0727] After receiving the continue inventory message, the RAN node can send the message to the UE Reader.

[0728] After receiving the message, the UE Reader can perform an access layer random access process and inventory the next TAG. The process is similar to the process of S714-S724 described above, and reference can be made to the description in S714-S724 described above, and details are not repeated.

[0729] S725: The UE Reader sends second inventory end information (corresponding to the second inventory end information in the foregoing embodiments) to the RAN node. Correspondingly, the RAN node receives the second inventory end information from the UE Reader.

[0730] A possible implementation, if the UE Reader judges that there is no TAG response to the inventory request (or the inventory process exceeds a certain time length), the UE Reader judges that this inventory process ends. The UE Reader indicates the end of the inventory to the TMF network element through the RAN node.

[0731] S726: The RAN node sends first inventory end information (corresponding to the first inventory end information in the foregoing embodiments) to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the first inventory end information from the RAN node.

[0732] It can be understood that the first inventory end information can include all or part of the information in the second inventory end information.

[0733] Optionally, the first inventory end information includes a new GUTI, to indicate that the information is for the UE Reader.

[0734] Optionally, the RAN node determines whether to send a connection release request to the AMF network element according to the needs of connection management.

[0735] Optionally, the connection release request carries indication information, to indicate that the connection release is because of the end of the inventory process.

[0736] Optionally, the UE Reader sends a NAS message with a connection release indication to the AMF network element, to notify the AMF network element to release the connection.

[0737] Optionally, after the inventory task of the UE Reader ends, the TMF network element no longer needs to detect the change of the GUTI corresponding to the UE Reader. Therefore, the TMF network element sends subscription cancellation information to the AMF network element, to cancel the subscription of the information subscribed by the first subscription request.

[0738] Optionally, the subscription cancellation information can carry a SUPI.

[0739] S727: The TMF network element sends a service report to the AF network element. Correspondingly, the AF network element receives the service report from the TMF network element.

[0740] A possible design, the service report includes the processing result of the above-mentioned inventory and command.

[0741] It can be understood that the TMF network element can send a corresponding service report after receiving each inventory response or command response. Or, the TMF network element can send a corresponding service report after receiving multiple inventory responses or command responses. Or, the TMF network element can send a corresponding service report after receiving all inventory responses and all command responses.

[0742] It should be understood that in the above process, the RAN node can adopt a stateless forwarding manner for the information sent by the UE Reader or the TMF network element. For example, the RAN node transparently forwards the messages between the UE Reader and the TMF network element on the Uu interface and the N2' interface, thereby simplifying the implementation of the RAN node. Of course, the RAN node can also adopt a stateful manner, including that the RAN node manages the inventory task or allocates a temporary identifier for the TAG.

[0743] Based on the method shown in FIG. 7, the messages between the TMF network element, the RAN node and the UE Reader for inventory or command can not pass through the AMF network element, so that the latency of the inventory process can be shortened and the inventory efficiency can be improved. In the above process, the TMF network element does not need to maintain the context of the UE Reader, so that the TMF network element can directly issue an inventory request to the RAN node, and the RAN node and the TMF network element can directly interact on the N2' interface, so that the data transmission does not need to pass through the AMF network element, thereby improving the transmission efficiency and simplifying the processing of the TMF network element and reducing resource consumption.

[0744] In addition, in the conventional technology, the GUTI used when the TMF network element communicates with the RAN node can be updated at any time, and the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 provides a method for applying the GUTI in the inventory process, which has less impact on the standard.

[0745] In addition, the method shown in FIG. 7 can be compatible with the first mode and the second mode, and has high flexibility.

[0746] In addition, the RAN node can allocate AIoT resources for the UE Reader at multiple occasions, thereby realizing dynamic allocation of AIoT resources (e.g., different resources can be allocated each time).

[0747] In the methods shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the TMF network element obtains the RAN_ID from the AMF network element. In specific applications, the TMF network element can also obtain the RAN_ID from the UDM network element or the NRF network element. The following describes the process of obtaining the RAN_ID from the UDM network element or the NRF network element by the TMF network element, taking the first identifier as the Reader_ID as an example. It should be understood that when the first identifier is the GUTI, similar processing can also be performed, which will not be described herein.

[0748] First, the method for the TMF network element to obtain the RAN_ID from the UDM network element is introduced.

[0749] As shown in FIG. 8, another communication method provided by the present application can include the following steps:

[0750] S801: The RAN node sends a connection setup request to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the connection setup request from the RAN node.

[0751] S802: The TMF network element sends a connection setup response to the RAN node. Correspondingly, the RAN node receives the connection setup response from the TMF network element.

[0752] S803: The UE Reader registers with the AMF network element, realizing registration and authorization of the UE Reader.

[0753] It can be understood that the processes of S801-S803 are similar to the processes of S601-S603 described above, and the corresponding descriptions in S601-S603 can be referred to, and details are not described herein.

[0754] S804: The UDM network element sends a subscription request (corresponding to the second subscription request in the foregoing embodiment) to the AMF network element. Correspondingly, the AMF network element receives the subscription request from the UDM network element.

[0755] The subscription request is used to request that the UDM network element be notified when the connection state of the UE Reader changes or the location of the UE Reader changes. That is, after the AMF network element registers the UE Reader with the UDM network element, the UDM network element can subscribe to the AMF network element to be notified when the connection state of the UE Reader changes and the location of the UE Reader changes. The purpose is to enable the UDM network element to obtain the information of the RAN in which the UE Reader resides, such as RAN_ID, when the UE Reader is in a connected state.

[0756] Optionally, the UDM network element can also obtain one or more of the tracking area identity (TAI) where the UE Reader is currently located, the cell where the UE Reader resides, or the specific location information of the UE Reader according to needs.

[0757] It can be understood that when the UE Reader performs handover (such as from one access network node to another access network node) or the connection state of the UE Reader changes, the AMF network element can send a subscription notification to the UDM network element based on the above subscription request. For example, the AMF network element can perform S805:

[0758] S805: The AMF network element sends a subscription notification to the UDM network element. Correspondingly, the UDM network element receives the subscription notification from the AMF network element.

[0759] One possible implementation, when the UE Reader occurs handover, the subscription notification carries the RAN ID of the RAN where the UE Reader is located. Optionally, the subscription notification carries one or more of the information of the TAI where the UE Reader is located, the identity of the cell where the UE Reader resides, or the specific location information of the UE Reader, and the UDM network element can save these information.

[0760] It can be understood that if cross-AMF network element handover occurs, the new AMF network element can notify the UDM network element to update the AMF ID. If tracking area update occurs, the UDM network element is notified to update the TAI as needed.

[0761] Another possible implementation, when the connection state of the UE Reader changes from the CM idle state to the CM connected state, the subscription notification can carry the RAN ID of the RAN where the UE Reader is located. Optionally, the subscription notification can also carry the identity of the cell where the UE Reader resides, and / or the specific location information of the UE Reader. If the connection state of the UE Reader changes from the CM connected state to the CM idle state, the subscription notification does not carry the RAN ID, the identity of the cell where the UE Reader resides, and the specific location information of the UE Reader, and the UDM network element will delete these information locally; or the subscription notification carries the RAN ID, the identity of the cell where the UE Reader resides, or the specific location information of the UE Reader, and indicates to delete these information.

[0762] Optionally, the RAN node can make the UE Reader complete registration and always be in the connected state in some way. For example, the RAN node maintains the authorized UE Reader in the connected state after registration is completed. Or, the AF network element ensures that the UE Reader is in the connected state before the service request in some way. For example, the AF network element sends information to the UE Reader before sending the service request, so that the UE Reader enters the connected state. In this way, the UDM can obtain the RAN ID.

[0763] Optionally, in order to save the power consumption of the UE Reader, the UE Reader can enter the RRC inactive state, but the UE Reader is still in the CM connected state from the perspective of the AMF network element.

[0764] S806: The AF network element sends a service request to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the service request from the AMF network element.

[0765] It can be understood that the specific process of S806 is similar to the above-mentioned S604, and the corresponding description in the above-mentioned S604 can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0766] S807: The TMF network element obtains at least one of information of the RAN node or information of the AMF network element from the UDM network element.

[0767] In one possible implementation, the TMF network element queries the UDM network element for the RAN node accessed by the UE Reader and / or the AMF network element registered by the UE Reader according to the identity of the UE Reader.

[0768] For example, the TMF network element sends query information to the UDM network element to query the RAN node accessed by the UE Reader and / or the AMF network element registered by the UE Reader. The query information can include the identity of the UE Reader. After receiving the query information, the UDM network element sends query results to the TMF network element, which include information of the RAN node (e.g., RAN ID) and / or information of the AMF network element (e.g., identity or address of the AMF network element).

[0769] It can be understood that if the UE Reader is in the connected state, the query results include the information of the RAN node and / or the information of the AMF network element. If the UE Reader is in the idle state, the query results include the information of the AMF network element but not the information of the RAN node.

[0770] Optionally, the query results further include the Reader ID. For example, if the identity of the UE Reader includes SUPI or GPSI, the query results further include the Reader ID.

[0771] Optionally, the query results further include at least one of information of the TAI where the UE Reader is located, identity of the cell where the UE Reader resides, or specific location information of the UE Reader.

[0772] It can be understood that if the TMF network element obtains the information of the RAN node, it performs S610-S624 in the method shown in FIG. 6. If the TMF network element does not obtain the information of the RAN node, it performs S606-S624 in the method shown in FIG. 6, that is, the TMF network element first triggers the UE Reader to enter the connected state through the AMF network element and obtains the RAN ID, and then issues the inventory request according to the RAN ID.

[0773] Based on the method shown in FIG. 8, the TMF network element can obtain the information of the RAN from the UDM network element. In this scenario, the TMF network element does not need to interact with the AMF network element, thereby avoiding adding an interface between the TMF network element and the AMF network element.

[0774] The method in which the TMF network element obtains the RAN ID from the NRF network element is described below.

[0775] As shown in FIG. 9, another communication method provided by the present application can include the following steps:

[0776] S901: The RAN node sends a connection establishment request to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the connection establishment request from the RAN node.

[0777] S902: The TMF network element sends a connection establishment response to the RAN node. Correspondingly, the RAN node receives the connection establishment response from the TMF network element.

[0778] S903: The UE Reader registers with the AMF network element, realizing the registration and authorization of the UE Reader.

[0779] It can be understood that the processes of S901-S903 are similar to those of S601-S603, and the corresponding descriptions in S601-S603 can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0780] S904: The AMF network element sends a service request (corresponding to the sixth information in the foregoing embodiment) to the NRF network element. Correspondingly, the NRF network element receives the service request from the AMF network element.

[0781] In one possible implementation, after completing the registration of the UE Reader, the AMF network element initiates a service request to the NRF network element to register the service information of the UE Reader with the NRF network element. The service request can carry the identifier (such as SUPI, Reader_ID, or GUTI) of the UE Reader, the information (AMF_ID or AMF address) of the AMF network element that registers, and the identifier (RAN_ID) of the RAN node that camps. Optionally, the service request can also carry one or more of the information of the TAI where the UE Reader currently locates, the identifier of the cell that camps, or the specific location information of the UE Reader.

[0782] S905: When the UE Reader performs handover (such as from one access network node to another access network node) or the connection state of the UE Reader changes, the AMF network element sends service update information to the NRF network element. Correspondingly, the NRF network element receives the service update from the AMF network element.

[0783] In one possible implementation, when the UE Reader performs handover, the service update information carries the RAN_ID of the RAN node where the UE Reader locates. Optionally, the service update information can also carry one or more of the information of the TAI where the UE Reader locates, the identifier of the cell that camps, or the specific location information of the UE Reader, and the NRF network element saves these information.

[0784] It can be understood that if cross-AMF network element handover occurs, the new AMF network element can notify the NRF network element to update the AMF ID. If tracking area update occurs, the NRF network element can be notified to update the TAI.

[0785] Another possible implementation is that when the connection state of the UE Reader changes from the idle state to the connected state, the service update information can carry the RAN ID of the RAN node where the UE Reader is located. Optionally, the service update information can also carry one or more of the information of the TAI where the UE Reader is located, the identifier of the cell in which the UE Reader resides, or the specific location information of the UE Reader. If the connection state of the UE Reader changes from the connected state to the idle state, the service update information does not carry the RAN ID, the identifier of the cell in which the UE Reader resides, and the specific location information of the UE Reader, and the NRF network element deletes these information locally; or the service update information carries the RAN ID, the identifier of the cell in which the UE Reader resides, or the specific location information of the UE Reader and indicates to delete these information.

[0786] Optionally, the RAN node can make the UE Reader complete registration and remain in the connected state in some way. For example, the RAN node maintains the authorized UE Reader in the connected state after registration. Alternatively, the AF network element ensures that the UE Reader is in the connected state before the service request in some way. For example, the AF network element sends information to the UE Reader before sending the service request, so that the UE Reader enters the connected state. In this way, the NRF network element can obtain the RAN ID.

[0787] Optionally, in order to save the power consumption of the UE Reader, the UE Reader can enter the RRC inactive state, but the UE Reader is still in the connected state from the perspective of the AMF network element.

[0788] S906: The AF network element sends a service request to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the service request from the AMF network element.

[0789] It can be understood that the specific process of S906 is similar to the above-mentioned S604, and the corresponding description in the above-mentioned S604 can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0790] S907: The TMF network element obtains at least one of the information of the RAN node or the information of the AMF network element from the NRF network element.

[0791] One possible implementation, the TMF network element determines which UE Reader to execute the service request according to the information carried in the service request. If the service request does not directly specify the UE Reader identity, the TMF network element converts the information carried in the service request into the UE Reader identity. For example, the information carried in the service request is a location name or ID (such as a certain warehouse), there is one or more UE Reader information corresponding to the name or ID in the TMF network element, and the UE Reader information contains the identity (such as SUPI, GSPI or Reader_ID) of the UE Reader; or the information carried in the service request is an area surrounded by multiple geographic coordinates, there is all the UE Reader information within the area range in the TMF network element, and the UE Reader information contains the identity (such as SUPI, GSPI or Reader_ID) of the UE Reader; or the information carried in the service request is the name of a UE Reader or a set of multiple UE Readers (such as a certain reader, and the UE Reader can move), there is the UE Reader information corresponding to the name in the TMF network element, and the UE Reader information contains the identity (such as SUPI, GSPI or Reader_ID) of the UE Reader.

[0792] In a specific application, the TMF network element may not be able to directly determine the UE Reader through the parameters carried in the service request. For example, the service request contains area information (such as geographic coordinates, an encapsulated area composed of geographic coordinates, a tracking area identity, a cell identity, or an administrative area name), but the TMF network element itself may not be able to directly determine which UE Readers are within the area.

[0793] It can be understood that when the TMF network element can determine the identity of the UE Reader, the TMF network element can query the information of the corresponding AMF network element from the NRF network element according to the identity (such as SUPI, GSPI or Reader_ID) of the UE Reader. If the UE Reader is in a connected state, the TMF network element can obtain the information of the RAN node from the NRF network element. Optionally, the TMF network element can also query the identity of the cell where the UE Reader resides or the specific location information of the UE Reader. Correspondingly, when the NRF network element obtains the identity of the UE Reader, it can return the AMF_ID of the UE Reader and the corresponding Reader_ID. If the UE Reader is in a connected state, the NRF network element can also return the RAN_ID. Optionally, the NRF network element can also return the identity of the cell where the UE Reader resides or the specific location information of the UE Reader.

[0794] It can be understood that when the TMF network element cannot determine the UE Reader and its identifier, the TMF network element can initiate a query request to the NRF network element according to the area information carried in the service request, to obtain which UE Readers in the specified area are currently possible. Correspondingly, when the NRF network element obtains the area information, the NRF network element can match the location information registered by the AMF network element (such as the AMF network element where the UE Reader is located, the tracking area identifier, the cell identifier, the precise location coordinates, or the location information corresponding to the RAN node, etc.) with the area information, so as to determine which possible UE Readers are in the specified area, and return the identifiers of these UE Readers and the corresponding AMF_ID. If the UE Reader is in the connected state, the NRF network element also returns the corresponding RAN_ID. Optionally, the NRF network element can also return the identifier of the cell where it is located or the specific location information of the UE Reader.

[0795] It can be understood that if the TMF network element obtains the information of the RAN node, S610-S624 in the method shown in FIG. 6 are executed. If the TMF network element does not obtain the information of the RAN node, S606-S624 in the method shown in FIG. 6 are executed, that is, the TMF network element first triggers the UE Reader to enter the connected state through the AMF network element, and obtains the RAN_ID, and then issues an inventory request according to the RAN_ID.

[0796] Based on the method shown in FIG. 9, the TMF network element can obtain the information of the RAN from the NRF network element. In this scenario, the TMF network element does not need to interact with the AMF network element, thereby avoiding the addition of an interface between the TMF network element and the AMF network element.

[0797] In addition to the above method, the TMF network element can also determine the RAN node by itself, and obtain the identifier of the UE Reader, such as Reader_ID or GUTI, from the RAN node. The first identifier Reader_ID is taken as an example for illustration. It should be understood that when the first identifier is GUTI, similar processing can also be performed, which will not be described again.

[0798] As shown in FIG. 10, another communication method provided by the present application can include the following steps:

[0799] S1001: The RAN node sends a connection establishment request to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the connection establishment request from the RAN node.

[0800] In the present application, the RAN node and the TMF network element can communicate based on the N2' interface, so the above connection establishment request can be an N2' connection establishment request. The connection establishment request is used to request to establish a connection between the RAN node and the TMF network element.

[0801] A possible design, the connection establishment request indicates that the RAN node supports the first mode. For example, the connection establishment request carries the first indication information, and the first indication information indicates that the RAN node supports the first mode.

[0802] The connection establishment request can also indicate the location information of the RAN node. The location information here can include the geographic coordinates of the RAN node, the information of the coverage area composed of multiple geographic coordinates, or the information of the administrative region.

[0803] It can be understood that if the RAN node does not support the first mode (such as the RAN node supports the second mode), the connection establishment request can not carry the above indication.

[0804] The first mode, the second mode and the first indication information can refer to the description in the method shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5.

[0805] S1002: The TMF network element sends a connection establishment response to the RAN node. Correspondingly, the RAN node receives the connection establishment response from the TMF network element.

[0806] S1003: The UE Reader registers with the AMF network element, realizing the registration and authorization of the UE Reader.

[0807] It can be understood that the processes of S1002-S1003 are similar to those of S602-S603, and the corresponding description in S602-S603 can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0808] S1004: The AF network element sends a service request to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the service request from the AMF network element.

[0809] It can be understood that the AF network element initiates a service request to the TMF network element, which can pass through the NEF network element in the middle, which is not limited by the present application. The above service request can request to perform the inventory operation or the command operation. In addition to carrying the parameters required for executing the request, the service request can also carry the area information required to determine which UE Reader to execute the service request. The area information here can include geographic coordinates, or information of a coverage area composed of multiple geographic coordinates, or information of an administrative region, or a tracking area identifier, or a cell identifier, etc. These information can not be directly carried by the AF network element, but can be converted or supplemented by the NEF network element when processing the service request of the AF network element.

[0810] S1005: The TMF network element determines the RAN node.

[0811] In a possible implementation, the TMF network element matches the area information carried by the service request with the location information sent by the RAN network element to the TMF network element, and determines from which RAN nodes to find the UE Reader to perform the service request. Optionally, the TMF network element can also consider whether the RAN node supports the first mode when selecting the RAN node.

[0812] Optionally, the TMF network element returns a service request response to the AF network element to indicate whether the service request is successful. For example, if the TMF network element cannot determine a suitable RAN node, the TMF network element can indicate that the service request fails. Before returning the service request response, the TMF network element can also perform further checks, such as checking whether the AF network element has the permission to perform the service request.

[0813] S1006: The TMF network element sends a check preparation message (corresponding to the second check preparation information in the foregoing embodiments) to the RAN node. Correspondingly, the RAN node receives the check preparation message from the TMF network element.

[0814] In a possible design, the check preparation message carries indication information of the first mode.

[0815] For S1006, there are two scenarios as follows:

[0816] Scenario 1: The UE Reader remains in the connected state, and the RAN node saves the context of the UE Reader.

[0817] For example, the RAN node can make the UE Reader remain in the connected state after completing registration in a certain manner. For example, the RAN node maintains the authorized UE Reader in the connected state after registration. Optionally, to save the power consumption of the UE Reader, the UE Reader can enter the RRC inactive state, but still remains in the CM connected state from the perspective of the AMF network element.

[0818] For example, the AF network element ensures that the UE Reader is in the connected state in a certain manner before this. For example, the AF network element sends information to the UE Reader to make the UE Reader enter the connected state.

[0819] Scenario 2:

[0820] S1007: The RAN node sends a paging message (corresponding to the first paging message in the foregoing embodiments) to the UE Reader. Correspondingly, the UE Reader receives the paging message from the RAN node.

[0821] For the foregoing scenario 1:

[0822] One possible implementation, if there is one or more UE Reader under the RAN node in RRC inactive state, the RAN node can send RRC paging message to these UE Readers to activate them into RRC connected state so that they can receive messages. The RAN node can also determine the specific location of the UE Readers, such as the cell identity where they camp or more precise location. After the one or more UE Readers receive the paging message, they enter RRC active state.

[0823] It can be understood that when all the UE Readers are in RRC active state, the RAN node sends the inventory preparation response (as S1008 below) to the TMF network element, which carries the identities (such as Reader_ID or GUTI) and location information (such as tracking area identity, cell identity or more precise location information) of these UE Readers.

[0824] It can be understood that if all the UE Readers under the RAN node are in RRC active state, there is no need to issue a paging message.

[0825] Optionally, the RAN node issues RRC paging according to the indication information of the first mode for UE Readers supporting the first mode.

[0826] For the above scenario 2:

[0827] One possible implementation, since the RAN node does not know at this time which UE Readers are in its coverage area, the RAN node can broadcast a paging message to all UE Readers, so that all UE Readers in idle state enter connected state. The implementation of broadcasting paging is not limited, such as broadcasting paging through a broadcast channel, all UE Readers in idle state monitor the broadcast channel; or a specific broadcast ID is set for the broadcast paging of UE Readers, all UE Readers receive and wake up to receive the paging message. All UE Readers in idle state respond to the paging and enter connected state.

[0828] Optionally, if the RAN node has one or more UE Readers in RRC inactive state, the RAN node can initiate RRC paging to these UE Readers to enter RRC active state. Optionally, according to the indication information of the first mode, the RAN node can issue RRC paging for UE Readers supporting the first mode. The UE Readers in RRC inactive state respond to the paging and enter RRC active state (such as connected state).

[0829] It can be understood that when the UE Readers under the RAN are all in the RRC active state, the RAN node can send a check preparation response (as described below S1008) to the TMF network element, and the response carries the identities (such as Reader_ID or GUTI) and location information (such as tracking area identity, cell identity, or more accurate location information) of the UE Readers. Optionally, the RAN node returns information of the UE Readers supporting the first mode.

[0830] S1008: The RAN node sends a check preparation response to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the check preparation response from the RAN node.

[0831] It can be understood that the TMF network element determines which UE Readers to finally perform the check request according to the location information of the UE Readers carried in the check preparation response and the area information carried in the service request.

[0832] At this point, the TMF network element obtains the information of the RAN node and the identities of the UE Readers, and can perform subsequent steps. For example, S610-S624 in the method shown in FIG. 6 can be performed.

[0833] Based on the method shown in FIG. 10, the TMF network element can first determine the RAN node, then obtain the information of the UE Readers from the RAN node, and ensure the reachability of the UE Readers, so that the TMF network element does not need to maintain the context of the UE Readers and does not need to interact with the AMF network element, thereby realizing the direct communication between the TMF network element and the RAN node. Therefore, the above method can achieve the purpose that the data transmission does not need to pass through the AMF network element, thereby improving the transmission efficiency and simplifying the processing of the TMF network element and reducing resource consumption.

[0834] In the above method, the TMF network element does not need to maintain the context of the UE Readers. In specific applications, the TMF network element can also maintain the context of the UE Readers. The following takes the application scenario shown in FIG. 6 as an example to introduce how to apply the method provided by the present application when the TMF network element maintains the context of the UE Readers. It should be understood that similar processing can be done for the methods shown in FIGS. 7-10.

[0835] As shown in FIG. 11, another communication method provided by the present application can include the following steps:

[0836] S1101: The RAN node sends a connection establishment request to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the connection establishment request from the RAN node.

[0837] S1102: The TMF network element sends a connection establishment response to the RAN node. Correspondingly, the RAN node receives the connection establishment response from the TMF network element.

[0838] S1103: The UE Reader registers with the AMF network element, realizing registration and authorization of the UE Reader.

[0839] It can be understood that the processes of S1101-S1103 are similar to the processes of S601-S603 described above, and the corresponding descriptions in S601-S603 can be referred to, and details are not described herein.

[0840] S1104: The AMF network element sends information of the TMF network element corresponding to the UE Reader (corresponding to the eighth information in the foregoing embodiment) to the UDM network element. Correspondingly, the UDM network element receives the information of the TMF network element.

[0841] In a possible implementation, the AMF network element determines the TMF network element for the UE Reader, and sends information (such as an identifier of the TMF network element) of the TMF network element to the UDM network element.

[0842] It can be understood that the specific method for the AMF network element to determine the TMF network element is not limited, and can be determined based on a default configuration of the AMF network element (such as the AMF network element directly configuring a TMF network element corresponding to the UE Reader), or a location (such as a RAN, TAI, or other location information) where the UE Reader is located, or information (such as slice information) in subscription information stored by the UDM network element.

[0843] It can be understood that the information of the TMF network element described above can be sent together with the registration request sent by the AMF network element to the UDM network element, or can be sent separately, and is not limited.

[0844] S1105: The AMF network element sends a context creation request to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the context creation request from the AMF network element.

[0845] The context creation request is used to request to create a context of the UE Reader. The context creation request carries an identifier of the UE Reader, such as Reader_ID, SUPI, or GUTI.

[0846] S1106: The AF network element sends a first service request to the NEF network element. Correspondingly, the NEF network element receives the first service request from the AMF network element.

[0847] The first service request can be inventory and / or a command (such as read, write, disable, etc.), which is not limited in the present application. In addition to carrying the parameters required for executing the request, the first service request can also carry information required for determining which UE Reader to execute the first service request. For example, the first service request carries the identity of the UE Reader (such as SUPI, GSPI or Reader_ID), or carries information that can be indirectly mapped to the identity of the UE Reader.

[0848] S1107: The NEF network element determines the UE Reader.

[0849] It can be understood that the NEF network element determines which UE Reader to execute the first service request according to the information carried by the first service request. If the first service request does not carry the identity of the UE Reader, the NEF network element can convert it into the identity of the UE Reader. For example, the information carried in the first service request is a location name or ID, and the NEF network element is configured with one or more UE Reader information corresponding to the name or ID, which contains the identity of the UE Reader (such as SUPI, GSPI or Reader_ID).

[0850] S1108: The NEF network element queries the UDM network element for the information of the TMF network element according to the identity of the UE Reader.

[0851] In one possible implementation, the NEF network element queries the UDM network element for the information of the TMF network element registered by the UE Reader, such as TMF_ID and / or TMF address, according to the identity of the UE Reader. The UDM network element can return the TMF_ID and / or TMF address of the UE Reader.

[0852] Optionally, the UDM network element can also return the AMF_ID and / or AMF address, and the corresponding Reader_ID.

[0853] S1109: The NEF network element sends a second service request to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the second service request from the NEF network element.

[0854] Th...

Claims

A communication method characterized by comprising: A first network element applied to a core network, the method comprising: obtaining a first identifier and first information, the first identifier indicating a first terminal, and the first information indicating a first access network node, the first access network node being an access network node accessed by the first terminal; sending a first message to the first access network node, the first message comprising the first identifier, the first message being used to instruct the first terminal to perform a first inventory operation via the first access network node, and the first message not passing through an access management network element. The method of claim 1, wherein The first message further comprises indication information of a first mode, the first mode indicating that information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal does not pass through an access management network element. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The first identifier is configured for a terminal with an inventory function; The first identifier is obtained by: receiving the first identifier from a unified data management network element. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The first identifier is a temporary identifier of the first terminal, or the first identifier is configured for a terminal with an inventory function; The first identifier is obtained by: receiving second information from a unified data management network element, the second information comprising information of an access management network element and a permanent identifier of the first terminal; sending the permanent identifier of the first terminal to the access management network element according to the second information; receiving the first identifier from the access management network element. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The method further comprises: sending a first subscription request to the access management network element, the first subscription request being used to request the access management network element to send a newly allocated temporary identifier to the first network element after the access management network element reallocates a temporary identifier for the first terminal. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that After sending the first message to the first access network node, the method further comprises: obtaining a second identifier, the second identifier indicating the first terminal, and the second identifier being a newly updated temporary identifier of the first terminal; sending a second message to the first access network node, the second message comprising the second identifier, and the second message being used to instruct the first terminal to perform a second inventory operation via the first access network node. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that The first information is obtained by: receiving the first information from an access management network element. The method of claim 7, wherein The method further comprises: sending first inventory preparation information to the access management network element, the first inventory preparation information comprising the first identifier or a permanent identifier of the first terminal. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that The first information is obtained by: sending first query information to a second network element in the core network, the first query information being used to query an access network node accessed by the first terminal; receiving first query results from the second network element, the first query results comprising the first information. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The first information is obtained by: receiving location information of the first access network node; receiving a first service request, the first service request being used to request an inventory operation to be performed in a first area; determining the first information according to the location information of the first access network node and the first service request. The method according to claim 1, 2 or 10, characterized in that The first identifier is obtained by: sending second inventory preparation information to the first access network node, the second inventory preparation information indicating a first mode, the first mode indicating that information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal does not pass through an access management network element; receiving the first identifier from the first access network node. The method according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving first inventory end information from the first access network node or a third message, the first inventory end information indicating that the first inventory operation ends, the third message indicating a result of the first inventory operation, the first inventory end information and the third message comprising the first identifier. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method applied to a first access network node comprises: receiving a first message from a first network element in a core network, the first message comprising a first identifier, the first message being used to instruct a first terminal to perform a first inventory operation via the first access network node, the first identifier being used to indicate the first terminal, the first access network node being an access network node accessed by the first terminal, the first message not passing through an access management network element; sending a fourth message to the first terminal, the fourth message being determined according to the first message. The method of claim 13, wherein At least one of the first message or the fourth message comprises indication information of the first mode, the first mode indicating that information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal does not pass through an access management network element. According to the method of claim 13 or 14, in a case that the first identifier is configured for a terminal with an inventory function, the first identifier is a temporary identifier of the first terminal. The method further comprises: The method according to any one of claims 13-15, characterized in that receiving second inventory preparation information from the first network element, the second inventory preparation information indicating a first mode, the first mode indicating that information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal does not pass through an access management network element; sending the first identifier to the first network element. The method further comprises: The method of claim 16, wherein sending a first paging message according to the second inventory preparation information, the first paging message being used to page the first terminal or a terminal with an inventory function. The method further comprises: The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that keeping the first terminal in a connected state or an inactive state. The method further comprises: The method according to any one of claims 13-18, characterized in that in a case that it is determined that the first terminal is to perform an inventory operation, sending information of a first resource to the first terminal, the first resource being used for the first terminal to perform an inventory operation. The method further comprises: The method according to any one of claims 13-19, characterized in that receiving second inventory end information from the first terminal, the second inventory end information indicating that the first inventory operation ends; sending first inventory end information to the first network element according to the second inventory end information, the first inventory end information comprising the first identifier. The method applied to a first terminal comprises: A communication method characterized by comprising: receiving a fourth message from a first access network node, the fourth message indicating a first mode and instructing the first terminal to perform a first inventory operation, the first mode indicating that information transmitted between a first network element in a core network and the first terminal does not pass through an access management network element; ​ sending a fifth message to a second terminal, the fifth message indicating to perform the first inventory operation on the second terminal; receiving a sixth message from the second terminal, the sixth message indicating a result of the first inventory operation; sending a seventh message to the first network element through the first access network node, the seventh message indicating the result of the first inventory operation, the seventh message not passing through an access management network element. The method of claim 21, wherein The seventh message further indicates that the result of the first inventory operation is sent to the first network element through the first mode. The method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving an eighth message from the first access network node, the eighth message indicating a second mode and indicating to perform a third inventory operation on the first terminal, the second mode indicating that information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal passes through an access management network element and an access network node; sending a ninth message to a third terminal, the ninth message indicating to perform the third inventory operation on the third terminal; receiving a tenth message from the third terminal, the tenth message indicating a result of the third inventory operation; sending an eleventh message to the access management network element through the first access network node, the eleventh message indicating the result of the third inventory operation. The method according to any one of claims 21-23, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving a first paging message or a second paging message; The first paging message is used to page the first terminal, or is used to page a terminal with inventory function; The second paging message is used to page the first terminal, and the second paging message comprises inventory indication information, the inventory indication information indicating that a purpose of paging by the first terminal is to perform an inventory operation. The method of claim 24, wherein After receiving the first paging message or the second paging message, the method further comprises: receiving information of a first resource from the first access network node, the first resource being used for the first terminal to perform an inventory operation. The method according to any one of claims 21-25, characterized in that The method further comprises: sending second inventory end information to the first access network node, the second inventory end information indicating that the first inventory operation ends. A communication device, characterized by comprising units or modules for performing the method of any of claims 1 to 12, or comprising units or modules for performing the method of any of claims 13 to 20, or comprising units or modules for performing the method of any of claims 21 to 26. A communication device characterized by comprising: comprising: a processor coupled to a memory, the memory being used to store programs or instructions, when the programs or instructions are executed by the processor, causing the apparatus to perform the method of any of claims 1 to 12, or to perform the method of any of claims 13 to 20, or to perform the method of any of claims 21 to 26. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized by comprising computer programs or instructions, when executed, causing the method of any of claims 1 to 12 to be implemented, or causing the method of any of claims 13 to 20 to be implemented, or causing the method of any of claims 21 to 26 to be implemented. A computer program product, characterized in that computer program code which, when run, causes the method of any one of claims 1 to 12 to be implemented, or causes the method of any one of claims 13 to 20 to be implemented, or causes the method of any one of claims 21 to 26 to be implemented.

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