Communication methods and apparatuses, computer-readable medium and computer device

Abstract

Provided are communication methods and apparatuses, a computer-readable medium and a computer device. A communication method comprises: generating a subscription request message, the subscription request message being used to request status information of a user equipment within a local area network; sending the subscription request message to a core network element; and receiving a subscription notification message returned by the core network element in response to the subscription request message, the subscription notification message comprising the status information of the user equipment. The technical solution of the embodiments of the present application achieves flexible acquisition of status information of user equipments within 5G LANs, thus helping to optimize data transmission and connection management of 5G LAN groups.

Description

Communication methods, apparatus, computer-readable media and computer equipment

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 2024118550724, filed on December 16, 2024, entitled "Communication Method, Apparatus, Computer-readable Medium and Computer Equipment", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the fields of computer and communication technology, and more specifically, to a communication method, apparatus, computer-readable medium, and computer equipment. Background Technology

[0003] With the rapid development of 5G networks, 5G Local Area Network (LAN) technology is gradually becoming an important component of local networks in industries, enterprises, and homes. 5G LAN allows multiple User Equipment (UE) devices to form a virtual local network through the 5G network, achieving low latency, high bandwidth, and secure communication. However, because third-party applications (such as enterprise applications and cloud service platforms) are typically located outside the 5G system and belong to domains not managed by operators, these applications cannot directly access terminal status information within the 5G LAN, posing challenges to data transmission, connection management, and resource optimization. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of this application provide a communication method, apparatus, computer-readable medium, and computer device that enable flexible acquisition of user equipment status information contained in a 5G LAN, thereby optimizing data transmission and connection management in a 5G LAN group.

[0005] Other features and advantages of this application will become apparent from the following detailed description, or may be learned in part by practice of this application.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method executed in an AF network element. The communication method includes: generating a subscription request message, the subscription request message being used to request status information of user equipment contained in a local area network; sending the subscription request message to a core network element; and receiving subscription notification information returned by the core network element in response to the subscription request message, the subscription notification message including the status information of the user equipment.

[0007] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method executed in a core network element, the communication method comprising:

[0008] The system receives a subscription request message from an application function network element, the subscription request message being used to request status information of user equipment contained in the local area network; obtains the status information of the user equipment contained in the local area network according to the subscription request message; generates subscription notification information containing the status information of the user equipment; and sends the subscription notification information to the application function network element.

[0009] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, comprising: a generation unit configured to generate a subscription request message, the subscription request message being used to request status information of user equipment contained in a local area network; a sending unit configured to send the subscription request message to a core network element; and a receiving unit configured to receive subscription notification information returned by the core network element in response to the subscription request message, the subscription notification message including the status information of the user equipment.

[0010] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, comprising: a receiving unit configured to receive a subscription request message sent by an application function network element, the subscription request message being used to request status information of user equipment contained in a local area network; an obtaining unit configured to: obtain the status information of user equipment contained in the local area network according to the subscription request message; generate subscription notification information containing the status information of the user equipment; and a sending unit configured to send the subscription notification information to the application function network element.

[0011] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the communication method as described in the above embodiments.

[0012] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer device, including: one or more processors; and a storage device for storing one or more computer programs, which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the computer device to implement the communication method described in the above embodiments.

[0013] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product comprising a computer program stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of a computer device reads from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the computer program, causing the computer device to perform the communication methods provided in the various alternative embodiments described above. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 shows a framework diagram of a 5G LAN group in a 5G system;

[0015] Figure 2 shows a flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0016] Figure 3 shows a flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0017] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of 5G LAN information opening according to an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 5 shows a flowchart of a method for opening 5G LAN information according to an embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 6 shows a flowchart of a method for opening 5G LAN information according to an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 7 shows a block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 8 shows a block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a computer system suitable for implementing the computer device of the present application. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in a more comprehensive manner with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the exemplary embodiments can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to these examples; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this application will be more comprehensive and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art.

[0024] Furthermore, the features, structures, or characteristics described in this application can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Numerous specific details are provided in the following description to provide a full understanding of the embodiments of this application. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that when implementing the technical solutions of this application, not all the detailed features in the embodiments may be used, one or more specific details may be omitted, or other methods, elements, devices, steps, etc., may be employed.

[0025] In this application embodiment, the terms "module" or "unit" refer to a computer program or part of a computer program that has a predetermined function and works with other related parts to achieve a predetermined goal, and can be implemented wholly or partially using software, hardware (such as processing circuitry or memory), or a combination thereof. Similarly, a processor (or multiple processors or memory) can be used to implement one or more modules or units. Furthermore, each module or unit can be part of an overall module or unit that includes the functionality of that module or unit.

[0026] The block diagrams shown in the accompanying drawings are merely functional entities and do not necessarily correspond to physically independent entities. That is, these functional entities can be implemented in software, in one or more hardware modules or integrated circuits, or in different network and / or processor devices and / or microcontroller devices.

[0027] The flowcharts shown in the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative and do not necessarily include all content and operations / steps, nor do they necessarily have to be performed in the described order. For example, some operations / steps can be broken down, while others can be combined or partially combined; therefore, the actual execution order may change depending on the specific circumstances.

[0028] It should be noted that "multiple" in this article refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0029] Fifth-generation mobile communication (5G), as a next-generation wireless communication technology, aims to provide higher data transmission rates, lower latency, greater connection density, and wider coverage. 5G networks not only support traditional mobile broadband services but also provide a solid technological foundation for emerging applications such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), industrial automation, and smart cities. The 5G core network (5G Core, 5GC) adopts a service-based architecture (SBA), modularizing network functions to make the network more flexible, scalable, and supportive of various application scenarios.

[0030] With the rapid development of 5G networks, 5G LAN technology is gradually becoming an important component of local networks in industries, enterprises, and homes. 5G LAN allows multiple user devices to form a virtual local network through the 5G network, achieving low latency, high bandwidth, and secure communication. For example, in the example shown in Figure 1, the 5G core network (5GC) includes User Plane Function (UPF) network elements, control plane network elements, and Unified Data Management (UDM) functions. The control plane network elements may include, for example, Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network elements, Session Management Function (SMF) network elements, and Policy Control Function (PCF) network elements. The UPF connects to the Data Network (DN), which provides data access functions to the UE.

[0031] In the example shown in Figure 1, the UDM network element stores the UE's subscription data. Based on this subscription data, the UE can choose to be assigned to the corresponding Virtual Network Group (VN Group), thus forming different 5G LAN groups, such as 5G LAN Group 1 and 5G LAN Group n shown in Figure 1.

[0032] However, since third-party applications (such as enterprise applications and cloud service platforms) are usually located outside the 5G system and belong to domains not managed by operators, these applications cannot directly access terminal status information in the 5G LAN, which brings difficulties to data transmission, connection management and resource optimization.

[0033] Based on the aforementioned problems, this application proposes a novel communication scheme that allows for the opening of 5G LAN information. Specifically, the application function network element can generate a subscription request message to request the status information of user equipment contained in the local area network (such as a 5G LAN), and then send this subscription request message to the core network element. After receiving the subscription request message, the core network element can obtain the status information of the user equipment contained in the local area network and return the obtained information to the application function network element. Therefore, the technical solution of this application embodiment enables flexible acquisition of the status information of user equipment contained in a 5G LAN, solving the problem of not being able to obtain the status information of user equipment in related technologies, ensuring that third-party applications can more accurately understand the status of user equipment, and meeting the business needs in 5G LAN application scenarios.

[0034] The implementation details of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application are described in detail below:

[0035] Figure 2 shows a flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of this application. This communication method can be executed by an application function (AF) network element, or by other network elements capable of implementing similar functions. Referring to Figure 2, the communication method includes at least steps S210 to S230, which are described in detail below:

[0036] In S210, a subscription request message is generated to request status information of user equipment contained in the local area network. The user equipment in this local area network is connected to the core network via an access network.

[0037] In some alternative embodiments, if it is a 5G system, the local area network can be a 5G LAN, in which user equipment can connect to access network elements (such as base stations) via Uu links, and then connect to the core network via the access network.

[0038] In some optional embodiments, the subscription request message may include at least one of the following status information that needs to be subscribed to: Radio Resource Control (RRC) status of the user equipment, connection management status of the user equipment, motion status of the user equipment, radio link status of the user equipment, and power consumption status of the user equipment.

[0039] Optionally, the Connection Management (CM) status of the user equipment is used to reflect the connection status between the user equipment and the core network. For example, the CM status mainly includes CM-IDLE (idle state) and CM-CONNECTED (connected state).

[0040] In CM-IDLE state, there is no valid Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling connection between the UE and the 5GC. The connection between the UE and the 5GC is disconnected, and there is no ability to transmit data. In this state, the UE can detect paging messages and perform cell selection / reselection. The UE can move between different cells through cell selection / reselection, but it will not trigger a core network-level location update unless a paging message is received or a service request is initiated.

[0041] In CM-CONNECTED state, a valid NAS signaling connection exists between the UE and the 5GC, allowing the UE to send and receive NAS signaling messages. The 5GC retains detailed contextual information about the UE, including its IP address and Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session information. In this state, the UE can transmit data, and the 5GC knows the UE's exact location (e.g., serving gNodeB). The UE enters CM-CONNECTED state when it needs to establish, modify, or release a PDU session, or when the network needs to send specific notifications or commands to the UE.

[0042] Optionally, the CM state can also be CM_deregistered. This state indicates that the user equipment has currently terminated its registration relationship with the core network, meaning the user equipment no longer maintains a connection with the core network. If the UE is in the CM_deregistered state, the following situations may occur: The user equipment is powered off. When the user equipment is powered off, it will automatically disconnect from the network and enter the CM_deregistered state; The user equipment enters airplane mode. Airplane mode is a special setting that can disable all wireless communication functions of the user equipment. When the user equipment enters airplane mode, it will also disconnect from the network and display the CM_deregistered state; The user equipment is removed from the network. In some cases, the network may actively remove the user equipment from the network, such as due to the user equipment's prolonged inactivity or violation of network policies. In this case, the user equipment will also enter the CM_deregistered state; The user equipment fails to re-register. When the user equipment attempts to re-establish a connection with the network, if registration fails for some reason (such as network failure, authentication failure, etc.), the user equipment will also remain in the CM_deregistered state.

[0043] Optionally, the motion state of the user equipment refers to the movement state of the user equipment, such as high speed, medium speed, low speed, etc.

[0044] Optionally, the wireless link status of a user equipment (UE) is used to represent the quality of the wireless link, which can be categorized as high, medium, low, or other conditions. Specifically, the UE's wireless link status can be determined using specific parameters, such as Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR), Block Error Rate (BLER), and Channel Quality Indicator (CQI).

[0045] Among them, RSRP represents the average power of the reference signal received by the UE, reflecting the signal strength. The smaller the value, the weaker the signal and the worse the quality of the wireless link. RSRQ represents the ratio of the average power of the received reference signal to the total received power within the bandwidth, reflecting the signal quality. The smaller the value, the worse the signal quality and the worse the quality of the wireless link. SINR represents the ratio of the received useful signal power to the interference plus noise power, reflecting the signal quality. The larger the value, the better the signal quality and the better the quality of the wireless link. BLER represents the proportion of errors in the transmitted data block, reflecting the reliability of the link. The lower the value, the more reliable the link. CQI is the channel quality information fed back by the UE to the base station, used to help the base station select a suitable modulation and coding scheme (MCS). The larger the value, the better the channel quality and the better the quality of the wireless link.

[0046] Optionally, the power consumption state of the user equipment (UE) is used to represent the power consumption of the UE. Optionally, the power consumption state of the UE can include high power consumption state, medium power consumption state, low power consumption state, and extremely low power consumption state. In high power consumption state, the UE's battery consumes quickly and may run out of power in a short time; in medium power consumption state, the UE's battery consumes at a moderate rate and can maintain use for a longer period of time; in low power consumption state, the UE may be in an inactive or idle state, and the battery consumes very slowly, maintaining power for a long time; in extremely low power consumption state, the UE may be in deep sleep or powered off state, and the battery consumption is almost zero, maintaining power for a long time.

[0047] In some optional embodiments, the subscription request message may include first indication information, which is used to indicate subscription to the status information of all or some user devices in the local area network. Optionally, if the first indication information is used to indicate subscription to the status information of all user devices in the local area network, then the subscription request message may not include the identification information of each user device in the local area network (such as the internal identifier of the user device in the local area network), but only the identification information of the local area network; or it may include both the identification information of the local area network and the identification information of each user device in the local area network.

[0048] Optionally, if the first indication information is used to indicate the subscription of status information for some user equipment in the local area network (LAN), the subscription request message may contain the LAN internal identifiers of these user equipments. Optionally, the LAN internal identifier is an identifier used within the LAN. In this case, after receiving the subscription request message, the core network element can map the internal identifier to a core network identifier based on a mapping relationship, and then obtain the user equipment's status information based on the core network identifier. This allows the internal identifier to continue to be used within the LAN while ensuring that the core network element can obtain the user equipment's status information based on the user equipment's core network identifier. Optionally, if the subscription request message itself contains the user equipment's core network identifier, then the core network element does not need to perform identifier mapping processing.

[0049] Optionally, the internal identifier of the user equipment can be the user equipment's Media Access Control (MAC) address, the user equipment's network address within the local area network (such as the user equipment's IP address within the local area network), or the user equipment's Mobile Equipment Identifier (MEID). The core network identifier of the user equipment can be, for example, a Globally Unique Temporary Identifier (GUID) or a Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI).

[0050] In some optional embodiments, the subscription request message may further include second indication information, which indicates whether the subscription request is for an application function network element (AF) or a user equipment (UE). This embodiment enables core network elements to understand the intent of subscribing to UE status information (i.e., whether it's for an AF or a UE), and thus provide relevant device status information in a targeted manner. Specifically, AF subscriptions may require broader status information (such as status information for multiple UEs), while UE subscriptions may only require information about a single UE or a few UEs. Therefore, the second indication information allows core network elements to provide the necessary data in a targeted manner, avoiding unnecessary data transmission, thereby saving network bandwidth and computing resources. This flexibility also allows the system to better adapt to different types of application requirements.

[0051] Optionally, if it's a user device subscription, then after obtaining the subscribed information, the Application Filter (AF) needs to send it to the user device, for example, through an application layer interface. In other words, if it's a user device subscription, the user device needs to subscribe through the AF; that is, the user device needs to inform the AF of the information it wants to subscribe to, and then the AF initiates a subscription request message. After obtaining the subscribed information, the AF can then expose it to the user device through an application layer interface.

[0052] Referring again to Figure 2, in step S220, a subscription request message is sent to the core network element. The subscription request message enables the core network element to obtain the status information of user equipment contained in the local area network.

[0053] In some optional embodiments, the AF sends the subscription request message to the core network element, specifically the Policy Control Function (PCF) element or the Network Exposure Function (NEF) element.

[0054] In some optional embodiments, after receiving a subscription request message, the core network element can obtain the user equipment status information from the corresponding network element according to the type of status information to be obtained in the subscription request message.

[0055] For example, if the status information requested by the subscription request message includes at least one of the following: the user equipment's RRC status, the user equipment's connection management status, the user equipment's motion status, and the user equipment's radio link status, it can be obtained from the access and mobility management network element. If the status information requested by the subscription request message includes the user equipment's power consumption status, it can be obtained from the operations administration and maintenance (OAM) network element.

[0056] In some optional embodiments, after receiving a subscription request message, the core network element can also send a data analysis request to the Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) element to request the NWDAF element to return the corresponding data analysis results. Then, the user equipment status information can be obtained based on these data analysis results. This embodiment's technical solution enables the acquisition of the status information of the subscribed user equipment by leveraging the analysis capabilities of NWDAF.

[0057] In S230, the system receives subscription notification information returned by the core network element in response to the subscription request message. The subscription notification message includes the status information of the terminal device.

[0058] In summary, this application proposes a novel communication scheme that allows for the opening of information within a 5G LAN. Specifically, the application function network element can generate a subscription request message to request the status information of user equipment contained in the local area network (such as a 5G LAN), and then send this subscription request message to the core network element. Upon receiving the subscription request message, the core network element can obtain the status information of the user equipment contained in the local area network and return the obtained information to the application function network element. Therefore, the technical solution of this application embodiment enables flexible acquisition of the status information of user equipment contained in a 5G LAN, solving the problem of not being able to obtain user equipment status information in related technologies, ensuring that third-party applications can more accurately understand the status of user equipment, and meeting the service needs in 5G LAN application scenarios.

[0059] Furthermore, by centrally processing subscription requests through core network elements, the complexity of direct interaction between the AF and multiple underlying network elements is avoided, simplifying the communication process. In addition, leveraging the analytical capabilities of the NWDAF, more valuable status information can be extracted from raw data, improving the efficiency and accuracy of data processing. This centralized management ensures the reliability and timeliness of status information acquisition, meeting the low-latency and high-reliability service requirements of 5G LAN scenarios.

[0060] Optionally, the subscription notification information returned by the core network element in response to the subscription request message may include the status information of the user equipment requested by the application function network element, so that the application function network element can understand the status of the user equipment more accurately, optimize data transmission and connection management, and thus help improve data transmission efficiency.

[0061] Optionally, after receiving the subscription notification information returned by the core network element in response to the subscription request message, the application function network element may provide the received user equipment status information to the device requesting the user equipment status information. Optionally, the device requesting the status information may be a user equipment or an application server device, etc.

[0062] The technical solution of the embodiments of this application has been described above from the perspective of application function network elements. The technical solution of the embodiments of this application will be further described below from the perspective of core network elements, with reference to Figure 3:

[0063] Figure 3 shows a flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of this application. This communication method can be executed by a core network element, such as a PCF, a NEF, or other network elements capable of performing similar functions. Referring to Figure 3, the communication method includes at least steps S310 to S330, which are described in detail below:

[0064] In S310, a subscription request message is received from an application function network element. This subscription request message is used to request status information of user equipment contained in the local area network. The user equipment in this local area network is connected to the core network through the access network.

[0065] In some alternative embodiments, user equipment in the local area network (LAN) can connect to access network elements (such as base stations) via Uu links, and then connect to the core network via the access network. For 5G systems, the LAN can be a 5G LAN.

[0066] In some optional embodiments, the subscription request message may include at least one of the following status information that needs to be subscribed to: the user equipment's RRC status, the user equipment's connection management status, the user equipment's motion status, the user equipment's radio link status, the user equipment's power consumption status, etc.

[0067] In S320, the status information of user devices contained in the local area network is obtained based on the subscription request message.

[0068] In S330, subscription notification information containing the status information of the user equipment is generated.

[0069] In some optional embodiments, after receiving a subscription request message, a core network element can obtain the user equipment's status information from the corresponding network element based on the type of status information requested in the subscription request message. In other words, the user equipment's status information is obtained from the network element corresponding to the type of status information requested in the subscription request message.

[0070] For example, if the status information requested by the subscription request message includes at least one of the following: the user equipment's RRC status, connection management status, motion status, and radio link status, then the corresponding status information can be obtained from the AMF network element. If the status information requested by the subscription request message includes the user equipment's energy consumption status, then the corresponding energy consumption status can be obtained from the OAM network element.

[0071] In some optional embodiments, after receiving a subscription request message, the core network element can also send a data analysis request to the NWDAF network element based on the subscription request message. The data analysis request enables the network data analysis function element to return corresponding data analysis results, and then the user equipment status information can be obtained based on these results. This embodiment's technical solution allows the acquisition of the status information of the subscribed user equipment using the analysis capabilities of NWDAF.

[0072] In some optional embodiments, the subscription request message may include indication information indicating that the subscription is for the status information of all or some user devices in the local area network (LAN). Optionally, if the indication information is used to indicate that the subscription is for the status information of all user devices in the LAN, then the subscription request message may not include the identification information of each user device in the LAN (such as the internal identifier of the user device in the LAN), but only the identification information of the LAN; or it may include both the identification information of the LAN and the identification information of each user device in the LAN.

[0073] Optionally, if the indication information is used to indicate the subscription of status information for some user equipment in the local area network (LAN), the subscription request message may contain the LAN internal identifiers of these user equipments. In this case, after receiving the subscription request message, the core network element can determine the corresponding core network identifier based on the mapping relationship between the LAN internal identifiers and the core network identifiers of the user equipments, and then obtain the status information of the user equipment based on the core network identifier. This allows the internal identifiers to continue to be used within the LAN while ensuring that the core network element can obtain the status information of the user equipment based on the core network identifier of the user equipment. Optionally, if the subscription request message itself contains the core network identifier of the user equipment, then the core network element does not need to perform identifier mapping processing.

[0074] In S340, subscription notification information is sent to the application function network element.

[0075] Optionally, the subscription notification information sent by the core network element to the application function network element may include the status information of the user equipment requested by the application function network element, thereby enabling the application function network element to understand the status of the user equipment more accurately, thereby optimizing data transmission and connection management.

[0076] Optionally, after receiving the subscription notification information returned by the core network element in response to the subscription request message, the application function network element can expose the obtained user equipment status information to a designated device through the application layer interface. This allows the designated device to also obtain the status information of user equipment in the local area network. Optionally, the designated device can be a designated user equipment or an application server device, etc.

[0077] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application have been described above from the perspectives of application function network elements and core network elements. The following uses the establishment of a 5G LAN group in a 5G system as an example to elaborate on the implementation details of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application:

[0078] The technical solution of this application mainly enhances the functions of the gateway and corresponding core network elements to achieve a more flexible 5G LAN communication mechanism, thereby supporting the openness of 5G LAN information. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, terminal A and terminal B can form a 5G LAN. The 5G LAN terminals (i.e., terminal A and terminal B) can access the 5G base station through the Uu link and then access the 5G core network.

[0079] The technical solution of this application mainly enables the status of 5G LAN terminals to be exposed to third-party applications, such as AF, through 5GC network elements such as PCF or NEF. At the same time, the App on the terminal can also subscribe to the status information of other terminals from the AF through the application layer, thereby meeting the functional needs of the App.

[0080] In one example, as shown in Figure 5, a method for opening 5G LAN information according to an embodiment of this application includes the following steps:

[0081] S501, PDU session established, 5G LAN group configuration completed.

[0082] Optionally, the process of establishing a PDU session involves the user equipment registering with the core network element, then sending a PDU Session Establishment Request message to establish a PDU session, and finally constructing a 5G LAN group based on the user equipment's subscription information.

[0083] S502, AF subscribes to 5G LAN terminal status information via NEF or directly from PCF.

[0084] In some optional embodiments, when subscribing to 5G LAN terminal status information, the AF can list in the subscription request message which UE states need to be subscribed to, the UE status parameters to be subscribed to, and the subscription type of 5G LAN information open.

[0085] Optionally, the subscription type for 5G LAN information openness can include either AF subscription or user device app subscription.

[0086] Optionally, UE status parameters may include, but are not limited to, the following: the UE's RRC status, such as the UE being in RRC connected state, inactive state, or idle state; it may also include the UE's CM status; other status information that may change, such as mobility status (e.g., high, medium, low), radio link status (e.g., high, medium, low connection quality), and the power consumption status of the 5G LAN UE.

[0087] In some optional embodiments, any information that the 5GC network element can directly obtain or obtain through the gNB can be made public as open information to a third-party AF.

[0088] In some optional embodiments, the subscription to 5G LAN information can use different information granularities, such as subscribing to the status of all UEs in a group, or subscribing to the status of a single terminal in the group. Optionally, if it is a group subscription, it means that the AF is interested in the status of all UEs in the group, which also means that it may receive a large amount of terminal status update information; if it is a subscription for a single terminal, the AF needs to provide the UE's internal LAN identifier, which can then be mapped to an internal 5GS identifier (i.e., core network identifier) ​​at the NEF or PCF.

[0089] S503, PCF or NEF subscribes to the status information of 5G LAN terminals from the corresponding network element.

[0090] In some optional embodiments, the NEF or PCF can determine which network element to subscribe to based on the subscribed UE state parameters. Specifically: if subscribing to the UE's RRC state, CM state, etc., it can subscribe to the AMF; if subscribing to the UE's mobility state (e.g., high, medium, low) or radio link state (e.g., high, medium, low connection quality), it can subscribe to the AMF and requires gNB support; if subscribing to the 5G LAN UE's power consumption state, it can obtain it from a network element with UE power consumption information, such as OAM or other network elements.

[0091] S504: The corresponding network element detects the change in the status of the 5G LAN terminal and notifies the PCF or NEF.

[0092] Optionally, if the subscription is in group mode, the changes in UE status information in the group can be summarized into a message and reported to NEF / PCF; if the subscription is for a specific terminal, the changes in specific UE status information in the group can be summarized into a message and reported to NEF / PCF.

[0093] S505, NEF or PCF will notify AF / AS of 5G LAN terminal status information.

[0094] In some optional embodiments, if the subscription is in a group mode, the changes in UE status information in the group can be aggregated into a message and returned to the AF; if the subscription is for a specific terminal, the changes in specific UE status information in the group can be aggregated into a message and returned to the AF.

[0095] In one embodiment of this application, since obtaining 5G LAN UE status information from multiple different network elements may increase the interaction between multiple network elements, and the parameters on which it depends may have already been collected by NWDAF for other analysis purposes, in another example of this application, parameters of different UEs can be collected through NWDAF. The specific processing procedure is shown in Figure 6, including the following steps:

[0096] S601, PDU session established, 5G LAN group configuration completed.

[0097] Optionally, the process of establishing a PDU session involves the user equipment registering with the core network element, then sending a PDU session establishment request message to establish a PDU session, and then constructing a 5G LAN group based on the user equipment's subscription information.

[0098] S602, AF subscribes to 5G LAN terminal status information via NEF or directly from PCF.

[0099] In some optional embodiments, when subscribing to 5G LAN terminal status information, the AF can list in the subscription request message which UE states need to be subscribed to, the UE status parameters to be subscribed to, and the subscription type of 5G LAN information open.

[0100] Optionally, the subscription type for 5G LAN information openness can include either AF subscription or user device app subscription.

[0101] Optionally, UE status parameters may include, but are not limited to, the following: the UE's RRC status, such as the UE being in RRC connected state, inactive state, or idle state; it may also include the UE's CM status; other status information that may change, such as mobility status (e.g., high, medium, low), radio link status (e.g., high, medium, low connection quality), and the power consumption status of the 5G LAN UE.

[0102] In some optional embodiments, any information that the 5GC network element can directly obtain or obtain through the gNB can be made public as open information to a third-party AF.

[0103] In some optional embodiments, the subscription to 5G LAN information can use different information granularities, such as subscribing to the status of all UEs in a group, or subscribing to the status of a single terminal in the group. Optionally, if it is a group subscription, it means that the AF is interested in the status of all UEs in the group, which also means that it may receive a large amount of terminal status update information; if it is a subscription for a single terminal, the AF needs to provide the UE's internal LAN identifier, which can then be mapped to an internal 5GS identifier (i.e., core network identifier) ​​at the NEF or PCF.

[0104] S603, PCF or NEF subscribes to the status information of 5G LAN terminals from the NWDAF network element.

[0105] In some optional embodiments, the NEF or PCF can initiate an analytics to the NWDAF network element. This analytics is targeted at the 5G LAN group or a specific UE within the group. After receiving this analytics, the NWDAF network element can collect and obtain relevant status information.

[0106] Optionally, if the subscription is to the UE's RRC status, CM status, etc., the NWDAF network element can subscribe to the AMF; if the subscription is to the UE's mobility status (such as high, medium, low) or radio link status (such as high, medium, low connection quality), the NWDAF network element can subscribe to the AMF and requires gNB support; if the subscription is to the 5G LAN UE's energy consumption status, the NWDAF network element can obtain it from a network element that has UE energy consumption information, such as OAM or other network elements.

[0107] S604, the NWDAF network element will notify the PCF or NEF of the status information of the 5G LAN UE obtained.

[0108] Optionally, if the subscription is in group mode, the changes in UE status information in the group can be summarized into a message and reported to NEF / PCF; if the subscription is for a specific terminal, the changes in specific UE status information in the group can be summarized into a message and reported to NEF / PCF.

[0109] S605, NEF or PCF will notify AF / AS of 5G LAN terminal status information.

[0110] In some optional embodiments, if the subscription is in a group mode, the changes in UE status information in the group can be aggregated into a message and returned to the AF; if the subscription is for a specific terminal, the changes in specific UE status information in the group can be aggregated into a message and returned to the AF.

[0111] The technical solution of this application embodiment can also support opening 5G LAN information to 5G LAN UE, as shown in Figure 4. This function needs to be implemented through the application layer interface between 5G LAN UE and AF. This information opening mechanism allows one 5G LAN UE to obtain the status of another 5G LAN UE, thereby facilitating support for high-efficiency 5G LAN data transmission.

[0112] In summary, this application proposes a 5G LAN information opening scheme, enabling the status information of terminals within a 5G LAN group to be provided to a third-party AF through 5G LAN information opening. In this way, operators can provide virtual LAN information across a wide area to third-party applications based on 5GS, solving the problem of not being able to obtain user equipment status information in related technologies. This ensures that third-party applications can more accurately understand the status of user equipment, thereby optimizing data transmission and connection management, improving the user experience of 5G LAN users, and meeting the service needs of 5G LAN application scenarios.

[0113] It should be noted that the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application are not only applicable to 5G systems, but also to future mobile communication systems.

[0114] The following describes an embodiment of the apparatus described in this application, which can be used to execute the communication method described in the above embodiments of this application. For details not disclosed in the apparatus embodiments of this application, please refer to the embodiments of the communication method described above.

[0115] Figure 7 shows a block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device can be applied to an application function network element, or it can be applied to other network elements that can achieve similar functions.

[0116] Referring to FIG7, a communication device 700 according to an embodiment of the present application includes: a generating unit 702, a transmitting unit 704, and a receiving unit 706.

[0117] The generation unit 702 is configured to generate a subscription request message, which is used to request the status information of user equipment contained in the local area network; the sending unit 704 is configured to send the subscription request message to the core network element; and the receiving unit 706 is configured to receive the subscription notification information returned by the core network element in response to the subscription request message, which includes the status information of the terminal device.

[0118] In some embodiments of this application, based on the foregoing scheme, the subscription request message includes at least one of the following status information that needs to be subscribed to:

[0119] The user equipment's Radio Resource Control (RRC) status, the user equipment's Mobility Management (MLM) status, the user equipment's motion status, the user equipment's radio link status, and the user equipment's power consumption status.

[0120] In some embodiments of this application, based on the foregoing scheme, the subscription request message includes first indication information, which is used to indicate the subscription of status information of all or some user devices in the local area network.

[0121] In some embodiments of this application, based on the foregoing scheme, if the first indication information is used to indicate the subscription of status information of some user equipment in the local area network, the subscription request message also includes the local area network internal identifier of the some user equipment.

[0122] The local area network internal identifier is used to enable the core network element to determine the corresponding core network identifier based on the mapping relationship between the local area network internal identifier and the core network identifier, and to obtain the status information of the part of the user equipment based on the core network identifier.

[0123] In some embodiments of this application, based on the foregoing scheme, the subscription request message further includes second indication information, which is used to indicate whether the subscription request is a subscription of an application function network element or a subscription of a user equipment.

[0124] In some embodiments of this application, based on the foregoing scheme, the sending unit 704 is further configured to: provide the received user equipment status information to the device requesting the terminal device status information. For example, it may provide the status information to the device requesting the terminal device through an application layer interface.

[0125] Figure 8 shows a block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device can be applied to core network elements, such as PCF network elements or NEF network elements, or it can also be applied to other network elements that can achieve similar functions.

[0126] Referring to FIG8, a communication device 800 according to an embodiment of the present application includes: a receiving unit 802, an acquiring unit 804, and a transmitting unit 806.

[0127] The receiving unit 802 is configured to receive a subscription request message sent by an application function network element. The subscription request message requests status information of user equipment within the local area network (LAN). The user equipment in the LAN is connected to the core network via an access network. The obtaining unit 804 is configured to obtain the status information of the user equipment within the LAN based on the subscription request message; generate subscription notification information; and the sending unit 806 is configured to send the subscription notification information to the application function network element.

[0128] In some embodiments of this application, based on the foregoing scheme, the acquisition unit 804 is configured to: acquire the status information of the user equipment from the network element corresponding to the type of status information to be acquired in the subscription request message.

[0129] In some embodiments of this application, based on the foregoing scheme, the acquisition unit 804 is configured to: if the status information requested by the subscription request message includes at least one of the user equipment's RRC status, user equipment's mobility management status, user equipment's motion status, and user equipment's radio link status, then acquire the corresponding status information from the access and mobility management network element; if the status information to be acquired by the subscription request message includes the user equipment's energy consumption status, then acquire the energy consumption status from the operation, management, and maintenance (OAM) network element.

[0130] In some embodiments of this application, based on the foregoing scheme, the acquisition unit 804 is configured to: send a data analysis request to the network data analysis function network element according to the subscription request message, wherein the data analysis request is used to enable the network data analysis function network element to return a corresponding data analysis result according to the data analysis request; and acquire the status information of the user equipment according to the data analysis result.

[0131] In some embodiments of this application, based on the foregoing scheme, if the subscription request message is used to indicate the subscription of status information of some user equipment in the local area network, then the acquisition unit 804 is configured to: acquire the local area network internal identifier of the some user equipment from the subscription request message; determine the core network identifier according to the mapping relationship used to map the local area network internal identifier to the core network identifier and the local area network internal identifier of the some user equipment; and acquire the status information of the some user equipment based on the determined core network identifier.

[0132] Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a computer system suitable for implementing the computer device of the present application. The computer device may be an application function network element or a core network element in the foregoing embodiments.

[0133] It should be noted that the computer system 900 of the computer device shown in Figure 9 is only an example and should not impose any limitations on the functionality and scope of use of the embodiments of this application.

[0134] As shown in Figure 9, the computer system 900 may include a Central Processing Unit (CPU) 901, which can perform various appropriate actions and processes based on programs stored in Read-Only Memory (ROM) 902 or programs loaded from storage portion 908 into Random Access Memory (RAM) 903, such as performing the methods described in the above embodiments. The RAM 903 also stores various programs and data required for system operation. The CPU 901, ROM 902, and RAM 903 are interconnected via a bus 904. An Input / Output (I / O) interface 905 is also connected to the bus 904.

[0135] The following components can be connected to I / O interface 905: input section 906 including keyboard, mouse, etc.; output section 907 including cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), etc., and speakers, etc.; storage section 908 including hard disk, etc.; and communication section 909 including network interface card such as LAN (Local Area Network) card, modem, etc. Communication section 909 performs communication processing via a network such as the Internet. Drive 910 is also connected to I / O interface 905 as needed. Removable media 911, such as disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, semiconductor memory, etc., are installed on drive 910 as needed so that computer programs read from them can be installed into storage section 908 as needed.

[0136] Specifically, according to embodiments of this application, the processes described above with reference to the flowcharts can be implemented as computer software programs. For example, embodiments of this application include a computer program product comprising a computer program carried on a computer-readable medium for performing the methods shown in the flowcharts. In such embodiments, the computer program can be downloaded and installed from a network via communication section 909, and / or installed from removable medium 911. When the computer program is executed by central processing unit (CPU) 901, it performs various functions defined in the system of this application.

[0137] It should be noted that the computer-readable medium shown in the embodiments of this application can be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium, or any combination of the two. A computer-readable storage medium can be, for example,—but not limited to—an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples of a computer-readable storage medium may include, but are not limited to: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, optical fiber, portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage device, magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof. In this application, a computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium containing or storing a computer program that can be used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. In this application, a computer-readable signal medium can include a data signal propagated in baseband or as part of a carrier wave, carrying a computer-readable computer program. The transmitted data signal can take various forms, including but not limited to electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any suitable combination thereof. The computer-readable signal medium can also be any computer-readable medium other than a computer-readable storage medium, which can send, propagate, or transmit a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The computer program contained on the computer-readable medium can be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to wireless, wired, etc., or any suitable combination thereof.

[0138] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of this application. Each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which contains one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions indicated in the blocks may occur in a different order than those indicated in the drawings. For example, two consecutively indicated blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in a block diagram or flowchart, and combinations of blocks in a block diagram or flowchart, can be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or operation, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and a computer program.

[0139] The units described in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in software or hardware, and the described units can also be located in a processor. The names of these units do not necessarily limit the specific unit itself.

[0140] In another aspect, this application also provides a computer-readable medium, which may be included in the computer device described in the above embodiments; or it may exist independently and not assembled into the computer device. The computer-readable medium carries one or more computer programs, which, when executed by the computer device, cause the computer device to perform the methods described in the above embodiments.

[0141] It should be noted that although several modules or units for the device used to perform actions have been mentioned in the detailed description above, this division is not mandatory. In fact, according to the embodiments of this application, the features and functions of two or more modules or units described above can be embodied in one module or unit. Conversely, the features and functions of one module or unit described above can be further divided and embodied by multiple modules or units.

[0142] From the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the exemplary embodiments described herein can be implemented by software or by combining software with necessary hardware. Therefore, the technical solutions according to the embodiments of this application can be embodied in the form of a software product, which can be stored in a non-volatile storage medium (such as a CD-ROM, USB flash drive, external hard drive, etc.) or on a network, and includes several instructions to cause a computer device to execute the method according to the embodiments of this application.

[0143] For example, a computer device can be an application function network element, and the application function network element can execute the communication method shown in Figure 2; or, a computer device can be a core network element, and the core network element can execute the communication method shown in Figure 3.

[0144] Other embodiments of this application will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the embodiments disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein.

[0145] It should be understood that this application is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, executed in an AF network element, the communication method comprising: Generate a subscription request message, which is used to request the status information of user equipment contained in the local area network; Send the subscription request message to the core network element; The system receives subscription notification information returned by the core network element in response to the subscription request message, wherein the subscription notification message includes the status information of the user equipment.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein the subscription request message requests at least one of the following status information: The user equipment's Radio Resource Control (RRC) status, connection management status, motion status, radio link status, and power consumption status.

3. The communication method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the subscription request message includes first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate subscription to the status information of all or some user devices in the local area network.

4. The communication method according to claim 3, wherein if the first indication information indicates subscription to the status information of some user equipment in the local area network, the subscription request message further includes the local area network internal identifier of the some user equipment; in, The local area network internal identifier is used to enable the core network element to determine the corresponding core network identifier based on the mapping relationship between the local area network internal identifier and the core network identifier, and to obtain the status information of the part of the user equipment based on the core network identifier.

5. The communication method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the subscription request message includes second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate whether the subscription request is a subscription of an application function network element or a subscription of a user equipment.

6. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: The received status information of the user equipment is provided to the device that requested the status information of the user equipment.

7. A communication method, executed in a core network element, the communication method comprising: Receive a subscription request message sent by an application function network element, wherein the subscription request message is used to request the status information of user equipment contained in the local area network; Obtain the status information of the user devices contained in the local area network according to the subscription request message; Generate subscription notification information that includes the user device's status information; The subscription notification information is sent to the application function network element.

8. The communication method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Obtaining the status information of user devices contained in the local area network according to the subscription request message includes: Based on the type of status information requested in the subscription request message, the status information of the user equipment is obtained from the network element corresponding to the type.

9. The communication method according to claim 8, characterized in that, Based on the type of status information requested in the subscription request message, the status information of the user equipment is obtained from the corresponding network element, including: If the subscription request message requests at least one of the following: the user equipment's RRC status, the user equipment's connection management status, the user equipment's motion status, and the user equipment's radio link status, then the corresponding status information is obtained from the access and mobility management network element. If the subscription request message requests the energy consumption status of the user equipment, the energy consumption status is obtained from the Operation, Management and Maintenance (OAM) network element.

10. The communication method according to any one of claims 7-9, wherein obtaining the status information of user equipment included in the local area network according to the subscription request message includes: According to the subscription request message, a data analysis request is sent to the network data analysis function network element, and the data analysis request is used to enable the network data analysis function network element to return the corresponding data analysis result according to the data analysis request. The status information of the user equipment is obtained based on the data analysis results.

11. The communication method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein if the subscription request message is used to indicate subscription to the status information of some user equipment in the local area network, obtaining the status information of the user equipment included in the local area network according to the subscription request message includes: Obtain the local area network internal identifier of the user equipment from the subscription request message; The core network identifier is determined based on the mapping relationship used to map the internal identifier of the local area network to the core network identifier, and the internal identifier of the local area network of the user equipment. The status information of the user equipment is obtained based on the determined core network identifier.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes: The generation unit is configured to generate a subscription request message, which is used to request the status information of user equipment contained in the local area network. The sending unit is configured to send the subscription request message to a core network element; The receiving unit is configured to receive subscription notification information returned by the core network element in response to the subscription request message, wherein the subscription notification message includes the status information of the user equipment.

13. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes: The receiving unit is configured to receive a subscription request message sent by an application function network element, wherein the subscription request message is used to request the status information of user equipment contained in the local area network; The acquisition unit is configured to acquire status information of user devices contained in the local area network based on the subscription request message; and generate subscription notification information containing the status information of the user devices. The sending unit is configured to send the subscription notification information to the application function network element.

14. A computer-readable medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

15. A computer device, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; A memory for storing one or more computer programs that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the computer device to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

16. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program stored in a computer-readable storage medium, wherein a processor of a computer device reads from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the computer program, causing the computer device to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

Images