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, after a first network element sends, to an access management network element, information of a first network element and a first message indicating that a first terminal is to perform a first inventory operation, the first network element receives a second message from a first access network node, wherein the second message indicates a first inventory result corresponding to the first inventory operation, and the second message does not pass through the access management network element.

Description

A communication method and apparatus

[0001] The present application claims priority to the Chinese patent application No. 202411393555.7, filed on October 02, 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 transportation of goods. 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 excitation of the reader. 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 solution

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

[0009] The method comprises: obtaining a first identifier, the first identifier indicating a first terminal; sending a first message to an access management network element, the first message comprising the first identifier and first information, the first message indicating that the first terminal performs a first inventory operation, and the first information indicating the first network element; and receiving a second message from a first access network node, the second message indicating a first inventory result corresponding to the first inventory operation, and the second message not passing through the access management network element, the first access network node being an access network node accessed by the first terminal.

[0010] Based on the method provided in the first aspect, the first message sent by the first network element carries information of the first network element, so that the first access network node can send the second message to the first access network node directly without passing through the access management network element. Since the second 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 identifier is configured for a terminal with an inventory function; and the obtaining of the first identifier comprises: receiving the first identifier from a unified data management network element, an application function or a network exposure function.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the second message comprises the first identifier.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the method further comprises: sending a third message to the first access network node, the third message indicating that the first terminal performs a first command operation, and the third message comprising the first identifier.

[0014] In a possible implementation, the method further comprises: receiving second information from a second access network node, the second information indicating that the first terminal switches to the second access network node, and the second information comprising the first identifier; and sending a third message to the second access network node, the third message indicating that the first terminal performs a first command operation, and the third message comprising the first identifier.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the first identifier is a permanent identifier of the first terminal, the obtaining of the first identifier comprises: receiving the first identifier from a unified data management network element, an application function or a network exposure function; the method further comprises: receiving a second identifier from an access management network element, the second identifier being a temporary identifier; and saving a mapping relationship between the first identifier and the second identifier.

[0016] In a possible implementation, the second message comprises the second identifier.

[0017] In a possible implementation, the method further comprises: sending a third message to the first access network node, the third message being used to indicate that the first terminal performs a first command operation, and the third message comprising the second identifier.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving second information from a second access network node, the second information instructing the first terminal to switch to the second access network node, the second information including a second identifier; and sending a third message to the second access network node, the third message instructing the first terminal to execute a first command operation, the third message including a first identifier.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a first subscription request to an access management network element, wherein the first subscription request is used to request the access management network element to reallocate a second identifier for the first terminal, and then sending the reallocated second identifier to the first network element.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending subscription cancellation information to the access management network element, the subscription cancellation information being used to cancel the subscription information of the first subscription request.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the first inventory result indicates the end of the first inventory operation; or, the method further includes: receiving first inventory end information, which is used to indicate the end of the first inventory operation.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the first identifier is configured for a terminal with inventory function, and the first inventory end information includes the first identifier; or, the first identifier is a permanent identifier of the first terminal, and the first inventory end information includes a second identifier, which is a temporary identifier.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving information from a first access network node of the access management network element.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the first message also includes indication information for a first mode, whereby the information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal does not pass through the access management network element.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving third information from an access management network element, the third information indicating support for a first mode.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving first indication information from a first access network node, the first indication information indicating that the first access network node supports a first mode, the first mode referring to the information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal without passing through the access management network element.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a second indication message to a first access network node, the second indication message indicating that the first network element supports a first mode, the first mode meaning that the information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal does not pass through the access management network element.

[0028] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a first access network node, or by a processor, circuit, module, logic node, chip, or chip system, etc. in the first access network node that implements the method.

[0029] The method comprises: receiving a fourth message, a second identifier, and first information from an access management network element, the fourth message indicating the first terminal to perform a first inventory operation, the second identifier indicating the first terminal, and the first information indicating a first network element in a core network; sending a fifth message to the first terminal, the fifth message indicating the first terminal to perform the first inventory operation; and sending a second message to the first network element according to the first information, the second message indicating a first inventory result corresponding to the first inventory operation, and the second message not passing through the access management network element.

[0030] Based on the method provided in the second aspect, the first access network node can send the second message to the first network element according to the information of the first network element, bypassing the access management network element, to send the result of the inventory operation to the first network element. Since the second 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.

[0031] In a possible implementation, the second identifier is configured for a terminal with an inventory function; or the second identifier is a temporary identifier of the first terminal.

[0032] In a possible implementation, the method further comprises: receiving a first paging message from the access management network element, the first paging message being used to page the first terminal, and the first paging message comprising first inventory indication information, the first inventory indication information indicating that the first paging message is related to the inventory operation; and sending the first paging message to the first terminal.

[0033] In a possible implementation, the method further comprises: receiving a sixth message from the first terminal, the sixth message indicating that the first terminal switches to a connected state, and the sixth message comprising second inventory indication information, the second inventory indication information indicating that the sixth message is related to the inventory operation; and sending the sixth message to the access management network element.

[0034] In a possible implementation, the method further comprises: in a case where it is determined that the first terminal will 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.

[0035] In a possible implementation, the fourth message, the second identifier, and the first information are carried in an N2 message; or the second identifier and the first information are carried in the N2 message, the fourth message is carried in a non-access stratum (NAS) message, and the NAS message is carried in the N2 message.

[0036] In a possible implementation, the method further includes receiving a third message from the first network element, the third message instructing the first terminal to perform the first command operation, and the third message including the second identifier.

[0037] 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, the first inventory end information indicating that the first inventory operation ends, and the first inventory end information including the second identifier.

[0038] In a possible implementation, the method further includes sending a seventh message to the access management network element, the seventh message instructing the access management network element to release the connection between the access management network element and the first terminal, and the seventh message including third indication information, the third indication information indicating that the first inventory operation ends.

[0039] In a possible implementation, at least one of the fourth message or the fifth message includes first mode indication information, 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.

[0040] In a possible implementation, the method further includes sending fourth information to the access management network element, the fourth information indicating that the first mode is supported.

[0041] In a possible implementation, the fourth information includes information of the first access network node.

[0042] In a possible implementation, the method further includes sending first indication information to the first network element, the first indication information indicating that the first access network node supports the first mode, and 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.

[0043] In a possible implementation, 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, and 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.

[0044] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be executed by a first terminal, or executed by a processor, circuit, module, logic node, chip, or chip system, etc. that implements the method in the first terminal.

[0045] The method comprises: receiving a fifth message from the first access network node, the fifth message indicating the first mode and instructing the first terminal to perform the 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; sending an eighth message to the second terminal, the eighth message instructing the first terminal to perform the first inventory operation; receiving a ninth message from the second terminal, the ninth message indicating a result of the first inventory operation; and sending a second message to the first network element through the first access network node, the second message indicating the result of the first inventory operation and not passing through the access management network element.

[0046] In a possible implementation, the second message further indicates that the result of the first inventory operation is sent to the first network element through the first mode.

[0047] In a possible implementation, the method further comprises: receiving a tenth message from the first access network node, the tenth message indicating a second mode and instructing the first terminal to perform a second 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; sending an eleventh message to a third terminal, the eleventh message instructing the third terminal to perform the second inventory operation; receiving a twelfth message from the third terminal, the twelfth message indicating a result of the second inventory operation; and sending a thirteenth message to the access management network element through the first access network node, the thirteenth message indicating the result of the second inventory operation.

[0048] In a possible implementation, the method further comprises: receiving a first paging message, the first paging message being used for paging the first terminal, and the first paging message comprising inventory indication information, the inventory indication information instructing the first terminal to perform the inventory operation.

[0049] In a possible implementation, 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 the inventory operation.

[0050] In a possible implementation, the method further comprises: sending first inventory end information to the first access network node, the first inventory end information being used for indicating that the first inventory operation ends.

[0051] In a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be executed by an access management network element, or by a processor, circuit, module, logic node, chip, or chip system, etc. that implements the method in an access network management unit.

[0052] The method comprises: receiving a first message from a first network element in a core network, the first message comprising a first identifier and first information, the first message instructing a first terminal to perform a first inventory operation, the first identifier indicating the first terminal, and the first information indicating the first network element; and sending a fourth message, a second identifier and the first information to a first access network node, the fourth message being used to request the first terminal to perform the first inventory operation, and the second identifier indicating the first terminal.

[0053] In a possible implementation, the first identifier is the same as the second identifier, and the first identifier or the second identifier is configured for a terminal with an inventory function; or the first identifier is different from the second identifier, the first identifier being a permanent identifier of the first terminal, and the second identifier being a temporary identifier of the first terminal.

[0054] In a possible implementation, when the second identifier is a temporary identifier of the first terminal, the method further comprises: 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 a newly allocated second identifier to the first network element after re-allocating the second identifier for the first terminal.

[0055] In a possible implementation, the method further comprises: receiving subscription cancellation information from the first network element, the subscription cancellation information being used to cancel information subscribed by the first subscription request.

[0056] In a possible implementation, at least one of the first message or the fourth message 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.

[0057] In a possible implementation, when the first message comprises the indication information of the first mode, the method further comprises: sending third information to the first network element, the third information indicating that the first mode is supported.

[0058] In a possible implementation, when the fourth message comprises the indication information of the first mode, the method further comprises: receiving fourth information from the first access network node, the fourth information indicating that the first mode is supported.

[0059] In a possible implementation, the method further comprises: sending information of the first access network node to the first network element.

[0060] In a possible implementation, the method further comprises: sending a first paging message to the first access network node, the first paging message being used to page the first terminal, and the first paging message comprising first inventory indication information, the first inventory indication information indicating that the first paging message is related to the inventory operation.

[0061] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a sixth message from the first access network node, the sixth message indicating that the first terminal switches to the connected state, and the sixth message including second inventory indication information, the second inventory indication information indicating that the sixth message is related to the inventory operation.

[0062] In a possible implementation, the fourth message, the second identifier, and the first information are carried in an N2 message; or, the second identifier and the first information are carried in the N2 message, and the fourth message is carried in a non-access stratum (NAS) message, and the NAS message is carried in the N2 message.

[0063] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: saving the context of the first terminal, and / or sending the context of the first terminal to the first access network node; wherein the context of the first terminal includes at least one of the following: the first identifier, indication information that the first terminal is inventory-capable, or indication information of the first mode; the first mode refers to information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal without passing through the access management network element.

[0064] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: sending, to a unified data management network element, information of the first network element corresponding to the first terminal.

[0065] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a seventh message from the first access network node, the seventh message indicating that the access management network element releases the connection between the access management network element and the first terminal, and the seventh message including third indication information, the third indication information indicating that the first inventory operation ends.

[0066] In a fifth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be executed by a unified data management network element, or a processor, circuit, module, logic node, chip, or chip system, etc. that implements the method in the unified data management network element.

[0067] The method includes: receiving fifth information from an access management network element, the fifth information indicating a first network element in a core network, the first network element corresponding to a first terminal; receiving first query information from a network exposure network element, the first query information being used to query the first network element, the first network element being used to manage a first inventory operation, the first inventory operation being directed to the first terminal; and sending, to the network exposure network element, first query results according to the fifth information, the first query results including information of the first network element.

[0068] In a possible implementation, the first query results further include at least one of the following: the first identifier or information of an access management network element to which the first terminal is registered; and the first identifier is used to indicate the first terminal.

[0069] In a possible implementation, the first identifier is configured for a terminal that is inventory-capable; or the first identifier is a permanent identifier of the first terminal.

[0070] In a possible implementation, the unified data management network element stores the subscription information of the first terminal, and the subscription information of the first terminal comprises the first identifier.

[0071] In a sixth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be executed by a network exposure network element, or executed by a processor, circuit, module, logic node, chip, or chip system, etc. in the network exposure network element implementing the method.

[0072] The method comprises: receiving a first service request, the first service request being used to request to perform a first inventory operation; sending, according to the first service request, first query information to a unified data management network element, the first query information being used to query a first network element in a core network, the first network element being used to manage the first inventory operation; and receiving a first query result from the unified data management network element, the first query result comprising information of the first network element.

[0073] In a possible implementation, the method further comprises: sending a second service request to the first network element, the second service request being used to request to perform the first inventory operation.

[0074] In a possible implementation, the first query result further comprises at least one of the following: the first identifier or information of an access management network element; the first identifier being used to indicate the first terminal.

[0075] In a possible implementation, the first identifier is configured for a terminal having an inventory function; or the first identifier is a permanent identifier of the first terminal.

[0076] In a seventh 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 comprises modules, units, or means for implementing the corresponding 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.

[0077] 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 first 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 first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The interface module can comprise an interface circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver, or a communication interface.

[0078] In a possible implementation, the processing module is configured to acquire a first identifier, the first identifier being indicative of the first terminal. The interface module is configured to send, to an access management network element, a first message, the first message comprising the first identifier and first information, the first message being indicative of the first terminal performing a first inventory operation, and the first information being indicative of the first network element. The interface module is further configured to receive, from a first access network node, a second message, the second message being indicative of a first inventory result corresponding to the first inventory operation, and the second message not passing through the access management network element, the first access network node being an access network node accessed by the first terminal.

[0079] In a possible implementation, the first identifier is configured for a terminal with an inventory function. The processing module acquiring the first identifier comprises: receiving the first identifier from a unified data management network element, an application function, or a network exposure function.

[0080] In a possible implementation, the second message comprises the first identifier.

[0081] In a possible implementation, the interface module is configured to send, to the first access network node, a third message, the third message being indicative of the first terminal performing a first command operation, and the third message comprising the first identifier.

[0082] In a possible implementation, the interface module is configured to receive, from a second access network node, second information, the second information being indicative of the first terminal switching to the second access network node, and the second information comprising the first identifier. The interface module is further configured to send, to the second access network node, a third message, the third message being indicative of the first terminal performing a first command operation, and the third message comprising the first identifier.

[0083] In a possible implementation, the first identifier is a permanent identifier of the first terminal. The processing module acquiring the first identifier comprises: receiving the first identifier from a unified data management network element, an application function, or a network exposure function. The interface module is further configured to receive, from an access management network element, a second identifier, the second identifier being a temporary identifier. The processing module is further configured to save a mapping relationship between the first identifier and the second identifier.

[0084] In a possible implementation, the second message comprises the second identifier.

[0085] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to send, to the first access network node, a third message, the third message being used to indicate the first terminal performing a first command operation, and the third message comprising the second identifier.

[0086] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive second information from the second access network node, the second information indicating that the first terminal is handed over to the second access network node, and the second information comprising the second identifier. The interface module is further configured to send a third message to the second access network node, the third message indicating that the first terminal performs the first command operation, and the third message comprising the first identifier.

[0087] 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 the reassigned second identifier to the first network element after the access management network element reallocates the second identifier for the first terminal.

[0088] 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.

[0089] In a possible implementation, the first inventory result indicates that the first inventory operation is ended; or the interface module is further configured to receive first inventory end information, the first inventory end information being used to indicate that the first inventory operation is ended.

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

[0091] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive information of the first access network node from the access management network element.

[0092] 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.

[0093] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive third information from the access management network element, the third information indicating that the first mode is supported.

[0094] 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 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.

[0095] 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 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.

[0096] In an eighth 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 implementing the corresponding functions of the method. The modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, or in software, or by an appropriate combination of hardware and software.

[0097] 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 sending and / or receiving functions 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.

[0098] In a possible implementation, the interface module is configured to receive, from the access management network element, a fourth message, a second identifier, and first information, the fourth message indicating the first terminal to perform a first inventory operation, the second identifier indicating the first terminal, and the first information indicating a first network element in the core network. The interface module is further configured to send, to the first terminal, a fifth message indicating the first terminal to perform the first inventory operation. The interface module is further configured to send, to the first network element according to the first information, a second message indicating a first inventory result corresponding to the first inventory operation, the second message not passing through the access management network element.

[0099] In a possible implementation, the second identifier is configured for a terminal having an inventory function; or the second identifier is a temporary identifier of the first terminal.

[0100] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive, from the access management network element, a first paging message for paging the first terminal, the first paging message including first inventory indication information indicating that the first paging message is related to the inventory operation. The interface module is further configured to send the first paging message to the first terminal.

[0101] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive, from the first terminal, a sixth message indicating that the first terminal switches to a connected state, the sixth message including second inventory indication information indicating that the sixth message is related to the inventory operation. The interface module is further configured to send the sixth message to the access management network element.

[0102] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to send, to the first terminal, information of the first resource for the first terminal to perform the inventory operation, in a case that it is determined that the first terminal is to perform the inventory operation.

[0103] In a possible implementation, the fourth message, the second identifier and the first information are carried in an N2 message; or, the second identifier and the first information are carried in the N2 message, and the fourth message is carried in a non-access stratum (NAS) message, which is carried in the N2 message.

[0104] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive a third message from the first network element, the third message indicating that the first terminal is to perform the first command operation, and the third message including the second identifier.

[0105] 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. The interface module is further configured to send, to the first network element, first inventory end information indicating that the first inventory operation ends, the first inventory end information including the second identifier.

[0106] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to send, to the access management network element, a seventh message indicating that the access management network element releases the connection between the access management network element and the first terminal, the seventh message including third indication information indicating that the first inventory operation ends.

[0107] In a possible implementation, at least one of the fourth message or the fifth 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 the access management network element.

[0108] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to send, to the access management network element, fourth information indicating that the first mode is supported.

[0109] In a possible implementation, the fourth information includes information of the first access network node.

[0110] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to send, to the first network element, 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 the access management network element.

[0111] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive, from the first network element, 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.

[0112] In a ninth 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 in software, or by an appropriate combination of hardware and software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0113] 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 sending and / or receiving functions 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.

[0114] In a possible implementation, the interface module is configured to receive a fifth message from the first access network node, the fifth message indicating the first mode and instructing the first terminal to perform the first inventory operation, the first mode referring to information transmitted between the first terminal and the first network element of the core network not passing through the access management network element. The interface module is further configured to send an eighth message to the second terminal, the eighth message instructing the second terminal to perform the first inventory operation. The interface module is further configured to receive a ninth message from the second terminal, the ninth message indicating a result of the first inventory operation. The interface module is further configured to send a second message to the first network element through the first access network node, the second message indicating the result of the first inventory operation, the second message not passing through the access management network element.

[0115] In a possible implementation, the second message further indicates that the result of the first inventory operation is sent to the first network element through the first mode.

[0116] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive a tenth message from the first access network node, the tenth message indicating the second mode and instructing the first terminal to perform the second inventory operation, the second mode referring to information transmitted between the first terminal and the first network element passing through the access management network element and the access network node. The interface module is further configured to send an eleventh message to the third terminal, the eleventh message instructing the third terminal to perform the second inventory operation. The interface module is further configured to receive a twelfth message from the third terminal, the twelfth message indicating a result of the second inventory operation. The interface module is further configured to send a thirteenth message to the access management network element through the first access network node, the thirteenth message indicating the result of the second inventory operation.

[0117] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive a first paging message, the first paging message being used for paging the first terminal, and the first paging message comprising inventory instruction information, the inventory instruction information instructing the first terminal to perform the inventory operation.

[0118] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive information of a first resource from the first access network node, the first resource being used for the first terminal to perform the inventory operation.

[0119] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to send first inventory end information to the first access network node, the first inventory end information being used for instructing the first terminal to end the inventory operation.

[0120] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive a first paging message, the first paging message being used for paging the first terminal, and the first paging message comprising inventory instruction information, the inventory instruction information instructing the first terminal to perform the inventory operation.

[0121] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus can comprise a processing module and an interface module. The processing module can be configured to perform 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, can be configured to perform 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.

[0122] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive a first message from a first network element in the core network, the first message comprising a first identifier and first information, the first message instructing the first terminal to perform a first inventory operation, the first identifier indicating the first terminal, and the first information indicating the first network element. The interface module is further configured to send a fourth message, a second identifier, and the first information to the first access network node, the fourth message being used for requesting the first terminal to perform the first inventory operation, and the second identifier indicating the first terminal.

[0123] In a possible implementation, the first identifier is the same as the second identifier, and the first identifier or the second identifier is configured for a terminal with an inventory function; or the first identifier is different from the second identifier, the first identifier being a permanent identifier of the first terminal, and the second identifier being a temporary identifier of the first terminal.

[0124] In a possible implementation, in a case that the second identifier is a temporary identifier of the first terminal, 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 the reassigned second identifier to the first network element after reassigning the second identifier for the first terminal.

[0125] 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.

[0126] In a possible implementation, at least one of the first message or the fourth message 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.

[0127] In a possible implementation, in a case that the first message comprises the indication information of the first mode, the interface module is further configured to send third information to the first network element, the third information indicating that the first mode is supported.

[0128] In a possible implementation, in a case that the fourth message comprises the indication information of the first mode, the interface module is further configured to receive fourth information from the first access network node, the fourth information indicating that the first mode is supported.

[0129] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to send information of the first access network node to the first network element.

[0130] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to send a first paging message to the first access network node, the first paging message being used to page the first terminal, and the first paging message comprising first inventory indication information, the first inventory indication information indicating that the first paging message is related to an inventory operation.

[0131] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive a sixth message from the first access network node, the sixth message indicating that the first terminal is switched to a connected state, and the sixth message comprising second inventory indication information, the second inventory indication information indicating that the sixth message is related to the inventory operation.

[0132] In a possible implementation, the fourth message, the second identifier and the first information are carried in an N2 message; or, the second identifier and the first information are carried in the N2 message, and the fourth message is carried in a non-access stratum (NAS) message, and the NAS message is carried in the N2 message.

[0133] In a possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to save the context of the first terminal, and the interface module is further configured to send the context of the first terminal to the first access network node; 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 of the first mode; the first mode refers to that information transmitted between the first network element and the first terminal does not pass through the access management network element.

[0134] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to send, to the unified data management network element, information of the first network element corresponding to the first terminal.

[0135] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive a seventh message from the first access network node, the seventh message indicating that the access management network element releases the connection between the first terminal, and the seventh message includes third indication information, the third indication information indicating that the first inventory operation ends.

[0136] 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 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, can be configured to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in the fifth aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The interface module can include an interface circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver, or a communication interface.

[0137] 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 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, can be configured to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in the fifth aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The interface module can include an interface circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver, or a communication interface.

[0138] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive fifth information from the access management network element, the fifth information indicating the first network element in the core network, the first network element corresponding to the first terminal, receive first query information from the network exposure network element, the first query information being used to query the first network element, the first network element being used to manage the first inventory operation, the first inventory operation being directed to the first terminal, and send, to the network exposure network element, first query results according to the fifth information, the first query results including information of the first network element.

[0139] In a possible implementation, the first query results further include at least one of the following: the first identifier or information of the access management network element to which the first terminal is registered; the first identifier is used to indicate the first terminal.

[0140] In a possible implementation, the first identifier is configured for a terminal with the inventory function; or the first identifier is a permanent identifier of the first terminal.

[0141] In a possible implementation, the unified data management network element stores the subscription information of the first terminal, and the subscription information of the first terminal includes the first identifier.

[0142] In a twelfth 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 above-described method, which can be implemented by hardware, by 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.

[0143] 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 sixth aspect and any possible implementation of the sixth 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 sixth aspect and any possible implementation of the sixth aspect. The interface module can include an interface circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver, or a communication interface.

[0144] In a possible implementation, the interface module is configured to receive a first service request, the first service request being used to request to perform a first inventory operation; the interface module is further configured to send, to a unified data management network element, first query information according to the first service request, the first query information being used to query a first network element in a core network, the first network element being used to manage the first inventory operation; and the interface module is further configured to receive a first query result from the unified data management network element, the first query result including information of the first network element.

[0145] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to send a second service request to the first network element, the second service request being used to request to perform the first inventory operation.

[0146] In a possible implementation, the first query result further includes at least one of the following: the first identifier or information of an access management network element; and the first identifier is used to indicate the first terminal.

[0147] In a possible implementation, the first identifier is configured for a terminal with the inventory function; or the first identifier is a permanent identifier of the first terminal.

[0148] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which comprises: a processor; the processor is configured to cause the communication apparatus to perform the method in any one of the preceding aspects by executing a computer program (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.

[0149] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus further comprises a memory.

[0150] In a possible implementation, the processor and the memory are integrated together; or the memory is independent of the processor.

[0151] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus further comprises 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.

[0152] 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 can comprise a chip and other discrete devices.

[0153] In a fourteenth 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 them to the processor; the processor is configured to execute the computer program or instructions to cause the communication apparatus to perform 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. Optionally, the number of the processors can be one or more.

[0154] 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 can comprise a chip and other discrete devices.

[0155] In a fifteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any of the preceding aspects.

[0156] In a sixteenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, which contains instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any of the preceding aspects.

[0157] In a seventeenth aspect, a communication system is provided, which comprises at least one of the following: a first network element configured to perform the method of the first aspect, a first access network node configured to perform the method of the second aspect, a first terminal configured to perform the method of the third aspect, an access management network element configured to perform the method of the fourth aspect, a unified data management network element configured to perform the method of the fifth aspect, and a network exposure network element configured to perform the method of the sixth aspect.

[0158] The technical effects brought by any possible implementation of the seventh aspect to the seventeenth aspect can be referred to the technical effects brought by any of the first aspect to the ninth aspect or any possible implementation of any of the first aspect to the ninth aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0159] It can be understood that the solutions in the aspects can be combined as long as they are not contradictory. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0160] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture provided by the present application;

[0161] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a communication network provided by the present application;

[0162] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a hardware structure of a communication device provided by the present application;

[0163] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a flow of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0164] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a flow of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0165] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a flow of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0166] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a flow of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0167] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a flow of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0168] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a flow of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0169] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a flow of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0170] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0171] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0172] FIG. 13 is a structural diagram of a communication device provided by the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0173] Before introducing the technical solutions 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 be understood, and should not be regarded as limiting the scope of protection required by the present application.

[0174] 1. Radio frequency identification (RFID)

[0175] 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 the reader-writer through wireless radio frequency, so as to achieve the purpose of identifying targets and data exchange.

[0176] 2. Reader-writer

[0177] The reader-writer is also called card reader, reading and writing device, reading device, scanner, reading head, communicator, reader, interpreter, device with reading and / or writing function, device for reading information of tag and / or writing information to tag, etc.

[0178] 3. Tag (label)

[0179] The tag is also called response device, device, AIoT Device, electronic tag, RFID tag, radio frequency tag, transponder, data carrier, recording medium, radio frequency card, internet of things (IoT) device, internet of things terminal, environmental internet of things terminal, low-power internet of things terminal or environmental internet of things terminal, etc.

[0180] The tag can respond to the radio frequency signal sent by the card reader. The tag can include active tag, semi-passive tag and passive tag. The source here can refer to power supply.

[0181] An active tag is also referred to as a powered tag. The tag's power supply is provided by a battery inside the tag. The battery's energy can also be converted into radio frequency energy required for the tag to communicate with the reader / writer. A semi-passive tag has a battery, but does not actively transmit radio frequency signals, but receives and responds to radio frequency signals from the reader / writer. A passive tag is also referred to as a non-powered tag. The tag does not have a battery inside. When the tag is outside the reading range of the reader / writer, the tag is in a passive state. When the tag is inside the reading range of the reader / writer, the tag extracts energy required for its operation from radio frequency energy emitted by the reader / writer.

[0182] 4. Inventory function

[0183] The inventory function includes an inventory operation and a command operation.

[0184] The inventory operation is an operation performed by the reader / writer on one or more tags. The tag can respond to the operation and feed back the corresponding identification, or can not feed back the identification without limitation. The inventory operation is used to discover tags that meet the conditions in the coverage range of the reader / writer 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.

[0185] The command operation includes reading, writing, destroying, or locking operations. The reader / writer can send radio frequency signals 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.

[0186] 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 can also have other names (such as the name 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 service, or the Internet of Things service, etc.

[0187] It can be understood that the reader / writer has an inventory function. The “reader / writer function” and the “inventory function” in the embodiments described below can be replaced with each other.

[0188] 5. Access network node

[0189] The access network node is also referred to as 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).

[0190] 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.

[0191] 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.

[0192] 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.

[0193] 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.

[0194] 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.

[0195] 6、Terminal

[0196] 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.

[0197] 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).

[0198] 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.

[0199] Embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0200] 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 taking the communication system 10 shown in FIG. 1 as an example. 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.

[0201] 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 in the foregoing. The description of the terminal 107 and the terminal 108 can refer to the description of the terminal in the foregoing.

[0202] 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 operations and command operations on the terminal 108. Therefore, the terminal 107 can also be referred to as a 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 in the foregoing, and will not be repeated here.

[0203] 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 operations of the terminal 107. The first network element 101 can also manage the command operations 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.

[0204] In the present application, the first network element 101, the access network node 102, and the terminal 107 can communicate through a first mode or a second mode. In one possible design, 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).

[0205] In a possible design, the first mode refers to that, among the information transmitted between the first network element 101 and the terminal 107, the information other than the information (e.g., the first message in the embodiments described below) indicating the terminal 107 to perform the inventory operation, is transmitted via the access network node (e.g., the access network node 102 or the access network node 109) but not via the access management network element (e.g., the access management network element 103). In this design, the information indicating the terminal 107 to perform the inventory operation, which is sent by the first network element 101 to the terminal 107, can be transmitted via the access network node. Optionally, in this design, the information indicating the inventory operation, which is sent by the first network element 101 to the terminal 107, can carry the information indicating the first mode.

[0206] The second mode refers to that the information transmitted between the first network element 101 and the terminal 107 is transmitted via the access management network element (e.g., the access management network element 103) and the access network node (e.g., the access network node 102 or the access network node 109).

[0207] Exemplarily, 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 a possible design of downlink transmission, the information sent by the first network element 101 can not pass through the access management network element, but directly reach the access network node 102. The access network node 102 can directly send the information to the terminal 107 (e.g., transparently transmit / forward the information to the terminal 107), or further process the information and then send the information to the terminal 107. After receiving the information, the terminal 107 can process the information, for example, perform corresponding operations on the terminal 108 based on the information. In another possible design of downlink transmission, the information indicating the terminal 107 to perform the inventory operation, which is sent by the first network element 101 to the terminal 107, can pass through the access management network element 103, and then reach the access network node 102 and the terminal 107. The access management network element 103 can directly send the information indicating the terminal 107 to perform the inventory operation to the access network node 102 (e.g., transparently transmit / forward the information to the terminal access network node 102), or further process the information and then send the information to the access network node 102. The access network node 102 can directly send the information indicating the terminal 107 to perform the inventory operation to the terminal 107 (e.g., transparently transmit / forward the information to the terminal 107), or further process the information and then send the information to the terminal 107. After receiving the information, the terminal 107 can process the information, for example, perform corresponding inventory operations on the terminal 108 based on the information. After receiving the information, the information transmitted between the terminal 107 and the first network element 101, for example, the response information sent by the terminal 108 to the terminal 107 after the terminal 107 performs the inventory operation on the terminal 108, can pass through the access network node 102 but not pass through the access management network element 103.

[0208] In uplink transmission, information sent by the terminal 107 (e.g., information fed back by the terminal 108 to the terminal 107 based on the above operation) can reach the access network node 102. The access network node 102 can directly send the information to the first network element 101 (e.g., transparently forward the information to the first network element 101), or further process the information and then send the information to the first network element 101, but the information does not pass through the access management network element.

[0209] For the second mode, in downlink transmission, information sent by the first network element 101 first reaches the access management network element 103, which can directly send the information to the access network node 102 (e.g., transparently forward the information to the access network node 102), or further process the information and then send the information to the access network node 102. The access network node 102 can directly send the received information to the terminal 107 (e.g., transparently forward the information to the terminal 107), or further process the received information and then send the information to the terminal 107. After receiving the information, the terminal 107 can process the information, e.g., perform corresponding operation on the terminal 108 based on the information. In uplink transmission, information sent by the terminal 107 (e.g., information fed back by the terminal 108 to the terminal 107 based on the above operation) can reach the access network node 102. The access network node 102 can directly send the information to the access management network element 103 (e.g., transparently forward the information to the access management network element 103), or further process the information and then send the information to the access management network element 103. The access management network element 103 can directly send the received information to the first network element 101 (e.g., transparently forward the information to the first network element 101), or further process the received information and then send the information to the first network element 101.

[0210] 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.

[0211] 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, and the terminal 107 obtains the information 1 after decapsulating the NAS message. 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 obtains the information 2 after decapsulating the NAS message and sends the information 2 to the first network element 101.

[0212] As another example, for downlink communication, the first network element 101 sends a message 1 to the access management network element 103. The message 1 comprises a newly defined NAS' message between the first network element 101 and the terminal 107, and the NAS' message comprises information 1. After receiving the message 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, the terminal 107 decapsulates the NAS message to obtain the NAS' message, and the terminal 107 decapsulates the NAS' message to obtain 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.

[0213] As can be seen, in the first mode, the access network node and the first network element can 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.

[0214] Optionally, the communication system 10 further comprises one or more of the following network elements: the access management network element 103, the network storage network element 104, the unified data management network element 105, the network exposure network element 106, or the 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 be referred to the description of the access network node above.

[0215] In this application, the access management network element is also referred to as 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 referred to as a storage network element or a network storage function (NRF) network element. The unified data management network element is also referred to as a data management network element or a unified data management (UDM) network element. The network exposure network element is also referred to as an exposure network element or a network exposure function (NEF) network element.

[0216] In some embodiments, the first network element 101 can send the identity of the terminal 107 and the information of the first network element 101 to the access management network element 103 in the first message. After receiving the first message, the access management network element 103 determines that the terminal accesses the access network node 102, and sends a fourth message to the access network node 102, where the fourth message carries the identity of the terminal 107. After receiving the first message, the access network node 102 determines that the terminal 107 performs the inventory operation, and sends a fifth message to the terminal 107 to instruct the terminal 107 to perform the inventory operation. After receiving the inventory result corresponding to the inventory operation, the access network node 102 sends the inventory result to the first network element 101 according to the information of the first network element 101, and the message carrying the inventory result does not pass through the access management network element 103.

[0217] In some embodiments, the access management network element 103 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.

[0218] 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 the terminal 107 corresponding to the first network element 101 to the unified data management network element 105. Subsequently, after the network exposure network element 106 receives the IoT service request for the terminal 107, the network exposure network element 106 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.

[0219] In some embodiments, the terminal 107 can be switched from the access network node 102 to the access network node 109. In this scenario, the first mode means that the information transmitted between the first network element 101 and the terminal 107 passes through the access network node 109 but does not pass through 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 103 and the access network node 109.

[0220] 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.

[0221] 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.

[0222] 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.

[0223] 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).

[0224] 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 world is Nausf; the service interface provided by the AMF network element to the outside world is Namf; the service interface provided by the TMF network element to the outside world is Ntmf; the service interface provided by the SMF network element to the outside world is Nsmf; the service interface provided by the NEF network element to the outside world is Nnef; the service interface provided by the NRF network element to the outside world is Nnrf; the service interface provided by the PCF network element to the outside world is Npcf; the service interface provided by the UDM network element to the outside world is Nudm; and the service interface provided by the AF network element to the outside world is Naf.

[0225] 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.

[0226] 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. Those skilled in the art should understand 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.

[0227] 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.

[0228] 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).

[0229] 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.

[0230] 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.

[0231] 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.

[0232] 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 described above is used to implement AI-related functions. The AI module can be implemented in a software, hardware, or software-hardware combined manner. 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.

[0233] Optionally, the processor 301 and / or the memory 303 can also store data. The processor 301 and the memory 303 can be separately arranged, or can be integrated together.

[0234] 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 realize the transceiving function of the communication apparatus 30 through the antenna 304.

[0235] 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.

[0236] 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.

[0237] 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.

[0238] 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 some 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.

[0239] It can be understood that the method provided in the present application is exemplified by taking the TMF network element, the access network node (such as the first access network node or the second access network node), the terminal (such as the first terminal or the second terminal), the AMF network element, the NRF network element, the UDM network element, and the NEF network element as the execution subject of the interaction diagram, but the present application does not limit the execution subject of the interaction diagram.

[0240] 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 embodiments 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.

[0241] As shown in FIG. 4, a communication method provided in the present application can include the following steps:

[0242] S401, the TMF network element acquires a first identifier.

[0243] The first identifier indicates the first terminal, or in other words, the first identifier is the identification information of the first terminal. Optionally, the first identifier can uniquely identify the first terminal.

[0244] In the embodiments of the present application, the first terminal has an inventory function. The inventory operation can refer to the above description, and will not be expanded here.

[0245] In S401, the TMF network element can acquire at least one first identifier, that is, the TMF network element can interact with at least one first terminal to execute the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application. The following takes the TMF network element and one first terminal to execute the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application as an example to introduce the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0246] The embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit the first identifier, and the following introduces several possible designs.

[0247] In a possible design, the first identifier is configured for a terminal with inventory function (or, alternatively, for a terminal with reader capability). In other words, when a terminal has inventory function, the terminal can be assigned an identifier to distinguish other terminals with inventory function. In this design, the first identifier can also be referred to as Reader_ID.

[0248] Alternatively, 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), the device can be assigned an identifier to distinguish other devices with inventory function.

[0249] Alternatively, the first identifier is assigned to the first terminal when the first terminal is subscribed. Alternatively, in this case, the subscription information stored by the UDM network element can include the first identifier of the first terminal.

[0250] Alternatively, the subscription information of the first terminal can include authorization information indicating whether the first terminal is allowed to perform inventory operation. In a possible implementation, the authorization information can be independent of the first identifier. That is, on the basis of determining that the first terminal has inventory capability according to the first identifier included in the subscription information of the first terminal, it can be determined whether the first terminal is allowed to perform inventory operation according to the authorization information. In another possible implementation, the first identifier can serve as the authorization information. That is, if the first identifier is included in the subscription information of the first terminal, it can be determined that the first terminal has inventory function and is allowed to perform inventory operation. If the first identifier is not included in the subscription information of the first terminal, it can be determined that the first terminal does not have inventory function and is not allowed to perform inventory operation.

[0251] Alternatively, in the registration process of the first terminal, the AMF network element can determine the authorization indication of the first terminal according to the authorization information in the subscription information of the first terminal and save the authorization indication in the context of the first terminal, where the authorization indication is used to indicate whether the first terminal is authorized to perform inventory operation.

[0252] In another possible design, the first identifier is a permanent identifier of the first terminal. For example, the first identifier can be a subscription permanent identifier (SUPI) or a generic public subscription identifier (GPSI).

[0253] The following introduces possible implementations of the TMF network element obtaining the first identifier.

[0254] The AF network element sends a service request to the TMF network element. The service request can request to perform an inventory operation. Alternatively, the service request can request a command operation. Based on the need to perform the command operation first, the service request is used to request to perform the command operation, which can also be understood as the service request being used to request to perform the inventory operation and the command operation. Alternatively, the service request can request a service that needs to perform an inventory operation, such as an AIoT service. It can be understood that in this case, the service request is used to request a service, which can also be referred to as the service request being used to request to perform the inventory operation. Alternatively, the service request requests a service that needs to perform an inventory operation, which can also need to perform a command operation, which can also be referred to as the service request being used to request to perform the inventory operation and the command operation.

[0255] In the embodiments of the present application, the "request message requests to perform an inventory operation (taking the request to perform an inventory operation as an example)", which can also be referred to as the message indicating to perform an inventory operation. Similarly, the request message requests certain information, which can also be referred to as the message indicating to send certain information.

[0256] The inventory operation requested by the service request is referred to as a first inventory operation below. After receiving the service request, the TMF network element can determine that the first terminal performs the service request according to the information carried by the service request, that is, determine that the first terminal performs the first inventory operation, and determine the identification information of the first terminal device.

[0257] In one possible design, the service request can carry the identification information of the first terminal, and the TMF network element can directly determine the first terminal according to the service request. For example, the service request can carry the SUPI, GPSI or Reader_ID of the first terminal.

[0258] In another possible design, the service request can carry other information related to the first terminal, and the TMF network element can determine the identification information of the first terminal according to the other information carried by the service request and a mapping relationship between the other information and the information of the first terminal (the information of the first terminal includes the identification information, and optionally, can also include other information) stored by the TMF network element. For example, the service request can carry information indicating a region, such as the name of a region (such as the name of a warehouse), the identification information of a region (such as the ID of a cell), the information of multiple geographic coordinates that can enclose a region, and the like. The TMF network element stores at least one region and the identification information of at least one terminal corresponding to each region (for example, the identification information of at least one terminal with a counting function in a region can be stored). After receiving the service request, the TMF network element can determine the terminal corresponding to the region as the first terminal according to the information indicating the region carried in the service request, and determine the identification information of the first terminal. For another example, the service request can carry the name of the first terminal or the name of a set of multiple first terminals (such as the name of a certain reader / writer). The TMF network element stores the information of the first terminal (the information of the first terminal includes the identification information, and optionally, can also include other information) corresponding to the name (the name of the first terminal or the name of a set of multiple first terminals). After receiving the service request, the TMF network element can determine the identification information of the first terminal according to the name of the first terminal or the name of a set of multiple first terminals carried in the service request.

[0259] The service request sent by the AF can be transmitted to the TMF network element through an intermediate network element, such as an NEF network element, or can not pass through an intermediate network element. Hereinafter, the service request received by the intermediate network element from the AF network element is referred to as a first service request, and the service request sent by the intermediate network element to the TMF network element is referred to as a second service request. In addition, the service request transmitted directly from the AF network element to the TMF network element without passing through an intermediate network element is also referred to as a second service request.

[0260] Optionally, the AF network element can specify the TMF network element as the destination of the first service request when sending the first service request. Alternatively, the AF network element can send the first service request to an intermediate network element, such as an NEF network element, without specifying which TMF network element the first service request is sent to. After receiving the first service request, the intermediate network element determines which TMF network element to send the second service request to.

[0261] The information (the identification information of the first terminal, and / or other information related to the first terminal) carried by the second service request for the TMF network element to determine the identification of the first terminal can be provided by the AMF network element, or can be converted or supplemented by the intermediate network element when processing the service request. For example, assuming that the first service request sent by the AF network element carries other information related to the first terminal, after receiving the first service request, the NEF network element can determine the identification information of the first terminal according to the other information carried therein, and then supplement the identification information of the first terminal in the second service request and send it to the TMF network element. The implementation of the NEF network element determining the identification information of the first terminal according to the other information can refer to the above description of the TMF network element determining the identification information of the first terminal according to the other information. The identification information of the first terminal determined by the NEF network element according to the first service request can be the first identification or other identification information. For example, the NEF network element determines the SUPI of the first terminal according to the first service request, and the first identification of the first terminal is the Reader_ID of the first terminal.

[0262] For the intermediate network element to determine which TMF network element to send the second service request to, in one possible implementation, the intermediate network element can determine the identification information of the first terminal according to the information carried by the service request, and then send a query request to the UDM network element, which carries the identification information of the first terminal and is used to request the TMF network element managing the inventory operation of the first terminal. After receiving the query request, the UDM network element sends information indicating the TMF network element to the intermediate network element, such as the identification (TMF ID) of the TMF network element and / or the address information of the TMF network element.

[0263] Optionally, the TMF network element managing the inventory operation of the first terminal can be the TMF network element selected by the AMF network element for the first terminal when the first terminal is registered. After selecting the TMF network element, the AMF network element can instruct the UDM network element to save the information of the TMF network element in the registration information of the first terminal, which can also be referred to as registering the TMF network element managing the inventory operation of the first terminal to the UDM network element. Optionally, the registration request sent by the AMF network element to the UDM network element to request the registration of the first terminal and the registration request to request the registration of the TMF network element can be the same registration request. Alternatively, the registration request to register the first terminal and the registration request to request the registration of the TMF network element can be two separate messages.

[0264] Optionally, the AMF network element can also send a context creation request to the selected TMF network element to instruct the TMF network element to establish and save the context of the first terminal. The context of the first terminal can include the identification information of the first terminal (such as the first identification and / or other identification information of the first terminal), and optionally, other related information of the first terminal.

[0265] Optionally, after receiving the query request from the intermediate network element, the UDM network element can send, to the intermediate network element, in addition to the information of the TMF network element, information of an AMF network element corresponding to the first terminal (referring to the AMF network element currently serving the first terminal) and / or identification information of the first terminal (which can include the first identifier of the first terminal and / or other identification information). Optionally, in this case, the query request can also request to query the information of the AMF network element corresponding to the first terminal and / or the identification information of the first terminal.

[0266] The information of the AMF network element sent by the UDM network element to the intermediate network element can indicate the AMF network element, for example, an identifier (AMF ID) of the AMF network element and / or address information of the AMF network element. The identification information of the first terminal sent by the UDM network element to the intermediate network element can include the same identification information as that carried in the query request and / or the same identification information as that carried in the query request. For example, the query request carries the SUPI of the first terminal, and after receiving the query request, the UDM network element sends, to the intermediate network element, the information of the TMF network element, the SUPI of the first terminal, and the Reader_ID of the first terminal.

[0267] Optionally, the NEF network element can carry the obtained information indicating the AMF network element and / or the identification information of the first terminal in the second service request.

[0268] Optionally, the identification information of the first terminal determined by the TMF network element according to the second service request can be the first identifier, or can be identification information different from the first identifier. For example, the second service request carries the SUPI of the first terminal, and the first identifier of the first terminal is the Reader_ID of the first terminal.

[0269] If the identification information of the first terminal determined by the TMF network element according to the second service request is not the first identifier of the first terminal, the TMF network element can also send a query request to the UDM network element, the query request carrying the identification information of the first terminal, for requesting to query the first identifier of the first terminal. After receiving the query request, the UDM network element returns the first identifier of the first terminal to the TMF network element. Optionally, in addition to the first identifier, after receiving the query request, the UDM network element can also send, to the TMF network element, information of an AMF network element corresponding to the first terminal, for example, an identifier and / or address of the AMF network element. Optionally, in this case, the query request can also request to query the AMF network element corresponding to the first terminal.

[0270] Optionally, after receiving the second service request, the TMF network element can return a response message to the AF network element, the response message indicating whether the service request is successful. If the TMF network element determines that the first terminal can be instructed to perform the service request, the TMF network element can return a response message indicating success. If the TMF network element determines that the first terminal cannot be instructed to perform the service request, the TMF network element can return a response message indicating failure. For example, the TMF network element cannot determine the identity of the first terminal that can perform the first inventory operation, or the TMF network element cannot query the information of the AMF network element corresponding to the first terminal from the UDM network element (for example, the first terminal is in a power-off state), and can return a failure.

[0271] Optionally, after receiving the service request, the TMF network element can determine whether the AF network element has the authority to cause the first terminal to perform the service request. If it is determined that the AF network element has the authority, the TMF network element can continue the subsequent process. If it is determined that the AF network element does not have the authority, the TMF network element can terminate the subsequent process. Optionally, in the case where the TMF network element determines that the AF network element does not have the authority, a response message indicating that the service request fails or a response message indicating that the AF network element does not have the authority can be returned to the AF network element.

[0272] S402, the TMF network element sends a first message to the AMF network element, the first message comprising the first identity and the first information. The first message instructs the first terminal to perform the first inventory operation, and the first information indicates the TMF network element. For example, the first information can comprise the identity and / or address of the TMF network element.

[0273] The TMF network element can send the first message to the AMF network element corresponding to the first terminal. The present application does not limit the specific implementation of the TMF network element determining the AMF network element corresponding to the first terminal. For example, the TMF network element can send a query request to the UDM network element, the query request carrying the identity information of the first terminal, for requesting to query the AMF network element registered by the first terminal. After receiving the query request, the UDM network element sends information indicating the AMF network element to the TMF network element, for example, the identity and / or address of the AMF network element. For another example, the second service request received by the TMF network element can carry information indicating the AMF network element, which can be referred to the above description of the UDM network element sending information indicating the AMF network element to the NEF network element in S401.

[0274] Optionally, in the case where the first identity is a permanent identity, after receiving the first message, the AMF network element can send a temporary identity of the first terminal, for example, a globally unique temporary identifier (GUTI), to the TMF network element. After receiving the temporary identity of the first terminal, the TMF network element saves the mapping relationship between the first identity and the temporary identity of the first terminal.

[0275] After receiving the first message, the AMF network element sends a fourth message, the second identifier and the first information to an access network node (hereinafter referred to as a first access network node) accessed by the first terminal. The fourth message instructs the first terminal to perform the first inventory operation.

[0276] The second identifier indicates the first terminal, and is identification information of the first terminal. Optionally, the second identifier and the first identifier can be the same identifier, in which case the first identifier and the second identifier can be Reader_ID. Alternatively, the second identifier and the first identifier can be different identifiers, in which case the first identifier can be a permanent identifier of the terminal, and the second identifier can be a temporary identifier of the terminal. For example, the second identifier can be GUTI.

[0277] Optionally, the second identifier can be allocated by the AMF network element for the first terminal.

[0278] Optionally, the fourth message can carry information that needs to be sent to the first terminal.

[0279] Optionally, the AMF network element can determine the first access network node according to the identification information of the first terminal in the context of the first terminal.

[0280] Optionally, the AMF network element can send information indicating the first access network node, such as the identifier and / or address information of the first access network node, to the TMF network element. After receiving the information of the first access network node, the TMF network element can determine which access network node is the access network node accessed by the first terminal.

[0281] For sending the fourth message, the second identifier and the first information to the first access network node, in one possible implementation, the fourth message, the second identifier and the first information can all be carried in an N2 message, and the AMF network element sends a message including the fourth message, the second identifier and the first information to the first access network node through an N2 interface.

[0282] In another possible implementation, the second identifier and the first information are carried in an N2 message, the fourth message is carried in an NAS message, and the NAS message including the fourth message is carried (or encapsulated) in the N2 message. That is, the N2 message sent by the AMF network element to the first access network node encapsulates the NAS message, the NAS message is used to carry the fourth message, and the N2 message carries the second identifier and the first information in addition to the NAS message. In addition, optionally, the AMF network element can also carry a next generation application protocol temporary identifier (NGAP) in the N2 message to identify the first terminal, and the NGAP temporary identifier can include NGAP_RAN_ID and NGAP_AMF_ID.

[0283] Optionally, after the AMF network element receives the first message, the first terminal is in an idle state, the AMF network element can initiate paging, and send a first paging message to at least one access network node, the first paging message being used to page the first terminal. Optionally, the first paging message can carry first inventory indication information, which can indicate that the first paging message is related to the inventory operation, for example, it can indicate that this time of paging the first terminal is to request the first terminal to perform the inventory operation. After the at least one access network node receives the paging message, the first terminal is paged. Among them, the first access network node in the at least one access network node can page the first terminal, that is, the first access network node can send the first paging message to the first terminal. After the first terminal receives the first paging message, it accesses the first access network node and switches to the connected state (RRC_connected). Optionally, after the first terminal accesses the first access network node, it can also send a sixth message to the AMF network element, the sixth message indicating that the first terminal switches to the connected state. Exemplarily, the sixth message can be a service request (service request). Optionally, the sixth message can carry second inventory indication information, which indicates that the sixth message is related to the inventory operation, for example, the second inventory indication information can indicate that the first terminal enters the connected state to perform the inventory operation.

[0284] After the first access network node receives the fourth message, it sends a fifth message to the first terminal, the fifth message indicating that the first terminal performs the first inventory operation. After the first terminal receives the fifth message, it sends an eighth message to the second terminal, the eighth message indicating that the first inventory operation is performed on the second terminal. Among them, the second terminal can be a TAG.

[0285] Optionally, the first access network node can send information of the first resource to the first terminal to allocate the first resource to the first terminal in the case of determining that the first terminal will perform the inventory operation. In one possible design, the first access network node determines that the first terminal will perform the inventory operation according to the first inventory indication information in the first paging message, and sends the information of the first resource to the first terminal in the process of the first terminal accessing the first access network node. Among them, the first resource is used for the first terminal to perform the inventory operation. For example, the information of the first resource can include the information of the frequency band or frequency used by the first terminal to perform the inventory operation. In another possible design, after the first access network node receives the fourth message, it can determine that the first terminal will perform the inventory operation according to the indication of performing the first inventory operation in the fourth message, and send the information of the first resource to the first terminal.

[0286] Optionally, the first access network node allocates the first resource for the first terminal, which can be dynamically allocated. After the first access network node sends the information of the first resource for the first terminal, the first access network node can subsequently re-send the information of the first resource to indicate the newly allocated first resource.

[0287] After the second terminal receives the eighth message, the second terminal sends a ninth message to the first terminal, and the ninth message indicates the result of the first inventory operation. The ninth message can also be understood as a response message of the eighth message. If the second terminal returns the ninth message to the first terminal, it can be represented that the second terminal responds to the first inventory operation of the first terminal, and the first inventory operation performed by the first terminal on the second terminal is successful, that is, the ninth message can indicate that the result of the first inventory operation is successful. If the second terminal does not send the ninth message to the first terminal, it can be represented that the second terminal does not respond to the first inventory operation. In this case, the first terminal can not send the result of the first inventory operation to the first access network node.

[0288] In addition, optionally, the first terminal can also not find the second terminal that can send the eighth message. In this case, the first terminal can not send the result of the first inventory operation to the first access network node.

[0289] The first terminal sends a second message to the first access network node, and the second message indicates the result of the first inventory operation. The result of the first inventory operation can indicate that the second terminal responds to the inventory operation. It can also be understood that the second message indicates that the first inventory operation is successful / there is a TAG responding to the first inventory operation.

[0290] Hereinafter, the result of the first inventory operation can be referred to as a first inventory result, and the first inventory result corresponds to the first inventory operation.

[0291] In this paper, the message sent carries information, which can also be replaced by the message sent together with the information. Similarly, the information sent carries another information, which can also be replaced by the information sent together with another information.

[0292] Optionally, the first terminal can carry a parameter required for access layer communication between the first terminal and the first access network node in the second message, and the embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations on the parameter.

[0293] S403, the TMF network element receives the second message from the first access network node. The second message indicates the first inventory result, and the first inventory result corresponds to the first inventory operation.

[0294] After receiving the second message, the first access network node can determine the TMF network element according to the first information received from the AMF network element, and directly send the second message to the TMF network element. In this case, the second message can not pass through the AMF network element in the process of transmission from the first terminal to the TMF network element. This transmission mode can be referred to as the first mode.

[0295] Based on the method shown in FIG. 5, the TMF network element can instruct the first terminal to perform the first inventory operation through the first message. The second message received by the TMF network element later, indicating the result corresponding to the inventory operation, can pass through the first access network node but not the AMF network element, so that the transmission delay of the second message can be shortened, and the communication efficiency can be improved. Moreover, the AMF network element is usually 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 certain park (such as an enterprise park). Therefore, by using the above method, the result corresponding to the inventory operation can be kept within the region where the service is deployed, the data transmission security can be improved, the communication efficiency can be greatly improved, and the application prospect is high.

[0296] Optionally, the second message sent by the first access network node to the TMF network element can carry the second identifier of the first terminal.

[0297] After receiving the second message, the TMF network element can determine the first inventory result according to the second message.

[0298] The following introduces some optional schemes provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0299] After S403, optionally, the TMF network element can determine whether to continue the inventory process according to the first inventory result. The TMF network element can determine whether to instruct the first terminal to continue to perform the command operation on the second terminal.

[0300] For the TMF network element to determine whether to instruct the first terminal to perform the command operation, if the TMF network element determines that the first inventory result is successful, the TMF network element can determine whether to perform the command operation according to the second service request. If the second service request does not indicate the command operation in addition to the first inventory operation, the TMF network element can determine that the first terminal does not need to perform the command operation. If the second service request also indicates the command operation, the TMF network element can determine that the first terminal needs to perform the command operation.

[0301] In a case where the TMF network element determines that the first terminal needs to be instructed to perform a command operation (hereinafter referred to as a first command operation), the TMF network element can directly send a third message to the first access network node, the third message instructing the first terminal to perform the first command operation. The third message comprises a second identifier of the first terminal. Optionally, in a case where the first identifier and the second identifier are the same, for example, both are Reder_ID, the third message can also be referred to as comprising the first identifier of the first terminal.

[0302] Optionally, the information related to the TAG exchanged between the TMF network element and the first access network node / first terminal can carry a temporary identifier or a permanent identifier (for example, a device identifier) of the TAG. For example, the third message sent by the TMF can carry a temporary identifier of the second terminal.

[0303] Optionally, the temporary identifier of the TAG can be assigned by the first terminal. In this case, in the inventory process, the information related to the TAG exchanged between the first terminal and the TMF network element can carry the temporary identifier of the TAG.

[0304] Optionally, the temporary identifier of the TAG can be assigned by the first access network node. In this case, in the inventory process, the information related to the TAG exchanged between the first access network node and the TMF network element can carry the temporary identifier of the TAG.

[0305] Optionally, the TMF network element can also assign a temporary identifier to the TAG. If the first terminal also assigns a temporary identifier to the TAG, in the inventory process, the information related to the TAG exchanged between the first terminal and the TMF network element can carry the temporary identifier assigned to the TAG by the TMF network element and the temporary identifier assigned to the TAG by the first terminal. If the first access network node also assigns a temporary identifier to the TAG, in the inventory process, the information related to the TAG exchanged between the first access network node and the TMF network element can carry the temporary identifier assigned to the TAG by the TMF network element and the temporary identifier assigned to the TAG by the first access network node.

[0306] After receiving the third message, the first access network node sends a message instructing the first terminal to perform the first command operation to the first terminal. After receiving the message, the first terminal sends a command request to the second terminal, the command request instructing the second terminal to perform the first command operation. After receiving the command request, the second terminal can send a response message to the first terminal after performing the first command operation, the response message indicating that the second terminal has completed the first command operation. After receiving the response message, the first terminal sends a result corresponding to the first command operation to the first access network node, and the first access network node sends a message indicating the result corresponding to the first command operation to the TMF network element, the message carrying the second identifier of the first terminal. If the second terminal does not perform the first command operation after receiving the command request, the second terminal does not send a response message to the first terminal.

[0307] Optionally, after receiving the result corresponding to the first command operation, the TMF network element can determine whether the first terminal needs to continue to perform other command operations (which can be referred to as second command operations) on the second terminal according to the second service request. If the TMF network element determines that it is needed, the TMF network element can send a message to the first access network node to instruct the first terminal to perform the second command operation. The process in which the first terminal continues to perform the second command operation can refer to the description of the process in which the first terminal performs the first command operation above.

[0308] In addition, optionally, if the second service request indicates the inventory operation and the command operation, the first message sent by the first network element to the AMF network element in S402 can directly indicate the execution of the command operation. In this case, the fourth message and the fifth message can also directly indicate the command operation. After receiving the fifth message, the first terminal can perform the inventory operation and the command operation on the second terminal. The second terminal can send a response message to the first terminal in response to the execution of the inventory operation and the command operation. After receiving the response message from the second terminal, the first terminal can send a message to the first access network node, which can indicate the result corresponding to the command operation.

[0309] Optionally, the TMF network element can also determine whether the first terminal needs to perform a command operation on other terminals. If needed, the TMF network element can send a message to the first access network node to instruct the first terminal to perform the command operation on the other terminals. For details, refer to the description of the process in which the first terminal performs the first command operation and the second command operation above.

[0310] Optionally, if the first terminal can also perform an inventory operation or a command operation on other terminals, the TMF network element can issue an instruction for the first terminal to perform the corresponding operation. For details, refer to the description of the process in which the first terminal performs the inventory operation or the command operation above.

[0311] Optionally, the first terminal can send first inventory end information to the first access network node in the case of determining that the inventory ends. The first inventory end information can indicate the end of the current inventory process. The first access network node can send the first inventory end information to the TMF network element.

[0312] In one possible implementation, the first terminal can determine that the inventory process ends in the case of determining that none of the TAGs returns the ninth message. In this implementation, the first inventory end information can indicate that the inventory operation performed by the first terminal has ended.

[0313] In another possible implementation, the first terminal can determine that the inventory process ends in the case of determining that the inventory process has reached a certain time length. The inventory process can start from the first terminal sending the eighth message to the second terminal.

[0314] Optionally, after receiving the inventory end information, the TMF network element can send the result of the inventory operation received during the inventory process to the AF network element through a service report. If the TMF network element also receives the result of the command operation during the inventory process, the TMF network element can also send the result of the command operation to the AF network element through the service report.

[0315] Alternatively, the TMF network element can send the result of the inventory operation or the result of the command operation to the AF network element through a service report after receiving the result of the inventory operation or the result of the command operation each time. Alternatively, the TMF network element can send the result of the inventory operation or the result of the command operation to the AF network element through a service report after receiving the result of the inventory operation multiple times or receiving the result of the command operation multiple times.

[0316] In the above S403, in the process of the first terminal sending the second message to the TMF network element through the first access network node, the transmission of the second message can not pass through the AMF network element. The transmission mode in which the information transmitted between the TMF network element and the terminal only passes through the access network node and does not pass through the AMF network element can be referred to as a first mode. Alternatively, the first access network node can send the second message to the TMF network element through the AMF network element. The transmission mode in which the information transmitted between the TMF network element and the terminal also passes through the AMF network element can be referred to as a second mode.

[0317] In the embodiments of the present application, the information can be transmitted between the terminal and the TMF network element based on the first mode or the second mode. The first mode and the second mode can be referred to the definition of the first mode and the second mode in the above introduction of the communication system shown in FIG. 1.

[0318] In a possible design, the terminal, the TMF network element, the access network node and the AMF network element can be previously agreed to adopt the first mode or the second mode to transmit the information.

[0319] In another possible design, at least one of the terminal, the TMF network element, the AMF network element, and the access network node can indicate whether the first mode or the second mode is used when transmitting the message. In this case, optionally, at least one of the terminal, the TMF network element, the AMF network element, and the access network node can send indication information indicating that the first mode or the second mode is used in the current inventory procedure. Alternatively, the terminal, the TMF network element, the AMF network element, and the access network node can use the second mode by default when transmitting the message, and at least one of the terminal, the TMF network element, the AMF network element, and the access network node can indicate that the first mode is used in the current inventory procedure when transmitting the message. Alternatively, the terminal, the TMF network element, the AMF network element, and the access network node can use the first mode by default when transmitting the message, and at least one of the terminal, the TMF network element, the AMF network element, and the access network node can indicate that the second mode is used in the current inventory procedure when transmitting the message.

[0320] Optionally, the terminal, the TMF network element, the AMF network element, or the access network node can support the first mode or can not support the first mode.

[0321] The following describes the design of indicating the first mode when at least one of the terminal, the TMF network element, the AMF network element, and the access network node transmits the message, taking the terminal as the first terminal and the access network node as the first access network node as an example.

[0322] Optionally, in S401, the first message sent by the TMF network element to the AMF network element can include indication information of the first mode. In this case, the indication information of the first mode can indicate that the first mode is used for transmitting information between the first network element and the first terminal in the inventory procedure to which the first inventory operation belongs.

[0323] It can be understood that “… message carries indication … information (taking the first message including the indication information of the first mode as an example) ” can also be referred to as the first message indicating the first mode.

[0324] Optionally, after receiving the indication information of the first mode, the AMF network element can not make a judgment and directly send a fourth message to the first access network node, where the fourth message carries the indication information of the first mode. Alternatively, the AMF network element can determine whether the first access network node, the first terminal, or the AMF network element allows the first mode, and in a case where at least one of the AMF network element, the first access network node, or the first terminal allows the first mode, the AMF network element can send a fourth message to the first access network node, where the fourth message carries the indication information of the first mode. Optionally, in a case where at least one of the AMF network element, the first access network node, or the first terminal does not allow the first mode, the AMF network element can not send the fourth message to the first access network node.

[0325] In the embodiments of the present application, the allowed first mode can also be replaced by the supported first mode, the accepted first mode, and the like. The disallowed first mode can also be replaced by the rejected first mode, the unsupported first mode, and the like.

[0326] For determining whether the first terminal supports the first mode, in a possible implementation, the capability information of the first terminal can indicate whether the first terminal supports the first mode. The context of the first terminal saved by the AMF network element can include the capability information indicating whether the first terminal supports the first mode and the first identifier of the first terminal. After receiving the first message, the AMF network element determines whether the first terminal supports the first mode according to the identifier of the first terminal.

[0327] For determining whether the first access network node supports the first mode, in a possible implementation, when the AMF network element establishes an N2 connection with the first access network node, the first access network node can indicate to the AMF network element whether it supports the first mode. Alternatively, the first access network node can carry information indicating whether the first access network node supports the first mode when sending a registration request of the terminal to the AMF network element.

[0328] Optionally, after receiving the fourth message carrying the indication information of the first mode, the first access network node can directly send a fifth message to the first terminal, where the fifth message not only indicates to perform the first inventory operation, but also indicates the first mode. Alternatively, the first access network node can send the fifth message to the first terminal in a case where the first terminal and / or the first access network node support the first mode, where the fifth message not only indicates to perform the first inventory operation, but also indicates the first mode. In a possible implementation, the first access network node can determine whether the first terminal supports the first mode according to the context of the first terminal.

[0329] For the fifth message indicating the first mode, in a possible design, the fifth message can carry indication information indicating the first mode. In another possible design, the type of the fifth message can indicate the first mode. For example, the fifth message can be a newly defined type of RRC message, and the type of RRC message is used to indicate the first mode.

[0330] Optionally, after determining whether the first terminal and / or the first access network node supports the first mode, the first access network node can send fourth information to the AMF network element. The fourth information can indicate whether the first terminal and / or the first access network node supports the first mode.

[0331] Optionally, in the case that the first message indicates the first mode, the fourth message indicates the first mode, or the fifth message indicates the first mode, after the first terminal performs the first inventory operation on the second terminal, the second message sent by the first terminal to the TMF network element through the first access network node can not pass through the AMF network element in the process of transmission from the first terminal to the TMF network element.

[0332] Optionally, after the AMF network element receives the first message carrying the indication information of the first mode, the AMF network element can send third information to the TMF network element. The third information indicates that the first mode is allowed. Alternatively, the third information indicates that the first mode is rejected (or alternatively, the third information indicates that the first mode is not supported, etc.).

[0333] Optionally, the third information can also carry the first identifier of the first terminal and / or the information of the first access network node.

[0334] Optionally, in the case that the third information indicates that the first mode is rejected, the third information can also carry the reason for rejecting the first mode. For example, the third information can indicate that the first mode is not supported by the AMF network element, the first access network node, or the first terminal. The third information can also indicate the information of the first access network node that does not support the first mode.

[0335] Optionally, after the TMF network element receives the third information indicating that the first mode is rejected, the TMF network element can resend the message indicating that the first terminal performs the inventory operation to the AMF network element. In this case, the message resent by the TMF network element can not carry the indication information of the first mode. Alternatively, the message resent by the TMF network element can carry the information indicating the second mode. The new message indicates the inventory operation (the corresponding inventory process can use the second mode to transmit the information between the first terminal and the TMF network element, thereby realizing the negotiation and compatible processing of the first mode and the second mode.

[0336] Taking the first terminal, the TMF network element, the AMF network element, and the first access network node as an example, the design of indicating the use of the second mode when transmitting a message by at least one of the terminal, the TMF network element, the AMF network element, and the access network node is introduced.

[0337] Optionally, the message sent by the TMF network element to the AMF network element and indicating the execution of the inventory operation (hereinafter referred to as the second inventory operation) can also indicate the second mode. The second inventory operation indicated by the message can be the inventory operation that the TMF network element first indicates the first terminal to perform, i.e., the second inventory operation is the same as the first inventory operation. Alternatively, the second inventory operation can be the inventory operation that the TMF network element indicates the first terminal to perform after indicating the first inventory operation.

[0338] Optionally, the message sent by the AMF network element to the first access network node to instruct the execution of the second inventory operation can also indicate the second mode.

[0339] Optionally, the message (may be referred to as a tenth message) sent by the first access network node to the first terminal to instruct the execution of the second inventory operation can also indicate the second mode. For the first terminal, the first terminal can receive the tenth message from the first access network node. The tenth message indicates the second mode and instructs the first terminal to execute the second inventory operation. After receiving the tenth message, the first terminal can send an eleventh message to the third terminal, the eleventh message instructing the execution of the second inventory operation on the third terminal. If the third terminal responds to the second inventory operation, the first terminal can receive a twelfth message from the third terminal, the twelfth message indicating the result of the second inventory operation. The first terminal sends a thirteenth message to the AMF network element through the first access network node, the thirteenth message indicating the result of the second inventory operation.

[0340] For the tenth message indicating the second mode, in one possible design, the tenth message can carry indication information indicating the second mode. In another possible design, the type of the tenth message can indicate the second mode. For example, the tenth message can be a newly defined type of RRC message, and the type of RRC message is used to indicate the second mode.

[0341] Optionally, after receiving the thirteenth message, the TMF network element can instruct the first terminal to execute a command operation on the third terminal. For details, refer to the description of the process of the first terminal executing the command operation above.

[0342] The specific implementation of the design of indicating the adoption of the second mode when at least one of the terminal, the TMF network element, the AMF network element, and the first access network node transmits a message can refer to the specific implementation of the design of indicating the adoption of the first mode when at least one of the terminal, the TMF network element, the AMF network element, and the access network node transmits a message.

[0343] Optionally, the access network node and the TMF network element can determine whether the other party supports the first mode through a process independent of the inventory process. Taking the determination of whether the first access network node and the TMF network element support the first mode as an example, 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. The TMF network element can send second indication information to the first access network node, the second indication information indicating that the first network element supports the first mode.

[0344] Optionally, the first access network node or the TMF network element can determine whether the other party supports the first mode based on the first indication information or the second indication information before the TMF network element sends the first message.

[0345] Optionally, the first indication information can be carried in a connection establishment request sent by the first access network node to the TMF network element, and the connection establishment request is used to request to establish a communication connection between the first access network node and the TMF network element, for example, to establish an N2' interface. Optionally, the first access network node can send the connection establishment request to the TMF network element after the TMF network element is online.

[0346] Optionally, the second indication information can be carried in a connection establishment response sent by the TMF network element to the first access network node, and the connection establishment response is a response message of the connection establishment request, and can indicate that the connection establishment is successful or failed.

[0347] In addition, optionally, in the method embodiments of S401-S403, if the first identity included in the first message is a permanent identity of the first terminal, the identity of the first terminal recognized between the AMF network element and the first access network node is a temporary identity, that is, the second identity sent by the AMF network element to the first access network node is a temporary identity, after receiving the second identity from the AMF network element, the TMF network element can send a first subscription request to the AMF network element, and the first subscription request is used to request the AMF network element to re-allocate a second identity for the first terminal and then send the re-allocated second identity to the TMF network element. After receiving the first subscription request, the AMF network element re-allocates a second identity for the first terminal and sends the re-allocated second identity to the TMF network element. After receiving the re-allocated second identity, the TMF network element can update the mapping relationship between the saved second identity and the first identity.

[0348] Optionally, the TMF network element can also send subscription cancellation information to the AMF network element, and the subscription cancellation information is used to cancel the information subscribed by the first subscription request. In one possible design, the TMF network element can send the subscription cancellation information to the AMF network element after receiving the first inventory end information.

[0349] The following describes several possible, non-limiting flows of the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application in combination with the drawings.

[0350] For example, assuming that the first identity and the second identity are Reader_ID, the first terminal is UE Reader, the second terminal is TAG, and the first access network node is RAN node, as shown in FIG. 5, one possible flow includes the following steps:

[0351] S501: 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.

[0352] In this application, the RAN node and the TMF network element can communicate based on the N2' interface, so the connection establishment request described above 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.

[0353] 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, and the first indication information indicates that the RAN node supports the first mode.

[0354] 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 described above.

[0355] The first mode, the second mode, and the first indication information can be understood with reference to the description in the method shown in FIG. 4.

[0356] S502: 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.

[0357] 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, and the second indication information indicates that the TMF network element supports the first mode. The second indication information can be understood with reference to the description in the method shown in FIG. 4.

[0358] It can be understood that if the TMF network element does not support the first mode (for example, the TMF network element only supports the second mode), the connection establishment request can not carry the indication described above.

[0359] S503: The UE Reader registers with the AMF network element, to realize registration and authorization of the UE Reader.

[0360] 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.

[0361] Optionally, the subscription information further includes authorization information indicating whether the UE Reader is allowed to perform the inventory operation. Optionally, the Reader_ID is stored in a context of the UE Reader.

[0362] 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.

[0363] 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.

[0364] Optionally, the context of the UE Reader includes information indicating whether the UE Reader is allowed to use the first mode.

[0365] In one possible implementation, the AMF network element can save, in the context of the UE Reader, the indication of whether the UE Reader supports the first mode included in the UE Reader capability information as the information indicating whether the UE Reader is allowed to use the first mode. In this implementation, the AMF network element can not determine whether the UE Reader is allowed to use the first mode, so as to simplify the operation of the AMF network element.

[0366] 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.

[0367] 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.

[0368] 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.

[0369] Optionally, the AMF network element can indicate 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.

[0370] Optionally, the AMF network element sends the context of the UE Reader to the RAN node.

[0371] 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.

[0372] 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.

[0373] Optionally, the RAN node can allocate AIoT resources to the UE Reader after the Reader function of the UE 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 the information of the first resource to the UE Reader. Specifically, reference can be made to the description of the RAN node sending the information of the first resource to the first terminal in S402 above.

[0374] It can be understood that the present application does not limit the execution order of S501-S602 and S503. For example, S501-S502 can be executed first, and then S503 can be executed, or S503 can be executed first, and then S501-S502 can be executed, or S501-S502 and S503 can be executed simultaneously.

[0375] S504: 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.

[0376] The service request received by the TMF network element can be forwarded to the TMF network element by the NEF network element, or directly sent to the TMF network element by the AF network element.

[0377] The TMF network element determines that the service request is executed by the UE Reader according to the service request.

[0378] S505: The TMF network element obtains the information of the AMF network element registered by the UE Reader from the UDM network element.

[0379] S504-S505 can refer to the description of S401 above.

[0380] Optionally, the TMF network element returns a service request response to the AF network element to indicate whether the service request is successful.

[0381] S506: The TMF network element sends a first inventory request to the AMF network element. The first inventory request includes the Reader_ID of the UE Reader and information indicating the TMF network element, such as the identifier and / or address of the TMF network element. The first inventory request also includes indication information of the first mode.

[0382] The first inventory request can refer to the description of the first message in S402 above.

[0383] The AMF network element finds the context of the UE Reader according to the Reader_ID.

[0384] If the UE Reader is in a connected state (such as a connection management (CM) connected state), the AMF network element can directly perform S509 and subsequent steps.

[0385] If the UE Reader is in an idle state (such as a CM idle state), the AMF network element can perform S507-S508, and then perform subsequent steps.

[0386] S507 (optional): The AMF network element sends a paging message to the UE Reader. Correspondingly, the UE Reader receives the paging message from the AMF network element.

[0387] Optionally, in the case where the paging message carries the first inventory indication information, the RAN node can allocate AIoT resources (such as frequency band or frequency information) to the UE Reader during its access process, thereby realizing dynamic resource allocation. For example, the RAN node sends information of the first resource to the UE Reader.

[0388] S508 (optional): 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.

[0389] It can be understood that the UE Reader can send a service request to the AMF network element, so that the UE Reader enters a connected state. Optionally, the UE Reader can carry inventory indication information in the service request.

[0390] S509 (optional): The AMF network element sends a response message to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the response of the first inventory preparation request from the AMF network element. The response message can indicate whether to accept the first inventory request.

[0391] Optionally, the response message can carry the information of the RAN node and / or the Reader_ID.

[0392] Optionally, the response message can carry the indication information of whether the first mode is supported. If the indication information of not supporting the first mode is carried, the TMF network element can continue to perform subsequent inventory and command processes by using other modes after receiving the response, thereby realizing the effect of coexistence of the first mode and other modes.

[0393] Optionally, S509 can also be executed after S511.

[0394] S510: The AMF network element sends a second inventory request to the RAN node. Correspondingly, the RAN node receives the second inventory request from the AMF network element.

[0395] The second inventory request can carry relevant parameters. For example, the inventory request carries the Reader_ID and the indication information of the first mode.

[0396] In S510, the sending mode of the second inventory request can refer to the above introduction of S402, in which the AMF network element sends the fourth message, the second identifier and the first information to the first access network node.

[0397] 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 the information of the first resource to the UE Reader.

[0398] S511 (optional): The RAN node sends a response message to the AMF network element. The response message can indicate whether to accept the second inventory request.

[0399] Optionally, the response message can carry the information of the RAN node.

[0400] Optionally, the response message can carry the indication information of whether the first mode is supported. The AMF network element can forward the response message to the TMF network element. If S509 is executed after S511, the response message sent by the AMF network element can indicate that the first mode is not supported.

[0401] S512: The RAN node sends a third inventory request (which can refer to the fifth message in S402) to the UE Reader. Correspondingly, the UE Reader receives the third inventory request from the RAN node.

[0402] The third inventory request can carry the indication information of the first mode.

[0403] S513: The UE Reader sends a fourth inventory request to the TAG (the inventory request can refer to the eighth message in S402). Correspondingly, the TAG receives the fourth inventory request from the UE Reader.

[0404] Up to now, the UE Reader initiates the inventory process.

[0405] Optionally, the UE Reader sends an inventory start notification to the RAN node.

[0406] Optionally, the RAN node forwards the inventory start notification to the TMF network element. The inventory start notification can carry the Reader_ID to identify the message from which UE Reader.

[0407] S514: The TAG sends a response to the fourth inventory request to the UE Reader. Correspondingly, the UE Reader receives the response to the fourth inventory request from the TAG.

[0408] The response to the inventory request can include the identity of the TAG.

[0409] Optionally, the random access procedure between the RAN node and the TAG before this belongs to the access layer implementation.

[0410] S515: The UE Reader sends a response to the third inventory request to the RAN node. Correspondingly, the RAN node receives the response to the third inventory request from the UE Reader.

[0411] It can be understood that the response to the third inventory request carries all or part of the information in the response to the fourth inventory request.

[0412] Optionally, the response to the third inventory request can carry parameters sent to the TMF network element. For example, the response can carry a temporary identity 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 parameters required for communication between the UE Reader and the RAN node.

[0413] S516: The RAN node sends a response message to the TMF network element. The response message can be considered as a response to the first inventory request. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the response to the first inventory request from the RAN node.

[0414] It can be understood that the response to the first inventory request carries all or part of the information in the response to the third inventory request.

[0415] Optionally, the response of the first inventory request carries Reader_ID, which is used by the TMF network element to identify which UE Reader the message is for.

[0416] Optionally, the response of the first inventory request carries a temporary identity allocated by the RAN node for the TAG, such as RAN_Temp_ID.

[0417] Optionally, after the TMF network element completes the processing of the above response (such as verifying the legitimacy of the TAG), the TMF network element can determine whether to issue a command to the TAG according to the service request of S504. 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 command request to the TAG. As an implementation, the TMF network element can also issue a command directly in the first inventory request, in which case there is no need to issue a command again.

[0418] 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 Reader_ID, which is used to indicate the UE Reader.

[0419] Optionally, the command request can also carry a temporary identity of the TAG, which is used to indicate which TAG the command request is for.

[0420] It can be understood that if the temporary identity of the TAG is allocated by the UE Reader, the command request carries the temporary identity of the TAG to send to the UE Reader. If the temporary identity of the TAG is allocated by the RAN node, the command request carries the temporary identity of the TAG to send to the RAN node.

[0421] Optionally, the command request can also carry a temporary identity of the TAG allocated by the TMF network element. The command request can be sent to the UE Reader or the RAN node.

[0422] Optionally, one or more of the temporary identity of the TAG allocated by the UE Reader, the temporary identity of the TAG allocated by the RAN node, or the temporary identity of the TAG allocated by the TMF network element can be carried in the interactive message for the TAG.

[0423] Optionally, if the TMF network element determines to continue to issue a command to the TAG, the TMF network element can perform the following steps:

[0424] S517: 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.

[0425] Optionally, the first command request carries the Reader_ID to indicate that the RAN node forwards the first command request to the UE Reader.

[0426] Optionally, the first command request carries one or more of the temporary identity allocated to the TAG by the UE Reader, the temporary identity allocated to the TAG by the RAN node, or the temporary identity allocated to the TAG by the TMF network element.

[0427] S518: The RAN sends the second command request to the UE Reader. Correspondingly, the UE Reader receives the second command request from the RAN node.

[0428] It can be understood that the second command request includes all or part of the information in the first command request.

[0429] S519: The UE Reader sends the third command request to the TAG. Correspondingly, the TAG receives the third command request from the UE Reader.

[0430] It can be understood that the third command request includes all or part of the information in the second command request.

[0431] S520: The TAG sends the 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.

[0432] In one possible implementation, the TAG sends the response to the third command request to the UE Reader after completing the execution of the third command request.

[0433] S521: The UE Reader sends the response to the second command request to the RAN node. Correspondingly, the RAN node receives the response to the second command request from the UE Reader.

[0434] It can be understood that the response to the second command request includes all or part of the information in the response to the third command request.

[0435] S522: The RAN node sends the response to the first command request to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the response to the first command request from the RAN node.

[0436] It can be understood that the response to the first command request includes all or part of the information in the response to the second command request.

[0437] Optionally, the response to the first command request carries the Reader_ID to indicate that the response is for the UE Reader.

[0438] 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.

[0439] 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, informing the UE Reader that the current TAG command request has ended and the next TAG can continue to be inventoried. The TMF network element sends the message to the RAN node, carries the Reader_ID to the RAN node, and carries the above-mentioned temporary identifier (temporary identifier allocated by the TMF network element, RAN node or UE Reader for the TAG) to the RAN node or UE Reader.

[0440] After the RAN node receives the continue inventory message, the RAN node can send the message to the UE Reader.

[0441] 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 S514-S522 described above, and reference can be made to the description in S514-S522 described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0442] S523: The UE Reader sends first inventory end information (which can refer to the first inventory end information in the foregoing embodiments) to the RAN node. Correspondingly, the RAN node receives the inventory end information from the UE Reader.

[0443] S524: The RAN node sends the first inventory end information to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the first inventory end information from the RAN node.

[0444] It can be understood that the first inventory end information sent by the RAN node can include all or part of the information in the first inventory end information sent by the UE Reader in S523.

[0445] Optionally, the first inventory end information carries Reader_ID to indicate that the information is for the UE Reader.

[0446] Optionally, the RAN node determines whether to send a connection release request to the AMF network element according to the needs of connection management.

[0447] Optionally, the connection release request carries indication information to indicate that the connection release is due to the end of the inventory process.

[0448] Optionally, the UE Reader sends a NAS message with a connection release indication to the AMF network element, informing the AMF network element to release the connection.

[0449] S525: The TMF network element sends the service report to the AF network element. Correspondingly, the AF network element receives the service report from the TMF network element.

[0450] In a possible design, the service report includes the result corresponding to the above-mentioned inventory operation and command operation.

[0451] It should be understood that, in the above-mentioned procedure, the RAN node can adopt 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 message 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 processing mode, including that the RAN node manages the inventory task or allocates a temporary identifier for the TAG.

[0452] Based on the method shown in FIG. 5, the messages related to the inventory or the command between the TMF network element, the RAN node, and the UE Reader can not pass through the AMF network element except for the inventory request, so that the latency of the inventory procedure can be shortened and the inventory efficiency can be improved. In the above-mentioned procedure, the TMF network element does not need to maintain the context of the UE Reader, and after sending the inventory request to the AMF network element, the subsequent messages of the inventory procedure can be directly exchanged between the RAN node and the TMF network element through the N2' interface, 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.

[0453] 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, which can cause the inventory procedure to be complex. The Reader_ID can uniquely identify the UE Reader in all devices with the inventory function, and therefore the Reader_ID can be used to identify the UE Reader when the TMF network element communicates with the RAN node, thereby simplifying the inventory procedure.

[0454] In addition, the method shown in FIG. 5 can be compatible with the first mode and the second mode, and has high flexibility.

[0455] In addition, the RAN node can allocate the AIoT resource for the UE Reader at multiple occasions, thereby implementing dynamic allocation of the AIoT resource (for example, different resources can be allocated each time a service request is made).

[0456] For example, assuming that the second identifier is GUTI, the first terminal is the UE Reader, the second terminal is the TAG, and the first access network node is the RAN node, as shown in FIG. 6, a possible procedure includes the following steps.

[0457] S601: 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.

[0458] S602: 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.

[0459] It can be understood that the processes of S601-S602 are similar to the processes of S501-S502 described above, and the corresponding description in S501-S502 can be referred to, and details are not described herein.

[0460] S603: The UE Reader registers to the AMF network element, to realize registration and authorization of the UE Reader.

[0461] In a 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.

[0462] Optionally, the subscription information includes first authorization information. The first authorization information indicates whether the UE Reader is allowed to act as a Reader.

[0463] 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 corresponding indication information in the context of the UE Reader.

[0464] 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.

[0465] Optionally, the context of the UE Reader includes indication information indicating whether the UE Reader is allowed to use the first mode.

[0466] In a possible implementation, the AMF network element saves, in the context of the UE Reader, the indication of whether the UE Reader supports the first mode included in the UE Reader capability information, as the indication information indicating whether the UE Reader is allowed to use the first mode. That is, the AMF network element does not determine whether the UE Reader is allowed to use the first mode, to simplify the operation of the AMF network element.

[0467] 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 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 to allow the UE Reader to use the first mode, and the fifth indication information indicates that the UE Reader is allowed to use the first mode.

[0468] In another possible implementation, the AMF network element can determine whether to allow the UE Reader 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 to allow the UE Reader to use the first mode, and the fifth indication information indicates that the UE Reader is allowed to use the first mode.

[0469] 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, 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 to allow the UE Reader to use the first mode, and the fifth indication information indicates that the UE Reader is allowed to use the first mode.

[0470] 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 the RAN node forwards the registration request of the UE Reader.

[0471] Optionally, the AMF network element allocates a temporary identifier GUTI for the UE Reader and saves the context of the UE Reader.

[0472] 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 the indication of whether the UE Reader is authorized to use the Reader function.

[0473] Optionally, the AMF network element sends the context of the UE Reader to the RAN node.

[0474] In summary, the AMF network element can indicate to the UE Reader whether the Reader function is authorized to be used by the UE Reader. 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 Reader function is authorized to be used by the UE Reader.

[0475] 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.

[0476] Optionally, the RAN node can allocate AIoT resources to the UE Reader after the Reader function of the UE 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 S402.

[0477] It can be understood that the present application does not limit the execution order of S601-S602 and S603. For example, S601-S602 can be executed first, and then S603 can be executed, or S603 can be executed first, and then S601-S602 can be executed, or S601-S602 and S603 can be executed simultaneously.

[0478] 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.

[0479] The TMF network element determines, according to the service request, that the service request is executed by the UE Reader.

[0480] S605: The TMF network element obtains the information of the AMF network element registered by the UE Reader from the UDM network element.

[0481] Optionally, the query result returned by the UDM network element can also include the SUPI of the UE Reader.

[0482] Optionally, the TMF network element returns a service request response to the AF network element to indicate whether the service request is successful.

[0483] S606: The TMF network element sends a first inventory request to the AMF network element. The first inventory request includes the SUPI of the UE Reader and information indicating the TMF network element, such as the identifier and / or address of the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the AMF network element receives the first inventory request from the TMF network element.

[0484] For details regarding the first inventory request, please refer to the description of the first message in S402 above.

[0485] The AMF network element finds the context of the UE Reader based on SUPI.

[0486] If the UE Reader is in connected state, the AMF network element can execute S609 and subsequent steps.

[0487] If the UE Reader is in an idle state, the AMF network element can execute S607 to S608.

[0488] S607 (optional): The AMF network element sends a paging message to the UE Reader (corresponding to the first paging message in the aforementioned embodiment). Accordingly, the UE Reader receives the paging message from the AMF network element.

[0489] Optionally, when the paging message carries first inventory indication information, the RAN node can allocate AIoT resources (such as frequency bands or frequencies) to the UE Reader during the access process, thereby achieving dynamic resource allocation. For example, the RAN node sends the first resource information to the UE Reader.

[0490] S608 (optional): 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.

[0491] Understandably, the processes of S607 to S608 are similar to those of S507 to S508 above. Please refer to the corresponding descriptions in S507 to S508 for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0492] S609: The AMF network element sends a response message to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives a response from the AMF network element regarding the first inventory preparation request. This response message indicates whether the first inventory request is accepted.

[0493] Optionally, the response message may carry information about the RAN node and / or the GUTI of the UE Reader.

[0494] Optionally, the response message may carry an indication of whether the first mode is supported. If the response message indicates that the first mode is not supported, the TMF network element can use other modes to continue executing subsequent inventory and command processes after receiving the response, thereby achieving the effect of compatibility between the first mode and other modes.

[0495] Alternatively, S609 can also be executed after S611.

[0496] If the AMF network element does not send the GUTI of the UE Reader to the TMF network element in S609, the AMF network element can carry the GUTI of the UE Reader in other messages sent to the TMF network element. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the messages sent by the AMF network element to the TMF network element to carry the GUTI of the UE Reader.

[0497] S610, the TMF network element sends a first subscription request to the AMF network element. The first subscription request carries the SUPI of the UE Reader, and requests the AMF network element to re-allocate a second identity for the first terminal and send the re-allocated second identity to the TMF network element.

[0498] S611: The AMF network element sends a second inventory request to the RAN node. Correspondingly, the RAN node receives the second inventory request from the AMF network element.

[0499] The second inventory request can carry related parameters. For example, the second inventory request carries the GUTI and the indication information of the first mode.

[0500] Optionally, the RAN node can also allocate AIoT resources (such as frequency band or frequency information) for the UE Reader at this time, so as to realize dynamic resource allocation. For example, the RAN node sends the information of the first resource to the UE Reader.

[0501] In S611, the sending mode of the second inventory request can refer to the introduction of the AMF network element sending the fourth message, the second identity and the first information to the first access network node in S402 above.

[0502] S612 (optional): The RAN node sends a response message to the AMF network element. The response message can indicate whether to accept the second inventory request.

[0503] Optionally, the response message can carry the information of the RAN node.

[0504] Optionally, the response message can carry the indication information of whether to support the first mode. If the indication information of not supporting the first mode is carried, the AMF network element can forward the response message to the TMF network element. If S609 is executed after S612, the response message sent by the AMF network element can indicate that the first mode is not supported.

[0505] S613: The RAN node sends a third inventory request (which can refer to the fifth message in S402) to the UE Reader. Correspondingly, the UE Reader receives the third inventory request from the RAN node.

[0506] The third inventory request can carry the indication information of the first mode.

[0507] S614: The UE Reader sends a fourth inventory request to the TAG (the fourth inventory request can refer to the eighth message in S402). Correspondingly, the TAG receives the fourth inventory request from the UE Reader.

[0508] Up to now, the UE Reader starts the inventory process.

[0509] Optionally, the UE Reader sends an inventory start notification to the RAN node.

[0510] Optionally, the RAN node forwards the inventory start notification to the TMF network element. The inventory start notification can carry the Reader_ID to identify the message of which UE Reader.

[0511] S615: The TAG sends a response to the fourth inventory request to the UE Reader. Correspondingly, the UE Reader receives the response to the fourth inventory request from the TAG.

[0512] S616: The UE Reader sends a response to the third inventory request to the RAN node. Correspondingly, the RAN node receives the response to the third inventory request from the UE Reader.

[0513] S617: The RAN node sends a response message to the TMF network element. The response message can be considered as a response to the first inventory request. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the response to the first inventory request from the RAN node.

[0514] Optionally, if the TMF network element determines to continue to issue a command to the TAG, the TMF network element can perform the following steps:

[0515] S618: 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.

[0516] S619: The RAN sends a second command request to the UE Reader. Correspondingly, the UE Reader receives the second command request from the RAN node.

[0517] S620: The UE Reader sends a third command request to the TAG. Correspondingly, the TAG receives the third command request from the UE Reader.

[0518] S621: 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.

[0519] S622: 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.

[0520] S623: 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.

[0521] S624: The AMF network element re-allocates a GUTI for the UE Reader. The present application does not limit the execution order of S624 and S611-S628, and S624 can be executed at any step between S611-S623.

[0522] S625: The AMF network element sends a subscription notification message to the TMF network element, which carries the SUPI of the UE Reader and the GUTI re-allocated for the UE Reader. The TMF network element updates the GUTI of the UE Reader, and subsequently uses the updated GUTI to identify the UE Reader when communicating with the RAN node. The present application does not limit the execution order of S625 and S611-S628, and S625 can be executed at any step between S611-S623, but must be executed after S624.

[0523] 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.

[0524] 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, notifying the UE Reader that the current TAG command request has ended and the UE Reader can continue to inventory the next TAG. After receiving the continue inventory message, the RAN node can send the message to the UE Reader.

[0525] After receiving the message, the UE Reader can perform an access layer random access process and inventory the next TAG. This process is similar to the process of S615-S623 described above, and reference can be made to the description in S615-S623 described above, which will not be repeated here.

[0526] S626: The UE Reader sends first inventory end information (which can refer to the first inventory end information in the foregoing embodiments) to the RAN node. Correspondingly, the RAN node receives the inventory end information from the UE Reader.

[0527] S627: The RAN node sends first inventory end information to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the first inventory end information from the RAN node.

[0528] Optionally, the first inventory end information carries a GUTI to indicate that the information is for the UE Reader.

[0529] Optionally, the RAN node determines whether to send a connection release request to the AMF network element according to the needs of connection management.

[0530] 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.

[0531] S628: The TMF network element sends subscription cancellation information to the AMF network element, and the subscription cancellation information is used to cancel the information subscribed by the first subscription request.

[0532] S629: 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.

[0533] In one possible design, the service report includes the results corresponding to the above-mentioned inventory operation and command operation.

[0534] The subsequent steps of S613 can refer to the subsequent steps after S513 described above. Different from the steps included in the flow shown in FIG. 5, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the information exchanged between the RAN node and the TMF network element can carry the GUTI of the UE Reader.

[0535] It should be understood that, in the above flow, for the information sent by the UE Reader or the TMF network element, the RAN node can adopt a stateless forwarding processing manner. 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 processing manner, including that the RAN node manages the inventory task, or allocates a temporary identifier for the TAG, etc.

[0536] 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 after sending the inventory request to the AMF network element, the subsequent messages of the inventory process can be directly interacted through the N2' interface between the RAN node and the TMF network element, so as to achieve the purpose 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.

[0537] In addition, the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 gives a method of applying GUTI in the inventory process, which has less change to the standard.

[0538] In addition, the method shown in FIG. 6 can be compatible with the first mode and the second mode, and has high flexibility.

[0539] In addition, the RAN node can allocate AIoT resources for the UE Reader at multiple occasions to realize dynamic allocation of AIoT resources (such as different resources can be allocated each time).

[0540] For example, assuming that the first terminal is the UE Reader and the second terminal is the TAG, and the first access network node is the RAN node, as shown in FIG. 7, a possible process includes the following steps:

[0541] 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.

[0542] 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.

[0543] S703: The UE Reader registers with the AMF network element to realize registration and authorization of the UE Reader.

[0544] It can be understood that the processes of S701-S703 are similar to the processes of S501-S503, and the corresponding description in S501-S503 can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0545] S704: The AMF network element sends the information of the TMF network element corresponding to the UE Reader to the UDM network element. Correspondingly, the UDM network element receives the information of the TMF network element.

[0546] In one possible implementation, the AMF network element determines the TMF network element for the UE Reader, and sends the information (such as the identifier of the TMF network element) of the TMF network element to the UDM network element.

[0547] 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 the default configuration of the AMF network element (such as the AMF network element directly configuring a certain TMF network element corresponding to the UE Reader), or the location where the UE Reader is located (such as the location information of the RAN, TAI, or the like), or the information in the subscription information stored by the UDM network element (such as slice information), and the like.

[0548] 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, without limitation.

[0549] S705: 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.

[0550] The context creation request is used to request to create the context of the UE Reader. The context creation request carries the UE Reader identifier, such as Reader_ID, SUPI, or GUTI, and the like.

[0551] S706: 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.

[0552] The first service request described above can be inventory, and / or a command (such as read, write, disable, and the like), which is not limited by the present application. In addition to carrying the parameters required for executing the request in the first service 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 identifier of the UE Reader (such as SUPI, GSPI, or Reader_ID), or carries information that can be indirectly mapped into the identifier of the UE Reader.

[0553] S707: The NEF network element determines the UE Reader.

[0554] 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 described above. If the first service request does not carry the identifier of the UE Reader, the NEF network element can convert it into the identifier of the UE Reader. For example, the information carried in the first service request is a place name or ID, and the NEF network element is configured with one or more UE Reader information corresponding to the name or ID, and the UE Reader information includes the identifier of the UE Reader (such as SUPI, GSPI, or Reader_ID).

[0555] S708: The NEF network element queries the UDM network element for information of the TMF network element according to the identifier of the UE Reader.

[0556] One possible implementation is that the NEF network element queries the UDM network element for information of the TMF network element registered by the UE Reader, such as TMF ID and / or TMF address, according to the identifier of the UE Reader. The UDM network element can return the TMF ID and / or TMF address of the UE Reader.

[0557] Optionally, the UDM network element can also return the AMF ID and / or AMF address, and the corresponding Reader ID.

[0558] S709: 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.

[0559] The second service request is determined according to the first service request.

[0560] Subsequently, S505-S525 in the method shown in FIG. 5 can be performed, or S605-S629 in the method shown in FIG. 6 can be performed.

[0561] Based on the method shown in FIG. 7, after the UE Reader is registered, the AMF network element can determine the corresponding TMF network element for the UE Reader, and register the information of the TMF network element to the UDM network element. The AMF network element also notifies the TMF network element to create the context of the UE Reader. Subsequently, the NEF network element can query the UDM network element for the information of the TMF network element, so that when the NEF network element selects the TMF network element corresponding to the UE Reader, the same TMF network element as selected by the AMF network element is selected.

[0562] The above description of the inventory process in the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application is based on the example that the first terminal always accesses the first access network in the inventory process. In addition, the embodiments of the present application also provide a solution for how to perform the inventory process if the access network node accessed by the first terminal is switched in the inventory process. Hereinafter, the access network node accessed by the first terminal after switching in the inventory process is referred to as the second access network node, and the solution is described.

[0563] After the AMF network element sends the fourth message to the first access network node, before the inventory process ends (i.e., before the first terminal sends the inventory end information), the first terminal switches from the first access network node to the second access network node. Before the first terminal switches to the second access network node, the first terminal can not have started to perform the first inventory operation, can have already performed the first inventory operation, can have already performed the first command operation, or can not have performed the first command operation, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit the timing of the first terminal switching to the second access network node.

[0564] In the process of the first terminal switching to the second access network node, the first terminal and the AMF network element can send the context information (such as the first identifier, the authorization indication of the first terminal, and the indication information of the first mode) related to this inventory process and the cache data (such as the result of the first inventory operation sent by the first terminal) of this inventory process to the second access network node.

[0565] Optionally, after the first terminal switches to the second access network node, the second access network node can re-allocate the first resource to the first terminal.

[0566] After the first terminal switches to the second access network node, the second access network node can send second information to the TMF network element, the second information indicating that the first terminal switches to the second access network node, and the second information including a second identifier of the first terminal (the second identifier can also be referred to as the first identifier in the case of the second identifier being the same as the first identifier), such as a Reader ID or a temporary identifier. Optionally, the second information can also include information indicating the first access network node.

[0567] Optionally, the TMF network element can send a response message of the second information to the second access network node, and the response message can indicate that the TMF network element has learned that the first terminal switches to the second access network node. The response message can carry the second identifier of the first terminal.

[0568] If the TMF network element subsequently sends a message indicating to perform an inventory operation or a command operation to the first terminal, the TMF network element can send the message indicating to perform the inventory operation or the command operation to the first terminal through the second access network node. For example, the TMF network element determines that the first terminal still needs to perform the first command operation, and the TMF network element can send a third message to the second access network node, the third message indicating that the first terminal performs the first command operation, and the third message including the first identifier or the second identifier of the first terminal. For details, refer to the description of the third message above. Alternatively, if the second mode is used to transmit information, the TMF network element can send a third message to the AMF network element, and the AMF network element sends the third message to the first terminal through the second access network node.

[0569] For example, the TMF network element determines that the first terminal also needs to perform the inventory operation, and the TMF network element can send a message indicating the first terminal to perform the inventory operation to the second access network node. Alternatively, the TMF network element can send a message indicating the first terminal to perform the inventory operation to the AMF network element, and the AMF network element sends the message indicating the first terminal to perform the inventory operation to the first terminal through the second access network node.

[0570] For example, assuming that the first terminal is UE Reader, the second terminal is TAG, the first access network node is RAN node, and the second access network node is RAN-NEW, as shown in FIG. 8, a possible flow includes the following steps:

[0571] S801: 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.

[0572] The service request received by the TMF network element 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.

[0573] The TMF network element determines that the UE Reader performs the service request according to the service request.

[0574] S801 can refer to the description of S401 above.

[0575] S802: The TMF network element sends a first inventory request to the AMF network element. The first inventory request includes information indicating the TMF network element and the identifier of the UE Reader. The first inventory request also includes indication information of the first mode.

[0576] S803: The AMF network element sends a second inventory request to the RAN node. Correspondingly, the RAN node receives the second inventory request from the AMF network element.

[0577] S804: The RAN node sends a third inventory request to the UE Reader (the inventory request can refer to the fifth message in S402). Correspondingly, the UE Reader receives the third inventory request from the RAN node.

[0578] The third inventory request can carry the indication information of the first mode.

[0579] S805: The UE Reader sends a fourth inventory request to the TAG (the inventory request can refer to the eighth message in S402). Correspondingly, the TAG receives the fourth inventory request from the UE Reader.

[0580] S806: The TAG responds to the fourth inventory request and sends a response of the fourth inventory request to the UE Reader. Correspondingly, the UE Reader receives the response of the fourth inventory request from the TAG.

[0581] S807: The UE Reader sends a response of the third inventory request to the RAN node. Correspondingly, the RAN node receives the response of the third inventory request from the UE Reader.

[0582] S808: The RAN node sends a response message to the TMF network element. The response message can be considered as a response of the first inventory request. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the response of the first inventory request from the RAN node.

[0583] S809: The UE Reader switches from the RAN node to the RAN New node.

[0584] Based on the switching procedure, the RAN New node acquires the context information related to the inventory task and the cache data related to the inventory.

[0585] S809 can occur at any time before S803 to the end of the inventory procedure.

[0586] Optionally, the RAN-New node can re-allocate AIoT resources for the UE Reader.

[0587] S810: The RAN-New node sends a switching notification message to the TMF network element. The switching notification message carries an identifier of the UE Reader.

[0588] S811: The TMF network element replies to the RAN-New node with a switching response.

[0589] S812: The TMF network element sends a first command request to the RAN-New node. Correspondingly, the RAN-New node receives the first command request from the TMF network element.

[0590] S813: The RAN-New node sends a second command request to the UE Reader. Correspondingly, the UE Reader receives the second command request from the RAN-New node.

[0591] S814: The UE Reader sends a third command request to the TAG. Correspondingly, the TAG receives the third command request from the UE Reader.

[0592] S815: 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.

[0593] S816: The UE Reader sends a response of the second command request to the RAN-New node. Correspondingly, the RAN-New node receives the response of the second command request from the UE Reader.

[0594] S817: The RAN-New 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-New node.

[0595] 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.

[0596] 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, notifying the UE Reader that the current TAG command request has ended and the next TAG can be continued to be inventoried. After receiving the continue inventory message, the RAN-New node can send the message to the UE Reader. 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 S806-S817 described above, and reference can be made to the description in S806-S817 described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0597] S818: The UE Reader sends first inventory end information (which can refer to the first inventory end information in the foregoing embodiments) to the RAN-New node. Correspondingly, the RAN-New node receives the inventory end information from the UE Reader.

[0598] S819: The RAN-New node sends the first inventory end information to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the first inventory end information from the RAN-New node.

[0599] S820: 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.

[0600] The subsequent steps of S812 can refer to the subsequent steps of S616, and different from the subsequent steps of S616, the subsequent steps of S812 are interacted by the RAN-New node and the TMF network element.

[0601] Optionally, in the scenario of handover of the first terminal, the access network node can allocate a temporary identifier to the TAG. Exemplarily, the temporary identifier allocated by the access network node to the TAG can be denoted as RAN_Temp_ID.

[0602] Optionally, the TMF network element can allocate a temporary identity for the TAG. Exemplarily, the temporary identity allocated by the TMF network element for the TAG can be denoted as TMF_Temp_ID.

[0603] The temporary identity allocated by the access network node and / or the TMF network element for the TAG can be used to identify the TAG between the access network node and the TMF network element.

[0604] The following describes how to perform the inventory process in different scenarios based on different timing of the first terminal switching to the second access network node.

[0605] In scenario one, the first terminal switches to the second access network node after the first access network node sends the second message to the TMF network element, and before the first terminal switches, the TMF network element has not sent the third message to the first access network node indicating the first command operation.

[0606] In scenario one, the first access network node has allocated a temporary identity for the second terminal before the first terminal switches to the second access network node. The second message sent by the first access network node to the TMF network element can carry the temporary identity of the second terminal. After receiving the second message, the TMF network element can record the temporary identity of the second terminal. When the TMF network element has not sent the message indicating the first command operation, the second access network node sends the second information to the TMF network element, indicating that the first terminal switches to the second access network node. The second information can carry the second identity, the temporary identity allocated by the first access network node for the second terminal, and the temporary identity allocated by the second access network node for the second terminal. The TMF network element can update the temporary identity of the second terminal to the temporary identity allocated by the second access network node for the second terminal according to the second information.

[0607] After receiving the second information, the TMF network element allocates a temporary identity for the second terminal. If subsequent information related to the second terminal needs to be exchanged between the TMF network element and the second access network node in the inventory process, the exchanged information can carry the temporary identity allocated by the second access network node for the second terminal and the temporary identity allocated by the TMF network element for the second terminal to identify the second terminal.

[0608] Exemplarily, the message sent by the TMF network element to the second access network node indicating the execution of the first command operation can carry the second identity of the first terminal, the temporary identity allocated by the second access network node for the second terminal, and the temporary identity allocated by the TMF network element for the second terminal. The message sent by the second access network node to the TMF network element indicating the result corresponding to the first command operation can carry the temporary identity allocated by the second access network node for the second terminal and the temporary identity allocated by the TMF network element for the second terminal.

[0609] For another example, if the TMF network element determines that the command operation on the second terminal does not need to be performed again, the TMF network element can send a message indicating that the command operation on the second terminal does not need to be performed again to the second access network node, and the message can carry the temporary identifier allocated to the second terminal by the second access network node and the temporary identifier allocated to the second terminal by the TMF network element.

[0610] For example, in scenario one, the inventory process can be as shown in FIG. 9, including the following steps:

[0611] S901, 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.

[0612] S901 can refer to the description of S401 above.

[0613] S902: The TMF network element sends a first inventory request to the AMF network element. The first inventory request includes information indicating the TMF network element and the identifier of the UE Reader. The first inventory request also includes indication information of the first mode.

[0614] S903: The AMF network element sends a second inventory request to the RAN node. Correspondingly, the RAN node receives the second inventory request from the AMF network element.

[0615] S904: The RAN node sends a third inventory request to the UE Reader (the inventory request can refer to the fifth message in S402). Correspondingly, the UE Reader receives the third inventory request from the RAN node.

[0616] The third inventory request can carry indication information of the first mode.

[0617] S905: The UE Reader sends a fourth inventory request to the TAG (the inventory request can refer to the eighth message in S402). Correspondingly, the TAG receives the fourth inventory request from the UE Reader.

[0618] S906: The TAG sends a response to the fourth inventory request to the UE Reader in response to the fourth inventory request. Correspondingly, the UE Reader receives the response to the fourth inventory request from the TAG.

[0619] S907: The UE Reader sends a response to the third inventory request to the RAN node. Correspondingly, the RAN node receives the response to the third inventory request from the UE Reader.

[0620] S908: The RAN node sends a response message to the TMF network element. The response message can be considered as a response of the first inventory request. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the response of the first inventory request from the RAN node.

[0621] S909: The UE Reader switches from the RAN node to the RAN New node.

[0622] Based on the switching procedure, the RAN New node acquires the context information related to the inventory task and the cache data related to the inventory.

[0623] Optionally, the RAN-New node can re-allocate AIoT resources for the UE Reader.

[0624] S910: The RAN-New node sends a switching notification message to the TMF network element, carrying the identity of the UE Reader, the identity of the TAG allocated by the RAN-New node: RAN-New_Temp_ID, and the identity of the TAG allocated by the RAN node: RAN_Temp_ID.

[0625] S911: The TMF network element replies to the RAN-New node with a switching response, carrying the identity of the UE Reader, the identity of the TAG allocated by the RAN-New node, and the identity of the TAG allocated by the TMF network element: TMF_Temp_ID.

[0626] S912: The TMF network element sends a first command request to the RAN-New node, carrying the identity of the UE Reader, the identity of the TAG allocated by the RAN-New node, and the identity of the TAG allocated by the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the RAN-New node receives the first command request from the TMF network element.

[0627] S913: The RAN-New node sends a second command request to the UE Reader. Correspondingly, the UE Reader receives the second command request from the RAN-New node.

[0628] S914: The UE Reader sends a third command request to the TAG. Correspondingly, the TAG receives the third command request from the UE Reader.

[0629] S915: 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.

[0630] S916: The UE Reader sends a response of the second command request to the RAN-New node. Correspondingly, the RAN-New node receives the response of the second command request from the UE Reader.

[0631] S917: The RAN-New 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-New node.

[0632] 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.

[0633] 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, notifying the UE Reader that the current TAG command request has ended and the next TAG can be continued to be inventoried. After receiving the continue inventory message, the RAN-New node can send the message to the UE Reader.

[0634] 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 S906-S917 described above, and the description in S806-S817 described above can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0635] S918: The UE Reader sends first inventory end information (which can refer to the first inventory end information in the foregoing embodiments) to the RAN-New node. Correspondingly, the RAN-New node receives the inventory end information from the UE Reader.

[0636] S919: The RAN-New node sends the first inventory end information to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the first inventory end information from the RAN-New node.

[0637] S920: 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.

[0638] The subsequent steps of S912 can refer to the subsequent steps of S812.

[0639] Scenario two, the first terminal switches to the second access network node, which occurs after the TMF network element sends a third message indicating to perform a first command operation to the first access network node, and the TMF network element has not sent a message to continue to perform an inventory operation to the first access network node when the first terminal switches.

[0640] In the scenario two, the first access network node and the TMF network element have allocated a temporary identifier for the second terminal before the first terminal switches to the second access network node. The second message sent by the first access network node to the TMF network element carries the temporary identifier allocated by the first access network node for the second terminal. The third message sent by the TMF network element to the first access network node indicating to perform the first command operation carries the temporary identifier allocated by the first access network node for the second terminal and the temporary identifier allocated by the TMF network element for the second terminal. After the first terminal switches, the second information sent by the second access network node to the TMF network element carries the second identifier, the temporary identifier allocated by the TMF network element for the second terminal, and the temporary identifier allocated by the second access network node for the second terminal. The TMF network element can update the temporary identifier of the second terminal allocated by the first access network node to the temporary identifier of the second terminal allocated by the second access network node according to the second information.

[0641] If the TMF network element and the second access network node need to interact information related to the second terminal in the inventory process subsequently, the information exchanged can carry the temporary identifier allocated by the second access network node for the second terminal and the temporary identifier allocated by the TMF network element for the second terminal to identify the second terminal. For details, reference can be made to the introduction of the scenario one above.

[0642] Exemplarily, in the scenario two, the inventory process can be as shown in FIG. 10, including the following steps:

[0643] S1001, 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.

[0644] S1001 can refer to the introduction of S401 above.

[0645] S1002: The TMF network element sends a first inventory request to the AMF network element. The first inventory request includes information indicating the TMF network element, and the identifier of the UE Reader. The first inventory request further includes indication information of the first mode.

[0646] S1003: The AMF network element sends a second inventory request to the RAN node. Correspondingly, the RAN node receives the second inventory request from the AMF network element.

[0647] S1004: The RAN node sends a third inventory request to the UE Reader (the inventory request can refer to the fifth message in S402). Correspondingly, the UE Reader receives the third inventory request from the RAN node.

[0648] The third inventory request can carry the indication information of the first mode.

[0649] S1005: The UE Reader sends a fourth inventory request to the TAG (the inventory request can refer to the eighth message in S402). Correspondingly, the TAG receives the fourth inventory request from the UE Reader.

[0650] S1006: The TAG sends a response to the fourth inventory request to the UE Reader in response to the fourth inventory request. Correspondingly, the UE Reader receives the response to the fourth inventory request from the TAG.

[0651] S1007: The UE Reader sends a response to the third inventory request to the RAN node. Correspondingly, the RAN node receives the response to the third inventory request from the UE Reader.

[0652] S1008: The RAN node sends a response message to the TMF network element. The response message can be considered as a response to the first inventory request, carrying the identifier of the UE Reader and the identifier allocated by the RAN node for the TAG: RAN_Temp_ID. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the response to the first inventory request from the RAN node.

[0653] S1009: The TMF network element sends a first command request to the RAN node, carrying the identifier of the UE Reader and the identifier allocated by the TMF network element for the TAG: TMF_Temp_ID. Correspondingly, the RAN node receives the first command request from the TMF network element.

[0654] S1010: The UE Reader switches from the RAN node to the RAN New node.

[0655] Based on the switching process, the RAN New node obtains the context information related to the inventory task and the cache data related to the inventory.

[0656] Optionally, the RAN-New node can allocate AIoT resources for the UE Reader again.

[0657] S1011: The RAN-New node sends a switching notification message to the TMF network element, carrying the identifier of the UE Reader, the identifier allocated by the RAN-New node for the TAG: RAN-New_Temp_ID, and the identifier allocated by the TMF network element for the TAG.

[0658] S1012: The TMF network element replies to the RAN-New node with a switching response, carrying the identifier of the UE Reader, the identifier allocated by the RAN-New node for the TAG, and the identifier allocated by the TMF network element for the TAG: TMF_Temp_ID.

[0659] S1013: The RAN-New node sends a second command request to the UE Reader. Correspondingly, the UE Reader receives the second command request from the RAN-New node.

[0660] S1014: The UE Reader sends a third command request to the TAG. Correspondingly, the TAG receives the third command request from the UE Reader.

[0661] S1015: 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.

[0662] S1016: The UE Reader sends a response of the second command request to the RAN-New node. Correspondingly, the RAN-New node receives the response of the second command request from the UE Reader.

[0663] S1017: The RAN-New 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-New node.

[0664] 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.

[0665] 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, notifying the UE Reader that the current TAG command request has ended and the next TAG can be continued to be inventoried. After receiving the continue inventory message, the RAN-New node can send the message to the UE Reader.

[0666] 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 processes of S1006-S1017 described above, and reference can be made to the description in S806-S817 described above, and details are not described herein again.

[0667] S1018: The UE Reader sends first inventory end information (which can refer to the first inventory end information in the foregoing embodiments) to the RAN-New node. Correspondingly, the RAN-New node receives the inventory end information from the UE Reader.

[0668] S1019: The RAN-New node sends the first inventory end information to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the first inventory end information from the RAN-New node.

[0669] S1020: 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.

[0670] In scenario three, when the first terminal switches to the second access network node, neither the access network node (including the first access network node and the second access network node) nor the TMF network element has information related to the TAG to be processed. In this case, the access network node and the TMF network element do not need to update the temporary identifier of the TAG. The second information sent by the second access network node to the TMF network element carries the second identifier of the first terminal, and does not need to carry the temporary identifier allocated for the TAG.

[0671] Optionally, if the TMF network element sends a response message to the second access network node after receiving the second information, the response message does not need to carry the temporary identifier allocated for the TAG.

[0672] Illustratively, after the TMF network element determines that it does not need to perform the command operation on the second terminal, the TMF network element sends a message to the first access network node indicating that the command operation on the second terminal is no longer performed. The message can carry the temporary identifier allocated for the second terminal by the first access network node and the temporary identifier allocated for the second terminal by the TMF network element. Subsequently, the first terminal switches to the second access network node, and when the first terminal switches to the second access network node, the first access network node has not yet sent the inventory result of another TAG to the TMF network element.

[0673] Illustratively, in scenario three, the inventory process can be as shown in FIG. 11, including the following steps:

[0674] S1101: 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.

[0675] S1101 can refer to the description of S401 above.

[0676] S1102: The TMF network element sends a first inventory request to the AMF network element. The first inventory request includes information indicating the TMF network element and the identifier of the UE Reader. The first inventory request also includes indication information of the first mode.

[0677] S1103: The AMF network element sends a second inventory request to the RAN node. Correspondingly, the RAN node receives the second inventory request from the AMF network element.

[0678] S1104: The RAN node sends a third inventory request to the UE Reader (the inventory request can refer to the fifth message in S402). Correspondingly, the UE Reader receives the third inventory request from the RAN node.

[0679] The third inventory request can carry the indication information of the first mode.

[0680] S1105: The UE Reader sends a fourth inventory request to the TAG (the fourth inventory request can refer to the eighth message in S402). Correspondingly, the TAG receives the fourth inventory request from the UE Reader.

[0681] S1106: The TAG sends a response to the fourth inventory request to the UE Reader. Correspondingly, the UE Reader receives the response to the fourth inventory request from the TAG.

[0682] S1107: The UE Reader sends a response to the third inventory request to the RAN node. Correspondingly, the RAN node receives the response to the third inventory request from the UE Reader.

[0683] S1108: The RAN node sends a response message to the TMF network element. The response message can be considered as a response to the first inventory request. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the response to the first inventory request from the RAN node. The response message carries the identifier of the UE Reader and the identifier allocated by the RAN node for the TAG: RAN_Temp_ID.

[0684] S1109: The TMF network element sends a first command request to the RAN node, carrying the identifier of the UE Reader, the identifier allocated by the RAN node for the TAG, and the identifier allocated by the TMF network element for the TAG. Correspondingly, the RAN node receives the first command request from the TMF network element.

[0685] S1110: The RAN node sends a second command request to the UE Reader. Correspondingly, the UE Reader receives the second command request from the RAN-New node.

[0686] S1111: The UE Reader sends a third command request to the TAG. Correspondingly, the TAG receives the third command request from the UE Reader.

[0687] S1112: 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.

[0688] S1113: The UE Reader sends a response to the second command request to the RAN-New node. Correspondingly, the RAN-New node receives the response to the second command request from the UE Reader.

[0689] S1114: 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. The response carries the identity of the UE Reader, the identity of the TAG allocated by the RAN node, and the identity of the TAG allocated by the TMF network element.

[0690] 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.

[0691] If the TMF network element does not issue a command request to the TAG, the TMF network element can perform the following steps:

[0692] S1115: The TMF network element issues 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. After receiving the continue inventory message, the RAN-New node can send the message to the UE Reader.

[0693] After receiving the message, the UE Reader can perform an access layer random access process and inventory the next TAG.

[0694] S1116: The UE Reader switches from the RAN node to the RAN New node.

[0695] Based on the switching process, the RAN New node acquires context information related to the inventory task and inventory-related cache data.

[0696] Optionally, the RAN-New node can re-allocate AIoT resources for the UE Reader.

[0697] S1117: The RAN-New node sends a switching notification message to the TMF network element, carrying the identity of the UE Reader.

[0698] S1118: The TMF network element replies to the RAN-New node with a switching response, carrying the identity of the UE Reader.

[0699] Optionally, the above S1106-S1115 can be repeated until there is no TAG to respond to the inventory request and the command request.

[0700] S1119: The UE Reader sends first inventory end information (which can refer to the first inventory end information in the foregoing embodiments) to the RAN-New node. Correspondingly, the RAN-New node receives the inventory end information from the UE Reader.

[0701] S1120: The RAN-New node sends first inventory end information to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the first inventory end information from the RAN-New node.

[0702] S1121: 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.

[0703] Scenario four: When the first terminal switches to the second access network node, the TMF network element has received the inventory result of a certain TAG, and the first terminal does not need to perform a command operation on the TAG.

[0704] Optionally, the first message sent by the TMF network element can indicate that the TMF network element will not instruct the first terminal to perform a command operation in the future. In this case, after the first terminal obtains the ninth message of the second terminal, the first terminal can directly start inventorying the next TAG and does not need to wait for the response message of the TMF network element to the second terminal.

[0705] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific implementation of the first message indicating that the TMF network element will not instruct the first terminal to perform a command operation in the future. For example, the first message can carry an indication information indicating whether there is a subsequent command operation. For another example, the type of the first message can be defined, and one type of the first message can represent performing an inventory operation without performing a command operation, and another type of the first message can represent performing an inventory operation and performing a command operation.

[0706] Exemplarily, in scenario four, the inventory process can be as shown in FIG. 12, including the following steps:

[0707] S1201: 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.

[0708] S1201 can refer to the description of S401 above.

[0709] S1202: The TMF network element sends a first inventory request to the AMF network element. The first inventory request includes information indicating the TMF network element and the identifier of the UE Reader. The first inventory request also includes indication information of the first mode.

[0710] S1203: The AMF network element sends a second inventory request to the RAN node. Correspondingly, the RAN node receives the second inventory request from the AMF network element.

[0711] S1204: The RAN node sends a third inventory request to the UE Reader (the inventory request can refer to the fifth message in S402). Correspondingly, the UE Reader receives the third inventory request from the RAN node.

[0712] The third inventory request can carry the indication information of the first mode.

[0713] S1205: The UE Reader sends a fourth inventory request to the TAG (the fourth inventory request can refer to the eighth message in S402). Correspondingly, the TAG receives the fourth inventory request from the UE Reader.

[0714] S1206: The TAG sends a response to the fourth inventory request to the UE Reader. Correspondingly, the UE Reader receives the response to the fourth inventory request from the TAG.

[0715] S1207: The UE Reader sends a response to the third inventory request to the RAN node. Correspondingly, the RAN node receives the response to the third inventory request from the UE Reader.

[0716] S1208: The RAN node sends a response message to the TMF network element. The response message can be considered as a response to the first inventory request. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the response to the first inventory request from the RAN node. The response message carries the identifier of the UE Reader and the identifier RAN_Temp_ID allocated by the RAN node for the TAG.

[0717] S1209: The UE Reader switches from the RAN node to the RAN New node.

[0718] Based on the switching process, the RAN New node obtains the context information related to the inventory task and the cache data related to the inventory.

[0719] Optionally, the RAN-New node can re-allocate AIoT resources for the UE Reader.

[0720] S1210: The RAN-New node sends a switching notification message to the TMF network element, carrying the identifier of the UE Reader.

[0721] S1211: The TMF network element replies to the RAN-New node with a switching response, carrying the identifier of the UE Reader.

[0722] Optionally, the above S1206-S1208 can be repeated until there is no TAG that can respond to the inventory request.

[0723] S1212: The UE Reader sends first inventory end information (which can refer to the first inventory end information in the foregoing embodiments) to the RAN-New node. Correspondingly, the RAN-New node receives the inventory end information from the UE Reader.

[0724] S1213: The RAN-New node sends first inventory end information to the TMF network element. Correspondingly, the TMF network element receives the first inventory end information from the RAN-New node.

[0725] S1214: 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.

[0726] It can be understood that the actions of the UE Reader, the TMF network element, the RAN node, the first access network node, the AMF network element, the UDM network element, or the NEF network element in the above steps can be executed by the processor 301 in the communication device 30 shown in FIG. 3 invoking the application program code stored in the memory 303, and the present application does not make any limitation thereto.

[0727] The various embodiments mentioned in the foregoing of the present application can be combined without contradiction in the scheme, without limitation.

[0728] The above mainly introduces the scheme provided by the present application from the perspective of interaction between various network elements. Correspondingly, the present application also provides a communication device, which can be a TMF network element in the above method embodiment, or a device containing the above TMF network element, or a component applicable to the TMF network element; or the communication device can be an access network node (such as a first access network node or a second access network node) in the above method embodiment, or a device containing the above access network node, or a component applicable to the access network node; or the communication device can be an AMF network element in the above method embodiment, or a device containing the above AMF network element, or a component applicable to the AMF network element; or the communication device can be a UDM network element in the above method embodiment, or a device containing the above UDM network element, or a component applicable to the UDM network element; or the communication device can be a NEF network element in the above method embodiment, or a device containing the above NEF network element, or a component applicable to the NEF network element; or the communication device can be a first terminal in the above method embodiment, or a device containing the above first terminal, or a component applicable to the first terminal. It can be understood that each network element or device above contains a corresponding hardware structure and / or software module for implementing each function. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that, in combination with the unit and algorithm operation of each example described in the embodiments disclosed in the present application, the present application can be realized in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a certain function is realized by hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to realize the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present application.

[0729] The present application can divide the functional modules of the TMF network element, the access network node, the terminal, the AMF network element, the UDM network element, or the NEF network element according to the above method examples, for example, each functional module can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated in one processing module. The above integrated module can be realized in the form of hardware or software functional module. It can be understood that the division of modules in the present application is illustrative, and is only a logical function division. There can be another division method in actual implementation.

[0730] For example, in the case of dividing each functional module in an integrated manner, FIG. 13 shows a structural schematic diagram of a communication apparatus 130. The communication apparatus 130 includes a processing module 1301 and an interface module 1302. The processing module 1301, which can also be referred to as a processing unit, is configured to perform operations other than transceiving operations, for example, can be a processing circuitry or a processor, etc. The interface module 1302, which can also be referred to as an interface unit, is configured to perform transceiving operations, for example, can be an interface circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver, or a communication interface, etc.

[0731] In some embodiments, the communication apparatus 130 can further include a storage module (not shown in FIG. 13) configured to store program instructions and data.

[0732] For example, the communication apparatus 130 is configured to implement the function of a TMF network element. The communication apparatus 130 is, for example, the TMF network element described in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4-12.

[0733] The processing module 1301 is configured to obtain a first identifier. For example, the processing module 1301 can be configured to perform S401.

[0734] The interface module 1302 is configured to send a first message to an AMF network element, and is further configured to receive a second message from a first access network node. For example, the interface module 1302 can be configured to perform S402 and S403.

[0735] When used to implement the function of a TMF network element, other functions that the communication apparatus 130 can implement can be referred to the related descriptions of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4-12, and will not be described in detail.

[0736] For example, the communication apparatus 130 is configured to implement the function of an AMF network element. The communication apparatus 130 is, for example, the AMF network element described in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4-12.

[0737] The interface module 1302 is configured to receive a first message from a TMF network element. For example, the interface module 1302 can be configured to perform S402.

[0738] The interface module 1302 is further configured to send a fourth message to a first access network node.

[0739] When used to implement the function of a first access network node, other functions that the communication apparatus 130 can implement can be referred to the related descriptions of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4-12, and will not be described in detail.

[0740] For example, the communication apparatus 130 is configured to implement the function of a first access network node. The communication apparatus 130 is, for example, the first access network node described in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4-12.

[0741] The interface module 1302 is configured to receive the fourth message from the AMF network element.

[0742] The interface module 1302 is further configured to send the fifth message to the first terminal.

[0743] When used to implement the function of the first access network node, other functions that the communication apparatus 130 can implement can refer to the related descriptions of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4-12.

[0744] Alternatively, the communication apparatus 130 is configured to implement the function of the first terminal. The communication apparatus 130 is, for example, the first terminal described in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4-5, or the UE Reader described in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6-12.

[0745] The interface module 1302 is configured to receive the fifth message from the first access network node.

[0746] The interface module 1302 is further configured to send the eighth message to the second terminal.

[0747] The interface module 1302 is further configured to receive the ninth message from the second terminal.

[0748] The interface module 1302 is further configured to send the second message to the first network element through the first access network node.

[0749] When used to implement the function of the first terminal or the UE Reader, other functions that the communication apparatus 130 can implement can refer to the related descriptions of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4-12.

[0750] Alternatively, the communication apparatus 130 is configured to implement the function of the UDM network element. The communication apparatus 130 is, for example, the UDM network element described in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4-12.

[0751] The interface module 1302 is configured to receive the fifth information from the access management network element.

[0752] The interface module 1302 is further configured to receive the first query information from the network exposure network element.

[0753] The processing module 1301 is configured to determine a first query result according to the fifth information and the first query information.

[0754] The interface module 1302 is further configured to send the first query result to the network exposure network element.

[0755] When used to implement the function of the UDM network element, other functions that the communication apparatus 130 can implement can refer to the related descriptions of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4-12.

[0756] Alternatively, the communication apparatus 130 is configured to implement the function of the NEF network element. The communication apparatus 130 is, for example, the NEF network element described in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4-12.

[0757] The interface module 1302 is configured to receive the first service request.

[0758] The interface module 1302 is further configured to send first query information to the unified data management network element according to the first service request.

[0759] When the communication apparatus 130 is configured to implement the function of the NEF network element, other functions that the communication apparatus 130 can implement can be referred to the related descriptions of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4-12, and will not be described in detail.

[0760] In a simple embodiment, the communication apparatus 130 can take the form shown in FIG. 3, which can be conceived by those skilled in the art. For example, the processor 301 in FIG. 3 can invoke the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 303 to enable the communication apparatus 130 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0761] Alternatively, the functions / implementation processes of the processing module 1301 and the interface module 1302 in FIG. 13 can be implemented by the processor 301 in FIG. 3 invoking the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 303. Alternatively, the functions / implementation processes of the processing module 1301 in FIG. 13 can be implemented by the processor 301 in FIG. 3 invoking the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 303, and the functions / implementation processes of the interface module 1302 in FIG. 13 can be implemented by the transceiver 302 in FIG. 3.

[0762] It can be understood that one or more of the above modules or units can be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of both. When any of the above modules or units is implemented in software, the software exists in the form of computer program instructions, and is stored in the memory. The processor can be configured to execute the program instructions and implement the above method processes. The processor can be built in a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or can be a separate semiconductor chip. The processor can further include necessary hardware accelerators outside the processing core for executing software instructions to perform operations or processing, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a logic circuit that implements special logic operations.

[0763] When the above modules or units are implemented in hardware, the hardware can be any one or any combination of a CPU, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP) chip, a microcontroller unit (MCU), an artificial intelligence processor, an ASIC, a SoC, a FPGA, a PLD, a dedicated digital circuit, a hardware accelerator, or a non-integrated discrete device, which can run necessary software or otherwise implement the above methods flowcharts.

[0764] Optionally, the present application also provides a chip system, comprising: at least one processor and an interface, the at least one processor is coupled with a memory through the interface, when the at least one processor executes a computer program or instructions in the memory, the method in any of the above method embodiments is executed. In a possible implementation, the chip system further comprises the memory. Optionally, the chip system can be composed of a chip, or can contain a chip and other discrete devices, the present application does not make specific limitation hereon.

[0765] Optionally, the present application also provides a computer readable storage medium. All or part of the flowcharts in the above method embodiments can be instructed by a computer program to relevant hardware to complete, the program can be stored in the above computer readable storage medium, and the program can include the flowcharts of the above method embodiments when executed. The computer readable storage medium can be an internal storage unit of the communication device in any of the above embodiments, for example, a hard disk or a memory of the communication device. The above computer readable storage medium can also be an external storage device of the above communication device, for example, a plug-in hard disk, a smart media card (SMC), a secure digital (SD) card, a flash card and the like equipped on the above communication device. Further, the above computer readable storage medium can include both the internal storage unit and the external storage device of the above communication device. The above computer readable storage medium is used to store the above computer program and other programs and data required by the above communication device. The above computer readable storage medium can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or will be output.

[0766] Optionally, the present application also provides a computer program product. All or part of the flowcharts in the above method embodiments can be instructed by a computer program to relevant hardware to complete, the program can be stored in the above computer program product, and the program can include the flowcharts of the above method embodiments when executed.

[0767] Optionally, the present application further provides a computer instruction. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be instructed by the computer instruction to the related hardware (such as a computer, a processor, a TMF network element, an access network node, a terminal, an AMF network element, an NEF network element, an NRF network element, or a UDM network element, etc.) to complete. The program can be stored in the above computer readable storage medium or the above computer program product.

[0768] Optionally, the present application further provides a communication system, comprising at least one of the TMF network element, the first access network node, the second access network node, the first terminal, the AMF network element, the NEF network element, the NRF network element, or the UDM network element in the above embodiments.

[0769] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, only the division of the above functional modules is taken as an example for illustration, and in actual application, the above functions can be completed by different functional modules according to needs, that is, the internal structure of the device is divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the above described functions.

[0770] It can be understood that the "connection" in the present application can be direct connection or indirect connection; in addition, it can refer to electrical connection or communication connection. For example, two electrical elements A and B are connected, which can refer to that A and B are directly connected, or can refer to that A and B are indirectly connected through other electrical elements or connection medium, so that A and B can perform electrical signal transmission; for another example, two devices A and B are connected, which can refer to that A and B are directly connected, or can refer to that A and B are indirectly connected through other communication devices or communication medium, so that A and B can communicate.

[0771] It can be understood that the names of messages between the network elements in the above embodiments of the present application or the names of parameters in the messages are only an example, and in specific implementation, other names can also be used, and the present application does not make specific limitation on this.

[0772] It can be understood that, in the present application, " / " can represent that the objects before and after the " / " are in an "or" relationship, for example, A / B can represent A or B; "and / or" can be used to describe the existence of three relationships of associated objects, for example, A and / or B, which can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone, wherein A and B can be singular or plural. In addition, expressions similar to "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" are generally used to represent any one of the following: A exists alone; B exists alone; C exists alone; A and B exist simultaneously; A and C exist simultaneously; B and C exist simultaneously; A, B, and C exist simultaneously. The above is an example of A, B, and C with three elements to illustrate the alternative items of the project, and when there are more elements in the expression, the meaning of the expression can be obtained according to the foregoing rules.

[0773] In order to facilitate the description of the technical solutions of the present application, in the present application, "first", "second", and the like can be used to distinguish functionally identical or similar technical features. The "first", "second", and the like do not limit the quantity and execution order, and the "first", "second", and the like do not necessarily mean different. In the present application, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to represent examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be interpreted as more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. The use of "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concept in a specific manner, and to facilitate understanding.

[0774] It can be understood that the "embodiments" mentioned throughout the specification mean that the specific features, structures, or characteristics related to the embodiments are included in at least one embodiment of the present application. Therefore, the various embodiments throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner. It can be understood that in various embodiments of the present application, the size of the sequence number of each process does not mean the execution order, and the execution order of each process should be determined according to its function and inherent logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the present application.

[0775] It can be understood that, in the present application, "for indicating" can include direct indication and indirect indication, and can also include explicit indication and implicit indication. When it is described that certain indication information is used to indicate A, it can include that the indication information directly indicates A or indirectly indicates A, and it does not mean that A must be carried in the indication information. The information indicated by certain information (such as the first indication information described above) is referred to as to-be-indicated information, and there are many ways to indicate the to-be-indicated information in the specific implementation process, for example but not limited to, the to-be-indicated information can be directly indicated, such as the to-be-indicated information itself or an index of the to-be-indicated information. The to-be-indicated information can also be indirectly indicated by indicating other information, where the other information and the to-be-indicated information have an association relationship. The to-be-indicated information can also be indicated only by a part of the to-be-indicated information, and the other part of the to-be-indicated information is known or agreed in advance. For example, the indication of specific information can also be achieved by means of the arrangement order of each information agreed in advance (for example, a protocol stipulates), thereby reducing the indication overhead to a certain extent.

[0776] It can be understood that, in the present application, "when", "in the case of", "if" and "if" all refer to making corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances, not limited to time, and also does not require a judgment action when implementing, nor means that there are other limitations.

[0777] In the present application, "at the same time" can be understood as at the same time point, also can be understood as in a period of time, and also can be understood as in the same cycle.

[0778] It can be understood that some optional features in the present application can be implemented independently in some scenarios, without relying on other features, such as the scheme currently based on, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. In some scenarios, the features can be combined with other features according to needs. Correspondingly, the devices given in the present application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be described here.

[0779] It can be understood that the same step or step or technical feature with the same function in the present application can be mutually referenced and learned between different embodiments.

[0780] In several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and method can be implemented in other manners. For example, the embodiments of the apparatus described above are merely schematic, and the division of the modules or units is merely logical function division, and there can be another division manner in actual implementation. For example, a plurality of units or components can be combined or integrated into another device, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the displayed or discussed mutual couplings or direct couplings or communication connections between different units, or the among different units, can be indirect couplings or communication connections through some interfaces, devices or units, and can be in electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0781] The units described as separated components can or can not be physically separated, and the components displayed as units can be located in one place or can be distributed to multiple places. Some or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purposes of the embodiments.

[0782] In addition, each functional unit in the embodiments of the present application can be integrated in a processing unit, or each unit can exist physically as a separate unit, or two or more units can be integrated in one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in the form of hardware, or in the form of a software functional unit.

[0783] The above describes only specific embodiments of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto, and any changes or replacements within the technical scope disclosed in the present application should be covered in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is applied to a first network element or a chip in the first network element, the first network element being a network element in a core network, and the method comprises: obtaining a first identifier, the first identifier being indicative of a first terminal; sending a first message to an access management network element, the first message comprising the first identifier and first information, the first message being indicative of the first terminal performing a first inventory operation, the first information being indicative of the first network element; receiving a second message from a first access network node, the second message being indicative of a first inventory result, the first inventory result corresponding to the first inventory operation, the second message not passing through the access management network element, the first access network node being an access network node accessed by the first terminal.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first identifier is configured for a terminal with an inventory function; and the obtaining of the first identifier comprises: receiving the first identifier from a unified data management network element, an application function or a network exposure function.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The second message comprises the first identifier.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The method further comprises: sending a third message to the first access network node, the third message being indicative of the first terminal performing a first command operation, the third message comprising the first identifier.

5. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The method further comprises: receiving second information from a second access network node, the second information being indicative of the first terminal switching to the second access network node, the second information comprising the first identifier; sending a third message to the second access network node, the third message being indicative of the first terminal performing a first command operation, the third message comprising the first identifier.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first identifier is a permanent identifier of the first terminal, and the obtaining of the first identifier comprises: receiving the first identifier from a unified data management network element, an application function or a network exposure function; The method further comprises: receiving a second identifier from the access management network element, the second identifier being a temporary identifier; storing a mapping relationship between the first identifier and the second identifier.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The second message comprises the second identifier.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The method further comprises: sending a third message to the first access network node, the third message being used for indicating the first terminal to perform a first command operation, the third message comprising the second identifier.

9. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The method further comprises: receiving second information from a second access network node, the second information being indicative of the first terminal switching to the second access network node, the second information comprising the second identifier; sending a third message to the second access network node, the third message being indicative of the first terminal performing a first command operation, the third message comprising the first identifier.

10. The method according to any one of claims 6-9, characterized in that, The method further comprises: sending a first subscription request to the access management network element, the first subscription request being used for requesting the access management network element to send a second identifier that is reassigned to the first terminal to the first network element after the reassignment.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The method further comprises: sending subscription cancellation information to the access management network element, the subscription cancellation information being used for canceling information subscribed by the first subscription request.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, The first inventory result is indicative of the end of the first inventory operation; or the method further comprises: receive first inventory end information, the first inventory end information being used to indicate that the first inventory operation ends.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, The first identifier is configured for a terminal with an inventory function, and the first inventory end information includes the first identifier; or The first identifier is a permanent identifier of the first terminal, and the first inventory end information includes a second identifier, the second identifier being a temporary identifier.

14. A communication method, comprising: The method is applied to a first access network node or a chip in the first access network node, and the method includes: receiving a fourth message, a second identifier, and first information from an access management network element, the fourth message indicating that a first terminal performs a first inventory operation, the second identifier indicating the first terminal, and the first information indicating a first network element in a core network; sending a fifth message to the first terminal, the fifth message indicating that the first terminal performs the first inventory operation; according to the first information, sending a second message to the first network element, the second message indicating a first inventory result, the first inventory result corresponding to the first inventory operation, and the second message not passing through the access management network element.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein The second identifier is configured for a terminal with an inventory function; or The second identifier is a temporary identifier of the first terminal.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that The method further includes: receiving a first paging message from the access management network element, the first paging message being used to page the first terminal, and the first paging message including first inventory indication information, the first inventory indication information indicating that the first paging message is related to an inventory operation; sending the first paging message to the first terminal.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14-16, characterized by, The method further includes: in a case where it is determined that the first terminal will 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.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14-17, characterized by, The method further includes: receiving a third message from the first network element, the third message indicating that the first terminal performs a first command operation, and the third message including the second identifier.

19. The method according to any one of claims 14-18, characterized by, 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; sending first inventory end information to the first network element, the first inventory end information indicating that the first inventory operation ends, and the first inventory end information including the second identifier.

20. A method of communication, comprising: The method is applied to a first terminal, and the method includes: receiving a fifth message from a first access network node, the fifth message indicating a first mode and indicating that the first terminal performs a first inventory operation, the first mode indicating that information transmitted between a first network element of a core network and the first terminal does not pass through an access management network element; sending an eighth message to a second terminal, the eighth message indicating that the first inventory operation is performed on the second terminal; receiving a ninth message from the second terminal, the ninth message indicating a result of the first inventory operation; sending, by the first access network node, a second message to the first network element, the second message indicating a result of the first inventory operation, the second message not passing through an access management network element.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein, The second message further indicates that the result of the first inventory operation is sent to the first network element through the first mode.

22. The method of claim 20 or 21, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving a tenth message from the first access network node, the tenth message indicating a second mode, and instructing the first terminal to perform a second 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 an eleventh message to a third terminal, the eleventh message instructing the third terminal to perform the second inventory operation; receiving a twelfth message from the third terminal, the twelfth message indicating a result of the second inventory operation; sending, by the first access network node, a thirteenth message to the access management network element, the thirteenth message indicating the result of the second inventory operation.

23. The method of any one of claims 20-22, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving a first paging message; the first paging message is used for paging the first terminal, and the first paging message comprises inventory indication information, the inventory indication information instructing the first terminal to perform an inventory operation.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein, After receiving the first 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.

25. The method of any one of claims 20-24, wherein, The method further comprises: sending first inventory end information to the first access network node, the first inventory end information being used for indicating that the first inventory operation ends.

26. A communications device, characterized by comprising units or modules for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 13, or comprising units or modules for performing the method of any one of claims 14 to 19, or comprising units or modules for performing the method of any one of claims 20 to 25.

27. A communications device, characterized by 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 one of claims 1 to 13, or perform the method of any one of claims 14 to 19, or perform the method of any one of claims 20 to 25.

28. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, comprising computer programs or instructions, when the computer programs or instructions are executed, causing the method of any one of claims 1 to 13 to be performed, or causing the method of any one of claims 14 to 19 to be performed, or causing the method of any one of claims 20 to 25 to be performed.

29. A computer program product, characterised in that, comprising computer program codes, when the computer program codes are run, causing the method of any one of claims 1 to 13 to be implemented, or causing the method of any one of claims 14 to 19 to be implemented, or causing the method of any one of claims 20 to 25 to be implemented.

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