Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications. Provided are a communication method and apparatus. The method comprises: a core network element sending a first message to an access network node, so as to request inventory, wherein the first message includes first information and a first identifier, the first information indicates a command to be sent subsequently, and the first identifier is used for identifying the inventory and the command; and when the command associated with the first identifier terminates, the core network element sending a fourth message to the access network node to indicate the completion of sending of the command associated with the first identifier, such that the access network node no longer maintains resources related to the command associated with the first identifier; and / or, when the inventory and the command that are associated with the first identifier terminate, the core network element sending a fifth message to the access network node to indicate the termination of the inventory and the command that are associated with the first identifier, such that the access network node no longer maintains resources related to the command and the inventory that are associated with the first identifier. Therefore, the method can increase the utilization rate of AIoT radio resources and reduce the power consumption of an access network node.

Description

Communication methods and devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510392996.3, filed on March 28, 2025, entitled "Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to communication methods and apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] With the development of communication technology, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) introduced Ambient Internet of Things (AIoT or A-IoT) technology. This AIoT technology can be implemented based on cellular network communication infrastructure. For example, the function of a reader in AIoT can be implemented by access network nodes in the cellular network. That is, access network nodes can instruct AIoT devices to perform AIoT services, such as inventory, location, sensing, or commands—one or more of these services.

[0004] Currently, in the inventory and command process, after the access network node receives the inventory request message from the core network (CN), it allocates identification information and AIoT radio resources to the AIoT device and continuously maintains the AIoT device context containing the above information, resulting in low utilization of AIoT radio resources and high power consumption of the access network node. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can improve the utilization rate of AIoT wireless resources and reduce the power consumption of access network nodes.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] Firstly, a communication method is provided that can be applied to the network side, such as core network elements, modules (e.g., processors, circuits, chips or chip systems) within core network elements, or logical nodes, logical modules or software that can implement all or part of the functions of core network elements.

[0008] Taking the application of this method to a core network element as an example, the method includes: sending a first message to an access network node, the first message requesting inventory, the first message containing first information and a first identifier, the first information indicating that a command will be sent subsequently, and the first identifier being used to identify the inventory and the command; sending a second message to the access network node, the second message requesting a first device to execute a first command; receiving a third message from the access network node, the third message indicating a first feedback result of the first device executing the first command; if the first feedback result indicates successful execution, sending one or more of a fourth message or a fifth message to the access network node; wherein, the fourth message indicates one or more of the following: the command associated with the first identifier has been sent, or the first resource has been released; the fifth message indicates one or more of the following: the inventory and command associated with the first identifier have ended, or the first resource and the second resource have been released; the first resource is related to the command associated with the first identifier, and the second resource is related to the inventory associated with the first identifier.

[0009] Based on the method provided in the first aspect above, the core network element can send a fourth message to the access network node, enabling the access network node to determine that the command associated with the first identifier has been sent, thereby releasing the resources related to the command associated with the first identifier. And / or, the core network element can send a fifth message to the access network node, enabling the access network node to determine that the inventory and command associated with the first identifier have ended, thereby releasing the resources related to the inventory and command associated with the first identifier. In summary, the access network node can learn the current service execution status (such as whether the command has been sent, or whether the inventory and command have ended) according to the instructions of the core network element, and thus release the corresponding resources according to the service execution status, thereby improving radio resource utilization and reducing the power consumption of the access network node.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a sixth message to the access network node, the sixth message requesting the second device to execute the second command; receiving a seventh message from the access network node, the seventh message indicating a second feedback result of the second device executing the second command; and, if the first feedback result indicates successful execution, sending one or more of a fourth message or a fifth message to the access network node, including: sending one or more of a fourth message or a fifth message to the access network node if both the first and second feedback results indicate successful execution.

[0011] Based on the above implementation, when the second device also has a command, the core network element can send a fourth message and / or a fifth message to the access network node if the second device successfully executes the command.

[0012] In one possible implementation, before sending the fourth message to the access network node, the method further includes: receiving an eighth message from the access network node, the eighth message being used to inquire whether the command associated with the first identifier has been sent, or to inquire whether the first resource has been released.

[0013] Based on the above implementation, the access network node can query the execution status of the command associated with the first identifier through the eighth message to confirm whether to release the first resource.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: determining a first ratio, the first ratio being the ratio of a first quantity to a second quantity, the first quantity being the number of devices executing commands associated with a first identifier, and the second quantity being the number of devices executing inventory associated with the first identifier; and first information indicating that commands will be sent subsequently, including: the first information indicating the first ratio.

[0015] Based on the above implementation method, access network nodes can learn about the execution status of command services according to the first ratio.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: obtaining information about M devices associated with the execution of the first identifier, where M is a positive integer; the first information indicates that a command will be sent subsequently, including: the first information indicates that all or some of the M devices have a command.

[0017] Based on the above implementation method, the access network node can determine whether all devices to be inventoried need to execute commands.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the first information indicates that commands will be sent subsequently, including: the first information indicates that N rounds of commands will be sent subsequently, where N is a positive integer.

[0019] Based on the above implementation method, access network nodes can know how many rounds of commands the core network element needs to send.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: determining the end of the inventory associated with the first identifier; and sending a ninth message to the access network node, the ninth message indicating that the execution of the inventory associated with the first identifier should be stopped.

[0021] Based on the above implementation method, the core network element can instruct the access network node to stop inventory as needed, so that the access network node does not need to continue to allocate inventory resources, thereby saving radio resources.

[0022] In one possible implementation, determining to terminate the inventory associated with the first identifier includes: determining that a first device needs to be inventoried, receiving a tenth message from an access network node, and determining to terminate the inventory associated with the first identifier based on the tenth message; wherein the tenth message includes an identifier of the first device; or, determining that the first device needs to be inventoried, and no message containing the identifier of the first device is received within a first time period; or, determining that the first device needs to be inventoried, and no message containing the device identifier is received within a second time period; or, receiving second information from a server, and determining to terminate the inventory associated with the first identifier based on the second information; wherein the second information indicates that the inventory associated with the first identifier should be stopped.

[0023] Based on the above implementation, core network elements can determine whether to terminate the inventory associated with the first identifier in multiple ways to adapt to different communication scenarios.

[0024] In one possible implementation, determining the end of the inventory associated with the first identifier further includes: determining that a second device needs to be inventoried, receiving an eleventh message from the access network node, the eleventh message including the identifier of the second device; determining the end of the inventory associated with the first identifier based on the tenth message includes: determining the end of the inventory associated with the first identifier based on the tenth message and the eleventh message.

[0025] Based on the above implementation method, when a core network element determines that it needs to inventory the first device and the second device, the core network element can determine to end the inventory associated with the first identifier upon receiving the identifiers of the first device and the second device.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the ninth message also indicates whether the device that has already performed inventory has any further commands.

[0027] Based on the above implementation method, the access network node can determine whether the core network element still needs to send a command.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a twelfth message to the access network node upon completion of the inventory execution associated with the first identifier; the twelfth message indicates one or more of the following: the inventory execution associated with the first identifier has ended, or the second resource has been released.

[0029] Based on the above implementation method, the access network node can determine the end of the disk storage associated with the first identifier, thereby releasing the second resource and improving the utilization rate of wireless resources.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the first message further indicates the number of devices performing the inventory check, the number of devices performing the inventory check being used to determine whether the inventory check associated with the first identifier has been completed; the method further includes: receiving a thirteenth message from an access network node, the thirteenth message indicating that the inventory check associated with the first identifier has ended.

[0031] Based on the above implementation method, core network elements can confirm whether to end the inventory associated with the first identifier based on the thirteenth message.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the thirteenth message indicates the end of inventory associated with the first identifier, including: the thirteenth message being an inventory report message that does not include a device identifier, or the inventory report message including an inventory end indication; or, the thirteenth message being an inventory completion message.

[0033] Based on the above implementation, access network nodes can indicate the end of inventory associated with the first identifier to core network elements in various ways to adapt to different communication scenarios.

[0034] Secondly, a communication method is provided that can be applied to the network side, such as access network nodes on the network side, modules (e.g., processors, circuits, chips or chip systems) in access network nodes, or logical nodes, logical modules or software that can realize all or part of the functions of access network nodes.

[0035] Taking the application of this method to an access network node as an example, the method includes: receiving a first message from a core network element, the first message requesting inventory, the first message containing first information and a first identifier, the first information indicating that a command will be sent subsequently, and the first identifier being used to identify inventory and the command; receiving a second message from a core network element, the second message requesting a first device to execute a first command; sending a third message to the core network element, the third message indicating a first feedback result of the first device executing the first command; if the first feedback result indicates successful execution, receiving one or more of a fourth or fifth message from the core network element; wherein, the fourth message indicates one or more of the following: the command associated with the first identifier has been sent, or the first resource has been released; the fifth message indicates one or more of the following: the inventory and command associated with the first identifier have ended, or the first and second resources have been released; the first resource is related to the command associated with the first identifier, and the second resource is related to the inventory associated with the first identifier.

[0036] Based on the method provided in the second aspect above, the access network node can receive a fourth message from the core network element to determine that the command associated with the first identifier has been sent, and then release the resources related to the command associated with the first identifier. And / or, the access network node can receive a fifth message from the core network element to determine that the inventory and command associated with the first identifier have been sent, and then release the resources related to the inventory and command associated with the first identifier. In summary, the access network node can learn the current service execution status (such as whether the command has been sent, or whether the inventory and command have ended) according to the instructions of the core network element, and thus release the corresponding resources according to the service execution status, thereby improving radio resource utilization and reducing the power consumption of the access network node.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a sixth message from a core network element, the sixth message requesting the second device to execute a second command; sending a seventh message to the core network element, the seventh message indicating a second feedback result for the second device to execute the second command; and, if the first feedback result indicates successful execution, receiving one or more of a fourth or fifth message from the core network element, including: receiving one or more of a fourth or fifth message from the core network element if both the first and second feedback results indicate successful execution.

[0038] Based on the above implementation, when the second device also has a command, the core network element can send a fourth message and / or a fifth message to the access network node if the second device successfully executes the command.

[0039] In one possible implementation, before receiving the fourth message from the core network element, the method further includes: sending an eighth message to the core network element, the eighth message being used to inquire whether the command associated with the first identifier has been sent, or to inquire whether the first resource has been released.

[0040] Based on the above implementation, the access network node can query the execution status of the command associated with the first identifier through the eighth message to confirm whether to release the first resource.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the first information indicates that a command will be sent subsequently, including: the first information indicates a first ratio, the first ratio being the ratio of a first quantity to a second quantity, the first quantity being the number of devices executing the command associated with the first identifier, and the second quantity being the number of devices executing the inventory associated with the first identifier.

[0042] Based on the above implementation method, the access network node can know the execution status of the command service according to the first ratio.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the first information indicates that a command will be sent subsequently, including: the first information indicates that all or some of the M devices have a command, the M devices are devices that execute the disk associated with the first identifier, and M is a positive integer.

[0044] Based on the above implementation method, the access network node can determine whether all devices to be inventoried need to execute commands.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the first information indicates that commands will be sent subsequently, including: the first information indicates that N rounds of commands will be sent subsequently, where N is a positive integer.

[0046] Based on the above implementation method, access network nodes can know how many rounds of commands the core network element needs to send.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a ninth message from a core network element, the ninth message indicating that the inventory associated with the first identifier should be stopped.

[0048] Based on the above implementation method, access network nodes can stop allocating disk storage resources to save wireless resources.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the ninth message also indicates whether the device that has already performed the inventory has any further commands.

[0050] Based on the above implementation method, the access network node can determine whether the core network element still needs to send a command.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the method further includes receiving a twelfth message from a core network element, the twelfth message indicating one or more of the following: the inventory associated with the first identifier has ended, or the second resource has been released.

[0052] Based on the above implementation method, the access network node can determine that the disk associated with the first identifier has ended, thereby releasing the second resource to improve the utilization rate of wireless resources.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the first message also indicates the number of devices performing the inventory check, and the method further includes: determining the completion of the inventory check associated with the first identifier based on the number of devices performing the inventory check; and sending a thirteenth message to the core network element, the thirteenth message indicating the end of the inventory check associated with the first identifier.

[0054] Based on the above implementation, the access network node can send a corresponding instruction to the core network element after determining that the inventory associated with the first identifier has been completed, so that the core network element can confirm whether to end the inventory associated with the first identifier.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the thirteenth message indicates the end of inventory associated with the first identifier, including: the thirteenth message being an inventory report message that does not include a device identifier, or the inventory report message including an inventory end indication; or, the thirteenth message being an inventory completion message.

[0056] Based on the above implementation, access network nodes can indicate the end of inventory associated with the first identifier to core network elements in various ways to adapt to different communication scenarios.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the method further includes one or more of the following operations: if the inventory associated with the first identifier has ended, sending a fourteenth message to the first device, the fourteenth message indicating that the inventory associated with the first identifier has ended; or, if the command associated with the first identifier has ended, sending a fifteenth message to the first device, the fifteenth message indicating that the command associated with the first identifier has ended; or, if both the inventory associated with the first identifier and the command associated with the first identifier have ended, sending a sixteenth message to the first device, the sixteenth message indicating that both the inventory associated with the first identifier and the command have ended.

[0058] Based on the above implementation, the access network node can indicate to the first device that the inventory associated with the first identifier has ended when the inventory is completed, thus enabling the first device to determine that it does not need to perform an inventory. And / or, the access network node can indicate to the first device that the command associated with the first identifier has ended when the command associated with the first identifier has ended, thus enabling the first device to determine that it no longer needs to execute commands. And / or, the access network node can indicate to the first device that both the inventory and command associated with the first identifier have ended when both have been completed, thus enabling the first device to determine that the inventory and command services have ended.

[0059] Thirdly, a communication method is provided that can be applied to the network side, such as access network nodes on the network side, modules (e.g., processors, circuits, chips or chip systems) in access network nodes, or logical nodes, logical modules or software that can realize all or part of the functions of access network nodes.

[0060] Taking the application of this method to an access network node as an example, the method includes: receiving a first message from a core network element, the first message requesting inventory, the first message containing first information and a first identifier, the first information indicating that a command will be sent subsequently, and the first identifier being used to identify the inventory and the command; receiving a second message from a core network element, the second message indicating one or more of the following: the command associated with the first identifier has been sent, or the first resource has been released; the first resource is related to the command associated with the first identifier; and, if it is determined that the inventory associated with the first identifier has been completed, sending a third message to the core network element, the third message indicating that the inventory and command associated with the first identifier have ended.

[0061] Based on the method provided in the third aspect above, the access network node can indicate to the core network element that the disk storage and command associated with the first identifier have ended when it is determined that the command associated with the first identifier has been sent and the disk storage associated with the first identifier has been executed. This allows the core network element to confirm whether to end the disk storage and command associated with the first identifier, thereby releasing the resources related to the disk storage and command associated with the first identifier in a timely manner, improving the utilization rate of radio resources, and reducing the power consumption of the access network node.

[0062] In one possible implementation, the first information indicates that a command will be sent subsequently, including: the first information indicates a first ratio, the first ratio being the ratio of a first quantity to a second quantity, the first quantity being the number of devices executing the command associated with the first identifier, and the second quantity being the number of devices executing the inventory associated with the first identifier.

[0063] Based on the above implementation method, the access network node can know the execution status of the command service according to the first ratio.

[0064] In one possible implementation, the first information indicates that a command will be sent subsequently, including: the first information indicates that all or some of the M devices have a command, the M devices are devices that execute the disk associated with the first identifier, and M is a positive integer.

[0065] Based on the above implementation method, the access network node can determine whether all devices to be inventoried need to execute commands.

[0066] In one possible implementation, the first information indicates that commands will be sent subsequently, including: the first information indicates that N rounds of commands will be sent subsequently, where N is a positive integer.

[0067] Based on the above implementation method, the access network node can know how many rounds of commands the core network element needs to send.

[0068] In one possible implementation, the method further includes receiving a fourth message from a core network element, the fourth message indicating that the inventory associated with the first identifier should be stopped.

[0069] Based on the above implementation method, access network nodes can stop allocating disk storage resources to save wireless resources.

[0070] In one possible implementation, the fourth message also indicates whether the device that has already performed inventory has any further commands.

[0071] Based on the above implementation method, the access network node can determine whether the core network element still needs to send a command.

[0072] In one possible implementation, before receiving the second message from the core network element, the method further includes: sending a fifth message to the core network element, the fifth message being used to inquire whether the command associated with the first identifier has been sent, or to inquire whether the first resource has been released.

[0073] Based on the above implementation, the access network node can query the execution status of the command associated with the first identifier through the fifth message to confirm whether to release the first resource.

[0074] In one possible implementation, determining that the inventory execution associated with the first identifier is complete includes: receiving a sixth message from a core network element, the sixth message indicating that the inventory execution associated with the first identifier is complete; and determining that the inventory execution associated with the first identifier is complete based on the sixth message.

[0075] Based on the above implementation, the access network node can determine the completion of the disk execution associated with the first identifier according to the instructions of the core network element, and then release the resources related to the disk associated with the first identifier. Therefore, the above method can improve the utilization rate of radio resources and reduce the power consumption of the access network node.

[0076] In one possible implementation, the first message further indicates the number of devices performing the inventory; determining the completion of inventory execution associated with the first identifier includes: determining the completion of inventory execution associated with the first identifier based on the number of devices performing the inventory.

[0077] Based on the above implementation, the access network node can determine the completion of the inventory process associated with the first identifier based on the number of devices performing the inventory check, and then release the resources related to the inventory check associated with the first identifier. Therefore, this method can improve the utilization rate of wireless resources and reduce the power consumption of the access network node.

[0078] In one possible implementation, after determining that the inventory associated with the first identifier has been completed based on the first message, the method further includes: sending a seventh message to the core network element, the seventh message indicating that the inventory associated with the first identifier has ended.

[0079] Based on the above implementation method, core network elements can confirm whether to end the inventory associated with the first identifier.

[0080] In one possible implementation, the seventh message indicates the end of inventory associated with the first identifier, including: the seventh message being an inventory report message that does not include a device identifier, or the inventory report message including an inventory end indication; or, the seventh message being an inventory completion message.

[0081] Based on the above implementation, access network nodes can indicate the end of inventory associated with the first identifier to core network elements in various ways to adapt to different communication scenarios.

[0082] In one possible implementation, after receiving the second message from the core network element, the method further includes: sending an eighth message to a first device, the first device being the device that executes the command associated with the first identifier, the eighth message indicating that the command associated with the first identifier has ended.

[0083] Based on the above implementation, the access network node can determine that the command associated with the first identifier has been sent based on the second message. Therefore, it can indicate to the first device that the command associated with the first identifier has ended, so that the first device can determine that it no longer needs to execute the command.

[0084] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: upon determining that the inventory execution associated with the first identifier has been completed, sending one or more of a ninth message or a tenth message to a first device, the first device being the device that executes the command and inventory associated with the first identifier; the ninth message indicates that the inventory associated with the first identifier has ended, and the tenth message indicates that the inventory and command associated with the first identifier have ended.

[0085] Based on the above implementation, the access network node can indicate to the first device that the inventory associated with the first identifier has ended when the inventory is completed, so that the first device can determine that it does not need to perform an inventory. And / or, the access network node can indicate to the first device that both the inventory and command associated with the first identifier have ended when both have ended, so that the first device can determine that the inventory and command services have ended.

[0086] Fourthly, a communication method is provided that can be applied to the network side, such as core network elements, modules (e.g., processors, circuits, chips or chip systems) within core network elements, or logical nodes, logical modules or software that can implement all or part of the functions of core network elements.

[0087] Taking the application of this method to a core network element as an example, the method includes: sending a first message to an access network node, the first message requesting inventory, the first message containing first information and a first identifier, the first information indicating that a command will be sent subsequently, and the first identifier being used to identify the inventory and the command; sending a second message to the access network node, the second message indicating one or more of the following: the command associated with the first identifier has been sent, or a first resource has been released, the first resource being related to the command associated with the first identifier; and receiving a third message from the access network node, the third message indicating that the inventory and command associated with the first identifier have ended.

[0088] Based on the method provided in the fourth aspect above, the core network element can confirm whether to terminate the inventory and command associated with the first identifier according to the third message, so that the access network node can release the resources related to the inventory and command associated with the first identifier in a timely manner, improve the utilization rate of radio resources, and reduce the power consumption of the access network node.

[0089] In one possible implementation, the first information indicates that a command will be sent subsequently, including: the first information indicates a first ratio, the first ratio being the ratio of a first quantity to a second quantity, the first quantity being the number of devices executing the command associated with the first identifier, and the second quantity being the number of devices executing the inventory associated with the first identifier.

[0090] Based on the above implementation method, access network nodes can learn about the execution status of command services according to the first ratio.

[0091] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: obtaining information about M devices associated with the execution of the first identifier, where M is a positive integer; the first information indicates that a command will be sent subsequently, including: the first information indicates that all or some of the M devices have a command.

[0092] Based on the above implementation method, the access network node can determine whether all devices to be inventoried need to execute commands.

[0093] In one possible implementation, the first information indicates that commands will be sent subsequently, including: the first information indicates that N rounds of commands will be sent subsequently, where N is a positive integer.

[0094] Based on the above implementation method, access network nodes can know how many rounds of commands the core network element needs to send.

[0095] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: determining the end of the inventory associated with the first identifier; and sending a fourth message to the access network node, the fourth message indicating to stop executing the inventory associated with the first identifier.

[0096] Based on the above implementation method, the core network element can instruct the access network node to stop inventory as needed, so that the access network node does not need to continue to allocate inventory resources, thereby saving radio resources.

[0097] In one possible implementation, determining the termination of inventory associated with the first identifier includes: determining that a first device needs to be inventoried, receiving an eleventh message from an access network node, and determining the termination of inventory associated with the first identifier based on the eleventh message; wherein the eleventh message includes an identifier of the first device; or, determining that a first device needs to be inventoried, and no message containing the identifier of the first device is received within a first time period; or, determining that a first device needs to be inventoried, and no message containing the device identifier is received within a second time period; or, receiving second information from a server, and determining the termination of inventory associated with the first identifier based on the second information; wherein the second information indicates that the inventory associated with the first identifier should be stopped.

[0098] Based on the above implementation, core network elements can determine whether to terminate the inventory associated with the first identifier in multiple ways to adapt to different communication scenarios.

[0099] In one possible implementation, determining the end of the inventory associated with the first identifier further includes: determining that a second device needs to be inventoried, receiving a twelfth message from the access network node, the twelfth message including the identifier of the second device; determining the end of the inventory associated with the first identifier based on the eleventh message includes: determining the end of the inventory associated with the first identifier based on the eleventh message and the twelfth message.

[0100] Based on the above implementation method, when a core network element determines that it needs to inventory the first device and the second device, the core network element can determine to end the inventory associated with the first identifier upon receiving the identifiers of the first device and the second device.

[0101] In one possible implementation, the fourth message also indicates whether the device that has already performed inventory has any further commands.

[0102] Based on the above implementation method, the access network node can determine whether the core network element still needs to send a command.

[0103] In one possible implementation, before sending the second message to the access network node, the method further includes: receiving a fifth message from a core network element, the fifth message being used to inquire whether the command associated with the first identifier has been sent, or to inquire whether the first resource has been released.

[0104] Based on the above implementation, the access network node can query the execution status of the command associated with the first identifier through the fifth message to confirm whether to release the first resource.

[0105] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: upon completion of the inventory execution associated with the first identifier, sending a sixth message to the access network node, the sixth message indicating that the inventory execution associated with the first identifier has ended.

[0106] Based on the above implementation method, the access network node can determine the end of the disk associated with the first identifier, thereby releasing the resources related to the disk associated with the first identifier, so as to improve the utilization rate of wireless resources.

[0107] In one possible implementation, the first message further indicates the number of devices performing the inventory check, the number of devices performing the inventory check being used to determine whether the inventory check associated with the first identifier has been completed; the method further includes: receiving a seventh message from an access network node, the seventh message indicating that the inventory check associated with the first identifier has ended.

[0108] Based on the above implementation method, core network elements can confirm whether to end the inventory associated with the first identifier based on the seventh message.

[0109] In one possible implementation, the seventh message indicates the end of inventory associated with the first identifier, including: the seventh message being an inventory report message that does not include a device identifier, or the inventory report message including an inventory end indication; or, the seventh message being an inventory completion message.

[0110] Based on the above implementation, access network nodes can indicate the end of inventory associated with the first identifier to core network elements in various ways to adapt to different communication scenarios.

[0111] Fifthly, a communication device is provided for implementing the method provided in the first aspect. This communication device can be a core network element, a module within a core network element (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the core network element's functions. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above-described method. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0112] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The communication module may also be referred to as an interface unit, used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The communication module may include interface circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0113] In one possible implementation, the processing module is configured to control the communication module to send a first message to the access network node, the first message requesting inventory, the first message containing first information and a first identifier, the first information indicating a command to be sent subsequently, and the first identifier identifying the inventory and the command; the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to send a second message to the access network node, the second message requesting the first device to execute the first command; the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to receive a third message from the access network node, the third message indicating a first feedback result of the first device executing the first command; the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to send one or more of a fourth message or a fifth message to the access network node if the first feedback result indicates successful execution; wherein the fourth message indicates one or more of the following: the command associated with the first identifier has been sent, or the first resource has been released; the fifth message indicates one or more of the following: the inventory and command associated with the first identifier have ended, or the first and second resources have been released; the first resource is related to the command associated with the first identifier, and the second resource is related to the inventory associated with the first identifier.

[0114] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to send a sixth message to the access network node, the sixth message requesting the second device to execute the second command; the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to receive a seventh message from the access network node, the seventh message indicating a second feedback result of the second device executing the second command; the step of sending one or more of a fourth message or a fifth message to the access network node when the first feedback result is successful includes: sending one or more of the fourth message or the fifth message to the access network node when both the first and second feedback results are successful.

[0115] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to receive an eighth message from the access network node, the eighth message being used to inquire whether the command associated with the first identifier has been sent, or to inquire whether the first resource should be released.

[0116] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to determine a first ratio, which is the ratio of a first quantity to a second quantity, wherein the first quantity is the number of devices executing the command associated with the first identifier, and the second quantity is the number of devices executing the inventory associated with the first identifier; the first information indicates that a command should be sent subsequently, including: the first information indicates the first ratio.

[0117] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to obtain information on M devices associated with the first identifier, where M is a positive integer; the first information indicates that a command will be sent subsequently, including: the first information indicates that all or some of the M devices have a command.

[0118] In one possible implementation, the first information indicates that commands will be sent subsequently, including: the first information indicates that N rounds of commands will be sent subsequently, where N is a positive integer.

[0119] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to determine the termination of the inventory associated with the first identifier; the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to send a ninth message to the access network node, wherein the ninth message indicates the cessation of the inventory associated with the first identifier.

[0120] In one possible implementation, the processing module is specifically configured to determine that the first device needs to be inventoried, receive a tenth message from the access network node, and determine to terminate the inventory associated with the first identifier based on the tenth message; wherein the tenth message includes the identifier of the first device; or, the processing module is specifically configured to determine that the first device needs to be inventoried and no message containing the identifier of the first device is received within a first time period; or, the processing module is specifically configured to determine that the first device needs to be inventoried and no message containing the device identifier is received within a second time period; or, the processing module is specifically configured to receive second information from the server and determine to terminate the inventory associated with the first identifier based on the second information; wherein the second information indicates that the inventory associated with the first identifier should be stopped.

[0121] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to determine that the second device needs to be inventoried, receive an eleventh message from the access network node, the eleventh message including the identifier of the second device; the processing module is further configured to determine, based on the tenth message and the eleventh message, to terminate the inventory associated with the first identifier.

[0122] In one possible implementation, the ninth message also indicates whether the device that has already performed inventory has any further commands.

[0123] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to send a twelfth message to the access network node when the inventory associated with the first identifier is completed; the twelfth message indicates one or more of the following: the inventory associated with the first identifier is completed, or the second resource is released.

[0124] In one possible implementation, the first message also indicates the number of devices performing the inventory check, which is used to determine whether the inventory check associated with the first identifier has been completed; the communication module is also configured to receive a thirteenth message from the access network node, which indicates that the inventory check associated with the first identifier has ended.

[0125] In one possible implementation, the thirteenth message indicates the end of inventory associated with the first identifier, including: the thirteenth message being an inventory report message that does not include a device identifier, or the inventory report message including an inventory end indication; or, the thirteenth message being an inventory completion message.

[0126] Sixthly, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the method provided in the second aspect above. The communication apparatus can be an access network node as described in the second aspect, a module within the access network node (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access network node. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above method, which can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0127] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in the second aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The communication module may also be referred to as an interface unit, used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in the second aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The communication module may include interface circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0128] In one possible implementation, the processing module is configured to control the communication module to receive a first message from a core network element, the first message requesting inventory, the first message containing first information and a first identifier, the first information indicating that a command will be sent subsequently, and the first identifier used to identify the inventory and the command; the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to receive a second message from the core network element, the second message requesting the first device to execute the first command; the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to send a third message to the core network element, the third message instructing the first device to execute the first command. The first feedback result; the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to receive one or more of the fourth or fifth messages from the core network element when the first feedback result is successful; wherein the fourth message indicates one or more of the following: the command associated with the first identifier has been sent, or the first resource has been released; the fifth message indicates one or more of the following: the inventory and command associated with the first identifier have ended, or the first resource and the second resource have been released; the first resource is related to the command associated with the first identifier, and the second resource is related to the inventory associated with the first identifier.

[0129] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to receive a sixth message from the core network element, the sixth message requesting the second device to execute a second command; the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to send a seventh message to the core network element, the seventh message indicating a second feedback result for the second device to execute the second command; and receiving one or more of a fourth or fifth message from the core network element when the first feedback result indicates successful execution includes: receiving one or more of a fourth or fifth message from the core network element when both the first and second feedback results indicate successful execution.

[0130] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to send an eighth message to the core network element. The eighth message is used to inquire whether the command associated with the first identifier has been sent, or to inquire whether the first resource should be released.

[0131] In one possible implementation, the first information indicating a subsequent command to be sent includes: the first information indicating a first ratio, the first ratio being the ratio of a first quantity to a second quantity, the first quantity being the number of devices executing the command associated with the first identifier, and the second quantity being the number of devices executing the inventory associated with the first identifier.

[0132] In one possible implementation, the first information indicates that a command will be sent subsequently, including: the first information indicates that all or some of the M devices have a command, the M devices are devices that execute the disk associated with the first identifier, and M is a positive integer.

[0133] In one possible implementation, the first information indicates that commands will be sent subsequently, including: the first information indicates that N rounds of commands will be sent subsequently, where N is a positive integer.

[0134] In one possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to receive a ninth message from the core network element, the ninth message indicating that the inventory associated with the first identifier should be stopped.

[0135] In one possible implementation, the ninth message also indicates whether the device that has already performed inventory has any further commands.

[0136] In one possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to receive a twelfth message from the core network element, the twelfth message indicating one or more of the following: the inventory associated with the first identifier has ended, or the second resource has been released.

[0137] In one possible implementation, the first message further indicates the number of devices performing the inventory check, and the processing module is further configured to determine the completion of the inventory check associated with the first identifier based on the number of devices performing the inventory check; the communication module is further configured to send a thirteenth message to the core network element, the thirteenth message indicating the end of the inventory check associated with the first identifier.

[0138] In one possible implementation, the thirteenth message indicates the end of inventory associated with the first identifier, including: the thirteenth message being an inventory report message that does not include a device identifier, or the inventory report message including an inventory end indication; or, the thirteenth message being an inventory completion message.

[0139] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to send a fourteenth message to the first device when the inventory associated with the first identifier has ended, the fourteenth message indicating that the inventory associated with the first identifier has ended; or, the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to send a fifteenth message to the first device when the command associated with the first identifier has ended, the fifteenth message indicating that the command associated with the first identifier has ended; or, the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to send a sixteenth message to the first device when both the inventory associated with the first identifier and the command associated with the first identifier have ended, the sixteenth message indicating that both the inventory associated with the first identifier and the command have ended.

[0140] In a seventh aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the method provided in the third aspect above. The communication apparatus may be an access network node as described in the third aspect, a module within the access network node (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access network node. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above-described method. These modules, units, or means may be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0141] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in the third aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The communication module may also be referred to as an interface unit, used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in the third aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The communication module may include interface circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0142] In one possible implementation, the processing module is configured to control the communication module to receive a first message from the core network element, the first message requesting inventory, the first message containing first information and a first identifier, the first information indicating that a command will be sent subsequently, and the first identifier being used to identify the inventory and the command; the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to receive a second message from the core network element, the second message indicating one or more of the following: the command associated with the first identifier has been sent, or a first resource has been released; the first resource is related to the command associated with the first identifier; the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to send a third message to the core network element when it is determined that the inventory associated with the first identifier has been completed, the third message indicating that the inventory and command associated with the first identifier have ended.

[0143] In one possible implementation, the first information indicating a subsequent command to be sent includes: the first information indicating a first ratio, the first ratio being the ratio of a first quantity to a second quantity, the first quantity being the number of devices executing the command associated with the first identifier, and the second quantity being the number of devices executing the inventory associated with the first identifier.

[0144] In one possible implementation, the first information indicates that a command will be sent subsequently, including: the first information indicates that all or some of the M devices have a command, the M devices are devices that execute the disk associated with the first identifier, and M is a positive integer.

[0145] In one possible implementation, the first information indicates that commands will be sent subsequently, including: the first information indicates that N rounds of commands will be sent subsequently, where N is a positive integer.

[0146] In one possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to receive a fourth message from the core network element, the fourth message indicating that the inventory associated with the first identifier should be stopped.

[0147] In one possible implementation, the fourth message also indicates whether the device that has already performed inventory has any further commands.

[0148] In one possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to send a fifth message to the core network element, the fifth message being used to inquire whether the command associated with the first identifier has been sent, or to inquire whether the first resource should be released.

[0149] In one possible implementation, determining that the inventory execution associated with the first identifier is complete includes: receiving a sixth message from the core network element, the sixth message indicating that the inventory execution associated with the first identifier is complete; and determining that the inventory execution associated with the first identifier is complete based on the sixth message.

[0150] In one possible implementation, the first message further indicates the number of devices performing the inventory; determining the completion of the inventory execution associated with the first identifier includes: determining the completion of the inventory execution associated with the first identifier based on the number of devices performing the inventory.

[0151] In one possible implementation, the communication module is also configured to send a seventh message to the core network element, the seventh message indicating the end of the inventory associated with the first identifier.

[0152] In one possible implementation, the seventh message indicates the end of inventory associated with the first identifier, including: the seventh message being an inventory report message that does not include a device identifier, or the inventory report message including an inventory end indication; or, the seventh message being an inventory completion message.

[0153] In one possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to send an eighth message to a first device, which is a device that executes the command associated with the first identifier, the eighth message indicating the end of the command associated with the first identifier.

[0154] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to send one or more of a ninth message or a tenth message to the first device when it is determined that the disk read associated with the first identifier has been completed. The first device is the device that executes the command and disk read associated with the first identifier. The ninth message indicates that the disk read associated with the first identifier has ended, and the tenth message indicates that the disk read and command associated with the first identifier have ended.

[0155] Eighthly, a communication device is provided for implementing the method provided in the fourth aspect above. The communication device can be a core network element, a module (e.g., processor, circuit, chip, or chip system) within a core network element, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the core network element's functions. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above method, which can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0156] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in the fourth aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The communication module may also be referred to as an interface unit, used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in the fourth aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The communication module may include interface circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0157] In one possible implementation, the processing module is configured to control the communication module to send a first message to the access network node, the first message requesting inventory, the first message containing first information and a first identifier, the first information indicating that a command will be sent subsequently, and the first identifier being used to identify the inventory and the command; the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to send a second message to the access network node, the second message indicating one or more of the following: the command associated with the first identifier has been sent, or a first resource has been released, the first resource being related to the command associated with the first identifier; the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to receive a third message from the access network node, the third message indicating that the inventory and command associated with the first identifier have ended.

[0158] In one possible implementation, the first information indicating a subsequent command to be sent includes: the first information indicating a first ratio, the first ratio being the ratio of a first quantity to a second quantity, the first quantity being the number of devices executing the command associated with the first identifier, and the second quantity being the number of devices executing the inventory associated with the first identifier.

[0159] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to obtain information on M devices associated with the first identifier, where M is a positive integer; the first information indicates that a command will be sent subsequently, including: the first information indicates that all or some of the M devices have a command.

[0160] In one possible implementation, the first information indicates that commands will be sent subsequently, including: the first information indicates that N rounds of commands will be sent subsequently, where N is a positive integer.

[0161] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to determine the termination of the inventory associated with the first identifier; the communication module is further configured to send a fourth message to the access network node, the fourth message indicating that the execution of the inventory associated with the first identifier should be stopped.

[0162] In one possible implementation, the processing module is specifically configured to determine that a first device needs to be inventoried, receive an eleventh message from the access network node, and determine to terminate the inventory associated with the first identifier based on the eleventh message; wherein the eleventh message includes the identifier of the first device; or, the processing module is specifically configured to determine that a message containing the identifier of the first device is not received within a first time period; or, the processing module is specifically configured to determine that a message containing the device identifier is not received within a second time period; or, the processing module is specifically configured to receive second information from the server and determine to terminate the inventory associated with the first identifier based on the second information; wherein the second information indicates that the inventory associated with the first identifier should be stopped.

[0163] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to determine that a second device needs to be inventoried, receive a twelfth message from the access network node, the twelfth message including an identifier of the second device; and determine the termination of the inventory associated with the first identifier based on the eleventh message, including: determining the termination of the inventory associated with the first identifier based on the eleventh message and the twelfth message.

[0164] In one possible implementation, the fourth message also indicates whether the device that has already performed inventory has any further commands.

[0165] In one possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to receive a fifth message from the core network element, the fifth message being used to inquire whether the command associated with the first identifier has been sent, or to inquire whether the first resource should be released.

[0166] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to send a sixth message to the access network node when the inventory associated with the first identifier is completed, the sixth message indicating that the inventory associated with the first identifier has ended.

[0167] In one possible implementation, the first message further indicates the number of devices performing the inventory check, which is used to determine whether the inventory check associated with the first identifier has been completed; the communication module is further configured to receive a seventh message from the access network node, which indicates that the inventory check associated with the first identifier has ended.

[0168] In one possible implementation, the seventh message indicates the end of inventory associated with the first identifier, including: the seventh message being an inventory report message that does not include a device identifier, or the inventory report message including an inventory end indication; or, the seventh message being an inventory completion message.

[0169] A ninth aspect provides a communication device comprising: a processor; the processor being configured to cause the communication device to perform the method described in any of the preceding aspects by executing a computer program (or computer-executable instructions) stored in a memory, and / or by means of logic circuitry. The communication device can be a core network element, a module (e.g., processor, circuit, chip, or chip system) of the core network element as described in the first aspect above, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the core network element functions; or, the communication device can be an access network node, a module (e.g., processor, circuit, chip, or chip system) of the access network node as described in the second aspect above, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the access network node functions; or, the communication device can be an access network node, a module (e.g., processor, circuit, chip, or chip system) of the access network node as described in the third aspect above, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the access network node functions; or, the communication device can be a core network element, a module (e.g., processor, circuit, chip, or chip system) of the core network element as described in the fourth aspect above, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the core network element functions.

[0170] In one possible implementation, the number of the aforementioned processors can be one or more.

[0171] In one possible implementation, the communication device also includes a memory. The processor and memory are integrated together; alternatively, the memory is independent of the processor.

[0172] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a communication interface for communicating with other devices, such as transmitting or receiving data and / or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0173] In one possible implementation, the processor and / or memory also include an artificial intelligence (AI) module for implementing AI-related functions. The AI ​​module can implement AI functions through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a radio access network (RAN) intelligent controller (RIC) module. The AI ​​module could be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0174] In one possible implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0175] A tenth aspect provides a communication device, comprising: a processor and an interface circuit; the interface circuit being configured to receive a computer program or instructions and transmit them to the processor; the processor being configured to execute the computer program or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any of the preceding aspects. The communication device can be a core network element, a module (e.g., processor, circuit, chip, or chip system) of the core network element as described in the first aspect above, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the core network element functions; or, the communication device can be an access network node, a module (e.g., processor, circuit, chip, or chip system) of the access network node as described in the second aspect above, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the access network node functions; or, the communication device can be an access network node, a module (e.g., processor, circuit, chip, or chip system) of the access network node as described in the third aspect above, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the access network node functions; or, the communication device can be a core network element, a module (e.g., processor, circuit, chip, or chip system) of the core network element as described in the fourth aspect above, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the core network element functions.

[0176] In one possible implementation, the number of the aforementioned processors can be one or more.

[0177] In one possible implementation, the processor also includes an AI module for implementing AI-related functions. The AI ​​module can implement AI functions through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a RIC module. The AI ​​module could be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0178] In one possible implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0179] Eleventhly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores instructions that, when executed on a computer, enable the computer to perform the methods described in any of the preceding aspects.

[0180] In a twelfth aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided that, when run on a computer, enables the computer to perform the methods described in any of the preceding aspects.

[0181] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising one or more of the following: a core network element for performing the method described in the first aspect, or an access network node for performing the method described in the second aspect.

[0182] In a fourteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising one or more of the following: an access network node for performing the method described in the third aspect above, or a core network element for performing the method described in the fourth aspect above.

[0183] The technical effects of any possible implementation of aspects five through fourteen can be found in the technical effects of any one of aspects one through four above, or different possible implementations of any one of aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0184] Understandably, provided that the solutions do not contradict each other, the solutions in the above aspects can be combined. Attached Figure Description

[0185] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the access stratum (AS) process of AIoT provided in this application;

[0186] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of the inventory and command flow provided in this application;

[0187] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the communication system architecture provided in this application;

[0188] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram of the RAN architecture provided in this application;

[0189] Figure 3B is a schematic diagram of the RAN architecture provided in this application;

[0190] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of the communication network provided in this application;

[0191] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of the communication network provided in this application (II).

[0192] Figure 4C is a schematic diagram of the communication network provided in this application.

[0193] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the communication protocol stack provided in this application;

[0194] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the communication protocol stack provided in this application (II).

[0195] Figure 5C is a schematic diagram of the communication protocol stack provided in this application;

[0196] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in this application.

[0197] Figure 7 is a flowchart of the communication method provided in this application (II).

[0198] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in this application.

[0199] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in this application.

[0200] Figure 10 is a block diagram of the communication device provided in this application;

[0201] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of the communication device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0202] Before introducing the technical solution of this application, the relevant technical terms involved in this application are explained. It is understood that these explanations are intended to make this application easier to understand and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0203] 1. Passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology

[0204] RFID is a contactless automatic identification technology. An RFID system typically includes an interrogator (or reader) and tags (labels). The interrogator can have both reading and writing capabilities and may also be called a card reader, reading / writing device, reading unit, scanner, reader head, communicator, reader, interpreter, device with reading and / or writing functions, device for reading information from tags and / or writing information to tags, etc. The tag may also be called a tag device, transponder, electronic tag, RFID tag, radio frequency tag, transponder, data carrier, recording medium, or RFID card, etc. The tag can be passive, active, or semi-passive.

[0205] The reader and tag can communicate via contactless data. For example, the reader can read information from the tag or write information to the tag. The tag's function is relatively simple; it can transmit information based on the reader's activation. For instance, the tag can convert the wireless signal emitted by the reader into energy to power itself. As an example, the tag can support power consumption in the microwatt or even hundreds of microwatts.

[0206] 2. AIoT

[0207] An AIoT system comprises readers and AIoT devices. Readers and AIoT devices can communicate contactlessly (e.g., via RFID technology), allowing readers to read information from and / or write information to be stored into the AIoT device. AIoT devices can also be referred to as electronic AIoT terminals, AIoT terminals, AIoT terminal devices, AIoT devices, devices, low-power Internet of Things (IoT) terminals, ultra-low-power IoT terminals, low-complexity IoT terminals, or extremely low-complexity IoT terminals, etc.

[0208] AIoT devices can be passive, active, or semi-passive. For example, AIoT devices can be categorized into three types: device A, device B, and device C. Device A, similar to a passive tag, has no energy storage and cannot generate signals independently; it uses backscattering to transmit signals. Device B, similar to a semi-passive tag, has energy storage but cannot generate signals independently; it also uses backscattering to transmit signals, and the energy stored in device B can amplify the reflected signal. Device C, similar to an active tag, has energy storage, can generate signals independently, and has active radio frequency components for transmission.

[0209] AIoT applications can include one or more of the following: logistics, warehousing, industrial manufacturing, identity recognition, or environmental monitoring. AIoT services can include one or more of the following: inventory management, location tracking, sensing, or command processing.

[0210] The system comprises several key components: inventory management, storage, and control. Inventory management utilizes readers to connect AIoT devices within the coverage area. Successfully connected AIoT devices can send their identifiers (such as EPC) to the reader. Positioning refers to using location signals to determine the location information of AIoT devices. Sensing refers to AIoT devices reporting sensor data, such as temperature data, to the reader. Commands are operational instructions, such as write, read, disable, or lock. Write means the reader issues instructions and data, directing the AIoT device to write data into its memory. Lock means the reader issues a command to the AIoT device to lock a specified address in the memory, making the contents of that memory area unchangeable and / or unreadable.

[0211] Currently, 3GPP has introduced AIoT technology, meaning that AIoT technology can be implemented based on cellular network communication infrastructure. For example, the functionality of a reader can be implemented by access network nodes in the cellular network, and / or by terminals. Optionally, when the functionality of the reader is implemented by access network nodes, the communication between the reader and AIoT devices can be considered as AIoT radio interface communication; when the functionality of the reader is implemented by terminals, the communication between the reader and AIoT devices can also be considered as AIoT radio interface communication.

[0212] 3. AIoT AS process

[0213] For example, the AIoT AS process can be shown in Figure 1A. In step A, the reader can send an AIoT paging message to indicate which AIoT device needs to respond. The AIoT paging message can be replaced by a trigger message or an initial trigger message, etc. In step B, the AIoT device can send data to the reader, i.e., perform device-to-reader (D2R) data transmission. For example, the AIoT device triggered by the AIoT paging message can use an AIoT random access procedure (such as contention-based random access or contention-free random access) to perform device ID transmission. For example, when inventory involves multiple AIoT devices, these devices can access the network through a contention-based random access method. The AIoT device that successfully accesses the network sends message 3 (Msg3) to the reader. Msg3 can include the AIoT device's identification information, such as device ID / Temp ID. When the inventory pertains to an AIoT device, this AIoT device can access the network via a contention-free random access method. In step C, reader-to-device (R2D) data transfer and / or device-to-receive (D2R) data transfer can be performed between the AIoT device and the reader. For example, R2D data transfer refers to the reader sending commands to the AIoT device, such as read, write, lock, deactivate, or sense, etc. D2R data transfer refers to the AIoT device's response to the above commands, such as feedback on the success / failure of data read by a read command, or the success / failure of a write command.

[0214] Understandably, the AS process can differ depending on the communication scenario. For example, in an inventory-only scenario, the AS process might include steps A and B as described above. Conversely, in an inventory and command scenario, the AS process might include steps A, B, and C.

[0215] Furthermore, the aforementioned AIoT paging message may also include commands to instruct the AIoT device to process / respond to the commands. The D2R data transmission in step C may or may not use the AIoT random access procedure. The D2R data may include the AIoT device identifier and / or the corresponding response to the command.

[0216] The following is a brief description of AIoT paging messages and the AIoT random access process.

[0217] At the AS layer, the function of an AIoT paging message is to indicate which AIoT devices need to respond. Specifically, an AIoT paging message can include an identifier to identify the device / group of devices included or associated with this trigger message. For example, an AIoT paging message can contain a single AIoT device ID, a group ID mapped to multiple AIoT devices, or multiple AIoT device IDs. Of course, an AIoT paging message can also not contain any device identifiers. In this case, the AIoT paging message can instruct all AIoT devices capable of receiving the AIoT paging message to respond.

[0218] Optionally, the AIoT paging message can also instruct the AIoT device to determine the resources (such as time-domain and / or frequency-domain resources) to be used for the D2R response message.

[0219] Optionally, the paging function of AIoT devices can be understood as not supporting traditional paging messages, traditional paging timing, or traditional discontinuous reception (DRX) in cellular communication systems. Furthermore, it can be assumed that AIoT devices can receive AIoT paging messages if they have sufficient power.

[0220] The AIoT random access procedure can be used for AIoT devices to access a network for data transmission. The AIoT random access procedure can be triggered by a reader / writer, enabling a single AIoT device, a group of AIoT devices, or all AIoT devices within the reader / writer's coverage area to access the network. For example, when an AIoT device receives an AIoT paging message and determines a response, it can execute the AIoT random access procedure, which may specifically include the following steps:

[0221] Step 1: The AIoT device determines the random access type and access timing / resources. The random access type can be contention-free access or contention-based random access. If it's contention-free access, the AIoT device selects the D2R timing / resources, skips the contention resolution in Step 2, and proceeds to Step 3 for data transmission. If it's contention-based access, the AIoT device determines / selects the access timing / resources, such as randomly selecting them, and then proceeds to Step 2.

[0222] Step 2: The AIoT device resolves a contention-based random access opportunity. For example, when the AIoT device determines that its access occasion has begun, it can send AIoT message 1 (AIoT Msg1) to the reader. Upon receiving AIoT Msg1, the reader can send AIoT message 2 (AIoT Msg2) to indicate successful reception of AIoT Msg1. AIoT Msg1 may or may not include data.

[0223] For cases where AIoT Msg1 does not contain data: AIoT Msg1 includes a random ID. The random ID can be randomly generated or generated based on the device identifier of the AIoT device; there are no restrictions. This application also does not limit the size of the random ID; for example, AIoT Msg1 may include a 16-bit random number. If AIoT Msg2 includes the aforementioned random ID, the AIoT device considers the contention resolved successfully.

[0224] For cases where AIoT Msg1 includes data: AIoT Msg1 includes upper-layer data. This upper-layer data may include the AIoT device's identifier and / or other upper-layer data. AIoT Msg1 may or may not include a random ID; there is no restriction. AIoT Msg2 may include one or more of the following: an acknowledgment (ACK) message, a random ID, or part or all of the AIoT device's identifier. If the AIoT device receives AIoT Msg2, the contention is considered successfully resolved.

[0225] Understandably, the reader may not send AIoT Msg2. In this case, if the AIoT device does not receive a signal indicating failure, reconnection, or retransmission, it will consider the access successful, data transmission successful, or service successful.

[0226] Step 3: Data Transmission. After the AIoT device assumes the contention has been successfully resolved, it can perform upper-layer data transmission with the reader, such as sending its device identifier and / or any other upper-layer data to the reader. Furthermore, in Step 3, R2D transmissions following D2R transmissions do not always need to be sent.

[0227] 4. Inventory and Command Process

[0228] The inventory and command process refers to the process of performing an inventory first and then issuing commands. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1B, it may include the following steps:

[0229] S111: The core network element sends an inventory request message to the access network node. Correspondingly, the access network node receives the inventory request message from the core network element.

[0230] The inventory request carries information about the AIoT devices, such as Device Identification for Paging IE, to select one or a group of AIoT devices. After receiving the inventory request message, the access network node can allocate AIoT radio resources, such as time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources, to the selected AIoT devices or the group of AIoT devices so that these AIoT devices can perform inventory.

[0231] S112: The access network node sends an inventory response message to the core network element. Correspondingly, the core network element receives the inventory response message from the access network node.

[0232] The inventory response message can indicate that an inventory request message has been received, or indicate that an inventory is being performed.

[0233] S113: The AIoT device performs an inventory check on the AIoT interface.

[0234] For example, an AIoT device matched with Device Identification for Paging can access the access network node, perform inventory checks on the AIoT interface, and send AIoT non-access stratum (NAS) protocol data unit (PDU) (AIoT NAS PDU) to the access network node. The AIoT NAS PDU can carry the AIoT device's identification information. This identification information can be a permanent identifier (such as a device ID) or a temporary identifier (temporary ID), without restriction. For example, when reporting inventory checks, the AIoT device can report a temporary ID instead of the device ID, avoiding exposing the device ID on the AIoT interface. The temporary ID can be assigned by the network device (e.g., an A-IoT function (AIOTF) or other core network element), temporarily assigned by the device, or pre-configured on the device side. This application does not limit the method of temporary ID allocation.

[0235] When an inventory request is used to select a group of AIoT devices, inventory can be performed at the AIoT device level (per AIoT device) in S113. For example, each AIoT device sends its own AIoT NAS PDU to the access network node, and the AIoT NAS PDU carries its own device identifier.

[0236] S114: The access network node sends an inventory report message to the core network element. Correspondingly, the core network element receives the inventory report message from the access network node.

[0237] The inventory report message can carry the AIoT NAS PDU and the radio access network (RAN) Device ID. The RAN Device ID is an identifier assigned by the access network node to the AIoT device, used by the access network node to identify the AIoT device on the NG interface.

[0238] S115: Core network elements perform secure operations on AIoT devices.

[0239] For example, core network elements perform authentication and validation operations on AIoT devices.

[0240] S116: The core network element sends a command request message to the access network node. Correspondingly, the access network node receives the command request message from the core network element.

[0241] The command request message includes specific commands, such as read, write, disable, or lock commands. It also includes the CN Device ID and RAN Device ID. The CN Device ID is an identifier assigned to the AIoT device by the core network element, used to identify the AIoT device on the NG interface. Furthermore, these commands can be carried on an AIoT NAS PDU. For write commands, the AIoT NAS PDU can also include data to be written to the AIoT device's memory.

[0242] S117: The access network node sends a downlink message to the AIoT device. Correspondingly, the AIoT device receives the downlink message from the access network node.

[0243] The downlink message may include the AIoT NAS PDU in S116.

[0244] Understandably, if multiple AIoT devices have commands, the access network node sends its own AIoT NAS PDU to each AIoT device. For example, the access network node can determine which AIoT device the AIoT NAS PDU in the command request message is being sent to based on the RAN Device ID in the command request message.

[0245] S118: The AIoT device sends an uplink message to the access network node. Correspondingly, the access network node receives the uplink message from the AIoT device.

[0246] The uplink messages can include command feedback / response to indicate whether the command execution was successful or failed. Command feedback / response can also be carried on the AIoT NAS PDU and transparently transmitted from the access network node to the core network element.

[0247] S119: The access network node sends a command response message to the core network element. Correspondingly, the core network element receives the command response message from the access network node.

[0248] The command response message may include the AIoT NAS PDU in S118. The command response message also includes the CN Device ID and the RAN Device ID.

[0249] In the above inventory and command process, after receiving the inventory request message, the access network node will allocate AIoT radio resources and identification information (such as RAN Device ID) to the AIoT device, and continuously maintain the AIoT device context containing the above information, resulting in low utilization of AIoT radio resources and high power consumption of the access network node.

[0250] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a corresponding communication method. The embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0251] The method provided in this application can be used in various communication systems. For example, the communication system can be a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, a 5th Generation (5G) communication system, a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, a Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) system, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) system, a 3GPP-related communication system, a communication system evolved after 5G, or a system integrating multiple systems, etc., without limitation. Among them, 5G can also be referred to as New Radio (NR). The method provided in this application is described below using the communication system 20 shown in Figure 2 as an example. Figure 2 is only a schematic diagram and does not constitute a limitation on the applicable scenarios of the technical solution provided in this application.

[0252] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 20 provided in this application. In Figure 2, the communication system 20 may include a core network element 202, an access network node 201 that is communicatively connected to the core network element 202, and one or more devices, such as devices 203 to 205, that are communicatively connected to the access network node 201.

[0253] In Figure 2, core network element 202 can issue AIoT services to access network node 201, enabling access network node 201 to instruct the corresponding device to execute the AIoT service. Core network element 202 refers to network elements in the core network related to AIoT services, such as mobility management network elements, access management network elements, AIoT network elements, AIOTF network elements, or access and mobility management function (AMF) network elements. Devices 203 to 205 can be tags, AIoT devices, or terminals in the Internet of Things (IoT) as previously described.

[0254] Access network node 201 can be a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, enabling terminals to achieve wireless access. Access network nodes can be, for example, nodes in a RAN (Radio Ranging Area Network) or in an open RAN (Open RAN, O-RAN, or ORAN). Access network nodes can also be referred to as access network equipment, RAN entities, RAN nodes, access nodes, or network devices, etc. Access network nodes include, but are not limited to: readers, evolved base stations (NodeB or eNB or e-NodeB) in LTE, evolved base stations (ng-eNB) in next-generation LTE, base stations (gNodeB or gNB) in NR, transmitting points (TP) or transmission receiving points / transmission reception points (TRP), radio network controllers (RNC), base station controllers (BSC), base transceiver stations (BTS), home base stations (e.g., home evolved NodeB, or home Node B, HNB), base band units (BBU), base stations in subsequent 3GPP evolutions, base stations in future mobile communication systems, access points (AP) in WiFi systems, wireless relay nodes, wireless backhaul nodes, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes, etc. Base stations can be: macro base stations, micro base stations, pico base stations, small stations, relay stations, or balloon stations, etc. Multiple base stations can support networks using the same technology mentioned above, or they can support networks using different technologies mentioned above. A base station can contain one or more co-located or non-co-located TRPs. Access network nodes can also be devices that function as base stations in device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, drone communication, and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication. Access network nodes can also be radio controllers in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios.Access network nodes can also be centralized units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), radio units (RUs), roadside units (RSUs) with base station functionality, wired access gateways, or core network elements. Access network nodes can also be servers, wearable devices, machine-to-machine communication devices, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be an RSU.

[0255] In this application, the CU can implement the functions of the radio resource control (RRC) layer and the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer in the 3GPP standard. The CU can also implement the functions of the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer. The DU can implement the functions of the radio link control (RLC) layer and the medium access control (MAC) layer in the 3GPP standard. The DU can also implement some or all physical layer functions, such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding, scrambling / descrambling, or modulation / demodulation. The RU can be used to implement radio frequency signal transmission and reception functions. The CU and DU can be set up separately, or they can be included in the same network element, such as in the BBU. It is understood that the CU can be classified as a network device in the access network or a network device in the core network; no limitation is made here. Furthermore, the CU can be further divided into CU-CP and CU-UP. CU-CP can implement the functions of the RRC layer and the control plane functions of the PDCP layer. CU-UP can implement the functions of the SDAP layer and the user plane functions of the PDCP layer.

[0256] In this application, the RU can be included in a radio frequency (RF) device or RF unit, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). The RU can implement some physical layer functions and RF functions in the 3GPP standard. The physical layer functions implemented by the RU include one or more of the following: fast Fourier transform (FFT), inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT), digital beamforming, or extraction and filtering of the physical random access channel (PRACH).

[0257] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0258] For example, Figure 3A illustrates a RAN architecture. In Figure 3A, the CU can connect to the core network via a backhaul link and to the DU via a midhaul link. The DU can connect to the RU via a fronthaul link. In addition to connecting to the DU, the RU can also connect to an antenna. Optionally, the RU can communicate with terminals or devices, for example, via an air interface. Furthermore, the CU and DU can be deployed on the BBU. The BBU communicates with the core network via a backhaul link and with the RU via a fronthaul link. The BBU and RU can be co-located or not. Figure 3A illustrates an example of deploying one CU and one DU on a BBU. In specific applications, the number of CUs and / or DUs deployed on a BBU can be greater than one, without limitation. Moreover, the CU, DU, and RU can all be deployed on the RAN.

[0259] For example, Figure 3B illustrates another RAN architecture. In Figure 3B, the CU can be separated into CU-CP and CU-UP, both of which can communicate with the DU. Furthermore, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU can also communicate with the RAN intelligent controller (RIC). The RIC includes near-real-time RIC (near-RT RIC) and non-real-time RIC (non-RT RIC). Both near-real-time and non-real-time RICs can perform model training and inference. For example, they can be used to train AI models and then use those models for inference. The non-real-time RIC is used to implement non-real-time intelligent management of RAN functions, enabling AI / machine learning (ML) workflows including model training and model updates, and guiding applications / functions in the near-real-time RIC based on policies. Furthermore, near-real-time and non-real-time RICs can also be configured as separate network elements. Optionally, near real-time RICs and non-real-time RICs can also be part of other devices. For example, near real-time RICs can be set in access network nodes (e.g., CUs or DUs), while non-real-time RICs can be set in network operations, administration and management (OAM), cloud servers, core network devices, or other network devices.

[0260] In addition, the interface between near real-time RIC and non-real-time RIC is the A1 interface. The interface between access network nodes and core network is the NG interface. The interface between CU-CP and CU-UP is the E1 interface. The interface between CU and DU is the F1 interface.

[0261] The terminal described in this application can access an access network node. The terminal may have a reader / writer function to perform AIoT services on the device. The terminal may also be referred to as a terminal device, which can be a user equipment (UE), an AIoT-enabled UE, a mobile station (MS), a mobile terminal (MT), or a device used to provide voice or data connectivity to users. The UE includes handheld devices, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices (such as smartwatches, smart bracelets, pedometers, etc.) or computing devices with wireless communication capabilities. For example, the UE can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, PDA, mobile internet device (MID), satellite terminal, or computer with wireless transceiver capabilities. UE can also be a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless modem, a point of sale (POS) machine, customer-premises equipment (CPE), a smart robot, a robotic arm, workshop equipment, smart home devices (e.g., refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in autonomous driving, a wireless terminal in telemedicine, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in intelligent transportation, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, an in-vehicle terminal, or an RSU with terminal functions, etc.

[0262] It is understood that the communication system 20 described above can be applied to various communication networks. For example, the communication system 20 can be applied to the communication networks shown in Figures 4A, 4B, or 4C below.

[0263] For example, communication system 20 is applicable to the communication network shown in Figure 4A. This communication network includes AIoT devices, an AIoT RAN connected to the AIoT devices via an AIoT radio interface, and AIoTF network elements connected to the AIoT RAN via an NG interface. In Figure 4A, the AIoT RAN and AIoTF network elements are directly connected. It is understood that the device or entity corresponding to access network node 201 in communication system 20 is deployed in the AIoT RAN of the communication network shown in Figure 4A. The device or entity corresponding to core network element 202 in communication system 20 is the AIoTF network element in the communication network shown in Figure 4A. The device or entity corresponding to any one of devices 203 to 205 in communication system 20 is the AIoT device in the communication network shown in Figure 4A.

[0264] For example, communication system 20 is applicable to the communication network shown in Figure 4B. This communication network includes AIoT devices, an AIoT RAN communicating with the AIoT devices via an AIoT wireless interface, an AMF network element communicating with the AIoT RAN via an NG interface, and an AIoTF network element communicating with the AMF network element. In Figure 4B, the AIoT RAN and AIoTF network element are not directly connected, but communicate through the AMF network element. It is understood that the device or entity corresponding to access network node 201 in communication system 20 is deployed in the AIoT RAN of the communication network shown in Figure 4B. The device or entity corresponding to core network element 202 in communication system 20 is either an AIoTF network element or an AMF network element in the communication network shown in Figure 4B. The device or entity corresponding to any one of devices 203 to 205 in communication system 20 is an AIoT device in the communication network shown in Figure 4B.

[0265] For example, communication system 20 is applicable to the communication network shown in Figure 4C. This communication network includes AIoT devices, an AIoT-enabled UE communicating with the AIoT devices via an AIoT radio interface, an AIoT-enabled gNB communicating with the AIoT-enabled UE via an NR uu interface, and an AIoT CN communicating with the AIoT-enabled gNB via an xx interface (such as an NG interface). The AIoT radio interface can also be referred to as the AIoT interface. The AIoT-enabled gNB has an AIoT RAN node function, and the AIoT-enabled UE has a common reader function. The reader function refers to the function of communicating with AIoT devices via the AIoT interface, and the AIoT RAN node function includes the function of controlling AIoT radio resources. It can be understood that the device or entity corresponding to access network node 201 in communication system 20 is the AIoT-enabled gNB in ​​the communication network shown in Figure 4C. The device or entity corresponding to core network element 202 in communication system 20 is deployed in the AIoT CN in the communication network shown in Figure 4C. The device or entity corresponding to the device in the communication system 20 (such as any one of devices 203 to 205) is the AIoT device in the communication network shown in Figure 4C.

[0266] The communication network shown in Figure 4C supports three solutions: an RRC-based solution, a NAS-based solution, and a user plane-based solution (UP-based solution). These three solutions will be described in detail below.

[0267] The basic idea of ​​the RRC-based solution is that after the access network node receives an AIoT service-related request from the AIoT CN via XXAP, it sends the relevant information to the AIoT-enabled UE via an RRC message from the AIoT-enabled UE. When the access network node receives AIoT service-related data or signaling from the AIoT-enabled UE via RRC, it transmits the relevant information to the AIoT CN via XXAP / NGAP.

[0268] For an RRC-based solution, a possible protocol stack is shown in Figure 5A. In Figure 5A, communication between the AIoT device and the AIoT-enabled UE is based on the AIoT radio protocol layers. Communication between the AIoT-enabled UE and the AIoT-enabled gNB is based on the RRC layer / PDCP layer / RLC layer / MAC layer / physical (PHY) layer. Communication between the AIoT-enabled gNB and the AIoT CN is based on the xxAP layer / stream control transmission protocol (SCTP) layer / Internet Protocol (IP) layer / layer 2 (L2) / layer 1 (L1) layer. Here, the xx interface is the NG-C interface (i.e., the NG control plane interface). One possible implementation of "xxAP" is to include AIoTF information / cells in the NGAP; another possible implementation is to carry a newly defined protocol layer on top of the NGAP protocol. NGAP is the control plane protocol of the NG interface, and AIoT-related processes can be defined on the NGAP.

[0269] Furthermore, for the RRC-based solution, there are two scenarios for the AIoT-enabled gNB and AIoTF network elements: direct connection and indirect connection (indirect path via AMF). In the case of direct connection, the AIoT CN in Figures 4C and 5A can be replaced with the AIoTF network element, and the "xx" interface can be replaced with the "NG" interface. In the case of indirect connection, the AIoT CN in Figures 4C and 5A can be replaced with the AIoTF network element, and the AIoT-enabled gNB and AIoTF network element communicate via the AMF network element. That is, the AIoT data / signaling transmitted between the AIoTF network element and the AIoT-enabled gNB is carried on the NGAP. The interface between the AIoT-enabled gNB and the AMF network element is the NG interface or the N2 interface, and the interface between the AMF network element and the AIoTF network element is the Nyy interface. The "Nyy" interface can be a service-oriented interface or a newly defined interface, without restriction.

[0270] The basic idea of ​​the NAS-based solution is that the access network node does not see the AIoT-related processes. AIoT-related data / signaling (such as transparent transmission of the AIoT-enabled gNB) is transmitted between the AIoT CN and the AIoT-enabled UE through downlink (DL) / uplink (UL) NAS packets. The access network node can process the DL / UL NAS packets of the AIoT-enabled UE using the DL NAS transport and UL NAS transport procedures on the NGAP. For example, the protocol stack of the NAS-based solution can be shown in Figure 5B.

[0271] The basic idea of ​​the UP-based solution is that the access network node does not see the AIoT-related processes. AIoT service-related data / signaling between the AIoT CN and the AIoT-enabled UE is transmitted on the AIoT-enabled UE's PDU session (e.g., transparent transmission of the AIoT-enabled gNB). The access network node processes the AIoT-enabled UE's user plane data through the NG-U GTP-U channel. An exemplary protocol stack diagram of the UP-based solution can be shown in Figure 5C.

[0272] Understandably, in an ORAN scenario, after receiving an xxAP / NGAP message from the CN, the CU can forward the xxAP / NGAP message to the DU via an F1AP message, or send the AIoT information contained in the xxAP / NGAP message to the DU via an F1AP message. Similarly, after receiving an RRC message from the terminal, the DU can forward the RRC message to the CU via an F1AP message, or send the AIoT information contained in the RRC message to the CU via an F1AP message. Furthermore, the xxAP / NGAP messages transmitted on the F1 interface and the xxAP / NGAP messages transmitted on the XX / NG interface can be different; that is, the CU can perform related processing on the messages, such as deletion, filtering, mapping, modification, or adding auxiliary information, or one or more of these actions.

[0273] It should be understood that the above are merely examples of communication networks to which communication system 20 is applicable. In specific applications, communication system 20 can also be applied to other forms of networks. For example, the AIoT-enabled UE in Figure 4C can be replaced by an intermediate node (such as a repeater, IAB node, or terminal), that is, the intermediate node transmits AIoT data and / or signaling between the AIoT-enabled gNB and the AIoT device. As another example, the AIoT-enabled UE in Figure 4C can be replaced by an auxiliary node (such as a repeater, IAB node, or terminal), and the AIoT-enabled gNB and the AIoT device can communicate directly or indirectly through the auxiliary node. For instance, the AIoT device can send data / signaling to the AIoT-enabled gNB and receive data / signaling from the auxiliary node; or the AIoT device can receive data / signaling from the AIoT-enabled gNB and send data / signaling to the auxiliary node.

[0274] It is understood that the communication system 20 shown in Figure 2 is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the technical solutions of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that in specific implementations, the communication system 20 may also include other devices, and the number of access network nodes, devices, or core network elements can be determined according to specific needs without limitation. Furthermore, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided in this application are equally applicable to similar technical problems.

[0275] Optionally, each network element or device in Figure 2 of this application (such as access network nodes, devices or core network elements, etc.) may also be referred to as a communication device, which may be a general-purpose device or a special-purpose device. This application does not make any specific limitation on this.

[0276] Optionally, the functions of each network element or device (e.g., access network node, device, or core network element) in Figure 2 of this application can be implemented by one device, multiple devices working together, or one or more functional modules within a single device. This application does not impose specific limitations on these functions. It is understood that the aforementioned functions can be network elements in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, a combination of hardware and software, or virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0277] The method provided in this application will now be described in conjunction with the communication system 20 shown in Figure 2 above.

[0278] It is understood that the access network node in the following embodiments of this application can be the access network node 201 in the communication system 20, the core network element in the following embodiments of this application can be the core network element 202 in the communication system 20, and the device (such as the first device or the second device, etc.) in the following embodiments of this application can be any device in the communication system 20, such as device 203, device 204 or device 205.

[0279] It is understood that in this application, access network nodes, and / or core network elements, and / or devices may perform some or all of the steps in this application. These steps are merely examples, and this application may also perform other steps or variations thereof. Furthermore, the steps may be performed in different orders as presented in this application, and it is not necessary to perform all the steps in this application.

[0280] It is understood that the methods described below in this application use devices, access network nodes, and core network elements as examples to illustrate the interaction, but this application does not limit the execution entities of the interaction. For example, the method executed by the device in this application can also be implemented by modules (e.g., circuits, chips, or chip systems) in the device, or by logical nodes, logical modules, or software that can implement all or part of the device's functions; the method executed by the access network node in this application can also be implemented by modules (e.g., circuits, chips, or chip systems) in the access network node, or by logical nodes, logical modules, or software that can implement all or part of the access network node's functions; the method executed by the core network element in this application can also be implemented by modules (e.g., circuits, chips, or chip systems) in the core network element, or by logical nodes, logical modules, or software that can implement all or part of the core network element's functions.

[0281] Figure 6 illustrates a communication method provided in this application. In this method, a core network element can send a corresponding instruction to an access network node when the command associated with the first identifier ends / completes execution, causing the access network node to release resources related to the command associated with the first identifier. And / or, the core network element can send a corresponding instruction to the access network node when the inventory and command associated with the first identifier end, causing the access network node to release resources related to the inventory and command associated with the first identifier. This communication method may include the following steps:

[0282] S601: The core network element sends the first message to the access network node. Correspondingly, the access network node receives the first message from the core network element.

[0283] In this application, the first message requests inventory. For example, the first message is an inventory request message.

[0284] One possible design is that the first message includes a first message and a first identifier.

[0285] The first information indicates whether a command should be sent subsequently, or indicates that no command should be sent subsequently, enabling the access network node to determine whether to receive a command. For example, the first information is a command indication. It should be understood that the first message may also not include the first information. The first identifier is used to identify / indicate the aforementioned inventory (such as the inventory requested by the first message) and the aforementioned command (such as the command to be sent indicated by the first information).

[0286] For example, the first identifier is used to identify / indicate the aforementioned inventory and command on the NG interface. Messages sent between core network elements and access network nodes regarding the aforementioned inventory and command (such as the first message described above, or one or more of the second to eighth messages described below) can all contain the first identifier. In other words, the first identifier can uniquely identify the AIoT service between core network elements and access network nodes. Under the same AIoT service, one or more of the NGAP inventory messages, NGAP command messages, or NGAP AIoT service complete messages between core network elements and access network nodes can carry the same identifier (such as the first identifier). Therefore, the first identifier enables the access network node to determine which AIoT service the executed inventory and / or command belongs to. The first identifier can also be called a service identifier or AIoT service identifier. In the method shown in Figure 6, the AIoT service is an inventory and command service. The first identifier is, for example, a correlation ID.

[0287] In one implementation, the first information indicates a first ratio. The first ratio is the ratio of a first quantity to a second quantity, or a percentage of the first quantity to the second quantity. Here, the first quantity is the number of devices executing the command associated with the first identifier, and the second quantity is the number of devices executing the inventory associated with the first identifier. In other words, the first information can indicate the percentage of devices executing the inventory that have commands.

[0288] Understandably, the core network element can determine the first ratio and send it to the access network node in the first message. For example, the core network element obtains the first ratio from the server, or obtains the first quantity and the second quantity from the server to determine the first ratio, or the core network element determines the first ratio itself. The server is a device requesting AIoT services from the core network element; for example, the server is an application network element or an application function (AF) network element.

[0289] In this application, the command associated with the first identifier can be understood as a command that can be identified / indicated by the first identifier, and the inventory associated with the first identifier can be understood as an inventory that can be identified / indicated by the first identifier.

[0290] In another implementation, the first information indicates that all or some of the M devices have a command. Here, the M devices are those executing the disk associated with the first identifier, and M is a positive integer. For example, the first information includes 1 bit, where a value of "0" indicates that all of the M devices have a command, and a value of "1" indicates that some of the M devices have a command; or, a value of "1" indicates that all of the M devices have a command, and a value of "0" indicates that some of the M devices have a command.

[0291] Understandably, core network elements can obtain information about the M devices associated with the first identifier and, through the first information, indicate to the access network nodes that all or some of the M devices have commands. For example, core network elements can obtain information about the M devices from a server, or core network elements can determine the M devices themselves.

[0292] Understandably, when the first information indicates that all of the M devices have commands, the access network node can promptly determine whether the command identified by the first identifier has been executed.

[0293] In another implementation, the first information indicates that all or some of the devices performing the inventory have commands. For example, the first information includes 1 bit, where a value of "0" indicates that all devices performing the inventory have commands, and a value of "1" indicates that some of the devices performing the inventory have commands; or, a value of "1" indicates that all devices performing the inventory have commands, and a value of "0" indicates that some of the devices performing the inventory have commands. "All devices performing the inventory have commands" means that all devices on the access network node disk have commands, and "some devices performing the inventory have commands" means that some of the devices on the access network node disk have commands.

[0294] Understandably, when the first information indicates that all devices executing the inventory have commands, the access network node can promptly determine whether the command identified by the first identifier has been executed.

[0295] In another implementation, the first information indicates the number of devices that have commands in the inventory associated with the first identifier. For example, the first information includes this number.

[0296] Optionally, the first message indicates that N rounds of commands will be sent subsequently, where N is a positive integer. N rounds of commands represent the number of rounds or times the device with the command needs to execute the command; the commands in different rounds can be the same or different. When N equals 1, it indicates that the first message indicates that one round or one command will be sent subsequently, such as the first message indicating "command one-shot".

[0297] For example, if N equals 2, and both device 1 and device 2 have commands, then both device 1 and device 2 will execute the commands twice. For instance, both device 1 and device 2 will first execute the read command and then execute the write command.

[0298] It should be understood that different devices may execute the same or different commands, and the number of rounds (or number of times) that different devices execute commands may be the same or different, without any restrictions.

[0299] Optionally, the first message may indicate one or more devices to perform the inventory, or the number of devices to perform the inventory. For example, the first message may include Device Identification for Paging IE to select one or a group of devices.

[0300] Optionally, the access network node sends a response message to the core network element for the first message, such as an inventory response message, to indicate that the first message has been received or that an inventory is being performed.

[0301] In one implementation, after receiving the first message, the access network node allocates second resources and instructs the corresponding device (such as the first device and the second device described below) to perform an inventory check. The device matched with the first message (such as the first device and the second device described below) can send its own device identifier to the access network node, so that the access network node can send a corresponding report, such as an inventory check report message, to the core network element. In the inventory check report message, the access network node can carry the device identifier it has assigned to the device, such as the RAN Device ID. After receiving the inventory check report message, the core network element can perform corresponding security operations.

[0302] For example, the device, access network node, and core network element that match the first message can execute the above S113 to S115, or the device that matches the first message can execute the operations performed by the AIoT device in steps A to B, and the access network node can execute the operations performed by the reader in steps A to B.

[0303] In this application, the second resource relates to the inventory associated with the first identifier. For example, the second resource includes AIoT wireless resources required to perform the inventory, such as time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources.

[0304] When the first device receives a command, the method shown in Figure 6 further includes the following steps:

[0305] S602: The core network element sends a second message to the access network node. Correspondingly, the access network node receives the second message from the core network element.

[0306] In this application, the second message requests the first device to execute the first command. For example, the second message is a command request message, and the first command is a write command, a read command, a disable command, or a lock command, etc. The second message may include the first command, a first identifier, the RAN Device ID assigned to the first device by the access network node, and the CN Device ID assigned to the first device by the core network element.

[0307] Optionally, the first command is carried on the first AIoT NAS PDU.

[0308] Understandably, after receiving the second message, the access network node can instruct the first device to execute the first command and receive feedback from the first device regarding the execution of the first command. For example, the access network node sends a first AIoT NAS PDU to the first device and receives a second AIoT NAS PDU sent by the first device. The second AIoT NAS PDU includes the first feedback result of the first device executing the first command. The first feedback result indicates whether the first command was executed successfully or failed.

[0309] S603: The access network node sends a third message to the core network element. Correspondingly, the core network element receives the third message from the access network node.

[0310] In this application, the third message indicates the first feedback result of the first device executing the first command. For example, the third message is a command response message, and the third message includes a second AIoT NAS PDU. The third message may also include a first identifier, a RAN Device ID assigned to the first device by the access network node, and a CN Device ID assigned to the first device by the core network element.

[0311] S604: The core network element sends a fourth message and / or a fifth message to the access network node. Correspondingly, the access network node receives the fourth message and / or the fifth message from the core network element.

[0312] In this application, the fourth message indicates one or more of the following: the command associated with the first identifier has been sent, the first resource is released, it is no longer necessary to wait for the command associated with the first identifier, the command associated with the first identifier has been executed, or the command associated with the first identifier has ended. Wherein, "the command associated with the first identifier has been sent" can be replaced with "the command request message containing the first identifier has been sent," or "the command containing the first identifier has been sent." "It is no longer necessary to wait for the command associated with the first identifier" can be replaced with "it is no longer necessary to wait for the command request message containing the first identifier," or "it is no longer necessary to wait for the command containing the first identifier." "The first resource is released" can be replaced with "the first resource is no longer maintained."

[0313] The first resource relates to the command associated with the first identifier. For example, the first resource includes the RAN Device ID assigned by the access network node to the device (such as the first device) executing the command. The first resource may also include AIoT radio resources required to execute the command, such as time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources. The AIoT radio resources required to execute the command can be exactly the same, partially the same, or completely different from the AIoT radio resources required to perform inventory, without limitation.

[0314] In one implementation, if the first feedback result indicates successful execution, the core network element sends a fourth message to the access network node.

[0315] Understandably, if the command associated with the first identifier is the first command, then the first feedback result of successful execution indicates that the command associated with the first identifier has been executed. Therefore, the core network element can send a fourth message to the access network node, enabling the access network node to determine whether the command associated with the first identifier has been executed or has ended. Subsequently, the access network node can release the first resource, thereby improving the utilization rate of AIoT wireless resources. Since the access network node does not need to maintain the first resource, the above method can also reduce the power consumption of the access network node. The fourth message can also be called a command complete message or a command end message, etc.

[0316] Understandably, if the inventory associated with the first identifier has not yet ended, and the AIoT wireless resources required to execute the command are exactly the same or partially the same as the AIoT wireless resources required to execute the inventory, the access network node may not release the AIoT wireless resources required to execute the command first, and release the AIoT wireless resources required to execute the command after the inventory associated with the first identifier has ended.

[0317] In one implementation, the access network node can query the core network element about the execution status of the command associated with the first identifier, thereby triggering the core network element to send a fourth message. For example, the access network node sends an eighth message to the core network element. Correspondingly, the core network element receives the eighth message from the access network node. The eighth message is used to inquire whether the command (or command message or command request message) associated with the first identifier has been sent, or to inquire whether the command (or command message or command request message) containing the first identifier has been sent, or to inquire whether the first resource should be released, or to inquire whether the first resource needs to be maintained, or to inquire whether it is necessary to wait for the command (or command message or command request message) associated with the first identifier, or to inquire how long until the command (or command message or command request message) associated with the first identifier is sent again, or to inquire whether the command associated with the first identifier has been executed, or to inquire whether the command associated with the first identifier has ended.

[0318] Optionally, the access network node may refer to the first information when sending the eighth message. Taking the first information indicating a first ratio as an example, if the access network node finds that the ratio of the number of devices executing commands to the number of devices executing inventory is about to reach the first ratio, or has already reached the first ratio, then it sends the eighth message. Taking the first information indicating that all M devices have commands as an example, if the access network node finds that the number of devices executing commands has reached M, or is about to reach M, then it sends the eighth message.

[0319] Optionally, after receiving the fourth message, the access network node can send a response message to the core network element, so that the core network element can determine that the access network node has received the fourth message.

[0320] Optionally, upon the termination / completion of the command associated with the first identifier, the access network node sends a fifteenth message to the first device. The fifteenth message indicates the termination / completion of the command associated with the first identifier, thereby enabling the first device to determine that the command it was about to execute has ended. The fifteenth message can be a MAC message or a physical layer message. For example, the access network node sends the fifteenth message to the first device after receiving the fourth message.

[0321] In this application, the fifth message indicates one or more of the following: the end of the inventory and command associated with the first identifier, the release of the first and second resources, or the release of the device context. The device context includes the context of the device executing the inventory associated with the first identifier, and the context of the device executing the command associated with the first identifier. For example, the device context includes the context of the first device. The context of the first device includes the RAN Device ID assigned to the first device by the access network node, and the AIoT radio resources.

[0322] In one implementation, if the first feedback result indicates successful execution, the core network element sends a fifth message to the access network node.

[0323] Understandably, if the command associated with the first identifier is the first command, then the first feedback result of successful execution indicates that the command associated with the first identifier has been executed. If the inventory associated with the first identifier has also ended, the core network element can send a fifth message to the access network node, enabling the access network node to determine whether the command and inventory associated with the first identifier have been executed or ended. In other words, the access network node can determine that the entire AIoT service has ended, so the access network node can release the first and second resources, or release the device context, thereby improving the utilization rate of AIoT wireless resources and reducing the power consumption of the access network node. The fifth message can also be called a service complete message, AIoT service complete message, service end message, or AIoT service end message, etc.

[0324] Optionally, this application does not limit the timing of the fifth message transmission. The core network element can send the fifth message when it determines to terminate the AIoT service (such as inventory and command services) as needed. For example, the core network element can determine to terminate the inventory and command services and send the fifth message after receiving the response message of the first message. As another example, the core network element can determine to terminate the inventory and command services and send the fifth message when inventory has started but command has not yet started.

[0325] Optionally, after receiving the fifth message, the access network node can send a response message to the core network element, so that the core network element can determine that the access network node has received the fifth message.

[0326] Optionally, upon completion of the inventory and command associated with the first identifier, the access network node sends a sixteenth message to the first device. The sixteenth message indicates that the inventory and command associated with the first identifier has ended / completed, thus enabling the first device to determine the completion of the inventory and command it was about to execute. The sixteenth message is a MAC message or a physical layer message. For example, the access network node sends the sixteenth message to the first device after receiving the fifth message.

[0327] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the method shown in Figure 6, if the device executing the command associated with the first identifier includes one or more devices other than the first device, then the core network element sends a fourth message and / or a fifth message to the access network node after these devices successfully execute the command. Alternatively, if the first device also needs to execute a command other than the first command, then the core network element sends a fourth message and / or a fifth message to the access network node after the first device successfully executes the command. For example, as shown in Figure 7, if the device executing the command associated with the first identifier includes both the first device and the second device, then the method shown in Figure 6 may further include the following steps:

[0328] S602a: The core network element sends a sixth message to the access network node. Correspondingly, the access network node receives the sixth message from the core network element.

[0329] In this application, the sixth message requests the second device to execute the second command. For example, the sixth message is a command request message, and the second command is a write command, a read command, a disable command, or a lock command, etc. The sixth message may include the second command, a first identifier, the RAN Device ID assigned to the second device by the access network node, and the CN Device ID assigned to the second device by the core network element.

[0330] The first and second commands can be the same or different. The second device can be the same as the first device or different. If the second device is different from the first device, it means that the core network element instructs the first device and the second device to execute the commands respectively. If the second device is the same as the first device, it means that the core network element instructs the first device to execute the commands twice (two rounds).

[0331] Optionally, the second command is carried on a third AIoT NAS PDU.

[0332] Understandably, after receiving the sixth message, the access network node can instruct the second device to execute the second command and receive feedback from the second device regarding the execution of the second command. For example, the access network node sends a third AIoT NAS PDU to the second device and receives a fourth AIoT NAS PDU sent by the second device. The fourth AIoT NAS PDU includes a second feedback result from the second device regarding the execution of the second command. The second feedback result indicates whether the second command was executed successfully or failed.

[0333] S603a: The access network node sends the seventh message to the core network element. Correspondingly, the core network element receives the seventh message from the access network node.

[0334] In this application, the seventh message indicates the second feedback result of the second device executing the second command. For example, the seventh message is a command response message, and the seventh message includes a fourth AIoT NAS PDU. The seventh message may also include a first identifier, a RAN Device ID assigned to the second device by the access network node, and a CN Device ID assigned to the second device by the core network element.

[0335] In one implementation, if the first feedback result and the second feedback result indicate successful execution, the core network element sends a fourth message and / or a fifth message to the access network node.

[0336] Optionally, after receiving the fourth message, the access network node can indicate to the second device that the command associated with the first identifier has ended / execution is complete, so that the second device can determine that the command it is about to execute has ended.

[0337] Optionally, after receiving the fifth message, the access network node can indicate to the second device that the inventory and command associated with the first identifier has ended / execution completed, so that the second device can determine the end of the inventory and command it is to execute.

[0338] Understandably, this application does not limit the execution order of S602 to S603 and S602a to S603a. For example, S602 to S603 can be executed first, followed by S602a to S603a, or S602a to S603a can be executed first, followed by S602 to S603, or S602 to S603 and S602a to S603a can be executed simultaneously.

[0339] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the method shown in Figure 6, when the core network element determines that the disk execution associated with the first identifier has been completed / ended, it sends a corresponding indication to the access network node, causing the access network node to release the second resource in a timely manner, thereby improving the utilization rate of AIoT wireless resources and reducing the power consumption of the access network node. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the method shown in Figure 6 may also include the following steps:

[0340] S604a: The core network element sends the twelfth message to the access network node. Correspondingly, the access network node receives the twelfth message from the core network element.

[0341] In this application, the twelfth message indicates one or more of the following: the inventory associated with the first identifier has ended, or the second resource has been released. The inventory ending associated with the first identifier can be replaced by the inventory execution completion associated with the first identifier. The twelfth message can also be called an inventory complete message, an inventory end message, or an inventory cancellation message, etc.

[0342] Understandably, the twelfth message could be triggered by the server or by a core network element.

[0343] In one implementation, upon completion of the inventory check associated with the first identifier, the core network element sends a twelfth message to the access network node. For example, if the core network element needs to perform an inventory check on a first device, it receives an inventory check report including the identifier of the first device and then sends the twelfth message to the access network node. If the core network element needs to perform an inventory check on both a first and a second device, it receives an inventory check report including both the identifiers of the first and second devices and then sends the twelfth message to the access network node. As another example, if the server instructs the core network element to end the inventory check, the core network element sends the twelfth message to the access network node.

[0344] The identifier of the first device can be either a device identifier (or a permanent identifier) ​​or a temporary identifier. The identifier of the second device can be either a device identifier (or a permanent identifier) ​​or a temporary identifier.

[0345] Optionally, the twelfth message includes the reason for the inventory completion (inventory completion or inventory cancellation), such as duplicate inventory. For example, a device implementation problem, or the device being powered off and then fully charged, can lead to a duplicate inventory.

[0346] Optionally, the access network node sends a response message for the twelfth message to the core network element so that the core network element can confirm that the access network node has received the twelfth message.

[0347] Understandably, in AIoT services involving inventory and commands, there are scenarios where inventory completion may be followed by command completion, or vice versa. For example, if all devices arriving from the inventory system need to execute commands, then inventory completion will be completed first, followed by command completion. If only some devices arriving from the inventory system need to execute commands, then inventory completion may be completed first, followed by command completion, or vice versa.

[0348] Understandably, if the inventory associated with the first identifier ends first and the command associated with the first identifier ends later, the core network element will send the twelfth message first and then the fourth message; if the command associated with the first identifier ends first and the inventory associated with the first identifier ends later, the core network element will send the fourth message first and then the twelfth message.

[0349] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the method shown in Figure 6, if the first message indicates the number of devices performing inventory checks, the access network node can determine whether the inventory check associated with the first identifier has been completed based on this number. If it is determined that the inventory check associated with the first identifier has been completed, a corresponding instruction is sent to the core network element so that the core network element can determine whether to end the inventory check. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the method shown in Figure 6 may also include the following steps:

[0350] S604b: The access network node sends a thirteenth message to the core network element. Correspondingly, the core network element receives the thirteenth message from the access network node.

[0351] In this application, the thirteenth message indicates one or more of the following: the inventory associated with the first identifier has ended, or the second resource is being prepared for / is about to be released. The thirteenth message may also be referred to as an inventory completion message or an inventory end message, etc.

[0352] One possible design is that the thirteenth message is an inventory report message. This inventory report message includes an end indication. Alternatively, the inventory report message may not include device identifiers, such as the device identifiers of the first device and the second device. Or, the inventory report message may not include the NAS PDU.

[0353] Optionally, after receiving the thirteenth message, the core network element can send a response message to the access network node to confirm whether the inventory check is complete. If the core network element confirms the end of the inventory check, the access network node releases the second resource.

[0354] Understandably, if the inventory associated with the first identifier ends first, and the command associated with the first identifier ends later, then the access network node sends the thirteenth message first, and the core network element sends the fourth message later; if the command associated with the first identifier ends first, and the inventory associated with the first identifier ends later, then the core network element sends the fourth message first, and the access network node sends the thirteenth message later.

[0355] Optionally, if the disk storage associated with the first identifier has ended / execution has been completed, the access network node sends a fourteenth message to the first device. The fourteenth message indicates that the disk storage associated with the first identifier has ended / execution has been completed, thereby enabling the first device to determine that the disk storage it was about to execute has ended. The fourteenth message is a MAC message or a physical layer message.

[0356] For example, after receiving the twelfth message, the access network node sends the fourteenth message to the first device.

[0357] For example, the access network node determines the completion of the inventory / execution associated with the first identifier based on the number of devices performing the inventory, and then sends the fourteenth message to the first device.

[0358] For example, after receiving the response message of the thirteenth message, the access network node sends the fourteenth message to the first device.

[0359] It should be understood that the access network node can also indicate to the second device that the disk storage associated with the first identifier has ended / execution has been completed, thereby enabling the second device to determine the end of the disk storage it is about to execute.

[0360] Understandably, the method provided in this application can also be applied to inventory-only scenarios. In inventory-only scenarios, access network nodes and core network elements can execute S601 and S604a, or execute S601 and S604b.

[0361] Understandably, in the methods shown in Figures 6 and 7, the inventory and command termination associated with the first identifier are indicated by the core network element to the access network node. In specific applications, the inventory and command termination associated with the first identifier can also be indicated by the access network node to the core network element, as will be explained in detail below.

[0362] As shown in Figure 8, another communication method provided in this application may include the following steps:

[0363] S801: The core network element sends the first message to the access network node. Correspondingly, the access network node receives the first message from the core network element.

[0364] The specific process of S801 is similar to that of S601. Please refer to the corresponding description in S601 for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0365] S802: The core network element sends a fourth message to the access network node. Correspondingly, the access network node receives the fourth message from the core network element.

[0366] For details on the fourth message, please refer to the corresponding descriptions in the methods shown in Figure 6 or Figure 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0367] Understandably, the method shown in Figure 8 may also include S602 to S603, in which case the core network element can execute S802 after S603. Alternatively, the method shown in Figure 8 may also include S602 to S603 and S602a to S603a, in which case the core network element can execute S802 after S603 and S603a.

[0368] Optionally, the access network node can query the core network element about the execution status of the command associated with the first identifier to trigger the core network element to send a fourth message. For example, the access network node sends an eighth message to the core network element. Correspondingly, the core network element receives the eighth message from the access network node. A description of the eighth message can be found in the corresponding description in the methods shown in Figure 6 or Figure 7.

[0369] Optionally, upon the termination / completion of the command associated with the first identifier, the access network node sends a fifteenth message to the first device. The fifteenth message indicates the termination / completion of the command associated with the first identifier, thereby enabling the first device to determine that the command it was about to execute has ended. For example, the access network node sends the fifteenth message to the first device after receiving the fourth message. It should be understood that the access network node may also indicate the termination / completion of the command associated with the first identifier to the second device, enabling the second device to determine that the command it was about to execute has ended.

[0370] S803: The access network node sends the seventeenth message to the core network element. Correspondingly, the core network element receives the seventeenth message from the access network node.

[0371] In this application, the seventeenth message indicates one or more of the following: the end of inventory and command associated with the first identifier, preparation / will release of the first and second resources, or preparation / will release of the device context.

[0372] Optionally, after receiving the seventeenth message, the core network element can send a response message to the access network node to confirm whether to end the inventory and command (or confirm whether to end the AIoT service). If the core network element confirms the end of the inventory and command (or confirms the end of the AIoT service), the access network node releases the first and second resources, or releases the device context.

[0373] In one implementation, upon determining that the inventory execution associated with the first identifier has been completed / ended, the seventeenth message is sent to the core network element.

[0374] Understandably, in S802, if the core network element has indicated the end of the command, then the inventory associated with the first identifier has also been completed / ended. This means that the inventory and command associated with the first identifier have ended (or the AIoT service has ended). Therefore, the access network node can send the seventeenth message to the core network element. Furthermore, the inventory associated with the first identifier can end before or after the command associated with the first identifier ends; there is no restriction. The seventeenth message can also be called a service completion message, AIoT service completion message, service end message, or AIoT service end message, etc.

[0375] Optionally, upon completion of the inventory check / execution associated with the first identifier, the access network node sends a fourteenth message to the first device. The fourteenth message indicates that the inventory check / execution associated with the first identifier has ended, thereby enabling the first device to determine that its inventory check has ended. It should be understood that the access network node may also indicate to the second device that the inventory check / execution associated with the first identifier has ended, enabling the second device to determine that its inventory check has ended.

[0376] Optionally, upon completion of the inventory and command associated with the first identifier, the access network node sends a sixteenth message to the first device. The sixteenth message indicates that the inventory and command associated with the first identifier has ended / completed, thereby enabling the first device to determine that the inventory and command it intends to execute has ended. It should be understood that the access network node may also indicate to the second device that the inventory and command associated with the first identifier has ended / completed, enabling the second device to determine that the inventory and command it intends to execute has ended.

[0377] In one implementation, the access network node can determine whether the inventory execution associated with the first identifier is complete or complete based on the instruction from the core network element. For example, the core network element sends a twelfth message to the access network node. After receiving the twelfth message, the access network node determines whether the inventory execution associated with the first identifier is complete or complete based on the twelfth message. A description of the twelfth message can be found in the corresponding description in the method shown in Figure 7.

[0378] Understandably, after receiving the twelfth message, the access network node can release the second resource.

[0379] In one implementation, the access network node determines whether the inventory execution associated with the first identifier is complete or complete based on the number of devices performing the inventory as indicated in the first message. Optionally, the access network node sends a thirteenth message to the core network element to indicate whether the inventory execution associated with the first identifier is complete or complete. A description of the thirteenth message can be found in the corresponding description in the method shown in Figure 7.

[0380] Figure 9 illustrates another communication method provided in this application. In this method, the core network element can instruct the access network node to stop inventory as needed, thus saving AIoT wireless resources by eliminating the need for the access network node to allocate new inventory resources. This communication method may include the following steps:

[0381] S901: The core network element sends the first message to the access network node. Correspondingly, the access network node receives the first message from the core network element.

[0382] The specific process of S901 is similar to that of S601. Please refer to the corresponding description in S601 for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0383] S902: The core network element determines the end of the inventory associated with the first identifier.

[0384] In one implementation, if the core network element receives the identifiers of all devices to be inventoried, it determines to end the inventory associated with the first identifier.

[0385] As an example, if a core network element determines that a first device needs to be inventoried, upon receiving the identifier of the first device (such as the device identifier or temporary identifier), the core network element can determine to terminate the inventory check associated with that identifier. For instance, an access network node sends a tenth message to the core network element. The tenth message includes the identifier of the first device; for example, the tenth message is an inventory report message. After receiving the tenth message, the access network node determines to terminate the inventory check associated with the first identifier based on the tenth message.

[0386] As another example, if a core network element determines that it needs to perform inventory checks on both a first device and a second device, then upon receiving the identifiers of both devices, including the first device's identifier (such as its device identifier or temporary identifier) ​​and the second device's identifier (such as its device identifier or temporary identifier), the core network element can determine to terminate the inventory check associated with the first identifier. For instance, an access network node sends a tenth message and an eleventh message to the core network element. The tenth message includes the identifier of the first device, and the eleventh message includes the identifier of the second device. For example, the tenth and eleventh messages may be the same inventory report message or different inventory report messages. After receiving the tenth and eleventh messages, the access network node determines to terminate the inventory check associated with the first identifier based on these two messages.

[0387] Understandably, once a core network element finds the device it wants to inventory (such as the first device or the second device), it can determine to end the inventory associated with the first identifier even if new devices can still access the access network node. For example, to protect user privacy, the core network element does not carry the identifier of the device to be inventoryed in the first message, but instead carries the group identifier to which the device to be inventoryed belongs. Then, all devices in the group will respond to the first message. The core network element does not need to wait for all devices in the group to respond before ending the inventory; instead, it determines to stop / end the inventory as soon as it finds the device it wants to inventory.

[0388] In another implementation, if a core network element does not receive an identifier of the device to be inventoried within a certain period of time, it determines to terminate the inventory associated with the first identifier.

[0389] For example, if a core network element determines that it needs to inventory the first device and does not receive a message containing the identifier of the first device within a first time period, it determines to terminate the inventory associated with the first identifier. The first time period is the period following the core network sending the first message. The duration of the first time period can be determined by the core network element, instructed by the server, or defined in the protocol.

[0390] For example, if a core network element determines that it needs to perform inventory checks on a first device and does not receive a message containing a device identifier within a second time period (e.g., no message containing a device identifier is received during the second time period, or no inventory report message is received during the second time period), then it determines to terminate the inventory check associated with the first identifier. The second time period is the period following the core network sending the first message. The duration of the second time period can be determined by the core network element, instructed by the server, or defined in the protocol. The duration of the first time period and the duration of the second time period can be the same or different.

[0391] In another implementation, the core network element determines the end of the inventory associated with the first identifier based on the server's instructions.

[0392] For example, the server sends a second message to the core network element. The second message indicates that the inventory management associated with the first identifier should be stopped, or indicates that the inventory management associated with the first identifier should be terminated. After receiving the second message, the core network element determines to stop the inventory management associated with the first identifier based on the second message.

[0393] S903: The core network element sends the ninth message to the access network node. Correspondingly, the access network node receives the ninth message from the core network element.

[0394] In this application, the ninth message indicates the cessation of the inventory management associated with the first identifier, or indicates the early cessation of the inventory management associated with the first identifier. Upon receiving the ninth message, the access network node will no longer allocate new inventory management resources (such as time-domain and / or frequency-domain resources used for inventory management), thereby conserving AIoT wireless resources. The ninth message may be triggered by a server or by a core network element.

[0395] The ninth message can also be called the inventory stop message or the inventory early stop message.

[0396] Optionally, after receiving the ninth message, the access network node can continue to maintain the device context. Once the entire AIoT service is completed, such as after receiving a service completion / end instruction from the core network element, the device context can be released.

[0397] Optionally, the ninth message also indicates whether the device that has already performed the inventory has any further commands, thereby enabling the access network to determine whether to wait for the core network element to send the command, or whether to release the resources associated with the command. Resources associated with the command may include RAN Device IDs previously allocated to the access network node. Resources associated with the command may also include AIoT radio resources required to execute the command.

[0398] Optionally, the ninth message can also indicate the reason for stopping the inventory, such as a duplicate inventory. For example, a device implementation problem, or a device being powered off and then fully charged, can cause a duplicate inventory.

[0399] Optionally, the content indicated by the ninth message can be presented as an information cell. For example, after receiving an inventory report message, a core network element can send a command request message to an access network node. This command request message carries the corresponding information to indicate the above content.

[0400] Optionally, after receiving the ninth message, the access network node can send a response message for the ninth message to the core network element, so that the core network element confirms that the access network node has received the ninth message.

[0401] Understandably, in an inventory-only scenario, core network elements may not send commands to access network nodes. In an inventory+command scenario, core network elements may send commands to access network nodes. For example, the method shown in Figure 9 may also include S602-S603, or include S602-S603, as well as S602a-S603a. In this case, S902-S903 may be executed before S602-S603 (or S602-S603 and S602a-S603a), or after S602-S603 (or S602-S603 and S602a-S603a), or simultaneously with S602-S603 (or S602-S603 and S602a-S603a), without restriction. In other words, core network elements can trigger the process of stopping inventory, or trigger the process of stopping inventory in advance, before, after, or during the sending of commands to access network nodes.

[0402] The various embodiments mentioned above in this application can be combined without contradiction, and there are no limitations. Taking the combination of the methods shown in Figure 6 and Figure 9 as an example, S902-S903 can be executed at any time after S601 and before the core network element sends the fifth message. Taking the combination of the methods shown in Figure 7 and Figure 9 as an example, S902-S903 can be executed at any time after S601 and before the core network element sends the fifth message. Taking the combination of the methods shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9 as an example, S902-S903 can be executed at any time after S801 and before S803.

[0403] The above mainly describes the solution provided in this application from the perspective of interaction between various network elements. Correspondingly, this application also provides a communication device, which can be an access network node in the above method embodiments, or a device containing the above access network node, or a component that can be used in an access network node; or, the communication device can be a core network element in the above method embodiments, or a device containing the above core network element, or a component that can be used in a core network element. It is understood that, in order to achieve the above functions, the above access network node or core network element includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function.

[0404] Figure 10 illustrates a possible exemplary block diagram of the communication device involved in the embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 10, the communication device 100 may include modules or units for implementing the method embodiments described above. In one possible design, the communication device 100 includes a processing module 1001 and a communication module 1002. The processing module 1001, also referred to as a processing unit, is used to perform operations other than transmission and reception operations, and may be, for example, a processing circuit or a processor. The communication module 1002, also referred to as an interface unit, is used to perform transmission and reception operations, and may be, for example, an interface circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0405] In some embodiments, the communication device 100 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG10) for storing one or more of program instructions, program code or data.

[0406] In some embodiments, the communication device 100 may further include an AI module (not shown in FIG10) for implementing AI-related functions. The AI ​​module can implement AI functions through software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. For example, the AI ​​module includes an RIC module. Optionally, the AI ​​module and the storage module are integrated into one module, or the AI ​​module and the processing module 1001 are integrated into one module.

[0407] For example, the communication device 100 can be a network-side device in the above embodiments, such as a core network element or a module (e.g., a circuit, chip, or chip system) in a core network element.

[0408] For example, in one embodiment, the processing module 1001 is used to control the communication module 1002 to send a first message. For example, the processing module 1001 can be used to control the communication module 1002 to execute S601.

[0409] The processing module 1001 is also used to control the communication module 1002 to send a second message. For example, the processing module 1001 can also be used to control the communication module 1002 to execute S602.

[0410] The processing module 1001 is also used to control the communication module 1002 to receive a third message. For example, the processing module 1001 can also be used to control the communication module 1002 to execute S603.

[0411] The processing module 1001 is also used to control the communication module 1002 to send one or more of the fourth or fifth messages. For example, the processing module 1001 can also be used to control the communication module 1002 to execute S604.

[0412] Alternatively, for example, the communication device 100 may be a network-side device in the above embodiments, such as an access network node or a module (e.g., a circuit, a chip, or a chip system) in the access network node.

[0413] For example, in one embodiment, the processing module 1001 is used to control the communication module 1002 to receive the first message. For example, the processing module 1001 can be used to control the communication module 1002 to execute S601.

[0414] The processing module 1001 is also used to control the communication module 1002 to receive the second message. For example, the processing module 1001 can also be used to control the communication module 1002 to execute S602.

[0415] The processing module 1001 is also used to control the communication module 1002 to send a third message. For example, the processing module 1001 can also be used to control the communication module 1002 to execute S603.

[0416] The processing module 1001 is also used to control the communication module 1002 to receive one or more of the fourth or fifth messages. For example, the processing module 1001 can also be used to control the communication module 1002 to execute S604.

[0417] Alternatively, for example, the communication device 100 may be a network-side device in the above embodiments, such as an access network node or a module (e.g., a circuit, a chip, or a chip system) in the access network node.

[0418] For example, in one embodiment, the processing module 1001 is used to control the communication module 1002 to receive the first message. For example, the processing module 1001 may be used to control the communication module 1002 to execute S801.

[0419] The processing module 1001 is also used to control the communication module 1002 to receive the fourth message. For example, the processing module 1001 can also be used to control the communication module 1002 to execute S802.

[0420] The processing module 1001 is also used to control the communication module 1002 to send the seventeenth message. For example, the processing module 1001 can also be used to control the communication module 1002 to execute S803.

[0421] Alternatively, for example, the communication device 100 can be a network-side device in the above embodiments, such as a core network element or a module (e.g., a circuit, chip, or chip system) in a core network element.

[0422] For example, in one embodiment, the processing module 1001 is used to control the communication module 1002 to send a first message. For example, the processing module 1001 can be used to control the communication module 1002 to execute S801.

[0423] The processing module 1001 is also used to control the communication module 1002 to send a fourth message. For example, the processing module 1001 can also be used to control the communication module 1002 to execute S802.

[0424] The processing module 1001 is also used to control the communication module 1002 to receive the seventeenth message. For example, the processing module 1001 can also be used to control the communication module 1002 to execute S803.

[0425] It is understood that the division of units in the above-described device is merely a logical functional division. One function can correspond to one functional unit, or two or more functions can be integrated into one functional unit. In actual implementation, all or some units can be integrated onto a single physical entity, or distributed across different physical entities. Furthermore, the aforementioned functional units can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. Whether a function is executed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for specific applications, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0426] It is understood that one or more of the above modules or units can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of both. When any of the above modules or units are implemented by software, the software exists as computer program instructions and is stored in memory. The processor can be used to execute the program instructions and implement the above method flow. The processor can be built into a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or it can be a stand-alone semiconductor chip. In addition to the core that executes software instructions for computation or processing, the processor may further include necessary hardware accelerators, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or logic circuits that implement dedicated logic operations.

[0427] When the above modules or units are implemented in hardware, the hardware can be any one or any combination of a central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, digital signal processing (DSP) chip, microcontroller unit (MCU), artificial intelligence processor, ASIC, SoC, FPGA, PLD, application-specific digital circuit, hardware accelerator, or non-integrated discrete device, which can run the necessary software or perform the above method flow independently of software.

[0428] In practical implementation, the network-side devices (e.g., access network nodes or core network elements) in the above embodiments can all adopt the composition structure shown in FIG11, or include the components shown in FIG11. FIG11 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a communication device applicable to this application. It is understood that the communication device 110 includes means of necessary forms such as modules, units, elements, circuits, or interfaces, which are appropriately configured together to execute the solution provided in this application. For example, the communication device 110 includes one or more processors 1101 for implementing the method provided in this application.

[0429] Processor 1101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor. For example, processor 1101 can be a baseband processor or a CPU. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device 110 (such as an access network node, core network element, or chip, etc.), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs. Optionally, in one design, processor 1101 may include program 1105 (sometimes also referred to as code or instructions), which can be run on processor 1101 to cause communication device 110 to perform the methods described in the above embodiments. In yet another possible design, communication device 110 includes circuitry (not shown in FIG11) for implementing the functions of the access network node or core network element in the above embodiments.

[0430] Optionally, the communication device 110 may include one or more memories 1103. The memory 1103 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM), cache, or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions. It may also be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory provided in this application may generally be non-volatile. Optionally, the memory 1103 stores a program 1107 (sometimes referred to as code or instructions), which can be run on the processor 1101 to cause the communication device 110 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0431] Optionally, the processor 1101 may include an AI module 1106, and / or the memory 1103 may include an AI module 1108. The aforementioned AI modules are used to implement AI-related functions. The AI ​​modules can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a RIC module. For example, the AI ​​module can be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0432] Optionally, data may also be stored in the processor 1101 and / or the memory 1103. The processor 1101 and the memory 1103 may be configured separately or integrated together.

[0433] Optionally, the communication device 110 may also include a transceiver 1102 and / or an antenna 1104. The processor 1101, sometimes referred to as a processing unit, controls the communication device 110. The transceiver 1102, sometimes referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, is used to realize the transmission and reception functions of the communication device 110 through the antenna 1104.

[0434] It is understood that the composition shown in Figure 11 does not constitute a limitation on the communication device. In addition to the components shown in Figure 11, the communication device may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0435] In one example, the functional units in the communication device 100 may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the methods described above, such as: one or more ASICs, or one or more CPUs, one or more MCUs, one or more DSPs, or one or more FPGAs, or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms. For example, the processing module 1001 is configured as a processor 1101, the communication module 1002 is configured as a transceiver 1102, and the storage module of the communication device 100 is configured as a memory 1103.

[0436] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0437] Optionally, this application also provides a chip system, including: at least one processor and an interface, wherein the at least one processor is coupled to a memory via the interface, and when the at least one processor executes a computer program or instructions in the memory, the method in any of the above method embodiments is executed. In one possible implementation, the chip system further includes a memory. Optionally, the chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices; this application does not specifically limit this.

[0438] Optionally, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. This program can be stored in the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium. When executed, the program can include the processes described in the above method embodiments. The computer-readable storage medium can be an internal storage unit of the communication device in any of the foregoing embodiments, such as the hard disk or memory of the communication device. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can also be an external storage device of the communication device, such as a plug-in hard disk, smart media card (SMC), secure digital (SD) card, flash card, etc., equipped on the communication device. Further, the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can include both internal storage units and external storage devices of the communication device. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium is used to store the aforementioned computer program and other programs and data required by the communication device. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or will be output.

[0439] Optionally, this application also provides a computer program product. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be executed by a computer program instructing related hardware. This program can be stored in the above computer program product, and when executed, it can include the processes described in the above method embodiments.

[0440] Optionally, this application also provides computer instructions. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be executed by computer instructions instructing related hardware (such as computers, processors, core network elements, or access network nodes). The program can be stored in the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium or the aforementioned computer program product.

[0441] Optionally, this application also provides a communication system including the access network node and core network element in the method shown in FIG6, or including the access network node and core network element in the method shown in FIG7, or including the access network node and core network element in the method shown in FIG8, or including the access network node and core network element in the method shown in FIG9.

[0442] It is understood that the term "connection" in this application can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection; furthermore, it can refer to an electrical connection or a communication connection. For example, the connection of two electrical components A and B can refer to a direct connection between A and B, or an indirect connection between A and B through other electrical components or connection media, enabling the transmission of electrical signals between A and B; similarly, the connection of two devices A and B can refer to a direct connection between A and B, or an indirect connection between A and B through other communication devices or communication media, enabling communication between A and B.

[0443] It is understood that the message names or parameter names between network elements in the above embodiments of this application are merely examples, and other names may be used in specific implementations. This application does not impose any specific limitations on these names. Furthermore, the terms "system" and "network" in this application can be used interchangeably.

[0444] It is understood that in this application, " / " can indicate that the objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" can be used to describe three relationships between the related objects. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. Here, A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, expressions like "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" are generally used to indicate any of the following: A exists alone; B exists alone; C exists alone; A and B exist simultaneously; A and C exist simultaneously; B and C exist simultaneously; A, B, and C exist simultaneously. The above examples using three elements (A, B, and C) illustrate the optional entries for this item. When the expression contains more elements, its meaning can be obtained according to the aforementioned rules.

[0445] To facilitate the description of the technical solutions of this application, the terms "first" and "second" may be used to distinguish technical features with the same or similar functions. The terms "first" and "second" do not limit the number or execution order, nor do they imply that they are necessarily different. In this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. The use of "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding.

[0446] It is understood that the term "embodiment" used throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, various embodiments throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It is understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply a sequential order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of this application.

[0447] It is understood that in this application, "when," "under the circumstances," "if," and "if" all refer to the corresponding processing that will be carried out under certain objective circumstances, and are not time-limited, nor do they require that there must be a judgment action when implemented, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0448] In this application, "simultaneously" can be understood as at the same point in time, within a period of time, or within the same cycle.

[0449] It is understood that some optional features in this application can be implemented independently in certain scenarios without relying on other features, such as the current solution upon which they are based, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Alternatively, they can be combined with other features as needed in certain scenarios. Correspondingly, the apparatus provided in this application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0450] It is understood that the same step or step with the same function or technical feature in this application can be referenced and learned from each other in different embodiments.

[0451] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of modules or units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another device, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0452] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. A component shown as a unit can be one or more physical units; that is, it can be located in one place or distributed in multiple different locations. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0453] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0454] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method, which is applied to a core network element or a module within a core network element, includes: Send a first message to the access network node. The first message requests inventory. The first message contains first information and a first identifier. The first information indicates that a command will be sent subsequently. The first identifier is used to identify the inventory and the command. Send a second message to the access network node, the second message requesting the first device to execute the first command; Receive a third message from the access network node, the third message indicating the first device to execute the first feedback result of the first command; If the first feedback result indicates successful execution, one or more of the fourth or fifth messages are sent to the access network node. The fourth message indicates one or more of the following: the command associated with the first identifier has been sent, or the first resource has been released; The fifth message indicates one or more of the following: the inventory and command associated with the first identifier have ended, or the first resource and the second resource have been released; The first resource is related to the command associated with the first identifier, and the second resource is related to the inventory associated with the first identifier.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: A sixth message is sent to the access network node, the sixth message requesting the second device to execute the second command; Receive a seventh message from the access network node, the seventh message indicating a second feedback result of the second device executing the second command; If the first feedback result indicates successful execution, sending one or more of a fourth or fifth message to the access network node includes: If the first feedback result and the second feedback result indicate successful execution, one or more of the fourth message or the fifth message are sent to the access network node.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Before sending the fourth message to the access network node, the method further includes: The system receives an eighth message from the access network node. The eighth message is used to inquire whether the command associated with the first identifier has been sent, or to inquire whether the first resource should be released.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: A first ratio is determined, which is the ratio of a first quantity to a second quantity. The first quantity is the number of devices executing the command associated with the first identifier, and the second quantity is the number of devices executing the inventory associated with the first identifier. The first information indicates that a command will be sent subsequently, including: The first information indicates the first ratio.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain information about the M devices associated with the first identifier, where M is a positive integer; The first information indicates that a command will be sent subsequently, including: The first information indicates that all or some of the M devices have a command.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first information indicates that a command will be sent subsequently, including: The first information indicates that N rounds of commands will be sent subsequently, where N is a positive integer.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Determine to terminate the inventory associated with the first identifier; A ninth message is sent to the access network node, the ninth message indicating that the inventory associated with the first identifier should be stopped.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The determination of ending the inventory associated with the first identifier includes: If it is determined that the first device needs to be inventoried, a tenth message is received from the access network node, and the inventories associated with the first identifier are terminated based on the tenth message; wherein the tenth message includes the identifier of the first device; or, If it is determined that the first device needs to be inventoried, and no message containing the identifier of the first device is received within the first time period; or... If it is determined that the first device needs to be inventoried, and no message containing the device identifier is received during the second time period; or... Receive second information from the server, and determine to terminate the disk entry associated with the first identifier based on the second information; wherein the second information indicates to stop executing the disk entry associated with the first identifier.

9. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 8, characterized in that, The ninth message also indicates whether the device that has already performed inventory has any further commands.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: Upon completion of the inventory process associated with the first identifier, a twelfth message is sent to the access network node; the twelfth message indicates one or more of the following: the inventory process associated with the first identifier has ended, or the second resource has been released.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The first message also indicates the number of devices performing the inventory, which is used to determine whether the inventory associated with the first identifier has been completed; The method further includes: The thirteenth message is received from the access network node, indicating that the inventory associated with the first identifier has ended.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The thirteenth message indicates the end of the inventory associated with the first identifier, including: The thirteenth message is an inventory report message, which either does not include a device identifier or includes an inventory completion indication; or... The thirteenth message is the inventory completion message.

13. A communication method, characterized in that, A module applied to or within an access network node, the method comprising: Receive a first message from a core network element. The first message requests inventory. The first message contains first information and a first identifier. The first information indicates that a command will be sent subsequently. The first identifier is used to identify the inventory and the command. Receive a second message from the core network element, the second message requesting the first device to execute a first command; Send a third message to the core network element, the third message indicating the first device to execute the first feedback result of the first command; If the first feedback result is successful, one or more of the fourth or fifth messages are received from the core network element; The fourth message indicates one or more of the following: the command associated with the first identifier has been sent, or the first resource has been released; The fifth message indicates one or more of the following: the inventory and command associated with the first identifier have ended, or the first resource and the second resource have been released; The first resource is related to the command associated with the first identifier, and the second resource is related to the inventory associated with the first identifier.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a sixth message from the core network element, the sixth message requesting the second device to execute a second command; A seventh message is sent to the core network element, the seventh message indicating the second device to execute the second feedback result of the second command; If the first feedback result indicates successful execution, receiving one or more of the fourth or fifth messages from the core network element includes: If the first feedback result and the second feedback result indicate successful execution, one or more of the fourth or fifth messages are received from the core network element.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, Before receiving the fourth message from the core network element, the method further includes: The eighth message is sent to the core network element. The eighth message is used to inquire whether the command associated with the first identifier has been sent, or to inquire whether the first resource should be released.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that, The first information indicates that a command will be sent subsequently, including: The first information indicates a first ratio, which is the ratio of a first quantity to a second quantity. The first quantity is the number of devices executing the command associated with the first identifier, and the second quantity is the number of devices executing the inventory associated with the first identifier.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that, The first information indicates that a command will be sent subsequently, including: The first information indicates that all or some of the M devices have commands, where the M devices are devices that execute the disk associated with the first identifier, and M is a positive integer.

18. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that, The first information indicates that a command will be sent subsequently, including: The first information indicates that N rounds of commands will be sent subsequently, where N is a positive integer.

19. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that, The method further includes: A ninth message is received from the core network element, the ninth message indicating that the inventory associated with the first identifier should be stopped.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The ninth message also indicates whether the device that has already performed inventory has any further commands.

21. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 20, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a twelfth message from the core network element, the twelfth message indicating one or more of the following: the inventory associated with the first identifier has ended, or the second resource has been released.

22. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 20, characterized in that, The first message also indicates the number of devices performing the inventory, and the method further includes: Based on the number of devices performing the inventory check, determine whether the inventory check associated with the first identifier has been completed; A thirteenth message is sent to the core network element, the thirteenth message indicating that the inventory associated with the first identifier has ended.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The thirteenth message indicates the end of the inventory associated with the first identifier, including: The thirteenth message is an inventory report message, which either does not include a device identifier or includes an inventory completion indication; or... The thirteenth message is the inventory completion message.

24. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 23, characterized in that, The method also includes one or more of the following operations: If the inventory associated with the first identifier has ended, a fourteenth message is sent to the first device, the fourteenth message indicating that the inventory associated with the first identifier has ended; or, If the command associated with the first identifier has ended, a fifteenth message is sent to the first device, the fifteenth message indicating that the command associated with the first identifier has ended; or, If the inventory and command associated with the first identifier have ended, a sixteenth message is sent to the first device, the sixteenth message indicating that the inventory and command associated with the first identifier have ended.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes units or modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, or includes units or modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 24.

26. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor coupled to a memory for storing a program or instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 24.

27. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12 to be implemented, or cause the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 24 to be implemented.

28. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes computer program code that, when executed, causes the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12 to be implemented, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 24 to be implemented.

Images