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

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium and a program product. The method is executed by a first node. The method comprises: sending a first identifier to a second node, the first identifier being allocated by the first node to a session of a third node, and the first identifier being used for indicating the session. In the technical solution provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first node may send, to the second node, the first identifier allocated to the session by the first node, which allows the second node to perform identifier management on the session; in addition, when the first node and a third node establish a session by means of a control plane, the second node can determine, on the basis of the first identifier, the session to which a received message belongs, so that a message associated with the session can be correctly forwarded.

Description

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

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to communication methods, communication devices, communication systems, storage media, and program products. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of wireless communication technology, terminals can transmit session-related messages with network functions, such as location management functions (LMF), through the user plane or control plane. During the session, correctly identifying the session to which the messages transmitted by the user plane or control plane belong is a prerequisite for ensuring that the first node can have a successful session with the LMF. Summary of the Invention

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

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, wherein the method is performed by a first node, the method comprising: sending a first identifier to a second node, the first identifier being assigned by the first node for a session of a third node, the first identifier being used to indicate the session.

[0005] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, wherein the method is performed by a second node, the method comprising: receiving a first identifier sent by a first node, the first identifier being assigned by the first node to a session of a third node, the first identifier being used to indicate the session; and storing second information based on the first identifier, the second information being used to indicate the association relationship between the first identifier and the first node.

[0006] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, wherein the method is performed by a third node, the method comprising: receiving a first message, the first message being associated with a session, the session having a first identifier assigned by a first node, the first identifier being used to indicate the session.

[0007] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, wherein the method is performed by a communication system, the method comprising: a first node sending a first identifier to a second node, the first identifier being assigned by the first node to a session of a third node, the first identifier being used to indicate the session; the second node storing second information based on the first identifier; the second information being used to indicate the association relationship between the first identifier and the first node.

[0008] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, wherein the communication device is used to perform the communication method provided by the first aspect, the second aspect, or the third aspect.

[0009] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, wherein the communication system includes a first node, a second node and a third node, the first node being configured to implement the communication method provided in the first aspect, the second node being configured to implement the communication method provided in the second aspect, and the third node being configured to implement the communication method provided in the third aspect.

[0010] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided, wherein the storage medium stores instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method provided by the first aspect, the second aspect, or the third aspect.

[0011] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a program product is provided that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the communication method provided by the first aspect, the second aspect, or the third aspect.

[0012] In the technical solution provided by the embodiments of this disclosure, the first node can send the first identifier assigned to the session to the second node. On the one hand, this is beneficial for the second node to manage the session identifier. On the other hand, when the first node and the third node conduct a session through the control plane, the second node can determine which session the received message belongs to based on the first identifier, thereby correctly forwarding the session-related message.

[0013] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of the invention.

[0015] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0016] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between related identifiers and routing identifiers according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0017] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the LCS session identifier and related identifiers and / or route identifiers according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0018] Figure 1D is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of modifying the user plane connection between a terminal and an LMF according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0019] Figure 1E is a schematic diagram illustrating a network-assisted localization process according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0020] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0021] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram of an interaction of a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0022] Figure 3A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0023] Figure 3B is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0024] Figure 4 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0025] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0026] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0027] Figure 5C is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0028] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0029] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0030] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product.

[0031] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, wherein the method is performed by a first node, the method comprising: sending a first identifier to a second node, the first identifier being assigned by the first node to a session of a third node, the first identifier being used to indicate the session.

[0032] In the above embodiments, the first node can send the first identifier assigned to the session to the second node. On the one hand, this is beneficial for the second node to manage the session identifier. On the other hand, when the first node and the third node conduct a session through the control plane, the second node can determine the session to which the received message belongs based on the first identifier, thereby correctly forwarding the session-related message.

[0033] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first identifier includes at least one of the following: a second identifier for identifying a session in the control plane; and a third identifier for identifying a session in the user plane.

[0034] In the above embodiments, the first node can assign a second identifier and / or a third identifier to the session. Thus, when the first node and the third node need to have a session through the control plane, the second identifier can be used to indicate the session, and when the first node and the third node need to have a session through the user plane, the third identifier can be used to indicate the session. In this way, the first node can flexibly select the identifier used to indicate the session according to the specific transmission method adopted by the message associated with the session.

[0035] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the value of the second identifier is the same as the value of the third identifier, or the value of the second identifier and the value of the third identifier have a mapping relationship.

[0036] In the above embodiments, the first node can set the values ​​of the second identifier and the third identifier to be the same, or it can set a mapping relationship between the values ​​of the second identifier and the third identifier, thereby enabling the association of the second identifier in the control plane and the third identifier in the user plane for the same session.

[0037] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the third node is a positioning reference unit (PRU).

[0038] In the above embodiments, when the third node is a PRU, the first node can assign a first identifier to the PRU's session. In this way, the assigned first identifier can also be used to indicate the session during the session between the first node and the PRU.

[0039] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: determining a first identifier based on a fourth identifier, the fourth identifier being used to indicate a PRU.

[0040] In the above embodiments, when the third node is a PRU, the first node can directly determine the first identifier based on the fourth identifier used to indicate the PRU. In this way, the association between the first identifier used to indicate the PRU and the fourth identifier used to indicate the PRU can be realized.

[0041] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: storing first information, the first information being used to indicate the association between a first identifier and a session indicated by the first identifier and / or a fifth identifier, the fifth identifier being used to indicate a third node.

[0042] In the above embodiments, after the first node assigns a first identifier to the session of the third node, it can store first information to indicate the association between the first identifier and the session indicated by the first identifier and / or the fifth identifier, so that during the session between the first node and the third node, the first node can identify the session to which the message belongs based on the stored first information.

[0043] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending a fifth identifier to a second node, the fifth identifier being used to indicate a third node.

[0044] In the above embodiments, the first node may also send a fifth identifier to the second node, so that the second node can determine the association between the third node and the first identifier based on the fifth identifier used to indicate the third node, thereby facilitating the second node to manage the identifier.

[0045] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending a first message to a third node based on a first identifier, the first message being associated with a session.

[0046] In the above embodiments, the first node can send a first message associated with the session indicated by the first identifier to the third node based on the first identifier it assigns to the session, so that the message recipient of the first message can determine which session the received message belongs to based on the first identifier.

[0047] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, sending a first message to a third node based on a first identifier includes: sending a second message to a second node via the control plane; wherein the first message and the second identifier are encapsulated in the second message, the second identifier is used to identify a session in the control plane, the second message is used to trigger the second node to send a third message to the third node, the first message and a sixth identifier are encapsulated in the third message, the sixth identifier is used to identify the first node in the control plane; the sixth identifier is obtained by mapping based on the second identifier.

[0048] In the above embodiments, when the first node conducts a session through the control plane, the first node can send the first message and the second identifier together to the second node through the second message. This allows the second node to determine which session the first message belongs to based on the received second identifier. The second node then sends the sixth identifier, which is mapped based on the second identifier, together with the first message to the third node corresponding to that session. This ensures that the first message associated with the session can be correctly transmitted between the first node and the third node through the control plane. In the event of a user plane failure, the first node and the third node can continue the session through the control plane, thereby improving the stability of the session.

[0049] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a fourth message sent by a second node through a control plane; a second identifier and a fifth message are encapsulated in the fourth message, the fifth message being a response message to the first message, the fourth message being sent by the second node based on a sixth message received from a third node, the fifth message and the sixth identifier being encapsulated in the sixth message; and determining the session associated with the fifth message based on the second identifier.

[0050] In the above embodiments, when the first node conducts a session through the control plane, the first node can receive a fourth message sent by the second node to obtain a fifth message returned by the third node based on the fourth message, and determine which session the fifth message belongs to according to the second identifier in the fourth message, so that the fifth message associated with the session can be correctly transmitted between the first node and the third node through the control plane, so that the first node and the third node can conduct a session through the control plane in the event of a user plane failure, thereby improving the stability of the session.

[0051] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, sending a first message to a third node based on a first identifier includes: sending a seventh message to the third node via a user plane; the first message and the third identifier are encapsulated in the seventh message, the third identifier being used to identify a session in the user plane, and a user plane connection existing between the first node and the third node.

[0052] In the above embodiments, when the first node conducts a session through the user plane, the first node can send the first message and the third identifier together to the third node through the seventh message, so that the third node can determine which session the first message belongs to based on the received third identifier, thereby enabling the first message associated with the session to be correctly transmitted between the first node and the third node through the user plane, so that the first node and the third node can conduct a session through the user plane in the event of congestion of the second node, thereby alleviating the communication pressure on the control plane.

[0053] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving an eighth message sent by a third node through a user plane; a third identifier and a fifth message being encapsulated in the eighth message, the fifth message being a response message to the first message; and determining the session associated with the fifth message based on the third identifier.

[0054] In the above embodiments, when the first node conducts a session through the user plane, the first node can receive the eighth message sent by the third node to obtain the fifth message returned by the third node based on the eighth message, and determine which session the fifth message belongs to according to the third identifier in the eighth message. This enables the fifth message associated with the session to be correctly transmitted between the first node and the third node through the user plane, so that the first node and the third node can conduct a session through the user plane in the event of congestion of the second node, thereby alleviating the communication pressure on the control plane.

[0055] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the session is associated with at least one of the following: location services; sensing services; artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) services.

[0056] In a second aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, wherein the method includes: receiving a first identifier sent by a first node, the first identifier being assigned by the first node to a session of a third node, the first identifier being used to indicate the session; and storing second information based on the first identifier, the second information being used to indicate the association relationship between the first identifier and the first node.

[0057] In the above embodiments, the second node can receive the first identifier assigned to the session by the first node, and store the second information indicating the association between the first identifier and the first node according to the first identifier. On the one hand, this is beneficial for the second node to manage the session identifier. On the other hand, when the first node and the third node conduct a session through the control plane, the second node can forward the message to the first node indicated by the first identifier according to the second information, so as to realize the correct transmission of the message associated with the session in the control plane.

[0058] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first identifier includes at least one of the following: a second identifier for identifying a session in the control plane; and a third identifier for identifying a session in the user plane.

[0059] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the value of the second identifier is the same as the value of the third identifier, or the value of the second identifier and the value of the third identifier have a mapping relationship.

[0060] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the third node is a PRU.

[0061] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first identifier is determined by the first node based on a fourth identifier, which is used to indicate the PRU.

[0062] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a fifth identifier sent by a first node, the fifth identifier being used to indicate a third node; and storing third information based on the fifth identifier, the third information being used to indicate the association relationship between the first identifier and the third node indicated by the fifth identifier.

[0063] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a second message sent by a first node through a control plane; wherein the first message and a second identifier are encapsulated in the second message, the second identifier being used to identify a session in the control plane; the first message is associated with the session; mapping the second identifier to a sixth identifier according to second information, the sixth identifier being used to identify the first node in the control plane; sending a third message to a third node according to the second message; the first message and the sixth identifier are encapsulated in the third message.

[0064] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a sixth message sent by a third node through a control plane; a sixth identifier and a fifth message being encapsulated in the sixth message, the fifth message being a response message to the first message; sending a fourth message to the first node according to the sixth message; the fifth message and the second identifier being encapsulated in the fourth message.

[0065] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the session is associated with at least one of the following: location services; sensing services; AI or ML services.

[0066] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, wherein the method is executed by a third node, the method comprising: receiving a first message, the first message being associated with a session, the session having a first identifier assigned by a first node, the first identifier being used to indicate the session.

[0067] In the above embodiments, the third node can receive the first message associated with the session and determine the session to which the first message belongs based on the first identifier assigned to the session by the first node, thereby enabling the third node to have a session with the first node and to correctly identify the messages of the session based on the first identifier.

[0068] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first identifier includes at least one of the following: a second identifier for identifying a session in the control plane; and a third identifier for identifying a session in the user plane.

[0069] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the value of the second identifier is the same as the value of the third identifier, or the value of the second identifier and the value of the third identifier have a mapping relationship.

[0070] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the third node is a PRU.

[0071] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first identifier is determined by the first node based on a fourth identifier, which is used to indicate the PRU.

[0072] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, receiving the first message includes: receiving a third message sent by a second node through the control plane; the first message and a sixth identifier are encapsulated within the third message, the sixth identifier being used to identify the first node in the control plane; the third message is sent by the second node based on a triggering event of a second message received from the first node, the first message and the second identifier are encapsulated within the second message, the second identifier being used to identify a session in the control plane; the sixth identifier is obtained based on a mapping of the second identifier.

[0073] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending a sixth message to a second node via control; the sixth identifier and the fifth message are encapsulated in the sixth message, the fifth message being a response message to the first message, the fifth message being used to trigger the second node to send a fourth message to the first node, and the fifth message and the second identifier being encapsulated in the fourth message.

[0074] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, receiving the first message includes: receiving a seventh message sent by the first node through the user plane; the first message and a third identifier are encapsulated in the seventh message, the third identifier being used to identify a session in the user plane, and a user plane connection existing between the first node and the third node; and storing fourth information according to the seventh message, the fourth information being used to indicate the association relationship between the third identifier and the session.

[0075] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending an eighth message to the first node via a user; the third identifier and the fifth message are encapsulated in the eighth message, the fifth message being a response message to the first message.

[0076] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the session is associated with at least one of the following: location services; sensing services; AI or ML services.

[0077] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, which is executed by a communication system. The method includes: a first node sending a first identifier to a second node, the first identifier being assigned by the first node to a session of a third node, the first identifier being used to indicate the session; the second node storing second information based on the first identifier; the second information being used to indicate the association relationship between the first identifier and the first node.

[0078] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, wherein the communication device is used to perform the communication method provided in the first, second, or third aspects.

[0079] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system, wherein the communication system includes a first node, a second node, and a third node, the first node being configured to implement the communication method provided in the first aspect, the second node being configured to implement the communication method provided in the second aspect, and the third node being configured to implement the communication method provided in the third aspect.

[0080] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method provided in the first, second, or third aspect.

[0081] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the communication method provided in the first, second, or third aspect.

[0082] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the communication method described in an optional implementation of the first, second, or third aspect.

[0083] It is understood that the aforementioned communication equipment, communication system, storage medium, program product, etc., are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0084] This disclosure provides a communication method, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a program product. In some embodiments, the terms communication method, information processing method, information indication method, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0085] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments. In all embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be mutually referenced. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0086] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0087] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0088] In the embodiments of this disclosure, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0089] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of A or B, at least one of A and B”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0090] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether there is a branch B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether there is a branch A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, both A and B are executed. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0091] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether a branch B exists); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether a branch A exists); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0092] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0093] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0094] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time-frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0095] In some embodiments, terms such as “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “when…”, “if…”, etc. can be used interchangeably. These descriptions all refer to the device making a corresponding action under certain objective circumstances. They do not necessarily limit the time, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when implementing it, nor do they mean that there must be other limitations.

[0096] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0097] In some embodiments, devices, etc., may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to those described in the embodiments. Terms such as “device,” “equipment,” “circuit,” “network element,” “network function,” “network device,” “function,” “node,” “unit,” “section,” “system,” “network,” “chip,” “chip system,” “entity,” and “subject” are interchangeable.

[0098] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0099] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0100] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", "subscriber station", "mobile unit", "subscriber unit", "wireless unit", "remote unit", "mobile device", "wireless device", "wireless communication device", "remote device", "mobile subscriber station", "access terminal", "mobile terminal", "wireless terminal", "remote terminal", "handset", "user agent", "mobile client", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0101] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, and uplink link, downlink, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0102] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0103] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0104] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0105] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0106] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 1A, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a network device 102. In some embodiments, the network device 102 may include at least one of an access network device and a core network device.

[0107] In some embodiments, terminal 101 includes, for example, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0108] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following in a 5G system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), radio backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in 6G system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in Wi-Fi system.

[0109] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0110] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0111] In some embodiments, a core network device may be a single device including one or more network functions, or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each including all or part of one or more network functions. Network functions may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of the following: evolved packet core (EPC), 5G core network (5GCN), 6G core network (6GCN), and next-generation core (NGC).

[0112] In some embodiments, the first node may be a core network device, or the first node may be a network function of the core network device.

[0113] In some embodiments, the first node can be used to be responsible for calculating and feeding back location information, providing location process management, acquiring terminal capabilities, providing auxiliary data, and estimating terminal location, etc.

[0114] In some embodiments, the first node can be used to provide sensing services.

[0115] In some embodiments, the first node may be used to provide AI services or ML services.

[0116] In some embodiments, the name of the first node is not specifically limited; for example, it can be LMF, sensing function (SF), or network data analytics function (NWDAF).

[0117] In some embodiments, the second node may be a core network device, or the second node may be a network function of the core network device.

[0118] In some embodiments, the second node and the first node can be different network functions of the core network device.

[0119] In some embodiments, the first node may be responsible for user authentication, authorization, registration, mobility management, and connection management.

[0120] In some embodiments, the name of the first node is not specifically limited; for example, it may be the access and mobility management function (AMF).

[0121] In some embodiments, the third node may be a terminal.

[0122] In some embodiments, the third node may be an access network device.

[0123] In some embodiments, the third node may be a PRU. In one embodiment, the third node may be a terminal that supports acting as a PRU. In another embodiment, the third node may be an access network device that supports acting as a PRU.

[0124] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0125] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1A, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1A are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1A, or it may include other main bodies outside of FIG1A. The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0126] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), Super 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th Generation Mobile Communication System (4G), 5G, 5G New Radio (NR), 6G, Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New Radio Access (NX), Future Generation Radio Access (FX), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth, and public terrestrial mobile communication networks. Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs), device-to-device (D2D) systems, machine-to-machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0127] In some embodiments, in the field of wireless communication technology, the wireless interface protocol stack can be divided into a control plane protocol stack and a user plane protocol stack. The user plane protocol stack is responsible for user data processing, while the control plane protocol stack is responsible for control and management such as connection establishment, mobility management, and security.

[0128] In some embodiments, session-associated messages between a terminal and a network function (e.g., LMF) can be transmitted via the control plane. In this case, a correlation identifier (correlation ID) and a routing identifier (routing ID) can be applied to the control plane and transmitted along with the session-associated messages. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 1B, which is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the correlation identifier and the routing identifier according to an exemplary embodiment, the correlation identifier is used between the AMF and the LMF, and the routing identifier is used between the terminal or PRU and the AMF.

[0129] In one embodiment, the values ​​of the relevant identifier and the routing identifier can be the same. In another embodiment, there is a mapping relationship between the relevant identifier and the routing identifier. In one example, the AMF can obtain the relevant identifier based on the routing identifier, and similarly, the AMF can also obtain the routing identifier based on the relevant identifier.

[0130] In some embodiments, the relevant identifier or routing identifier may be transmitted together with the location service message, the LTE positioning protocol (LPP) message, and the user plane positioning-connection management (UPP-CM) message.

[0131] In some embodiments, the related identifier or routing identifier may be used to identify the LMF. In some embodiments, the related identifier or routing identifier may also be used to identify the LCS session.

[0132] In one embodiment, the AMF can pass a message received from the terminal or PRU to the LMF identified by the relevant identifier or routing identifier, based on the relevant identifier or routing identifier. For example, the relevant identifier could be the LMF ID.

[0133] In some embodiments, the LMF may use an associated identifier or a routing identifier to identify a location session, such as an event reporting session or a location session for an LPP message.

[0134] In one embodiment, the relevant identifier can also be used to identify the PRU.

[0135] In some embodiments, the relevant identifier or routing identifier can be assigned by the AMF and LMF, and the AMF can send the assigned relevant identifier to the LMF along with the location request. The only case in which the LMF assigns the relevant identifier or routing identifier is in a periodically triggered, terminal-terminated mobile terminal location request (MT / LR) session to assign a deferred routing identifier.

[0136] In some embodiments, session-associated messages between a terminal and a network function (e.g., LMF) can also be transmitted via the user plane. In this case, the LCS session ID can be applied to the user plane and transmitted along with the session-associated messages.

[0137] In some embodiments, the user plane connection is an end-to-end connection between the terminal and the LMF. An LCS session identifier is used to identify the LCS session; messages associated with the LCS session are not transmitted through the AMF. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG1C, FIG1C is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the LCS session identifier and associated identifiers and / or routing identifiers according to an exemplary embodiment. To associate LCS messages and LPP messages transmitted in the control plane and user plane, the value of the LCS session identifier can be the same as the value of the associated identifiers and / or routing identifiers used in the control plane.

[0138] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG1D, FIG1D is a schematic flowchart illustrating the modification of user plane connection between a terminal and an LMF according to an exemplary embodiment. The dashed boxes and dashed lines in FIG1D indicate optional steps in the user plane connection modification process. This user plane connection modification process describes an LMF change, but the process can also be applied to cases where the source LMF and the target LMF are the same. The process can also be used to terminate the user plane connection with the source LMF without selecting any target LMF. The user plane connection modification process may include the following steps:

[0139] Step 1a. When the LMF detects that it needs to change the LMF, re-establish the user plane connection between the UE and the LMF, or terminate the user plane connection, the LMF sends a user plane location notification message (Nlmf_Location_UPNotify message).

[0140] In some embodiments, the user plane location notification message can be used to request connection movement (termination and establishment) or to request connection termination. In one embodiment, if the user plane location notification message is used to request connection movement, it may include a target LMF identifier. In one embodiment, the AMF's address will be carried as a "notification target address" in the most recent user plane location configuration message (Nlmf_Location_UPConfig message) or user plane location subscription message (Nlmf_Location_UP Subscribe message) to be provided to the LMF.

[0141] In one embodiment, after receiving an event report from the UE via the user plane, the LMF sends a user plane location notification message. In another embodiment, after receiving AMF relocation information from the target AMF, the LMF sends a user plane location notification message. In one example, the target AMF obtains the terminal's location service user plane (LCS-UP) context from the source AMF. This LCS-UP context can be used to indicate that the terminal has maintained an LCS-UP connection with the source LMF. In this case, the target AMF can use a user plane location configuration message request to notify the source LMF of the AMF change.

[0142] In one embodiment, if the user plane location notification message is used to request termination of the user plane connection, the AMF releases the LCS-UP context.

[0143] It is worth noting that the LMF change process is independent of the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session's Session and Service Continuity (SCC) mode and uses a dedicated Data Network Name (DNN) for location. For SCC modes 2 or 3, the connection between the PDU session anchor (PSA) user plane function (UPF) and the LMF can be relocated as the terminal moves, and the LFM will detect the need to change the LMF to reduce user plane path latency.

[0144] Step 1b.AMF can perform LMF reselection.

[0145] In one embodiment, the AMF can perform LMF reselection based on the target LMF identifier received from the source LMF for user plane positioning. In another embodiment, the AMF can perform LMF reselection if the terminal moves to a new location (possibly outside the service area of ​​the source LMF but within the working area of ​​the target LMF).

[0146] In some embodiments, the AMF can select a target LMF based on the LMF service area, LMF user plane positioning capability information, and protocol agreements. The target LMF needs to be able to establish a user plane connection with the terminal for positioning.

[0147] In one embodiment, after AMF relocation, for example, if the source LMF does not perform LMF reselection, the target AMF can trigger the LMF reselection and LCS-UP connection modification process.

[0148] Step 2. Perform a network-initiated user plane connection establishment procedure between the AMF (or target AMF), the terminal, and the target LMF.

[0149] In some embodiments, the terminal or source LMF can also execute a user plane connection release procedure.

[0150] Step 3. The AMF sends a user plane configuration request (Nlmf_Location_UPConfig request) message to the source LMF.

[0151] In some embodiments, the user plane configuration request message may include a request to terminate the user plane connection between the source LMF and the terminal, and a target LMF identifier. In some embodiments, the user plane configuration request message may also include AMF reallocation information.

[0152] It is worth noting that AMF relocation does not always lead to LMF reselection, and AMF relocation information can keep LMFs informed.

[0153] Step 4. If there is a periodic or triggered terminal location reporting context based on the user plane, the source LMF can send a location context transfer request (Nlmf_Location_Location ContextTransfer request) message to the target LMF to provide the terminal's current location context.

[0154] Step 5. The target LMF can send a location context transfer response (Nlmf_Location_Location ContextTransfer response) message to the source LMF.

[0155] Step 6. If the user plane connection between the terminal and the source LMF is still valid, the source LMF terminates the user plane connection.

[0156] Step 7. The source LMF sends a user plane configuration response (Nlmf_Location_UPConfig response) message to the AMF to confirm the termination of the user plane connection or to acknowledge the AMF changes.

[0157] In one embodiment, if the user plane connection modification procedure is used to terminate the user plane connection with the source LMF, the AMF will release the LCS-UP context after receiving the user plane configuration response message.

[0158] As can be seen, through steps 1 to 7 above, the terminal can establish a user plane connection with the LMF to transmit messages for LCS, ranging or sidelink localization, sensing, and AI or machine learning (ML). In the user plane, the AMF can trigger LMF reselection, for example, when the terminal moves out of the service area of ​​the source LMF and into the service area of ​​the target LMF.

[0159] In step 4, the relevant identifier or LCS session identifier is not transmitted from the source LMF to the target LMF.

[0160] In some embodiments, on the user plane, the value of the LCS session identifier can be set to either a related identifier or a deferred routing identifier. The related identifier can be assigned by an AMF or an LMF. In one embodiment, for a PRU, the related identifier can be assigned by an LMF. In one embodiment, the value of the related identifier can be an LMF identifier. In one embodiment, the value of the related identifier can be a universal identifier that can only be used to identify an LMF, such as an IP address, a universally unique identifier (UUID), or a uniform resource identifier (URI).

[0161] In some embodiments, the source LMF can assign a delayed routing identifier to indicate a new LMF.

[0162] In some embodiments, for LMF reselection, the event report message from the terminal is transmitted along with the LCS session identifier. The target LMF will continue to use the old LCS session identifier provided by the terminal to transmit messages between the LMF and the terminal. However, the value of this LCS session identifier can be the source LMF identifier, in which case the LCS session identifier transmitted between the target LMF and the terminal can be the source LMF identifier. In this case, if a user plane failure occurs between the terminal and the target LMF, the ongoing session will continue to be transmitted via the control plane, and the AMF will incorrectly forward messages to the source LMF based on the LCS session identifier.

[0163] It is evident that for sessions that continue after an LMF reselection, the target LMF needs to assign a new LCS session identifier to the session.

[0164] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG1E, FIG1E is a schematic diagram illustrating a network-assisted positioning procedure according to an exemplary embodiment. The steps indicated by the dashed boxes in FIG1E are optional steps in the network-assisted positioning procedure. In one embodiment, the prerequisite for executing this network-assisted positioning procedure is that the LCS-related identifier and the AMF identifier have been transmitted from the serving AMF to the LMF. In the case of PRU, the related identifier is generated by the LMF and provided to the AMF via a PRU association accept message. The network-assisted positioning procedure may include the following steps:

[0165] Step 1. The LMF sends an N1N2 message transfer (Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer) to the AMF to request the access network device to transmit a network positioning message.

[0166] In some embodiments, the N1N2 message transmission message may include a network location message, a related identifier, and an indication of whether to initiate a location request to the PRU.

[0167] Step 2. If the terminal or PRU is in the connection management-idle (CM-IDLE) state, the AMF will initiate a network-triggered service request procedure to establish a signaling connection with the terminal or PRU.

[0168] Step 3. The AMF sends an N2 TRANSPORT message to the access network device to transmit the network location message. In some embodiments, the N2 TRANSPORT message may include a routing identifier, which can be used to indicate the LMF. In one embodiment, the routing identifier may be obtained by the AMF based on the relevant identifier received in step 1.

[0169] Step 4. The access network device obtains the location-related information requested in Step 2.

[0170] Step 5. The access network device sends an N2 transmission message to the AMF to send the network location message to the AMF.

[0171] In some embodiments, the network location message may include location-related information obtained by the access network device in step 4.

[0172] In some embodiments, the N2 transmission message may include the routing identifier received in step 3.

[0173] Step 6. The AMF sends an N2 information notification (Namf_communication_N2InfoNotify) message to the LMF to send the network location message received in step 4 to the LMF.

[0174] In some embodiments, the N2 information notification message may include the network location message and related identifier received in step 4. In one embodiment, the related identifier may be obtained by the AMF based on the routing identifier received in step 3.

[0175] As can be seen, for PRUs, the relevant identifiers are generated by the LMF, and the LMF provides the generated relevant identifiers to the AMF. Thus, during the communication between the LMF and the PRU, the AMF can forward messages to the correct LMF or PRU based on the relevant identifiers or routing identifiers.

[0176] In some embodiments, if the LMF and the terminal already have a user plane connection, and the LMF allocates a new LCS session identifier, the LMF and the terminal can directly communicate in the user plane based on the new LCS session identifier without needing to forward messages through the AMF. In this case, the new LCS session identifier allocated by the LMF will not be provided to the AMF.

[0177] In some embodiments, in the control plane, since messages are transmitted between the terminal and the LMF via the AMF, the relevant identifier can be provided to the LMF.

[0178] In some embodiments, in the user plane, after LMF reselection, the target LMF assigns a new LCS session identifier to the LCS session. This LCS session identifier will be used between the terminal and the target LMF. When the target LMF and the terminal use the LCS session identifier for user plane communication, this user plane communication process is not transmitted via the AMF. Therefore, the LCS session identifier or related identifiers are not provided to the AMF. In this case, the AMF cannot manage or store the LCS session identifier or related identifiers.

[0179] In some embodiments, in AI or ML scenarios, if the terminal's data collection is performed via the user plane between the terminal and the LMF, the relevant identifier will be assigned by the LMF instead of being provided by the AMF. If the terminal's data collection is based on user plane transmission, the LCS session identifier is set to the relevant identifier assigned by the LMF. In this case, the LCS session identifier will not be provided to the AMF, and the AMF cannot manage or store the LCS session identifier or the relevant identifier.

[0180] It is evident that when the LMF and the terminal communicate through the user plane, and the LCS session identifier or related identifier corresponding to the session is assigned by the LMF, the AMF cannot obtain the LCS session identifier or related identifier. On the one hand, this is not conducive to the AMF's identifier management. On the other hand, when the session switches from the user plane to the control plane, the AMF cannot identify which session the message belongs to based on the LCS session identifier or related identifier, and therefore cannot forward the message to the correct LMF.

[0181] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product. The method involves the LMF providing an assigned relevant identifier or LCS session identifier to the AMF to align the relevant identifier or LCS session identifier between the LMF and AMF. This facilitates the AMF's management and storage of the relevant identifier or LCS session identifier, enabling the AMF to identify and forward messages to the correct LMF when it receives messages carrying the relevant identifier or LCS session identifier.

[0182] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 2A, this disclosure relates to a communication method for a communication system 100. The method includes steps S2101 to S2106.

[0183] In step S2101, the first node assigns a first identifier to the session.

[0184] In some embodiments, where a user plane connection already exists between the first node and the third node, and the first node initiates a session with the third node through the user plane, the first node can assign a first identifier to the session. In this case, the first node and the third node can directly communicate through the user plane based on the first identifier without needing to forward messages through the second node.

[0185] In some embodiments, when the first node is a service node reselected for the third node, the first node can assign a first identifier to the session. In this case, the first identifier is a new identifier assigned to the session, which is different from the old identifier assigned to the session by the source service node of the third node. In one embodiment, in the first node reselection scenario, the first node can be a target first node reselected for the third node. The third node can release the user plane connection with the source first node and establish a user plane connection with the target first node. The third node can continue the session based on the user plane connection between the third node and the target first node. The target first node can reassign a first identifier to the session, so that the target first node and the third node can use the reassigned first identifier to conduct the session, instead of using the original identifier.

[0186] In some embodiments, the reselection of the service node of the third node may be caused by the relocation of the third node. In one embodiment, the third node moves, and its new location is outside the service area of ​​the source first node but within the service area of ​​the target first node. In this case, the service node of the third node can be changed from the source first node to the target first node by performing a first node reselection. In some embodiments, the first node can be used to provide location management services. In one example, the first node may be a first node.

[0187] In some embodiments, the first node can be used to provide sensing services. In one example, the first node can be a sensing function (SF).

[0188] In some embodiments, the first node can be used to provide AI or ML services. In one example, the first node can be a location management function (LMF).

[0189] In some embodiments, the first node can be used to provide location services. In one example, the first node can be a location management function (LMF).

[0190] In some embodiments, a session can be a session between a first node and a third node. In some embodiments, a session can be a PDU session.

[0191] In one embodiment, the third node may be a PRU. In one embodiment, the third node may be a terminal. In one embodiment, the third node may be an access network device.

[0192] In some embodiments, the session may be associated with at least one of location services, sensing services, AI or ML services.

[0193] In some embodiments, when a session is associated with a location service, if the first node is a service node reselected for the third node, the first node can reassign a first identifier for the session associated with the location service.

[0194] In some embodiments, when a session is associated with a sensing service, if the first node is a service node reselected for the third node, the first node can reassign a first identifier for the session associated with the sensing service.

[0195] In some embodiments, when a session is associated with an AI or ML service, the first node directly assigns a first identifier to the session and initiates the session through the user plane. In some embodiments, the first identifier can be used to indicate the session.

[0196] In one embodiment, the first identifier can be any string, index, or number, etc.

[0197] In some embodiments, the first identifier may include at least one of a second identifier and a third identifier.

[0198] In some embodiments, the second identifier can be used to identify a session in the control plane. In one embodiment, during a session between the first node and the third node in the control plane, the second identifier needs to be transmitted along with the session-related message to indicate the session to which the message belongs.

[0199] In some embodiments, the name of the second identifier is not limited, and may be, for example, a correlation identifier (correlation ID or correlation identifier) ​​or an LCS correlation identifier (LCS correlation ID or LCS correlation identifier).

[0200] In some embodiments, the third identifier can be used to identify a session on the user plane. In one embodiment, during a session between the first node and the third node on the user plane, the third identifier needs to be transmitted along with the session-related message to indicate the session to which the message belongs.

[0201] In some embodiments, the name of the third identifier is not limited, and may be, for example, a session identifier (session ID or session identity) or an LCS session identifier (LCS session ID or LCS session identity).

[0202] In some embodiments, the value of the second identifier may be the same as the value of the third identifier. In some embodiments, there is a mapping relationship between the values ​​of the second identifier and the third identifier.

[0203] In one embodiment, the first node can assign a second identifier to the session. In one embodiment, the first node can assign a third identifier to the session. In one embodiment, the first node can assign both a second and a third identifier to the session.

[0204] In some embodiments, when a first node has multiple sessions with a third node, the first node can assign a first identifier to each session. Based on this, when the first node receives multiple messages sent by the third node, it can determine the session associated with each message according to the first identifier.

[0205] In some embodiments, where a first node has a session with multiple third nodes, the first node may assign one or more first identifiers to the multiple third nodes.

[0206] In some embodiments, where a session is associated with multiple third nodes and the first node does not need to distinguish between messages sent by the multiple third nodes that are associated with the session, the first node can assign a first identifier to the session. In this case, when the first node receives multiple messages sent by the multiple third nodes, it can associate the multiple messages with a session based on the first identifier.

[0207] In some embodiments, when a session is associated with multiple third nodes and the first node needs to distinguish the messages sent by the multiple third nodes that are associated with the session, the first node can assign multiple first identifiers to the session, with each first identifier corresponding to a third node. In this case, when the first node receives multiple messages sent by multiple third nodes, it can not only associate the multiple messages with a session based on the first identifier, but also determine the message sender of each message based on the first identifier.

[0208] In some embodiments, when the third node is a PRU, the first node can determine the first identifier based on a fourth identifier, which can be used to indicate the PRU. In one embodiment, when the session is between the first node and the PRU, the first node can determine the first identifier based on the fourth identifier used to indicate the PRU.

[0209] In some embodiments, the fourth identifier may be obtained during the process of associating the PRU with the first node.

[0210] In some embodiments, the fourth identifier may be a related identifier of the PRU or a routing identifier.

[0211] In some embodiments, the value of the first identifier is determined by the value of the fourth identifier. In one embodiment, the value of the first identifier is the same as the value of the fourth identifier.

[0212] In one embodiment, when the third node is a PRU, the first identifier assigned by the first node to the PRU's session can be the same value as the PRU's associated identifier or routing identifier. In this case, the first node does not need to store the association between the first identifier and the PRU's associated identifier or routing identifier.

[0213] In some embodiments, when the third node is a PRU, the first node can determine the seventh identifier as the first identifier.

[0214] In some embodiments, the seventh identifier may be reassigned by the first node to the PRU.

[0215] In some embodiments, the value of the seventh identifier is different from the value of the fourth identifier.

[0216] In one embodiment, when the third node is a PRU, the first identifier assigned by the first node to the PRU's session can be a newly assigned value that is different from the value of the PRU's associated identifier or routing identifier. In this case, the first node can store the association between the first identifier and the PRU's associated identifier or routing identifier.

[0217] In some embodiments, after the first node assigns a first identifier to a session, the first node may store the association between the first identifier and the session. In some embodiments, after the first node assigns a first identifier to a session, in order to ensure that the first node can accurately identify the session to which the message belongs during subsequent communication, the first node may also store the association between the first identifier and the session.

[0218] In some embodiments, after the first node assigns a first identifier to a session, the first node may also store the association relationship between the first identifier and the session and the third node associated with the session. In some embodiments, after the first node assigns a first identifier to a session, in order to ensure that the first node can accurately identify the sender of the message (i.e., the third node) and the session to which the message belongs during subsequent communication, the first node may also store the association relationship between the first identifier and the session and the third node associated with the session.

[0219] In some embodiments, after the first node assigns a first identifier to the session, the first node may also store the association relationship between the first identifier and the third node associated with the session. In some embodiments, after the first node assigns a first identifier to the session, in order to ensure that the first node can accurately identify the sender of the message (i.e., the third node) during subsequent communication, the first node may also store the association relationship between the first identifier and the third node associated with the session.

[0220] In some embodiments, the first node may store first information, which is used to indicate at least one of the following: the association between the first identifier and the session; the association between the first identifier and the session and the third node associated with the session; and the association between the first identifier and the third node.

[0221] In some embodiments, where the first information is used to indicate the association between a first identifier and a session, the first information may include at least one binary information group, each binary information group may include the first identifier and the session corresponding to the first identifier. In one embodiment, after assigning a first identifier to a session, the first node may store the first identifier and the session as a binary information group.

[0222] In some embodiments, where the first information is used to indicate the association between a first identifier and a session and a third node associated with the session, the first information may include at least one ternary information group, each ternary information group may include the first identifier, the session corresponding to the first identifier, and the third node associated with the session. In one embodiment, after assigning a first identifier to a session, the first node may store the first identifier, the session, and the third node associated with the session as a ternary information group.

[0223] In some embodiments, where the first information is used to indicate the association between a first identifier and a third node, the first information may include at least one binary information group, each binary information group including the first identifier and the third node. In one embodiment, after assigning a first identifier to a session, the first node may store the first identifier and the third node associated with the session as a binary information group.

[0224] In step S2102, the first node sends the first identifier to the second node.

[0225] In some embodiments, the second node may receive the first identifier sent by the first node.

[0226] In some embodiments, the second node can be used for access and mobility management. In one example, the second node can be an AMF (Access and Mobility Function).

[0227] In some embodiments, the description of the first identifier in step S2102 can be found in the description of the first identifier in step S2101, and will not be repeated here.

[0228] In some embodiments, the first node may send a user plane location notification message to the second node, the user plane location notification message may include a first identifier.

[0229] In some embodiments, the first node may also send a fifth identifier to the second node.

[0230] In some embodiments, the fifth identifier is used to indicate the third node. In this case, the fifth identifier can be understood as the identifier of the third node.

[0231] In some embodiments, where the third node is a terminal, the fifth identifier can be understood as the terminal's identifier. In one example, the fifth identifier may include at least one of the following: terminal identifier, subscription concealed identifier (SUCI), generic public subscription identifier (GPSI), and subscription permanent identifier (SUPI).

[0232] In some embodiments, when the third node is an access network device, the fifth identifier can be understood as the identifier of the access network device. In one example, the fifth identifier may include at least one of the following: the device identifier of the access network device, and the cell identifier corresponding to the access network device.

[0233] In some embodiments, the first node may send an N1N2 message transfer (Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer) message to the second node, which may include a first identifier. In some embodiments, a fifth identifier and the first identifier may be carried in the same message. In some embodiments, the first node may send a user plane location notification message to the second node, which may include the first identifier and the fifth identifier. In one embodiment, the first node may send an N1N2 message transfer (Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer) message to the second node, which may include the first identifier and the fifth identifier.

[0234] In step S2103, the second node stores the second information according to the first identifier.

[0235] In some embodiments, after receiving the first identifier, in order to ensure the accuracy of routing in subsequent communication, the second node may also store the association between the first identifier and the first node.

[0236] In one embodiment, the association between the first identifier and the first node can be determined by the correspondence between the session indicated by the first identifier and the first node. In one example, the session is between the first node and the third node, then the first identifier of the session is associated with the first node.

[0237] In some embodiments, the second node may store second information, which may be used to indicate the association between the first identifier and the first node. In one embodiment, after receiving the first identifier, the second node may determine the association between the first identifier and the first node based on the first identifier, and by storing the association between the first identifier and the first node, the second node may correctly forward the message to the first node associated with the first identifier when it subsequently receives a session-related message, based on the first identifier.

[0238] In some embodiments, the second information may include at least one binary information group, each binary information group may include a first identifier and a first node corresponding to the first identifier. In one embodiment, after receiving the first identifier, the second node may store the first identifier and the first node corresponding to the first identifier as a binary information group.

[0239] In some embodiments, after receiving the first identifier and the fifth identifier, the second node may also store the association relationship between the third node indicated by the first identifier and the fifth identifier in order to facilitate the second node's management of the session between the first node and the third node.

[0240] In one embodiment, the association between the first identifier and the third node indicated by the fifth identifier can be determined by the correspondence between the session indicated by the first identifier and the third node indicated by the fifth identifier. In one example, the session is between the first node and the third node, then the first identifier of the session is associated with the third node.

[0241] In some embodiments, the second node may store third information, which can be used to indicate the association relationship between the third nodes indicated by the first identifier and the fifth identifier. In one embodiment, after receiving the first identifier and the fifth identifier, the second node can determine the association relationship between the third nodes indicated by the first identifier and the fifth identifier based on the first identifier and the fifth identifier, and by storing the association relationship between the third nodes indicated by the first identifier and the fifth identifier, the second node can better manage the session between the first node and the second node. In some embodiments, the third information may include at least one ternary information group, and each ternary information group may include the first identifier, the fifth identifier, and the third node indicated by the fifth identifier. In one embodiment, after receiving the first identifier and the fifth identifier, the second node may store the first identifier, the fifth identifier, and the third node indicated by the fifth identifier as a ternary information group.

[0242] In step S2104, the first node sends a first message to the third node via a user plane connection. In some embodiments, a user plane connection exists between the first node and the third node, which can be used to transmit the first message. Therefore, the first node can send the first message to the third node through this user plane connection.

[0243] In some embodiments, the first node may send a first message to other entities, which in turn forward the first message to a third node. In one embodiment, the first node may send the first message to a user plane function (UPF), which then forwards the first message to the third node via the user plane. Of course, the first node may also send the first message to the third node in other ways, and this disclosure does not specifically limit this method.

[0244] In some embodiments, the third node may receive the first message sent by the first node through the user plane, but is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the third node may receive the first message from the first node forwarded by the UPF.

[0245] In some embodiments, the first message may be a session-related message.

[0246] In some embodiments, when the session is related to location services, the first message may include, but is not limited to: LPP message; LCS message; sidelink positioning protocol (SLPP) message.

[0247] In some embodiments, when the session is related to sensing services, the first message may include, but is not limited to: a sensing request message; a sensing capability reporting message.

[0248] In some embodiments, when the session is related to AI or ML business, the first message may include, but is not limited to: messages related to AI or ML model training; messages related to AI or ML model application.

[0249] In some embodiments, the first node can send a first message and a third identifier to the third node through a user. In one embodiment, the description of the third identifier in step S2104 can be found in the description of the third identifier in step S2101, and will not be repeated here.

[0250] In some embodiments, the first node may send a seventh message to the third node; wherein the third identifier and the first message are encapsulated in the seventh message. In one embodiment, the seventh message may include a message container and a first information element (IE), wherein the message container of the seventh message carries the first message, and the first IE of the seventh message carries the third identifier.

[0251] In some embodiments, the seventh message may be a user plane message, which may be used to carry the third identifier and the first message. In some embodiments, the user plane message may be any downlink (DL) user plane message, such as a DL LCS-UP transport message.

[0252] In some embodiments, the third node may store fourth information based on the third identifier.

[0253] In some embodiments, after receiving the third identifier, in order to ensure that the third node can accurately identify the session to which the message belongs during subsequent communication, the third node may also store the association between the third identifier and the session.

[0254] In some embodiments, the third node may store fourth information, which may be used to indicate the association between the third identifier and the session. In one embodiment, when the third node receives the third identifier and the first message, the third node stores the association between the session associated with the third identifier and the first message, so that the third node can conduct a session with the first node on the user plane based on the association between the third identifier and the session.

[0255] In some embodiments, the fourth information may include at least one binary information group, each binary information group may include a third identifier and the session corresponding to the third identifier. In one embodiment, after receiving the third identifier and the first message, the third node may determine the session to which the first message belongs based on relevant information in the first message (e.g., deferred location type), and store the third identifier and the session as a binary information group.

[0256] In step S2105, the third node sends a fifth message to the first node through the user.

[0257] In some embodiments, a user plane connection exists between the first node and the third node, which can be used to transmit the fifth message. Therefore, the third node can send the fifth message to the third node through this user plane connection.

[0258] In some embodiments, the third node can send the fifth message through other entities, which then forward the fifth message to the first node. In one embodiment, the third node can send the fifth message to the UPF, which then forwards it to the first node via the user plane. Of course, the third node can also send the fifth message to the first node in other ways, and this disclosure does not specifically limit this method.

[0259] In some embodiments, the first node may receive a fifth message sent by the third node through the user plane, but is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the first node may receive a fifth message forwarded by the UPF.

[0260] In some embodiments, a user plane connection exists between the first node and the third node, which can be used to transmit a fifth message.

[0261] In some embodiments, the fifth message may be a session-related message.

[0262] In some embodiments, the fifth message may be a response message to the first message.

[0263] In some embodiments, the fifth message may include, but is not limited to: LPP message; LCS message; SLPP message; perception request message; perception capability reporting message; message related to AI or ML model training; and message related to AI or ML model application.

[0264] In some embodiments, the third node may send a fifth message and a third identifier to the first node via a user.

[0265] In some embodiments, a third node may send an eighth message to a first node; wherein the third identifier and the fifth message are encapsulated in the eighth message. In one embodiment, the eighth message may include a message container and a second IE, wherein the message container of the eighth message may carry the fifth message, and the second IE of the eighth message may carry the third identifier.

[0266] In some embodiments, the eighth message may be a user plane message, which may be used to carry the third identifier and the fifth message. In some embodiments, the user plane message may be any uplink (UL) user plane message, such as a UL LCS-UP transport message.

[0267] In step S2106, the first node determines the session associated with the fifth message.

[0268] In some embodiments, the first node can determine the session associated with the fifth message based on the third identifier. In one embodiment, the first node can determine the session identified by the third identifier based on the first information, and identify the session identified by the third identifier as the session associated with the fifth message.

[0269] In some embodiments, the terms “assign,” “set,” “configure,” “determine,” “generate,” etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0270] In some embodiments, the term "information" may be used interchangeably with terms such as "message," "signal," "signaling," "report," "configuration," "indication," "instruction," "command," "channel," "parameter," "field," and "data."

[0271] In some embodiments, the term "send" may be used interchangeably with terms such as "transmit," "report," or "transmit."

[0272] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2106. For example, steps S2101 to S2103 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0273] In some embodiments, steps S2104 to S2106 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments. It is understood that if the first node does not need to communicate with the third node, the first node may not send the first message to the third node.

[0274] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0275] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram of an interaction of a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 2B, this disclosure relates to a communication method for a communication system 100. The method includes steps S2201 to S2208.

[0276] In step S2201, the first node assigns a first identifier to the session.

[0277] In some embodiments, other optional implementations of step S2201 can be found in the optional implementations of step S2101 in FIG2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0278] In step S2202, the first node sends the first identifier to the second node.

[0279] In some embodiments, other optional implementations of step S2202 can be found in the optional implementations of step S2102 in FIG2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0280] In step S2203, the second node stores the second information according to the first identifier.

[0281] In some embodiments, other optional implementations of step S2203 can be found in the optional implementations of step S2103 in FIG2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0282] In step S2204, the first node sends a first message to the second node via control.

[0283] In some embodiments, the second node can receive the first message sent by the first node through the control plane.

[0284] In some embodiments, the first message may be a session-related message.

[0285] In some embodiments, when the session is related to location services, the first message may include, but is not limited to: LPP message; LCS message; SLPP message.

[0286] In some embodiments, when the session is related to sensing services, the first message may include, but is not limited to: a sensing request message; a sensing capability reporting message.

[0287] In some embodiments, when the session is related to AI or ML business, the first message may include, but is not limited to: messages related to AI or ML model training; messages related to AI or ML model application.

[0288] In some embodiments, the first node can send a first message and a second identifier to the second node via control. In one embodiment, the description of the second identifier in step S2204 can be found in the description of the second identifier in step S2101, and will not be repeated here.

[0289] In some embodiments, a first node may send a second message to a second node, wherein a second identifier and a first message are encapsulated in the second message. In one embodiment, the second message may include a message container and a third IE, wherein the message container of the second message carries the first message, and the third IE of the second message carries the second identifier.

[0290] In some embodiments, when the second message encapsulates a second identifier and a first message, the second message can be used to trigger the second node to forward the first message to the third node corresponding to the second identifier. In some embodiments, when the second node receives the second message, and the second message encapsulates the second identifier and the first message, the second node can determine the message recipient of the first message (i.e., the third node) based on the second identifier, so that the second node can send the first message to the third node corresponding to the second identifier. In this case, the second node directly and transparently forwards the first message to the third node.

[0291] In some embodiments, the second message may be an N1N2 message transmission (Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer) message. In some embodiments, the N1N2 message transmission message may include a message container and a second identifier, and the message container may be used to carry the first message.

[0292] In some embodiments, when the third node is a terminal, the N1N2 message transmission message may include an N1 message container and a second identifier, and the N1 message container includes a first message. In one embodiment, the session associated with the first message is a session between the first node and the terminal, and the first node may send an N1N2 message transmission message to the second node. This N1N2 message transmission message may include an N1 message container and a second identifier, and the N1 message container includes the first message.

[0293] In some embodiments, when the third node is an access network device, the N1N2 message transmission message may include an N2 message container and a second identifier, and the N2 message container includes a first message. In one embodiment, the session associated with the first message is a session between the first node and the access network device, and the first node may send an N1N2 message transmission message to the second node. This N1N2 message transmission message may include an N2 message container and a second identifier, and the N2 message container includes the first message.

[0294] In some embodiments, where the third node includes an access network device and a terminal, the N1N2 message transmission message may include an N1 message container, an N2 message container, and a second identifier. The N1 message container includes a first message, and the N2 message container also includes a first message. In one embodiment, the session associated with the first message is a session between the first node, the terminal, and the access network device. The first node may send an N1N2 message transmission message to the second node. This N1N2 message transmission message may include an N1 message container, an N2 message container, and a second identifier. The N1 message container includes a first message, and the N2 message container also includes a first message.

[0295] In step S2205, the second node sends a first message to the third node via control.

[0296] In some embodiments, the third node can receive the first message sent by the second node through the control plane. In one embodiment, the description of the first message in step S2205 can be found in the description of the first message in step S2204, and will not be repeated here.

[0297] In some embodiments, before the second node sends the first message to the third node through control, the second node can map the second identifier to the sixth identifier based on the second information.

[0298] In some embodiments, the sixth identifier can be used to identify the first node in the control plane. In some embodiments, the sixth identifier can be used to uniquely identify the first node. In one embodiment, the sixth identifier can be the IP address of the first node. In one embodiment, the sixth identifier can be an identifier of the first node.

[0299] In some embodiments, the sixth identifier can also be used to identify the first node between the third node and the second node. In some embodiments, the sixth identifier can be used to uniquely identify the first node between the third node and the second node. In one embodiment, the sixth identifier can be a routing identifier corresponding to the first node.

[0300] In some embodiments, the sixth identifier can also be used to identify a session between the third node and the second node.

[0301] In some embodiments, the value of the sixth identifier may be the same as the value of the second identifier. In some embodiments, there is a mapping relationship between the value of the sixth identifier and the value of the second identifier.

[0302] In some embodiments, the second node can send a first message and a sixth identifier to the third node via control.

[0303] In some embodiments, the second node can send a third message to the third node via control, wherein the sixth identifier and the first message are encapsulated in the third message. In one embodiment, the third message may include a message container and a fourth IE, wherein the message container of the third message can carry the first message, and the fourth IE of the third message can carry the sixth identifier.

[0304] In some embodiments, when the third node is an end, the third message can be a NAS message, which may include a sixth identifier and a first message. In some embodiments, the NAS message can be any downlink NAS message, for example, a DL NAS TRANSPORT message.

[0305] In some embodiments, when the third node is an access network device, the third message can be an N2 message. This N2 message may include a sixth identifier and a first message. In some embodiments, the N2 message can be any message transmitted via the N2 interface, such as an N2 transport message.

[0306] In some embodiments, the second node may store the fifth information based on the sixth identifier.

[0307] In some embodiments, after receiving the sixth identifier, in order to ensure that the third node can accurately identify the session to which the message belongs during subsequent communication, the third node may also store the association between the sixth identifier and the session.

[0308] In some embodiments, the third node may store fifth information, which may be used to indicate the association between a sixth identifier and a session. In one embodiment, when the third node receives the sixth identifier and the first message, the third node stores the association between the sixth identifier and the session associated with the first message, so that the third node can conduct a session with the first node in the control plane based on the association between the sixth identifier and the session.

[0309] In some embodiments, the fifth information may include at least one binary information group, each binary information group may include a sixth identifier and the session corresponding to the sixth identifier. In one embodiment, after receiving the sixth identifier and the first message, the third node may determine the session to which the first message belongs based on relevant information in the first message (e.g., deferred location type), and store the sixth identifier and the session as a binary information group.

[0310] In step S2206, the third node sends a fifth message to the second node via control.

[0311] In some embodiments, the second node receives a fifth message sent by the third node through the control plane.

[0312] In some embodiments, the fifth message may be a session-related message.

[0313] In some embodiments, the fifth message may be a response message to the first message.

[0314] In some embodiments, the fifth message may include, but is not limited to: LPP message; LCS message; SLPP message; perception request message; perception capability reporting message; message related to AI or ML model training; and message related to AI or ML model application. In some embodiments, the third node may send the fifth message and the sixth identifier to the second node via control.

[0315] In some embodiments, the third node may send a sixth message to the second node; wherein the sixth identifier and the fifth message are encapsulated in the sixth message. In one embodiment, the sixth message may include a message container and a fifth IE, wherein the message container of the sixth message may carry the fifth message, and the fifth IE of the sixth message may carry the sixth identifier.

[0316] In some embodiments, when the third node is a terminal, the third message can be a NAS message, which may include a sixth identifier and a fifth message. In some embodiments, the NAS message can be any UL NAS message, for example, a UL NAS TRANSPORT message.

[0317] In some embodiments, when the third node is an access network device, the third message may be an N2 message. This N2 message may include a sixth identifier and a fifth message. In some embodiments, the N2 message may be any message transmitted via the N2 interface, such as an N2 transport message.

[0318] In step S2207, the second node sends a fifth message to the first node via control.

[0319] In some embodiments, the first node can receive the fifth message sent by the second node through the control plane. In one embodiment, the description of the fifth message in step S2207 can be found in the description of the fifth message in step S2206, and will not be repeated here.

[0320] In some embodiments, before the second node sends the fifth message to the first node via control, the second node can map the sixth identifier to the second identifier based on the second information. In one embodiment, the description of the second identifier in step S2207 can be found in the description of the second identifier in step S2101, and will not be repeated here.

[0321] In some embodiments, the second node may send a fifth message and a second identifier through the first node indicated by the second identifier of the control plane.

[0322] In some embodiments, the second node can send a fourth message to the first node via control, wherein the second identifier and the fifth message are encapsulated in the fourth message. In one embodiment, the fourth message may include a message container and a sixth IE, wherein the message container of the fourth message can carry the fifth message, and the sixth IE of the fourth message can carry the second identifier.

[0323] In some embodiments, when the third node is a terminal, the fourth message may be an N1 interface notification (Namf_Communication_N1MessageNotify) message, which may include a second identifier and a fifth message.

[0324] In some embodiments, when the third node is an access network device, the fourth message may be an N2 information notification (Namf_Communication_N2InfoNotify) message, which may include a second identifier and a fifth message.

[0325] In step S2208, the first node determines the session associated with the fifth message.

[0326] In some embodiments, the first node can determine the session associated with the fifth message based on the second identifier. In one embodiment, the first node can determine the session identified by the second identifier based on the first information, and identify the session identified by the second identifier as the session associated with the fifth message.

[0327] In some embodiments, the term "information" may be used interchangeably with terms such as "message," "signal," "signaling," "report," "configuration," "indication," "instruction," "command," "channel," "parameter," "field," and "data."

[0328] In some embodiments, the term "send" may be used interchangeably with terms such as "transmit," "report," or "transmit."

[0329] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2201 to S2208. For example, steps S2201 to S2203 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0330] In some embodiments, steps S2204 to S2208 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments. It is understood that if the first node does not need to communicate with the third node, the first node may not send the first message to the third node.

[0331] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0332] Figure 3A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 3A, the embodiments of this disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes steps S3101 and S3102.

[0333] In step S3101, the first node sends the first identifier to the second node.

[0334] In some embodiments, the second node receives the first identifier sent by the first node.

[0335] In some embodiments, the first identifier is assigned by the first node to the session of the third node.

[0336] In some embodiments, the first identifier may be used to indicate a session.

[0337] In some embodiments, the first identifier may include at least one of a second identifier and a third identifier.

[0338] In some embodiments, the second identifier may be used to identify a session on the control plane.

[0339] In some embodiments, a third identifier may be used to identify a session on the user plane.

[0340] In some embodiments, the value of the second identifier is the same as the value of the third identifier, or the value of the second identifier and the value of the third identifier have a mapping relationship.

[0341] In some embodiments, the first node may store first information based on a first identifier.

[0342] In some embodiments, the first information may be used to indicate the association between the first identifier and the session indicated by the first identifier.

[0343] In some embodiments, the first information may be used to indicate the association between the first identifier and the fifth identifier, and the fifth identifier may be used to indicate the third node.

[0344] In some embodiments, the first information may be used to indicate the association between the first identifier and the session indicated by the first identifier and the fifth identifier.

[0345] In some embodiments, when the third node is a PRU, the first node can determine the first identifier based on the fourth identifier, which is used to indicate the PRU.

[0346] In some embodiments, when the third node is a PRU, the first node can determine the first identifier based on the fifth identifier, where the fifth identifier is reassigned by the first node to the PRU.

[0347] In some embodiments, the first node may send a fifth identifier to the second node, the fifth identifier being used to indicate the third node.

[0348] In some embodiments, other optional implementations of step S3101 can be found in the optional implementations of steps S2102 and S2202 in Figures 2A and 2B, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0349] In step S3102, the second node stores the second information according to the first identifier.

[0350] In some embodiments, the second information may be used to indicate the association between the first identifier and the first node.

[0351] In some embodiments, when the second node receives a fifth identifier sent by the first node, the second node can store third information based on the fifth identifier.

[0352] In some embodiments, the third information is used to indicate the association between the third node indicated by the first identifier and the fifth identifier.

[0353] In some embodiments, the first node may send a first message to the third node based on a first identifier, the first message being associated with a session indicated by the first identifier.

[0354] In some embodiments, other optional implementations of step S3102 can be found in the optional implementations of steps S2103 and S2203 in Figures 2A and 2B, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0355] Figure 3B is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 3B, the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes steps S3201 and S3203.

[0356] In step S3201, the first node sends the first identifier to the second node.

[0357] In some embodiments, the second node receives the first identifier sent by the first node.

[0358] In some embodiments, the first identifier is assigned by the first node to the session of the third node.

[0359] In some embodiments, the first identifier may be used to indicate a session.

[0360] In some embodiments, the first identifier may include at least one of a second identifier and a third identifier.

[0361] In some embodiments, the second identifier may be used to identify a session on the control plane.

[0362] In some embodiments, a third identifier may be used to identify a session on the user plane.

[0363] In some embodiments, the value of the second identifier is the same as the value of the third identifier, or the value of the second identifier and the value of the third identifier have a mapping relationship.

[0364] In some embodiments, the first node may store first information based on a first identifier.

[0365] In some embodiments, the first information may be used to indicate the association between the first identifier and the session indicated by the first identifier.

[0366] In some embodiments, the first information may be used to indicate the association between the first identifier and the fifth identifier, and the fifth identifier may be used to indicate the third node.

[0367] In some embodiments, the first information may be used to indicate the association between the first identifier and the session indicated by the first identifier and the fifth identifier.

[0368] In some embodiments, when the third node is a PRU, the first node can determine the first identifier based on the fourth identifier, which is used to indicate the PRU.

[0369] In some embodiments, when the third node is a PRU, the first node can determine the first identifier based on the fifth identifier, where the fifth identifier is reassigned by the first node to the PRU.

[0370] In some embodiments, the first node may send a fifth identifier to the second node, the fifth identifier being used to indicate the third node.

[0371] In some embodiments, other optional implementations of step S3201 can be found in the optional implementations of steps S2102 and S2202 in Figures 2A and 2B, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0372] In step S3202, the second node stores the second information according to the first identifier.

[0373] In some embodiments, the second information may be used to indicate the association between the first identifier and the first node.

[0374] In some embodiments, when a second node receives a fifth identifier sent by a first node, the second node can store third information based on the fifth identifier. In some embodiments, the third information is used to indicate the association relationship between the first identifier and the third node indicated by the fifth identifier.

[0375] In some embodiments, the first node may send a first message to the third node based on a first identifier, the first message being associated with a session indicated by the first identifier.

[0376] In some embodiments, other optional implementations of step S3202 can be found in the optional implementations of steps S2103 and S2203 in Figures 2A and 2B, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0377] In step S3203, the first node sends a first message to the third node based on the first identifier.

[0378] In some embodiments, the first message is associated with a session.

[0379] In some embodiments, the first node may send a second message to the second node via control, wherein the first message and the second identifier are encapsulated in the second message.

[0380] In some embodiments, the second identifier may be used to identify a session on the control plane.

[0381] In some embodiments, where the second message includes a second identifier and a first message, the second message is further used to trigger the second node to send a third message to the third node, wherein the first message and the sixth identifier are encapsulated in the third message.

[0382] In some embodiments, the sixth identifier may be obtained by the second node mapping the second identifier based on the first information.

[0383] In some embodiments, the first node can receive a fourth message sent by the second node through the control plane, wherein the second identifier and the fifth message are encapsulated in the fourth message.

[0384] In some embodiments, the fifth message is a response message to the first message.

[0385] In some embodiments, the fifth message is associated with a session.

[0386] In some embodiments, the fourth message is sent by the second node based on a sixth message received from the third node.

[0387] In some embodiments, the fifth message and the sixth identifier are encapsulated in the sixth message;

[0388] In some embodiments, the first node may determine the session associated with the fifth message based on the second identifier.

[0389] In some embodiments, a user plane connection exists between the first node and the third node.

[0390] In some embodiments, the first node may send a seventh message to the third node through a user, wherein the first message and the second identifier are encapsulated in the seventh message.

[0391] In some embodiments, a third identifier may be used to identify a session on the user plane.

[0392] In some embodiments, the first node can receive an eighth message sent by the third node through the user plane, wherein the third identifier and the fifth message are encapsulated in the eighth message.

[0393] In some embodiments, the fifth message is a response message to the first message.

[0394] In some embodiments, the fifth message is associated with a session.

[0395] In some embodiments, the first node may determine the session associated with the fifth message based on the third identifier.

[0396] In some embodiments, other optional implementations of step S3203 can be found in the optional implementations of steps S2104 and S2204 and step S2205 in Figures 2A and 2B, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0397] To better understand the embodiments of this disclosure, the following exemplary embodiments will be used to further illustrate this disclosure.

[0398] This disclosure provides a communication method, as shown in FIG4, which is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment. The steps indicated by the dashed boxes or dashed lines in FIG4 are optional steps in the communication method. The method may include steps 1 to 6.

[0399] Step 1. If there is no user plane connection between the LMF and the terminal, the LMF or the terminal initiates the user plane connection establishment process.

[0400] Step 2. The LMF assigns a relevant identifier and / or an LCS session identifier to the session.

[0401] In some embodiments, a session can be an LCS service, a ranging or lateral link positioning service, a sensing service, or an AI / ML service session.

[0402] In some embodiments, the LCS session identifier is transmitted via the user plane.

[0403] In some embodiments, the LMF can assign relevant identifiers to terminals or access network devices. In one embodiment, if a session involves multiple terminals, or a session involves one terminal and one access network device, the LMF assigns one or more relevant identifiers.

[0404] In some embodiments, for a PRU, the associated identifier assigned by the LMF to the PRU can be a newly assigned value, or it can be the same value as the associated identifier or routing identifier obtained by the PRU during the association process. In some embodiments, if the associated identifier assigned by the LMF to the PRU is a different value from the associated identifier or routing identifier obtained by the PRU during the association process, the LMF stores the association relationship between the assigned associated identifier and the associated identifier or routing identifier of the PRU.

[0405] In some embodiments, the LMF can assign an LCS session identifier to a terminal. In one embodiment, if multiple terminals are involved in a session, the LMF will assign one or more LCS session identifiers.

[0406] In some embodiments, for a PRU, the LCS session identifier assigned by the LMF to the PRU can be a newly assigned value, or it can be the same value as the associated identifier or route identifier obtained by the PRU during the association process. In some embodiments, if the LCS session identifier assigned by the LMF to the PRU is a different value from the associated identifier or route identifier obtained by the PRU during the association process, the LMF stores the association relationship between the assigned LCS session identifier and the associated identifier or route identifier of the PRU.

[0407] In some embodiments, the values ​​of the LCS session identifier and the related identifier can be the same, or the values ​​of the LCS session identifier and the related identifier can be mapped. In some embodiments, the name of the LCS session identifier or the related identifier is not limited; for example, it can be a session identifier used for other services.

[0408] Step 3. The LMF will notify the AMF of the assigned LCS session identifier and / or related identifiers.

[0409] In some embodiments, the LMF may indicate to the AMF the assigned LCS session identifier and / or related identifier, as well as the terminal identifier (e.g., SUPI).

[0410] In some embodiments, the LMF may send a user plane location notification (Nlmf_location UPNotify) message to the AMF, which includes a terminal identifier, an LCS session identifier, and / or related identifiers.

[0411] Step 4. The AMF stores the received LCS session identifier and / or related identifiers.

[0412] In some embodiments, if the AMF receives a terminal identifier, the AMF stores the received LCS session identifier and / or related identifiers, as well as the association between the LCS session identifier and / or related identifiers and the terminal identifier.

[0413] Step 5. The LMF performs a session with the terminal and / or access network equipment.

[0414] In some embodiments, the LMF obtains information from the terminal via the user plane.

[0415] Step 5a-1. The LMF sends a DL LCS-UP transmission message to the terminal.

[0416] In some embodiments, for LCS services, the DL LCS-UP message may include an LCS session identifier and an LPP message or an LCS message.

[0417] In some embodiments, for other services, the DL LCS-UP message may include an LCS session identifier and service-related messages. In one embodiment, for ranging or lateral link positioning services, the DL LCS-UP message may include an LCS session identifier and SLPP messages. In one embodiment, for sensing services, the DL LCS-UP message may include an LCS session identifier and sensing messages.

[0418] Step 5a-2. The terminal sends an uplink (UL) LCS-UP transmission message to the LMF in response to the LMF.

[0419] In some embodiments, for LCS services, the UL LCS-UP transport message may include the received LCS session identifier and LPP message or LCS message.

[0420] In some embodiments, if the terminal receives a new LCS session identifier, the LCS session identifier will be applied to subsequent messages in that session.

[0421] In some embodiments, the LMF obtains information from the terminal via the control plane. In one embodiment, when the user plane is unavailable, the LMF can continue the session using the control plane. In this case, the LMF can send relevant identifiers and messages to the terminal via the AMF.

[0422] Step 5b-1. The LMF sends an N1N2 message transfer message to the AMF.

[0423] In some embodiments, the N1N2 message transmission message may include an N1 message container and an associated identifier, wherein the N1 message container may carry an LPP message or a location service supplementary service (LCS SS) message.

[0424] Step 5b-2. The AMF identifies the relevant identifier based on the information received in step 4, maps the relevant identifier to a routing identifier, and sends a DL non-access stratum (NAS) TRANSPORT message to the terminal. The DL NAS TRANSPORT message may include messages in the N1 message container (e.g., LPP messages) and the routing identifier.

[0425] Step 5b-3. The terminal sends a UL NAS TRANSPORT message to the AMF. The UL NAS TRANSPORT message may include messages in the N1 message container (such as LPP messages) and the received routing identifier.

[0426] Step 5b-4. The AMF maps the route identifier to the relevant identifier and sends an N1 interface notification (Namf_Communication_N1MessageNotify) message to the LMF indicated by the relevant identifier.

[0427] In some embodiments, the N1 interface notification message may include an N1 message container and a related identifier, wherein the N1 message container may carry an LPP message or an LCS-SS message.

[0428] In some embodiments, the LMF obtains information from the access network device via the control plane.

[0429] Step 5c-1. LFM sends an N1N2 message transfer message to AMF.

[0430] In some embodiments, the N1N2 message transmission message may include an N2 message container and an associated identifier, wherein the N2 message container may carry a New Radio Positioning Protocol (NR Positioning Protocol Annex, NRPPa) message.

[0431] Step 5c-2. The AMF identifies the relevant identifiers based on the information received in step 4, maps the relevant identifiers to routing identifiers, and sends an N2 TRANSPORT message to the access network device. The N2 TRANSPORT message may include messages in the N2 message container (e.g., NRPPa messages) and routing identifiers.

[0432] Step 5c-3. The access network device obtains measurement data or input data and sends an N2 transmission message to the AMF. The N2 transmission message may include messages in the N2 message container (e.g., NRPPa messages) and routing identifiers.

[0433] Step 5c-4. The AMF maps the route identifier to the relevant identifier and sends an N2 interface notification (Namf_Communication_N2InfoNotify) message to the LMF indicated by the relevant identifier. This N2 interface notification message includes an N2 message container and the relevant identifier, wherein the N2 message container can carry NRPPa messages.

[0434] In the 5b+5c case, the messages in 5b-1 and 5c-1 can be merged into a single message. In some embodiments, the LMF sends an N1N2 message transmission message to the AMF, which may include an N2 message container, an N1 message container, and related identifiers. In one embodiment, the N2 message container may carry NRPPa messages, and the N1 message container may carry LPP messages.

[0435] Step 6. LMF identifies the received message based on the relevant identifier and / or LCS session identifier stored in Step 2, and associates the message with the session.

[0436] In some embodiments, if the LMF obtains messages from multiple entities (e.g., multiple terminals or one terminal and one access network device), the LMF can identify the messages obtained from multiple entities based on the association between the relevant identifiers and / or LCS session identifiers stored in step 2 and the entities.

[0437] In some embodiments, the operations that the LMF can perform include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: the LMF assigns an LCS session identifier or related identifier that is not provided by the AMF to the AI ​​or ML services, LCS services, sensing services and ranging or lateral link positioning services of the terminal; the LMF provides the assigned LCS session identifier or related identifier to the AMF; the LMF can associate messages obtained from multiple entities into a session based on the LCS session identifier or related identifier.

[0438] In some embodiments, the operations that the AMF can perform include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: the AMF receives an LCS session identifier or related identifier assigned by the LMF and sent by the LMF; the AMF manages and stores the LCS session identifier or related identifier provided and assigned by the LMF; the AMF can forward the received message to the correct LMF based on the LCS session identifier or related identifier provided by the LMF.

[0439] This disclosure also proposes an apparatus (also referred to as a communication device, etc.) for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Furthermore, another apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0440] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through a configuration file, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0441] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a CPU, microprocessor, graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by an ASIC or PLD, such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), tensor processing unit (TPU), deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

[0442] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device according to an exemplary embodiment. The network device 5100 is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5A, the network device 5100 may include a transceiver module 5101, which is configured to send a first identifier to a second node. The first identifier is assigned by the first node to a session of the third node, and the first identifier is used to indicate the session. Optionally, the transceiver module is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the first node in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S2101, S2104, S2105, S2202, S2204, S2207, S3101, S3201, S3203, but not limited thereto), which will not be described in detail here. Optionally, the network device 5100 may also include a processing module for performing at least one of the other steps (e.g., steps S2101, S2106, S2201, S2208, but not limited thereto) performed by the first node in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0443] In some embodiments, the first identifier includes at least one of the following: a second identifier for identifying a session in the control plane; and a third identifier for identifying a session in the user plane.

[0444] In some embodiments, the value of the second identifier is the same as the value of the third identifier, or the value of the second identifier and the value of the third identifier are mapped.

[0445] In some embodiments, the third node is a PRU.

[0446] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to determine the first identifier based on a fourth identifier, the fourth identifier being used to indicate the PRU.

[0447] In some embodiments, the processing module is further configured to store first information, which indicates the association between a first identifier and a session indicated by the first identifier and / or a fifth identifier, wherein the fifth identifier indicates a third node.

[0448] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to send a fifth identifier to the second node, the fifth identifier being used to indicate the third node.

[0449] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to send a first message to a third node based on a first identifier, the first message being associated with a session.

[0450] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to send a second message to the second node via the control plane; wherein, the first message and the second identifier are encapsulated in the second message, the second identifier is used to identify the session in the control plane, the second message is used to trigger the second node to send a third message to the third node, the first message and the sixth identifier are encapsulated in the third message, the sixth identifier is used to identify the first node in the control plane; the sixth identifier is obtained based on the mapping of the second identifier.

[0451] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to receive a fourth message sent by the second node through the control plane; the second identifier and the fifth message are encapsulated in the fourth message, the fifth message is a response message to the first message, the fourth message is sent by the second node based on the triggering of a sixth message received from the third node, and the fifth message and the sixth identifier are encapsulated in the sixth message; the processing module is further configured to determine the session associated with the fifth message based on the second identifier.

[0452] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to send a seventh message to a third node via a user plane; the first message and the third identifier are encapsulated in the seventh message, the third identifier being used to identify the session in the user plane, and a user plane connection exists between the first node and the third node.

[0453] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to receive an eighth message sent by a third node through the user plane; the third identifier and the fifth message are encapsulated in the eighth message, the fifth message being a response message to the first message; the processing module is further configured to determine the session associated with the fifth message based on the third identifier.

[0454] In some embodiments, the session is associated with at least one of the following: location services; sensing services; AI or ML services.

[0455] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device according to an exemplary embodiment. The network device 5200 may include a transceiver module 5201 and a processing module 5202. The transceiver module 5201 is configured to receive a first identifier sent by a first node, the first identifier being assigned by the first node to a session of a third node, and the first identifier being used to indicate the session; the processing module 5202 is configured to store second information based on the first identifier, the second information being used to indicate the association relationship between the first identifier and the first node. Optionally, the transceiver module is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the second node in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S2102, S2202, S2204, S2205, S2206, S2207, S3101, S3201, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the above processing module is used to execute at least one of the other steps executed by the second node in any of the above methods (e.g., S2103, S2203, S3102, S3202, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0456] In some embodiments, the first identifier includes at least one of the following: a second identifier for identifying a session in the control plane; and a third identifier for identifying a session in the user plane.

[0457] In some embodiments, the value of the second identifier is the same as the value of the third identifier, or the value of the second identifier and the value of the third identifier are mapped.

[0458] In some embodiments, the third node is a PRU.

[0459] In some embodiments, the first identifier is determined by the first node based on the fourth identifier, which is used to indicate the PRU.

[0460] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to receive a fifth identifier sent by the first node, the fifth identifier being used to indicate the third node; the processing module is further configured to store third information based on the fifth identifier, the third information being used to indicate the association relationship between the first identifier and the third node indicated by the fifth identifier.

[0461] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to receive a second message sent by a first node through a control plane; wherein the first message and a second identifier are encapsulated in the second message, the second identifier being used to identify a session in the control plane; the first message is associated with the session; the processing module is further configured to map the second identifier to a sixth identifier based on second information, the sixth identifier being used to identify the first node in the control plane; the transceiver module is further configured to send a third message to a third node based on the second message; the first message and the sixth identifier are encapsulated in the third message.

[0462] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to receive a sixth message sent by a third node through a control plane; a sixth identifier and a fifth message are encapsulated in the sixth message, the fifth message being a response message to the first message; and a fourth message is sent to the first node according to the sixth message; the fifth message and the second identifier are encapsulated in the fourth message.

[0463] In some embodiments, the session is associated with at least one of the following: location services; sensing services; AI or ML services.

[0464] Figure 5C is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment. The communication device 5300 is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5C, the communication device 5300 may include a transceiver module 5301, which is configured to receive a first message associated with a session. The session has a first identifier assigned by a first node, which indicates the session. Optionally, the transceiver module is used to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S2104, S2105, S2205, S2206, S3203, but not limited thereto) performed by the third node in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. Optionally, the communication device 5300 may also include a processing module, which is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the third node in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0465] In some embodiments, the first identifier includes at least one of the following: a second identifier for identifying a session in the control plane; and a third identifier for identifying a session in the user plane.

[0466] In some embodiments, the value of the second identifier is the same as the value of the third identifier, or the value of the second identifier and the value of the third identifier are mapped.

[0467] In some embodiments, the third node is a PRU.

[0468] In some embodiments, the first identifier is determined by the first node based on the fourth identifier, which is used to indicate the PRU.

[0469] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to receive a third message sent by the second node through the control plane; the first message and the sixth identifier are encapsulated in the third message, the sixth identifier being used to identify the first node in the control plane; the third message is sent by the second node based on the triggering of the second message received from the first node, the first message and the second identifier are encapsulated in the second message, the second identifier being used to identify the session in the control plane; the sixth identifier is obtained based on the mapping of the second identifier.

[0470] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to send a sixth message to the second node via control; the sixth identifier and the fifth message are encapsulated in the sixth message, the fifth message is a response message to the first message, the fifth message is used to trigger the second node to send a fourth message to the first node, and the fifth message and the second identifier are encapsulated in the fourth message.

[0471] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to receive a seventh message sent by the first node through the user plane; the first message and the third identifier are encapsulated in the seventh message, the third identifier is used to identify a session in the user plane, and there is a user plane connection between the first node and the third node; the processing module is further configured to store fourth information according to the seventh message, the fourth information being used to indicate the association between the third identifier and the session.

[0472] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to send an eighth message to the first node via a user; the third identifier and the fifth message are encapsulated in the eighth message, and the fifth message is a response message to the first message.

[0473] In some embodiments, the session is associated with at least one of the following: location services; sensing services; AI or ML services.

[0474] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0475] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module.

[0476] In some embodiments, the processing module can be interchanged with the processor, and the transceiver module can be interchanged with the transceiver.

[0477] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment. The communication device 6100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 6100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0478] As shown in Figure 6A, the communication device 6100 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 includes one or more processors 6101. The processor 6101 may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit may be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 6100 is used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 6101 are used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 6100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0479] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more transceivers 6103. When the communication device 6100 includes one or more transceivers 6103, the transceivers 6103 perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S2102, S2104, S2105, S2202, S2204, S2205, S2206, S2207, S3101, S3201, S3203, but not limited thereto), and the processor 6101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S2101, S2103, S2106, S2201, S2203, S2208, S3102, S3202, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceivers may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated together. Optionally, terms such as transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, and interface can be used interchangeably; terms such as transmitter, transmitter unit, transmitter, and transmitter circuit can be used interchangeably; and terms such as receiver, receiver unit, receiver, and receiver circuit can be used interchangeably.

[0480] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more memories 6102 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, one or more processors 6101 are used to invoke instructions stored in the memory 6102 to cause the communication device 6100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, all or part of the memory 6102 may also be located outside the communication device 6100. In an optional embodiment, the communication device 6100 may include one or more interface circuits 6104. Optionally, the interface circuit 6104 is connected to the memory 6102 and can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memory 6102 or other devices, and can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memory 6102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 6104 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memory 6102 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 6101.

[0481] The communication device 6100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 6100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 6100 may not be limited by FIG. 6A. The communication device may be a standalone device or a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data, programs and / or instructions; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0482] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of a chip structure according to an exemplary embodiment. For cases where the communication device 6100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the chip 6200 shown in Figure 6B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0483] Chip 6200 includes one or more processors 6201. Chip 6200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0484] In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more interface circuits 6202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more memories 6203 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 6203 may be located outside of chip 6200. Optionally, interface circuit 6202 is connected to memory 6203, and interface circuit 6202 can be used to receive data and / or instructions from memory 6203 or other devices, and interface circuit 6202 can be used to send data and / or instructions to memory 6203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 6202 can read data and / or instructions stored in memory 6203 and send the data and / or instructions to processor 6201.

[0485] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 6202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S2102, S2104, S2105, S2202, S2204, S2205, S2206, S2207, S3101, S3201, S3203, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 6202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method refers, for example, to the interface circuit 6202 performing data and / or instruction interaction between the processor 6201, chip 6200, memory 6203, or transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 6201 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S2101, S2103, S2106, S2201, S2203, S2208, S3102, S3202, but not limited thereto).

[0486] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0487] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0488] This disclosure also proposes a program product, including a program and / or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product. Optionally, the program product is stored on the storage medium.

[0489] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

[0490] Other embodiments of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the following claims.

[0491] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, wherein, Executed by the first node, the method includes: Send a first identifier to the second node. The first identifier is assigned by the first node to the session of the third node and is used to indicate the session.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The first identifier includes at least one of the following: A second identifier is used to identify the session in the control plane; A third identifier is used to identify the session on the user side.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The value of the second identifier is the same as the value of the third identifier, or there is a mapping relationship between the value of the second identifier and the value of the third identifier.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The third node is a positioning reference unit (PRU).

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The method further includes: The first identifier is determined based on the fourth identifier, which is used to indicate the PRU.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The method further includes: Store first information, which is used to indicate the association between the first identifier and the session indicated by the first identifier and / or the fifth identifier, wherein the fifth identifier is used to indicate the third node.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The method further includes: A fifth identifier is sent to the second node, the fifth identifier being used to indicate the third node.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The method further includes: Based on the first identifier, a first message is sent to the third node, and the first message is associated with the session.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, Sending the first message to the third node based on the first identifier includes: The control plane sends a second message to the second node; wherein the first message and the second identifier are encapsulated in the second message, the second identifier is used to identify the session in the control plane, the second message is used to trigger the second node to send a third message to the third node, the first message and the sixth identifier are encapsulated in the third message, the sixth identifier is used to identify the first node in the control plane; the sixth identifier is obtained based on the mapping of the second identifier.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The method further includes: The control plane receives a fourth message sent by the second node; the second identifier and a fifth message are encapsulated in the fourth message, the fifth message being a response to the first message; the fourth message is sent by the second node based on a sixth message received from the third node, and the fifth message and the sixth identifier are encapsulated in the sixth message. The session associated with the fifth message is determined based on the second identifier.

11. The method according to claim 8, wherein, Sending the first message to the third node based on the first identifier includes: A seventh message is sent by the user to the third node; the first message and the third identifier are encapsulated in the seventh message, the third identifier being used to identify the session on the user plane, and a user plane connection exists between the first node and the third node.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The method further includes: The user plane receives the eighth message sent by the third node; the third identifier and the fifth message are encapsulated in the eighth message, and the fifth message is a response message to the first message; The session associated with the fifth message is determined based on the third identifier.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The session is associated with at least one of the following: location services; perception services; artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) services.

14. A communication method, wherein, Executed by the second node, the method includes: Receive a first identifier sent by the first node, the first identifier being assigned by the first node to the session of the third node, the first identifier being used to indicate the session; Based on the first identifier, second information is stored, which is used to indicate the association between the first identifier and the first node.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The first identifier includes at least one of the following: A second identifier is used to identify the session in the control plane; A third identifier is used to identify the session on the user side.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The value of the second identifier is the same as the value of the third identifier, or there is a mapping relationship between the value of the second identifier and the value of the third identifier.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein, The third node is PRU.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The first identifier is determined by the first node based on the fourth identifier, which is used to indicate the PRU.

19. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein, The method further includes: Receive a fifth identifier sent by the first node, the fifth identifier being used to indicate the third node; Based on the fifth identifier, third information is stored, which is used to indicate the association relationship between the first identifier and the third node indicated by the fifth identifier.

20. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein, The method further includes: The control plane receives a second message sent by the first node; wherein the first message and a second identifier are encapsulated in the second message, the second identifier being used to identify the session in the control plane; the first message is associated with the session; Based on the second information, the second identifier is mapped to a sixth identifier, which is used to identify the first node in the control plane; According to the second message, a third message is sent to the third node; the first message and the sixth identifier are encapsulated in the third message.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein, The method further includes: The control plane receives the sixth message sent by the third node; the sixth identifier and the fifth message are encapsulated in the sixth message, and the fifth message is a response message to the first message; According to the sixth message, a fourth message is sent to the first node; the fifth message and the second identifier are encapsulated in the fourth message.

22. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 21, wherein, The session is associated with at least one of the following: location services; perception services; AI or ML services.

23. A communication method, wherein, Executed by a third node, the method includes: A first message is received, which is associated with a session, the session having a first identifier assigned by a first node, the first identifier being used to indicate the session.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein, The first identifier includes at least one of the following: A second identifier is used to identify the session in the control plane; A third identifier is used to identify the session on the user side.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein, The value of the second identifier is the same as the value of the third identifier, or there is a mapping relationship between the value of the second identifier and the value of the third identifier.

26. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein, The third node is PRU.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein, The first identifier is determined by the first node based on the fourth identifier, which is used to indicate the PRU.

28. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein, Receiving the first message includes: The control plane receives a third message sent by the second node; the first message and a sixth identifier are encapsulated in the third message, the sixth identifier being used to identify the first node in the control plane; the third message is sent by the second node based on a second message received from the first node, the first message and the second identifier are encapsulated in the second message, the second identifier being used to identify the session in the control plane; the sixth identifier is obtained based on the mapping of the second identifier.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein, The method further includes: The control sends a sixth message to the second node; the sixth identifier and the fifth message are encapsulated in the sixth message, the fifth message is a response message to the first message, the fifth message is used to trigger the second node to send a fourth message to the first node, and the fifth message and the second identifier are encapsulated in the fourth message.

30. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein, Receiving the first message includes: The user plane receives a seventh message sent by the first node; the first message and a third identifier are encapsulated in the seventh message, the third identifier being used to identify the session in the user plane, and a user plane connection exists between the first node and the third node; According to the seventh message, fourth information is stored, which is used to indicate the association between the third identifier and the session.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein, The method further includes: The user sends an eighth message to the first node; the third identifier and the fifth message are encapsulated in the eighth message, and the fifth message is a response message to the first message.

32. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 31, wherein, The session is associated with at least one of the following: location services; perception services; AI or ML services.

33. A communication method, wherein, Performed by a communication system, the method includes: The first node sends a first identifier to the second node. The first identifier is assigned by the first node for the session of the third node and is used to indicate the session. The second node stores second information based on the first identifier; the second information is used to indicate the association between the first identifier and the first node.

34. A communication device, wherein, The communication device is used to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, 14 to 22, and 23 to 32.

35. A communication system, characterized in that, The device includes a first node, a second node, and a third node, wherein the first node is configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 1 to 13, the second node is configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 14 to 22, and the third node is configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 23 to 32.

36. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, 14 to 22, and 23 to 32.

37. A program product comprising at least one of a program and instructions, characterized in that, When at least one of the programs or instructions is executed by the communication device, it implements the steps of the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, 14 to 22, and 23 to 32.

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