Method and apparatus for wireless communication

Abstract

The present application discloses a method and apparatus for wireless communication. A first network device sends first signaling, the first signaling indicating a first provider identifier; and the first network device receives second signaling, the second signaling indicating that the first provider identifier is associated with a first server, wherein the first provider identifier is used for discovering the first server; both the first signaling and the second signaling are transmitted by means of a first interface; and the first interface is an interface between network devices. The present application is beneficial to enhancing the openness and flexibility of interaction between a wireless network system and an application server, thereby helping to improve the service performance of the application server in the wireless network system.

Description

A method and apparatus for wireless communication

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411906909.3, filed on December 20, 2024, entitled "A Method and Apparatus for Wireless Communication", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to a method and apparatus in a wireless communication system, and more particularly to a scheme and apparatus in a wireless communication system related to network devices obtaining server information based on vendor identifiers. Background Technology

[0003] With the adoption of new technologies, the increase in the number of antennas, the diversification of application scenarios, and the increasing demands on system performance, traditional measurement and reporting methods incur significant redundancy overhead. Therefore, in NR (New Radio) Rel-18 (Release-18), research on AI (Artificial Intelligence) / ML (Machine Learning) technologies was initiated to explore their impact on system performance and design. Compared to traditional processing methods, AI / ML offers advantages such as training-based and deployment-required features. Based on current research progress, AI / ML models on the UE (User Equipment) side can be trained and stored on the UE's dedicated server.

[0004] In future 6G communications, AI / ML technologies may also play an important role. According to 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) standard TS (Technical Specification) 38.300, AI / ML models and algorithms are beyond the scope of 3GPP. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The applicant's research revealed that when AI / ML functionality is introduced, network devices are unable to obtain information about the AI / ML servers provided by the vendor, which may lead to a decrease in the application performance of the AI / ML servers.

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, this application discloses a solution. It should be noted that while many embodiments of this application are geared towards AI / ML, this application is also applicable to other solutions, such as edge computing. Although the specification of this application involves descriptions of some AI / ML models, those skilled in the art will understand that these descriptions are not essential or irreplaceable for solutions related to wireless cellular communication. Furthermore, adopting a unified solution across different scenarios helps reduce hardware complexity and cost. Where there is no conflict, the embodiments and features in the first network device of this application can be applied to the second network device, and vice versa. Where there is no conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be arbitrarily combined with each other.

[0007] When necessary, the interpretation of the terminology in this application shall refer to the definitions in the 3GPP specification protocol TS38 series; or, refer to the definitions in the 3GPP specification protocol TS28 series.

[0008] This application discloses a method used in a first network device for wireless communication, comprising:

[0009] Send a first signaling message, the first signaling message indicating a first supplier identifier;

[0010] Receive a second signaling message, the second signaling message indicating that the first vendor identifier is associated with the first server;

[0011] The first vendor identifier is used to discover the first server; both the first signaling and the second signaling are transmitted through the first interface; the first interface is an interface between network devices.

[0012] In the above method, the first network device can learn about the associated application server based on the supplier identifier, which helps the first network device manage the connection between the first network device and the application server, improves the openness and flexibility of the interaction between the wireless network system and the application server, and thus helps improve the service performance of the application server in the wireless network system.

[0013] Specifically, according to one aspect of this application, the above method is characterized in that the first signaling includes a first AI / ML function list; and the discovery that the first server depends on the first AI / ML function list.

[0014] The above aspects help reduce the processing complexity of the second network device discovering the first server and improve the relevance of the second signaling instruction content.

[0015] Specifically, according to one aspect of this application, the above method is characterized by comprising:

[0016] Receive a third signaling message, the third signaling message indicating the first identifier list;

[0017] Wherein, any of the supplier identifiers indicated by the first signaling belongs to the first identifier list.

[0018] The above aspects help reduce the processing complexity of the first signaling instruction supplier identifier and improve the success rate of receiving the second signaling.

[0019] Specifically, according to one aspect of this application, the above method is characterized by comprising:

[0020] Send a fourth signaling message, the fourth signaling message indicating that the first network device supports communication with the application server;

[0021] Wherein, the first server is the application server; the third signaling is triggered by the fourth signaling.

[0022] The above aspects help the second network device to know the first network device's support capability for the application server, improve the accuracy and necessity of the first network device receiving the third signaling, and thus save signaling overhead between network devices.

[0023] Specifically, according to one aspect of this application, the above method is characterized by comprising:

[0024] Send a fifth signaling message, which instructs the first network device to establish a connection with the first server;

[0025] The fifth signaling is included in the container.

[0026] In the above aspects, the first network device can manage the connection with the first server, which is beneficial to realize data interaction between the first network device and the first server in the existing 3GPP standard architecture and reduce the impact of standards.

[0027] Specifically, according to one aspect of this application, the above method is characterized by comprising:

[0028] Receive a sixth signaling message, the sixth signaling message indicating at least one of the first vendor identifier and the second AI / ML function list;

[0029] The first signaling is triggered by the sixth signaling.

[0030] The above aspects help reduce the processing complexity of the first network device generating the first signaling and improve the relevance of the first signaling instruction content.

[0031] Specifically, according to one aspect of this application, the above method is characterized in that the condition for sending the first signaling includes receiving the first supplier identifier for the first time.

[0032] The above aspects can avoid unnecessary transmission of the first signaling, which helps to reduce the signaling overhead and power consumption of the first network device.

[0033] This application discloses a method used in a second network device for wireless communication, comprising:

[0034] Receive a first signaling message, the first signaling message indicating a first supplier identifier;

[0035] Send a second signaling message, the second signaling message indicating that the first vendor identifier is associated with the first server;

[0036] The first vendor identifier is used to discover the first server; both the first signaling and the second signaling are transmitted through the first interface; the first interface is an interface between network devices.

[0037] Specifically, according to one aspect of this application, the above method is characterized in that the first signaling includes a first AI / ML function list; and the discovery that the first server depends on the first AI / ML function list.

[0038] Specifically, according to one aspect of this application, the above method is characterized by comprising:

[0039] Send a third signaling message, the third signaling message indicating the first identifier list;

[0040] Wherein, any of the supplier identifiers indicated by the first signaling belongs to the first identifier list.

[0041] Specifically, according to one aspect of this application, the above method is characterized by comprising:

[0042] Receive a fourth signaling message, the fourth signaling message indicating that the first network device supports communication with the application server;

[0043] Wherein, the first server is the application server; the third signaling is triggered by the fourth signaling.

[0044] Specifically, according to one aspect of this application, the above method is characterized by comprising:

[0045] Receive a fifth signaling message, the fifth signaling message instructing the first network device to establish a connection with the first server;

[0046] The fifth signaling is included in the container.

[0047] This application discloses a first network device for wireless communication, comprising:

[0048] The first network device includes: one or more processors and memory;

[0049] The memory is coupled to the one or more processors and is used to store computer program code, the computer program code including computer instructions, which the one or more processors invoke to cause the first network device to perform a method in the first network device used for wireless communication.

[0050] This application discloses a second network device for wireless communication, comprising:

[0051] The second network device includes: one or more processors and memory;

[0052] The memory is coupled to the one or more processors and is used to store computer program code, the computer program code including computer instructions, which the one or more processors invoke to cause the second network device to perform the method in a second network device used for wireless communication. Attached Figure Description

[0053] Other features, objects, and advantages of this application will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0054] Figure 1 illustrates a flowchart of communication of a first network device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a network architecture according to an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a wireless protocol architecture for the user plane and control plane according to an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of a first communication device and a second communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 5 illustrates a transmission flowchart between a first network device and a second network device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 6 illustrates a transmission flowchart of a first network device sending fourth signaling according to an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 7 illustrates a transmission flowchart of a first network device sending a fifth signaling according to an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 8 illustrates a transmission flowchart of a first network device receiving a sixth signaling from a first node according to an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 9 shows a device structure diagram of a network node 900 according to an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 10 shows a structural block diagram of a processing apparatus in a first network device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0064] Figure 11 shows a structural block diagram of a processing apparatus for a second network device according to an embodiment of the present application. Detailed Implementation

[0065] The technical solutions of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be arbitrarily combined with each other. Considering performance, flexibility, complexity, overhead, and compatibility, those skilled in the art are motivated to flexibly combine the embodiments in different drawings without conflict, including but not limited to the embodiments in Figure 1 and the embodiments in Figures 5-8, the embodiments in Figure 5 and the embodiments in Figures 6-8, etc.

[0066] Example 1

[0067] Example 1 illustrates a communication flowchart of a first network device according to an embodiment of this application, as shown in Figure 1.

[0068] In Embodiment 1, the first network device 100 sends a first signaling in step 101, the first signaling indicating a first vendor identifier; and receives a second signaling in step 102, the second signaling indicating that the first vendor identifier is associated with a first server; wherein, the first vendor identifier is used to discover the first server; both the first signaling and the second signaling are transmitted through a first interface; the first interface is an interface between network devices.

[0069] As an example, the first network device is an NG-RAN (Next Generation Radio Access Network) node.

[0070] As one example, the NG-RAN node is an access network device.

[0071] As one example, the access network device is a base station.

[0072] As an example, the NG-RAN node is a relay network device.

[0073] As one example, the first supplier identifier is used to identify the manufacturer of the user equipment.

[0074] As one example, the user equipment is a terminal.

[0075] As one embodiment, the user equipment is maintained by the first network device.

[0076] As an example, the first supplier identifier is the Vendor ID.

[0077] As an example, the definition of the first supplier identifier can be found at https: / / www.iana.org / assignments / enterprise-numbers / enterprise-numbers.

[0078] As an example, the first server is a dedicated server.

[0079] As an example, the first server is an OTT (Over The Top, cloud) server.

[0080] As one example, the first server is a user equipment.

[0081] As one example, the first server is located on the user equipment side.

[0082] As one example, the first server is provided by the manufacturer of the user equipment.

[0083] As an example, the first server hosting is based on an AI / ML application or service.

[0084] As an example, the first server performs at least one of the tasks of training, monitoring, and inference of the AI / ML model.

[0085] As an example, the training includes at least one of validation and testing.

[0086] As one example, the first server hosts AI / ML-based applications or services for user devices maintained by the first network device.

[0087] As an example, "the first server hosts the AI / ML-based applications or services of the user equipment maintained by the first network device" means that the first server hosts the AI / ML model of the user equipment maintained by the first network device.

[0088] As an example, "the first server hosts the AI / ML-based applications or services of the user equipment maintained by the first network device" means that the first server performs at least one of the tasks of training, monitoring, and inference of the AI / ML model of the user equipment maintained by the first network device.

[0089] As an example, "the first server hosts the AI / ML-based applications or services of the user equipment maintained by the first network device" means that the first server contains AI / ML models available to the user equipment maintained by the first network device.

[0090] As an example, the phrase "the first server hosts the AI / ML-based applications or services of the user equipment maintained by the first network device" means that the first server determines the AI / ML operations of the user equipment maintained by the first network device.

[0091] As an example, the phrase "the first server hosts AI / ML-based applications or services for user devices maintained by the first network device" means that there is communication between the first server and the user devices maintained by the first network device.

[0092] As an example, the phrase "the first server hosts AI / ML-based applications or services of the user equipment maintained by the first network device" means that the first server supports the transmission of AI / ML-related data between itself and the user equipment maintained by the first network device.

[0093] As an example, the AI / ML related data includes at least one of training data, monitoring data, and inference data.

[0094] As an example, the AI / ML-related data refers to the AI / ML model being delivered.

[0095] As an example, the first supplier identifier being associated with the first server means that the first server is provided by the manufacturer corresponding to the first supplier identifier.

[0096] As an example, the first supplier identifier being associated with the first server means that the first server hosts AI / ML-based applications or services for user devices manufactured by the manufacturer corresponding to the first supplier identifier.

[0097] As an example, the first server hosts AI / ML-based applications or services for user devices manufactured by the manufacturer corresponding to the first vendor identifier. Please refer to the example of the first server hosting AI / ML-based applications or services for user devices maintained by the first network device.

[0098] As an example, "the first supplier identifier is associated with the first server" means that the first supplier identifier is associated with the identifier of the first server.

[0099] As an example, the identifier of the first server includes at least one of the following: the communication address of the first server; the server identifier of the first server; and the AI / ML model identifier in the first server.

[0100] As an example, the communication address is a transport network layer address.

[0101] As an example, the communication address is an IP (Internet Protocol) address.

[0102] As an example, the communication address of the first server includes the communication address of the AI / ML model in the first server.

[0103] The above embodiments are beneficial to improving the fineness of communication granularity between the network and the first server.

[0104] As an example, the server identifier is the Server ID.

[0105] As an example, the AI / ML model in the first server refers to an available / applicable AI / ML model in the first server.

[0106] As an example, the AI / ML model identifier includes at least one of the Model ID of the AI / ML model and the AI / ML feature / function corresponding to the AI / ML model.

[0107] As an example, the AI / ML function corresponding to the AI / ML model depends on the AI / ML model.

[0108] As an example, the AI / ML function corresponding to the AI / ML model depends on the Model ID of the AI / ML model.

[0109] As an example, the AI / ML function corresponding to the AI / ML model depends on network-side additional conditions (NW-side Additional Condition).

[0110] As one example, the network-side additional conditions are represented based on the associated ID.

[0111] As an example, the AI / ML function corresponding to the AI / ML model depends on the network configuration parameter set.

[0112] As an example, the AI / ML function corresponding to the AI / ML model depends on the dataset of the AI / ML model.

[0113] As an example, the AI / ML function corresponding to the AI / ML model refers to the function of the AI / ML model being applied.

[0114] As an example, the AI / ML function corresponding to the AI / ML model refers to the function supported by the AI / ML model.

[0115] As an example, the AI / ML function corresponding to the AI / ML model includes one of the following: beam management; positioning.

[0116] As an example, "the first supplier identifier is used to discover the first server" means that the first supplier identifier is used to discover the identifier of the first server.

[0117] As an example, "the first supplier identifier is used to discover the first server" means that the first supplier identifier is used to determine the identifier of the first server.

[0118] As an example, "the first supplier identifier is used to discover the first server" means that the first supplier identifier is used to select the first server.

[0119] As one embodiment, the first signaling includes a first AI / ML function list; the discovery that the first server depends on the first AI / ML function list.

[0120] As an example, for examples of AI / ML functions in the first AI / ML function list, please refer to the examples of AI / ML functions corresponding to the AI / ML model.

[0121] As an example, the first AI / ML function list includes the AI / ML functions supported by the first network device.

[0122] As an example, the first AI / ML function list includes the AI / ML functions available to the first network device.

[0123] As an example, "discovering that the first server depends on the first AI / ML function list" means that the discovery that the first server depends on the AI / ML function corresponding to the AI / ML model in the first server includes at least one AI / ML function in the first AI / ML function list.

[0124] The above embodiments facilitate the management and transfer of AI / ML models corresponding to commonly supported AI / ML functions between the network and the first server, thereby improving the flexibility and efficiency of AI / ML applications.

[0125] As an example, "discovering that the first server depends on the first AI / ML function list" means that the AI / ML function corresponding to the AI / ML model in the first server depends on all AI / ML functions in the first AI / ML function list.

[0126] As one embodiment, the second signaling includes the identifier of the first server.

[0127] As one embodiment, the second signaling includes the first vendor identifier and the identifier of the first server.

[0128] As an example, the first interface is a backhaul interface.

[0129] As one embodiment, the first interface is the interface between the access network device and the core network device.

[0130] As an example, the first interface is an NG / N2 interface.

[0131] As an example, the first signaling is an AP (Application Protocol) related message or IE (Information Element).

[0132] As an example, the first signaling is an NGAP Message or an IE in an NGAP Message.

[0133] As an example, the first signaling is UE-associated.

[0134] As an example, the first signaling is not associated with the UE.

[0135] As an example, the first signaling is related to AI / ML.

[0136] As an example, the first signaling includes an "AI / ML" field.

[0137] As one example, the first signaling includes a "Server" field.

[0138] As an example, the first signaling is related to interface management.

[0139] As an example, the first signaling is related to the update process.

[0140] As an example, the first signaling is associated with a completely new process.

[0141] As an example, the first signaling is an Initial UE Message.

[0142] As an example, the first signaling is the IE in the initial UE message.

[0143] As an example, the first signaling is an NG Setup Request message.

[0144] As an example, the first signaling is the IE in the NG establishment request message.

[0145] As an example, the first signaling is a RAN Configuration Update message.

[0146] As an example, the first signaling is the IE in the RAN configuration update message.

[0147] As an example, please refer to the example of the first signaling for an example of the second signaling.

[0148] As an example, the second signaling is an Initial Context Setup Request message.

[0149] As an example, the second signaling is the IE in the Initial Context Establishment Request message.

[0150] As an example, the second signaling is an NG Setup Response message.

[0151] As an example, the second signaling is the IE in the NG establishment response message.

[0152] As an example, the second signaling is a RAN Configuration Update Acknowledge message.

[0153] As an example, the second signaling is the IE in the RAN configuration update confirmation message.

[0154] Example 2

[0155] Example 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a network architecture according to an embodiment of this application, as shown in Figure 2.

[0156] Figure 2 illustrates the network architecture 200. The network architecture 200 is a 5G NR (New Radio) / LTE (Long-Term Evolution) / LTE-A (Long-Term Evolution Advanced) system, or a 5G+ network architecture, or a 6G network architecture, or a network architecture adopted in the future evolution of 3GPP; the network architecture 200 may be referred to as 5GS (5G System) / EPS (Evolved Packet System), or 6GS (6G System); the network architecture 200 includes at least one of UE (User Equipment) 201, RAN (Radio Access Network) 202, core network 210, HSS (Home Subscriber Server) / UDM (Unified Data Management) 220, and Internet service 230. The network architecture 200 can interconnect with other access networks, but these entities / interfaces are not shown for simplicity. As shown, the network architecture 200 provides packet-switched services; however, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the various concepts presented throughout this application can be extended to networks providing circuit-switched services or other cellular networks. The RAN includes node 203. The RAN may also include other nodes 204. Node 203 provides user and control plane protocol termination toward UE 201. Node 203 may be connected to other nodes 204 via an Xn interface (e.g., backhaul) / X2 interface. Node 203 may also be referred to as a base station, base transceiver station, radio base station, radio transceiver, transceiver function, basic service set (BSS), extended service set (ESS), TRP (transmitter-receiver node), or some other suitable term. The core network 210 is a 5GC (5G Core Network) / EPC (Evolved Packet Core), or the core network 210 is a 6GC; node 203 provides UE 201 with an access point to the core network 210.Examples of UE201 include cellular phones, smartphones, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phones, laptops, personal digital assistants (PDAs), satellite radios, non-terrestrial base station communications, satellite mobile communications, global positioning systems, multimedia devices, video devices, digital audio players (e.g., MP3 players), cameras, game consoles, drones, aircraft, narrowband IoT devices, machine-type communication devices, land vehicles, automobiles, wearable devices, mobile terminals (MTs) in relay equipment, or any other similar functional devices. Those skilled in the art may also refer to UE201 as a mobile station, subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, radio unit, remote unit, mobile device, radio communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, radio terminal, remote terminal, handheld device, user agent, mobile client, client, or any other suitable term. Node 203 is connected to the core network 210 via an S1 / NG interface. The core network 210 includes an MME (Mobility Management Entity) / AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) / SMF (Session Management Function) 211, other MMEs / AMFs / SMFs 214, an S-GW (Service Gateway) / UPF (User Plane Function) 212, and a P-GW (Packet Data Network Gateway) / UPF 213, as well as other nodes not shown in Figure 2. The MME / AMF / SMF 211 is the control node that handles signaling between the UE 201 and the core network 210. Generally, the MME / AMF / SMF 211 provides bearer and connection management. All user IP (Internet Protocol) packets are transmitted through the S-GW / UPF 212, which is itself connected to the P-GW / UPF 213. The P-GW / UPF 213 provides UE IP address allocation and other functions. The P-GW / UPF213 connects to Internet service 230. Internet service 230 includes carrier-compliant Internet protocol services, specifically including Internet, intranet, IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem), and packet switching services.

[0157] As one embodiment, the first network device includes the node 203.

[0158] As one embodiment, the second network device includes the core network 210.

[0159] As an example, the first node includes the UE 201.

[0160] As an example, the first node includes the other nodes 204.

[0161] As one embodiment, the nodes in the core network 210 include UE application servers.

[0162] As one embodiment, the Internet service 230 includes UE server applications / services.

[0163] As one example, the UE server is a dedicated server for the UE.

[0164] As an example, the UE server is an OTT server.

[0165] As an example, the wireless link between the UE201 and the node203 includes a cellular link.

[0166] As one embodiment, the first interface is the interface between the node 203 and the core network 210.

[0167] Example 3

[0168] Example 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the wireless protocol architecture for the user plane and control plane according to an embodiment of this application, as shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the radio protocol architecture for the user plane 350 and control plane 300. It should be noted that Figure 3 is mainly aimed at the 5G / NR system standard, but some or all aspects of Figure 3 can also be applied to other wireless communication network systems.

[0169] The PHY (Physical) sublayer 301 can transmit and receive physical layer signals, which can be received from or transmitted to one or more other communication devices. Physical layer signals may include one or more physical channels. The PHY sublayer 301 can also perform link adaptation or AMC (Adaptive Modulation and Coding), power control, cell search (e.g., for initial synchronization and handover purposes), and other measurements used by higher layers (e.g., RRC (Radio Resource Control) sublayer 315). The PHY sublayer 301 can further perform error detection on the transport channel, FEC (Forward Error Correction) encoding / decoding of the transport channel, modulation / demodulation of the physical channel, interleaving, rate matching, mapping to the physical channel, and MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) antenna processing. In an embodiment, an instance of the PHY sublayer 301 can process requests from an instance of the MAC (Medium Access Control) sublayer 302 and provide it with instructions. According to some implementation schemes, the requests and instructions sent by the PHY sublayer 301 to the MAC sublayer 302 may include one or more transport channels.

[0170] An instance of MAC sublayer 302 can process requests from an instance of RLC (Radio Link Control) sublayer 303 and provide it with instructions. These requests and instructions sent by MAC sublayer 302 to RLC sublayer 303 may include one or more logical channels. MAC sublayer 302 can perform mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing MACSDUs (Service Data Units) from one or more logical channels onto a TB (Transport Block) to be delivered to PHY sublayer 301 via the transport channel, demultiplexing MACSDUs from a TB delivered from PHY sublayer 301 via the transport channel onto one or more logical channels, multiplexing MACSDUs onto TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction via HARQ (Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request), and prioritizing logical channels.

[0171] An instance of RLC sublayer 303 can process requests from an instance of PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol) sublayer 304 and provide it with instructions. These requests and instructions sent by RLC sublayer 303 to PDCP sublayer 304 may include one or more logical channels. RLC sublayer 303 can operate in several modes, including: Transparent Mode (TM), Unacknowledged Mode (UM), and Acknowledged Mode (AM). RLC sublayer 303 can perform transmission of upper-layer PDUs (Protocol Data Units), error correction via ARQ (Automatic Repeat Request) for AM data transmission, and concatenation, segmentation, and reassembly of RLC SDUs for UM and AM data transmission. RLC sublayer 303 can also re-segment RLC data PDUs used for AM data transmission, reorder RLC data PDUs used for UM and AM data transmission, detect duplicate data used for UM and AM data transmission, discard RLC SDUs used for UM and AM data transmission, detect protocol errors used for AM data transmission, and perform RLC re-establishment.

[0172] An instance of PDCP sublayer 304 can handle requests from instances of RRC sublayer 315 and / or SDAP (Service Data Adaptation Protocol) sublayer 325 and provide them with instructions. These requests and instructions sent by PDCP sublayer 304 to SDAP sublayer 325 may include one or more RBs (Radio Bearers). PDCP sublayer 304 can perform header compression and decompression of IP data, maintain PDCP SN (Sequence Number), perform sequential delivery of upper-layer PDUs during lower-layer re-establishment, eliminate duplication of lower-layer SDUs during lower-layer re-establishment for RBs mapped on RLC AM, encrypt and decrypt control plane data, perform integrity protection and integrity verification on control plane data, control timer-based data discarding, and perform security operations (e.g., encryption, decryption, integrity protection, integrity verification, etc.).

[0173] An instance of SDAP sublayer 325 can process requests from one or more higher-layer protocol entities and provide them with indications. These requests and indications sent by SDAP sublayer 325 to higher-layer protocol entities may include one or more QoS (Quality of Service) flows. SDAP sublayer 325 can map QoS flows to DRBs (Data Radio Bearers) and vice versa, and can also tag QFIs (QoS Flow IDs) in DL (downlink) and UL (uplink) packets. A single SDAP entity can be configured for a single PDU session. In the UL direction, NG-RAN nodes (e.g., node 203 in embodiment 2) can control the mapping of QoS flows to DRBs in two different ways (reflective mapping or explicit mapping). For reflective mapping, SDAP sublayer 325 can monitor the QFI of DL packets for each DRB and can apply the same mapping for packets flowing in the UL direction. To implement reflective mapping, NG-RAN nodes can tag DL packets with QFIs via the Uu interface. Explicit mapping may involve the RRC sublayer 315 configuring the SDAP sublayer 325 with explicit mapping rules for QoS flows to the DRB. These rules may be stored and followed by the SDAP sublayer 325. In implementations, the SDAP sublayer 325 may be used only in NR implementations and may not be used in LTE implementations.

[0174] RRC sublayer 315 can be configured with aspects of one or more protocol layers, which may include one or more instances of PHY sublayer 301, MAC sublayer 302, RLC sublayer 303, PDCP sublayer 304, and SDAP sublayer 325. In an implementation, an instance of RRC sublayer 315 may process requests from one or more NAS (Non-Access Stratum) sublayers 316 and provide them with instructions. The main services and functions of RRC sublayer 315 may include broadcasting system information (e.g., MIB (Master Information Block) or SIB (System Information Block)), paging, establishment, maintenance, and release of RRC connections between the UE and NG-RAN nodes (e.g., RRC connection paging, RRC connection establishment, RRC connection modification, and RRC connection release), establishment, configuration, maintenance, and release of point-to-point RBs, security functions including key management, mobility between RATs (Radio Access Technology), and measurement configuration for UE measurement reporting. These MIBs and SIBs may include one or more IEs, each of which may include a separate data field or data structure.

[0175] NAS sublayer 316 forms the highest layer of the control plane between the UE and the AMF. NAS sublayer 316 supports the UE's mobility and session management procedures to establish and maintain IP connections between the UE and the application layer in the NR system.

[0176] As one embodiment, the control plane protocol stack may include, in order from highest to lowest layer, a NAS sublayer 316, an RRC sublayer 315, a PDCP sublayer 304, an RLC sublayer 303, a MAC sublayer 302, and a PHY sublayer 301. In this example, the upper control plane layer may be built on top of the NAS sublayer 316, and this upper control plane layer includes an IP sublayer 317, an SCTP (Stream Control Transmission Protocol) sublayer 318, and an AP (Application Protocol) sublayer 319.

[0177] In a specific NR implementation, AP sublayer 319 can be NGAP (NG Application Protocol) for the NG interface between NG-RAN nodes and AMF, or AP sublayer 319 can be XnAP (Xn Application Protocol) for the Xn interface between two or more NG-RAN nodes.

[0178] NGAP can support the functionality of the NG interface. NGAP services can include two groups: UE-associated services (e.g., services related to the UE) and non-UE-associated services (e.g., services related to the entire NG interface instance between the NG-RAN node and the AMF). These services may include, but are not limited to: paging functions for sending paging requests to NG-RAN nodes involved in a specific paging area; UE context management functions for allowing the AMF to establish, modify, and / or release UE contexts in the AMF and NG-RAN nodes; mobility functions for UEs in ECM-CONNECTED mode, enabling intra-system handover (HO) to support mobility within the NG-RAN and inter-system HO to support mobility from / to EPS systems; NAS signaling transmission functions for transmitting or rerouting NAS messages between the UE and AMF; NAS node selection functions for determining the association between the AMF and the UE; NG interface management functions for setting up the NG interface and monitoring for errors via the NG interface; warning message transmission functions for providing means of transmitting warning messages or canceling ongoing warning message broadcasts via the NG interface; configuration transmission functions for requesting and transmitting RAN configuration information (e.g., SON (Self Organizing Network) information, etc.) between two NG-RAN nodes via the core network (e.g., core network 210 in Embodiment 2); and / or other similar functions.

[0179] XnAP sublayer 319 can support the functions of the Xn interface and may include XnAP basic mobility procedures and XnAP global procedures. XnAP basic mobility procedures may include procedures for handling UE mobility within the NG-RAN, such as handover preparation and cancellation procedures, SN state transmission procedures, UE context retrieval and UE context release procedures, RAN paging procedures, and procedures related to dual connectivity. XnAP global procedures may include procedures associated with non-UE components, such as Xn interface setup and reset procedures, NG-RAN update procedures, and cell activation procedures.

[0180] SCTP sublayer 318 provides guaranteed delivery of application layer messages (e.g., NGAP or XnAP messages). SCTP sublayer 318 can, in part, rely on the IP protocol supported by IP sublayer 317 to ensure reliable delivery of signaling messages between NG-RAN nodes and AMF or other NG-RAN nodes. IP sublayer 317 can be used to perform packet addressing and routing functions, assigning IP addresses to user data packets in formats such as IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4), IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6), or PPP (Point to Point Protocol). In some implementations, IP sublayer 317 can use point-to-point transport to deliver and send PDUs.

[0181] As one embodiment, the user plane protocol stack may include, in order from highest to lowest layer, SDAP sublayer 325, PDCP sublayer 304, RLC sublayer 303, MAC sublayer 302, and PHY sublayer 301. The user plane protocol stack can be used for communication between the UE, NG-RAN node, and UPF in a specific NR implementation. In this example, the upper layer of the user plane may be built on top of SDAP sublayer 325 and may include UDP (User Datagram Protocol) sublayer 327, IP sublayer 326, GTP-U (General Packet Radio Service Tunneling Protocol User plane) sublayer 328, and User Plane (PDUs) sublayer 329. The GTP-U sublayer 328 can be used to carry user data between the NG-RAN and the core network. UDP sublayer 327 and IP sublayer 326 provide verification for data integrity, port numbers for addressing different functions at the source and destination, and encryption and authentication of selected data streams. GTP-U sublayer 328 can be used on top of UDP sublayer 327 and IP sublayer 326 to carry User Plane PDUs sublayer 329.

[0182] Furthermore, although not shown in Figure 3, the Application layer may exist above the AP sublayer 319 and / or the User Plane PDUs sublayer 329.

[0183] As an example, the wireless protocol architecture in Figure 3 is applicable to the first network device.

[0184] As an example, the control plane upper-level architecture in Figure 3 is applicable to the second network device.

[0185] As an example, the user plane upper-layer architecture in Figure 3 is applicable to the second network device.

[0186] As an example, the wireless protocol architecture in Figure 3 is applicable to the first node.

[0187] As an example, the first signaling is generated in the AP sublayer 319, where the AP is an NGAP.

[0188] As an example, the second signaling is generated in the AP sublayer 319, where the AP is an NGAP.

[0189] As an example, the third signaling is generated in the AP sublayer 319, where the AP is an NGAP.

[0190] As an example, the fourth signaling is generated in the AP sublayer 319, where the AP is an NGAP.

[0191] As an example, the fifth signaling is generated in the AP sublayer 319, where the AP is an NGAP.

[0192] As an example, the fifth signaling is generated in the AP sublayer 319, which is related to communication between the AP and the UE application server.

[0193] As an example, the sixth signaling is generated in the AP sublayer 319, and the AP is XnAP.

[0194] As an example, the sixth signaling is generated in the RRC sublayer 315.

[0195] Example 4

[0196] Example 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of a first communication device and a second communication device according to an embodiment of this application, as shown in Figure 4. Figure 4 is a block diagram of a first communication device 410 and a second communication device 450 communicating with each other in an access network.

[0197] The first communication device 410 includes a controller / processor 475, a memory 476, a receiver processor 470, a transmitter processor 416, a multi-antenna receiver processor 472, a multi-antenna transmitter processor 471, a transmitter / receiver 418, and an antenna 420.

[0198] The second communication device 450 includes a controller / processor 459, a memory 460, a data source 467, a transmitting processor 468, a receiving processor 456, a multi-antenna transmitting processor 457, a multi-antenna receiving processor 458, a transmitter / receiver 454, and an antenna 452.

[0199] In the transmission from the first communication device 410 to the second communication device 450, at the first communication device 410, upper-layer data packets from the core network are provided to the controller / processor 475. The controller / processor 475 implements L2 layer functionality. In the DL (Downlink), the controller / processor 475 provides header compression, encryption, packet segmentation and reordering, multiplexing between logical and transport channels, and radio resource allocation to the second communication device 450 based on various priority metrics. The controller / processor 475 is also responsible for HARQ operation, retransmission of lost packets, and signaling to the second communication device 450. The transmit processor 416 and the multi-antenna transmit processor 471 implement various signal processing functions for the L1 layer (i.e., the physical layer). Transmit processor 416 performs encoding and interleaving to facilitate forward error correction (FEC) at the second communication device 450, and constellation mapping based on various modulation schemes (e.g., binary phase shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), M-phase shift keying (M-PSK), and M-quadrature amplitude modulation (M-QAM). Multi-antenna transmit processor 471 performs digital spatial precoding on the encoded and modulated symbols, including codebook-based precoding and non-codebook-based precoding, and beamforming processing, generating one or more... Parallel streams. Transmit processor 416 then maps each parallel stream to a subcarrier, multiplexes the modulated symbols with a reference signal (e.g., a pilot) in the time and / or frequency domains, and then uses an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) to generate a physical channel carrying the time-domain O-stream. Multi-antenna transmit processor 471 then performs transmit analog precoding / beamforming operations on the time-domain multicarrier symbol stream. Each transmitter 418 converts the baseband multicarrier symbol stream provided by multi-antenna transmit processor 471 into an RF stream, which is then provided to different antennas 420.

[0200] In the transmission from the first communication device 410 to the second communication device 450, at the second communication device 450, each receiver 454 receives a signal through its corresponding antenna 452. Each receiver 454 recovers the information modulated onto the radio frequency carrier and converts the radio frequency stream into a baseband multicarrier symbol stream, which is then provided to the receiver processor 456. The receiver processor 456 and the multi-antenna receiver processor 458 implement various signal processing functions of the L1 layer. The multi-antenna receiver processor 458 performs receive analog precoding / beamforming operations on the baseband multicarrier symbol stream from the receiver 454. The receiver processor 456 uses a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to convert the baseband multicarrier symbol stream after the receive analog precoding / beamforming operations from the time domain to the frequency domain. In the frequency domain, the physical layer data signal and the reference signal are demultiplexed by the receiver processor 456, where the reference signal is used for channel estimation, and the data signal is recovered in the multi-antenna receiver processor 458 after multi-antenna detection to recover any parallel stream destined for the second communication device 450. Symbols on each parallel stream are demodulated and recovered in the receive processor 456, generating soft decisions. The receive processor 456 then decodes and deinterleaves the soft decisions to recover the upper-layer data and control signals transmitted over the physical channel by the first communication device 410. The upper-layer data and control signals are then provided to the controller / processor 459. The controller / processor 459 implements the functions of Layer 2 (L2). The controller / processor 459 may be associated with a memory 460 storing program code and data. The memory 460 may be referred to as computer-readable media. In the DL (Layered Logic), the controller / processor 459 provides multiplexing, packet reassembly, decryption, header decompression, and control signal processing between the transmission and logical channels to recover upper-layer packets from the core network. The upper-layer packets are then provided to all protocol layers above Layer 2. Various control signals may also be provided to Layer 3 (L3) for L3 processing. The controller / processor 459 is also responsible for error detection using ACK and / or NACK protocols to support HARQ operation.

[0201] In the transmission from the second communication device 450 to the first communication device 410, at the second communication device 450, a data source 467 is used to provide upper-layer data packets to the controller / processor 459. The data source 467 represents all protocol layers above the L2 layer. Similar to the transmission functions at the first communication device 410 described in the DL, the controller / processor 459 implements header compression, encryption, packet segmentation and reordering, and multiplexing between logical and transport channels based on the radio resource allocation of the first communication device 410, implementing L2 layer functions for the user plane and control plane. The controller / processor 459 is also responsible for HARQ operations, retransmission of lost packets, and signaling to the first communication device 410. Transmit processor 468 performs modulation mapping and channel coding processing, while multi-antenna transmit processor 457 performs digital multi-antenna spatial precoding, including codebook-based and non-codebook-based precoding, and beamforming processing. Subsequently, transmit processor 468 modulates the generated parallel stream into a multi-carrier / single-carrier symbol stream. After analog precoding / beamforming operations in multi-antenna transmit processor 457, the stream is provided to different antennas 452 via transmitter 454. Each transmitter 454 first converts the baseband symbol stream provided by multi-antenna transmit processor 457 into a radio frequency symbol stream before providing it to antenna 452.

[0202] In the transmission from the second communication device 450 to the first communication device 410, the function at the first communication device 410 is similar to the receiving function at the second communication device 450 described in the transmission from the first communication device 410 to the second communication device 450. Each receiver 418 receives radio frequency signals through its corresponding antenna 420, converts the received radio frequency signals into baseband signals, and provides the baseband signals to the multi-antenna receiving processor 472 and the receiving processor 470. The receiving processor 470 and the multi-antenna receiving processor 472 jointly implement the L1 layer functions. The controller / processor 475 implements the L2 layer functions. The controller / processor 475 may be associated with a memory 476 that stores program code and data. The memory 476 may be referred to as computer-readable media. The controller / processor 475 provides multiplexing, packet reassembly, decryption, header decompression, and control signal processing between the transmission and logical channels to recover upper-layer data packets from the second communication device 450. The upper-layer data packets from the controller / processor 475 may be provided to the core network. The controller / processor 475 is also responsible for error detection using ACK and / or NACK protocols to support HARQ operation.

[0203] As an example, the first network device in this application includes the first communication device 410.

[0204] As an example, the first node in this application includes the second communication device 450.

[0205] As an example, the first node in this application includes the first communication device 410.

[0206] Example 5

[0207] Example 5 illustrates a transmission flowchart between a first network device and a second network device according to an embodiment of this application, as shown in Figure 5, where the step in block F0 is optional.

[0208] For the first network device, in step S5101, a first signaling is sent, the first signaling indicating a first vendor identifier; in step S5102, a second signaling is received, the second signaling indicating that the first vendor identifier is associated with a first server; wherein, the first vendor identifier is used to discover the first server; both the first signaling and the second signaling are transmitted through a first interface; the first interface is an interface between network devices;

[0209] For the second network device, in step S5201, a first signaling is received, the first signaling indicating a first vendor identifier; in step S5202, a second signaling is sent, the second signaling indicating that the first vendor identifier is associated with a first server; wherein, the first vendor identifier is used to discover the first server; both the first signaling and the second signaling are transmitted through a first interface; the first interface is an interface between network devices.

[0210] As an example, please refer to the relevant descriptions of steps 101 and 102 in Example 1 for steps S5101 and S5102.

[0211] As an example, please refer to the relevant description in Embodiment 1 for an example of the first network device.

[0212] As an example, the first network device is an access network device (e.g., node 203 in embodiment 2).

[0213] As one example, the access network device is a base station.

[0214] As one embodiment, the second network device is a core network device (e.g., core network 210 in embodiment 2).

[0215] As an example, the second network device is an NF (Network Function) in the core network device.

[0216] As one example, the NF is related to access and mobility.

[0217] As an example, the NF is the termination point of the RAN's control plane (CP) interface.

[0218] As an example, the NF is an AMF.

[0219] As one embodiment, the first signaling includes the first vendor identifier and the identifier of the first network device.

[0220] As one embodiment, the identifier of the first network device is a base station identifier.

[0221] As an example, the base station identifier includes at least one of the following: Global NG-RAN Node ID; gNB IP address; PCI (Physical Cell Identity); NCGI (NR Cell Global Identifier).

[0222] As one embodiment, the first signaling indicates a request to obtain the identifier of the application server associated with the first vendor identifier.

[0223] As an example, the first signaling indicating the first supplier identifier can be seen as an implicit indication method in the above embodiments.

[0224] As one example, the first server is the application server.

[0225] As an example, please refer to the example of the first server in Example 1 for an example of the application server.

[0226] As one embodiment, the first signaling indicates the first vendor identifier; the second signaling indicates that the first vendor identifier is associated with at least the first server.

[0227] Typically, but not limitingly, the first signaling indicates the first vendor identifier; the second signaling indicates that the first vendor identifier is associated with the first server and the second server; wherein, for an example of the first vendor identifier being associated with the second server, please refer to the example of the first vendor identifier being associated with the first server in Embodiment 1.

[0228] As one embodiment, the first signaling indicates at least the first vendor identifier; the second signaling indicates that at least the first vendor identifier is associated with at least the first server.

[0229] Typically, but not limitingly, the first signaling is for a first supplier identifier and a second supplier identifier; the second signaling indicates that the first supplier identifier is associated with the first server, and indicates that the second supplier identifier is associated with a third server; wherein, for an example of the second supplier identifier being associated with the third server, please refer to the example in Embodiment 1 where the first supplier identifier is associated with the first server.

[0230] As an example, "the first vendor identifier is used to discover the first server" means that the second network device discovers the identifier of the first server based on the first vendor identifier.

[0231] As an example, please refer to the relevant description in Example 1 for an example of the identifier of the first server.

[0232] As one embodiment, the first signaling includes the region identifier of the first network device.

[0233] As an example, "the first vendor identifier is used to discover the first server" means that the second network device discovers the identifier of the first server based on the first vendor identifier and the region identifier of the first network device.

[0234] The above embodiments help the second network device identify the application server of the neighboring first network device as the first server when multiple candidate application servers are discovered, thereby improving the communication efficiency and performance between the first network device and the first server.

[0235] As an example, the area identifier includes at least one of the following: base station identifier; PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network) identifier; PNI-NPN (Public Network Integrated Non-Public Network) identifier; SNPN (Stand-alone Non-Public Network) identifier; CAG (Closed Access Group) identifier; TAI (Tracking Area Identity); TAC (Tracking Area Code); RANAC (RAN Area Code); TRP (Transmit / Receive Point) ID.

[0236] As an example, "the first vendor identifier is used to discover the first server" means that the second signaling is triggered by discovering the first server based on the first vendor identifier.

[0237] As one embodiment, step S5202 includes: sending the second signaling as a response to discovering the first server based on the first vendor identifier.

[0238] As an example, in response to the fact that no application server was found based on the first vendor identifier, the second network device sends signaling #1 to the first network device; wherein, the signaling #1 indicates that the first vendor identifier is not associated with an application server.

[0239] As an example, some non-limiting examples are given below for signaling #1 indicating that the first vendor identifier is not associated with the application server.

[0240] Typically, but not limitingly, the signaling #1 includes bit information, with a bit value of "0" indicating that the first vendor identifier is not associated with the application server.

[0241] Typically, but not limitingly, the signaling #1 includes Boolean information, with a Boolean value of "False" indicating that the first vendor identifier is not associated with the application server.

[0242] Typically, but not limitingly, the signaling #1 includes enumeration value information; for example, an enumeration value of "No associated UE server" indicates that the first vendor identifier is not associated with the application server, and this enumeration value is only presented if the first vendor identifier is not associated with the application server.

[0243] As an example, please refer to the example of the second signaling for an example of signaling #1.

[0244] As an example, the discovery refers to service discovery.

[0245] As an example, the discovery refers to parameter provision.

[0246] As an example, step S5202 includes: the AMF providing the first vendor identifier to the NRF (Network Repository Function) for service discovery, and the NRF returning the identifier of the first server to the AMF.

[0247] As an example, step S5202 includes: the AMF providing the first vendor identifier to the NEF (Network Exposure Function) for parameter provision, and the NEF returning the identifier of the first server to the AMF.

[0248] As an example, step S5101 includes: sending the first signaling as a response to the first network device supporting communication with the application server.

[0249] As an example, the first network device supporting communication with the application server means that the first network device supports establishing a connection with the application server.

[0250] As an example, the first network device supporting communication with the application server means that the first network device supports the transmission of AI / ML related data with the application server.

[0251] As an example, please refer to the relevant description in Example 1 for examples of AI / ML related data.

[0252] As an example, the first network device is pre-configured with the first vendor identifier.

[0253] As an example, step S5101 includes: the first vendor identifier is pre-configured to the first network device by OAM (Operations Administration and Maintenance).

[0254] As an example, in step S5100, the first network device receives a third signaling message indicating a first identifier list; wherein any vendor identifier indicated by the first signaling message belongs to the first identifier list; correspondingly, in step S5200, the second network device sends a third signaling message indicating the first identifier list; wherein any vendor identifier indicated by the first signaling message belongs to the first identifier list.

[0255] Typical, but not limiting, the above embodiments can be seen as an example of the first network device being pre-configured with the first vendor identifier.

[0256] As an example, the first identifier list includes at least one supplier identifier; the at least one supplier identifier includes the first supplier identifier.

[0257] As an example, for an example of the at least one supplier identifier, please refer to the example of the first supplier identifier in Example 1.

[0258] As an example, the at least one vendor identifier is a vendor identifier supported by the second network device.

[0259] As an example, the vendor identifier supported by the second network device means that the application server associated with the vendor identifier is discoverable by the second network device.

[0260] As one embodiment, the third signaling indicates that the second network device has the ability to discover application servers.

[0261] The above embodiments help improve the accuracy and necessity of the first network device sending the first signaling, avoid unnecessary signaling overhead, and save power consumption.

[0262] As an example, the third signaling indicating the first identifier list can be seen as an implicit indication that the third signaling indicates the second network device has the ability to discover application servers.

[0263] As one embodiment, the timing of triggering step S5101 is not limited; for example, the first network device sends the first signaling in response to receiving the third signaling; or, for another example, the first network device triggers the first signaling based on a need or event after receiving the third signaling.

[0264] As an example, the phrase "the second signaling indicates that the first vendor identifier is associated with the first server" means that the second signaling indicates that the first network device establishes a connection with the first server; wherein the second signaling is included in a container.

[0265] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the second signaling indicates the request initiated by the first server to the first network device to establish a connection.

[0266] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the second signaling is included in the message container of the first interface.

[0267] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the second signaling is included in a container of NGAP messages.

[0268] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, after a connection is established between the first network device and the first server, the first network device and the first server can exchange AI / ML related data.

[0269] As one embodiment, the second signaling includes the identifier of the first server and the identifier of the first network device.

[0270] As an example, please refer to the relevant description in Example 1 for an example of the first interface.

[0271] As an example, examples of the first signaling and the second signaling are provided in the relevant description in Example 1.

[0272] As an example, both the first signaling and the second signaling are unrelated to the UE.

[0273] As an example, please refer to the relevant description of the first or second signaling in Embodiment 1 for an example of the third signaling.

[0274] As an example, the third signaling is an NG establishment response message or an IE in an NG establishment response message.

[0275] As an example, the third signaling is an AMF Configuration Update message or an IE within an AMF Configuration Update message.

[0276] As an example, the third signaling is a RAN configuration update confirmation message or an IE in a RAN configuration update confirmation message.

[0277] As an example, the first signaling is an NG establishment request message or an IE in an NG establishment request message, and the second signaling is an NG establishment response message or an IE in an NG establishment response message.

[0278] As one embodiment, the first signaling is a RAN configuration update message or an IE in a RAN configuration update message, and the second signaling is a RAN configuration update confirmation message or an IE in a RAN configuration update confirmation message.

[0279] As an example, the first signaling is an AMF Configuration Update Acknowledge message or an IE in an AMF Configuration Update Acknowledge message, and the second signaling is an AMF Configuration Update message or an IE in an AMF Configuration Update message.

[0280] Typically, but not limitingly, the first signaling is a RAN configuration update message or an IE within a RAN configuration update message, the second signaling is a RAN configuration update acknowledgment message or an IE within a RAN configuration update acknowledgment message, and the third signaling is an NG establishment response message or an IE within an NG establishment response message.

[0281] Typically, but not limitingly, the first signaling is an AMF configuration update acknowledgment message or an IE within an AMF configuration update acknowledgment message, the second signaling is an AMF configuration update message or an IE within an AMF configuration update message, and the third signaling is an AMF configuration update message or an IE within an AMF configuration update message.

[0282] Considering the relatively static deployment of the UE application server, Example 5 presents an example of the first and second signaling interacting through a process unrelated to the UE. This allows the first network device to obtain the vendor identifier and corresponding available application server information in advance before the UE accesses the network, enabling a rapid response upon subsequent UE access. This not only reduces redundant signaling overhead for the same vendor identifier between the first and second network devices but also lowers the latency of establishing a connection between the network and the UE application server.

[0283] Example 6

[0284] Example 6 illustrates a transmission flowchart of a first network device sending fourth signaling according to an embodiment of this application, as shown in Figure 6.

[0285] For the first network device, in step S61001, a fourth signaling is sent, the fourth signaling indicating that the first network device supports communication with the application server; wherein, the first server is the application server; the third signaling is triggered by the fourth signaling; for steps S6100, S6101 and S6102, please refer to the relevant descriptions of steps S5100, S5101 and S5102 in Embodiment 5;

[0286] For the second network device, in step S62001, a fourth signaling is received, which indicates that the first network device supports communication with the application server; wherein, the first server is the application server; the third signaling is triggered by the fourth signaling; for steps S6200, S6201 and S6202, please refer to the relevant descriptions of steps S5200, S5201 and S5202 in Embodiment 5.

[0287] As an example, examples of the first network device or the second network device can be found in the relevant descriptions in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 5.

[0288] As an example, Example 6 can be combined with Example 5.

[0289] As an example, for an example of the first network device supporting communication with the application server, please refer to the relevant description in Example 5.

[0290] As an example, step S6200 includes: sending the third signaling in response to receiving the fourth signaling.

[0291] As one embodiment, the fourth signaling includes a vendor identifier supported by the first network device.

[0292] As an example, the vendor identifier supported by the first network device is associated with an application server that the first network device supports for communication.

[0293] As an example, the vendor identifier supported by the first network device is pre-configured.

[0294] As an example, the vendor identifier supported by the first network device is pre-configured to the first network device by OAM.

[0295] As an example, the first identifier list includes supplier identifiers supported by the second network device from among the supplier identifiers supported by the first network device.

[0296] As one embodiment, the first identifier list includes supplier identifiers among the supplier identifiers supported by the first network device that are allowed by the second network device; wherein, the supplier identifiers allowed by the second network device belong to the supplier identifiers supported by the second network device.

[0297] The two embodiments described above help to improve the success rate of the first network device obtaining information from the first server based on the first vendor identifier.

[0298] As an example, the vendor identifier supported by the second network device is described in the relevant description in Example 5.

[0299] As an example, examples of the first signaling and the second signaling can be found in the relevant descriptions in Example 1 or Example 5.

[0300] As an example, the third signaling is described in the relevant description in Example 5.

[0301] As an example, the fourth signaling is described in the relevant description of the first or second signaling in Example 1.

[0302] As an example, both the third and fourth signaling are unrelated to the UE.

[0303] As an example, the fourth signaling is an NG establishment request message or an IE in an NG establishment request message.

[0304] As an example, the fourth signaling is a RAN configuration update message or an IE in a RAN configuration update message.

[0305] As an example, the fourth signaling is an AMF configuration update confirmation message or an IE in an AMF configuration update confirmation message.

[0306] Typically, but not limitingly, the first signaling is a RAN configuration update message or an IE within a RAN configuration update message; the second signaling is a RAN configuration update acknowledgment message or an IE within a RAN configuration update acknowledgment message; the third signaling is an NG establishment response message or an IE within an NG establishment response message; and the fourth signaling is an NG establishment request message or an IE within an NG establishment request message.

[0307] Typically, but not limitingly, the first signaling is a RAN configuration update message or an IE within a RAN configuration update message, the second signaling is a RAN configuration update confirmation message or an IE within a RAN configuration update confirmation message, the third signaling is a RAN configuration update confirmation message or an IE within a RAN configuration update confirmation message, and the fourth signaling is a RAN configuration update message or an IE within a RAN configuration update message.

[0308] Typically, but not limitingly, the first signaling is an AMF configuration update acknowledgment message or an IE within an AMF configuration update acknowledgment message, the second signaling is an AMF configuration update message or an IE within an AMF configuration update message, the third signaling is an AMF configuration update message or an IE within an AMF configuration update message, and the fourth signaling is an AMF configuration update acknowledgment message or an IE within an AMF configuration update acknowledgment message.

[0309] Example 7

[0310] Example 7 illustrates a transmission flowchart of a first network device sending a fifth signaling according to an embodiment of the present application, as shown in Figure 7.

[0311] For the first network device, please refer to the relevant descriptions of steps S5101 and S5102 in Embodiment 5 for steps S7101 and S7102; in step S7103, a fifth signaling is sent, which instructs the first network device to establish a connection with the first server; wherein, the fifth signaling is included in a container;

[0312] For the second network device, please refer to the relevant descriptions of steps S5201 and S5202 in Embodiment 5 for steps S7201 and S7202; in step S7203, a fifth signaling is received, which instructs the first network device to establish a connection with the first server; wherein, the fifth signaling is included in a container.

[0313] As an example, examples of the first network device or the second network device can be found in the relevant descriptions in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 5.

[0314] As an example, Example 7 can be combined with at least one of Examples 5 and 6.

[0315] As one embodiment, the fifth signaling indicates that the first network device initiates a connection establishment request to the first server.

[0316] As one embodiment, the fifth signaling includes the identifier of the first network device and the identifier of the first server.

[0317] As one embodiment, the identifier of the first network device is the base station identifier of the first network device.

[0318] As an example, please refer to the relevant description in Example 5 for a sample of the base station identifier.

[0319] As an example, please refer to the relevant description in Example 1 for an example of the identifier of the first server.

[0320] As an example, the fifth signaling is included in the message container of the first interface.

[0321] As an example, the fifth signaling is included in a container of NGAP messages.

[0322] As an example, the fifth signaling includes AI / ML function list #1.

[0323] As an example, for examples of AI / ML functions in the AI / ML function list #1, please refer to the examples of AI / ML functions corresponding to the AI / ML model in Example 1.

[0324] As an example, the AI / ML function list #1 indicates the AI / ML function that the first network device requests the first server to perform a task.

[0325] As an example, the task performed by the first server is described in the relevant description in Example 1.

[0326] As an example, each AI / ML function in the AI / ML function list #1 belongs to the first AI / ML function list.

[0327] As an example, the AI / ML function list #1 is a subset of the first AI / ML function list.

[0328] As an example, in response to the first network device being a primary NG-RAN node, the fifth signaling includes the identifier of the secondary NG-RAN node.

[0329] The above embodiments enable the first server to know the relationship between the primary and secondary NG-RAN nodes, which helps to improve the correlation of AI / ML training data, optimize AI / ML model parameters, and improve the accuracy of AI / ML inference.

[0330] As an example, the identifier of the auxiliary NG-RAN node is a base station identifier.

[0331] As an example, step S7203 includes: in response to receiving the fifth signaling, the second network device sends signaling #2 to the first network device; wherein the signaling #2 instructs the first server to confirm the establishment of a connection with the first network device.

[0332] As an example, the signaling #2 includes the identifier of the first network device and the identifier of the first server.

[0333] As an example, the signaling #2 is included in the message container of the first interface.

[0334] As an example, the signaling #2 is included in a container of NGAP messages.

[0335] As an example, the signaling #2 includes an AI / ML function list #2.

[0336] As an example, for examples of AI / ML functions in the AI / ML function list #2, please refer to the examples of AI / ML functions corresponding to the AI / ML model in Example 1.

[0337] As an example, the AI / ML function list #2 instructs the first server to request the first network device to provide AI / ML related data corresponding to each AI / ML function in the AI / ML function list #2.

[0338] As an example, please refer to the relevant description in Example 1 for examples of AI / ML related data.

[0339] As an example, please refer to the example of the first signaling in Example 1 or Example 5 for an example of the fifth signaling.

[0340] As an example, please refer to the example of the second signaling in Example 1 or Example 5 for an example of signaling #2.

[0341] As an example, after a connection is established between the first network device and the first server, the first network device and the first server can exchange AI / ML related data.

[0342] As an example, examples of the first signaling and the second signaling can be found in the relevant descriptions in Example 1 or Example 5.

[0343] As an example, the fifth signaling is the initial UE message or the IE in the initial UE message.

[0344] As an example, the fifth signaling is an Initial Context Setup Response message or an IE within the Initial Context Setup Response message.

[0345] As an example, the fifth signaling is a RAN configuration update message or an IE in a RAN configuration update message.

[0346] As an example, the fifth signaling is an AMF configuration update confirmation message or an IE in an AMF configuration update confirmation message.

[0347] As an example, some non-limiting examples are given below regarding the fifth signaling being unrelated to the UE.

[0348] Typically, but not limitingly, the first signaling is an NG Establishment Request message or an IE within an NG Establishment Request message, the second signaling is an NG Establishment Response message or an IE within an NG Establishment Response message, and the fifth signaling is a RAN Configuration Update message or an IE within a RAN Configuration Update message.

[0349] Typically, but not limitingly, the first signaling is a RAN configuration update message or an IE within a RAN configuration update message, the second signaling is a RAN configuration update acknowledgment message or an IE within a RAN configuration update acknowledgment message, and the fifth signaling is a RAN configuration update message or an IE within a RAN configuration update message.

[0350] Typically, but not limitingly, the first signaling is an AMF configuration update confirmation message or an IE within an AMF configuration update confirmation message, the second signaling is an AMF configuration update message or an IE within an AMF configuration update message, and the fifth signaling is an AMF configuration update confirmation message or an IE within an AMF configuration update confirmation message.

[0351] Example 8

[0352] Example 8 illustrates a transmission flowchart of a first network device receiving a sixth signaling from a first node according to an embodiment of this application, as shown in Figure 8. It should be noted that the sequence of steps in Figure 8 is only one specific implementation; the sequence of steps can be adjusted without conflict. For example, step S8100 may occur before step S8101, or step S8100 may occur after step S8102.

[0353] For the first node, in step S8301, a sixth signaling is sent, the sixth signaling indicating at least one of the first vendor identifier and the second AI / ML function list; wherein, the first signaling is triggered by the sixth signaling;

[0354] For the first network device, in step S8100, a sixth signaling is received, the sixth signaling indicating at least one of the first vendor identifier and the second AI / ML function list; wherein, the first signaling is triggered by the sixth signaling; for steps S8101 and S8102, please refer to the relevant descriptions of steps S5101 and S5102 in Embodiment 5;

[0355] For the second network device, please refer to the relevant descriptions of steps S5201 and S5202 in Embodiment 5 for steps S7201 and S7202.

[0356] As an example, examples of the first network device or the second network device can be found in the relevant descriptions in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 5.

[0357] As an example, examples of the first signaling and the second signaling can be found in the relevant descriptions in Example 1 or Example 5.

[0358] As an example, Example 8 may be combined with at least one of Examples 5 and 7.

[0359] As an example, please refer to the relevant description in Example 1 for an example of the first supplier identifier.

[0360] As an example, for examples of AI / ML functions in the second AI / ML function list, please refer to the examples of AI / ML functions corresponding to the AI / ML model described in Example 1.

[0361] As an example, the second AI / ML function list includes the AI / ML functions supported by the first node.

[0362] As an example, the second AI / ML function list includes the AI / ML functions available to the first node.

[0363] As an example, the first AI / ML function list in Example 1 includes at least one AI / ML function from the second AI / ML function list.

[0364] The above embodiments help the second network device determine the first server based on the AI / ML function of the UE maintained by the first network device, which helps improve the accuracy of the second signaling.

[0365] As an example, the first AI / ML function list in Example 1 includes AI / ML functions supported / available by the first network device, and at least one AI / ML function in the second AI / ML function list.

[0366] As an example, the first AI / ML function list in Example 1 includes at least one AI / ML function obtained by taking the union of the second AI / ML function list and the AI / ML functions supported / available by the first network device.

[0367] As an example, the first AI / ML function list in Example 1 includes at least one AI / ML function in the second AI / ML function list that is supported / available by the first network device.

[0368] As an example, the first AI / ML function list in Example 1 includes at least one AI / ML function obtained by taking the intersection of the second AI / ML function list and the AI / ML functions supported / available by the first network device.

[0369] As one embodiment, the conditions for sending the first signaling include receiving the first vendor identifier for the first time.

[0370] As an example, step S8101 includes: sending the first signaling as a response to receiving the first supplier identifier for the first time.

[0371] As an example, step S8101 includes: determining whether the first supplier identifier has been received before.

[0372] As one example, the first node is a user equipment.

[0373] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the cell where the first node is stationed is the cell of the first network device.

[0374] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the first signaling includes the area identifier of the cell where the first node is stationed.

[0375] The above sub-implementation is helpful in assisting the second network device to discover the first server based on the location of the first node.

[0376] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the second AI / ML function list indicates the AI / ML functions that the first node requests the application server to perform tasks.

[0377] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the sixth signaling is an AS (Access Stratum) message.

[0378] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the sixth signaling is an RRC message.

[0379] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiment, the sixth signaling is the RRC Setup Complete message.

[0380] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the sixth signaling is an RRC Reconfiguration Complete message.

[0381] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the sixth signaling is the RRC Resume Complete message.

[0382] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the sixth signaling is the RRC Reestablishment Complete message.

[0383] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the sixth signaling is a UE Assistance Information message.

[0384] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the sixth signaling is an uplink information transfer (UL Information Transfer) message.

[0385] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiment, when step S8100 is executed by the first network device after step S8102, both the first signaling and the second signaling are unrelated to the UE; examples of the first signaling and the second signaling are provided in the relevant description in embodiment 5; the first network device determines the first server based on the sixth signaling and the second signaling.

[0386] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiment, when step S8100 is executed by the first network device before step S8101, both the first signaling and the second signaling are related to the UE.

[0387] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the first signaling and the second signaling are related to UE Context Management.

[0388] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the first signaling is an initial UE message or an IE in the initial UE message, and the second signaling is an initial context establishment request message or an IE in the initial context establishment request message.

[0389] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the first signaling is an uplink NAS transport message or an IE in an uplink NAS transport, and the second signaling is a downlink NAS transport message or an IE in a downlink NAS transport message.

[0390] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the first signaling is an initial UE message or an IE in the initial UE message, the second signaling is an initial context establishment request message or an IE in the initial context establishment request message, and the fifth signaling is an initial context establishment response message or an IE in the initial context establishment response message.

[0391] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the first signaling is an uplink NAS transmission message or an IE in uplink NAS transmission, the second signaling is a downlink NAS transmission message or an IE in downlink NAS transmission, and the fifth signaling is an uplink NAS transmission message or an IE in uplink NAS transmission.

[0392] In the above embodiments, the first network device can determine the associated first server based on the first vendor identifier provided by the access user equipment, which helps to improve the accuracy of sending the fifth signaling, reduce the processing complexity of sending the fifth signaling, and avoid establishing unnecessary connections with the application server.

[0393] As an example, the first node is an NG-RAN node.

[0394] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the second AI / ML function list indicates the AI / ML functions supported by the first node.

[0395] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the second AI / ML function list indicates the AI / ML functions available to the first node.

[0396] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the second AI / ML function list includes AI / ML functions supported by the first UE.

[0397] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the second AI / ML function list includes AI / ML functions available to the first UE.

[0398] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the second AI / ML function list indicates the AI / ML functions for which the first UE requests the application server to perform tasks.

[0399] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the second AI / ML function list indicates the AI / ML functions that the application server has activated for the first UE.

[0400] As a sub-example of the above embodiments, being activated means having an available AI / ML model or training an AI / ML model.

[0401] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the second AI / ML function list indicates the AI / ML functions that the application server has activated after the first node establishes a connection with the application server.

[0402] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the source cell of the first UE is the cell of the first node, and the target cell of the first UE is the cell of the first network device.

[0403] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the last serving cell of the first UE is the cell of the first node, and the new cell of the first UE is the cell of the first network device.

[0404] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the first signaling includes the area identifier of the cell in which the first UE is camped on the first network device.

[0405] The above sub-implementation is helpful in assisting the second network device to discover the first server based on the location of the first UE.

[0406] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the sixth signaling is carried on the second interface.

[0407] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the second interface is a return interface.

[0408] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the second interface is an interface between access network devices.

[0409] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiment, the second interface is the Xn interface.

[0410] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the sixth signaling is an AP-related Message or IE.

[0411] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the sixth signaling is an XnAP Message or an IE in an XnAP Message.

[0412] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the sixth signaling is related to the UE.

[0413] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, both the first signaling and the second signaling are related to the UE.

[0414] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, both the first signaling and the second signaling are related to UE Mobility Management.

[0415] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the first signaling is a Path Switch Request message or an IE in a Path Switch Request message, and the second signaling is a Path Switch Request Acknowledge message or an IE in a Path Switch Request Acknowledge message.

[0416] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the fifth signaling is included in the first signaling.

[0417] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the fifth signaling is an uplink NAS transmission message or an IE in uplink NAS transmission.

[0418] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the first node is a source NG-RAN node, and the first network device is a target NG-RAN node.

[0419] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the sixth signaling is a Handover Request message or an IE in a Handover Request message.

[0420] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the first node is an Old NG-RAN node, and the first network device is a New NG-RAN node.

[0421] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the first UE restores or re-establishes the RRC connection in the cell of the first network device.

[0422] As a sub-implementation of the above embodiments, the sixth signaling is to re-retrieve the UE Context Response message or to re-retrieve the IE in the UE Context Response.

[0423] The above embodiments are beneficial for ensuring the continuity of network and application server connections in UE mobility scenarios, improving the correlation of AI / ML applications with UE mobility data, and enhancing the accuracy of AI / ML models.

[0424] As an example, the application server performs tasks as described in Example 1.

[0425] As an example, please refer to the relevant description in Example 5 for an example of the area identifier.

[0426] As one example, the user equipment is a terminal.

[0427] As one example, the NG-RAN node is an access network device.

[0428] As one example, the access network device is a base station.

[0429] As an example, the NG-RAN node is a relay network device.

[0430] Example 9

[0431] Figure 9 illustrates a device structure diagram of a network node 900 according to an embodiment of this application. The network node 900 refers to a device capable of, configured, arranged, and / or operatively communicating directly or indirectly with a UE and / or other network nodes or devices. Examples of network nodes include, but are not limited to, APs (Access Points) (e.g., radio access points) and BSs (Base Stations) (e.g., wireless base stations, Node Bs, evolved Node Bs (eNBs), and NR Node Bs (gNBs)).

[0432] Base stations can be classified based on the coverage they provide (or, more specifically, their transmit power levels), and thus can be referred to as femtocells, picocells, microcells, or macrocells, depending on the coverage provided. A base station can be a relay node or a relay host node controlling a repeater. Network nodes can also include one or more (or all) portions of a distributed radio base station, such as a centralized digital unit and / or an RRU (Remote Radio Unit), sometimes referred to as an RRH (Remote Radio Head). This remote radio unit may be integrated with an antenna as an antenna-integrated radio or may not be integrated with an antenna. A portion of a distributed radio base station can also be referred to as a node in a DAS (Distributed Antenna System).

[0433] Other examples of network nodes include multi-TRP (Transmission Reception Point) 5G access nodes, MSR (Multi Standard Radio) devices, network controllers (such as RNC (Radio Network Controller) or BSC (Base Station Controller)), BTS (Base Transceiver Station), transmission points, transmission nodes, MCE (Multicell / multicast Coordination Entity), OAM (Operations Administration and Maintenance) nodes, OSS (Operation Support Systems) nodes, SON (Self Organizing Network) nodes, location nodes (e.g., E-SMLC (Evolved Serving Mobile Location Center)) and / or MDT (Minimization of Drive Tests).

[0434] Network node 900 includes processing circuitry 902, memory 904, communication interface 906, and power supply 908. Network node 900 may consist of multiple physically independent components (e.g., NodeB components and RNC components, or BTS components and BSC components, etc.), each component having its own set of components. In some scenarios where network node 900 includes multiple individual components (e.g., BTS and BSC components), one or more of these individual components may be shared among multiple network nodes. For example, a single RNC can control multiple NodeBs. In this case, each unique NodeB and RNC pair may be considered a single, separate network node in some situations. In some embodiments, network node 900 may be configured to support multiple RATs (Radio Access Technology). In such embodiments, some components may be duplicated (e.g., separate memory 904 for different RATs), and some components may be reused (e.g., the same antenna 910 may be shared by different RATs). Network node 900 may also include multiple sets of illustrated components for various wireless technologies integrated into network node 900, such as GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), NR (New Radio), WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), Zigbee, Z-wave, LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network), RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), or Bluetooth wireless technologies. These wireless technologies can be integrated into the same or different chips or chipsets and other components within network node 900.

[0435] The processing circuitry 902 may include one or more combinations of the following: a microprocessor, a controller, a central processing unit, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or combination of hardware, software, and / or coding logic, which may provide network node 900 functionality individually or together with other network node 900 components (e.g., memory 904).

[0436] In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 902 includes a System on Chip (SOC). In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 902 includes one or more of an RF (Radio Frequency) transceiver circuitry 912 and a baseband processing circuitry 914. In some embodiments, the RF transceiver circuitry 912 and the baseband processing circuitry 914 may be on separate chips (or chipsets), boards, or units, such as radio units and digital units. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the RF transceiver circuitry 912 and the baseband processing circuitry 914 may be on the same chip or chipset, board, or unit.

[0437] Memory 904 may include any form of volatile or non-volatile computer-readable memory, including but not limited to permanent memory, solid-state memory, remotely mounted memory, magnetic media, optical media, RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), mass storage media (e.g., hard disk), removable storage media (e.g., flash drives, optical discs (CDs), or digital video discs (DVDs)) and / or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory device-readable and / or computer-executable storage device that stores information, data, and / or instructions that can be used by processing circuitry 902. Memory 904 may store any suitable instructions, data, or information, including computer programs, software, and applications, including one or more of logic, rules, codes, tables, and / or other instructions that can be executed by processing circuitry 902 and used by network node 900. Memory 904 may be used to store any calculations performed by processing circuitry 902 and / or any data received through communication interface 906. In some embodiments, processing circuitry 902 and memory 904 are integrated.

[0438] Communication interface 906 is used for wired or wireless communication of signaling and / or data between network nodes, access networks, and / or UEs. As shown, communication interface 906 includes a port / terminal 916 for transmitting and receiving data to and from a network, for example, via a wired connection. Communication interface 906 further includes radio front-end circuitry 918, which may be coupled to antenna 910, or in some embodiments, to a portion of antenna 910. Radio front-end circuitry 918 includes a filter 920 and an amplifier 922. Radio front-end circuitry 918 may be connected to antenna 910 and processing circuitry 902. Radio front-end circuitry 918 may be configured to modulate the signals communicating between antenna 910 and processing circuitry 902. Radio front-end circuitry 918 may receive digital data to be transmitted wirelessly to other network nodes or UEs. Radio front-end circuitry 918 may use a combination of filter 920 and / or amplifier 922 to convert the digital data into radio signals with appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters. The radio signals can then be transmitted via antenna 910. Similarly, when receiving data, antenna 910 can collect radio signals, which are then converted into digital data by radio front-end circuitry 918. The digital data can then be passed to processing circuitry 902. In other embodiments, the communication interface may include different components and / or different combinations of components.

[0439] In some alternative embodiments, network node 900 does not include a separate radio front-end circuitry 918; instead, processing circuitry 902 includes radio front-end circuitry and is connected to antenna 910. Similarly, in some embodiments, all or part of the RF transceiver circuitry 912 is part of communication interface 906. In other embodiments, communication interface 906 includes one or more ports / terminals 916, radio front-end circuitry 918, and RF transceiver circuitry 912 as part of a radio unit (not shown), and communication interface 906 communicates with baseband processing circuitry 914 as part of a digital unit (not shown).

[0440] Antenna 910 may include one or more antennas or antenna arrays configured to transmit and / or receive wireless signals. Antenna 910 may be coupled to radio front-end circuitry 918 and may be any type of antenna capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving data and / or signals. In some embodiments, antenna 910 is decoupled from network node 900 and may be connected to network node 900 via an interface or port.

[0441] Antenna 910, communication interface 906, and / or processing circuitry 902 can be configured to perform any receive operation and / or certain acquire operation described herein as being performed by a network node. Any information, data, and / or signals can be received from the UE, another network node, and / or any other network device. Similarly, antenna 910, communication interface 906, and / or processing circuitry 902 can be configured to perform any transmit operation described herein as being performed by a network node. Any information, data, and / or signals can be transmitted to the UE, another network node, and / or any other network device.

[0442] Power supply 908 provides power to the various components of network node 900 in a form suitable for each component (e.g., at the voltage and current levels required by each respective component). Power supply 908 may also include or be coupled to power management circuitry to provide power to the components of network node 900 for performing the functions described herein. For example, network node 900 may be connected to an external power source (e.g., mains, power outlet) via input circuitry or an interface (e.g., cable), thereby supplying power to the power circuitry of power supply 908. As another example, power supply 908 may include a power source in the form of a battery or battery pack, which is connected to or integrated into the power circuitry. The battery can provide backup power in the event of an external power failure.

[0443] Embodiments of network node 900 may include additional components beyond those shown in FIG9 to provide certain aspects of network node functionality, including any of the functions described herein and / or any functionality required to support the topics described herein. For example, network node 900 may include a user interface device to allow information to be input into and output from network node 900. This can allow users to perform diagnostic, maintenance, repair, and other management functions on network node 900.

[0444] As one embodiment, the first network device includes the network node 900.

[0445] Example 10

[0446] Example 10 illustrates a structural block diagram of a processing apparatus in a first network device according to an embodiment of the present application; as shown in Figure 10. In Figure 10, the processing apparatus 1000 in the first network device includes a first processor 1001.

[0447] The first processor 1001 sends a first signaling message indicating a first vendor identifier; receives a second signaling message indicating that the first vendor identifier is associated with a first server; wherein the first vendor identifier is used to discover the first server; both the first signaling message and the second signaling message are transmitted through a first interface; the first interface is an interface between network devices.

[0448] As one embodiment, the first signaling includes a first AI / ML function list; the discovery that the first server depends on the first AI / ML function list.

[0449] As one embodiment, the first processor 1001 receives a third signaling, the third signaling indicating a first identifier list; wherein any supplier identifier indicated by the first signaling belongs to the first identifier list.

[0450] As an example, the first processor 1001 sends a fourth signaling message, the fourth signaling message indicating that the first network device supports communication with the application server; wherein, the first server is the application server; the third signaling message is triggered by the fourth signaling message.

[0451] As one embodiment, the first processor 1001 sends a fifth signaling message, which instructs the first network device to establish a connection with the first server; wherein the fifth signaling message is included in a container.

[0452] As one embodiment, the first processor 1001 receives a sixth signaling message indicating at least one of the first vendor identifier and the second AI / ML function list; wherein the first signaling message is triggered by the sixth signaling message.

[0453] As one embodiment, the conditions for sending the first signaling include receiving the first vendor identifier for the first time.

[0454] As one embodiment, the first network device is an access network device.

[0455] As one embodiment, the first network device is a relay node device.

[0456] Example 11

[0457] Example 11 illustrates a structural block diagram of a processing apparatus in a second network device according to an embodiment of the present application; as shown in Figure 11. In Figure 11, the processing apparatus 1100 in the second network device includes a second processor 1101.

[0458] The second processor 1101 receives a first signaling message indicating a first vendor identifier; sends a second signaling message indicating that the first vendor identifier is associated with a first server; wherein the first vendor identifier is used to discover the first server; both the first signaling message and the second signaling message are transmitted through a first interface; the first interface is an interface between network devices.

[0459] As one embodiment, the first signaling includes a first AI / ML function list; the discovery that the first server depends on the first AI / ML function list.

[0460] As one embodiment, the second processor 1101 sends a third signaling message, the third signaling message indicating a first identifier list; wherein any supplier identifier indicated by the first signaling message belongs to the first identifier list.

[0461] As one embodiment, the second processor 1101 receives a fourth signaling, the fourth signaling indicating that the first network device supports communication with the application server; wherein, the first server is the application server; the third signaling is triggered by the fourth signaling.

[0462] As one embodiment, the second processor 1101 receives a fifth signaling message, which instructs the first network device to establish a connection with the first server; wherein the fifth signaling message is included in a container.

[0463] As one embodiment, the second network device is a core network device.

[0464] As one embodiment, the second network device is a network function in the core network device.

[0465] As one embodiment, the second network device is an AMF.

[0466] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps in the above methods can be implemented by a program instructing related hardware, and the program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as a read-only memory, hard disk, or optical disk. Optionally, all or part of the steps in the above embodiments can also be implemented using one or more integrated circuits. Accordingly, each module unit in the above embodiments can be implemented in hardware or in the form of software functional modules. This application is not limited to any specific combination of software and hardware. The user equipment, terminal, and UE in this application include, but are not limited to, drones, communication modules on drones, remote-controlled aircraft, aircraft, small aircraft, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, vehicle-mounted communication equipment, vehicles, RSUs, wireless sensors, internet access cards, IoT terminals, RFID terminals, NB-IoT terminals, MTC (Machine Type Communication) terminals, eMTC (enhanced MTC) terminals, data cards, internet access cards, vehicle-mounted communication equipment, low-cost mobile phones, low-cost tablets, and other wireless communication devices. The base stations or system equipment in this application include, but are not limited to, macrocell base stations, microcell base stations, small cell base stations, home base stations, relay base stations, eNBs, gNBs, TRPs (Transmitter Receiver Points), GNSS, relay satellites, satellite base stations, airborne base stations, RSUs (Road Side Units), drones, and testing equipment, such as transceivers or signaling testers that simulate some functions of a base station, and other wireless communication equipment.

[0467] Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be practiced in other specified forms without departing from its core or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein should in any way be considered descriptive rather than restrictive. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and all modifications within their equivalent meaning and scope are considered to be included therein.

Claims

1. A method for a first network device used for wireless communication, the method comprising: include: Send a first signaling message, the first signaling message indicating a first supplier identifier; Receive a second signaling message, the second signaling message indicating that the first vendor identifier is associated with the first server; The first vendor identifier is used to discover the first server; both the first signaling and the second signaling are transmitted through the first interface; the first interface is an interface between network devices.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first signaling includes a first AI / ML function list; the discovery that the first server depends on the first AI / ML function list.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, include: Receive a third signaling message, the third signaling message indicating the first identifier list; Wherein, any of the supplier identifiers indicated by the first signaling belongs to the first identifier list.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, include: Send a fourth signaling message, the fourth signaling message indicating that the first network device supports communication with the application server; The first server is the application server; The third signaling is triggered by the fourth signaling.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, include: Send a fifth signaling message, which instructs the first network device to establish a connection with the first server; The fifth signaling is included in the container.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, include: Receive a sixth signaling message, the sixth signaling message indicating at least one of the first vendor identifier and the second AI / ML function list; The first signaling is triggered by the sixth signaling.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The conditions for sending the first signaling include receiving the first vendor identifier for the first time.

8. A base station for wireless communication, the base station comprising: include: The base station includes: one or more processors and a memory; The memory is coupled to the one or more processors, the memory being used to store computer program code, the computer program code including computer instructions, the one or more processors invoking the computer instructions to cause the base station to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-7.

9. A method for a second network device used for wireless communication, the method comprising: include: Receive a first signaling message, the first signaling message indicating a first supplier identifier; Send a second signaling message, the second signaling message indicating that the first vendor identifier is associated with the first server; The first vendor identifier is used to discover the first server; both the first signaling and the second signaling are transmitted through the first interface; the first interface is an interface between network devices.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The first signaling includes a first AI / ML function list; the discovery that the first server depends on the first AI / ML function list.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, include: Send a third signaling message, the third signaling message indicating the first identifier list; Wherein, any of the supplier identifiers indicated by the first signaling belongs to the first identifier list.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, include: Receive a fourth signaling message, the fourth signaling message indicating that the first network device supports communication with the application server; The first server is the application server; The third signaling is triggered by the fourth signaling.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that, include: Receive a fifth signaling message, the fifth signaling message instructing the first network device to establish a connection with the first server; The fifth signaling is included in the container.

14. A core network device used for wireless communication, characterized in that, include: The core network equipment includes: one or more processors and memory; The memory is coupled with the one or more processors, and is configured to store computer program codes, the computer program codes comprising computer instructions, which are invoked by the one or more processors to cause the core network device to perform the method according to any one of claims 9-13.

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