Communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a communication method, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a program product. The communication method is executed by means of a first network element, and comprises: sending first information to a second network element, wherein the first information is used for discovering a third network element that supports an AI capability; and receiving second information sent by the second network element, wherein the second information is used for indicating the third network element, and the AI capability of the third network element comprises at least one of the following: a first capability for determining a first policy of a terminal, and a second capability for determining a first model, wherein the first model is used for determining a UE policy of the terminal. By means of the present disclosure, the discovery and selection of a network element having an AI capability can be realized.

Description

Communication methods, communication equipment, communication systems, storage media and software products Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product. Background Technology

[0002] In a communication system, to enable terminal-related communication, corresponding communication strategies need to be provided to the terminals. Based on these strategies, the terminals can communicate with the network side. These communication strategies are provided to the terminals by the network side. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The communication method is performed by a first network element. The communication method includes: sending first information to a second network element, wherein the first information is used to discover a third network element supporting artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities; receiving second information sent by the second network element, wherein the second information is used to instruct the third network element; wherein the AI ​​capabilities of the third network element include at least one of the following: a first capability to determine a first policy of a terminal; a second capability to determine a first model, wherein the first model is used to determine a UE policy of the terminal.

[0005] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. This communication method is performed by a second network element. The communication method includes: receiving first information sent by a first network element, wherein the first information is used to discover a third network element supporting AI capabilities; sending second information to the first network element, wherein the second information is used to instruct the third network element; wherein the AI ​​capabilities of the third network element include at least one of the following: a first capability to determine a first policy of a terminal; a second capability to determine a first model, wherein the first model is used to determine a UE policy of the terminal.

[0006] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The method is executed by a third network element. The communication method includes: receiving third information sent by a first network element, wherein the third information is used to request the third network element to make a policy decision; wherein the third network element supports AI capabilities, and the AI ​​capabilities of the third network element include at least one of the following: a first capability to determine a first policy of a terminal; and a second capability to determine a first model, wherein the first model is used to determine a UE policy of the terminal.

[0007] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. This communication method is performed by a terminal. The communication method includes: sending fifth information to a first network element, wherein the fifth information is used to obtain a first policy of the terminal from a third network element; wherein the third network element supports AI capabilities, and the AI ​​capabilities of the third network element include at least one of the following: a first capability to determine the first policy; and a second capability to determine a first model, wherein the first model is used to determine a UE policy of the terminal.

[0008] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided. This communication device is used to perform the communication method as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0009] According to a sixth aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a communication system is proposed. The communication system includes a first network element, a second network element, a third network element, and a terminal. The first network element is configured to implement the communication method as described in the first aspect. The second network element is configured to implement the communication method as described in the second aspect. The third network element is configured to implement the communication method as described in the third aspect. The terminal is configured to implement the communication method as described in the fourth aspect.

[0010] According to a seventh aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a storage medium is provided. The storage medium stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device performs the communication method as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0011] According to an eighth aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a program product is provided. The program product includes at least one of a program and instructions. When the program or instructions are executed by a communication device, they implement the communication method as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0012] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided. When the computer program is run on a computer, it causes the computer to perform the communication method as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0013] According to a tenth aspect of this disclosure, a chip or chip system is provided. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform the communication method as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0014] Through the embodiments disclosed herein, it is possible to discover and select network elements with AI capabilities.

[0015] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0017] Figure 1 is an exemplary schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 2 is an exemplary interaction diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 3A is an exemplary interaction diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 3B is an exemplary interaction diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 3C is an exemplary interaction diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 4A is an exemplary interactive schematic diagram of an implementation of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 4B is an exemplary interactive schematic diagram of an implementation of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 5 is an exemplary structural diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 6A is an exemplary structural diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 6B is an exemplary structural diagram of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0027] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product.

[0028] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. This communication method is performed by a first network element. The communication method includes: sending first information to a second network element, wherein the first information is used to discover a third network element supporting AI capabilities; receiving second information sent by the second network element, wherein the second information is used to instruct the third network element; wherein the AI ​​capabilities of the third network element include at least one of the following: a first capability to determine a first policy of a terminal; a second capability to determine a first model, wherein the first model is used to determine a UE policy of the terminal.

[0029] In the above embodiment, the first network element sends first information to the second network element, the first information indicating the AI ​​capabilities of the third network element. These AI capabilities include the ability to determine a first strategy for the terminal and / or the ability to determine a first model. Subsequently, the first network element can receive second information from the second network element to obtain information about the third network element possessing the AI ​​capabilities indicated by the first information. Thus, the first network element can discover and select a third network element supporting the required AI capabilities through the second network element, enabling the third network element to provide terminal strategies based on AI, thereby improving the efficiency of the communication system.

[0030] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: first preference information, used to indicate the preference of the third network element in determining the first strategy based on the first capability; first capability information, used to indicate that the third network element has the first capability; and second capability information, used to indicate that the third network element has the second capability.

[0031] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second information may include the identification information of the third network element.

[0032] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above communication method may further include: sending third information to a third network element, wherein the third information is used to request the third network element to make a policy decision; and receiving fourth information sent by the third network element, wherein the fourth information includes at least one of a first policy and a first model.

[0033] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the third information may include at least one of the following: first preference information, used to indicate the preference of the third network element to determine the first policy based on the first capability; first capability information, used to indicate that the third network element has a first capability; second capability information, used to indicate that the third network element has a second capability; and third capability information, used to indicate that the terminal has a third capability to determine the UE policy based on the first model.

[0034] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the third information may include at least one of the first preference information and the second capability information, and the fourth information may include at least the first strategy.

[0035] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the third information may include at least one of the second capability information and the third capability information, and the fourth information may include at least the first model.

[0036] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above communication method may further include: receiving fifth information sent by a terminal, wherein the fifth information is used to obtain a first strategy from a third network element; and sending fourth information to the terminal, wherein the fourth information includes at least one of the first strategy and the first model.

[0037] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the fifth information may include at least one of the following: first preference information, used to indicate the preference of the third network element to determine the first policy based on the first capability; and third capability information, used to indicate that the terminal has a third capability to determine the UE policy based on the first model.

[0038] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the fifth information may include first preference information, and the AI ​​capability of the third network element includes the first capability.

[0039] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the fifth information may include third capability information, and the AI ​​capability of the third network element includes the second capability.

[0040] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first policy may include at least one of the following: UE policy; quality of service (QoS) related policy; mobility related policy; session related policy; and charging policy.

[0041] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the UE policy may include at least one of the following: access network discovery selection policy; user equipment routing selection policy; vehicle-to-everything (V2X) policy; and short-range communication policy.

[0042] In a second aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. This communication method is performed by a second network element. The communication method includes: receiving first information sent by a first network element, wherein the first information is used to discover a third network element supporting AI capabilities; sending second information to the first network element, wherein the second information is used to instruct the third network element; wherein the AI ​​capabilities of the third network element include at least one of the following: a first capability to determine a first policy of a terminal; a second capability to determine a first model, wherein the first model is used to determine a UE policy of the terminal.

[0043] In the above embodiment, the first network element sends first information to the second network element, the first information indicating the AI ​​capabilities of the third network element. These AI capabilities include the ability to determine a first strategy for the terminal and / or the ability to determine a first model. Subsequently, the first network element can receive second information from the second network element to obtain information about the third network element possessing the AI ​​capabilities indicated by the first information. Thus, the first network element can discover and select a third network element supporting the required AI capabilities through the second network element, enabling the third network element to provide terminal strategies based on AI, thereby improving the efficiency of the communication system.

[0044] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: first preference information, used to indicate the preference of the third network element in determining the first strategy based on the first capability; first capability information, used to indicate that the third network element has the first capability; and second capability information, used to indicate that the third network element has the second capability.

[0045] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second information may include the identification information of the third network element.

[0046] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the above communication method may further include: receiving sixth information sent by a third network element, wherein the sixth information is used to register the third network element on the second network element.

[0047] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the sixth information may include: the identification information of the third network element; and the AI ​​capabilities supported by the third network element.

[0048] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first strategy may include at least one of the following: UE strategy; QoS-related strategy; mobility-related strategy; session-related strategy; and charging strategy.

[0049] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the UE policy may include at least one of the following: access network discovery selection policy; user equipment routing selection policy; vehicle-to-everything (V2X) policy; and short-range communication policy.

[0050] In a third aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. This method is executed by a third network element. The communication method includes: receiving third information sent by a first network element, wherein the third information is used to request the third network element to make a policy decision; wherein the third network element supports AI capabilities, and the AI ​​capabilities of the third network element include at least one of the following: a first capability to determine a first policy of a terminal; a second capability to determine a first model, wherein the first model is used to determine a UE policy of the terminal.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the first network element sends third information to the third network element to request the third network element to make a policy decision. The AI ​​capabilities of the third network element include the ability to determine a first policy of the terminal and / or the ability to determine a first model. Thus, after the first network element determines the third network element, the first network element can obtain the policy provided by the third network element based on AI through the third information, thereby improving the efficiency of the communication system.

[0052] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the third information may include at least one of the following: first preference information, used to indicate the preference of the third network element in determining the first strategy based on the first capability; first capability information, used to indicate that the third network element has a first capability; and second capability information, used to indicate that the third network element has a second capability.

[0053] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the above communication method may further include: sending fourth information to the first network element, wherein the fourth information includes at least one of a first strategy and a first model.

[0054] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the fourth information may include the first model; wherein the above-mentioned communication method may further include: training the first model.

[0055] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the fourth information may include the first strategy; wherein, the above-mentioned communication method may further include: determining the first strategy through a second model.

[0056] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the above communication method may further include: sending sixth information to the second network element, wherein the sixth information is used to register a third network element on the second network element.

[0057] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the sixth information may include: the identification information of the third network element; and the AI ​​capabilities supported by the third network element.

[0058] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first strategy may include at least one of the following: UE strategy; QoS-related strategy; mobility-related strategy; session-related strategy; and billing strategy.

[0059] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the UE policy may include at least one of the following: access network discovery selection policy; user equipment routing selection policy; vehicle-to-everything (V2X) policy; and short-range communication policy.

[0060] In a fourth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. This communication method is executed by a terminal. The communication method includes: sending fifth information to a first network element, wherein the fifth information is used to obtain a first policy of the terminal from a third network element; wherein the third network element supports AI capabilities, and the AI ​​capabilities of the third network element include at least one of the following: a first capability to determine the first policy; a second capability to determine a first model, wherein the first model is used to determine the UE policy of the terminal.

[0061] In the above embodiments, the terminal sends fifth information to the first network element, and the fifth information is used to obtain the terminal's first strategy from the third network element with AI capabilities. Since the AI ​​capabilities of the third network element include the ability to determine the terminal's first strategy and / or the ability to determine a first model, the first strategy and / or the first model determined by the third network element based on AI can be provided to the terminal. Thus, the terminal can obtain the AI-based first strategy from the third network element through the fifth information, thereby improving the efficiency of the communication system.

[0062] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the fifth information may include at least one of the following: first preference information, used to indicate the preference of the third network element to determine the first policy based on the first capability; third capability information, used to indicate that the terminal has a third capability to determine the UE policy based on the first model.

[0063] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the above communication method may further include: receiving fourth information sent by the first network element, wherein the fourth information includes at least one of a first strategy and a first model.

[0064] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the fourth information may include a first model; wherein, the above-mentioned communication method may further include: determining a UE policy through the first model.

[0065] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first strategy may include at least one of the following: UE strategy; QoS-related strategy; mobility-related strategy; session-related strategy; and charging strategy.

[0066] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the UE policy may include at least one of the following: access network discovery selection policy; user equipment routing selection policy; vehicle-to-everything (V2X) policy; and short-range communication policy.

[0067] In a fifth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. The communication device is disposed in a first network element. The communication device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to: send first information to a second network element, wherein the first information is used to discover a third network element supporting AI capabilities; receive second information sent by the second network element, wherein the second information is used to instruct the third network element; wherein the AI ​​capabilities of the third network element include at least one of the following: a first capability to determine a first policy of a terminal; a second capability to determine a first model, wherein the first model is used to determine a UE policy of the terminal.

[0068] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: first preference information, used to indicate the preference of the third network element in determining the first strategy based on the first capability; first capability information, used to indicate that the third network element has the first capability; and second capability information, used to indicate that the third network element has the second capability.

[0069] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the second information may include the identification information of the third network element.

[0070] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module may also be configured to: send third information to a third network element, wherein the third information is used to request the third network element to make a policy decision; and receive fourth information sent by the third network element, wherein the fourth information includes at least one of a first policy and a first model.

[0071] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the third information may include at least one of the following: first preference information, used to indicate the preference of the third network element to determine the first policy based on the first capability; first capability information, used to indicate that the third network element has a first capability; second capability information, used to indicate that the third network element has a second capability; and third capability information, used to indicate that the terminal has a third capability to determine the UE policy based on the first model.

[0072] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the third information may include at least one of the first preference information and the second capability information, and the fourth information may include at least the first strategy.

[0073] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the third information may include at least one of the second capability information and the third capability information, and the fourth information may include at least the first model.

[0074] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module may also be configured to: receive fifth information sent by the terminal, wherein the fifth information is used to obtain a first strategy from a third network element; and send fourth information to the terminal, wherein the fourth information includes at least one of the first strategy and the first model.

[0075] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the fifth information may include at least one of the following: first preference information, used to indicate the preference of the third network element to determine the first policy based on the first capability; third capability information, used to indicate that the terminal has a third capability to determine the UE policy based on the first model.

[0076] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the fifth information may include first preference information, and the AI ​​capability of the third network element includes the first capability.

[0077] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the fifth information may include third capability information, and the AI ​​capability of the third network element includes the second capability.

[0078] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first policy may include at least one of the following: UE policy; QoS-related policy; mobility-related policy; session-related policy; and charging policy.

[0079] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the UE policy may include at least one of the following: access network discovery selection policy; user equipment routing selection policy; vehicle-to-everything (V2X) policy; and short-range communication policy.

[0080] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. The communication device is disposed in a second network element. The communication device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to: receive first information sent by a first network element, wherein the first information is used to discover a third network element supporting AI capabilities; send second information to the first network element, wherein the second information is used to instruct the third network element; wherein the AI ​​capabilities of the third network element include at least one of the following: a first capability to determine a first policy of a terminal; a second capability to determine a first model, wherein the first model is used to determine a UE policy of the terminal.

[0081] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: first preference information, used to indicate the preference of the third network element in determining the first strategy based on the first capability; first capability information, used to indicate that the third network element has the first capability; and second capability information, used to indicate that the third network element has the second capability.

[0082] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the second information may include the identification information of the third network element.

[0083] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module may also be configured to: receive sixth information sent by the third network element, wherein the sixth information is used to register the third network element on the second network element.

[0084] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect, the sixth information may include: the identification information of the third network element; and the AI ​​capabilities supported by the third network element.

[0085] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the first policy may include at least one of the following: UE policy; QoS-related policy; mobility-related policy; session-related policy; and charging policy.

[0086] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the UE policy may include at least one of the following: access network discovery selection policy; user equipment routing selection policy; vehicle-to-everything (V2X) policy; and short-range communication policy.

[0087] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. The communication device is disposed in a third network element. The communication device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to: receive third information sent by a first network element, wherein the third information is used to request the third network element to make a policy decision; wherein the third network element supports AI capabilities, and the AI ​​capabilities of the third network element include at least one of the following: a first capability to determine a first policy of a terminal; a second capability to determine a first model, wherein the first model is used to determine a UE policy of the terminal.

[0088] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the third information may include at least one of the following: first preference information, used to indicate the preference of the third network element in determining the first strategy based on the first capability; first capability information, used to indicate that the third network element has a first capability; and second capability information, used to indicate that the third network element has a second capability.

[0089] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module may also be configured to: send fourth information to the first network element, wherein the fourth information includes at least one of the first strategy and the first model.

[0090] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the fourth information may include the first model; wherein the aforementioned communication device may further include a processing module configured to train the first model.

[0091] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the fourth information may include a first strategy; wherein the processing module may also be configured to: determine the first strategy through a second model.

[0092] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module may also be configured to: send sixth information to the second network element, wherein the sixth information is used to register a third network element on the second network element.

[0093] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the sixth information may include: the identification information of the third network element; and the AI ​​capabilities supported by the third network element.

[0094] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the first policy may include at least one of the following: UE policy; QoS-related policy; mobility-related policy; session-related policy; and billing policy.

[0095] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the UE policy may include at least one of the following: an access network discovery selection policy; a user equipment routing selection policy; a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) policy; and a near-field communication policy.

[0096] In an eighth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. The communication device is disposed in a terminal. The communication device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to: send fifth information to a first network element, wherein the fifth information is used to obtain a first policy of the terminal from a third network element; wherein the third network element supports AI capabilities, and the AI ​​capabilities of the third network element include at least one of the following: a first capability to determine the first policy; a second capability to determine a first model, wherein the first model is used to determine the UE policy of the terminal.

[0097] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the fifth information may include at least one of the following: first preference information, used to indicate the preference of the third network element to determine the first policy based on the first capability; and third capability information, used to indicate that the terminal has a third capability to determine the UE policy based on the first model.

[0098] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module may also be configured to: receive fourth information sent by the first network element, wherein the fourth information includes at least one of the first strategy and the first model.

[0099] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the fourth information may include a first model; wherein the aforementioned communication device may further include a processing module. The processing module is configured to: determine a UE strategy based on the first model.

[0100] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the first policy may include at least one of the following: UE policy; QoS-related policy; mobility-related policy; session-related policy; and charging policy.

[0101] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the UE policy may include at least one of the following: an access network discovery selection policy; a user equipment routing selection policy; a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) policy; and a near-field communication policy.

[0102] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. The communication device includes one or more processors and a memory storing instructions. When executed by the communication device, the instructions cause the communication device to implement the communication method as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects and their possible embodiments.

[0103] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system. The communication system includes a first network element, a second network element, a third network element, and a terminal. The first network element is configured to implement the communication method as described in any one of the first aspects and their possible embodiments. The second network element is configured to implement the communication method as described in any one of the second aspects and their possible embodiments. The third network element is configured to implement the communication method as described in any one of the third aspects and their possible embodiments. The terminal is configured to implement the communication method as described in any one of the fourth aspects and their possible embodiments.

[0104] In an eleventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions. When executed on a communication device, the instructions cause the communication device to perform a communication method as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects and their possible implementations.

[0105] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product. The program product includes at least one of a program and instructions. When executed by a communication device, the program or instructions implement the communication method as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects and their possible embodiments.

[0106] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program. When this computer program is run on a computer, it causes the computer to perform the communication method as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects and their possible implementations.

[0107] In a fourteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform a communication method as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects and their possible embodiments.

[0108] It is understood that the aforementioned communication devices, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, chip systems, etc., are all used to execute the communication methods provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0109] This disclosure provides a communication method, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a program product. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method" and "information processing method" are interchangeable. In some embodiments, the terms "communication apparatus," "communication device," and "information processing apparatus" are interchangeable. In some embodiments, the terms "information processing system" and "communication system" are interchangeable.

[0110] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementations in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined. Moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. For example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. As another example, a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with optional implementations of other embodiments. In all embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be mutually referenced. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0111] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0112] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0113] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0114] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0115] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0116] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execution of A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execution of B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0117] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

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

[0119] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0120] In some embodiments, devices, etc., can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as “device”, “equipment”, “circuit”, “network element”, “node”, “function”, “unit”, “section”, “system”, “network”, “chip”, “chip system”, “entity”, and “subject” can be used interchangeably.

[0121] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0122] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0123] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", "subscriber station", "mobile unit", "subscriber unit", "wireless unit", "remote unit", "mobile device", "wireless device", "wireless communication device", "remote device", "mobile subscriber station", "access terminal", "mobile terminal", "wireless terminal", "remote terminal", "handset", "user agent", "mobile client", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0124] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, and uplink link, downlink, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0125] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0126] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0127] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0128] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0129] Figure 1 is an exemplary schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101, an access network device 102, and a core network (or core network device) 103.

[0130] In some embodiments, terminal 101 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home.

[0131] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 is, for example, a node or device that connects the terminal 101 to a wireless network. In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: an evolved Node B (eNB), a next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), a next-generation Node B (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved node B (HeNB), a radio backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an open RAN, a cloud RAN, a base station in other communication systems, and an access node in a Wi-Fi system.

[0132] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) architectures. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0133] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0134] In some embodiments, the core network 103 may be a single device, including a first network element 1031, a second network element 1032, a third network element 1033, a fourth network element 1034, etc. In some embodiments, the core network 103 may be multiple devices or a group of devices, including all or some of the first network element 1031, the second network element 1032, the third network element 1033, the fourth network element 1034, etc. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network 103 may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), and a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0135] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may be used for functions such as session management, execution of PCF-issued control policies, selection of UPF, and allocation of UE Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, and its name is not limited thereto.

[0136] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may be, for example, a session management function (SMF).

[0137] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may be responsible for the network function configuration (NF profile) of a network function instance and the services it supports, and its name is not limited thereto.

[0138] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may be, for example, a network repository function (NRF).

[0139] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may be used, for example, to support a unified policy framework, provide policy rules, etc., and its name is not limited thereto.

[0140] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may be, for example, a policy control function (PCF).

[0141] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may be used to be responsible for registration management, connection management, accessibility management, mobility management, security and access management, and authorization, and its name is not limited thereto.

[0142] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may be, for example, an access and mobility management function (AMF).

[0143] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0144] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or to some of the entities, but are not limited thereto. The entities shown in FIG1 are exemplary. The communication system may include all or some of the entities in FIG1, or may include other entities besides those in FIG1. ​​The entities can have any number and form. The entities can be physical or virtual. The connection relationships between the entities are exemplary. The entities may be unconnected or connected. The connection between the entities can be in any manner. For example, the connection between the entities can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0145] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0146] First, the important concepts involved in the embodiments of this disclosure will be explained.

[0147] 1. Artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities

[0148] As a mobile communication technology standard proposed by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), IMT-2020 incorporates enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable and low-latency communication (URLLC), and massive machine-type communication (mMTC) in ITU-R (ITU-R Radiocommunications Sector) Recommendation M.2083. In some embodiments, the use cases for IMT-2030 are expected to expand upon IMT-2020 to accommodate a wider range of application needs. These needs require evolved and new capabilities to meet. In addition to expanding the use cases of IMT-2020, IMT-2030 is also expected to support new use cases enabled by capabilities such as AI and sensing, capabilities not designed for in previous generations of IMT.

[0149] In some embodiments, the use cases of IMT-2030 include: AI communication, integrated sensing and communication (ISAC), immersive communication, massive communication, hyper-reliable and low-latency communication, and ubiquitous communication.

[0150] In some embodiments, distributed computing and AI applications will be supported in AI communication use cases. Typical use cases for this scenario may include IMT-2030-assisted autonomous driving, autonomous collaboration between devices in medical assistance applications, offloading of heavy computational operations across devices and networks, and the creation and prediction of digital twins.

[0151] In some embodiments, AI communication use cases will require support for high regional traffic capacity and high user experience data rates, as well as low latency and high reliability, depending on the specific use case. Beyond communication, this use case is expected to include a range of new capabilities related to integrating AI and computing functions into IMT-2030. In some embodiments, these new capabilities include: acquisition, preparation, and processing of data from diverse sources; distributed AI model training; model sharing and distributed inference across IMT systems; and orchestration and linking of computing resources.

[0152] In some embodiments, IMT-2030 is expected to offer enhanced capabilities compared to IMT-2020 as described in ITU-R Recommendation M.2083, as well as new capabilities to support expanded use cases for IMT-2030. Furthermore, each capability may have different relevance and applicability in different use cases.

[0153] In some implementations, the capabilities of IMT-2030 include: peak data rate, user experience data rate, spectrum efficiency, regional traffic capacity, connection density, mobility, latency, reliability, security and resilience, coverage, positioning accuracy, sensing-related capabilities, applicable AI-related capabilities, sustainability, and interoperability.

[0154] In some embodiments, applicable AI-related capabilities refer to the ability to provide certain functions in IMT-2030 to support AI-enabled applications. These functions include distributed data processing, distributed learning, AI computation, AI model execution, and AI model inference, among others.

[0155] In some embodiments, interoperability refers to wireless interfaces based on member inclusion and transparency to enable functionality between different entities in the system.

[0156] 2. UE Policy Control

[0157] In the 5G core network, the PCF can provide policy information to the UE. This UE policy information indicates the UE policy used by the UE to achieve communication. This UE policy can also be referred to as the UE's communication policy.

[0158] In some embodiments, UE policy information may include: access network discovery and selection policy (ANDSP), UE route selection policy (URSP), vehicle-to-things policy (V2XP), and proximity service policy (ProSeP).

[0159] In some embodiments, a UE can use an access network discovery selection policy to select a non-3GPP access network. In one example, the access network discovery selection policy can be used to enable the UE to select the most suitable access network at the appropriate time and place to obtain the optimal network application experience.

[0160] In some embodiments, the UE can use a UE routing policy to determine how to route outbound traffic. In other words, the UE routing policy can be used to determine the routing direction of traffic. In one example, traffic may be routed to an established packet data unit (PDU) session. In another example, traffic may be diverted to a non-3GPP access point outside the PDU session. In one example, traffic may be routed to a network relay via a ProSe layer 3 UE located outside the PDU session. In yet another example, traffic may trigger the establishment of a new PDU session.

[0161] In some embodiments, the vehicle-to-everything (V2X) policy can provide configuration parameters for the UE for communication at the PC5 reference point, communication at the Uu reference point, or communication at both.

[0162] In some embodiments, the proximity service policy provides configuration parameters for the UE for ProSe direct discovery, ProSe direct communication, ProSe UE-network relay, and remote UE.

[0163] It is understandable that the access network discovery and selection policy and the UE routing policy are two components of the UE policy. The access network discovery and selection policy is used by the UE to select a non-3GPP access network, while the UE routing policy is used to determine how the UE routes traffic.

[0164] In some cases, depending on the deployment strategy of the mobile network operator (MNO), the deployed PCF can support AI capabilities and / or traditional mechanisms (or non-AI capabilities). Therefore, in a communication system, in order to configure communication policies for the UE based on AI capabilities, the network functions in the core network (e.g., SMFs) need to select a PCF with the corresponding capabilities for the UE.

[0165] Therefore, how to discover and select PCFs with AI capabilities is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0166] Figure 2 is an exemplary interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication method involved in this embodiment can be applied to a communication system 100. As shown in Figure 2, the communication method of this embodiment includes steps S201 to S214.

[0167] In step S201, the third network element 1033 sends the sixth information to the second network element 1032.

[0168] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 can send the sixth information. In some embodiments, the sixth information can be sent by the third network element 1033, but is not limited to this, and can also be sent by other entities.

[0169] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may receive the sixth information. In some embodiments, the sixth information may be received by the second network element 1032, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0170] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may be a PCF.

[0171] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may be an NRF.

[0172] In some embodiments, the sixth information can be used to register the third network element 1033 on the second network element 1032. In some embodiments, the sixth information can be used to provide the second network element 1032 with the capability information of the third network element 1033.

[0173] In some embodiments, the name of the sixth information is not limited, and it may be, for example, registration information, configuration information, network function configuration information, instance information, etc.

[0174] In some embodiments, the sixth information may include at least one of the following: the identification information of the third network element 1033, and the AI ​​capabilities supported by the third network element 1033.

[0175] In some embodiments, the identification information of the third network element 1033 can be used to identify the third network element 1033.

[0176] In some embodiments, the type of identification information of the third network element 1033 may be an NF instance identifier. For example, the identification information of the third network element 1033 may include the NF instance identifier of the third network element 1033.

[0177] In some embodiments, the AI ​​capabilities supported by the third network element 1033 can be AI functions that the third network element 1033 can implement.

[0178] In some embodiments, AI capabilities can be based on AI processing power. In some embodiments, AI capabilities can be implemented based on artificial intelligence (AI) / machine learning (ML) models. For example, AI capabilities can be based on AI model processing power. For example, AI capabilities can be based on ML model processing power.

[0179] In some embodiments, the AI ​​capabilities supported by the third network element 1033 may include at least one of the following: a first capability and a second capability. In some embodiments, the first capability may refer to the capability to determine a first policy of the terminal 101. In one example, the first capability may include the capability to determine the first policy of the terminal 101 based on AI. In some embodiments, the second capability may refer to the capability to determine a first model. In one example, the second capability may include the capability to determine a first model for the terminal 101.

[0180] In some embodiments, the second capability may be related to model training. In other words, the second capability is implemented based on model training. In some embodiments, model training may refer to training an AI / ML model. In some embodiments, model training may include training an AI / ML model for determining the UE policy of terminal 101.

[0181] In some embodiments, the UE strategy may include at least one of the following: ANDSP, URSP, V2XP, and ProSeP. In one example, the AI ​​capability supported by the third network element 1033 may include training an AI / ML model for determining at least one of ANDSP, URSP, V2XP, and ProSeP. It is understood that the UE strategy may also include other strategies, and this disclosure does not specifically limit them.

[0182] In some embodiments, the first capability may be related to model inference. In other words, the first capability is implemented based on model inference. In some embodiments, model inference may refer to inference based on an AI / ML model. In some embodiments, model training may include inference based on an AI / ML model used to determine a first policy of terminal 101 to obtain the first policy of terminal 101.

[0183] In some embodiments, the first strategy may include at least one of the following: UE strategy, QoS-related strategy, mobility-related strategy, session-related strategy, and charging strategy. In some embodiments, the first strategy may include some or all of the following strategies: UE strategy, QoS-related strategy, mobility-related strategy, session-related strategy, and charging strategy. In other words, the AI ​​capabilities supported by the third network element 1033 may include determining at least a portion of the UE strategy, QoS-related strategy, mobility-related strategy, session-related strategy, and charging strategy based on AI. It is understood that the first strategy may also include other strategies, and this disclosure does not specifically limit these.

[0184] In some embodiments, QoS-related policies may include at least one of the following: policy and charging control (PCC), QoS rules, QoS profiles, and QoS parameters.

[0185] In some embodiments, mobility-related policies may include at least one of the following: sector handover-based policies, speed and acceleration-based policies, prediction algorithm-based policies, edge computing-based policies, and virtualization and software-defined network-based policies.

[0186] In some embodiments, session-related policies may include session and service continuity (SSC) mode selection policies. For example, SSC mode selection policies may include SSC mode 1, SSC mode 2, and SSC mode 3.

[0187] In some embodiments, the billing policy may include PCC.

[0188] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may only have the first capability. For example, the third network element 1033 may only have the AI ​​capability to determine a first policy of the terminal 101. In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may only have the second capability. For example, the third network element 1033 may only have the AI ​​capability to train an AI / ML model for determining the UE policy of the terminal 101 to obtain a first model. In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may have both the first and second capabilities simultaneously.

[0189] In some embodiments, the first model can be used to determine the UE policy of terminal 101.

[0190] In some embodiments, the AI ​​capabilities supported by the third network element 1033 can be indicated by different values ​​of a field in the sixth information. In one example, a specific field in the sixth information can use a first value to indicate that the third network element 1033 only supports the first capability, a second value to indicate that the third network element 1033 only supports the second capability, and a third value to indicate that the third network element 1033 supports both the first and second capabilities. For example, the field in the sixth information used to indicate the AI ​​capabilities supported by the third network element 1033 may include two bits. When the field is set to "00", the sixth information can indicate that the third network element 1033 only supports the first capability. When the field is set to "01", the sixth information can indicate that the third network element 1033 only supports the second capability. When the field is set to "10", the sixth information can indicate that the third network element 1033 supports both the first and second capabilities.

[0191] In some embodiments, the different AI capabilities supported by the third network element 1033 can be indicated by different fields in the sixth information. In one example, the sixth information may include two fields to indicate the first capability and the second capability supported by the third network element 1033, respectively.

[0192] In some embodiments, the first field can be used to indicate the first capability supported by the third network element 1033. In some embodiments, the first field can be used to indicate whether the third network element 1033 supports model inference and which policies in the first policy it supports for determination. In one example, each field may include 5 bits. These 5 bits correspond to UE policy, QoS-related policy, mobility-related policy, session-related policy, and charging policy, respectively. For each bit, a value of "1" indicates that the third network element 1033 supports determining the policy corresponding to that bit based on AI; a value of "0" indicates that the third network element 1033 does not support determining the policy corresponding to that bit based on AI. For example, the value of the first field can be "11111", indicating that the third network element 1033 supports determining UE policy, QoS-related policy, mobility-related policy, session-related policy, and charging policy based on AI. For example, the value of the first field can be "11000", indicating that the third network element 1033 supports determining UE policy and QoS-related policy based on AI. For example, the first field could have a value of "00000", indicating that the third network element 1033 does not support AI-based determination of UE policies, QoS-related policies, mobility-related policies, session-related policies, and charging policies. In one example, each field could include 8 bits. These 8 bits correspond to ANDSP, URSP, V2XP, ProSeP, QoS-related policies, mobility-related policies, session-related policies, and charging policies, respectively. For each bit, a value of "1" indicates that the third network element 1033 supports AI-based determination of the policy corresponding to that bit; a value of "0" indicates that the third network element 1033 does not support AI-based determination of the policy corresponding to that bit. For example, the first field could have a value of "11111111", indicating that the third network element 1033 supports AI-based determination of ANDSP, URSP, V2XP, ProSeP, QoS-related policies, mobility-related policies, session-related policies, and charging policies. For example, if the first field can have a value of "11001000", it means that the third network element 1033 supports determining ANDSP, URSP, and QoS-related policies based on AI. Conversely, if the first field can have a value of "00000000", it means that the third network element 1033 does not support determining ANDSP, URSP, V2XP, ProSeP, QoS-related policies, mobility-related policies, session-related policies, or billing policies based on AI. In other words, this means that the third network element 1033 does not support the first capability.

[0193] In some embodiments, the second field can be used to indicate a second capability supported by the third network element 1033. In some embodiments, the second field can be used to indicate whether the third network element 1033 supports model training and the UE policy targeted by the AI / ML model trained by the model. In one example, the second field may include 4 bits. These 4 bits correspond to ANDSP, URSP, V2XP, and ProSeP, respectively. For each bit, if the value is "1", it means that the trained AI / ML is applicable to the corresponding UE policy; if the value is "0", it means that the trained AI / ML is not applicable to the corresponding UE policy. For example, the value of the second field can be "1111", which means that the third network element 1033 supports the training of AI / ML models for ANDSP, URSP, V2XP, and ProSeP, that is, the first model determined by the third network element 1033 can be used to determine ANDSP, URSP, V2XP, and ProSeP. For example, the value of the second field can be "1100", which indicates that the third network element 1033 supports training AI / ML models for ANDSP and URSP, meaning that the first model determined by the third network element 1033 can be used to determine ANDSP and URSP. Conversely, the value of the second field can be "0000", which indicates that the third network element 1033 does not support training AI / ML models for ANDSP, URSP, V2XP, and ProSeP. In other words, this means that the third network element 1033 does not support the second capability.

[0194] In some embodiments, the AI ​​capabilities supported by the third network element 1033 may be determined based on the deployment strategy of the mobile network operator.

[0195] In some embodiments, the sixth information may be carried in the NF registration request message. In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may send an NF registration request message to the second network element 1032, and the NF registration request message may include the sixth information.

[0196] In some embodiments, the NF registration request message can be sent from the third network element 1033 to the second network element 1032 during the deployment of the third network element 1033. In some embodiments, the NF registration request message may include an Nnrf_NFManagement_NFRegister request message.

[0197] In some embodiments, the NF registration request message may include the NF configuration of the third network element 1033. In one example, the NF configuration may include sixth information. For example, the NF configuration may include the identification information of the third network element 1033 and / or the AI ​​capabilities supported by the third network element 1033. In some embodiments, the NF configuration may also include other information, such as NF type, public land mobile network (PLMN) identifier (ID), network slice, fully qualified domain name (FQDN) or IP address of the third network element 1033.

[0198] In some embodiments, after receiving the sixth information, the second network element 1032 can save the sixth information locally. For example, after receiving the NF configuration containing the sixth information from the third network element 1033, the second network element 1032 can save the NF configuration locally.

[0199] In step S202, the second network element 1032 sends the seventh information to the third network element 1033.

[0200] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may send seventh information. In some embodiments, the seventh information may be sent by the second network element 1032, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0201] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may receive the seventh information. In some embodiments, the seventh information may be received by the third network element 1033, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0202] In some embodiments, the seventh information can be used to indicate the registration result of the third network element 1033. In one example, the registration result indicated by the seventh information may include: registration successful or registration failed. In some embodiments, if the third network element 1033 successfully registers on the second network element 1032, the seventh information can indicate registration successful. In some embodiments, if the third network element 1033 fails to register on the second network element 1032, the seventh information can indicate registration failed.

[0203] In some embodiments, the seventh information can indicate different registration results through different values. In one example, the seventh information can use a first value to indicate successful registration and a second value to indicate registration failure. Here, the first value can be different from the second value. For example, the value of the seventh information can be "1", which indicates successful registration. For example, the value of the seventh information can be "0", which indicates registration failure.

[0204] In some embodiments, the seventh information may be sent by the second network element 1032 in response to the sixth information. In other words, the seventh information may be response information to the sixth information.

[0205] In some embodiments, the seventh information may be carried in the NF registration response message. In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may send an NF registration response message to the third network element 1033, which may include the seventh information. In one example, the NF registration response message may include an Nnrf_NFManagement_NFRegister response message.

[0206] Through steps S301 and S302, the third network element 1033 can register with the second network element 1032 for the discovery and selection of the third network element 1033.

[0207] In step S203, terminal 101 sends fifth information to fourth network element 1034.

[0208] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may send fifth information. In some embodiments, the fifth information may be sent by terminal 101, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0209] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may receive the fifth information. In some embodiments, the fifth information may be received by the fourth network element 1034, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0210] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may have AI capabilities. In other words, terminal 101 may support AI capabilities.

[0211] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may not have AI capabilities. In other words, terminal 101 may not support AI capabilities. In this case, the AI ​​capability of terminal 101 can be no AI capability.

[0212] In some embodiments, the fifth information can be used to obtain the first policy from the third network element. In some embodiments, the fifth information can be used to request the first policy from the third network element. In some embodiments, the fifth information can be used to indicate the terminal 101's need for an AI-based policy.

[0213] In some embodiments, the name of the fifth piece of information is not limited, and it may be, for example, demand information, policy request information, etc.

[0214] In some embodiments, the fifth information may include at least one of the following: first preference information and third capability information.

[0215] In some embodiments, the first preference information may be used to indicate the preference of the third network element 1033 in determining the first strategy of the terminal 101 based on the first capability. In some embodiments, the first preference information may be used to indicate that, relative to the third network element 1033 determining the first strategy using AI capabilities, the preference is for the third network element 1033 to determine the first strategy of the terminal 101 using AI capabilities. It is understood that the first preference information is used to indicate that, relative to determining the first strategy using conventional methods, the terminal 101 prefers the third network element 1033 to determine the first strategy of the terminal 101 based on AI capabilities.

[0216] In some embodiments, the third capability information can be used to indicate the AI ​​capabilities of terminal 101. In some embodiments, the third capability information can be used to indicate that terminal 101 has a third capability. In some embodiments, the third capability refers to the ability of terminal 101 to determine UE policies based on a first model.

[0217] In some embodiments, the third capability information can indicate that terminal 101 supports model inference through a first value, that is, it supports determining the UE policy based on the first model. In some embodiments, the third capability information can indicate that terminal 101 does not support model inference through a second value, that is, it does not support determining the UE policy based on the first model. For example, the value of the third capability information can be "1", which indicates that terminal 101 supports model inference. For example, the value of the third capability information can be "0", which indicates that terminal 101 does not support model inference.

[0218] In some embodiments, the fifth information can be sent through the PDU session establishment process or the PDU session modification process. In one example, the fifth information can be carried in the PDU session establishment request. For example, terminal 101 can send a PDU session establishment request to the fourth network element 1034, and the PDU session establishment request can carry the fifth information. In one example, the fifth information can be carried in the PDU session modification request. For example, terminal 101 can send a PDU session modification request to the fourth network element 1034, and the PDU session modification request can carry the fifth information.

[0219] In step S204, the fourth network element 1034 sends the fifth information to the first network element 1031.

[0220] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can send fifth information. In some embodiments, the fifth information can be sent by the fourth network element 1034, but is not limited thereto, and can also be sent by other entities.

[0221] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may receive the fifth information. In some embodiments, the fifth information may be received by the first network element 1031, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0222] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may forward the fifth information from the terminal 101 to the first network element 1031. In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may transparently transmit the fifth information from the terminal 101 to the first network element 1031.

[0223] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can send the fifth information to the first network element 1031 through the Nsmf interface.

[0224] In one example, the fifth piece of information can be carried in the Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext request. For instance, the fourth network element 1034 can send an Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext request to the first network element 1031, and this Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext request can carry the fifth piece of information. In another example, the fifth piece of information can be carried in the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext request. For instance, the fourth network element 1034 can send an Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext request to the first network element 1031, and this Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext request can carry the fifth piece of information.

[0225] In step S205, the first network element 1031 determines the AI ​​capability of the third network element 1033.

[0226] In some embodiments, upon receiving the fifth information, the first network element 1031 may determine to perform the discovery and selection of the third network element 1033.

[0227] In some embodiments, in order to discover and select the third network element 1033, the first network element 1031 can determine the AI ​​capabilities of the third network element 1033. In other words, the first network element 1031 can determine the third network element 1033 suitable for providing the first strategy to the terminal 101, that is, determine the AI ​​capabilities of the third network element 1033. It is understood that the AI ​​capabilities determined in this step are the AI ​​capabilities that the third network element 1033 needs to support.

[0228] In some embodiments, step S205 may include: determining the AI ​​capability of the third network element 1033 based on the fifth information.

[0229] In some embodiments, the AI ​​capabilities of the third network element 1033 determined by the first network element 1031 may include a first capability and / or a second capability.

[0230] In some embodiments, the fifth information may include first preference information and / or third capability information. In this case, the first network element 1031 can determine the AI ​​capability of the third network element 1033 based on the first preference information and / or the third capability information.

[0231] In some embodiments, the fifth information may include first preference information. In this case, the AI ​​capabilities supported by the third network element 1033 may include the first capability, meaning the first network element 1031 can determine that the third network element 1033 supports the first capability. Since the first preference information indicates that the third network element 1033 determines the first strategy of the terminal 101 based on the AI ​​capabilities, the first network element 1031 can determine that the AI ​​capabilities supported by the third network element 1033 include the first capability. In other words, the first network element 1031 can determine that the third network element 1033 has the capability to determine the first strategy of the terminal 101 based on AI capabilities.

[0232] In some embodiments, the fifth information may include third capability information. In this case, the AI ​​capability supported by the third network element 1033 may include the second capability, meaning the first network element 1031 can determine that the third network element 1033 supports the second capability. Since the third capability information indicates that the terminal 101 supports determining the UE policy based on the first model, the first network element 1031 can determine that the AI ​​capability supported by the third network element 1033 includes the second capability.

[0233] In some embodiments, when the fifth information includes both first preference information and third capability information, the first network element 1031 can determine that the third network element 1033 supports the first capability and the second capability.

[0234] In step S206, the first network element 1031 sends the first information to the second network element 1032.

[0235] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can send first information. In some embodiments, the first information can be sent by the first network element 1031, but is not limited to this, and can also be sent by other entities.

[0236] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can receive the first information. In some embodiments, the first information can be received by the second network element 1032, but is not limited thereto, and can also be received by other entities.

[0237] In some embodiments, the first information can be used to discover a third network element 1033. In some embodiments, the first information can be used to obtain available third network elements 1033. In some embodiments, the first information can be used to discover third network elements 1033 that support AI capabilities.

[0238] In some embodiments, the name of the first information is not limited, and it may be, for example, discovery information, search information, request information, etc.

[0239] In some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: first preference information, first capability information, and second capability information.

[0240] In some embodiments, if the received fifth information includes first preference information, the first information may carry the first preference information. It is understood that if the received fifth information includes first preference information, the first information may also not carry the first preference information.

[0241] In some embodiments, the first capability information can be used to indicate that the third network element 1033 has a first capability. In some embodiments, the first capability information can be used to indicate that the third network element 1033 needs to have a first capability. In some embodiments, the first capability information can be used to indicate that the third network element 1033 should support a first capability.

[0242] In some embodiments, if the received fifth information includes first preference information, the first information may carry first capability information. In one example, if the fifth information includes first preference information, the first network element 1031 may determine that the third network element 1033 should support the first capability, and then the first network element 1031 may send the first capability information to the second network element 1032.

[0243] In some embodiments, the first information may include one of first preference information and first capability information.

[0244] In some embodiments, the second capability information can be used to indicate that the third network element 1033 has a second capability. In some embodiments, the second capability information can be used to indicate that the third network element 1033 needs to have a second capability. In some embodiments, the second capability information can be used to indicate the second capability that the third network element 1033 should support.

[0245] In some embodiments, if the received fifth information includes third capability information, the first information may carry second capability information. In one example, if the fifth information includes third capability information, the first network element 1031 may determine that the third network element 1033 should support the second capability, and then the first network element 1031 may send the second capability information to the second network element 1032.

[0246] It should be noted that the first information may also include other information, and this disclosure does not specifically limit this.

[0247] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can obtain the third network element 1033 from the second network element 1032 through the NF service discovery process.

[0248] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can send first information to the second network element 1032 through the Nnrf interface.

[0249] In some embodiments, the first information may be carried in the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request. In one example, the first network element 1031 may send an Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request to the second network element 1032, and the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request may carry the first information.

[0250] In step S207, the second network element 1032 sends the second information to the first network element 1031.

[0251] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can send second information. In some embodiments, the second information can be sent by the second network element 1032, but is not limited thereto, and can also be sent by other entities.

[0252] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can receive the second information. In some embodiments, the second information can be received by the first network element 1031, but is not limited thereto, and can also be received by other entities.

[0253] In some embodiments, the second information may be used to indicate the third network element 1033. In some embodiments, the second information may be used to provide the third network element 1033.

[0254] In some embodiments, the second information may be sent by the second network element 1032 in response to the first information.

[0255] In some embodiments, the second information may include identification information of one or more third network elements 1033. In one example, the identification information included in the second information may be used to identify one or more third network elements 1033. For example, the second information may include identifiers of one or more third network elements 1033. Each of these third network elements 1033 may have AI capabilities that need to be supported, such as a first capability and / or a second capability. It is understood that the one or more third network elements 1033 indicated by the second information may be candidate third network elements 1033.

[0256] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can send second information to the first network element 1031 through the Nnrf interface.

[0257] In some embodiments, the second information may be carried in the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request response. In one example, the second network element 1032 may send an Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request response to the first network element 1031, and the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request response may carry the second information.

[0258] In some embodiments, before sending the second information, the second network element 1032 may determine one or more third network elements 1033.

[0259] In some embodiments, these third network elements 1033 may be determined based on the first information.

[0260] In some embodiments, the first information may include first preference information and / or first capability information. In this case, the second network element 1032 may determine one or more third network elements 1033 that support the first capability based on the first preference information and / or the first capability information.

[0261] In some embodiments, the first information may include second capability information. In this case, the second network element 1032 may determine one or more third network elements 1033 that support the second capability based on the second capability information.

[0262] In some embodiments, the first information may include first preference information and / or first capability information, as well as second capability information. In this case, the second network element 1032 may determine one or more third network elements 1033 that support the first capability and the second capability based on the first preference information and / or the first capability information, as well as the second capability information.

[0263] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may determine one or more third network elements 1033 based on the AI ​​capabilities supported by the locally registered third network element 1033 and according to the first information. In one example, the second network element 1032 may compare the AI ​​capabilities indicated by the first information with the AI ​​capabilities of one or more third network elements 1033 registered in the second network element 1032, and determine the third network element 1033 with matching AI capabilities.

[0264] It should be noted that the determination of the third network element 1033 by the second network element 1032 may also take into account other factors, such as the local strategy of the second network element 1032 and other information that may be carried in the first information. This embodiment of the disclosure does not make specific limitations on this.

[0265] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can determine a third network element 1033 based on the first information. In this case, the second information may include the identification information of the third network element 1033.

[0266] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can determine a plurality of third network elements 1033 based on the first information. In one example, the second information may include identification information of all the plurality of third network elements 1033. In one example, after determining the plurality of third network elements 1033, the second network element 1032 may select one third network element 1033 from these third network elements 1033, and the second information may include the identification information of the selected third network element 1033.

[0267] In step S208, the first network element 1031 sends third information to the third network element 1033.

[0268] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may send third information. In some embodiments, the third information may be sent by the first network element 1031, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0269] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 can receive third information. In some embodiments, the third information can be sent by the third network element 1033, but is not limited thereto; it can also be sent by other entities.

[0270] In some embodiments, the third information can be used to request the third network element 1033 to make policy decisions. In some embodiments, the third information can be used to request the third network element 1033 to provide the policy of the terminal 101.

[0271] In some embodiments, the name of the third information is not limited, and it may be, for example, policy request information, policy acquisition information, etc.

[0272] In some embodiments, the third information may include at least one of the following: first preference information, first capability information, second capability information, and third capability information.

[0273] In some embodiments, the third information may include first preference information and / or first capability information. In this case, the third information may instruct the third network element 1033 to determine a first strategy based on AI.

[0274] In some embodiments, the third information may include second capability information and / or third capability information. In this case, the third information may instruct the third network element 1033 to determine the first model.

[0275] In some embodiments, the third information may include first preference information and / or first capability information, and second capability information and / or third capability information. In this case, the third information may instruct the third network element 1033 to determine a first strategy and a first model based on AI.

[0276] In some embodiments, the third information may further include the identification information of the third network element 1033.

[0277] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may determine the third network element 1033 before sending the third information.

[0278] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may be determined by the first network element 1031 based on second information. In one example, the second information may include identification information of a third network element 1033, in which case the first network element 1031 may determine to send the third information to that third network element 1033. In one example, the second information may include identification information of multiple third network elements 1033, in which case the first network element 1031 may select one third network element 1033 from the multiple third network elements 1033 and send the third information to the selected third network element 1033.

[0279] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can send third information to the third network element 1033 through the Npcf interface.

[0280] In some embodiments, the third information can be sent through the SM policy association establishment process or the SM policy association modification process.

[0281] In some embodiments, the third information can be implemented through SM policy control service operations. In one example, the third information can be carried in an SM policy control creation request. For example, a first network element 1031 can send an SM policy control creation request to a third network element 1033, and this SM policy control creation request carries the third information. In another example, the third information can be carried in an SM policy control update request. For example, a first network element 1031 can send an SM policy control update request to a third network element 1033, and this SM policy control update request carries the third information.

[0282] In step S209, the third network element 1033 determines the first model.

[0283] In some embodiments, the first model may be a model for determining the UE policy of terminal 101. In one example, the first model may be an AI / ML model.

[0284] In some embodiments, the first model may also be referred to as the UE policy model, because the first model can be used to determine the UE policy of terminal 101.

[0285] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may determine the first model in response to third information. In one example, the third information may include second capability information and / or third capability information, in which case the third network element 1033 may determine the first model.

[0286] In some embodiments, determining the first model in step S209 can be implemented by training the first model to obtain a trained first model. It is understood that by training the first model, a new or updated first model can be obtained.

[0287] In some embodiments, the training of the first model by the third network element 1033 may be independent of the third information. For example, the training of the first model by the third network element 1033 may be completed before the first network element 1031 receives the third information.

[0288] In some embodiments, the training of the first model can be implemented based on the first data. In some embodiments, step S209 may include: the third network element 1033 acquiring the first data; and training the first model based on the first data.

[0289] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may obtain first data from one or more network nodes. The first data can be used to train a first model. In other words, the first data may include training data for the first model. In some embodiments, the network nodes from which the third network element 1033 obtains the first data may include at least one of the following: UDR, UDM, AF, terminal 101, and network data analytics function (NWDAF). In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may receive first data from at least one of UDR, UDM, AF, terminal 101, and NWDAF. It should be noted that the third network element 1033 may also obtain first data from other network nodes; this disclosure does not specifically limit this.

[0290] In some embodiments, the first model in the third network element 1033 may be pre-deployed. For example, the model deployed in the third network element 1033 may be a pre-trained model. In this case, the third network element 1033 may determine the pre-trained first model.

[0291] In step S210, the third network element 1033 determines the first strategy.

[0292] In some embodiments, the first strategy may be a strategy associated with terminal 101. In some embodiments, the first strategy may be determined by third network element 1033 through a second model.

[0293] In some embodiments, when the third network element 1033 receives the third information, the third network element 1033 can determine to generate a first strategy for the terminal 101 based on the third information.

[0294] In one example, the third information may include first preference information and / or first capability information, then the third network element 1033 can determine to generate a first policy for the terminal 101. In another example, the third network element 1033 can determine to generate a first policy for the terminal 101 based on the first preference information and / or first capability information in the first information.

[0295] In some embodiments, the first strategy may be determined using a second model. In one example, the third network element 1033 may use a trained second model to determine the first strategy of the terminal 101.

[0296] In some embodiments, the first strategy may be determined based on second data. In some embodiments, step S210 may include: the third network element 1033 acquiring the second data; and performing inference using a second model based on the second data to determine the first strategy.

[0297] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may obtain second data from one or more network nodes. The second data may be used to determine a first strategy for the terminal 101. In some embodiments, the network nodes from which the third network element 1033 obtains the second data may include at least one of the following: UDR, UDM, AF, terminal 101, and NWDAF. In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may receive second data from at least one of the UDR, UDM, AF, terminal 101, and NWDAF. It should be noted that the third network element 1033 may also obtain second data from other network nodes; this disclosure does not specifically limit this.

[0298] In some embodiments, the determination of the first policy may also consider a local policy. The local policy may be a policy configured in the third network element 1033. In one example, the local policy may include an operator policy. For example, the local policy may include the MNO's policy. In this case, the first policy can be determined based on the second data and the MNO's policy.

[0299] In some embodiments, the first policy may include at least one of the following: UE policy, QoS-related policy, mobility-related policy, session-related policy, and charging policy. In some embodiments, the UE policy may include at least one of the following: ANDSP, URSP, V2XP, and ProSeP. It is understood that the first policy may also include other policies, and this disclosure does not specifically limit them.

[0300] It should be noted that the third information may include first preference information and / or first capability information, as well as second capability information and / or third capability information. In this case, the third information can simultaneously instruct the third network element 1033 to determine the first strategy and the first model based on AI. Regarding the UE strategy, the third network element 1033 may determine only the first model used by the terminal 101 to generate the UE strategy, without determining the UE strategy within the first strategy; or, the third network element 1033 may determine both the UE strategy within the first strategy and the first model.

[0301] In some embodiments, steps S209 and S210 may be independent of each other. For example, step S209 may be performed, and step S210 may not be performed. For example, step S209 may not be performed, and step S210 may be performed. For example, step S209 may be performed, and step S210 may be performed.

[0302] In step S211, the third network element 1033 sends the fourth information to the first network element 1031.

[0303] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may send fourth information. In some embodiments, the fourth information may be sent by the third network element 1033, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0304] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may receive fourth information. In some embodiments, the fourth information may be received by the first network element 1031, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0305] In some embodiments, the fourth information may be used to provide a strategy for terminal 101. In some embodiments, the fourth information may be used to provide terminal 101 with a first strategy and / or a first model.

[0306] In some embodiments, the name of the fourth information is not limited, and it may be, for example, policy notification information, policy information, policy issuance information, etc.

[0307] In some embodiments, the fourth information may include at least one of the following: a first strategy and a first model.

[0308] In some embodiments, steps S209 and S210 may not be executed. In this case, the fourth information may include the first model, which may be a model pre-deployed in the third network element 1033. In some embodiments, step S209 may be executed, and step S210 may not be executed. In this case, the fourth information may include the first model, which may be a model trained by the third network element 1033. In some embodiments, step S209 may not be executed, and step S210 may be executed. In this case, the fourth information may include the first policy. In some embodiments, steps S209 and S210 may both be executed. In this case, the fourth information may include the first policy and the first model.

[0309] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 can send fourth information to the first network element 1031 through the Npcf interface.

[0310] In some embodiments, the fourth information can be sent through the SM policy association establishment process or the SM policy association modification process.

[0311] In some embodiments, the third information can be implemented through SM policy control service operations. In one example, the third information can be carried in the SM policy control creation response. For example, the third network element 1033 can send an SM policy control creation response to the first network element 1031, and the SM policy control creation response carries the fourth information. In one example, the fourth information can be carried in the SM policy control update response. For example, the third network element 1033 can send an SM policy control update response to the first network element 1031, and the SM policy control update response carries the fourth information.

[0312] In step S212, the first network element 1031 sends the fourth information to the fourth network element 1034.

[0313] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may send fourth information. In some embodiments, the fourth information may be sent by the first network element 1031, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0314] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can receive fourth information. In some embodiments, the fourth information can be received by the fourth network element 1034, but is not limited thereto, and can also be received by other entities.

[0315] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may forward the fourth information from the third network element 1033 to the fourth network element 1034. In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may transparently transmit the fourth information from the third network element 1033 to the fourth network element 1034.

[0316] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can send the fifth information to the fourth network element 1034 through the Nsmf interface.

[0317] In one example, the fourth information can be carried in the Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message. For instance, the first network element 1031 can send the Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message to the fourth network element 1034, and this Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message can carry the fourth information.

[0318] In step S213, the fourth network element 1034 sends the fourth information to the terminal 101.

[0319] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can send fourth information. In some embodiments, the fourth information can be sent by the fourth network element 1034, but is not limited thereto; it can also be sent by other entities.

[0320] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may receive fourth information. In some embodiments, the fourth information may be received by terminal 101, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0321] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can send fourth information to the terminal 101 through the access network device 102. In one example, the fourth network element 1034 can send the fourth information to the access network device 102 through the N2 interface. For example, the fourth information can be carried in an N2 PDU session request. In one example, the access network device 102 can send the fourth information to the terminal 101 through the Uu interface. For example, the fourth information can be carried in a PDU session establishment accept message.

[0322] In step S214, terminal 101 determines the UE policy.

[0323] In some embodiments, after obtaining the fourth information, the terminal 101 can determine the UE policy based on the fourth information.

[0324] In some embodiments, the fourth information may include a first strategy and / or a first model.

[0325] In some embodiments, the fourth information may only include the first policy, and the first policy includes the UE policy. In this case, the terminal 101 may determine the UE policy in the first policy as the UE policy.

[0326] In some embodiments, the fourth information may consist only of the first model. In this case, the terminal 101 can determine the UE policy through the first model.

[0327] In some embodiments, the fourth information may include a first policy and a first model, and the first policy includes a UE policy. In this case, terminal 101 may determine whether to adopt the UE policy in the first policy or generate a UE policy through the first model, according to protocol agreements and / or local configuration. In some embodiments, terminal 101 may support AI capabilities, i.e., support generating UE policies based on the first model. Then terminal 101 may preferentially adopt the first model to generate the UE policy.

[0328] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may determine the UE policy based on the third data and the first model. In some embodiments, when determining the UE policy, terminal 101 may consider the third data.

[0329] In some embodiments, the third data may be data acquired by terminal 101. The third data may be used by terminal 101 to determine UE policy.

[0330] In some embodiments, the third data may include data related to the first application. In some embodiments, the third data may include at least one of the following: information about the first application, data of the first application, network condition information of the terminal 101, and trajectory data of the terminal 101.

[0331] In some embodiments, the information of the first application may include relevant information about the first application. In one example, the relevant information about the first application may indicate the application type, traffic type, service provider type, etc. For example, the application type of the first application may include video, voice, text, etc. For example, the traffic type of the first application may include video stream, audio stream, voice stream, etc. For example, the service provider type of the first application may include video platform, voice communication, etc.

[0332] In some embodiments, the data of the first application may include data to be sent related to the first application, data already sent related to the first application, etc. In some embodiments, the data of the first application may also include the data volume, data type, etc., of the data related to the first application.

[0333] In some embodiments, the network condition information of terminal 101 can be used to indicate the communication quality of the communication network in which terminal 101 is located. For example, the network condition information of terminal 101 can be used to indicate the signal quality of the access network in which terminal 101 is located.

[0334] In some embodiments, the trajectory data of terminal 101 can be used to indicate the movement trajectory of terminal 101. For example, the trajectory data of terminal 101 may include identification information of one or more cells traversed by terminal 101. For example, the trajectory data of terminal 101 may include identification information of the base stations where one or more cells traversed by terminal 101 are located. For example, the trajectory data of terminal 101 may include identification information of one or more tracking areas traversed by terminal 101.

[0335] In some implementations, the third data may be obtained from an upper layer. For example, the third data may be obtained by terminal 101 from the application layer. In some embodiments, the third data may be obtained locally from terminal 101. For example, the third data may be stored in terminal 101 and retrieved by terminal 101.

[0336] In some embodiments, the UE policy may include at least one of the following: ANDSP, URSP, V2XP, and ProSeP. Terminal 101 may employ a first model and determine one or more of ANDSP, URSP, V2XP, and ProSeP based on third data.

[0337] The communication method of this embodiment can be implemented through steps S201 to S214.

[0338] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0339] In some embodiments, the terms "uplink", "uplink", and "physical uplink" can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "downlink", "downlink", and "physical downlink", as well as the terms "sidelink", "sidelink", "sidelink communication", "sidelink communication", "direct connection", "direct link", "direct communication", and "direct link communication".

[0340] In some embodiments, the terms “radio”, “wireless”, “radio access network (RAN)”, “access network (AN)”, and “RAN-based” can be used interchangeably.

[0341] In some embodiments, “get,” “obtain,” “receive,” “transmit,” “bidirectional transmission,” and “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation, among other meanings.

[0342] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0343] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "default", "set", "indicated", "a certain", "any", and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A", "preset A", "default A", "set A", "indicated A", "a certain A", "any A", and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0344] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (boolean), or by a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0345] In some embodiments, the terms “traffic”, “flow”, “stream”, and “data stream” can be used interchangeably.

[0346] In some embodiments, the terms "service", "business", and "traffic" can be used interchangeably.

[0347] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S201 to S214. For example, step S201 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S203 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S206 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S207 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S208 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S211 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S213 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, a combination of steps S201 and S202 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, a combination of steps S203 and S213 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, a combination of steps S206 and S207 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, a combination of steps S207 and S208 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, a combination of steps S208 and S209 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, a combination of steps S201, S206, and S207 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, a combination of steps S203, S204, and S205 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, a combination of steps S211, S212, and S213 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that the possible independent embodiments consisting of one or more steps from S201 to S214 are not limited to these.

[0348] In some embodiments, steps S202, S203, S204, S205, S206, S207, S208, S209, S210, S211, S212, S213, and S214 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments. In some embodiments, steps S201, S202, S204, S205, S206, S207, S208, S209, S210, S211, S212, S213, and S214 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments. In some embodiments, steps S201, S202, S203, S204, S205, S207, S208, S209, S210, S211, S212, S213, and S214 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments. In some embodiments, steps S201, S202, S203, S204, S205, S206, S207, S209, S210, S211, S212, S213, and S214 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0349] In some embodiments, other optional implementations may be described before or after the embodiment corresponding to FIG2.

[0350] Figure 3A is an exemplary interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This disclosure relates to a communication method. As shown in Figure 3A, the method includes steps S3101 and S3102.

[0351] In step S3101, the first network element sends the first information to the second network element.

[0352] The optional implementation of step S3101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S206 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0353] In some embodiments, the first network element may send the first information. In some embodiments, the first information may be sent by the first network element, but is not limited to this; it may also be sent by other entities.

[0354] In some embodiments, the second network element can receive the first information. In some embodiments, the first information can be received by the second network element, but is not limited to this; it can also be received by other entities.

[0355] In step S3102, the second network element sends the second information to the first network element.

[0356] The optional implementation of step S3102 can be found in the optional implementation of step S207 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0357] In some embodiments, the second network element can send second information. In some embodiments, the second information can be sent by the second network element, but is not limited to this; it can also be sent by other entities.

[0358] In some embodiments, the first network element can receive the second information. In some embodiments, the second information can be received by the first network element, but is not limited to this; it can also be received by other entities.

[0359] Figure 3B is an exemplary interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This disclosure relates to a communication method. As shown in Figure 3B, the method includes steps S3201 and S3202.

[0360] In step S3201, the first network element sends third information to the third network element.

[0361] The optional implementation of step S3201 can be found in the optional implementation of step S208 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0362] In some embodiments, the first network element can send third information. In some embodiments, the third information can be sent by the first network element, but it is not limited to this; it can also be sent by other entities.

[0363] In some embodiments, a third network element can receive third information. In some embodiments, the third information can be received by a third network element, but is not limited to this; it can also be received by other entities.

[0364] In step S3202, the third network element sends the fourth information to the first network element.

[0365] The optional implementation of step S3202 can be found in the optional implementation of step S211 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0366] In some embodiments, the third network element can send fourth information. In some embodiments, the fourth information can be sent by the third network element, but it is not limited to this; it can also be sent by other entities.

[0367] In some embodiments, the first network element can receive the fourth information. In some embodiments, the fourth information can be received by the first network element, but is not limited to this; it can also be received by other entities.

[0368] Figure 3C is an exemplary interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This disclosure relates to a communication method. As shown in Figure 3C, the method includes steps S3301 and S3302.

[0369] In step S3301, the terminal sends the fifth information to the first network element.

[0370] The optional implementations of step S3301 can be found in the optional implementations of steps S203 and S204 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0371] In some embodiments, the terminal may send the fifth information. In some embodiments, the fifth information may be sent by the terminal, but is not limited to this; it may also be sent by other entities.

[0372] In some embodiments, the first network element can receive the fifth information. In some embodiments, the fifth information can be received by the first network element, but is not limited to this; it can also be received by other entities.

[0373] In step S3302, the first network element sends the fourth information to the terminal.

[0374] The optional implementations of step S3302 can be found in the optional implementations of steps S212 and S213 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0375] In some embodiments, the first network element can send fourth information. In some embodiments, the fourth information can be sent by the first network element, but it is not limited to this; it can also be sent by other entities.

[0376] In some embodiments, the terminal may receive fourth information. In some embodiments, the fourth information may be received by the terminal, but is not limited to this; it may also be received by other entities.

[0377] In the following, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described by way of example.

[0378] In this embodiment, the PCF can support both AI and non-AI capabilities to determine policies (e.g., PCC rules, URSP rules, etc.). There are two scenarios: Scenario 1, only the PCF is enhanced to support AI capabilities; Scenario 2, both the UE and the PCF support AI capabilities.

[0379] In some embodiments, the following enhancements may be made: (1) The PCF registers its own AI capabilities with the NRF to enable the discovery and selection of PCFs; (2) The SMF discovers AI-based PCFs based on the AI ​​policy indications provided by the UE through the AMF; (3) The PCF uses the AI ​​policy model to determine policy and / or QoS parameters by collecting data from UDR, UDM, UE, AF, NWDAF or other data source NF; (4) Optionally, the PCF updates and / or generates the AI ​​policy model and passes it to the UE.

[0380] Figure 4A is an exemplary interactive schematic diagram of an implementation of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment involves NF registration with an NRF. As shown in Figure 4A, the communication method of this embodiment includes steps S4101 and S4102.

[0381] In step S4101, the PCF (i.e., the first network element) sends an NF registration request to the NRF (i.e., the second network element), including AI capabilities.

[0382] In step S4102, the NRF returns an NF registration response to the PCF, including a result indication.

[0383] Figure 4B is an exemplary interactive schematic diagram of an implementation of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment relates to a process of PCF discovery and selection based on AI capabilities. As shown in Figure 4B, the communication method of this embodiment includes steps S4201 to S4208.

[0384] In step S4201, the UE (i.e., the terminal) triggers the sending of a PDU session establishment / modification request to the AMF (i.e., the fourth network element) through the gNB (i.e., the access network device), including AI policy indication (i.e., the first information).

[0385] In some embodiments, the AI ​​policy indication is used to indicate that, in the absence of AI capabilities supported by the UE, the UE prefers the PCF to use AI capabilities to determine policy and / or QoS parameters (i.e., first preference information).

[0386] In some embodiments, the AI ​​policy indication is also used to indicate the UE's AI capabilities (i.e., third capability information) (e.g., AI policy capabilities) to the PCF to determine policy and / or QoS parameters (i.e., first policy) using the AI ​​capabilities, and optionally to generate / update the AI ​​policy model (i.e., first model).

[0387] In step S4202, the AMF sends a CreateSM_context request to the SMF (i.e., the third network element), which includes AI policy instructions.

[0388] In step S4203, the SMF determines to send an NF discovery request to the NRF, including AI policy capabilities (i.e., first capability and second capability), in order to discover PCFs that support AI capabilities.

[0389] In step S4204, the NRF provides the AI ​​policy capability to select a candidate PCF ID for the SMF.

[0390] In step S4205, the SMF sends an SM policy control creation request, including AI policy capabilities, to the selected PCF.

[0391] In step S4206, based on the AI ​​policy indication and / or MNO policy received from the SMF, and by using input data from UDR / UDM, UE, NWDAF, AF, etc., the PCF determines to use the AI ​​policy model to determine the policy and / or QoS parameters.

[0392] In step S4207, the PCF sends policy and / or QoS parameters to the SMF, optionally including an AI policy model for the UE.

[0393] In step S4208, the remaining steps of the PDU session establishment / modification process are performed. In one example, if the PCF determines to update the AI ​​policy model in the UE, the AI ​​policy model can be included in the PDU session establishment / modification acceptance message.

[0394] In the embodiments disclosed herein, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations in other embodiments.

[0395] This disclosure also provides communication apparatuses for implementing any of the above methods. For example, this disclosure also provides a communication apparatus including units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the network element in any of the above methods. For example, this disclosure also provides a communication apparatus including units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods.

[0396] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only 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, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0397] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a central processing unit, microprocessor, graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a type of microprocessor), or digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device, such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), tensor processing unit (TPU), deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

[0398] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5, the communication device 500 may include at least one of the following: a transceiver module 501 and a processing module 502.

[0399] In some embodiments, the communication device 500 may be a first network element 1031. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 501 may be configured to: send first information to a second network element, wherein the first information is used to discover a third network element that supports AI capabilities; receive second information sent by the second network element, wherein the second information is used to indicate the third network element; wherein the AI ​​capabilities of the third network element include at least one of the following: a first capability to determine a first policy of a terminal; a second capability to determine a first model, wherein the first model is used to determine a UE policy of the terminal. Optionally, the transceiver module 501 may be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the first network element 1031 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S201, S202, S208, S211, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module 502 may be configured to perform at least one of other steps besides the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the first network element 1031 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S209, S210, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0400] In some embodiments, the communication device 500 may be a second network element 1032. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 501 may be configured to: receive first information sent by a first network element, wherein the first information is used to discover a third network element that supports AI capabilities; send second information to the first network element, wherein the second information is used to indicate the third network element; wherein the AI ​​capabilities of the third network element include at least one of the following: a first capability to determine a first policy of the terminal; a second capability to determine a first model, wherein the first model is used to determine the UE policy of the terminal. Optionally, the transceiver module 501 may be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the second network element 1032 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S201, S202, S206, S207, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0401] In some embodiments, the communication device 500 may be a third network element 1033. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 501 may be configured to: receive third information sent by a first network element, wherein the third information is used to request the third network element to make a policy decision; wherein the third network element supports AI capabilities, and the AI ​​capabilities of the third network element include at least one of the following: a first capability to determine a first policy of a terminal; a second capability to determine a first model, wherein the first model is used to determine the UE policy of the terminal. Optionally, the transceiver module 501 may be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the third network element 1033 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S204, S206, S207, S208, S211, S212, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module 502 may be configured to perform at least one of other steps besides the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the third network element 1033 in any of the above methods (e.g., step S205, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0402] In some embodiments, the communication device 500 may be a terminal 101. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 501 may be configured to: send fifth information to a first network element, wherein the fifth information is used to obtain a first policy of the terminal from a third network element; wherein the third network element supports AI capabilities, and the AI ​​capabilities of the third network element include at least one of the following: a first capability to determine the first policy; a second capability to determine a first model, wherein the first model is used to determine the UE policy of the terminal. Optionally, the transceiver module 501 may be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the terminal 101 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S203, S213, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module 502 may be configured to perform at least one of other steps besides the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the terminal 101 in any of the above methods (e.g., step S214, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0403] In some embodiments, the communication device shown in FIG5 may also be a communication equipment.

[0404] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module. The transmitting and receiving modules may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0405] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module may be interchangeable with a processor.

[0406] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device 6100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 6100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0407] As shown in Figure 6A, the communication device 6100 includes one or more processors 6101. The processor 6101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 6100 can be used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 6101 can be used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 6100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0408] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more transceivers 6102. When the communication device 6100 includes one or more transceivers 6102, the transceivers 6102 perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S201, S202, S203, S204, S206, S207, S208, S211, S212, S213, but not limited thereto), and the processor 6101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S205, S209, S210, S214, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceivers may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated together. Optionally, terms such as transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, and interface can be used interchangeably; terms such as transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit can be used interchangeably; and terms such as receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit can be used interchangeably.

[0409] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more memories 6103 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 6103 may be located outside the communication device 6100. In optional embodiments, the communication device 6100 may include one or more interface circuits 6104. Optionally, the interface circuits 6104 are connected to the memories 6103 and can be used to receive data from the memories 6103 or other devices, and to send data to the memories 6103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 6104 can read data stored in the memories 6103 and send that data to the processor 6101.

[0410] The communication device 6100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 6100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 6100 may not be limited by FIG. 6A. The communication device may be a standalone device or a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0411] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For cases where the communication device 6100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the chip 6200 shown in Figure 6B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0412] Chip 6200 includes one or more processors 6201. Chip 6200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0413] In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more interface circuits 6202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more memories 6203 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 6203 may be located outside chip 6200. Optionally, interface circuit 6202 is connected to memory 6203, and interface circuit 6202 can be used to receive data from memory 6203 or other devices, and interface circuit 6202 can be used to send data to memory 6203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 6202 can read data stored in memory 6203 and send the data to processor 6201.

[0414] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 6202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., steps S201, S202, S203, S204, S206, S207, S208, S211, S212, S213, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 6202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method refers, for example, to the interface circuit 6202 performing data interaction between the processor 6201, the chip 6200, the memory 6203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 6201 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S205, S209, S210, S214, but not limited thereto).

[0415] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0416] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device 6100, cause the communication device 6100 to perform any of the methods described above. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0417] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by a communication device 6100, causes the communication device 6100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0418] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

[0419] Other embodiments of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only.

[0420] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication method performed by a first network element, wherein, The method comprises: sending first information to a second network element, wherein the first information is used to discover a third network element supporting artificial intelligence (AI) capability; receiving second information sent by the second network element, wherein the second information is used to indicate the third network element; wherein the AI capability of the third network element comprises at least one of: a first capability of determining a first policy of a terminal; a second capability of determining a first model, wherein the first model is used to determine a user equipment (UE) policy of the terminal.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first information comprises at least one of: first preference information used to indicate a preference of determining the first policy by the third network element based on the first capability; first capability information used to indicate that the third network element has the first capability; second capability information used to indicate that the third network element has the second capability.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second information comprises identification information of the third network element.

4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The method further comprises: sending third information to the third network element, wherein the third information is used to request the third network element to make a policy decision; receiving fourth information sent by the third network element, wherein the fourth information comprises at least one of the first policy and the first model.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The third information comprises at least one of: first preference information used to indicate a preference of determining the first policy by the third network element based on the first capability; first capability information used to indicate that the third network element has the first capability; second capability information used to indicate that the third network element has the second capability; third capability information used to indicate that the terminal has a third capability of determining the UE policy based on the first model.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The third information comprises at least one of the first preference information and the second capability information, and the fourth information comprises at least the first policy.

7. The method of claim 5 or 6, wherein, The third information comprises at least one of the second capability information and the third capability information, and the fourth information comprises at least the first model.

8. The method of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving fifth information sent by the terminal, wherein the fifth information is used to obtain the first policy from the third network element; sending fourth information to the terminal, wherein the fourth information comprises at least one of the first policy and the first model.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The fifth information comprises at least one of: first preference information used to indicate a preference of determining the first policy by the third network element based on the first capability; third capability information used to indicate that the terminal has a third capability of determining the UE policy based on the first model.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The fifth information comprises the first preference information, and the AI capability of the third network element comprises the first capability.

11. The method of claim 9 or 10, wherein, The fifth information comprises the third capability information, and the AI capability of the third network element comprises the second capability.

12. The method of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The first policy comprises at least one of: a UE policy; a quality of service (QoS) related policy; a mobility related policy; a session related policy; a charging policy.

13. The method of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The UE policy comprises at least one of: an access network discovery selection policy; a user equipment routing selection policy; a vehicle-to-everything policy; a near field communication policy.

14. A communication method performed by a second network element, wherein, The method comprises: receiving first information sent by a first network element, wherein the first information is used for discovering a third network element supporting artificial intelligence (AI) capability; sending second information to the first network element, wherein the second information is used for indicating the third network element; wherein the AI capability of the third network element comprises at least one of: a first capability of determining a first policy of a terminal; a second capability of determining a first model used for determining a user equipment (UE) policy of the terminal.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The first information comprises at least one of: first preference information used for indicating a preference of determining the first policy by the third network element based on the first capability; first capability information used for indicating that the third network element has the first capability; second capability information used for indicating that the third network element has the second capability.

16. The method of claim 14 or 15, wherein, The second information comprises identification information of the third network element.

17. The method of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving sixth information sent by the third network element, wherein the sixth information is used for registering the third network element on the second network element.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein, The sixth information comprises: identification information of the third network element; AI capability supported by the third network element.

19. The method of any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein, The first policy comprises at least one of: a UE policy; a quality of service (QoS) related policy; a mobility related policy; a session related policy; a charging policy.

20. The method of any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein, The UE policy comprises at least one of: an access network discovery selection policy; a user equipment routing selection policy; a vehicle-to-everything policy; a near distance communication policy.

21. A communication method, performed by a third network element, wherein, The method comprises: receiving third information sent by a first network element, wherein the third information is used for requesting a third network element to make a policy decision; wherein the third network element supports artificial intelligence (AI) capability, and the AI capability of the third network element comprises at least one of: a first capability of determining a first policy of a terminal; a second capability of determining a first model used for determining a user equipment (UE) policy of the terminal.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein, The third information comprises at least one of: first preference information used for indicating a preference of determining the first policy by the third network element based on the first capability; first capability information used for indicating that the third network element has the first capability; second capability information used for indicating that the third network element has the second capability.

23. The method of claim 21 or 22, wherein, The method further comprises: sending fourth information to the first network element, wherein the fourth information comprises at least one of the first policy and the first model.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein, The fourth information comprises the first model; wherein the method further comprises: training the first model.

25. The method of claim 23 or 24, wherein, The fourth information comprises the first policy; wherein the method further comprises: determining the first policy by a second model.

26. The method of any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein, The method further comprises: sending sixth information to a second network element, wherein the sixth information is used for registering the third network element on the second network element.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein, The sixth information comprises: identification information of the third network element; AI capability supported by the third network element.

28. The method of any one of claims 21 to 27, wherein, The first policy comprises at least one of: a UE policy; a quality of service (QoS) related policy; a mobility related policy; a session related policy; a charging policy.

29. The method of any one of claims 21 to 28, wherein, The UE policy comprises at least one Access network discovery selection policy; User equipment route selection policy; V2X policy; Proximity communication policy.

30. A communication method performed by a terminal, wherein, The method comprises: sending fifth information to a first network element, wherein the fifth information is used to obtain a first policy of the terminal from a third network element; wherein the third network element supports artificial intelligence (AI) capability, and the AI capability of the third network element comprises at least one of: a first capability of determining the first policy; a second capability of determining a first model, wherein the first model is used to determine a user equipment (UE) policy of the terminal.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein, The fifth information comprises at least one of: first preference information used to indicate a preference of determining the first policy by the third network element based on the first capability; third capability information used to indicate that the terminal has a third capability of determining the UE policy based on the first model.

32. The method of claim 30 or 31, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving fourth information sent by the first network element, wherein the fourth information comprises at least one of the first policy and the first model.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein, The fourth information comprises the first model. The method further comprises: determining the UE policy by using the first model.

34. The method of any one of claims 30-33, wherein, The first policy comprises at least one of: a UE policy; a quality of service (QoS) related policy; a mobility related policy; a session related policy; a charging policy.

35. The method of any one of claims 30 to 34, wherein, The UE policy comprises at least one of: an access network discovery selection policy; a user equipment route selection policy; a V2X policy; a proximity communication policy.

36. A communications device, characterized by The communication device is configured to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 1-13, 14-20, 21-29, 30-35.

37. A communication system, characterized by The communication system comprises a first network element, a second network element, a third network element, and a terminal, wherein the first network element is configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 1-13, the second network element is configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 14-20, the third network element is configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 21-29, and the terminal is configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 30-35.

38. A storage medium, the storage medium storing instructions, wherein, The instructions, when executed on the communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 1-13, 14-20, 21-29, 30-35.

39. A program product comprising at least one of a program, instructions, characterized in that, The program, instructions, or at least one of them, when executed by the communication device, implement the communication method according to any one of claims 1-13, 14-20, 21-29, 30-35.

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