Communication method, core network element, aiot reader, and communication system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a communication method, a core network element, an AIoT reader, and a communication system. The communication method comprises: a first network element receiving a first AIoT service request sent by a second network element; the first network element selecting a third network element for the first AIoT service request; and the first network element assigning a corresponding first identifier to the first AIoT service request, and / or assigning a corresponding second identifier to the third network element. According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, a first network element may assign a corresponding first identifier to an AIoT service request from a second network element, and / or assign a corresponding second identifier to a third network element, allowing the AIoT service request or an AIoT session to be identified according to the first identifier, and the third network element to be identified according to the second identifier.

Description

Communication methods, core network elements, AIoT readers, and communication systems Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to communication methods, core network elements, AIoT readers, and communication systems. Background Technology

[0002] Ambient IoT (AIOT) is an emerging IoT technology that utilizes ambient energy sources to power devices. One application of AIoT is inventory management. For example, in inventory management, AIoT can be used to monitor and track the status and / or location of products. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure presents a communication method, a core network element, an AIoT reader, and a communication system.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a communication method is provided, executed by a first network element, the method comprising:

[0005] Receive the first AIoT service request sent by the second network element;

[0006] Select a third network element for the first AIoT service request;

[0007] Assign a corresponding first identifier to the first AIoT service request, and / or assign a corresponding second identifier to the third network element.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a communication method is provided, executed by a third network element, the method comprising:

[0009] The system receives a first message sent by a first network element, the first message including at least one of a second AIOT service request, a first identifier assigned by the first network element and associated with the first AIOT service request from the second network element, and a second identifier assigned by the first network element and associated with the third network element.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a communication method is proposed, executed by a fourth network element, the method comprising:

[0011] The system receives a second message sent by a third network element. The second message includes at least one of the following: a third AIOT service request, a first identifier assigned by the first network element and associated with the first AIOT service request from the second network element, and a second identifier assigned by the first network element and associated with the third network element.

[0012] According to a fourth aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a communication method is provided, executed by an AIOT reader, the method comprising:

[0013] The third message sent by the fourth network element is received. The third message includes at least one of the following: a fourth AIOT service request, a first identifier assigned by the first network element and associated with the first AIOT service request from the second network element, a second identifier assigned by the first network element and associated with the third network element, and a third identifier mapped from the second identifier.

[0014] According to a fifth aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a communication method is provided, executed by an AIOT reader, the method comprising:

[0015] The system receives a fourth message sent by a third network element, the fourth message including at least one of a fifth AIOT service request, a first identifier assigned by the first network element and associated with the first AIOT service request from the second network element, and a second identifier assigned by the first network element and associated with the third network element.

[0016] According to a sixth aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a first network element is proposed, comprising:

[0017] The transceiver module is configured to receive the first AIoT service request sent by the second network element;

[0018] The processing module is configured to select a third network element for the first AIoT service request;

[0019] The processing module is further configured to assign a corresponding first identifier to the first AIOT service request, and / or to assign a corresponding second identifier to the third network element.

[0020] According to a seventh aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a third network element is proposed, comprising:

[0021] The transceiver module is configured to receive a first message sent by a first network element. The first message includes at least one of the following: a second AIOT service request, a first identifier assigned by the first network element and associated with the first AIOT service request from the second network element, and a second identifier assigned by the first network element and associated with a third network element.

[0022] According to an eighth aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a fourth network element is proposed, comprising:

[0023] The transceiver module is configured to receive a second message sent by a third network element. The second message includes at least one of the following: a third AIOT service request, a first identifier assigned by a first network element and associated with the first AIOT service request from the second network element, and a second identifier assigned by the first network element and associated with the third network element.

[0024] According to a ninth aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, an AIOT reader is provided, comprising:

[0025] The transceiver module is configured to receive a third message sent by a fourth network element. The third message includes at least one of the following: a fourth AIOT service request, a first identifier assigned by a first network element and associated with a first AIOT service request from a second network element, a second identifier assigned by a first network element and associated with a third network element, and a third identifier mapped from the second identifier.

[0026] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, an AIOT reader is provided, comprising:

[0027] The transceiver module is configured to receive a fourth message sent by a third network element. The fourth message includes at least one of the following: a fifth AIOT service request, a first identifier assigned by a first network element and associated with the first AIOT service request from a second network element, and a second identifier assigned by a first network element and associated with the third network element.

[0028] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided for performing the communication methods of the first aspect, second aspect, third aspect, fourth aspect, or fifth aspect.

[0029] According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, including a first network element, a third network element, a fourth network element, and an AIOT reader, wherein the first network element is configured to implement the communication method of the first aspect, the third network element is configured to implement the communication method of the second aspect, the fourth network element is configured to implement the communication method of the third aspect, and the AIOT reader is configured to implement the communication method of the fourth aspect.

[0030] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is proposed, including a first network element, a third network element, and an AIOT reader, wherein the first network element is configured to implement the communication method of the first aspect, the third network element is configured to implement the communication method of the second aspect, and the AIOT reader is configured to implement the communication method of the fifth aspect.

[0031] According to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided that stores instructions which, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform a communication method such as the first aspect, second aspect, third aspect, fourth aspect, or fifth aspect.

[0032] According to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a program product is provided, comprising at least one of a program and instructions, wherein when the program or instructions are executed by a communication device, the steps of the communication method of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, or the fifth aspect are implemented.

[0033] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the first network element can assign a corresponding first identifier to the AIOT service request from the second network element and / or assign a corresponding second identifier to the third network element. Therefore, the AIOT service request or AIOT session can be identified according to the first identifier, and the third network element can be identified according to the second identifier. Attached Figure Description

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0035] Figure 1A is an exemplary schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 1B is an exemplary schematic diagram of relevant aspects of the direct communication path between the third network element and the AIOT reader in the reference point representation architecture.

[0037] Figure 1C is an exemplary schematic diagram of relevant aspects of the indirect communication path between the third network element and the AIOT reader in the reference point representation architecture.

[0038] Figure 2A is an exemplary interaction diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 2B is an exemplary interaction diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 3A is an exemplary interaction diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 3B is an exemplary interaction diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 4 is an exemplary interaction diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 5A is an exemplary schematic diagram of the structure of a first network element provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 5B is an exemplary schematic diagram of the structure of a third network element provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 5C is an exemplary schematic diagram of the structure of the fourth network element provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 5D is an exemplary schematic diagram of the structure of an AIOT reader provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 5E is an exemplary schematic diagram of another structure of an AIOT reader provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 6A is an exemplary schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 6B is an exemplary schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0050] This disclosure presents a communication method, a core network element, an AIoT reader, and a communication system.

[0051] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose a communication method executed by a first network element, the method comprising:

[0052] Receive the first AIoT service request sent by the second network element;

[0053] Select a third network element for the first AIoT service request;

[0054] Assign a corresponding first identifier to the first AIoT service request, and / or assign a corresponding second identifier to the third network element.

[0055] In the above embodiments, the first network element can assign a corresponding first identifier to the AIOT service request from the second network element and / or assign a corresponding second identifier to the third network element. Therefore, the AIOT service request or AIOT session can be identified according to the first identifier, and the third network element can be identified according to the second identifier.

[0056] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0057] Send a first message to the third network element, the first message including at least one of a second AIoT service request, the first identifier, and the second identifier.

[0058] In the above embodiments, the message sent by the first network element to the third network element may include a first identifier and / or a second identifier, so that the third network element can identify the AIOT service request or AIOT session according to the first identifier, and / or identify the third network element according to the second identifier.

[0059] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0060] The system receives a tenth message sent by the third network element. The tenth message includes at least one of a second response information, a first identifier, and a second identifier. The second response information contains an AIOT service response from one or more AIOT devices.

[0061] In the above embodiments, the message sent by the third network element may include a first identifier and / or a second identifier, so that the first network element can identify the AIOT service request or AIOT session according to the first identifier, and / or identify the third network element according to the second identifier.

[0062] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0063] Based on the second identifier in the tenth message, the corresponding third network element is determined; and / or,

[0064] Based on the first identifier and / or the second identifier in the tenth message, determine the corresponding first AIOT service request and AIOT service response.

[0065] In the above embodiments, after receiving the tenth message, the first network element can determine the corresponding third network element based on the second identifier in the tenth message. That is, the first network element can identify the corresponding third network element based on the second identifier, enabling the first network element to manage the second identifier. After receiving the tenth message, the first network element can match the received AIoT service response with the AIoT service request from the second network element based on the first identifier and / or the second identifier in the tenth message.

[0066] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0067] Send a first response message to the second network element. The first response message includes the AIOT service response corresponding to the first AIOT service request.

[0068] In the above embodiments, after the first network element matches the received AIOT service response with the AIOT service request from the second network element, it reports the corresponding AIOT service response to the second network element.

[0069] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure propose a communication method executed by a third network element, the method comprising:

[0070] The system receives a first message sent by a first network element, the first message including at least one of a second AIOT service request, a first identifier assigned by the first network element and associated with the first AIOT service request from the second network element, and a second identifier assigned by the first network element and associated with the third network element.

[0071] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0072] A second message is sent to the fourth network element. The second message includes at least one of a third AIOT service request, the first identifier, and the second identifier. The second message is used by the fourth network element to send a third message to the AIOT reader.

[0073] In the above embodiments, the third network element and the AIOT reader communicate through a fourth network element. The message sent by the third network element to the fourth network element may include a first identifier and / or a second identifier, enabling the fourth network element to identify the AIOT service request or AIOT session based on the first identifier, and / or to identify the third network element based on the second identifier. The fourth network element can then transmit the first identifier and / or the second identifier to the AIOT reader.

[0074] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0075] The system receives an eighth message sent by a fourth network element. The eighth message includes at least one of a third response information, a first identifier, and a second identifier. The third response information contains an AIOT service response from one or more AIOT devices.

[0076] In the above embodiments, the message sent by the fourth network element to the third network element may include a first identifier and / or a second identifier, so that the third network element can identify the AIOT service request or AIOT session according to the first identifier, and / or identify the third network element according to the second identifier.

[0077] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0078] A fourth message is sent to the AIOT reader, the fourth message including at least one of a fifth AIOT service request, the first identifier, and the second identifier.

[0079] In the above embodiments, the third network element and the AIOT reader can communicate directly. The message sent by the third network element to the fourth network element may include a first identifier and / or a second identifier, so that the AIOT reader can identify the AIOT service request or AIOT session based on the first identifier, and / or identify the third network element based on the second identifier. The AIOT reader can transmit the first identifier and / or the second identifier to the AIOT device.

[0080] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0081] Receive a ninth message sent by an AIOT reader, the ninth message including at least one of a fifth response information, a first identifier, and a second identifier, the fifth response information containing an AIOT service response from one or more AIOT devices.

[0082] In the above embodiments, the message sent by the AIOT reader to the third network element may include a first identifier and / or a second identifier.

[0083] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0084] Send a tenth message to the first network element. The tenth message includes at least one of a second response information, a first identifier, and a second identifier. The second response information contains an AIOT service response from one or more AIOT devices.

[0085] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0086] Based on the first identifier and / or the second identifier, an AIOT service response from one or more AIOT devices is included in a second response information, wherein the AIOT service response included in the second response information corresponds to the same first identifier and / or second identifier.

[0087] In the above embodiments, the third network element can aggregate AIOT service responses with the same identifier, so that AIOT service requests associated with the same AIOT service and / or AIOT service responses associated with the same third network element are included in the same message and sent together to the first network element, thus avoiding sending messages to the first network element multiple times.

[0088] Thirdly, this disclosure provides a communication method executed by a fourth network element, the method comprising:

[0089] The system receives a second message sent by a third network element. The second message includes at least one of the following: a third AIOT service request, a first identifier assigned by the first network element and associated with the first AIOT service request from the second network element, and a second identifier assigned by the first network element and associated with the third network element.

[0090] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0091] A third message is sent to the AIOT reader, the third message including at least one of a fourth AIOT service request, the first identifier, and the second identifier.

[0092] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0093] Receive a seventh message sent by the AIOT reader, the seventh message including at least one of the fourth response information, the first identifier, and the second identifier.

[0094] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0095] Map the second identifier in the second message to the third identifier;

[0096] A third message is sent to the AIOT reader, the third message including at least one of a fourth AIOT service request, the first identifier, and the third identifier.

[0097] In the above embodiments, the fourth network element maps the second identifier to the third identifier, so that at least one of the fourth network element, the AIOT reader, and the AIOT device can use the third identifier to identify the third network element.

[0098] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0099] Receive a seventh message sent by the AIOT reader, the seventh message including at least one of the fourth response information, the first identifier, and the third identifier;

[0100] Map the third identifier in the seventh message to the second identifier.

[0101] In the above embodiments, if the fourth network element maps the second identifier to the third identifier, then after receiving the seventh message, the fourth network element maps the third identifier to the second identifier, and at least one of the fourth network element, the third network element, and the first network element can use the second identifier to identify the third network element.

[0102] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0103] Send an eighth message to the third network element corresponding to the second identifier. The eighth message includes at least one of the third response information, the first identifier, and the second identifier. The third response information includes an AIOT service response from one or more AIOT devices.

[0104] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure propose a communication method executed by an AIOT reader, the method comprising:

[0105] The third message sent by the fourth network element is received. The third message includes at least one of the following: a fourth AIOT service request, a first identifier assigned by the first network element and associated with the first AIOT service request from the second network element, a second identifier assigned by the first network element and associated with the third network element, and a third identifier mapped from the second identifier.

[0106] In the above embodiments, the third network element and the AIOT reader can communicate via a fourth network element. Therefore, the AIOT reader receives messages sent by the fourth network element, and the messages may include a first identifier and / or a second identifier. If the fourth network element maps the second identifier to a third identifier, then the messages may include the first identifier and / or the third identifier.

[0107] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0108] Send a fifth message to the AIoT device, the fifth message including at least one of a sixth AIoT service request, the first identifier, the second identifier, and the third identifier.

[0109] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0110] The AIOT device receives a sixth message, which includes at least one of a sixth response message, a first identifier, a second identifier, and a third identifier. The sixth response message includes the AIOT device's AIOT service response to the sixth AIOT service request.

[0111] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0112] A seventh message is sent to the fourth network element. The seventh message includes at least one of the fourth response information, the first identifier, the second identifier, and the third identifier. The fourth response information includes an AIOT service response from one or more AIOT devices.

[0113] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0114] Based on the first identifier and / or the second identifier, AIOT service responses from one or more AIoT devices are included in the fourth response information, wherein the AIOT service responses included in the fourth response information correspond to the same first identifier and / or second identifier; or,

[0115] Based on the first identifier and / or the third identifier, AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT devices are included in a fourth response information, wherein the AIOT service responses included in the fourth response information correspond to the same first identifier and / or third identifier.

[0116] In the above embodiments, the AIOT reader can aggregate AIOT service responses with the same identifier, so that AIOT service responses associated with the same AIOT service request and / or the same third network element are included in the same message and sent together to the fourth network element, thus avoiding sending messages to the fourth network element multiple times.

[0117] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by an AIOT reader, the method comprising:

[0118] The system receives a fourth message sent by a third network element, the fourth message including at least one of a fifth AIOT service request, a first identifier assigned by the first network element and associated with the first AIOT service request from the second network element, and a second identifier assigned by the first network element and associated with the third network element.

[0119] In the above embodiments, the third network element and the AIOT reader can communicate directly. Therefore, the AIOT reader receives messages sent by the third network element, and the messages may include a first identifier and / or a second identifier. The first identifier is used to identify the AIOT service request. The second identifier is used to identify the third network element.

[0120] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0121] Send a fifth message to the AIoT device, the fifth message including at least one of a sixth AIoT service request, the first identifier, and the second identifier.

[0122] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0123] The AIOT device receives a sixth message, which includes at least one of a sixth response message, a first identifier, and a second identifier. The sixth response message contains the AIOT service response of the AIOT device to the sixth AIOT service request.

[0124] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0125] A ninth message is sent to the third network element corresponding to the second identifier. The ninth message includes at least one of the fifth response information, the first identifier, and the second identifier. The fifth response information includes an AIOT service response from one or more AIOT devices.

[0126] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0127] Based on the first identifier and / or the second identifier, AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT devices are included in a fourth response information, wherein the AIOT service responses included in the fourth response information correspond to the same first identifier and / or second identifier.

[0128] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a first network element, comprising:

[0129] The transceiver module is configured to receive the first AIoT service request sent by the second network element;

[0130] The processing module is configured to select a third network element for the first AIoT service request;

[0131] The processing module is further configured to assign a corresponding first identifier to the first AIOT service request, and / or to assign a corresponding second identifier to the third network element.

[0132] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose a third network element, including:

[0133] The transceiver module is configured to receive a first message sent by a first network element. The first message includes at least one of the following: a second AIOT service request, a first identifier assigned by the first network element and associated with the first AIOT service request from the second network element, and a second identifier assigned by the first network element and associated with a third network element.

[0134] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure propose a fourth network element, including:

[0135] The transceiver module is configured to receive a second message sent by a third network element. The second message includes at least one of the following: a third AIOT service request, a first identifier assigned by a first network element and associated with the first AIOT service request from the second network element, and a second identifier assigned by the first network element and associated with the third network element.

[0136] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide an AIOT reader, comprising:

[0137] The transceiver module is configured to receive a third message sent by a fourth network element. The third message includes at least one of the following: a fourth AIOT service request, a first identifier assigned by a first network element and associated with a first AIOT service request from a second network element, a second identifier assigned by a first network element and associated with a third network element, and a third identifier mapped from the second identifier.

[0138] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide an AIOT reader, comprising:

[0139] The transceiver module is configured to receive a fourth message sent by a third network element. The fourth message includes at least one of the following: a fifth AIOT service request, a first identifier assigned by a first network element and associated with the first AIOT service request from a second network element, and a second identifier assigned by a first network element and associated with the third network element.

[0140] In one aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device for performing the methods described in optional implementations of the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth aspects.

[0141] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system including a first network element, a third network element, a fourth network element, and an AIOT reader, wherein the first network element is configured to implement the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect, the third network element is configured to implement the method described in the optional implementation of the second aspect, the fourth network element is configured to implement the method described in the optional implementation of the third aspect, and the AIOT reader is configured to implement the method described in the optional implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0142] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system including a first network element, a third network element, and an AIOT reader, wherein the first network element is configured to implement the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect, the third network element is configured to implement the method described in the optional implementation of the second aspect, and the AIOT reader is configured to implement the method described in the optional implementation of the fifth aspect.

[0143] In a fourteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform a method as described in an optional implementation of the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth aspect.

[0144] In a fifteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product comprising at least one of a program and instructions, wherein the program and instructions, when executed by a communication device, implement the steps of the method described in the optional implementations of the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth aspects.

[0145] It is understood that the aforementioned first network element, third network element, fourth network element, AIoT reader, communication equipment, communication system, storage medium, program product, etc., are all used to execute the method proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0146] This disclosure presents a communication method, a core network element, an AIOT reader, and a communication system. In some embodiments, the terms AIOT reader, user equipment (UE), and radio access network device (RAN device) can be used interchangeably.

[0147] 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.

[0148] 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.

[0149] 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.

[0150] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0151] 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" and the like can be used interchangeably.

[0152] 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.

[0153] 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.

[0154] 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.

[0155] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0156] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time-frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0157] 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.

[0158] 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”.

[0159] 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.

[0160] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0161] 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.

[0162] 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.

[0163] 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.

[0164] 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.

[0165] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0166] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0167] 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.

[0168] Ambient IoT (AIOT) is an emerging IoT technology that utilizes environmental energy sources (such as radio frequency signals, solar energy, indoor light, vibration, and heat) to power devices, enabling operation without batteries or battery replacements. This technology demonstrates significant potential and advantages across multiple fields. Typical applications include, but are not limited to: inventory management; sensor networks; smart homes; and others. For example, in inventory management, AIoT can be used to monitor and track product status and / or location. AIoT devices are powered through environmental energy harvesting. They can receive inventory requests from AIOT readers and provide feedback. Furthermore, in some scenarios, AIoT devices can receive command requests from AIOT readers and execute corresponding operations, such as reading, writing, disabling, and notifying, providing feedback to the AIOT reader.

[0169] AIoT services can support the following procedures:

[0170] Inventory process;

[0171] Command flow.

[0172] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1A, the communication system 100 includes: an AIOT device 101, an AIOT reader 102, and a core network device 103.

[0173] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader 102 may be a UE node or a radio access network (RAN) node. When the AIOT reader 102 is a RAN node, the RAN node may be referred to as AIOT RAN.

[0174] In some embodiments, the core network device 103 may be a single device, including a first network element 1031, a second network element 1032, a third network element 1033, a fourth network element 1034, etc., or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each including all or some of the first network element 1031, the second network element 1032, the third network element 1033, the fourth network element 1034, etc. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of the Evolved Packet Core (EPC), the 5G Core Network (5GCN), and the Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0175] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 is, for example, a Network Exposure Function (NEF).

[0176] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 is used to expose network capabilities through an interface, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0177] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can be independent of the core network device 103.

[0178] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may be part of the core network device 103.

[0179] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can interact with the second network element 1032.

[0180] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 is, for example, an application function (AF).

[0181] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 is used to provide service, and its name is not limited thereto.

[0182] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may be independent of the core network device 103.

[0183] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may be part of the core network device 103.

[0184] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can interact with the third network element 1033.

[0185] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 is, for example, an Ambient IoT Function (AIOTF).

[0186] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 is used to support related services for environmental IoT functions, and its name is not limited thereto. The third network element 1033 may be a network element specifically designed for environmental IoT functions, or it may be another network element that supports environmental IoT functions. The third network element 1033 may be a separate network element, or it may be a module in another network element. For example, the third network element 1033 may be a module in the first network element 1031.

[0187] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 can be independent of the core network device 103.

[0188] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may be part of the core network device 103.

[0189] In some embodiments, the communication path between the third network element 1033 and the AIOT reader 102 may include a direct communication path and an indirect communication path. In the direct communication path architecture, the third network element 1033 communicates directly with the AIOT reader 102, and can directly transmit inventory requests (or command requests), response information, etc. In the indirect communication path architecture, the third network element 1033 communicates with the AIOT reader 102 through a fourth network element 1034, and the third network element 1033 and the AIOT reader 102 transmit inventory requests (or command requests), response information, etc., through the fourth network element 1034.

[0190] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 is, for example, an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0191] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 is used for UE registration, connection management, mobility management and / or security authentication, and its name is not limited thereto.

[0192] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can be independent of the core network device 103.

[0193] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may be part of the core network device 103.

[0194] In some embodiments, for the direct communication path between the third network element and the AIOT reader, the communication system includes: an AIOT device, an AIOT reader, a first network element, and a third network element.

[0195] In some embodiments, for the indirect communication path between the third network element and the AIOT reader, the communication system includes: an AIOT device, an AIOT reader, a first network element, a third network element, and a fourth network element.

[0196] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0197] 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. Each main body may be physical or virtual. 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.

[0198] For example, the communication system includes a core network function, AIOTF, to support environmental IoT functions. AIOTF can send requests, such as inventory requests or command requests, to the AIOT reader, either directly or via AMF, to trigger AIOT operations. The AIOT reader can be a UE node or a RAN node.

[0199] Optionally, when AIOTF communicates directly with AIOT RAN (via Nx reference point) or indirectly with AIOT RAN via AMF (via N2 reference point), the Next Generation Application Protocol (NGAP) is used.

[0200] Environmental IoT services can be deployed independently of existing deployments. During deployment, direct communication between the AIOT RAN and AIOTF can be used, or indirect communication between the AIOT RAN and AIOTF can be used via AMF. For example, the choice between a direct or indirect communication path can be made based on the local deployment situation.

[0201] (1) Direct communication path

[0202] Figure 1B illustrates the relevant aspects of the direct communication path in the reference point representation architecture, with other network functions (NFs) removed. When the AIOT RAN communicates directly with the AIOTF, the AIOTF communicates with the AIOT RAN through the direct interface reference point Nx.

[0203] (2) Indirect communication path

[0204] Figure 1C illustrates relevant aspects of the indirect communication path in the reference point representation architecture, with other NFs removed. When the AIOT RAN and AIOTF communicate indirectly via the AMF, the AIOTF connects to the AIOT RAN via the AMF. Optionally, NGAP at the N2 reference point between the AIOT RAN and AMF supports environmental IoT services, such as transmitting inventory requests or command requests.

[0205] AMF should be enhanced to support the following aspects:

[0206] At the Nz reference point, AMF supports services related to environmental IoT operations that are available to AIOTF;

[0207] At the N2 reference point, the AMF supports sending AIOT service requests to the AIOT RAN and receiving responses from the AIOT RAN;

[0208] AMF supports routing AIOT information (such as AIOT service requests and / or responses) between the AIOT RAN (via the N2 reference point) and the AIOTF (via the Nz reference point).

[0209] In some embodiments, the process of operating an AIoT service (such as an inventory process or a command process) may include the following steps:

[0210] Step 1: The AF sends a service request to the NEF. This service request includes at least one of the following: parameters for identifying the target AIoT device, parameters for identifying the target AIoT reader, and parameters related to service operation. Parameters for identifying the target AIoT device may include, for example, the identification information of the AIoT device. Parameters for identifying the target AIoT reader may include, for example, the identification information of the AIoT reader. Parameters related to service operation may include, for example, time, location, and accuracy requirements. Optionally, the service request may also include auxiliary information.

[0211] The service request could be, for example, an inventory request or a command request.

[0212] Step 2: NEF determines the AIOTF corresponding to the service request and invokes the new service operation on the AIOTF. This embodiment of the disclosure does not limit how NEF selects the corresponding AIOTF. For example, NEF selects the AIOTF that serves the corresponding region based on the service's region, or the selected AIOTF can be pre-configured locally.

[0213] Step 3: Select the reader using AIOTF.

[0214] AIOTF selects a reader based on information provided by AF. This information identifies one or more readers used for the service request.

[0215] If AF provides an identifier for a single reader through NEF, then the reader corresponding to that identifier will be selected.

[0216] If AF does not provide information or reader identifiers for reader selection, AIOTF will determine which reader(s) to use based on the implementation. For example, AIOTF may pre-configure the readers to be used or select readers based on the last known location of the target AIoT device.

[0217] If a reader cannot be selected, the request is rejected.

[0218] Step 4: AIOTF determines the identification information of the AIoT device based on the information provided by AF.

[0219] The identification information of AIoT devices will be included in the request sent by AIOTF.

[0220] Step 5: AIOTF determines the reader auxiliary information required for reader operation based on the auxiliary information provided by AF.

[0221] Reader assistance information will be included in the request sent by AIOTF.

[0222] Step 5 is an optional step.

[0223] Step 6: If the operation is a disk readout operation, AIOTF constructs a request for the disk readout operation using the identification information of the determined AIoT device and the relevant identifiers used by AIOTF to associate the disk readout response and request. This disk readout request is routed to the reader selected by AIOTF. Optionally, the disk readout request may also include reader auxiliary information.

[0224] Step 7: The reader executes the inventory request and reports the response information from the AIoT devices to AIOTF, including their reader identifier and related identifiers. The reader can include / summarize results from multiple AIoT devices in the response message. AIOTF can use the related identifiers to determine which request the result corresponds to.

[0225] Step 8: If the operation is a command operation, AIOTF generates a command request, which is then routed to the reader. The reader executes the command, passes the request message to the AIoT device, and routes the response information from the AIoT device back to AIOTF.

[0226] Step 9: AIOTF provides the operation results to NEF. Results from multiple AIoT devices may be included / summarized in the service response.

[0227] Step 10: NEF provides the operation results to AF.

[0228] In the aforementioned AIoT service operation process, the NEF will select an AIOTF for the AIoT request or AIoT session. The AIOTF uses a relevant identifier to identify the AIoT session corresponding to the received AIoT response message. However, a NEF may have multiple AIoT sessions with the same AIOTF, therefore the NEF also needs to identify the AIoT session corresponding to the AIoT response message. Therefore, this disclosure embodiment considers providing session-level or request-level identifiers for the NEF or AIOTF to identify the AIoT session.

[0229] Furthermore, the details regarding the relevant markings in the previous description need to be further clarified.

[0230] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The interaction in Figure 2A can be applied to the architecture of an indirect communication path in a communication system. In the architecture of an indirect communication path, a third network element can communicate with an AIOT reader through a fourth network element. As shown in Figure 2A, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0231] Step S2101: The second network element sends a first AIOT service request to the first network element.

[0232] In some embodiments, the first network element receives a first AIoT service request sent by the second network element.

[0233] In some embodiments, the first AIoT service request includes at least one of the following: parameters for identifying a target AIoT device, parameters for identifying a target AIoT reader, and parameters related to service operation. Parameters for identifying the target AIoT device may include, for example, identification information of the AIoT device. Parameters for identifying the target AIoT reader may include, for example, identification information of the AIoT reader. Optionally, the first AIoT service request may also include auxiliary information.

[0234] In some embodiments, the first AIoT service request is used to request an inventory or command operation on the AIoT device. For example, the inventory operation is used to check the AIoT devices in the Internet of Things to obtain at least one piece of information such as the status, location, and quantity of the AIoT devices. The command operation is used to control the AIoT device to perform corresponding actions or operations, such as reading, writing, disabling, and notification, to achieve remote management and control of the AIoT device.

[0235] In some embodiments, the first AIoT service request may be a disk storage request or a command request, etc. If the first AIoT service request is a disk storage request, it is used to request a disk storage operation on the AIoT device. If the first AIoT service request is a command request, it is used to request a command operation on the AIoT device.

[0236] It should be noted that the prefixes such as "first" and "second" 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. For example, if the descriptive object is "AIOT service request," then the ordinal number before "AIOT service request" in "first AIOT service request" and "second AIOT service request" does not restrict the position or order of "AIOT service request," nor does it restrict whether "first AIOT service request" and "second AIOT service request" are the same or different. Similarly, if the descriptive object is "response information," then the ordinal number before "response information" in "first response information" and "second response information" does not restrict the position or order of "response information," nor does it restrict whether "first response information" and "second response information" are the same or different.

[0237] Step S2102: The first network element selects the third network element for the first AIOTF service request.

[0238] In some embodiments, after the first network element receives a first AIOT service request sent by the second network element, the first network element selects a third network element for the first AIOT service request. The third network element is used to send the AIOT service request to the AIOT reader directly or through the fourth network element, and to receive response information from the AIOT reader directly or through the fourth network element.

[0239] This disclosure does not limit how the first network element selects a third network element for the first AIOT service request. For example, the first network element may select a third network element to serve the corresponding region based on the region corresponding to the first AIOT service request, or select a third network element based on local pre-configuration.

[0240] Step S2103: Assign identifier to the first network element.

[0241] In some embodiments, after the first network element receives the first AIoT service request sent by the second network element, the first network element allocates an identifier.

[0242] In some embodiments, after the first network element selects a third network element for the first AIoT service request, the first network element assigns an identifier.

[0243] In some embodiments, the first network element assigns a corresponding first identifier to the first AIOT service request. Optionally, the first network element assigns a corresponding first identifier to the first AIOT service request after receiving it, or the first network element may assign a corresponding first identifier to the first AIOT service request after selecting a third network element for the first AIOT service request. This disclosure does not limit when the first network element assigns the first identifier.

[0244] The first identifier can be used to identify the corresponding AIoT service request or AIoT session; that is, the first identifier can distinguish AIoT service requests or AIoT sessions originating from the second network element. At least one of the first network element, third network element, fourth network element, AIoT reader, and AIoT device can identify the corresponding AIoT service request or AIoT session based on the first identifier. Identifying the corresponding AIoT service request or AIoT session can be interpreted as follows: upon receiving an AIoT service response, the first identifier can be used to identify the AIoT service request or AIoT session corresponding to that response.

[0245] In some embodiments, the name of the first identifier is not limited, and it may be, for example, "notification correlation ID", "AIOT session ID", "AIOT request ID", "task ID", etc.

[0246] In some embodiments, the first identifier may be used to identify the corresponding AIoT service request.

[0247] In some embodiments, the first identifier may be used to identify the corresponding AIoT session.

[0248] In some embodiments, the first identifier may be used to identify the AIoT session corresponding to the AIoT service request.

[0249] In some embodiments, the first identifier may be used to identify the AIoT session corresponding to the response to the AIoT service request.

[0250] In some embodiments, the first identifier may be used to identify the AIOT session corresponding to the AIOT service response.

[0251] In some embodiments, at least one of the first network element, the third network element, the fourth network element, the AIOT reader, and the AIOT device can identify the corresponding AIOT service request based on the first identifier.

[0252] In some embodiments, at least one of the first network element, the third network element, the fourth network element, the AIOT reader, and the AIOT device can identify the corresponding AIOT session based on the first identifier.

[0253] In some embodiments, at least one of the first network element, the third network element, the fourth network element, the AIOT reader, and the AIOT device can identify the AIOT session corresponding to the response to the AIOT service request based on the first identifier.

[0254] In some embodiments, at least one of the first network element, the third network element, the fourth network element, the AIOT reader, and the AIOT device can identify the AIOT session corresponding to the AIOT service response based on the first identifier.

[0255] For example, after receiving the tenth message, the first network element can identify the AIOT service request or AIOT session corresponding to the AIOT service response in the second response information based on the first identifier. Similarly, after receiving the eighth message, the third network element can identify the AIOT service request or AIOT session corresponding to the AIOT service response in the third response information based on the first identifier.

[0256] In some embodiments, the first network element assigns a corresponding second identifier to the third network element. Optionally, the first network element may assign a corresponding second identifier to the selected third network element after selecting the third network element for the first AIOT service request. Optionally, the first network element may assign a corresponding second identifier to the third network element after receiving the first AIOT service request. Optionally, the first network element may assign a corresponding second identifier to the third network element before receiving the first AIOT service request. This disclosure does not limit when the first network element assigns the second identifier.

[0257] In some embodiments, the second identifier can be used to identify the corresponding third network element, that is, different third network elements can be distinguished based on the second identifier.

[0258] In some embodiments, at least one of the first network element, the third network element, the fourth network element, the AIOT reader, and the AIOT device can identify the corresponding third network element based on the second identifier.

[0259] For example, after receiving the sixth message, the AIoT reader can identify the corresponding third network element based on the second identifier.

[0260] For example, after receiving the seventh message, the fourth network element can identify the corresponding third network element based on the second identifier.

[0261] For example, after receiving the eighth message, the third network element can identify the corresponding third network element based on the second identifier.

[0262] For example, after receiving the ninth message, the third network element can identify the corresponding third network element based on the second identifier.

[0263] For example, after receiving the tenth message, the first network element can identify the corresponding third network element based on the second identifier.

[0264] For example, the second identifier can be the identifier of the third network element, or it can be the IP address of the network element that can identify the third network element, and so on.

[0265] In some embodiments, the values ​​of the first identifier and the second identifier may be the same or different.

[0266] In some embodiments, the second identifier can also be used to identify an AIoT service request or AIoT session. If both the first and second identifiers are request-level or session-level identifiers, there can be a mapping relationship between the first and second identifiers, or the values ​​of the first and second identifiers can be the same. Optionally, if both the first and second identifiers are request-level or session-level identifiers, the first identifier can be used by the first network element to identify the request or session, and the second identifier can be used by the fourth network element to identify the request or session.

[0267] In some embodiments, the second identifier may be used to identify the corresponding AIoT service request.

[0268] In some embodiments, the second identifier may be used to identify the corresponding AIoT session.

[0269] In some embodiments, the second identifier may be used to identify the AIoT session corresponding to the AIoT service request.

[0270] In some embodiments, at least one of the first network element, the third network element, the fourth network element, the AIOT reader, and the AIOT device can identify the corresponding AIOT service request based on the second identifier.

[0271] In some embodiments, at least one of the first network element, the third network element, the fourth network element, the AIOT reader, and the AIOT device can identify the corresponding AIOT session based on the second identifier.

[0272] In some embodiments, at least one of the first network element, the third network element, the fourth network element, the AIOT reader, and the AIOT device can identify the AIOT session corresponding to the AIOT service request based on the second identifier.

[0273] In some embodiments, at least one of the first network element, the third network element, the fourth network element, the AIOT reader, and the AIOT device can identify the AIOT session corresponding to the response to the AIOT service request based on the second identifier.

[0274] In some embodiments, at least one of the first network element, the third network element, the fourth network element, the AIOT reader, and the AIOT device can identify the AIOT session corresponding to the AIOT service response based on the second identifier.

[0275] For example, after receiving the tenth message, the first network element can identify the AIOT service request or AIOT session corresponding to the AIOT service response in the second response information based on the second identifier. Similarly, after receiving the eighth message, the third network element can identify the AIOT service request or AIOT session corresponding to the AIOT service response in the third response information based on the second identifier.

[0276] In some embodiments, the name of the second identifier is not limited, and it may be, for example, "correlation ID" or "AIOT correlation ID".

[0277] The first network element allocation identifier may include: allocating a corresponding first identifier for the first AIoT service request, and / or allocating a corresponding second identifier for the third network element.

[0278] In some embodiments, after the first network element receives the first AIOT service request sent by the second network element, the first network element assigns a first identifier and / or a second identifier.

[0279] In some embodiments, after the first network element selects a third network element for the first AIoT service request, the first network element assigns a first identifier and / or a second identifier.

[0280] In some embodiments, the second identifier may be assigned by the first network element or by other network elements. For example, the second identifier may be assigned by a third identifier.

[0281] In some embodiments, the first identifier and the second identifier can be two independent identifiers.

[0282] In some embodiments, the second identifier and the first identifier can be the same identifier. For example, a first network element is assigned an identifier that can be used to identify both AIoT service requests and third network elements.

[0283] In some embodiments, the first network element stores a first identifier.

[0284] In some embodiments, the first network element stores the correspondence between the first AIoT service request and the first identifier.

[0285] In some embodiments, the first network element stores the correspondence between the AIOT session of the first AIOT service request and the first identifier.

[0286] In some embodiments, the first network element stores the second identifier.

[0287] In some embodiments, the first network element stores the correspondence between the third network element and the second identifier.

[0288] In some embodiments, the first network element stores the correspondence between the first AIoT service request and the second identifier.

[0289] In some embodiments, the first network element stores the correspondence between the AIOT session of the first AIOT service request and the second identifier.

[0290] In some embodiments, the first network element stores a first identifier and a second identifier.

[0291] In some embodiments, the first network element stores the correspondence between the first AIoT service request and the first identifier and the second identifier.

[0292] In some embodiments, the first network element stores the correspondence between the AIOT session of the first AIOT service request and the first identifier and the second identifier.

[0293] Step S2104: The first network element sends a first message to the third network element.

[0294] In some embodiments, a first network element sends a first message to a third network element, the first message including at least one of a second AIoT service request, a first identifier, and a second identifier. Optionally, the first message includes a second AIoT service request, and the first message includes a first identifier and / or a second identifier.

[0295] In some embodiments, the third network element receives the first message sent by the first network element.

[0296] In some embodiments, the third network element receives a second AIoT service request and a first identifier.

[0297] In some embodiments, the third network element stores the first identifier.

[0298] In some embodiments, the third network element stores the correspondence between the second AIoT service request and the first identifier.

[0299] In some embodiments, the third network element stores the correspondence between the AIOT session of the second AIOT service request and the first identifier.

[0300] In some embodiments, after receiving a second AIoT service request and / or a first identifier, the third network element assigns a second identifier to itself.

[0301] In some embodiments, after receiving the first identifier, the third network element assigns a second identifier to itself based on the first identifier.

[0302] In some embodiments, the third network element receives a second AIoT service request and a second identifier.

[0303] In some embodiments, the third network element stores the second identifier.

[0304] In some embodiments, the third network element stores the correspondence between the third network element and the second identifier.

[0305] In some embodiments, the third network element stores the correspondence between the second AIoT service request and the second identifier.

[0306] In some embodiments, the third network element stores the correspondence between the AIOT session of the second AIOT service request and the second identifier.

[0307] In some embodiments, the third network element receives a second AIoT service request, a first identifier, and a second identifier.

[0308] In some embodiments, the third network element stores the first identifier and the second identifier.

[0309] In some embodiments, the third network element stores the correspondence between the second AIoT service request and the first identifier and the second identifier.

[0310] In some embodiments, the third network element stores the correspondence between the AIOT session of the second AIOT service request and the first identifier and the second identifier.

[0311] This disclosure does not limit the hierarchical relationship between the second AIOT service request, the first identifier, and the second identifier. For example, the first identifier may be included in the second AIOT service request, or it may be located outside the second AIOT service request and transmitted together with it. Similarly, the second identifier may be included in the second AIOT service request, or it may be located outside the second AIOT service request and transmitted together with it. In one example, the first identifier is included in the second AIOT service request, and the second identifier is located outside the second AIOT service request. For example, a first message including the second AIOT service request, the first identifier, and the second identifier can be interpreted as follows: the first message includes the second AIOT service request, and the second AIOT service request includes both the first and second identifiers; or it can be interpreted as the first message includes the second AIOT service request and the first identifier located outside the second AIOT service request, and the second AIOT service request includes the second identifier; or it can be interpreted as the first message includes the second AIOT service request and the first and second identifiers located outside the second AIOT service request.

[0312] Optionally, if the first network element has been assigned a first identifier, the first message may include the first identifier. If the first network element has been assigned a second identifier, the first message may include the second identifier. If the first network element has been assigned both a first identifier and a second identifier, the first message may include both the first identifier and the second identifier.

[0313] Optionally, the second AIOT service request is determined based on the first AIOT service request. Optionally, the second AIOT service request is the same as the first AIOT service request. Optionally, the second AIOT service request is the first AIOT service request. Optionally, the second AIOT service request contains some or all of the information in the first AIOT service request.

[0314] For example, the first AIoT service request includes external identifiers, such as location, AIoT device identifier, AIoT reader identifier, and third network element identifier. After receiving the first AIoT service request, the first network element can map the external identifiers to internal identifiers and generate a second AIoT service request, in which these internal identifiers are included.

[0315] Step S2105: The third network element sends a second message to the fourth network element.

[0316] In some embodiments, after receiving the first message sent by the first network element, the third network element sends a second message to the fourth network element.

[0317] In some embodiments, the second message is the Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message.

[0318] In some embodiments, the third network element selects an AIOT reader and transmits messages to the AIOT reader via a fourth network element in subsequent steps. The third network element may select one or more AIOT readers.

[0319] In some embodiments, the third network element sends a second message to the fourth network element. The second message includes at least one of a third AIoT service request, a first identifier, and a second identifier. Optionally, the second message includes a third AIoT service request, and the second message includes both the first identifier and / or the second identifier. The second message is used by the fourth network element to send a third message to the AIoT reader.

[0320] In some embodiments, the fourth network element receives the second message sent by the third network element.

[0321] In some embodiments, the fourth network element receives a third AIoT service request and a first identifier.

[0322] In some embodiments, the fourth network element stores the first identifier.

[0323] In some embodiments, the fourth network element stores the correspondence between the third AIoT service request and the first identifier.

[0324] In some embodiments, the fourth network element stores the correspondence between the AIOT session requested by the third AIOT service and the first identifier.

[0325] In some embodiments, the fourth network element receives a third AIoT service request and a second identifier.

[0326] In some embodiments, the fourth network element stores the second identifier.

[0327] In some embodiments, the fourth network element stores the correspondence between the third network element and the second identifier.

[0328] In some embodiments, the fourth network element stores the correspondence between the third AIoT service request and the second identifier.

[0329] In some embodiments, the fourth network element stores the correspondence between the AIOT session requested by the third AIOT service and the second identifier.

[0330] In some embodiments, the fourth network element receives a third AIoT service request, a first identifier, and a second identifier.

[0331] In some embodiments, the fourth network element stores the first identifier and the second identifier.

[0332] In some embodiments, the fourth network element stores the correspondence between the third AIoT service request and the first identifier and the second identifier.

[0333] In some embodiments, the fourth network element stores the correspondence between the AIOT session requested by the third AIOT service and the first identifier and the second identifier.

[0334] This disclosure does not limit the hierarchical relationship between the third AIOT service request, the first identifier, and the second identifier. For example, the first identifier may be included in the third AIOT service request, or it may be located outside the third AIOT service request and transmitted together with it. Similarly, the second identifier may be included in the third AIOT service request, or it may be located outside the third AIOT service request and transmitted together with it. In one example, the first identifier is included in the third AIOT service request, and the second identifier is located outside the third AIOT service request. For example, a second message including the third AIOT service request, the first identifier, and the second identifier can be interpreted as follows: the second message includes the third AIOT service request, and the third AIOT service request includes both the first and second identifiers; or it can be interpreted as the second message includes the third AIOT service request and the first identifier located outside the third AIOT service request, and the third AIOT service request includes the second identifier; or it can be interpreted as the second message includes the third AIOT service request and the first and second identifiers located outside the third AIOT service request.

[0335] Optionally, if the first message includes a first identifier, the second message may include the first identifier. If the first message includes a second identifier, the second message may include the second identifier. If the first message includes both a first identifier and a second identifier, the second message may include both the first identifier and the second identifier.

[0336] Optionally, the third AIOT service request is determined based on the second AIOT service request. Optionally, the third AIOT service request is the same as the second AIOT service request. Optionally, the third AIOT service request is the second AIOT service request. Optionally, the third AIOT service request contains some or all of the information in the second AIOT service request.

[0337] The AIOT reader can be a UE node or a RAN node. For a UE node reader, the third AIOT service request can be included in the N1 message container. For a RAN node reader, the third AIOT service request can be included in the N2 message container.

[0338] Step S2106: The fourth network element sends a third message to the AIOT reader.

[0339] In some embodiments, the fourth network element receives a second message sent by the third network element. Based on the second message, the fourth network element sends a third message to the AIOT reader.

[0340] In some embodiments, after receiving the second message sent by the third network element, the fourth network element sends a third message to the AIOT reader.

[0341] In some embodiments, the third message includes at least one of a fourth AIoT service request, a first identifier, a second identifier, and a third identifier.

[0342] The third message can be constructed based on the following implementation methods.

[0343] Implementation method 1:

[0344] The third message includes a fourth AIoT service request, and the third message includes a first identifier and / or a second identifier.

[0345] This disclosure does not limit the hierarchical relationship between the fourth AIOT service request, the first identifier, and the second identifier. For example, the first identifier may be included in the fourth AIOT service request, or it may be located outside the fourth AIOT service request and transmitted together with it. Similarly, the second identifier may be included in the fourth AIOT service request, or it may be located outside the fourth AIOT service request and transmitted together with it. In one example, the first identifier is included in the fourth AIOT service request, and the second identifier is located outside the fourth AIOT service request.

[0346] Optionally, if the second message includes the first identifier, the third message may include the first identifier. If the second message includes the second identifier, the third message may include the second identifier. If the second message includes both the first and second identifiers, the third message may include both the first and second identifiers.

[0347] Optionally, the fourth AIOT service request is determined based on the third AIOT service request. Optionally, the fourth AIOT service request is the same as the third AIOT service request. Optionally, the fourth AIOT service request is the third AIOT service request. Optionally, the fourth AIOT service request contains some or all of the information in the third AIOT service request.

[0348] Implementation method 2:

[0349] The fourth network element maps the second identifier in the second message to the third identifier.

[0350] In some embodiments, the fourth network element stores the third identifier.

[0351] In some embodiments, the fourth network element stores the mapping relationship between the second identifier and the third identifier for mutual mapping between the second identifier and the third identifier.

[0352] In some embodiments, the second identifier and the third identifier have a mapping relationship.

[0353] In some embodiments, the values ​​of the second identifier and the third identifier may be the same or different.

[0354] In some embodiments, the third identifier can be used to identify the third network element, that is, different third network elements can be distinguished based on the third identifier.

[0355] In some embodiments, the fourth network element stores the correspondence between the third network element and the third identifier.

[0356] In some embodiments, referring to the second identifier, the third identifier may be used to identify an AIoT service request or an AIoT session.

[0357] In some embodiments, the third identifier can be used to identify the corresponding AIoT service request.

[0358] In some embodiments, the third identifier may be used to identify the corresponding AIoT session.

[0359] In some embodiments, the third identifier may be used to identify the AIoT session corresponding to the AIoT service request.

[0360] In some embodiments, at least one of the fourth network element, AIOT reader, and AIOT device can identify the corresponding AIOT service request based on the third identifier.

[0361] In some embodiments, at least one of the fourth network element, AIOT reader, and AIOT device can identify the corresponding AIOT session based on the third identifier.

[0362] In some embodiments, at least one of the fourth network element, AIOT reader, and AIOT device can identify the AIOT session corresponding to the AIOT service request based on the third identifier.

[0363] In some embodiments, at least one of the fourth network element, AIOT reader, and AIOT device can identify the AIOT session corresponding to the response to the AIOT service request based on the third identifier.

[0364] In some embodiments, at least one of the fourth network element, AIOT reader, and AIOT device can identify the AIOT session corresponding to the AIOT service response based on the third identifier.

[0365] Optionally, this step is omitted if the second message does not contain a second identifier.

[0366] In some embodiments, the name of the third identifier is not limited, and it may be, for example, "Routing ID", "Routing identifier", "AIOT Routing ID", etc.

[0367] For example, assuming the third identifier is defined as the identifier used between the fourth network element and the AIOT reader, after the fourth network element receives the second message, it maps the second identifier in the second message to the third identifier so that at least one of the fourth network element, the AIOT reader, and the AIOT device can use the third identifier.

[0368] The third message includes a fourth AIoT service request, and the third message includes a first identifier and / or a third identifier.

[0369] This disclosure does not limit the hierarchical relationship between the fourth AIOT service request, the first identifier, and the third identifier. For example, the first identifier may be included in the fourth AIOT service request, or it may be located outside the fourth AIOT service request and transmitted together with it. Similarly, the third identifier may be included in the fourth AIOT service request, or it may be located outside the fourth AIOT service request and transmitted together with it. In one example, the first identifier is included in the fourth AIOT service request, and the third identifier is located outside the fourth AIOT service request.

[0370] Optionally, if the second message includes a first identifier, the third message may include the first identifier. If the second message includes a second identifier, the third message may include a third identifier mapped from the second identifier. If the second message includes both a first identifier and a second identifier, the third message may include both the first identifier and the third identifier mapped from the second identifier.

[0371] Optionally, the fourth AIOT service request is determined based on the third AIOT service request. Optionally, the fourth AIOT service request is the same as the third AIOT service request. Optionally, the fourth AIOT service request is the third AIOT service request. Optionally, the fourth AIOT service request contains some or all of the information in the third AIOT service request.

[0372] According to implementation methods 1 and 2, the third message may include a first identifier and / or a second identifier, or the third message may include a first identifier and / or a third identifier. Specifically, the third message may include one of the following:

[0373] First identifier;

[0374] Second identifier;

[0375] Third identifier;

[0376] First identifier and second identifier;

[0377] First and third identifiers.

[0378] The AIOT reader can be a UE node or a RAN node. Optionally, for a reader on a UE node, the N1 interface is used to transmit messages. Optionally, for a reader on a RAN node, the N2 interface is used to transmit messages.

[0379] Optionally, for the reader of the UE node, the third message can be a NAS message, such as a DL NAS TRANSPROT message. Optionally, the fourth AIOT service request can be included in a new container (such as an AIOT container), and the first identifier and / or the second identifier (or the third identifier) ​​can be included in the message's additional information element (IE).

[0380] Optionally, for the reader of the RAN node, the third message can be an NGAP message.

[0381] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader receives a third message sent by a fourth network element.

[0382] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader receives a fourth AIOT service request and a first identifier.

[0383] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader stores a first identifier.

[0384] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader stores the correspondence between the fourth AIOT service request and the first identifier.

[0385] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader stores the correspondence between the AIOT session of the fourth AIOT service request and the first identifier.

[0386] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader receives a fourth AIOT service request and a second identifier.

[0387] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader stores a second identifier.

[0388] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader stores the correspondence between the third network element and the second identifier.

[0389] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader stores the correspondence between the fourth AIOT service request and the second identifier.

[0390] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader stores the correspondence between the AIOT session of the fourth AIOT service request and the second identifier.

[0391] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader receives a fourth AIOT service request and a third identifier.

[0392] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader stores a third identifier.

[0393] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader stores the correspondence between the third network element and the third identifier.

[0394] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader stores the correspondence between the fourth AIOT service request and the third identifier.

[0395] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader stores the correspondence between the AIOT session of the fourth AIOT service request and the third identifier.

[0396] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader receives a fourth AIOT service request, a first identifier, and a second identifier.

[0397] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader stores a first identifier and a second identifier.

[0398] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader stores the correspondence between the fourth AIOT service request and the first identifier and the second identifier.

[0399] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader stores the correspondence between the AIOT session of the fourth AIOT service request and the first identifier and the second identifier.

[0400] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader receives a fourth AIOT service request, a first identifier, and a third identifier.

[0401] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader stores a first identifier and a third identifier.

[0402] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader stores the correspondence between the fourth AIOT service request and the first identifier and the third identifier.

[0403] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader stores the correspondence between the AIOT session of the fourth AIOT service request and the first identifier and the third identifier.

[0404] Step S2107: The AIOT reader sends the fifth message to the AIOT device.

[0405] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader receives a third message sent by a fourth network element. Based on the third message, the AIOT reader sends a fifth message to the AIOT device.

[0406] In some embodiments, the fifth message includes at least one of a sixth AIoT service request, a first identifier, a second identifier, and a third identifier.

[0407] Optionally, the fifth message includes a sixth AIoT service request, and the fifth message includes a first identifier and / or a second identifier. This disclosure does not limit the hierarchical relationship between the sixth AIoT service request, the first identifier, and the second identifier.

[0408] Optionally, the fifth message includes a sixth AIoT service request, and the fifth message includes a first identifier and / or a third identifier. This disclosure does not limit the hierarchical relationship between the sixth AIoT service request, the first identifier, and the third identifier.

[0409] Optionally, the fifth message may include a first identifier and / or a second identifier, or the fifth message may include a first identifier and / or a third identifier. Specifically, the fifth message may include one of the following:

[0410] First identifier;

[0411] Second identifier;

[0412] Third identifier;

[0413] First identifier and second identifier;

[0414] First and third identifiers.

[0415] Optionally, if the third message includes a first identifier, the fifth message may include the first identifier. If the third message includes a second identifier, the fifth message may include the second identifier. If the third message includes a third identifier, the fifth message may include the third identifier. If the third message includes both a first identifier and a second identifier, the fifth message may include both the first identifier and the third identifier.

[0416] Optionally, the sixth AIOT service request is determined based on the fourth AIOT service request. Optionally, the sixth AIOT service request is the same as the fourth AIOT service request. Optionally, the sixth AIOT service request is the fourth AIOT service request. Optionally, the sixth AIOT service request contains some or all of the information in the fourth AIOT service request.

[0417] According to the above steps, the AIOT reader will send the received AIOT service request, along with the first identifier and / or the second identifier (or the third identifier), to the AIOT device.

[0418] Step S2108: The AIOT device sends a sixth message to the AIOT reader.

[0419] In some embodiments, the AIoT device receives a fifth message sent by the AIoT reader. Based on the fifth message, the AIoT device sends a sixth message to the AIoT reader.

[0420] In some embodiments, the sixth message includes at least one of a sixth response information, a first identifier, a second identifier, and a third identifier. The sixth response information includes the AIOT service response of the AIoT device to the sixth AIOT service request. Optionally, the AIOT service response includes the result of the AIOT device performing the operation request for the sixth AIOT service.

[0421] Optionally, the sixth message includes sixth response information, and the sixth message includes a first identifier and / or a second identifier. This disclosure does not limit the hierarchical relationship between the response information, the first identifier, and the second identifier in the messages.

[0422] Optionally, the sixth message includes a sixth response message, and the sixth message includes a first identifier and / or a third identifier. This disclosure does not limit the hierarchical relationship between the response message, the first identifier, and the third identifier in the message.

[0423] Optionally, the sixth message may include a first identifier and / or a second identifier, or the sixth message may include a first identifier and / or a third identifier. Specifically, the sixth message may include one of the following:

[0424] First identifier;

[0425] Second identifier;

[0426] Third identifier;

[0427] First identifier and second identifier;

[0428] First and third identifiers.

[0429] Optionally, if the fifth message includes a first identifier, the sixth message may include the first identifier. If the fifth message includes a second identifier, the sixth message may include the second identifier. If the fifth message includes a third identifier, the sixth message may include the third identifier. If the fifth message includes both a first and a second identifier, the sixth message may include both the first and the third identifier.

[0430] According to the above steps, the AIoT device can include the AIoT service response associated with the sixth AIoT service request, as well as the first identifier and / or the second identifier (or the third identifier) ​​in the sixth message and send them together to the AIoT reader.

[0431] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader receives a sixth message sent by the AIOT device.

[0432] In some embodiments, after receiving the sixth message sent by the AIOT device, the AIOT reader identifies the AIOT service request or AIOT session corresponding to the AIOT service response in the sixth response information based on the first identifier in the sixth message.

[0433] In some embodiments, after receiving the sixth message sent by the AIOT device, the AIOT reader identifies the AIOT service request or AIOT session corresponding to the AIOT service response in the sixth response information based on the second or third identifier in the sixth message.

[0434] In some embodiments, after receiving the sixth message sent by the AIOT device, the AIOT reader identifies the AIOT service request or AIOT session corresponding to the AIOT service response in the sixth response information based on the first and second identifiers in the sixth message, or based on the first and third identifiers in the sixth message.

[0435] In some embodiments, after receiving the sixth message sent by the AIOT device, the AIOT reader identifies the third network element based on the second identifier in the sixth message.

[0436] In some embodiments, after receiving the sixth message sent by the AIOT device, the AIOT reader identifies the third network element based on the third identifier in the sixth message.

[0437] Step S2109: The AIOT reader sends the seventh message to the fourth network element.

[0438] In some embodiments, the fourth network element receives the seventh message sent by the AIOT reader.

[0439] In some embodiments, the seventh message includes at least one of a fourth response information, a first identifier, a second identifier, and a third identifier, wherein the fourth response information contains an AIOT service response from one or more AIOT devices.

[0440] Optionally, the seventh message includes the fourth response information, and the seventh message includes the first identifier and / or the second identifier.

[0441] Optionally, the seventh message includes the fourth response information, and the seventh message includes the first identifier and / or the third identifier.

[0442] Optionally, the seventh message may include a first identifier and / or a second identifier, or the seventh message may include a first identifier and / or a third identifier. Specifically, the seventh message may include one of the following:

[0443] First identifier;

[0444] Second identifier;

[0445] Third identifier;

[0446] First identifier and second identifier;

[0447] First and third identifiers.

[0448] Optionally, if the sixth message includes a first identifier, the seventh message may include the first identifier. If the sixth message includes a second identifier, the seventh message may include the second identifier. If the sixth message includes a third identifier, the seventh message may include the third identifier. If the sixth message includes both a first and a second identifier, the seventh message may include both the first and the third identifier.

[0449] In some embodiments, after receiving the seventh message sent by the AIOT reader, the fourth network element identifies the AIOT service request or AIOT session corresponding to the AIOT service response in the fourth response information based on the first identifier in the seventh message.

[0450] In some embodiments, after receiving the seventh message sent by the AIOT reader, the fourth network element identifies the AIOT service request or AIOT session corresponding to the AIOT service response in the fourth response information according to the second or third identifier in the seventh message.

[0451] In some embodiments, after receiving the seventh message sent by the AIOT reader, the fourth network element identifies the AIOT service request or AIOT session corresponding to the AIOT service response in the fourth response information based on the first and second identifiers in the seventh message, or based on the first and third identifiers in the seventh message.

[0452] In some embodiments, after receiving the seventh message sent by the AIOT reader, the fourth network element identifies the third network element based on the second identifier in the seventh message.

[0453] In some embodiments, after receiving the seventh message sent by the AIOT reader, the fourth network element identifies the third network element based on the third identifier in the seventh message.

[0454] In some embodiments, since the AIOT reader receives AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT devices, when there are multiple AIOT service responses, these AIOT service responses may be associated with the same AIOT service request or different AIOT service requests from a second network element, and may be associated with the same third network element or different third network elements. Therefore, the AIOT reader can aggregate AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT devices according to the identifier.

[0455] Optionally, based on the first identifier and / or the second identifier, the AIOT reader includes / summarizes AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT devices in the fourth response information, wherein the AIOT service responses included in the fourth response information correspond to the same first identifier and / or the second identifier.

[0456] Optionally, based on the first identifier and / or the third identifier, the AIOT reader includes / summarizes AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT devices in the fourth response information, wherein the AIOT service responses included in the fourth response information correspond to the same first identifier and / or the third identifier.

[0457] In some embodiments, based on a first identifier, the AIOT reader includes / summarizes AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT devices in a fourth response information, wherein the AIOT service responses included in the fourth response information correspond to the same first identifier.

[0458] In some embodiments, based on the second identifier, the AIOT reader includes / summarizes AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT devices in a fourth response information, wherein the AIOT service responses included in the fourth response information correspond to the same second identifier.

[0459] In some embodiments, based on a third identifier, the AIOT reader includes / summarizes AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT devices in a fourth response information, wherein the AIOT service responses included in the fourth response information correspond to the same third identifier.

[0460] In some embodiments, based on a first identifier and a second identifier, the AIOT reader includes / summarizes AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT devices in a fourth response information, wherein the AIOT service responses included in the fourth response information correspond to the same first identifier and second identifier.

[0461] In some embodiments, based on the first identifier and the third identifier, the AIOT reader includes / summarizes AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT devices in a fourth response information, wherein the AIOT service responses included in the fourth response information correspond to the same first identifier and the third identifier.

[0462] Based on the aggregation operation described above, the AIoT reader can aggregate AIoT service responses with the same identifier, so that AIoT service responses associated with the same AIoT service request and / or the same third network element are included in the same message and sent together to the fourth network element, avoiding multiple message sending to the fourth network element. The same identifier can mean that these AIoT service responses have the same first identifier, or the same second identifier, or the same third identifier, or both the same first and second identifier, or both the same first and third identifier. AIoT service responses associated with the same AIoT service request and / or the same third network element can be interpreted as these AIoT service responses being associated with the same AIoT service request and also with the same third network element, or as these AIoT service responses being associated with the same AIoT service request or the same third network element.

[0463] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader may not perform the aggregation operation.

[0464] The AIOT reader can be a UE node or a RAN node.

[0465] Optionally, for the reader of the UE node, the seventh message can be a NAS message, such as a UL NAS TRANSPORT message. Optionally, the fourth response information can be included in a new container (such as an AIoT container). Optionally, the second identifier (or the third identifier) ​​can be included in the message's additional information element (IE). Optionally, the first identifier can be included in the fourth response information.

[0466] Optionally, for the reader of the RAN node, the seventh message can be an NGAP message.

[0467] Step S2110: The fourth network element sends the eighth message to the third network element.

[0468] In some embodiments, after receiving the seventh message, the fourth network element sends an eighth message to the third network element.

[0469] In some embodiments, the fourth network element sends an eighth message to the third network element corresponding to the second or third identifier based on the second or third identifier. Therefore, the fourth network element can identify the corresponding third network element based on the second or third identifier, and thus send the corresponding response information to the corresponding third network element.

[0470] In some embodiments, the eighth message includes at least one of a third response information, a first identifier, and a second identifier. The third response information contains an AIoT service response from one or more AIoT devices.

[0471] Optionally, the eighth message includes third response information, and the eighth message includes a first identifier and / or a second identifier.

[0472] Optionally, if the seventh message includes a first identifier, the eighth message may include the first identifier. If the seventh message includes a second identifier, the eighth message may include the second identifier. If the seventh message includes a third identifier, the fourth network element maps the third identifier in the seventh message to the second identifier, and the eighth message may include the second identifier. If the seventh message includes both a first and a second identifier, the eighth message may include both the first and the second identifier. If the seventh message includes both a first and a third identifier, the fourth network element maps the third identifier in the seventh message to the second identifier, and the eighth message may include both the first and the second identifier.

[0473] The implementation of the eighth message is the reverse of the implementation of the third message in step S2106.

[0474] Optionally, the third response information is determined based on the fourth response information. Optionally, the third response information is the same as the fourth response information. Optionally, the third response information is the fourth response information. Optionally, the third response information may include some or all of the AIoT service responses in the fourth response information.

[0475] In some embodiments, the third network element receives the eighth message sent by the fourth network element.

[0476] In some embodiments, after receiving the eighth message sent by the fourth network element, the third network element identifies the AIOT service request or AIOT session corresponding to the AIOT service response in the third response information according to the first identifier in the eighth message.

[0477] In some embodiments, after receiving the eighth message sent by the fourth network element, the third network element identifies the AIOT service request or AIOT session corresponding to the AIOT service response in the third response information according to the second identifier in the eighth message.

[0478] In some embodiments, after receiving the eighth message sent by the fourth network element, the third network element identifies the AIOT service request or AIOT session corresponding to the AIOT service response in the third response information according to the first and second identifiers in the eighth message.

[0479] In some embodiments, after receiving the eighth message sent by the fourth network element, the third network element identifies itself based on the second identifier in the eighth message.

[0480] In some embodiments, since the fourth network element receives AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT readers, when there are multiple AIOT service responses, these AIOT service responses may come from one or more AIOT devices, may be associated with the same AIOT service request or different AIOT service requests from the second network element, and may be associated with the same third network element or different third network elements. Therefore, the fourth network element can aggregate AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT devices according to the identifier.

[0481] Optionally, based on the first identifier and / or the second identifier, the fourth network element includes / summarizes the AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT devices in the third response information, wherein the AIOT service responses included in the third response information correspond to the same first identifier and / or the second identifier.

[0482] Optionally, based on the first identifier and / or the third identifier, the fourth network element includes / summarizes the AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT devices in the third response information, wherein the AIOT service responses included in the third response information correspond to the same first identifier and / or third identifier.

[0483] In some embodiments, based on the first identifier, the fourth network element includes / summarizes AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT devices in the third response information, wherein the AIOT service responses included in the third response information correspond to the same first identifier.

[0484] In some embodiments, based on the second identifier, the fourth network element includes / summarizes AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT devices in the third response information, wherein the AIOT service responses included in the third response information correspond to the same second identifier.

[0485] In some embodiments, based on a third identifier, the fourth network element includes / summarizes AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT devices in a third response information, wherein the AIOT service responses included in the third response information correspond to the same third identifier.

[0486] In some embodiments, based on the first identifier and the second identifier, the fourth network element includes / summarizes AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT devices in the third response information, and the AIOT service responses included in the third response information correspond to the same first identifier and the second identifier.

[0487] In some embodiments, based on the first identifier and the third identifier, the fourth network element includes / summarizes the AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT devices in the third response information, and the AIOT service responses included in the third response information correspond to the same first identifier and the second identifier.

[0488] Based on the aggregation operation described above, the fourth network element can aggregate AIoT service responses with the same identifier, so that AIoT service responses associated with the same AIoT service request and / or the same third network element are included in the same message and sent together to the third network element, avoiding multiple message sending to the third network element. The same identifier can mean that these AIoT service responses have the same first identifier, or the same second identifier, or the same third identifier, or both the same first and second identifier, or both the same first and third identifier. AIoT service responses associated with the same AIoT service request and / or the same third network element can be interpreted as these AIoT service responses being associated with the same AIoT service request and also with the same third network element, or as these AIoT service responses being associated with either the same AIoT service request or the same third network element.

[0489] In some embodiments, the fourth network element may not perform the aggregation operation.

[0490] Step S2111: The third network element sends the tenth message to the first network element.

[0491] In some embodiments, after receiving the eighth message, the third network element sends the tenth message to the first network element.

[0492] In some embodiments, the tenth message includes at least one of a second response information, a first identifier, and a second identifier. The second response information contains an AIoT service response from one or more AIoT devices.

[0493] Optionally, the tenth message includes second response information, and the tenth message includes a first identifier and / or a second identifier.

[0494] In some embodiments, the first network element receives a tenth message sent by the third network element. In some embodiments, the first network element identifies the AIoT service request or AIoT session corresponding to the second response information based on the identifier.

[0495] In some embodiments, after receiving the tenth message sent by the third network element, the first network element identifies the AIOT service request or AIOT session corresponding to the AIOT service response in the second response information according to the first identifier in the tenth message.

[0496] In some embodiments, after receiving the tenth message sent by the third network element, the first network element identifies the AIOT service request or AIOT session corresponding to the AIOT service response in the second response information according to the second identifier in the tenth message.

[0497] In some embodiments, after receiving the tenth message sent by the third network element, the first network element identifies the AIOT service request or AIOT session corresponding to the AIOT service response in the second response information according to the first identifier and the second identifier in the tenth message.

[0498] In some embodiments, the first network element identifies the third network element based on an identifier. For example, if the first network element has been assigned a second identifier, the second network element is also used to manage the second identifier. For instance, the first network element can identify the third network element based on the second identifier, and when the second identifier is no longer needed, the stored information related to the second identifier may be deleted.

[0499] In some embodiments, after receiving the tenth message sent by the third network element, the first network element identifies the third network element based on the second identifier in the tenth message.

[0500] In some embodiments, after receiving the tenth message, the first network element determines the corresponding AIOT service request (i.e., the first AIOT service request) and the corresponding AIOT service response from the second network element based on the first identifier and / or the second identifier in the tenth message. That is, the first network element can identify the AIOT service request or AIOT session corresponding to the AIOT service response based on the first identifier and / or the second identifier, and match the received AIOT service response with the AIOT service request or AIOT session from the second network element.

[0501] In some embodiments, since the third network element receives AIOT service responses sent from one or more AIOT readers, when there are multiple AIOT service responses, these AIOT service responses may come from one or more AIOT devices, may be associated with the same AIOT service request or different AIOT service requests from the second network element, and may be associated with the same third network element or different third network elements. Therefore, the third network element can aggregate AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT devices according to the identifier.

[0502] Optionally, based on the first identifier and / or the second identifier, the third network element includes / summarizes the AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT devices in the second response information, wherein the AIOT service responses included in the second response information correspond to the same first identifier and / or the second identifier.

[0503] In some embodiments, based on a first identifier, a third network element includes / summarizes AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT devices in a second response information, wherein the AIOT service responses included in the second response information correspond to the same first identifier.

[0504] In some embodiments, based on the second identifier, the third network element includes / summarizes AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT devices in the second response information, wherein the AIOT service responses included in the second response information correspond to the same second identifier.

[0505] In some embodiments, based on a first identifier and a second identifier, a third network element includes / summarizes AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT devices in a second response information, wherein the AIOT service responses included in the second response information correspond to the same first identifier and second identifier.

[0506] Based on the aggregation operation described above, a third network element can aggregate AIoT service responses with the same identifier, so that AIoT service responses associated with the same AIoT service request and / or the same third network element are included in the same message and sent together to the first network element, avoiding multiple message sending to the first network element. The same identifier can mean that these AIoT service responses correspond to the same first identifier, or the same second identifier, or both the same first and second identifier. AIoT service responses associated with the same AIoT service request and / or the same third network element can be interpreted as these AIoT service responses being associated with the same AIoT service request and also with the same third network element, or as these AIoT service responses being associated with the same AIoT service request or the same third network element.

[0507] In some embodiments, the third network element may not perform the aggregation operation.

[0508] In some embodiments, at least one of the AIOT reader, the fourth network element, and the third network element performs the aggregation operation.

[0509] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader, the fourth network element, and the third network element do not perform aggregation operations.

[0510] Step S2112: The first network element sends a first response message to the second network element.

[0511] In some embodiments, the first network element identifies the AIOT service request corresponding to the AIOT service response based on the first identifier and / or the second identifier, and the first network element sends first response information to the second network element. The first response information includes the AIOT service response corresponding to the first AIOT service request.

[0512] Optionally, an AIOT service request from a second network element may correspond to an AIOT service response from one or more AIOT devices. When there are multiple AIOT service responses, the first network element can aggregate the AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT devices based on a first identifier and / or a second identifier.

[0513] Optionally, based on the first identifier and / or the second identifier, the first network element includes / summarizes the AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT devices in the first response information, wherein the AIOT service responses included in the first response information correspond to the same first identifier and / or second identifier.

[0514] In some embodiments, based on a first identifier, a first network element includes / summarizes AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT devices in a first response information, wherein the AIOT service responses included in the first response information correspond to the same first identifier.

[0515] In some embodiments, based on the second identifier, the first network element includes / summarizes AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT devices in the first response information, wherein the AIOT service responses included in the first response information correspond to the same second identifier.

[0516] In some embodiments, based on a first identifier and a second identifier, a first network element includes / summarizes AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT devices in a first response information, wherein the AIOT service responses included in the first response information correspond to the same first identifier and second identifier.

[0517] Based on the aggregation operation described above, the first network element can aggregate AIoT service responses with the same identifier, so that AIoT service requests associated with the same AIoT service and / or the same third network element's AIoT service responses are included in the same message and sent together to the second network element. The same identifier can mean that these AIoT service responses correspond to the same first identifier, or the same second identifier, or both the same first identifier and second identifier.

[0518] In some embodiments, the first network element does not perform aggregation operations.

[0519] In some embodiments, the second network element receives the first response information sent by the first network element.

[0520] According to the above embodiments, a first identifier for identifying AIoT service requests and / or a second identifier for identifying third network elements are allocated by the first network element. The first network element, third network element, fourth network element, AIOT reader, and AIOT device can identify corresponding AIOT sessions based on the first identifier and / or the second identifier. At least one of the AIOT reader, fourth network element, third network element, and first network element can aggregate request and response information based on the same first identifier and / or second identifier. The fourth network element can route AIOT service messages to the third network element identified by the second identifier.

[0521] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0522] In some embodiments, the terms “radio”, “wireless”, “radio access network (RAN)”, “access network (AN)”, and “RAN-based” can be used interchangeably.

[0523] In some embodiments, "acquire," "get," "obtain," "receive," "transmit," "bidirectional transmission," and "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, acquiring from protocols, acquiring from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation. Protocols include, for example, at least one of the 3GPP protocol, Wi-Fi protocol, and audio and / or video protocols.

[0524] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0525] In some embodiments, if an arrow in the interaction diagram representing the sending of information, signaling, etc. from one subject to another passes through other subjects, it can be interpreted as the information being forwarded from one subject to another via other subjects, or it can be interpreted as the information being sent from one subject to another without passing through other subjects.

[0526] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2112. For example, step S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2107 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2108 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2109 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2110 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2111 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S2101 + step S2102 + step S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. Steps S2103+S2104+S2105+S2106 can be implemented as independent embodiments, as can steps S2107+S2108, S2109+S2110+S2111, and S2103+S2104+S2105+S2106+S2107+S2108+S2109+S2110+S2111, but are not limited thereto.

[0527] In some embodiments, steps S2101 to S2103 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously.

[0528] In some embodiments, steps S2101 to S2112 are all optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0529] 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.

[0530] Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The interaction in Figure 2B is applicable to the architecture of a direct communication path in a communication system. Under the direct communication path architecture, the third network element can directly communicate with the AIOT reader. As shown in Figure 2B, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0531] Step S2201: The second network element sends a first AIOT service request to the first network element.

[0532] The optional implementation of step S2201 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2201 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0533] Step S2202: The first network element selects a third network element for the first AIoT service request.

[0534] The optional implementation of step S2202 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2202 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0535] Step S2203: Assign identifier to the first network element.

[0536] The optional implementation of step S2203 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2203 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0537] Step S2204: The first network element sends a first message to the third network element.

[0538] The optional implementation of step S2204 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2204 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0539] Step S2205: The third network element sends a fourth message to the AIOT reader.

[0540] In some embodiments, after receiving the first message sent by the first network element, the third network element sends a fourth message to the AIOT reader.

[0541] In some embodiments, the third network element selects an AIOT reader and transmits messages directly to the AIOT reader in subsequent steps. The third network element may select one or more AIOT readers.

[0542] In some embodiments, the third network element sends a fourth message to the AIOT reader, the fourth message including at least one of a fifth AIOT service request, a first identifier, and a second identifier. Optionally, the fourth message includes a fifth AIOT service request, and the fourth message includes the first identifier and / or the second identifier.

[0543] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader receives a fourth message sent by a third network element.

[0544] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader receives a fifth AIOT service request and a first identifier.

[0545] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader stores a first identifier.

[0546] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader stores the correspondence between the fifth AIOT service request and the first identifier.

[0547] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader stores the correspondence between the AIOT session of the fifth AIOT service request and the first identifier.

[0548] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader receives a fifth AIOT service request and a second identifier.

[0549] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader stores a second identifier.

[0550] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader stores the correspondence between the third network element and the second identifier.

[0551] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader stores the correspondence between the fifth AIOT service request and the second identifier.

[0552] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader stores the correspondence between the AIOT session of the fifth AIOT service request and the second identifier.

[0553] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader receives a fifth AIOT service request, a first identifier, and a second identifier.

[0554] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader stores a first identifier and a second identifier.

[0555] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader stores the correspondence between the fifth AIOT service request and the first identifier and the second identifier.

[0556] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader stores the correspondence between the AIOT session of the fifth AIOT service request and the first identifier and the second identifier.

[0557] This disclosure does not limit the hierarchical relationship between the fifth AIOT service request, the first identifier, and the second identifier. For example, the first identifier may be included in the fifth AIOT service request, or it may be located outside the fifth AIOT service request and transmitted together with it. Similarly, the second identifier may be included in the fifth AIOT service request, or it may be located outside the fifth AIOT service request and transmitted together with it. In one example, the first identifier is included in the fifth AIOT service request, and the second identifier is located outside the fifth AIOT service request. For example, a fourth message including the fifth AIOT service request, the first identifier, and the second identifier can be interpreted as follows: the fourth message includes the fifth AIOT service request, and the fifth AIOT service request includes both the first and second identifiers; or it can be interpreted as the fourth message includes the fifth AIOT service request and the first identifier located outside the fifth AIOT service request, and the fifth AIOT service request includes the second identifier; or it can be interpreted as the fourth message includes the fifth AIOT service request and the first and second identifiers located outside the fifth AIOT service request.

[0558] Optionally, if the first message includes a first identifier, the fourth message may include the first identifier. If the first message includes a second identifier, the fourth message may include the second identifier. If the first message includes both a first identifier and a second identifier, the fourth message may include both the first identifier and the second identifier.

[0559] Optionally, the fifth AIOT service request is determined based on the second AIOT service request. Optionally, the fifth AIOT service request is the same as the second AIOT service request. Optionally, the fifth AIOT service request is the second AIOT service request. Optionally, the fifth AIOT service request contains some or all of the information in the second AIOT service request.

[0560] The AIOT reader can be a UE node or a RAN node. Optionally, the fourth message is an Nx or Ny message.

[0561] Step S2206: The AIOT reader sends the fifth message to the AIOT device.

[0562] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader receives a fourth message sent by a third network element. Based on the fourth message, the AIOT reader sends a fifth message to the AIOT device.

[0563] In some embodiments, the fifth message includes at least one of a sixth AIoT service request, a first identifier, and a second identifier.

[0564] Optionally, the fifth message includes a sixth AIoT service request, and the fifth message includes a first identifier and / or a second identifier. This disclosure does not limit the hierarchical relationship between the sixth AIoT service request, the first identifier, and the second identifier.

[0565] Optionally, if the fourth message includes a first identifier, the fifth message may include the first identifier. If the fourth message includes a second identifier, the fifth message may include the second identifier. If the fourth message includes both a first identifier and a second identifier, the fifth message may include both the first identifier and the second identifier.

[0566] Optionally, the sixth AIOT service request is determined based on the fifth AIOT service request. Optionally, the sixth AIOT service request is the same as the fifth AIOT service request. Optionally, the sixth AIOT service request is the fifth AIOT service request. Optionally, the sixth AIOT service request contains some or all of the information in the fifth AIOT service request.

[0567] According to the above steps, the AIOT reader will send the received AIOT service request, along with the first identifier and / or the second identifier, to the AIOT device.

[0568] Step S2207: The AIOT device sends a sixth message to the AIOT reader.

[0569] In some embodiments, the AIoT device receives a fifth message sent by the AIoT reader. Based on the fifth message, the AIoT device sends a sixth message to the AIoT reader.

[0570] In some embodiments, the sixth message includes at least one of a sixth response information, a first identifier, and a second identifier. The sixth response information includes the AIOT service response of the AIoT device to the sixth AIOT service request. Optionally, the AIOT service response includes the result of the AIOT device performing the operation request of the sixth AIOT service.

[0571] Optionally, the sixth message includes sixth response information, and the sixth message includes a first identifier and / or a second identifier. This disclosure does not limit the hierarchical relationship between the response information, the first identifier, and the second identifier in the messages.

[0572] Optionally, if the fifth message includes a first identifier, the sixth message may include the first identifier. If the fifth message includes a second identifier, the sixth message may include the second identifier. If the fifth message includes both a first identifier and a second identifier, the sixth message may include both the first identifier and the second identifier.

[0573] Based on the above steps, the AIoT device can send the AIoT service response associated with the sixth AIoT service request, along with the first identifier and / or the second identifier, together in the sixth message to the AIoT reader.

[0574] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader receives a sixth message sent by the AIOT device.

[0575] In some embodiments, after receiving the sixth message sent by the AIOT device, the AIOT reader identifies the AIOT service request or AIOT session corresponding to the AIOT service response in the sixth response information based on the first identifier in the sixth message.

[0576] In some embodiments, after receiving the sixth message sent by the AIOT device, the AIOT reader identifies the AIOT service request or AIOT session corresponding to the AIOT service response in the sixth response information based on the second identifier in the sixth message.

[0577] In some embodiments, after receiving the sixth message sent by the AIOT device, the AIOT reader identifies the third network element based on the second identifier in the sixth message.

[0578] Step S2208: The AIOT reader sends the ninth message to the third network element.

[0579] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader sends a ninth message to the third network element corresponding to the second identifier. Therefore, the AIOT reader can identify the corresponding third network element based on the second identifier and send the corresponding response information to the corresponding third network element.

[0580] In some embodiments, the ninth message includes at least one of a fifth response information, a first identifier, and a second identifier, wherein the fifth response information contains an AIOT service response from one or more AIOT devices.

[0581] Optionally, the ninth message includes the fifth response information, and the ninth message includes the first identifier and / or the second identifier.

[0582] Optionally, if the sixth message includes a first identifier, the ninth message may include the first identifier. If the sixth message includes a second identifier, the ninth message may include the second identifier. If the sixth message includes both a first identifier and a second identifier, the ninth message may include both the first identifier and the second identifier.

[0583] In some embodiments, the third network element receives the ninth message sent by the AIOT reader.

[0584] In some embodiments, after receiving the ninth message sent by the AIOT reader, the third network element identifies the AIOT service request or AIOT session corresponding to the AIOT service response in the fifth response information based on the first identifier in the ninth message.

[0585] In some embodiments, after receiving the ninth message sent by the AIOT reader, the third network element identifies the AIOT service request or AIOT session corresponding to the AIOT service response in the fifth response information based on the second identifier in the ninth message.

[0586] In some embodiments, after receiving the ninth message sent by the AIOT reader, the third network element identifies the AIOT service request or AIOT session corresponding to the AIOT service response in the fifth response information based on the first and second identifiers in the ninth message.

[0587] In some embodiments, after receiving the ninth message sent by the AIOT reader, the third network element identifies itself based on the second identifier in the ninth message.

[0588] In some embodiments, since the AIOT reader receives AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT devices, when there are multiple AIOT service responses, these AIOT service responses may be associated with the same AIOT service request or different AIOT service requests from a second network element, and may be associated with the same third network element or different third network elements. Therefore, the AIOT reader can aggregate AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT devices according to the identifier.

[0589] Optionally, based on the first identifier and / or the second identifier, the AIOT reader includes / summarizes AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT devices in the fifth response information, wherein the AIOT service responses included in the fifth response information correspond to the same first identifier and / or the second identifier.

[0590] In some embodiments, based on a first identifier, the AIOT reader includes / summarizes AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT devices in a fifth response message, wherein the AIOT service responses included in the fifth response message correspond to the same first identifier.

[0591] In some embodiments, based on the second identifier, the AIOT reader includes / summarizes AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT devices in a fifth response message, wherein the AIOT service responses included in the fifth response message correspond to the same second identifier.

[0592] In some embodiments, based on a first identifier and a second identifier, the AIOT reader includes / summarizes AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT devices in a fifth response message. The AIOT service responses included in the fifth response message correspond to the same first identifier and second identifier. According to the above aggregation operation, the AIOT reader can aggregate AIOT service responses with the same identifier, so that AIOT service responses associated with the same AIOT service request and / or the same third network element are included in the same message and sent together to the third network element, avoiding multiple message sending to the third network element. The same identifier can mean that these AIOT service responses correspond to the same first identifier, or the same second identifier, or both the first identifier and the second identifier are the same. AIOT service responses associated with the same AIOT service request and / or the same third network element can be interpreted as these AIOT service responses being associated with the same AIOT service request and also associated with the same third network element, or as these AIOT service responses being associated with the same AIOT service request or the same third network element.

[0593] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader may not perform the aggregation operation.

[0594] The AIOT reader can be a UE node or a RAN node. Optionally, the ninth message is an Nx or Ny message.

[0595] Step S2209: The third network element sends the tenth message to the first network element.

[0596] The optional implementation of step S2209 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2111 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0597] In some embodiments, after receiving the ninth message, the third network element sends the tenth message to the first network element.

[0598] Step S2210: The first network element sends a first response message to the second network element.

[0599] The optional implementation of step S2210 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2112 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0600] According to the above embodiments, a first identifier for identifying AIoT service requests and / or a second identifier for identifying third network elements are allocated by the first network element. The first network element, the third network element, the AIoT reader, and the AIoT device can identify the corresponding AIoT session based on the first identifier and / or the second identifier. At least one of the AIoT reader, the third network element, and the first network element can aggregate request and response information based on the same first identifier and / or second identifier.

[0601] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2201 to S2210. For example, step S2203 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2204 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2205 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2206 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2207 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2208 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2209 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2201+step S2202+step S2203 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2203+step S2204+step S2205 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2206+step S2207 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2208+step S2209 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S2203+step S2204+step S2205+step S2206+step S2207+step S2208+step S2209 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but not limited thereto.

[0602] In some embodiments, steps S2201 to S2203 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously.

[0603] In some embodiments, steps S2201 to S2210 are all optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0604] 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.

[0605] Figure 3A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The interaction in Figure 3A can be applied to the architecture of an indirect communication path in a communication system. As shown in Figure 3A, the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0606] Step S3101: The second network element sends a first AIOT service request to the first network element.

[0607] The optional implementation of step S3101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0608] In some embodiments, the first network element receives a first AIoT service request sent by the second network element.

[0609] Step S3102: The first network element selects a third network element for the first AIoT service request.

[0610] The optional implementation of step S3102 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0611] Step S3103: The first network element assigns a corresponding first identifier to the first AIOT service request, and / or assigns a corresponding second identifier to the third network element.

[0612] The optional implementation of step S3103 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0613] In some embodiments, the first identifier is used to identify an AIoT service request or an AIoT session.

[0614] In some embodiments, the second identifier is used to identify the third network element.

[0615] In some embodiments, the second identifier is used to identify an AIoT service request or an AIoT session.

[0616] Step S3104: The first network element sends a first message to the third network element.

[0617] The optional implementation of step S3104 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0618] In some embodiments, the third network element receives the first message sent by the first network element.

[0619] In some embodiments, the first message includes at least one of a second AIoT service request, a first identifier, and a second identifier.

[0620] Step S3105: The third network element sends a second message to the fourth network element.

[0621] The optional implementation of step S3105 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2105 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0622] In some embodiments, the fourth network element receives the second message sent by the third network element.

[0623] In some embodiments, the second message includes at least one of a third AIoT service request, a first identifier, and a second identifier.

[0624] Step S3106: The fourth network element sends a third message to the AIOT reader.

[0625] The optional implementation of step S3106 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0626] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader receives a third message sent by a fourth network element.

[0627] In some embodiments, the third message includes at least one of a fourth AIoT service request, a first identifier, a second identifier, and a third identifier. Optionally, the third message includes at least one of a fourth AIoT service request, a first identifier, and a second identifier. Optionally, the third identifier is mapped from the second identifier. The fourth network element stores the mapping relationship between the second identifier and the third identifier for mutual mapping between the second identifier and the third identifier.

[0628] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader sends a fifth message to the AIOT device, the fifth message including at least one of a sixth AIOT service request, a first identifier, a second identifier, and a third identifier. Optionally, the fifth message includes at least one of a sixth AIOT service request, a first identifier, and a second identifier. Optionally, the fifth message includes at least one of a sixth AIOT service request, a first identifier, and a third identifier. Optionally, the AIOT device receives the fifth message sent by the AIOT reader. Optional implementations of the AIOT reader sending the fifth message to the AIOT device can be found in the optional implementations of step S2107 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0629] In some embodiments, the AIOT device sends a sixth message to the AIOT reader. The sixth message includes at least one of a sixth response information, a first identifier, a second identifier, and a third identifier. The sixth response information includes the AIOT service response of the AIOT device to the sixth AIOT service request. Optionally, the sixth message includes at least one of a sixth response information, a first identifier, and a second identifier. Optionally, the AIOT reader receives the sixth message sent by the AIOT device. Optional implementations of the AIOT device sending the sixth message to the AIOT reader can be found in the optional implementations of step S2108 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0630] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader sends a seventh message to the fourth network element. The seventh message includes at least one of a fourth response information, a first identifier, a second identifier, and a third identifier. The fourth response information contains an AIOT service response from one or more AIOT devices. Optionally, the seventh message includes at least one of the fourth response information, the first identifier, and the second identifier. Optionally, the seventh message includes at least one of the fourth response information, the first identifier, and the third identifier. Optionally, the fourth network element receives the seventh message sent by the AIOT reader. Optional implementations of the AIOT reader sending the seventh message to the fourth network element can be found in the optional implementations of step S2109 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, and will not be repeated here.

[0631] In some embodiments, the fourth network element sends an eighth message to the third network element corresponding to the second identifier based on the second identifier. The eighth message includes at least one of the third response information, the first identifier, and the second identifier. The third response information includes an AIOT service response from one or more AIOT devices. Optional implementations of the fourth network element sending the eighth message to the third network element can be found in the optional implementations of step S2110 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, and will not be repeated here.

[0632] In some embodiments, a third network element sends a tenth message to a first network element. The tenth message includes at least one of a second response information, a first identifier, and a second identifier. The second response information contains an AIOT service response from one or more AIOT devices. Optionally, the first network element receives the tenth message sent by the third network element. Optional implementations of the third network element sending the tenth message to the first network element can be found in the optional implementations of step S2111 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, and will not be repeated here.

[0633] In some embodiments, the first network element sends a first response information to the second network element, the first response information including an AIOT service response corresponding to the first AIOT service request. Optionally, the second network element receives the first response information sent by the first network element. Optional implementations of the first network element sending the first response information to the second network element can be found in the optional implementations of step S2112 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, and will not be repeated here.

[0634] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3106. For example, step S3103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3104 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3105 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3106 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3101+step S3102+step S3103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S3103+step S3104+step S3105+step S3106 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0635] In some embodiments, steps S3101 to S3103 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously.

[0636] In some embodiments, steps S3101 to S3106 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0637] 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.

[0638] Figure 3B is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The interaction in Figure 3B can be applied to the architecture of a direct communication path in a communication system. As shown in Figure 3B, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0639] Step S3201: The second network element sends a first AIOT service request to the first network element.

[0640] The optional implementation of step S3201 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2201 in Figure 2B and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0641] In some embodiments, the first network element receives a first AIoT service request sent by the second network element.

[0642] Step S3202: The first network element selects a third network element for the first AIoT service request.

[0643] The optional implementation of step S3202 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2202 in Figure 2B and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0644] Step S3203: The first network element assigns a corresponding first identifier to the first AIOT service request, and / or assigns a corresponding second identifier to the third network element.

[0645] The optional implementation of step S3203 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2203 in Figure 2B and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0646] In some embodiments, the first identifier is used to identify an AIoT service request or an AIoT session.

[0647] In some embodiments, the second identifier is used to identify the third network element.

[0648] In some embodiments, the second identifier is used to identify an AIoT service request or an AIoT session.

[0649] Step S3204: The first network element sends a first message to the third network element.

[0650] The optional implementation of step S3204 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2204 in Figure 2B and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0651] In some embodiments, the third network element receives the first message sent by the first network element.

[0652] In some embodiments, the first message includes at least one of a second AIoT service request, a first identifier, and a second identifier.

[0653] Step S3205: The third network element sends a fourth message to the AIOT reader.

[0654] The optional implementation of step S3205 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2205 in Figure 2B and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0655] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader receives a fourth message sent by a third network element.

[0656] In some embodiments, the fourth message includes at least one of a fifth AIoT service request, a first identifier, and a second identifier.

[0657] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader sends a fifth message to the AIOT device, the fifth message including at least one of a sixth AIOT service request, a first identifier, and a second identifier. Optionally, the AIOT device receives the fifth message sent by the AIOT reader. Optional implementations of the AIOT reader sending the fifth message to the AIOT device can be found in the optional implementations of step S2206 in Figure 2B and other related parts of the embodiments involved in Figure 2B, and will not be repeated here.

[0658] In some embodiments, the AIOT device sends a sixth message to the AIOT reader. The sixth message includes at least one of a sixth response information, a first identifier, and a second identifier. The sixth response information includes the AIOT service response of the AIOT device to the sixth AIOT service request. Optionally, the AIOT reader receives the sixth message sent by the AIOT device. Optional implementations of the AIOT device sending the sixth message to the AIOT reader can be found in the optional implementations of step S2207 in Figure 2B and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0659] In some embodiments, the AIOT reader sends a ninth message to the third network element corresponding to the second identifier based on the second identifier. The ninth message includes at least one of the fifth response information, the first identifier, and the second identifier. The fifth response information includes an AIOT service response from one or more AIOT devices. Optional implementations of the AIOT reader sending the ninth message to the third network element can be found in the optional implementations of step S2208 in Figure 2B and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0660] In some embodiments, a third network element sends a tenth message to a first network element. The tenth message includes at least one of a second response information, a first identifier, and a second identifier. The second response information contains an AIOT service response from one or more AIOT devices. Optionally, the first network element receives the tenth message sent by the third network element. Optional implementations of the third network element sending the tenth message to the first network element can be found in the optional implementations of step S2209 in Figure 2B and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2B, and will not be repeated here.

[0661] In some embodiments, the first network element sends a first response information to the second network element, the first response information including an AIOT service response corresponding to the first AIOT service request. Optionally, the second network element receives the first response information sent by the first network element. Optional implementations of the first network element sending the first response information to the second network element can be found in the optional implementations of step S2210 in Figure 2B and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2B, and will not be repeated here.

[0662] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S3201 to S3205. For example, step S3203 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3204 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3205 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3201+step S3202+step S3203 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S3203+step S3204+step S3205 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0663] In some embodiments, steps S3201 to S3203 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously.

[0664] In some embodiments, steps S3201 to S3205 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0665] 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.

[0666] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a communication method interaction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes the following steps:

[0667] 1. The AF sends a service request to the NEF, including an AIoT service request message and parameters, to identify the target AIoT device, the target reader, and specific parameters for service operation. The AIoT service request message includes inventory messages or command messages, etc.

[0668] 2. NEF determines the AIOTF of the requested operation.

[0669] The NEF assigns a notification correlation ID (whose name is not limited, but can also be called AIOT session ID, request ID, task ID, etc.) to requests received from the AF. The notification correlation ID is a session-level parameter used to distinguish requests from the AF. The notification correlation ID is provided to the AIOTF and the reader to identify the AIOT session. The notification correlation ID can refer to the first identifier in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0670] For each selected AIOTF, NEF assigns a correlation ID (the name is not limited; it can also be called AIOT correlation ID, correlation identifier, etc.). The correlation ID can identify the AIOTF or be a session-level parameter identifying the AIOTF session. For example, the correlation ID can be the AIOTF's ID or the AIOTF's IP address that can identify the AIOTF. The correlation ID is provided to the AIOTF, AMF, and readers that can identify the AIOTF. The correlation ID can refer to the second identifier in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0671] 3. NEF invokes new service operations to AIOTF, such as an Nnef_AIoT_inventory request or an Nnef_AIoT_command request. The message includes the received or mapped target AIoT device ID, the target reader ID, and service operation-specific parameters, as well as an inventory message or command message. Assigned notification-related IDs and / or related IDs are also provided to AIOTF.

[0672] 4. Select AIOT reader for AIOTF.

[0673] AIOTF selects the initial reader in one of two ways:

[0674] The AF provides information to determine which readers should be included in the initial reader selection network. This information may identify one or more readers used for the request. If the AF provides a single UE reader ID for the operation via the NEF, the reader corresponding to that ID will be selected.

[0675] If no reader selection information or UE reader ID is provided, AIOTF will determine which (or which) readers to use based on the implementation. For example, AIOTF may pre-configure the readers to use or take into account the last known location of the target AIoT device being requested.

[0676] 5. AIOTF determines the ID of the AIoT device based on the information provided by AF and incorporates it into the paging information of the AIoT wireless interface in order to locate the AIoT device.

[0677] 6. AIOTF sends an inventory request or a command request to the reader.

[0678] Case a. Indirect communication, inventory requests or command requests are transmitted via AMF.

[0679] The reader can be a UE or a RAN node. For UE readers, the N1 message is used. For RAN node readers, the N2 message (such as NGAP message) is used.

[0680] 6a-1. AIOTF calls Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer to AMF, including inventory requests or command requests, notification related IDs and / or related IDs.

[0681] The notification-related ID can be a parameter included in the inventory request or command request, or it can be transmitted along with the inventory request or command request.

[0682] For UE readers, inventory requests or command requests are contained in the N1 message container; for RAN node readers, inventory requests or command requests are contained in the N2 message container.

[0683] For example, AIOTF->AMF: Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message(inventory request / command request(notification correlation ID),correlation ID).

[0684] 6a-2. The AMF can optionally map related IDs to routing IDs (the name is not limited, for example, it can also be called a routing identifier or AIOT routing identifier). The AMF stores the mapping between related IDs and routing IDs. N1 or N2 messages include inventory requests or command requests, as well as notifications of related IDs and / or routing IDs. The routing ID can refer to the third identifier in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0685] AMF can also use the relevant ID directly without mapping. N1 or N2 messages include inventory requests or command requests, as well as notifications of the relevant ID and / or related ID.

[0686] For UE readers, the message is a NAS message, such as a DL NAS TRANSPORT message. Inventory requests or command requests are contained in a new container (such as an AIoT container), and the relevant ID or routing ID is contained in the message's additional IE.

[0687] For example, AMF->UE: DL NAS TRANSPROT(inventory request / command request(notification correlation ID),routing ID).

[0688] For the RAN node reader, the message is a new NGAP message.

[0689] Scenario b: Direct communication, where inventory requests or command requests are directly transmitted to the reader.

[0690] 6b.AIOTF->Reader:Nx / Ny message(inventory request / command request(notification correlation ID),correlation ID).

[0691] 7. The reader sends the received inventory request or command request, along with the notification-related ID and / or related ID (or routing ID), to the AIoT device and obtains a response from the AIoT device. The notification-related ID can be included in the request and response information. The AIoT device can identify the task based on the notification-related ID.

[0692] For response information from one or more AIoT devices that have the same notification-related ID and / or related ID (or routing ID), the reader can aggregate the response information and send the aggregated response information to AIOTF.

[0693] 8a-1. The reader sends a disk storage response / command response to the AMF, along with the received relevant ID (or route ID) and / or notification relevant ID.

[0694] For UE readers, the message is a NAS message, such as a UL NAS TRANSPORT message. The inventory response or command response is contained in a new container (e.g., an AIoT container), and the relevant ID or routing ID is contained in the message's appended IE. Notification related IDs may be included in the inventory response or command response.

[0695] For the RAN reader, the message is a new NGAP message.

[0696] 8a-2. The AMF maps route IDs to associated IDs. The AMF forwards received information to the AIOTF determined by the route ID or associated ID.

[0697] For RAN nodes, the message is, for example: Namf_Communication_N2MessageNotify(inventory response(s) / command response(s)(notification correlation ID),correlation ID).

[0698] For the UE, the message is, for example: Namf_Communication_N1MessageNotify(inventory response(s) / command response(s)(notification correlation ID),correlation ID).

[0699] 8b. The reader sends an Nx or Ny message to AIOTF, including a disk response or command response, and the relevant ID and / or notification of the relevant ID.

[0700] 9. AIOTF identifies the session based on the notification-related ID and / or related ID. AIOTF provides the operation results to NEF. Results from multiple AIoT devices can be included / aggregated into the service response and have the same notification-related ID and / or related ID.

[0701] 10. NEF identifies sessions based on the same notification-related ID and / or related ID. NEF provides inventory responses or command responses to AF.

[0702] In the above embodiments, the NEF assigns a relevant ID and / or a notification relevant ID. The NEF, AIOTF, reader, and AIoT device can identify the corresponding AIOT session based on the relevant ID and / or notification relevant ID. The reader, AIOTF, and NEF can aggregate request and response information based on the same relevant ID and / or notification relevant ID. For indirect communication paths between the AIOTF and the reader, the AMF can route AIOT service information to the AIOTF identified by the relevant ID.

[0703] In some embodiments, some or all of the above steps are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0704] 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.

[0705] 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. The terminal may be an AIoT device or an AIoT reader.

[0706] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0707] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a 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 using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (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), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0708] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first network element proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The first network element 5100 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5A, the first network element 5100 may include at least one of a transceiver module 5101, a processing module 5102, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module is used to receive a first AIOT service request sent by a second network element. The processing module is used to select a third network element for the first AIOT service request. The processing module is also used to assign a corresponding first identifier to the first AIOT service request, and / or assign a corresponding second identifier to the third network element. Optionally, the transceiver module is used to execute at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S2104, S2112, S2204, S2210, but not limited thereto) performed by the first network element in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. Optionally, the above processing module is used to execute at least one of the other steps executed by the first network element in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S2102, S2103, S2202, S2203, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0709] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third network element proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The third network element 5200 is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5B, the third network element 5200 may include at least one of: a transceiver module 5201, a processing module 5202, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module is used to receive a first message sent by the first network element, the first message including at least one of a second AIOT service request, a first identifier assigned by the first network element and associated with the first AIOT service request from the second network element, and a second identifier assigned by the first network element and associated with the third network element. Optionally, the transceiver module is used to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S2105, S2111, S2205, S2209, but not limited thereto) performed by the third network element in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the third network element in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0710] Figure 5C is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fourth network element proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The fourth network element 5300 is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5C, the fourth network element 5300 may include at least one of: a transceiver module 5301, a processing module 5302, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module is used to receive a second message sent by a third network element, the second message including at least one of a third AIOT service request, a first identifier assigned by a first network element and associated with a first AIOT service request from a second network element, and a second identifier assigned by a first network element and associated with a third network element. Optionally, the transceiver module is used to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S2106, S2110, but not limited thereto) performed by the fourth network element in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the fourth network element in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0711] Figure 5D is a schematic diagram of the structure of an AIOT reader according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The AIOT reader 5400 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5D, the AIOT reader 5400 may include at least one of a transceiver module 5401, a processing module 5402, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module is used to receive a third message sent by a fourth network element, the third message including at least one of a fourth AIOT service request, a first identifier assigned by a first network element and associated with a first AIOT service request from a second network element, a second identifier assigned by the first network element and associated with a third network element, and a third identifier mapped from the second identifier. Optionally, the transceiver module is used to execute at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S2107, S2109, but not limited thereto) performed by the AIOT reader in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module is used to execute at least one of the other steps performed by the AIOT reader in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0712] Figure 5E is a schematic diagram of the structure of an AIOT reader according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The AIOT reader 5500 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5E, the AIOT reader 5500 may include at least one of a transceiver module 5501, a processing module 5502, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module is used to receive a fourth message sent by a third network element, the fourth message including at least one of a fifth AIOT service request, a first identifier assigned by a first network element and associated with a first AIOT service request from a second network element, and a second identifier assigned by the first network element and associated with a third network element. Optionally, the transceiver module is used to execute at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S2206, S2208, but not limited thereto) performed by the AIOT reader in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module is used to execute at least one of the other steps performed by the AIOT reader in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0713] 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.

[0714] 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.

[0715] In some embodiments, the processing module can be replaced by the processor, and the transceiver module can be replaced by the transceiver.

[0716] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 6100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 6100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 6100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments. The terminal can be an AIoT device or an AIoT reader.

[0717] 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.

[0718] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more transceivers 6102. When the communication device 6100 includes one or more transceivers 6102, the transceiver 6102 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S2101, S2104-S2112, S2201, S2204-S2210, but not limited thereto), and the processor 6101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S2102, S2103, S2202, S2203, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0719] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more memories 6103 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, one or more processors 6101 are used to invoke instructions stored in the memory 6103 to cause the communication device 6100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, all or part of the memory 6103 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 6103 and can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memory 6103 or other devices, and can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memory 6103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 6104 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memory 6103 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 6101.

[0720] 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.

[0721] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 6200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 6100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of chip 6200 shown in Figure 6B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0722] Chip 6200 includes one or more processors 6201. Chip 6200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0723] 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.

[0724] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 6202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., steps S2101, S2104-S2112, S2201, S2204-S2210, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 6202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method refers, for example, to the interface circuit 6202 performing data and / or instruction interaction between the processor 6201, the chip 6200, the memory 6203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 6201 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S2102, S2103, S2202, S2203, but not limited thereto).

[0725] 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.

[0726] 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.

[0727] 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.

[0728] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method, executed by a first network element, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive the first environmental IoT AIoT service request sent by the second network element; Select a third network element for the first AIoT service request; Assign a corresponding first identifier to the first AIoT service request, and / or assign a corresponding second identifier to the third network element.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a first message to the third network element, the first message including at least one of a second AIoT service request, the first identifier, and the second identifier.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: The system receives a tenth message sent by the third network element. The tenth message includes at least one of a second response information, a first identifier, and a second identifier. The second response information contains an AIOT service response from one or more AIOT devices.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the second identifier in the tenth message, the corresponding third network element is determined; and / or, Based on the first identifier and / or the second identifier in the tenth message, determine the corresponding first AIOT service request and AIOT service response.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a first response message to the second network element. The first response message includes the AIOT service response corresponding to the first AIOT service request.

6. A communication method, executed by a third network element, characterized in that, The method includes: The system receives a first message sent by a first network element, the first message including at least one of a second AIOT service request, a first identifier assigned by the first network element and associated with the first AIOT service request from the second network element, and a second identifier assigned by the first network element and associated with the third network element.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: A second message is sent to the fourth network element. The second message includes at least one of a third AIOT service request, the first identifier, and the second identifier. The second message is used by the fourth network element to send a third message to the AIOT reader.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: The system receives an eighth message sent by a fourth network element. The eighth message includes at least one of a third response information, a first identifier, and a second identifier. The third response information contains an AIOT service response from one or more AIOT devices.

9. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: A fourth message is sent to the AIOT reader, the fourth message including at least one of a fifth AIOT service request, the first identifier, and the second identifier.

10. The method according to claim 6 or 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a ninth message sent by an AIOT reader, the ninth message including at least one of a fifth response information, a first identifier, and a second identifier, the fifth response information containing an AIOT service response from one or more AIOT devices.

11. The method according to any one of claims 6-10, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a tenth message to the first network element. The tenth message includes at least one of a second response information, a first identifier, and a second identifier. The second response information contains an AIOT service response from one or more AIOT devices.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the first identifier and / or the second identifier, an AIOT service response from one or more AIOT devices is included in a second response information, wherein the AIOT service response included in the second response information corresponds to the same first identifier and / or second identifier.

13. A communication method, executed by a fourth network element, characterized in that, The method includes: The system receives a second message sent by a third network element. The second message includes at least one of the following: a third AIOT service request, a first identifier assigned by the first network element and associated with the first AIOT service request from the second network element, and a second identifier assigned by the first network element and associated with the third network element.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: A third message is sent to the AIOT reader, the third message including at least one of a fourth AIOT service request, the first identifier, and the second identifier.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a seventh message sent by the AIOT reader, the seventh message including at least one of the fourth response information, the first identifier, and the second identifier.

16. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: Map the second identifier in the second message to the third identifier; A third message is sent to the AIOT reader, the third message including at least one of a fourth AIOT service request, the first identifier, and the third identifier.

17. The method according to claim 13 or 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a seventh message sent by the AIOT reader, the seventh message including at least one of the fourth response information, the first identifier, and the third identifier; Map the third identifier in the seventh message to the second identifier.

18. The method according to any one of claims 13-17, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send an eighth message to the third network element corresponding to the second identifier. The eighth message includes at least one of the third response information, the first identifier, and the second identifier. The third response information includes an AIOT service response from one or more AIOT devices.

19. A communication method executed by an AIOT reader, characterized in that, The method includes: The third message sent by the fourth network element is received. The third message includes at least one of the following: a fourth AIOT service request, a first identifier assigned by the first network element and associated with the first AIOT service request from the second network element, a second identifier assigned by the first network element and associated with the third network element, and a third identifier mapped from the second identifier.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a fifth message to the AIoT device, the fifth message including at least one of a sixth AIoT service request, the first identifier, the second identifier, and the third identifier.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The method further includes: The AIOT device receives a sixth message, which includes at least one of a sixth response message, a first identifier, a second identifier, and a third identifier. The sixth response message includes the AIOT device's AIOT service response to the sixth AIOT service request.

22. The method according to any one of claims 19-21, characterized in that, The method further includes: A seventh message is sent to the fourth network element. The seventh message includes at least one of the fourth response information, the first identifier, the second identifier, and the third identifier. The fourth response information includes an AIOT service response from one or more AIOT devices.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the first identifier and / or the second identifier, AIOT service responses from one or more AIoT devices are included in the fourth response information, wherein the AIOT service responses included in the fourth response information correspond to the same first identifier and / or second identifier; or, Based on the first identifier and / or the third identifier, AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT devices are included in a fourth response information, wherein the AIOT service responses included in the fourth response information correspond to the same first identifier and / or third identifier.

24. A communication method executed by an AIOT reader, characterized in that, The method includes: The system receives a fourth message sent by a third network element, the fourth message including at least one of a fifth AIOT service request, a first identifier assigned by the first network element and associated with the first AIOT service request from the second network element, and a second identifier assigned by the first network element and associated with the third network element.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a fifth message to the AIoT device, the fifth message including at least one of a sixth AIoT service request, the first identifier, and the second identifier.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that, The method further includes: The AIOT device receives a sixth message, which includes at least one of a sixth response message, a first identifier, and a second identifier. The sixth response message contains the AIOT service response of the AIOT device to the sixth AIOT service request.

27. The method according to any one of claims 24-26, characterized in that, The method further includes: A ninth message is sent to the third network element corresponding to the second identifier. The ninth message includes at least one of the fifth response information, the first identifier, and the second identifier. The fifth response information includes an AIOT service response from one or more AIOT devices.

28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the first identifier and / or the second identifier, AIOT service responses from one or more AIOT devices are included in a fourth response information, wherein the AIOT service responses included in the fourth response information correspond to the same first identifier and / or second identifier.

29. A first network element, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is configured to receive the first AIoT service request sent by the second network element; The processing module is configured to select a third network element for the first AIoT service request; The processing module is further configured to assign a corresponding first identifier to the first AIOT service request, and / or to assign a corresponding second identifier to the third network element.

30. A third network element, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is configured to receive a first message sent by a first network element. The first message includes at least one of the following: a second AIOT service request, a first identifier assigned by the first network element and associated with the first AIOT service request from the second network element, and a second identifier assigned by the first network element and associated with a third network element.

31. A fourth network element, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is configured to receive a second message sent by a third network element. The second message includes at least one of the following: a third AIOT service request, a first identifier assigned by a first network element and associated with the first AIOT service request from the second network element, and a second identifier assigned by the first network element and associated with the third network element.

32. An AIoT reader, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is configured to receive a third message sent by a fourth network element. The third message includes at least one of the following: a fourth AIOT service request, a first identifier assigned by a first network element and associated with a first AIOT service request from a second network element, a second identifier assigned by a first network element and associated with a third network element, and a third identifier mapped from the second identifier.

33. An AIoT reader, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is configured to receive a fourth message sent by a third network element. The fourth message includes at least one of the following: a fifth AIOT service request, a first identifier assigned by a first network element and associated with the first AIOT service request from a second network element, and a second identifier assigned by a first network element and associated with the third network element.

34. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is used to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 1-5, 6-12, 13-18, 19-23, 24-28.

35. A communication system, characterized in that, The device includes a first network element, a third network element, a fourth network element, and an AIOT reader. The first network element is configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 1-5, the third network element is configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 6-8 and 11-12, the fourth network element is configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 13-18, and the AIOT reader is configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 19-23.

36. A communication system, characterized in that, The device includes a first network element, a third network element, and an AIOT reader, wherein the first network element is configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 1-5, the third network element is configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 6, 9-12, and the AIOT reader is configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 24-28.

37. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instruction is executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-5, 6-12, 13-18, 19-23, and 24-28.

38. 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 1-5, 6-12, 13-18, 19-23, and 24-28.

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