Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications, and discloses a communication method and apparatus. The method comprises: a first access network device receives first data from a terminal device; sends the first data to a first compute node, the first compute node being associated with at least one computing function, and the at least one computing function being used for performing computing processing on the first data; and sends first information to the terminal device, the first information being used for indicating the duration of a first timer, the duration of the first timer being obtained on the basis of a computing processing delay corresponding to the at least one computing function, and the first timer being used for triggering RNA updating of the terminal device. Using the above-described method, a computing processing delay is considered for the duration of a first timer, so that when second data (obtained by performing computing processing on first data) arrives or is about to arrive at a first access network device, a terminal device initiates an RNA update procedure due to expiration of the first timer, thereby facilitating transmission of the second data to the terminal device.

Description

A communication method and apparatus

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411571811.7, filed on November 5, 2024, entitled "A Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0004] With the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) services, generative AI services are becoming increasingly diverse and evolving into AI agents. Because AI services require significant computing power, power consumption, and storage resources, they place new challenges on terminal devices. Due to resource limitations on the edge, cloud-edge-device computing collaboration has become a new trend to alleviate the computing pressure on the edge.

[0005] Based on this major trend, one possible deployment method is to deploy computing nodes within the network. For example, the computing nodes are connected to the access network devices. The computing nodes then receive data packets from the terminal devices through the access network devices, and after performing computing tasks through the computing functions associated with the computing nodes, they send the calculated data to the terminal devices through the access network devices. That is, the data transmission path is: terminal device - access network device - computing node, thereby enabling the offloading of computing power on the end side.

[0006] However, how to manage the reachability of terminal devices after deploying computing nodes within the network still requires further research. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This application provides a communication method and apparatus for managing the reachability of terminal devices based on the characteristic information of computing services (such as the computing processing latency corresponding to the computing function and / or the computing power service area of ​​the computing node).

[0008] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which can be executed by a first communication device. The "first communication device" in this application can refer to a first access network device, a component within the first access network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first access network device. For example, in the method provided in the first aspect, the first access network device receives first data from a terminal device; sends the first data to a first computing node, the first computing node being associated with at least one computing function, the at least one computing function being used to perform computational processing on the first data; and sends first information to the terminal device, the first information being used to indicate the duration of a first timer, the duration of which is obtained based on the computational processing delay corresponding to the at least one computing function, the first timer being used to trigger a notification area RNA update of the terminal device based on the wireless access network.

[0009] Using the above method, the duration of the first timer is obtained based on the computational processing delay corresponding to at least one computational function. That is, the duration of the first timer takes into account the computational processing delay, so that when the second data (the second data is obtained by at least one computational function processing the first data) arrives at or is about to arrive at the first access network device, the terminal device will initiate an RNA update process due to the timer expires. Thus, the first access network device can determine that the terminal device is reachable. Further, optionally, the first access network device restores the RRC connection between itself and the terminal device so that the second data can be transmitted to the terminal device, thereby ensuring service continuity and further improving the user experience.

[0010] In one possible design, the duration of the first timer is obtained based on the computation processing delay corresponding to the at least one computation function, including: the duration of the first timer is equal to the first delay, the first delay being obtained based on the computation processing delay corresponding to the at least one computation function; or, the duration of the first timer is less than the first delay, the difference between the duration of the first timer and the first delay is less than or equal to a first threshold, the first threshold being predefined or preconfigured.

[0011] In one possible design, the first latency is obtained based on the computation processing latency corresponding to the at least one computation function, including: the first latency is obtained based on the minimum computation processing latency among the computation processing latencies corresponding to the at least one computation function.

[0012] Since the computational processing latency corresponding to at least one computational function may be different, the first latency can be determined based on the minimum computational processing latency in order to ensure that the computational data that arrives first can be transmitted to the terminal device.

[0013] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving the computation processing delay corresponding to the at least one computation function; and determining the first delay based on the minimum computation processing delay and the transmission delay between the first access network device and the first computing node.

[0014] In one possible design, the method further includes: sending a first message to the terminal device according to a first delay, the first message being used to instruct the terminal device to enter an inactive state.

[0015] In one possible design, sending a first message to the terminal device based on a first delay includes: sending the first message to the terminal device if the first delay is greater than or equal to a second threshold; wherein the second threshold is predefined or preconfigured.

[0016] Thus, the first access network device can determine whether to instruct the terminal device to enter the inactive state based on the first delay. For example, if the first delay is greater than or equal to the second threshold (i.e., it takes a long time to receive the second data), the device can send the first message to the terminal device to make the terminal device enter the inactive state, thereby saving the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0017] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which can be executed by a first communication device, the description of which can be referred to the first aspect. For example, in the method provided in the second aspect, a first access network device receives first data from a terminal device; sends the first data to a first computing node, the first computing node being associated with at least one computing function, the at least one computing function being used to perform computational processing on the first data; and sends second information to the terminal device, the second information being used to indicate a first area, the first area being a paging area of ​​the terminal device corresponding to the first computing node in an inactive state; wherein, the first area is obtained based on the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node, the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node including the coverage area of ​​at least one access network device capable of connecting to the first computing node.

[0018] Using the above method, the first region is obtained based on the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node. That is, the first region takes into account the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node, thereby avoiding the problem that the computing data cannot be transmitted to the terminal device after the terminal device is paged when it moves outside the computing power service area.

[0019] In one possible design, the method further includes: determining that the terminal device has moved out of the first area; sending third information to the first computing node, the third information being used to instruct the first computing node to stop computing processing of the first data.

[0020] Thus, since the terminal device moves out of the first area (i.e., the terminal device moves out of the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node), even if the first computing node completes the calculation and processing of the first data to obtain the second data, it cannot transmit the second data to the terminal device. Therefore, the first access network device can instruct the first computing node to stop the calculation and processing of the first data in order to save the computing resources of the first computing node.

[0021] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving second data, the second data being obtained by the at least one computing function performing calculations on the first data; paging the terminal device within the first area; receiving address information from a second access network device, the second access network device being the access network device that the terminal device accesses based on the paging; and sending the second data to the second access network device based on the address information.

[0022] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving a request message from the second access network device, the request message being used to request context information of the terminal device; and sending fourth information to the second access network device, the fourth information being used to indicate that the first access network device has cached computational data of the terminal device.

[0023] In one possible design, the method further includes: releasing the connection between the first access network device and the first computing node.

[0024] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which can be executed by a second communication device. The "second communication device" in this application can refer to a core network element (such as an AMF network element), a component within a core network element (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the core network element's functions. For example, in the method provided in the third aspect, the AMF network element determines the duration of a second timer, which is used to trigger a terminal device to perform periodic registration. The duration of the second timer is obtained based on the computational processing delay corresponding to at least one computational function associated with a first computing node, whereby the at least one computational function is used to perform computational processing on first data of the terminal device. Fifth information is sent to the terminal device, whereby the fifth information indicates the duration of the second timer.

[0025] Using the above method, the duration of the second timer is obtained based on the computational processing delay corresponding to at least one computational function. That is, the duration of the second timer takes into account the computational processing delay, so that when the second data (the second data is obtained by at least one computational function processing the first data) arrives, the terminal device will initiate periodic registration due to the timeout of the second timer. Then, the AMF network element can determine that the terminal device is reachable. Further, optionally, the AMF network element restores the connection between the terminal device so that the second data can be transmitted to the terminal device.

[0026] In one possible design, the duration of the second timer is obtained based on the computation processing delay corresponding to the at least one computation function, including: the duration of the second timer is equal to the second delay, the second delay being obtained based on the computation processing delay corresponding to the at least one computation function; or, the duration of the second timer is less than the second delay, the difference between the duration of the second timer and the second delay is less than or equal to a third threshold, the third threshold being predefined or preconfigured.

[0027] In one possible design, the second delay is obtained based on the computation processing delay corresponding to the at least one computation function, including: the second delay is obtained based on the minimum computation processing delay among the computation processing delays corresponding to the at least one computation function.

[0028] Since the computational processing latency corresponding to at least one computational function may be different, the second latency can be determined based on the minimum computational processing latency in order to ensure that the computational data that arrives first can be transmitted to the terminal device.

[0029] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving the computation processing delay corresponding to the at least one computation function; and determining the second delay based on the minimum computation processing delay and the transmission delay between the first access network device and the first computing node.

[0030] In one possible design, the method further includes: sending a second message to the terminal device according to a second delay, the second message being used to instruct the terminal device to enter an idle state.

[0031] In one possible design, sending a second message to the terminal device based on a second delay includes: sending the second message to the terminal device if the second delay is greater than or equal to a fourth threshold; wherein the fourth threshold is predefined or preconfigured.

[0032] Thus, the first access network device can determine whether to instruct the terminal device to enter the idle state based on the second delay. For example, if the second delay is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold (i.e., it takes a long time for the second data to arrive), the device can send a second message to the terminal device to make it enter the idle state, thereby saving the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0033] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which can be executed by a second communication device, the description of which is given in the third aspect. For example, in the method provided in the fourth aspect, an AMF network element determines a second region, which is a paging region of a terminal device corresponding to a first computing node in an idle state; wherein the second region is obtained based on the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node, the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node includes the coverage area of ​​at least one access network device capable of connecting to the first computing node, the first computing node is associated with at least one computing function, the at least one computing function being used to perform calculation processing on first data of the terminal device; and a sixth message is sent to the terminal device, the sixth message being used to indicate the second region.

[0034] Using the above method, the second region is obtained based on the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node. That is, the second region takes into account the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node, thereby avoiding the problem that the computing data cannot be transmitted to the terminal device after the terminal device is paged when it moves outside the computing power service area.

[0035] In one possible design, the method further includes: determining that the terminal device has moved out of the second area; and sending a seventh message to the first computing node, the seventh message being used to instruct the first computing node to stop processing the first data.

[0036] Thus, since the terminal device moves out of the second area (i.e., the terminal device moves out of the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node), even if the first computing node completes the calculation and processing of the first data to obtain the second data, it cannot transmit the second data to the terminal device. Therefore, the first access network device can instruct the first computing node to stop the calculation and processing of the first data in order to save the computing resources of the first computing node.

[0037] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which can be executed by a second communication device, the description of which is given in the third aspect. For example, in the method provided in the fifth aspect, an AMF network element receives eighth information, the eighth information indicating that second data from a terminal device has arrived, the second data being obtained by processing first data using at least one computing function associated with a first computing node; a service request from the terminal device is received via a third access network device; if the third access network device can connect to the first computing node, the service request is accepted; or, if the third access network device cannot connect to the first computing node, the service request is rejected.

[0038] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which can be executed by a first communication device, the description of which can be referred to the first aspect. For example, in the method provided in the sixth aspect, a first access network device receives first data from a terminal device; sends the first data to a first computing node, the first computing node being associated with at least one computing function, the at least one computing function being used to perform computational processing on the first data; the first access network device configures a DRX period for the terminal device based on a third delay, the third delay being obtained based on the computational processing delay corresponding to the at least one computing function. For example, the DRX period can be a DRX period in a connected mode.

[0039] Thus, since at least one computing function requires some time to process the first data, the first access network device can configure the DRX cycle for the terminal device based on the third delay, which helps to save the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0040] This invention does not limit the order in which the first access network device receives the first data and the third delay. For example, the first access network device may receive the first data, which includes the identifier of at least one computing function. The first access network device can then obtain the identifier of at least one computing function from the first data, and according to a pre-configured or predefined correspondence table (which indicates the correspondence between the identifier of a computing function and the corresponding computing processing delay), obtain the computing processing delay corresponding to at least one computing function, and obtain the third delay based on the computing processing delay corresponding to at least one computing function. Alternatively, the first access network device may receive the third delay before receiving the first data, or receive the computing processing delay corresponding to at least one computing function, and obtain the third delay based on the computing processing delay corresponding to at least one computing function. In this case, the third delay or the computing processing delay corresponding to at least one computing function may originate from a core network element or a first computing node.

[0041] In one possible design, the third delay is equal to the first delay (refer to the description in the first aspect). Alternatively, the third delay is equal to the second delay (refer to the description in the second aspect). Or, the third delay is obtained based on the minimum computational processing delay among the computational processing delays corresponding to at least one computational function, the transmission delay between the first access network device and the first computing node, and the transmission delay between the first access network device and the terminal device.

[0042] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a communication device that has the functions involved in any of the first to sixth aspects. For example, the communication device includes a module, unit, or means corresponding to the operation involved in any of the first to sixth aspects. The function, unit, or means can be implemented by software, or by hardware, or by hardware executing the corresponding software.

[0043] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processing unit and a communication unit, wherein the communication unit can be used to transmit and receive signals to enable communication between the communication device and other devices; the processing unit can be used to perform some internal operations of the communication device. The functions performed by the processing unit and the communication unit can correspond to the operations involved in any of the first to sixth aspects described above.

[0044] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor that can be coupled to a memory. The memory can store necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions involved in any of the first to sixth aspects described above. The processor can execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, causing the communication device to implement the methods in any of the possible designs or implementations of the first to sixth aspects described above when the computer programs or instructions are executed.

[0045] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor and a memory, the memory of which may store necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions involved in any of the first to sixth aspects described above. The processor may execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, and when the computer programs or instructions are executed, cause the communication device to implement the methods in any of the possible designs or implementations of the first to sixth aspects described above.

[0046] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the processor is used to communicate with other devices through the interface circuit and to execute the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first to sixth aspects described above.

[0047] Understandably, in the seventh aspect mentioned above, the processor can be implemented in hardware or software. When implemented in hardware, the processor can be a logic circuit, integrated circuit, etc.; when implemented in software, the processor can be a general-purpose processor that reads software code stored in memory. Furthermore, there can be one or more processors, and one or more memories. The memory can be integrated with the processor, or the memory and processor can be separate. In specific implementations, the memory can be integrated with the processor on the same chip, or it can be set on different chips. This application does not limit the type of memory or the arrangement of the memory and processor.

[0048] Eighthly, this application provides a communication system that may include a first access network device and a terminal device. The first access network device is used to perform the methods described in the first aspect and / or the second aspect, and the terminal device is used to communicate with the first access network device. Optionally, the communication system may further include a first computing node.

[0049] Alternatively, the communication system may include core network elements and terminal devices, wherein the core network elements are used to perform the method described in at least one of the third to fifth aspects, and the terminal devices are used to communicate with the core network elements; optionally, the communication system may also include a first computing node.

[0050] Alternatively, the communication system may include a first access network device and a terminal device, the first access network device being used to perform the method as described in the sixth aspect, and the terminal device being used to communicate with the first access network device; optionally, the communication system may also include a first computing node.

[0051] Ninthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program (or computer-readable instructions) in which, when a computer reads and executes some or all of the computer-readable instructions, the method in any of the possible designs in the first to sixth aspects described above is executed.

[0052] For example, a computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access. This includes, but is not limited to, non-transient computer-readable media, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), CD-ROM or other optical disc storage, magnetic disk storage media, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer.

[0053] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a computer program product that, when read and executed by a computer, causes any of the possible designs in the first to sixth aspects to be executed.

[0054] In one aspect, this application provides a chip (or chip system) including a processor coupled to a memory storing a computer program; the processor is configured to invoke part or all of the computer program in the memory, such that any of the possible designs in the first to sixth aspects described above are executed. Attached Figure Description

[0055] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the network architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a more specific network architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram of reachability management of an idle terminal device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 3B is a schematic diagram of a terminal device in a paging inactive state provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 3C is a schematic diagram of reachability management of a non-active terminal device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of data transmission for edge computing provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of data transmission corresponding to the deployment method provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture applicable to an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of data transmission provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram showing that the computational data provided in the embodiment of this application cannot be transmitted to the terminal device;

[0065] Figure 7 is a flowchart corresponding to the communication method provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0066] Figure 8 is a flowchart corresponding to the communication method provided in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0067] Figure 9 is a flowchart corresponding to the communication method provided in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0068] Figure 10 is a flowchart of the communication method provided in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0069] Figure 11 is an exemplary block diagram of the apparatus involved in the embodiments of this application;

[0070] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0071] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. This application will focus on various aspects, embodiments, or features of a system that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that each system may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, combinations of these solutions may also be used.

[0072] In the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplarily" and "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design scheme described as an "example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of the term "example" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. In the embodiments of this application, "of," "corresponding, relevant," and "corresponding" may sometimes be used interchangeably, and it should be noted that their intended meanings are consistent unless their distinction is emphasized.

[0073] The technical solutions in this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) system, 4th generation (4G) communication system, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, 5G communication system, such as New Radio (NR) system, and future evolution communication systems.

[0074] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture for a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. The network architecture comprises four components: terminal equipment, access network (AN), core network (CN), and data network (DN). The access network can be a radio access network (RAN).

[0075] Terminal equipment, access network, and core network are the main components of the aforementioned network architecture. Logically, they can be divided into two parts: the user plane and the control plane. The control plane is responsible for the management of the mobile network, while the user plane is responsible for the transmission of service data. For example, as shown in Figure 1, in a 5G communication system, the next generation (NG)2 reference point is located between the access network control plane and the core network control plane, the NG3 reference point is located between the access network user plane and the core network user plane, and the NG6 reference point is located between the core network user plane and the data network.

[0076] The following section provides a detailed introduction to each component of the aforementioned network architecture.

[0077] (1) Terminal equipment

[0078] A terminal device is a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user. Terminal devices may also be referred to as user equipment (UE), terminal, access terminal, terminal unit, terminal station, mobile station (MS), remote station, remote terminal, mobile terminal (MT), wireless communication equipment, terminal agent, or terminal equipment, etc.

[0079] For example, the terminal device can be a handheld device with wireless connectivity, or a vehicle with communication capabilities, such as in-vehicle equipment (e.g., in-vehicle communication device, in-vehicle communication chip). Examples of current terminal devices include: mobile phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistant (PDA) devices, handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, tablet computers, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, laptops, handheld computers, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving vehicles, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, and wireless terminals in smart homes.

[0080] Terminal devices can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld, wearable, or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water (such as ships); and they can be deployed in the air (e.g., on airplanes, balloons, and satellites). In this application embodiment, the terminal device can send and receive sensing signals. For example, the terminal device can receive a sensing request from a sensing function network element, and then send and / or receive sensing signals based on the sensing request to obtain relevant sensing data. This application embodiment does not limit the specific technology, device form, application scenario, or name of the terminal device.

[0081] (2) Access Network

[0082] The access network is deployed close to the terminal equipment, providing network access functionality for authorized users in a specific area. It can determine different quality transmission tunnels to transmit user data based on user level, service requirements, and other factors. The access network manages and utilizes its own resources efficiently, providing access services to terminal equipment on demand, and is responsible for forwarding control signals and service data between the terminal equipment and the core network.

[0083] Access network equipment is deployed in the access network to connect terminal devices to the wireless network. Access network equipment is typically connected to the core network via a wired link (e.g., fiber optic cable). Access network equipment can also be called radio access network equipment or RAN equipment / nodes. For example, access network equipment may include base stations, evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs) in LTE systems or evolved LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) systems, next-generation NodeBs (gNBs) in 5G communication systems, transmission reception points (TRPs), base band units (BBUs), access points (APs) in wireless local area networks (WLANs), integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes, base stations in future mobile communication systems, or access nodes in WiFi systems. Wireless access network equipment can also be modules or units that perform some of the functions of a base station, such as a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU). CUs and DUs can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0084] Access network equipment can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld, wearable, or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on water (such as ships); and it can also be deployed in the air (such as on airplanes, balloons, and satellites). This application does not limit the specific technologies, equipment forms, application scenarios, or names used in the access network equipment.

[0085] (3) Core Network

[0086] The core network is responsible for maintaining the subscription data of the mobile network, managing the network elements of the mobile network, and providing terminal devices with functions such as session management, mobility management, policy management, and security authentication.

[0087] Specifically, this may include: providing network access authentication for the terminal device when it attaches; allocating network resources for the terminal device when it has a service request; updating network resources for the terminal device when it moves; providing a fast recovery mechanism for the terminal device when it is idle; releasing network resources for the terminal device when it detaches; and providing data routing functions for the terminal device when it has service data, such as forwarding uplink data to the data network, or receiving downlink data from the data network and forwarding it to the access network, and then sending it to the terminal device.

[0088] (4) Data Network

[0089] A data network, also known as a packet data network (PDN), is a network located outside the operator's network. An operator's network can connect to multiple DNs, each of which can deploy application servers corresponding to various services, providing a variety of possible services to terminal devices. In actual communication, the client is typically located on the terminal device, while the server is typically located on the data network. A data network can be a private network, such as a local area network (LAN), an external network not controlled by the operator, such as the Internet, or a dedicated network jointly deployed by the operator; the specific type is not limited.

[0090] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a more specific network architecture provided in an embodiment of this application. This network architecture is the network architecture of a 5G communication system. As shown in Figure 2, this network architecture includes terminal equipment, access network equipment, various types of core network elements / functional entities, and a data network.

[0091] The core network user plane includes user plane function (UPF) network elements. The core network control plane includes, but is not limited to: access and mobility management function (AMF) network elements, session management function (SMF) network elements, authentication server function (AUSF) network elements, network exposure function (NEF) network elements, network repository function (NRF) network elements, policy control function (PCF) network elements, unified data management (UDM) network elements, and application function (AF) network elements.

[0092] UPF network elements are primarily responsible for connecting to external networks and executing user data packet forwarding according to the routing rules of SMF network elements. For example, uplink data is sent to the data network or other UPF network elements, and downlink data is sent to other UPF network elements or access network devices.

[0093] AMF network elements are mainly responsible for the access management and mobility management of terminal devices, such as the status maintenance of terminal devices, the reachability management of terminal devices, the forwarding of non-access-stratum (MM NAS) messages, and the forwarding of session management (SM) N2 messages.

[0094] SMF (Service Provider Function) network elements are primarily responsible for session management in mobile networks, including establishing sessions for terminal devices, allocating and releasing resources for sessions, such as session quality of service (QoS), session paths, and forwarding rules. For example, they may allocate Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to terminal devices and select UPF (User Provider Function) network elements that provide packet forwarding functions.

[0095] The AUSF network element is primarily responsible for performing security authentication of terminal devices.

[0096] NEF network elements are used to connect other internal network elements of the core network with external application servers of the core network, so as to provide network capability information to external application servers, or to provide information from external application servers to core network elements.

[0097] The NRF network element is primarily responsible for providing other network elements with the functions of storing and selecting network function entity information.

[0098] The PCF network element is mainly responsible for user policy management, including policy authorization, quality of service and generation of billing rules, and distributing the corresponding rules to the UPF network element through the SMF network element to complete the installation of the corresponding policies and rules.

[0099] UDM network elements are primarily responsible for data management. For example, a UDM network element can manage user subscription information, including acquiring subscription information and providing it to other network elements (such as AMF network elements); and registering and maintaining network elements currently serving terminal devices. The functions of a UDM network element can be implemented through interaction with a unified data repository (UDR) network element (not shown in Figure 2), which stores the data required by the UDM network element to perform its operations. In actual implementation, the UDM network element and the UDR network element can be two independent physical entities, or the UDR network element can be integrated into the UDM network element; there are no restrictions.

[0100] The AF (Area Function) network element is mainly responsible for providing various application service data to the control plane network elements of the operator's communication network, or obtaining network data and control information from the control plane network elements of the communication network.

[0101] Although not shown, the above network architecture may include other possible network elements, without any specific limitations.

[0102] It is understood that Figure 2 illustrates a service-oriented architecture for the core network control plane. In this architecture, each control plane element is connected to a service bus, and interactions between control plane elements occur through service calls. That is, a control plane element exposes its services to other control plane elements for them to call. In other possible implementations, the core network control plane can also use point-to-point communication. In point-to-point communication, a specific set of messages exists between the communication interfaces of control plane elements. Specifically, the interface between the terminal device and the AMF element is called the N1 interface, the interface between the access network device and the AMF element is called the N2 interface, the interface between the access network device and the UPF element is called the N3 interface, the interface between the UPF element and the SMF element can be called the N4 interface, and the interface between the UPF element and the data network is called the N6 interface. Of course, in future communication systems, these interface names may remain unchanged or may be replaced with other names; this application does not limit this. In future communication systems, the aforementioned network elements or devices may still use their names in 5G communication systems, or have other names; the functions of the aforementioned network elements or devices may be performed by an independent network element or by several network elements together, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0103] Based on the network architecture of the communication system shown in Figures 1 and 2, the reachability management of terminal devices under different states is described below. Terminal device reachability refers to the state where one or more specific network nodes (such as servers, other terminal devices, etc.) can successfully establish a communication connection with the terminal device to achieve data transmission or interactive operations. Simply put, it means that in the network environment, other devices can find and access the terminal device.

[0104] (1) Status of terminal equipment

[0105] Terminal devices have two states: computing management (CM) connected state and CM idle state. The CM connected state can include radio resource control (RRC) connected state (RRC_connected) and RRC inactive state (RRC_inactive).

[0106] RRC connection state: The terminal device has established an RRC connection with the access network device and can transmit data.

[0107] CM Idle State (also simply called Idle State): The terminal device has not established an RRC connection with the access network device, and the access network device has not stored the context of the terminal device. If the terminal device needs to enter the RRC connected state from the idle state, it needs to initiate an RRC connection establishment process.

[0108] RRC inactive state (also simply called inactive state; "deactivated state," "inactive state," "RRC inactive state," or "RRC deactivated state" are all the same concept and these terms are interchangeable): The terminal device previously entered the RRC connected state on an access network device, and then that access network device released the RRC connection, but preserved the terminal device's context. This access network device can be called the access network device that last served the terminal device. If the terminal device needs to re-enter the RRC connected state from the RRC inactive state, it needs to initiate an RRC connection recovery process (or RRC connection re-establishment process) on the currently residing access network device. Because the terminal device may be in a mobile state, the currently residing access network device may be the same as the previous access network device, or it may be a different access network device. The RRC recovery process has shorter latency and lower signaling overhead than the RRC establishment process. However, the access network device needs to preserve the terminal device's context, which incurs storage overhead.

[0109] (2) Reachability management of terminal devices in idle state

[0110] After a core network element (such as an AMF element) instructs a terminal device to enter an idle state, the reachability of the terminal device can be managed from both spatial and temporal dimensions.

[0111] From a spatial perspective: To facilitate tracking the location of idle terminal devices, the core network introduces the concepts of tracking area (TA) and tracking area list (TAL). A TA contains one or more cells, and a TAL contains one or more TAs.

[0112] AMF network elements can configure a registration area for a terminal device, which can be one or more tracking areas (TALs). When the terminal device is idle, since the AMF network element cannot know the exact location of the terminal device, it will send a paging message to the terminal device through all access network devices within the TAL when paging is needed (this scheme can also be called core network-level terminal tracking). When the terminal device moves to a cell outside the cell included in its current TAL, i.e., moves to a cell that does not belong to that TAL, the terminal device needs to perform mobility registration. For example, if the terminal device performs a non-access stratum (NAS) registration update procedure, the AMF network element can register the location of the terminal device and update the terminal device's registration area. That is, the AMF network element can re-indicate a new TAL for the terminal device, and the TA of the cell where the terminal device is currently located belongs to that TAL. If the terminal device does not actively perform a NAS registration update procedure when moving out of a cell outside its currently configured TAL, the AMF network element will not be able to page the terminal device (i.e., the terminal device is unreachable).

[0113] In other words, from a spatial perspective, AMF network elements manage the reachability of terminal devices by configuring registration areas for them. When a terminal device is within a registration area, the AMF network element can page it within that area, making the terminal device reachable. When a terminal device moves out of the registration area, it needs to register for mobility, prompting the AMF network element to update its registration area. Subsequently, the AMF network element can page the terminal device within the updated registration area, ensuring its reachability. When a terminal device moves out of the registration area without registering for mobility, the AMF network element cannot page it within the registration area, rendering the terminal device unreachable.

[0114] From a time perspective: AMF network elements can configure the duration of a periodic registration update timer for terminal devices. When a terminal device enters an idle state, it starts a periodic registration timer. When the periodic registration timer expires, the terminal device periodically registers to the AMF network element to indicate that it is still reachable. On the AMF network element side, when the terminal device becomes idle, the AMF network element runs a mobile reachability timer for the terminal device, the duration of which is longer than the duration of the periodic registration timer allocated to the terminal device. If the terminal device's state changes to CM connected state (i.e., a connection is established between the terminal device and the AMF network element), the AMF network element stops the mobile reachability timer. If the mobile reachability timer expires, the AMF network element determines that the terminal device is unreachable. However, when the mobile reachability timer expires, since the AMF network element does not know whether the terminal device is only temporarily unreachable, it will not immediately register. After the mobile reachability timer expires, the AMF network element starts an implicit detach timer. If the terminal device becomes CM connected before the implicit detach timer expires, the AMF network element will stop the implicit detach timer. After the implicit deregistration timer expires, the AMF network element initiates implicit deregistration for the terminal device, and the terminal device is deregistered. In summary, as shown in Figure 3A, the AMF network element sets two different timers for the terminal device: mobile reachability and implicit deregistration. When the terminal device changes from CM connected state to idle state, the AMF network element starts the mobile reachability timer. If the terminal device does not change from idle state to CM connected state before the mobile reachability timer expires, the AMF network element determines that the terminal device cannot be paged. Then, the AMF network element starts the implicit deregistration timer. If the terminal device still does not become CM connected state within this period, the terminal device will be deregistered.

[0115] In other words, from a time perspective, AMF network elements manage the reachability of terminal devices by configuring the duration of periodic registration update timers. Whenever a periodic registration timer expires, the terminal device needs to periodically register to indicate to the AMF network element that it is still reachable.

[0116] In the embodiments of this invention, "timer timeout" refers to the timer running for the duration of the timer. "Timer timeout" can be replaced with "timer expires" or other possible descriptions, without any specific limitation.

[0117] (3) Reachability management of terminal devices in inactive state

[0118] After an access network device (referred to as access network device 1 for ease of description) instructs a terminal device to enter an inactive state, it can manage the reachability of the terminal device from both spatial and temporal dimensions. Specifically, access network device 1 instructs the terminal device to enter an inactive state by sending an RRC release message to the terminal device. This RRC release message instructs the terminal device to enter an inactive state; correspondingly, upon receiving the RRC release message, the terminal device can enter an inactive state. Access network device 1 is the access network device that the terminal device last connected to, or in other words, the access network device that last served the terminal device.

[0119] From a spatial perspective: To facilitate tracking the location of inactive terminal devices, the standard defines a RAN-based notification area (RNA). An RNA can include one or more cells, which may belong to the same access network device or different access network devices.

[0120] For example, Access Network Device 1 configures the RNA for the terminal device via an RRC release message. Access Network Device 1 can obtain the UE's location information from the granularity of the RNA. That is, if data or signaling (which may come from a UPF or AMF network element) is sent to Access Network Device 1 and needs to be further sent to the terminal device, Access Network Device 1 will page the terminal device within the scope of the RNA. For example, as shown in Figure 3B, the RNA includes one or more cells of Access Network Device 1 and one or more cells of Access Network Device 2. Then, Access Network Device 1 can page the terminal device within one or more cells of Access Network Device 1, and Access Network Device 1 can send an RAN paging message to Access Network Device 2 via the Xn interface. After receiving the RAN paging message, Access Network Device 2 can page the terminal device within one or more cells of Access Network Device 2.

[0121] Inactive terminal devices can determine whether to initiate an RNA update procedure based on their location. Specifically: when an inactive terminal device moves within the RNA, it does not need to initiate an RNA update procedure; when it moves out of the RNA, it needs to initiate an RNA update procedure. Initiating an RNA update procedure can mean that the terminal device sends an RRC recovery request message to the current access network device. This message carries a cause value indicating an RNA update. Furthermore, the RRC recovery request message also includes the terminal device's inactive-radio network temporary identity (I-RNTI). The I-RNTI contains the identifier of the access network device that last served the terminal device; that is, the current access network device can determine the access network device that last served the terminal device by parsing the I-RNTI.

[0122] In other words, from a spatial perspective, access network devices manage the reachability of terminal devices by configuring RNA for them.

[0123] From a time perspective: Access network devices can configure the duration of a periodic RNAU timer for terminal devices. For example, the access network device can configure the duration of the periodic RNAU timer for the terminal device through an RRC release message.

[0124] When a terminal device enters an inactive state, it starts a periodic RNA update timer. When the periodic RNA update timer expires, the terminal device needs to initiate an RNA update procedure to indicate to the access network device that it is still reachable. In addition to the periodic RNA update timer assigned to the terminal device, the access network device also maintains a periodic RNA update timer, with a set duration longer than the terminal device's. If the terminal device's state changes to RRC connected state (i.e., an RRC connection is established between the terminal device and the access network device), the access network device stops maintaining its periodic RNA update timer. When the periodic RNA update timer maintained by the access network device expires, the access network device initiates an access network (AN) release procedure and provides the AMF network element with the time elapsed between the last contact between the access network device and the terminal device and the current time. This time is called the Elapsed Time, the runtime when the terminal device is unreachable, used to maintain a more accurate value for the mobile reachability timer. For example, when an access network device sends a UE context release message to an AMF network element, the message carries the elapsed time. The AMF network element will calculate a new mobile reachability timer duration based on the elapsed time and the duration of the normal mobile reachability timer. The new mobile reachability timer duration is equal to the normal mobile reachability timer duration minus the elapsed time. For example, if the normal mobile reachability timer duration is 10 seconds and the elapsed time is 3 seconds, then the new mobile reachability timer duration is 7 seconds. The specific process is shown in Figure 3C. After receiving the UE context release message from the access network device, the AMF network element calculates the new mobile reachability timer duration based on the elapsed time and the normal mobile reachability timer duration carried in the message, and starts the mobile reachability timer. When the mobile reachability timer expires, the AMF network element starts an implicit deregistration timer. If the terminal device becomes a CM connected state before the implicit deregistration timer expires, the AMF network element will stop the implicit deregistration timer and set the PPF. After the implicit deregistration timer expires, the AMF network element will initiate implicit deregistration of the terminal device, and the terminal device will be deregistered.

[0125] In other words, from a time perspective, access network devices manage the reachability of terminal devices by configuring the duration of periodic RNA update timers. Whenever a periodic RNA update timer expires, the terminal device needs to initiate an RNA update process to indicate to the access network devices that it is still reachable.

[0126] Based on the network architecture of the communication system shown in Figures 1 and 2, the computing network architecture provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below.

[0127] In 4G mobile communication systems and earlier traditional mobile communication systems, user plane equipment generally follows a tree topology deployment. Uplink user data passes through the access network and backhaul network, ultimately accessing the data network through a centrally deployed anchor gateway. In 4G mobile communication systems, anchor gateways are typically deployed at higher locations within the network, such as regional central equipment rooms. This small-scale, centralized deployment method results in a relatively simple network topology, facilitating centralized service management and message processing by operators at the anchor points. With the widespread deployment of 4G mobile communication systems and the tremendous success of the mobile internet, which has gradually become one of the main ways for users to access the internet, mobile traffic has exploded. Traditional centralized deployment methods are increasingly unable to support this rapidly growing mobile traffic model. On the one hand, in centralized networks, the increased traffic ultimately concentrates at the anchor gateways and core equipment rooms, placing increasingly higher demands on backhaul network bandwidth, equipment room throughput, and gateway specifications. On the other hand, the long-distance backhaul network from the access network to the anchor gateway and the complex transmission environment also lead to significant latency and jitter in user data transmission. Against this backdrop, the industry has proposed mobile edge computing (MEC). MEC achieves distributed local processing of service traffic by moving user plane network elements and service processing capabilities to the network edge, avoiding excessive traffic concentration and significantly reducing the requirements for core data centers and centralized gateways. Simultaneously, MEC shortens the backhaul network distance, reduces end-to-end latency and jitter of user data, and makes the deployment of ultra-low latency services possible.

[0128] The implementation of mobile edge computing relies on the downward shift of service processing capabilities. In the user plane transmission path, it remains: terminal device - access network device - UPF network element - server in the data network (see Figure 4A). Specifically, the MEC is mainly responsible for computing data packets forwarded by the UPF network element. For example, the UPF network element can connect to the MEC's ​​data center (i.e., the MEC platform, located in the data network) via the N6 interface. This UPF network element can forward data packets accessing a specific application to the MEC platform, enabling the server deployed on the MEC platform that supports that application to process the data packet. Taking uplink data transmission as an example, the terminal device sends a data packet (this data packet comes from an application in the terminal device's application layer, such as application a). The data packet carries the destination IP address, i.e., the IP address of the server in the data network. This data packet can then be transmitted through the access network device and the UPF network element (the UPF network element is selected by the SMF network element for the terminal device to route data packets; the terminal device is unaware of the UPF network element) to the server in the data network, so that the computing model of application a in the server can process the data packet. In other words, the mobile communication system acts as a communication conduit, responsible for transmitting uplink and downlink data, while data processing and computation are performed by servers in the data network; the function of the mobile communication system is communication, and computation is performed by remote servers.

[0129] With the development of wireless communication networks, the computing power for inference is growing rapidly, posing new challenges to the computing power requirements of terminal devices. The focus of AI processing is shifting from the cloud to the edge, and the industry believes that cloud-edge-device collaboration can alleviate the computing power pressure on the terminal side. Based on this trend, this application proposes a new deployment method to support the offloading of computing power on the terminal side. As shown in Figure 4B, the deployment method proposed in this application is as follows: a computing node is deployed within the operator's network, for example, after the computing node is deployed behind the access network device. The computing node then receives data packets from application b on the terminal device through the access network device, and after completing the computing task through the computing model of application b, it sends the calculated data to the terminal device through the access network device. That is, the data transmission path is: terminal device - access network device - computing node, thereby realizing the offloading of computing power on the terminal side.

[0130] It is understood that the deployment method shown in Figure 4B is only one possible example. The computing node in this embodiment can also be deployed in other possible locations within the operator network, such as after the UPF network element (unlike MEC, which is located outside the operator network, while the computing node is located within the operator network). In this case, the data transmission path is: terminal device - access network device - UPF network element - computing node. This embodiment will be described using the deployment method shown in Figure 4B as an example.

[0131] Based on the deployment method shown in Figure 4B, Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a computing network architecture provided by an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 5, the computing network architecture may include terminal devices, access network devices, computing nodes, and computing management function (CMF) network elements. Optionally, the network architecture may also include some network elements from the network architecture shown in Figure 2, as shown in the dashed boxes in Figure 5. The descriptions of the relevant network elements or devices in Figure 5 can be found in the above description; here, the CMF network elements and computing nodes are mainly described.

[0132] CMF network elements: CMF network elements can be used for execution control of computing tasks and awareness management of computing resources, including establishing computing connections between terminal devices and computing nodes, allocating and releasing resources for computing connections, such as assigning identifiers for computing connections to terminal devices and / or computing nodes. CMF network elements can be deployed within the core network. For example, a CMF network element can be a newly added network element within the core network. This newly added network element (i.e., the CMF network element) can communicate with other network elements in the core network through service interfaces, or it can communicate with other network elements in the core network through point-to-point communication. Alternatively, a CMF network element can be an enhancement of an existing network element. For example, a CMF network element can be an SMF network element or an AMF network element with added computing management functions. Alternatively, a CMF network element can be a module within an SMF network element or an AMF network element. Alternatively, a CMF network element can also have the functions of one or more of the SMF or AMF network elements, which can be understood as a CMF network element that can be used to replace one or more of the SMF or AMF network elements. Furthermore, the embodiments in this application are described using the name "CMF network element" as an example, and the specific name is not limited.

[0133] Computing Nodes: Computing nodes are deployed after the access network equipment and can also be called far-edge intelligent nodes (FeINs). A computing node can be associated with one or more computing functions, each corresponding to a computing model for a computing power application. For example, a computing node might be associated with computing functions 1, 2, and 3. Computing function 1 corresponds to a large model supporting text-based question answering, computing function 2 corresponds to a large model supporting image recognition, and computing function 3 corresponds to a large model supporting image rendering. In this application's embodiments, "computing function" can be understood as a computing function module or an application server used to implement computing functions; no specific limitation is made. One or more computing functions associated with a computing node can be deployed independently of the computing node, or they can be deployed on the computing node; no specific limitation is made.

[0134] For example, the deployment location of the computing nodes that the access network device can connect to is related to the deployment location of the access network device itself. The access network node can directly connect to the computing node or connect to the computing node through other network elements (such as UPF network elements). For instance, when the deployment location of the computing node is close to the access network device, the access network device can connect to the computing node; when the deployment location of the computing node is far from the access network device, the access network device cannot connect to the computing node or connects to the computing node through other network nodes (such as UPF network elements).

[0135] As one possible implementation, at the access network device level, the computing nodes that different access network devices can connect to may be the same or different. For example, access network device 1 can connect to computing nodes a1 and a2, while access network device 2 can connect to computing nodes b1 and b2. The connection relationship information between the access network device and the computing nodes can be pre-configured in the access network device. Optionally, this connection relationship information can also be pre-configured in core network elements (such as CMF and / or AMF elements), or the access network device or other possible network elements (such as NRF) can send the connection relationship information between the access network device and the computing nodes to the core network elements; the specific implementation is not limited. For example, the connection relationship information between the access network device and the computing nodes includes the identifier of the access network device, the identifier of the computing nodes that the access network device can connect to, and optionally, the identifier of the computing function associated with the computing node.

[0136] As another possible implementation, multiple access network devices share at least one computing node, meaning that each of the multiple access network devices can connect to each of the at least one computing node. For example, the computing nodes that access network device 1 can connect to include computing nodes a1, a2, b1, and b2, and the computing nodes that access network device 2 can connect to include computing nodes a1, a2, b1, and b2.

[0137] In this embodiment, from the perspective of the computing node, the computing power service area of ​​the computing node is the area where the computing node can provide computing power services to the terminal device. One possible example is that the computing power service area of ​​the computing node includes the coverage area of ​​the access network devices that can connect to the computing node. For example, if the access network devices that can connect to the computing node include access network device 1 and access network device 2, then the computing power service area of ​​the computing node includes the coverage area of ​​access network device 1 and the coverage area of ​​access network device 2. Different access network devices within the computing power service area can transmit the computing data of the computing node through the Xn interface, while access network devices outside the computing power service area cannot transmit the computing data of the computing node through the Xn interface or the interface between the computing node and the access network devices. For example, when the computing node sends computing data to access network device 1, since access network device 1 and access network device 2 are located within the computing power service area, access network device 1 can send the computing data to access network device 2 through the Xn interface, but access network device 1 cannot send the computing data to access network devices outside the computing power service area through the Xn interface.

[0138] One possible implementation is to use a TA list, cell list, or access network device list (RAN list) to characterize the computing power service area. When a terminal device is within the range of a cell indicated by the TA list, cell list, or RAN list, it indicates that the terminal device can use the computing power service. In a more advanced implementation, multiple computing nodes share the same computing power service area; that is, the computing power service area can be associated with one or more computing nodes. When a terminal device is within this computing power service area, it indicates that the terminal device can use the computing functions associated with one or more computing nodes related to that computing power service area.

[0139] It is understood that the computing network architecture shown in Figure 5 is only one possible example. The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of communication system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0140] In the scenario described in Figure 4A above, after the uplink data packet is sent to the corresponding UPF network element, the UPF network element forwards it to the server with the corresponding IP address based on the destination IP of the data packet. Since the processing of data packets is completed by the server outside the network, the state management of the terminal device (such as idle state, inactive state) is not related to the data transmission state of the terminal device. Therefore, by introducing reachability management of the terminal device, the server outside the network can establish a communication connection with the terminal device to perform data transmission. For example, as shown in Figure 6A, when the AMF network element instructs the terminal device to enter the idle state, downlink data may arrive at the UPF network element (referred to as UPF network element 1 for ease of description). At this time, UPF network element 1 will notify the SMF network element that downlink data has arrived. Then, the SMF network element triggers the AMF network element to page the terminal device. After receiving the paging, the terminal device can initiate a service request process to change from the idle state to the CM connected state and connect to the current access network device. Then, the SMF network element reconfigures the tunnel information between the current UPF network element (referred to as UPF network element 2) and the current access network device to send downlink data to the terminal device. UPF network element 2 and UPF network element 1 may be the same UPF network element or different UPF network elements. When UPF network element 2 and UPF network element 1 are different UPF network elements, UPF network element 1 can send the cached downlink data to UPF network element 2 through the N9 interface, and then UPF network element 2 sends it to the terminal device.

[0141] However, for the computing network architecture shown in Figure 5, due to the introduction of computing nodes, the aforementioned reachability management of terminal devices in idle or inactive states will no longer be applicable or can be further enhanced. For example, as shown in Figure 6B, after a computing node receives data from a terminal device, it performs computational processing on the data. If, during the computational processing of the data by the computing node, the terminal device enters an idle state (or inactive state, taking the idle state as an example here), and the TAL configured by the AMF network element for the terminal device includes the cell of access network device 2, and access network device 2 is not within the computing power service area of ​​the computing node, then when the computing node completes the computational processing of the data and needs to send the computational processing result to the terminal device, the computing node can notify the CMF network element, which in turn notifies the AMF network element to page the terminal device within the TAL. Assuming that the terminal device moves to the cell of access network device 2 in the idle state, after paging the terminal device, since access network device 2 is not within the computing power service area of ​​the computing node, the computational processing result cannot be transmitted to the terminal device. Therefore, how to achieve reachability management of terminal devices for the computing network architecture shown in Figure 5 still needs further research.

[0142] Based on this, embodiments of this application provide a communication method and apparatus for managing the accessibility of terminal devices according to the characteristic information of computing services (such as the computing processing latency corresponding to the computing function and / or the computing power service area of ​​the computing node).

[0143] Taking the communication method provided in this application embodiment as an example, applicable to the computing network architecture shown in Figure 5, the communication method provided in this application embodiment is described below with reference to specific embodiments. The communication method provided in this application embodiment involves execution by a first communication device or a second communication device. The first communication device is a first access network device or a component of the first access network device, such as a chip or chip system disposed in the first access network device; the second communication device is an AMF network element or a component of the AMF network element, such as a chip or chip system disposed in the AMF network element. In this application embodiment, the example of "the first communication device being a first access network device and the second communication device being an AMF network element" is used for description.

[0144] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, and "send information" can include direct sending or indirect sending through other communication devices, communication apparatuses, units, or modules. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, and "receive information" can include receiving directly from YY or receiving indirectly from YY through other communication devices, communication apparatuses, units, or modules. In addition, "send" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface. In other words, "send" or "receive" can be performed between devices, such as between access network devices and terminal devices through an air interface, or "send" or "receive" can be performed within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within a device through a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0145] Example 1

[0146] In Example 1, reachability management for inactive terminal devices will be introduced.

[0147] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in Embodiment 1 of this application. As shown in Figure 7, the method may include:

[0148] In S700, the CMF network element establishes a computing connection between the terminal device and the first computing node.

[0149] The computing connection between the terminal device and the first computing node is used to transmit data between the terminal device and the first computing node. The data transmission path through this computing connection is: terminal device - first access network device - first computing node.

[0150] For example, after a terminal device accesses the first access network device, it can send a request message to the AMF network element to establish a computing connection through the first access network device. Upon receiving the request message, the AMF network element can select a CMF network element based on the access network device accessed by the terminal device and / or the location information (or other information) of the terminal device, and forward the request message to the selected CMF network element. The request message includes information for determining the available computing nodes for the terminal device. The CMF network element can then determine the available computing nodes for the terminal device, such as the first computing node, and establish a computing connection between the terminal device and the first computing node. For example, the information for determining the available computing nodes for the terminal device includes the identifier of the access network device accessed by the terminal device (i.e., the first access network device), and the available computing nodes for the terminal device are those that the first access network device can connect to. Optionally, the information for determining the available computing nodes for the terminal device can also be other possible information, without specific limitations.

[0151] The establishment of a computing connection between a CMF network element and a first computing node may include configuring routing information between the terminal device, the first access network device, and the first computing node. This application embodiment does not limit the specific implementation process of "the CMF network element establishing a computing connection between the terminal device and the first computing node".

[0152] It is understandable that the above S700 is an optional step.

[0153] S701, the terminal device sends first data to the first access network device, and correspondingly, the first access network device receives the first data.

[0154] The first data is the data to be calculated and processed.

[0155] S702, the first access network device sends first data to the first computing node; correspondingly, the first computing node receives the first data.

[0156] For example, based on the computing connection between the terminal device and the first computing node, the terminal device can send first data to the first access network device, and then the first access network device forwards the first data to the first computing node.

[0157] In this system, the first computing node is associated with at least one computing function. This function processes the first data, and the resulting data is called the second data, which can be understood as the response data to the first data. For example, at least one computing function may include a first computing function, which processes the first data, and the resulting data is the second data. Another example: the first data may include data a and data b, and at least one computing function may include a first computing function and a second computing function. The first computing function processes data a, and the second computing function processes data b. In this case, the second data includes data a' obtained by processing data a using the first computing function, and data b' obtained by processing data b using the second computing function.

[0158] Optionally, the computing functions associated with the first computing node may include other computing functions in addition to at least one computing function. That is, some or all of the computing functions associated with the first computing node are used to perform computing processing on the first data.

[0159] For example, taking "the first calculation function is used to perform calculations on the first data" as an example, the following two points are explained:

[0160] (1) The first computing function performs computational processing on the first data, which can refer to the first computing function performing computation, inference, rendering, analysis, or processing on the first data through AI business-related functions such as large language models, without specific limitations. Optionally, in one possible implementation, the first computing function refers to the computing model on the first computing node. The computing model can be distinguished by the type of service it supports, such as supporting artificial intelligence models, large language models, large model inference, image rendering services, image recognition, human-computer interaction, or image-text question answering computing models; or it can be distinguished by different computing services, such as deployment by operators, Wenxin Yiyan, Kimi, or other manufacturers; or it can be distinguished by the service parameters of different computing services it supports. Different computing functions on the first computing node can be distinguished by one or more of the three distinction methods mentioned above.

[0161] (2) When the first computing function is deployed on the first computing node, the first computing node can transmit the first data to the first computing function through an internal interface so that the first computing function can perform computational processing on the first data. Correspondingly, after the first computing function performs computational processing on the first data to obtain the second data, it can transmit the second data to the first computing node through an internal interface so that the first computing node can encapsulate the second data and transmit it to the terminal device. When the first computing function is deployed independently of the first computing node, the first computing node can transmit the first data to the first computing function through the connection between the first computing node and the first computing function so that the first computing function can perform computational processing on the first data. Correspondingly, after the first computing function performs computational processing on the first data to obtain the second data, it can transmit the second data to the first computing node through the connection between the first computing node and the first computing function so that the first computing node can encapsulate the second data and transmit it to the terminal device.

[0162] S703, the first access network device sends a first message to the terminal device, the first message being used to instruct the terminal device to enter the inactive state; accordingly, the terminal device receives the first message and enters the inactive state.

[0163] One possible implementation is that the first access network device sends a first message to the terminal device based on a first delay. For example, the first access network device can send the first message to the terminal device if the first delay is greater than or equal to a second threshold, where the second threshold is predefined or preconfigured. Since at least one computing function requires some time to process the first data, if the first access network device determines that the first delay is greater than or equal to the second threshold (i.e., a longer waiting time is needed to receive the second data) after sending the first data (or at the same time as sending the first data), it can send the first message to the terminal device to put the terminal device into an inactive state, thereby saving power consumption of the terminal device. Optionally, if the first delay is less than the second threshold, the first access network device does not need to instruct the terminal device to enter an inactive state.

[0164] The first latency is obtained based on the computational processing latency corresponding to at least one computational function. Taking the first computational function as an example, in one instance, the computational processing latency corresponding to the first computational function refers to the minimum latency required for the first computational function to perform computational processing on data (here, data is used generically). The latency required for the first computational function to perform computational processing on the data can be pre-configured or pre-defined for the first computational function. For example, the latency required for the first computational function to perform computational processing on the data may be an interval, meaning the latency required for the first computational function to perform computational processing on the first data or other data all fall within this interval. In this case, the computational processing latency corresponding to the first computational function refers to the minimum value within that interval. Alternatively, the latency required for the first computational function to perform computational processing on the data may be a specific latency value. In this case, the computational processing latency corresponding to the first computational function is the latency required for the first computational function to perform computational processing on the data. Alternatively, the time delay required for the first calculation function to process the data may be multiple discrete values ​​(such as delay 1 and delay 2). That is, the time delay required for the first calculation function to process some data may be delay 1, and the time delay required for the first calculation function to process some data may be delay 2. In this case, the calculation processing delay corresponding to the first calculation function refers to the minimum value among these multiple discrete values.

[0165] The computational processing latency corresponding to different computational functions within at least one computational function may be the same or different. When the computational processing latency corresponding to different computational functions within at least one computational function is different, the first latency may be obtained based on the minimum computational processing latency among the computational processing latencies corresponding to at least one computational function. For example, the minimum computational processing latency is the computational processing latency corresponding to the first computational function.

[0166] For example, the first access network device obtains the computation processing delay corresponding to at least one computing function and the transmission delay between the first access network device and the first computing node. Then, based on the minimum computation processing delay and the transmission delay between the first access network device and the first computing node, it determines the first delay. For instance, T1 = t1 + 2 * t2, where T1 represents the first delay, t1 represents the minimum computation processing delay, and t2 represents the transmission delay between the first access network device and the first computing node. In other words, the first delay is the time interval between a first time and a second time. The first time is the time when the first access network device sends the first data to the first computing node, and the second time is the estimated time when the first access network device receives the second data from the first computing node. That is, after sending the first data, the first access network device needs to wait for a period of time (this period is the first delay) before receiving the second data.

[0167] There are several ways for the first access network device to obtain the computation processing latency corresponding to at least one computation function. For example, during the process of establishing a computation connection between the terminal device and the first computing node, the first computing node can send the computation processing latency corresponding to at least one computation function to the CMF network element, which then sends it to the first access network device through the AMF network element; or, the first computing node can send the computation processing latency corresponding to at least one computation function to the first access network device through the interface between the first access network device and the computing node, without any specific limitation. There are also several ways for the first access network device to obtain the transmission latency between the first access network device and the first computing node. For example, during the process of establishing a computation connection between the terminal device and the first computing node, the CMF network element sends the transmission latency between the first access network device and the first computing node to the first access network device through the AMF network element, without any specific limitation.

[0168] In other examples, the CMF network element can also send the total delay (i.e., the delay from when the terminal device sends the first data to when the terminal device receives the second data) to the first access network device. The first access network device then determines the first delay based on the total delay and the transmission delay between the first access network device and the terminal device. For example, T1 = t0 - 2 * t3, where T1 represents the first delay, t0 represents the total delay, and t3 represents the transmission delay between the first access network device and the terminal device. Alternatively, the CMF network element or the first computing node determines the first delay and sends it to the first access network device. This application does not limit the specific implementation of how the first access network device obtains the first delay.

[0169] In the embodiments of this application, "computation processing delay" can be replaced with "computation processing time" or "computation processing duration". Other descriptions of delay can also be processed in the same way and are not limited.

[0170] S704, the first access network device sends first information to the terminal device, the first information being used to indicate the duration of the first timer; correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first information and starts the first timer when entering the inactive state.

[0171] For example, the first information can be carried in the first message, that is, S703 and S704 can be executed simultaneously, or S703 includes S704; or, the first information can be carried in other possible messages, that is, S704 can be executed before S703. Figure 7 illustrates this with the example of the first information being carried in the first message.

[0172] In one possible implementation, the duration of the first timer is obtained based on the computation processing delay corresponding to at least one computational function. For example, the duration of the first timer is obtained based on a first delay, which in turn is determined based on the computation processing delay corresponding to at least one computational function. The specific method for determining the first delay can be found above. In this case, the duration of the first timer is equal to the first delay; or, the duration of the first timer is slightly less than the first delay, for example, the duration of the first timer is less than the first delay. The difference between the duration of the first timer and the first delay is less than or equal to a first threshold, where the first threshold is predefined or preconfigured.

[0173] The first timer is used to trigger the RNA update of the terminal device. For example, after the first timer expires, the terminal device sends an RRC recovery request message to the current access network device. The RRC recovery request message carries a cause value, which is used to indicate the RNA update.

[0174] It is understood that the name of the first timer can follow the existing technology, that is, the first timer is a periodic RNA timer. The embodiments of this application do not limit the name of the first timer.

[0175] Thus, since the duration of the first timer is equal to or slightly less than the first delay, when the second data arrives at or is about to arrive at the first access network device, the terminal device will initiate an RNA update process due to the timer expires. In this way, the first access network device can determine that the terminal device is reachable. Further, optionally, the first access network device restores the RRC connection between itself and the terminal device so that the second data can be transmitted to the terminal device.

[0176] S705, the first access network device sends second information to the terminal device, the second information being used to indicate the first area.

[0177] For example, the second information can be carried within the first message, meaning that S705 and S703 can be executed simultaneously, or that S703 includes S705; or, the first information can be carried within other possible messages, meaning that S705 can be executed before S703. Figure 7 illustrates this using the example of the second information being carried within the first message.

[0178] In one possible implementation, the first region is the paging area of ​​the terminal device corresponding to the first computing node in the inactive state. The first region is obtained based on the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node. For example, the first access network device determines the first region based on the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node. Optionally, the first access network device can also determine the first region based on other possible information, which is not specifically limited. For example, the first region can be the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node, or the first region can be a part of the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node, which is not specifically limited. The computing power service area of ​​the first computing node includes the coverage area of ​​at least one access network device that can connect to the first computing node. In this embodiment, the first region is described as the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node.

[0179] It is understood that the name of the first region can be computational RNA, or the name of the first region can follow the existing technology, that is, the first region is RNA. The embodiments of this application do not limit the name of the first region.

[0180] The technical features in S703, S704 and S705 above can be implemented in combination, or the technical features in S703, S704 and S705 can be decoupled from each other.

[0181] Optionally, after the terminal device enters the inactive state, the above method further includes S706, or S707 to S712.

[0182] S706, after the first access network device determines that the terminal device has moved out of the first area, it sends third information to the first computing node. The third information is used to instruct the first computing node to stop the calculation and processing of the first data. Accordingly, after receiving the third information, the first computing node stops the calculation and processing of the first data.

[0183] Since the terminal device moves out of the first area (i.e., the terminal device moves out of the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node), even if the first computing node completes the calculation and processing of the first data to obtain the second data, it cannot transmit the second data to the terminal device. Therefore, the first access network device can instruct the first computing node to stop the calculation and processing of the first data in order to save the computing resources of the first computing node.

[0184] There are several ways for the first access network device to determine that the terminal device has moved out of the first area. For example, when the terminal device is in an inactive state, if the terminal device moves out of the first area, the terminal device can initiate a computation RNA update process. Specifically, the terminal device sends an RRC recovery request message to the current access network device (such as the second access network device). The RRC recovery request message carries a cause value, which indicates a computation RNA update. Correspondingly, after receiving the RRC recovery request message, the second access network device sends a UE context request message to the access network device that last served the terminal device (i.e., the first access network device). Then, after receiving the UE context request message, the first access network device can determine that the terminal device has moved out of the first area.

[0185] Optionally, after sending the third information (or simultaneously sending the third information), the first access network device may release the connection between the first access network device and the first computing node. After receiving the third information, the first computing node may release the connection between the first access network device and the first computing node.

[0186] S707, if the terminal device has not moved out of the first area, after the first computing node completes the calculation and processing of the first data to obtain the second data, it can send the second data to the first access network device, and correspondingly, the first access network device receives the second data.

[0187] S708, the first access network device can initiate paging of terminal devices within the first area.

[0188] For example, if the first area includes one or more cells of the first access network device and one or more cells of the second access network device, then the first access network device can page the terminal device in one or more cells of the first access network device, and the first access network device can send a RAN paging message to the second access network device through the Xn interface to page the terminal device in one or more cells of the second access network device.

[0189] S709, the terminal device sends an RRC connection request message (such as an RRC recovery request message) to the second access network device; correspondingly, the second access network device receives the RRC connection request message.

[0190] If the terminal device moves to the cell of the second access network device, after receiving the paging message from the second access network device, the terminal device can send an RRC connection request message to the second access network device.

[0191] S710, the second access network device sends address information to the first access network device; correspondingly, the first access network device receives the address information.

[0192] For example, the second access network device may send a UE context request message to the first access network device, the UE context request message including address information. Alternatively, the second access network device may send a UE context request message to the first access network device, the UE context request message not including address information; correspondingly, the first access network device sends a UE context response message to the second access network device, the UE context response message including fourth information, the fourth information being used to indicate that the first access network device has cached the terminal device's computational data; furthermore, the second access network device sends address information to the first access network device based on the fourth information. It is understood that the fourth information may also be carried in other possible messages, and no specific limitation is made.

[0193] Optionally, the UE context response message includes the context information of the terminal device. Then, the second access network device can request the AMF network element to establish a transmission path (i.e., the transmission path "first computing node - second access network device - terminal device") based on the context information of the terminal device, and then the AMF network element can request the CMF network element to establish a transmission path.

[0194] After establishing the transmission path, the first computing node can release the connection between itself and the first access network device. If the first computing node still has computational data to send to the terminal device, it can send the computational data to the second access network device, which will then forward it to the terminal device.

[0195] After establishing the transmission path, the second access network device can send a UE context release message to the first access network device. Accordingly, after receiving the UE context release message, the first access network device releases the UE context and releases the connection between the first access network device and the first computing node.

[0196] S711, the first access network device sends the second data to the second access network device based on the address information.

[0197] S712, the second access network device sends the second data to the terminal device.

[0198] The above methods manage the reachability of inactive terminal devices from both temporal and spatial dimensions. From a temporal perspective, the duration of the first timer is derived from the computational processing latency corresponding to at least one computational function. This means the first timer duration takes computational processing latency into account, facilitating the initiation of an RNA update process by the terminal device when the second data arrives at or is about to arrive at the first access network device due to the timer's timeout. This allows the first access network device to determine the terminal device's reachability. Optionally, the first access network device restores the RRC connection with the terminal device, enabling the second data to be transmitted to the terminal device. From a spatial perspective, the first region is derived from the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node. This means the first region takes into account the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node, preventing the terminal device from moving outside the computing power service area, thus avoiding the problem of computational data failing to be transmitted to the terminal device after paging. The temporal and spatial dimensions can be implemented in combination or independently, without specific limitations.

[0199] Example 2

[0200] In Example 2, reachability management for terminal devices in the idle state will be introduced.

[0201] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in Embodiment 2 of this application. As shown in Figure 8, the method may include:

[0202] The S800 CMF network element establishes a computing connection between the terminal device and the first computing node.

[0203] S801, the terminal device sends first data to the first access network device, and correspondingly, the first access network device receives the first data.

[0204] S802, the first access network device sends the first data to the first computing node; correspondingly, the first computing node receives the first data.

[0205] The above S800 to S802 can refer to S700 to S702 in Embodiment 1.

[0206] S803, the first access network device sends a first indication information to the AMF network element, the first indication information being used to indicate the operating status of at least one computing function; correspondingly, the AMF network element receives the first indication information.

[0207] For example, since the first access network device sends first data to the first computing node, and at least one computing function associated with the first computing node is used to perform computational processing on the first data of the terminal device, the first access network device can send first indication information to the AMF network element. The first indication information is used to indicate the operating status of at least one computing function, and can also be replaced with other possible descriptions, such as: the first indication information indicates that the first access network device has sent the first data of the terminal device to the first computing node; or, for example, the first indication information indicates that at least one computing function has started to perform computational processing on the first data of the terminal device (or is currently performing computational processing on the first data of the terminal device, or will perform computational processing on the first data of the terminal device); or, for example, the first indication information indicates that the first access network device has received the first data of the terminal device. The first indication information may include at least one of the following: an identifier of at least one computing function, an identifier of the first computing node, and an identifier of the terminal device.

[0208] For details regarding "the first computing node, at least one computing function, and at least one computing function performing computational processing on the first data", please refer to the description in Embodiment 1.

[0209] It is understandable that S803 is an optional step, and AMF network elements can also learn about the operating status of at least one computing function through other possible means, without any specific limitations.

[0210] S804, the AMF network element sends a second message to the terminal device, which is used to instruct the terminal device to enter the idle state; accordingly, the terminal device receives the second message and enters the idle state.

[0211] One possible implementation is that the AMF network element sends a second message to the terminal device based on a second delay. For example, the AMF network element can send a second message to the terminal device if a delay is greater than or equal to a fourth threshold, where the fourth threshold is predefined or preconfigured. Since at least one computing function requires some time to process the first data, after the first access network device sends the first data, if the AMF network element determines that the second delay is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold (i.e., it needs to wait a relatively long time for the first computing node to complete the processing and obtain the second data), it can send a second message to the terminal device to allow the terminal device to enter an idle state, thus saving power consumption. Optionally, if the second delay is less than the fourth threshold, the AMF network element does not need to instruct the terminal device to enter an idle state.

[0212] The second delay is obtained based on the computation processing delay corresponding to at least one computation function. Taking the first computation function as an example, the computation processing delay corresponding to the first computation function refers to the delay required for the first computation function to perform computation processing on the first data. The computation processing delays corresponding to different computation functions among the at least one computation function can be the same or different. When the computation processing delays corresponding to different computation functions among the at least one computation function are different, the second delay can be obtained based on the minimum computation processing delay among the computation processing delays corresponding to the at least one computation function. For example, the AMF network element obtains the computation processing delay corresponding to at least one computation function and the transmission delay between the first access network device and the first computing node, and then determines the second delay based on the minimum computation processing delay and the transmission delay between the first access network device and the first computing node. For example, T2 = t1 + t2, where T2 represents the second delay, t1 represents the minimum computation processing delay, and t2 represents the transmission delay. That is, the second delay is the time interval between the first time and the third time, where the first time is the time when the first access network device sends the first data to the first computing node, and the third time is the estimated time when the first computing node completes the computation processing of the first data to obtain the second data.

[0213] In other examples, the AMF network element can obtain the total delay and then determine the second delay based on the total delay and the transmission delay between the first access network device and the terminal device. Alternatively, after determining the second delay, the first access network device (or the first computing node or CMF network element) sends the second delay to the AMF network element, so that the AMF network element can directly obtain the second delay. This application does not limit the specific implementation of how the AMF network element obtains the second delay.

[0214] Furthermore, when the AMF network element instructs the terminal device to enter an idle state, the first computing node can release the tunnel information between the first computing node and the first access network device (specifically for that terminal device). For example, the AMF network element instructs the first computing node to release the tunnel information between the first computing node and the first access network device through the CMF network element; or, the first computing node subscribes to the state of the terminal device from the AMF network element, and then the first computing node can release the tunnel information between the first computing node and the first access network device after receiving a subscription notification from the AMF network element (the subscription notification is used to instruct the terminal device to enter an idle state).

[0215] S805, the AMF network element sends the fifth information to the terminal device, which is used to indicate the duration of the second timer; accordingly, the terminal device receives the fifth information and starts the second timer when entering the idle state.

[0216] For example, the fifth message may be carried in the second message, that is, S804 and S805 may be executed simultaneously; or, the fifth message may be carried in other possible messages, that is, S805 may be executed before S804.

[0217] In one possible implementation, the duration of the second timer is obtained based on the computation processing delay corresponding to at least one computational function. For example, the duration of the second timer is obtained based on a second delay, which in turn is determined based on the computation processing delay corresponding to at least one computational function. The specific method for determining the second delay can be found above. In this implementation, the duration of the second timer is equal to the second delay; or, the duration of the second timer is slightly less than the second delay, for example, the duration of the second timer is less than the second delay. The difference between the duration of the second timer and the second delay is less than or equal to a third threshold, which is predefined or preconfigured.

[0218] The second timer is used to trigger the terminal device to perform periodic registration. For example, after the second timer expires, the terminal device sends a NAS registration update message to the AMF network element through the current access network device. The NAS registration update message carries a reason value, which is used to indicate periodic registration.

[0219] It is understood that the name of the second timer can follow the existing technology, that is, the second timer is a periodic registration update timer. This application embodiment does not limit the name of the second timer.

[0220] Thus, since the duration of the second timer is equal to or slightly less than the second delay, when the first computing node obtains the second data through computation, the terminal device will initiate an update process for the paging area in the idle state due to the timeout of the second timer. As a result, the AMF network element can determine that the terminal device is reachable. Further, optionally, the AMF network element restores the connection between itself and the terminal device so that the second data can be transmitted to the terminal device.

[0221] S806, the AMF network element sends the sixth information to the terminal device. The sixth information is used to indicate the second area.

[0222] For example, the sixth message can be carried in the second message, that is, S806 and S804 can be executed simultaneously; or, the sixth message can be carried in other possible messages, that is, S806 can be executed before S804.

[0223] Implementation Method 1: The second region is the paging area of ​​the terminal device corresponding to the first computing node in the idle state. The second region is obtained based on the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node. For example, the AMF network element determines the second region based on the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node. Optionally, the AMF network element can also determine the second region based on other possible information, which is not specifically limited. For example, the second region can be the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node, or the second region can be a part of the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node, which is not specifically limited. The computing power service area of ​​the first computing node includes the coverage area of ​​at least one access network device that can connect to the first computing node. In this embodiment, the second region is described as the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node.

[0224] It is understood that the name of the second region can be a list of tracking areas, or the name of the second region can follow the existing technology, that is, the second region is a list of tracking areas or a registration area. The embodiments of this application do not limit the name of the second region.

[0225] Implementation Method 2: When determining the second region, the AMF network element does not consider the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node. For example, the AMF network element can use the existing technology to determine the tracking area list or registration area to determine the second region, or the second region is the existing tracking area list or registration area.

[0226] Optionally, after the terminal device enters the idle state, for implementation method 1, the above method further includes S807, or S808 to S815.

[0227] S807, after the AMF network element determines that the terminal device has moved out of the second area, it sends the seventh information to the first computing node. The seventh information is used to instruct the first computing node to stop computing and processing the first data.

[0228] Since the terminal device moves out of the second area (i.e., the terminal device moves out of the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node), even if the first computing node completes the calculation and processing of the first data to obtain the second data, it cannot transmit the second data to the terminal device. Therefore, the AMF network element can instruct the first computing node to stop the calculation and processing of the first data in order to save the computing resources of the first computing node.

[0229] There are several ways for the AMF network element to determine that a terminal device has moved out of the second area. For example, when the terminal device is in an idle state, if the terminal device moves out of the second area, the terminal device can initiate the paging area update process in the idle state. Specifically, the terminal device sends a NAS registration update message to the AMF network element through the current access network device. After receiving the NAS registration update message, the AMF network element can determine that the terminal device has moved out of the second area.

[0230] S808, if the terminal device has not moved out of the second area, after the first computing node completes the calculation and processing of the first data to obtain the second data, it can send the second indication information to the CMF network element. The second indication information is used to indicate that the first computing node needs to forward the downlink data. Accordingly, the CMF network element receives the second indication information.

[0231] Since the first computing node releases the tunnel information between itself and the first access network device (specifically for the terminal device) after the terminal device enters the idle state, see the description in S804. Therefore, after the first computing node obtains the second data and determines that there is no tunnel information for data forwarding, it can send the second indication information to the CMF network element.

[0232] The second indication information includes information about the terminal device (such as the identifier of the terminal device), and optionally, it also includes the identifier of at least one computing function corresponding to the second data.

[0233] S809, the CMF network element sends the eighth information to the AMF network element according to the second instruction information. The eighth information is used to indicate that the computational data (i.e. the second data) of the terminal device has arrived; accordingly, the AMF network element receives the eighth information.

[0234] S810, the AMF network element initiates paging of terminal equipment in the second area.

[0235] For example, an AMF network element instructs access network devices in a second area to send paging messages to a terminal device. For instance, if the second area includes one or more cells of a first access network device and one or more cells of a second access network device, then the AMF network element can instruct both the first and second access network devices to send paging messages to the terminal device.

[0236] S811, the terminal device sends a service request to the AMF network element through the second access network device; correspondingly, the AMF network element receives the service request from the terminal device.

[0237] Assuming the terminal device moves to the cell of the second access network device, after receiving the paging message, the terminal device can send a service request to the AMF network element through the second access network device. This service request can be a computing connection request. For example, the service request may include the identifier of the first computing node, and may also include other possible information, without specific limitations.

[0238] S812, the AMF network element forwards the service request of the terminal device to the CMF network element.

[0239] S813, the CMF network element establishes a computing connection between the terminal device and the first computing node based on the service request of the terminal device.

[0240] Since the second access network device is located within the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node, meaning the second access network device can connect to the first computing node, the CMF network element can establish a computing connection of "terminal device - second access network device - first computing node".

[0241] S814, the first computing node sends the second data to the second access network device; correspondingly, the second access network device receives the second data.

[0242] S815, the second access network device sends the second data to the terminal device.

[0243] Optionally, after the terminal device enters the idle state, for implementation method 2, three possible implementations are described below in conjunction with Examples 1 to 3.

[0244] Example 1: The AMF network element can obtain the location information of the terminal device. If it determines that the terminal device has moved out of the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node, it sends a seventh message to the first computing node. The seventh message is used to instruct the first computing node to stop processing the first data. In other words, if the AMF network element does not consider the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node when determining the second area, the AMF network element can periodically or in real time obtain the location information of the terminal device. Once it is determined that the terminal device has moved out of the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node, it can instruct the first computing node to stop processing the first data, so as to save the computing resources of the first computing node.

[0245] If the terminal device is not moved out of the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node, the specific implementation steps can be referred to S808 to S815 above.

[0246] Example 2: Regardless of whether the terminal device moves out of the second area, the AMF network element does not instruct the first computing node to stop processing the first data. In this case, as shown in Figure 9, the above method also includes:

[0247] S807' After the first computing node completes the calculation and processing of the first data to obtain the second data, it can send the second indication information to the CMF network element. The second indication information is used to indicate that the first computing node needs to forward the downlink data. Accordingly, the CMF network element receives the second indication information.

[0248] In one possible implementation, after the terminal device enters the idle state, the first computing node releases the tunnel information between the first computing node and the first access network device (for the terminal device), as described in S804. Therefore, after the first computing node obtains the second data and determines that there is no tunnel information for data forwarding, it can send the second indication information to the CMF network element.

[0249] S808', the CMF network element sends the eighth information to the AMF network element according to the second instruction information. The eighth information is used to indicate that the terminal device's computed data (i.e., the second data) has arrived or to trigger the AMF network element to page the terminal device. Accordingly, the AMF network element receives the eighth information.

[0250] S809', the AMF network element initiates paging of the terminal device in the second area.

[0251] S810', the terminal device sends a service request to the AMF network element through the third access network device; correspondingly, the AMF network element receives the service request from the terminal device.

[0252] If the terminal device moves to the cell of the third access network device, after receiving the paging message, the terminal device can send a service request to the AMF network element through the third access network device. This service request can be a computing connection request.

[0253] In S811', the AMF network element determines whether the third access network device can connect to the first computing node (or whether the third access network device is located within the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node). If the third access network device can connect to the first computing node, the AMF network element forwards the service request of the terminal device to the CMF network element, and then executes S812'.

[0254] Optionally, if the third access network device cannot connect to the first computing node, the AMF network element rejects the service request from the terminal device. Further optionally, the AMF network element may instruct the first computing node to release the relevant configuration information of the terminal device.

[0255] S812', the AMF network element forwards the service request from the terminal device to the CMF network element.

[0256] S813', the CMF network element establishes a computing connection between the terminal device and the first computing node based on the service request of the terminal device, that is, the CMF network element establishes the computing connection of "terminal device-third access network device-first computing node".

[0257] S814', the first computing node sends the second data to the third access network device; correspondingly, the third access network device receives the second data.

[0258] S815', the third access network device sends the second data to the terminal device.

[0259] Example 3: Regardless of whether the terminal device moves out of the second area, the AMF network element does not instruct the first computing node to stop processing the first data. In this case, as shown in Figure 10, the above method also includes:

[0260] "S807" After the first computing node completes the calculation and processing of the first data to obtain the second data, it can send the second indication information to the CMF network element. The second indication information is used to indicate that the first computing node needs to forward the downlink data. Accordingly, the CMF network element receives the second indication information.

[0261] In one possible implementation, after the terminal device enters the idle state, the first computing node releases the tunnel information between the first computing node and the first access network device (for the terminal device), as described in S804. Therefore, after the first computing node obtains the second data and determines that there is no tunnel information for data forwarding, it can send the second indication information to the CMF network element.

[0262] "S808", the CMF network element sends the eighth information to the AMF network element according to the second instruction information. The eighth information is used to indicate that the terminal device's calculated data (i.e., the second data) has arrived or to trigger the AMF network element to page the terminal device; accordingly, the AMF network element receives the eighth information.

[0263] "S809", the AMF network element initiates a paging request for the terminal device in the second area.

[0264] "S810", the terminal device sends a service request to the AMF network element through the third access network device; correspondingly, the AMF network element receives the service request from the terminal device.

[0265] If the terminal device moves to the cell of the third access network device, after receiving the paging message, the terminal device can send a service request to the AMF network element through the third access network device. This service request can be a computing connection request.

[0266] "S811", the AMF network element forwards the service request from the terminal device to the CMF network element.

[0267] "S812", the CMF network element establishes a computing connection between the terminal device and the first computing node based on the service request of the terminal device.

[0268] For example, if a CMF network element determines that a third access network device can connect to a first computing node, it can establish a computing connection of "terminal device - third access network device - first computing node"; if a CMF network element determines that a third access network device cannot connect to a first computing node, it can implement routing between the third access network device and the first computing node by inserting a UPF network element, that is, the CMF network element establishes a computing connection of "terminal device - third access network device - UPF network element - first computing node".

[0269] "S813", the first computing node sends the second data to the third access network device (or the first computing node sends the second data to the third access network device through the UPF network element); correspondingly, the third access network device receives the second data.

[0270] "S814", the third access network device sends the second data to the terminal device.

[0271] The above methods manage the reachability of idle terminal devices from both temporal and spatial dimensions. From a temporal perspective, the duration of the second timer is derived from the computational processing latency corresponding to at least one computational function. This means the second timer duration takes into account computational processing latency, allowing the terminal device to initiate periodic registration upon arrival of the second data due to the timer's timeout. This enables the AMF network element to determine the terminal device's reachability. Optionally, the AMF network element restores the connection with the terminal device, allowing the second data to be transmitted. From a spatial perspective, the second region is derived from the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node. This means the second region considers the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node, preventing the terminal device from moving outside the computing power service area and causing the computational data to fail to be transmitted after paging. The temporal and spatial dimensions can be implemented in combination or independently, without specific limitations.

[0272] Optionally, in accordance with Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 described above, the first computing node may subscribe to the terminal device's status information from the first access network device and / or core network element (such as the AMF element). For example, when the terminal device enters an inactive or idle state, the first computing node may continue processing the first data; when the terminal device is deregistered, the first computing node may stop processing the first data to save computing resources. It is understood that the CMF element may also subscribe to the terminal device's status information from the first access network device and / or core network element (such as the AMF element), and the CMF element may then instruct the first computing node to perform corresponding operations based on the terminal device's status.

[0273] The above embodiments are described from the perspective of inactive or idle states. In this application embodiment, for a terminal device in the RRC connected state, one possible implementation is as follows: a first access network device receives first data from the terminal device and sends the first data to a first computing node. The first computing node is associated with at least one computing function, which is used to perform calculation processing on the first data. The first access network device configures a discontinuous reception (DRX) period for the terminal device according to a third delay, which is obtained based on the calculation processing delay corresponding to the at least one computing function.

[0274] The DRX period includes the DRX active time and the DRX inactive time. The first access network device configures the DRX period for the terminal device based on the third delay, which can mean that the DRX inactive time configured by the first access network device for the terminal device is equal to or less than the third delay.

[0275] Thus, since at least one computing function requires some time to process the first data, the first access network device can configure the DRX cycle for the terminal device based on the third delay, which helps to save the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0276] This invention does not limit the order in which the first access network device receives the first data and the third delay. For example, the first access network device may receive the first data, which includes the identifier of at least one computing function. The first access network device can then obtain the identifier of at least one computing function from the first data, and according to a pre-configured or predefined correspondence table (which indicates the correspondence between the identifier of a computing function and the corresponding computing processing delay), obtain the computing processing delay corresponding to at least one computing function, and obtain the third delay based on the computing processing delay corresponding to at least one computing function. Alternatively, the first access network device may receive the third delay before receiving the first data, or receive the computing processing delay corresponding to at least one computing function, and obtain the third delay based on the computing processing delay corresponding to at least one computing function. In this case, the third delay or the computing processing delay corresponding to at least one computing function may originate from a core network element or a first computing node.

[0277] For example, the third delay can be equal to the first delay (refer to the description in Embodiment 1). Alternatively, the third delay can be equal to the second delay (refer to the description in Embodiment 2). Alternatively, the third delay is determined based on the minimum computation processing delay, the transmission delay between the first access network device and the first computing node, and the transmission delay between the first access network device and the terminal device; for example, T3 = t1 + 2*t2 + t3, where T3 represents the third delay, t1 represents the minimum computation processing delay, t2 represents the transmission delay between the first access network device and the first computing node, and t3 represents the transmission delay between the first access network device and the terminal device. That is, the third delay is the time interval between the first time and the fourth time, where the first time is the time when the first access network device sends the first data to the first computing node, and the fourth time is the estimated time when the second data is transmitted to the terminal device. The specific implementation of the first access network device obtaining the third delay can be referred to the description of the first access network device obtaining the first delay in Embodiment 1.

[0278] Regarding the above embodiments, it is understood that:

[0279] (1) In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships. In addition, different implementations or different examples in the same embodiment can also be referenced or referenced by each other.

[0280] (2) The various numerical designations used in this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. The step numbers in the above flowcharts are only examples of the execution process and do not constitute a restriction on the order of execution of the steps. That is, the size of each step number does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each step should be determined by its function and internal logic. Furthermore, not all steps shown in the flowcharts are mandatory steps; some steps may be added or deleted based on actual needs.

[0281] The above primarily describes the solutions provided in the embodiments of this application from the perspective of device / network element interaction. It is understood that, to achieve the above functions, the device / network element may include corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules for executing each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, in conjunction with the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by 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 implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0282] This application embodiment can divide the device / network element into functional units according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into a separate functional unit, or two or more functions can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0283] In the case of using integrated units, FIG11 shows a possible exemplary block diagram of the device involved in the embodiments of this application. As shown in FIG11, the device 1100 may include a processing unit 1102 and a communication unit 1103. The processing unit 1102 is used to control and manage the operation of the device 1100. The communication unit 1103 is used to support communication between the device 1100 and other devices. Optionally, the communication unit 1103 is also called a transceiver unit, and may include a receiving unit and / or a sending unit, respectively used to perform receiving and sending operations. The device 1100 may also include a storage unit 1101 for storing the program code and / or data of the device 1100.

[0284] (1) The device 1100 may be the first communication device (such as a terminal device) in the above embodiments. The processing unit 1102 may support the device 1100 in performing the actions of the first communication device in the above method embodiments. Alternatively, the processing unit 1102 may mainly perform the internal actions of the first communication device in the method embodiments, and the communication unit 1103 may support communication between the device 1100 and other devices.

[0285] For example, in one embodiment, the communication unit 1103 is configured to: receive first data from a terminal device; send the first data to a first computing node, the first computing node being associated with at least one computing function, the at least one computing function being configured to perform computational processing on the first data; and send first information to the terminal device, the first information being configured to indicate the duration of a first timer, the duration of the first timer being obtained based on the computational processing delay corresponding to the at least one computing function, the first timer being configured to trigger a notification area RNA update of the terminal device based on the wireless access network.

[0286] In one possible design, the duration of the first timer is obtained based on the computation processing delay corresponding to the at least one computation function, including: the duration of the first timer is equal to the first delay, the first delay being obtained based on the computation processing delay corresponding to the at least one computation function; or, the duration of the first timer is less than the first delay, the difference between the duration of the first timer and the first delay is less than or equal to a first threshold, the first threshold being predefined or preconfigured.

[0287] In one possible design, the first latency is obtained based on the computation processing latency corresponding to the at least one computation function, including: the first latency is obtained based on the minimum computation processing latency among the computation processing latencies corresponding to the at least one computation function.

[0288] In one possible design, the communication unit 1103 is further configured to: receive the computation processing delay corresponding to the at least one computation function; the processing unit 1102 is configured to: determine the first delay based on the minimum computation processing delay and the transmission delay between the first access network device and the first computing node.

[0289] In one possible design, the communication unit 1103 is further configured to: send a first message to the terminal device according to a first delay, the first message being used to instruct the terminal device to enter an inactive state.

[0290] In one possible design, the communication unit 1103 is further configured to: send the first message to the terminal device when the first delay is greater than or equal to a second threshold; wherein the second threshold is predefined or preconfigured.

[0291] In another embodiment, the communication unit 1103 is configured to: receive first data from a terminal device; send the first data to a first computing node, the first computing node being associated with at least one computing function, the at least one computing function being used to perform computational processing on the first data; and send second information to the terminal device, the second information being used to indicate a first area, the first area being a paging area of ​​the terminal device corresponding to the first computing node in an inactive state; wherein the first area is obtained based on the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node, the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node including the coverage area of ​​at least one access network device capable of connecting to the first computing node.

[0292] In one possible design, the processing unit 1102 is configured to: determine that the terminal device has moved out of the first area; the communication unit 1103 is further configured to: send third information to the first computing node, the third information being used to instruct the first computing node to stop computing processing on the first data.

[0293] In one possible design, the communication unit 1103 is further configured to: receive second data, the second data being obtained by the at least one computing function performing calculations on the first data; page the terminal device within the first area; receive address information from a second access network device, the second access network device being the access network device to which the terminal device accesses based on the paging; and send the second data to the second access network device based on the address information.

[0294] In one possible design, the communication unit 1103 is further configured to: receive a request message from the second access network device, the request message being used to request context information of the terminal device; and send fourth information to the second access network device, the fourth information being used to indicate that the first access network device has cached the computational data of the terminal device.

[0295] In one possible design, the processing unit 1102 is further configured to: release the connection between the first access network device and the first computing node.

[0296] (2) The device 1100 may be the second communication device (such as the first computing node) in the above embodiments. The processing unit 1102 may support the device 1100 in performing the actions of the second communication device in the above method embodiments. Alternatively, the processing unit 1102 may mainly perform the internal actions of the second communication device in the method embodiments, and the communication unit 1103 may support communication between the device 1100 and other devices.

[0297] For example, in one embodiment, the processing unit 1102 is used to: determine the duration of a second timer, the second timer being used to trigger the terminal device to perform periodic registration; wherein, the duration of the second timer is obtained based on the computation processing delay corresponding to at least one computation function associated with the first computing node, the at least one computation function being used to perform computation processing on the first data of the terminal device; the communication unit 1103 is used to: send fifth information to the terminal device, the fifth information being used to indicate the duration of the second timer.

[0298] In one possible design, the duration of the second timer is obtained based on the computation processing delay corresponding to the at least one computation function, including: the duration of the second timer is equal to the second delay, the second delay being obtained based on the computation processing delay corresponding to the at least one computation function; or, the duration of the second timer is less than the second delay, the difference between the duration of the second timer and the second delay is less than or equal to a third threshold, the third threshold being predefined or preconfigured.

[0299] In one possible design, the second delay is obtained based on the computation processing delay corresponding to the at least one computation function, including: the second delay is obtained based on the minimum computation processing delay among the computation processing delays corresponding to the at least one computation function.

[0300] In one possible design, the communication unit 1103 is further configured to: receive the computation processing delay corresponding to the at least one computation function; the processing unit 1102 is configured to: determine the second delay based on the minimum computation processing delay and the transmission delay between the first access network device and the first computing node.

[0301] In one possible design, the communication unit 1103 is further configured to: send a second message to the terminal device according to a second delay, the second message being used to instruct the terminal device to enter an idle state.

[0302] In one possible design, the communication unit 1103 is further configured to: send the second message to the terminal device when the second delay is greater than or equal to a fourth threshold; wherein the fourth threshold is predefined or preconfigured.

[0303] In another embodiment, the processing unit 1102 is configured to: determine a second region, the second region being the paging region of the terminal device corresponding to the first computing node in an idle state; wherein the second region is obtained based on the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node, the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node including the coverage area of ​​at least one access network device capable of connecting the first computing node, the first computing node being associated with at least one computing function, the at least one computing function being used to perform computing processing on the first data of the terminal device; the communication unit 1103 is configured to: send sixth information to the terminal device, the sixth information being used to indicate the second region.

[0304] In one possible design, the processing unit 1102 is used to: determine that the terminal device has moved out of the second area; the communication unit 1103 is used to: send a seventh message to the first computing node, the seventh message being used to instruct the first computing node to stop computing processing on the first data.

[0305] It should be understood that the division of units in the above device is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, all units in the device can be implemented entirely through software calls from processing elements; all units can be implemented entirely in hardware; or some units can be implemented through software calls from processing elements, while others are implemented in hardware. For example, each unit can be a separate processing element, or it can be integrated into a chip within the device. Alternatively, it can be stored as a program in memory, called and executed by a processing element of the device. Moreover, these units can be fully or partially integrated together, or implemented independently. The processing element here can also be called a processor, which can be an integrated circuit with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, the operations or units described above can be implemented through integrated logic circuits in the processor element or through software calls from processing elements.

[0306] In one example, a unit in any of the above devices can be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the methods described above, such as: one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these forms of integrated circuits. As another example, when a unit in the device can be implemented in the form of a processing element scheduler, the processing element can be a processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), or other processor capable of calling programs. Furthermore, these units can be integrated together and implemented as a System-on-a-Chip (SoC).

[0307] The receiving unit described above is an interface circuit of the device, used to receive signals from other devices. For example, when the device is implemented as a chip, the receiving unit is an interface circuit for the chip to receive signals from other chips or devices. The transmitting unit described above is an interface circuit of the device, used to transmit signals to other devices. For example, when the device is implemented as a chip, the transmitting unit is an interface circuit for the chip to transmit signals to other chips or devices.

[0308] Based on the above embodiments, this application also provides a communication device. Referring to FIG12, the communication device 1200 may include one or more processors 1201. Optionally, the communication device 1200 may further include a memory 1202, which may be disposed inside or outside the communication device 1200. It is understood that FIG12 only shows the main components of the communication device, and the communication device may further include a transceiver (not shown in the figure).

[0309] Specifically, processor 1201 may be a CPU, a network processor (NP), or a combination of a CPU and an NP. Processor 1201 may further include a hardware chip. The hardware chip may be an ASIC, a programmable logic device (PLD), or a combination thereof. The PLD may be a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), an FPGA, a generic array logic (GAL), or any combination thereof.

[0310] The processor 1201 and memory 1202 are interconnected. Optionally, the processor 1201 and memory 1202 are interconnected via bus 1203; bus 1203 can be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. Buses can be categorized as address buses, data buses, control buses, etc. For ease of illustration, only one thick line is used in Figure 12, but this does not indicate that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0311] In one alternative implementation, memory 1202 is used to store programs, etc. Specifically, the program may include program code, which includes computer operation instructions. Memory 1202 may include RAM, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as one or more disk storage devices. Processor 1201 executes the application program stored in memory 1202 to implement the above-mentioned functions, thereby realizing the functions of communication device 1200.

[0312] For example, the communication device 1200 may be the first communication device, the second communication device, or the third communication device in the above embodiments.

[0313] In one embodiment, when the communication device 1200 performs the functions of the first communication device in the above method embodiment, the transceiver can perform the transmit and receive operations executed by the first communication device in the above method embodiment; the processor 1201 can perform other operations besides the transmit and receive operations executed by the first communication device in the above method embodiment. Specific details can be found in the relevant descriptions in the above embodiments, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0314] In one embodiment, when the communication device 1200 performs the functions of the second communication device in the above method embodiment, the transceiver can perform the transmit and receive operations executed by the second communication device in the above method embodiment; the processor 1201 can perform other operations besides the transmit and receive operations executed by the second communication device in the above method embodiment. Specific details can be found in the relevant descriptions in the above embodiments, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0315] In one embodiment, when the communication device 1200 implements the functions of the third communication device in the above method embodiments, the transceiver can perform the transmit and receive operations executed by the third communication device in the above method embodiments; the processor 1201 can perform other operations besides the transmit and receive operations executed by the third communication device in the above method embodiments. Specific details can be found in the relevant descriptions in the above embodiments, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0316] The terms "system" and "network" in this application embodiment are used interchangeably. "At least one" refers to one or more, and "multiple" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" includes A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC. And, unless otherwise specified, the ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in this application embodiment are used to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to limit the order, sequence, priority, or importance of multiple objects.

[0317] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0318] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to this application. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart illustrations and / or one or more blocks of the block diagrams.

[0319] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0320] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first access network device or a chip in the first access network device, and the method includes: Receive the first data from the terminal device; The first data is sent to a first computing node, the first computing node being associated with at least one computing function, the at least one computing function being used to perform computational processing on the first data; Send first information to the terminal device, the first information being used to indicate the duration of a first timer, the duration of the first timer being obtained based on the computation processing delay corresponding to the at least one computation function, the first timer being used to trigger the terminal device's notification area RNA update based on the wireless access network.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The duration of the first timer is obtained based on the computation processing delay corresponding to the at least one computation function, including: The duration of the first timer is equal to the first delay, which is obtained based on the computational processing delay corresponding to the at least one computational function; or, The duration of the first timer is less than the first delay, and the difference between the duration of the first timer and the first delay is less than or equal to a first threshold, which is predefined or preconfigured.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first delay is obtained based on the computation processing delay corresponding to the at least one computation function, including: The first delay is obtained based on the minimum computational processing delay among the computational processing delays corresponding to the at least one computational function.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the computation processing delay corresponding to the at least one computation function; The first delay is determined based on the minimum computation processing delay and the transmission delay between the first access network device and the first computing node.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on a first delay, a first message is sent to the terminal device, the first message being used to instruct the terminal device to enter an inactive state.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, Based on the first time delay, a first message is sent to the terminal device, including: If the first delay is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the first message is sent to the terminal device; wherein the second threshold is predefined or preconfigured.

7. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first access network device or a chip in the first access network device, and the method includes: Receive the first data from the terminal device; The first data is sent to a first computing node, the first computing node being associated with at least one computing function, the at least one computing function being used to perform computational processing on the first data; Send a second message to the terminal device, the second message being used to indicate a first area, the first area being the paging area of ​​the terminal device corresponding to the first computing node in the inactive state; wherein, the first area is obtained based on the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node, the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node including the coverage area of ​​at least one access network device capable of connecting to the first computing node.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: It is determined that the terminal device has moved out of the first area; A third message is sent to the first computing node, the third message being used to instruct the first computing node to stop processing the first data.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second data, which is obtained by the at least one computing function performing calculations on the first data; Paging the terminal device within the first area; Receive address information from a second access network device, which is the access network device that the terminal device accesses based on the paging; Based on the address information, the second data is sent to the second access network device.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a request message from the second access network device, the request message being used to request context information of the terminal device; A fourth message is sent to the second access network device, the fourth message being used to indicate that the first access network device has cached the computational data of the terminal device.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: Release the connection between the first access network device and the first computing node.

12. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a core network element or a chip in the core network element, and the method includes: The duration of a second timer is determined, the second timer being used to trigger the terminal device to perform periodic registration; wherein, the duration of the second timer is obtained based on the computation processing delay corresponding to at least one computation function associated with the first computing node, the at least one computation function being used to perform computation processing on the first data of the terminal device; A fifth message is sent to the terminal device, the fifth message being used to indicate the duration of the second timer.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The duration of the second timer is obtained based on the computation processing delay corresponding to the at least one computation function, including: The duration of the second timer is equal to the second delay, which is obtained based on the computational processing delay corresponding to the at least one computational function; or, The duration of the second timer is less than the second delay, and the difference between the duration of the second timer and the second delay is less than or equal to a third threshold, wherein the third threshold is predefined or preconfigured.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The second delay is obtained based on the computation processing delay corresponding to the at least one computation function, including: The second delay is obtained based on the minimum computational processing delay among the computational processing delays corresponding to the at least one computational function.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the computation processing delay corresponding to the at least one computation function; The second delay is determined based on the minimum computation processing delay and the transmission delay between the first access network device and the first computing node.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: According to the second delay, a second message is sent to the terminal device, the second message being used to instruct the terminal device to enter an idle state.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, According to the second delay, a second message is sent to the terminal device, including: If the second delay is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold, the second message is sent to the terminal device; wherein the fourth threshold is predefined or preconfigured.

18. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a core network element or a chip in the core network element, and the method includes: A second region is determined, which is the paging area of ​​the terminal device corresponding to the first computing node in the idle state; wherein, the second region is obtained based on the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node, the computing power service area of ​​the first computing node includes the coverage area of ​​at least one access network device that can connect to the first computing node, the first computing node is associated with at least one computing function, and the at least one computing function is used to perform calculation processing on the first data of the terminal device. A sixth message is sent to the terminal device, the sixth message being used to indicate the second area.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The method further includes: It is determined that the terminal device has moved out of the second area; A seventh message is sent to the first computing node, the seventh message being used to instruct the first computing node to stop processing the first data.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes units for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor coupled to a memory in which a computer program is stored; the processor is configured to invoke part or all of the computer program in the memory such that the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 19 is executed.

22. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program that, when some or all of the computer program is executed by a computer, causes the method described in any one of claims 1 to 19 to be performed.

23. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer reads and executes the computer program product, the method described in any one of claims 1 to 19 is performed.

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