Communication method and related apparatus

Abstract

The present application is applied to the technical field of communications. Provided are a communication method and a related apparatus. In the embodiments of the present application, a first communication apparatus registers data collection capability information of the first communication apparatus with a first network element, such that when a subsequent service process for determining a communication apparatus that supports data collection is executed, the first network element can acquire, in a timely manner, information of the communication apparatus that supports data collection, so as to issue a request for collecting data of the corresponding communication apparatus, thereby improving data transmission efficiency, and providing data support for subsequent model training and update.

Description

Communication methods and related devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510386604.2, filed on March 27, 2025, entitled "Communication Method and Related 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 related devices. Background Technology

[0003] With the development of big data and artificial intelligence, intelligent networks may no longer be limited to the core network. All network entities along the data transmission path from terminal devices to the core network can be upgraded intelligently.

[0004] To assist terminal devices in better receiving and transmitting wireless information, corresponding models can be configured on the terminal device side. Therefore, it is necessary to collect data related to the air interface performance of the terminal device to provide data support for model training or updates. Considering the limited computing power of terminal devices, the privacy of terminal device data, and the fact that model training may require a large amount of terminal data to improve the model's generalization ability, model training and updates will be completed by third-party applications (such as OTT servers), which collect terminal device data through the core network and make it available to third-party applications.

[0005] How to assist in data collection and improve data transmission efficiency among various network entities along the data transmission path from terminal devices to the core network, so as to provide data support for subsequent model training and updates, is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method and related apparatus that enable various network entities along the data transmission path from the terminal device to the core network to participate in the data collection process, thereby improving data transmission efficiency and providing data support for subsequent model training and updates.

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method. The method can be applied to a first network element, which may be, for example, an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element or access network device, or a module within an AMF network element or access network device (wherein the module includes a communication module and a computing module), or a circuit or chip (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core) responsible for communication functions within an AMF network element or access network device. Alternatively, the first network element may also be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a communication device. The method includes: receiving first information from at least one first communication device, wherein the first information includes data collection capability information of the at least one first communication device; and receiving a first request, wherein the first request is for requesting the collection of data from at least one communication device, and the first request includes information for determining the type of the first data. Send a second request, wherein the second request is for requesting to obtain the first data from at least one second communication device, the at least one second communication device being determined based on the data collection capability information of the at least one first communication device in the first information, the at least one second communication device being one or more of the at least one first communication device, and the second request including information for determining the type of the first data.

[0008] In this application, the first communication device registers its data collection capability information with the first network element, so that when executing a business process that determines a communication device that supports data collection, the first network element can obtain the information of the communication device that supports data collection in a timely manner, thereby issuing a request to collect data from the corresponding communication device, improving data transmission efficiency, and providing data support for subsequent model training and updates.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the first request includes data type identification information of the first data and scenario information corresponding to the data type identification information of the first data. The data type identification information of the first data and the scenario information corresponding to the data type identification information of the first data are used to determine the type of the first data.

[0010] In the above embodiments, a method is provided in which a first network element determines the type of first data by including data type identification information of the first data (such as the first data belonging to channel state information (CSI) data, beam data, or positioning data, etc.) and scenario information corresponding to the first data (such as the first data being used in scenarios based on AI-assisted positioning or AI direct positioning). This solution enables the first network element to quickly determine the type of the first data, thereby subsequently issuing a request to collect data from the corresponding communication device based on the type of the first data, thus improving data transmission efficiency.

[0011] Optionally, the first request includes data type identification information of the first data, which is used to determine the type of the first data.

[0012] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: sending data type identification information of the first data, wherein the data type identification information of the first data is used to determine the type of the first data.

[0013] In the above implementation, providing a fine-grained parameter, such as "location data - AI-based direct positioning", "location data - AI-assisted positioning", or "beam" parameter information, can also quickly determine the type of the first data, which is conducive to improving the efficiency of subsequent data collection.

[0014] In another possible implementation, the first request may further include identification information of a first manufacturer, the first information being used to determine that a first communication device corresponding to the at least one manufacturer identification supports the collection of the first data.

[0015] In the above embodiments, a scheme is provided to select a communication device that supports the collection of first data by using the device manufacturer identifier or chip manufacturer identifier carried in the first request. In this scheme, the first network element can obtain more precise information about the first communication device corresponding to at least one manufacturer identifier that supports the collection of data, thereby sending a request to the corresponding first communication device to collect data, realizing the data collection process, and providing data support for subsequent model training and updates.

[0016] In another possible implementation, the first request may further include area information of a first region, the first information being used to determine that the at least one first communication device supports collecting the first data of the first region.

[0017] In the above embodiments, a scheme is provided to select the region of the communication device that supports the collection of first data by using the region information of the first region carried in the first request. In this scheme, at least one first communication device is determined to support the collection of first data in the first region by using the first information. The first network element can obtain the information of the first communication device that supports the collection of first data in the first region more precisely, thereby sending a request to the corresponding first communication device to collect data, realizing the data collection process, and providing data support for subsequent model training and updates.

[0018] In yet another possible implementation, the second request may further include a first data collection time window.

[0019] In the above embodiments, a scheme is provided in which the second request also includes a first data collection time window, defining the collection time of the first data so that the communication device collecting data collects data within a specified time and goes into hibernation during an unspecified time, thereby effectively saving network resources and improving resource utilization.

[0020] In another possible implementation, the first request further includes policy parameter information, which includes at least one of periodic reporting instructions, data threshold conditions, data accuracy requirements, data aggregation strategies, reporting data volume limits, terminal device load conditions, terminal device mobility limits, and terminal device connection status limits.

[0021] In the above embodiments, a scheme is provided in which the first request received by the first network element further defines data collection strategy parameter information, such as periodic reporting instructions, data threshold conditions, data accuracy requirements, data aggregation strategies, reporting data volume limits, terminal device load conditions, terminal device mobility limits, and terminal device connection status limits, etc., so that the second communication device can collect data in an orderly manner according to the detailed information in the strategy parameter information, avoiding excessive load on the communication device and effectively utilizing network resources.

[0022] In another possible implementation, the second request further includes policy parameter information, which includes at least one of periodic reporting instructions, data threshold conditions, data accuracy requirements, data aggregation strategies, reporting data volume limits, terminal device load conditions, terminal device mobility limits, and terminal device connection status limits.

[0023] In the above embodiments, a scheme is provided in which the second request sent by the first network element further defines data collection strategy parameter information, such as periodic reporting instructions, data threshold conditions, data accuracy requirements, data aggregation strategies, reporting data volume limits, terminal device load conditions, terminal device mobility limits, and terminal device connection status limits, etc. This enables the communication device receiving the second request to collect data in an orderly manner according to the detailed information in the strategy parameter information, avoiding excessive load on the communication device and effectively utilizing network resources.

[0024] In yet another possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving policy parameter information from a policy control function network element.

[0025] In yet another possible implementation, sending the second request includes sending the second request to the at least one second communication device.

[0026] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving first data from the at least one second communication device; and sending second information to the second network element, wherein the second information includes a data set, data type identification information of the data set, and area identification information of the area to which the communication device corresponding to the data set belongs, the data set being determined based on the first data from the at least one second communication device.

[0027] In the above embodiments, a data transmission scheme is provided in which, when the data transmission mode is control plane transmission, the access network device is the data transmission node, the first network element is the access network device, and the second network element is the access and mobility management function network element; or at least one first communication device is the data transmission node, the first network element is the access and mobility management function network element, and the second network element is the network data analysis function network element.

[0028] In another possible implementation, the first request further includes data transmission target address information, which is used to indicate that the first data is transmitted via a user-directed data transmission target address.

[0029] In the above implementation, considering the limitations of the control plane protocol itself, by carrying the data transmission target address information in the first request, data transmission through the user plane can be achieved, which can avoid the data transmission from having too much impact on the load of the control plane.

[0030] In yet another possible implementation, the second request may further include data transmission destination address information.

[0031] In the above implementation, considering the limitations of the control plane protocol itself, by carrying the data transmission target address information in the second request, data transmission through the user plane can be achieved, which can avoid the data transmission from having too much impact on the load of the control plane.

[0032] In yet another possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving the first data from the at least one second communication device; and sending second information based on the data transmission destination address information.

[0033] In the above embodiments, when at least one second communication device transmits data to the network element corresponding to the data transmission target address, it may cause a large number of signaling messages to be transmitted, resulting in excessive channel load and affecting the main services. This solution provides a transmission method in which the first network element uniformly aggregates and processes the data from at least one second communication device before uploading it, which can effectively reduce the number of signaling messages and save channel resources.

[0034] In another possible implementation, sending the second request includes sending the second request to the access network device, wherein the second request carries identification information of the at least one second communication device.

[0035] In yet another possible implementation, the method further includes sending a third request to an access network device, wherein the third request includes an updated identifier of at least one second communication device, the third request being used to request the updated at least one second communication device to perform data collection.

[0036] In real-world scenarios, communication device-side models may be configured according to regions; for example, beamforming models may be linked to the performance of access network equipment. Therefore, when collecting data for training such models, the mobility of the communication devices needs to be considered. This solution provides a maintenance operation for at least one second communication device when the location of at least one second communication device involved in data collection changes due to the mobility of the communication device. For example, when the location of at least one second communication device is updated, the access and mobility management function network element can instruct the updated at least one second communication device to perform data collection based on a request from the access network equipment, ensuring the feasibility and correctness of the at least one second communication device participating in data collection.

[0037] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a fourth request to a second network element, wherein the fourth request is for requesting the transmission of a data set, the fourth request including data type identification information of the data set and area identification information of the area to which the communication device corresponding to the data set belongs, and at least one of the following: data collection completion indication information and estimated data collection completion time. Receiving first response information from the second network element, wherein the first response information includes data transmission time or data transmission trigger information.

[0038] In the above embodiments, a data transmission method is provided in which a first network element requests a data set to be sent to a second network element, and the second network element sends a response message to the first network element indicating the upload time of the data. This allows the second network element in the core network to determine the specific time of data upload, which can better utilize network resources, avoid channel congestion caused by data transmission, and optimize the data transmission process.

[0039] In yet another possible implementation, the first response information includes data transmission destination address information.

[0040] In the above implementation, by taking into account the limitations of the control plane protocol itself, and by carrying the data transmission target address information in the first response information, data transmission through the user plane can be achieved, thus avoiding excessive impact on the control plane load due to data transmission.

[0041] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a data set from an access network device, the data set being determined based on first data from the at least one second communication device; and sending second information to a second network element, wherein the second information includes the data set, data type identification information of the data set, and area identification information of the area to which the communication device corresponding to the data set belongs.

[0042] In the above embodiments, when the access network device is a data transmission node, a data transmission method is provided in which the access and mobility management function network element receives the data aggregated by the access network device in the control plane and then sends the data to the second network element. Data transmission through the control plane can make data transmission more stable and provide data support for subsequent model training and updates.

[0043] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: assigning a notification association identifier to the first request and assigning a subscription association identifier to the second request. A mapping relationship between the notification association identifier and the subscription association identifier is stored.

[0044] In the above embodiments, when the first network element is an access and mobility management function network element, the access and mobility management function network element configures a notification association identifier and a subscription association identifier for the first request and the second request respectively, and stores the mapping relationship between the notification association identifier and the subscription association identifier. With this design, when the collected data is uploaded later, the mapping relationship between the notification association identifier and the subscription association identifier, as well as the request sent by the device uploading the data, can be used to quickly locate which device the data needs to be uploaded to, thereby improving the efficiency of data transmission.

[0045] In another possible implementation, the first network element is an access network device.

[0046] In another possible implementation, the first network element is an access and mobility management function network element.

[0047] In another possible implementation, when the first network element is an access and mobility management function network element, the second network element is a network data analysis function network element; or when the first network element is an access network device, the second network element is the access and mobility management function network element.

[0048] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which can be applied to a first communication device. The first communication device can be, for example, a terminal device, or a module within the terminal device (wherein the module includes a communication module and a computing module), or a circuit or chip within the terminal device responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip). Alternatively, the first communication device can also be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a communication device. The method includes: sending first information to a first network element, wherein the first information includes data collection capability information of the first communication device; receiving a second request, wherein the second request is for requesting the acquisition of first data, the first data being data that the first information characterizes as supported for collection by the first communication device, and the second request including information for determining the type of the first data; and sending the first data.

[0049] In this application, the first communication device can register its data collection capability information with the first network element, so that when executing a business process that determines a communication device that supports data collection, the first network element can obtain the information of the communication device that supports data collection in a timely manner, and then send a data collection request to the corresponding communication device, such as requesting to obtain the first data of at least one first communication device. The data collection process is implemented by at least one first communication device, providing data support for subsequent model training and updates.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the second request may further include a first data collection time window.

[0051] In another possible implementation, the second request further includes policy parameter information, which includes at least one of periodic reporting instructions, data threshold conditions, data accuracy requirements, data aggregation strategies, reporting data volume limits, terminal device load conditions, terminal device mobility limits, and terminal device connection status limits.

[0052] In yet another possible implementation, sending the first data includes: sending the first data to the first network element.

[0053] In another possible implementation, the first network element is an access and mobility management function network element or an access network device.

[0054] In another possible implementation, the second request further includes data transmission target address information, which is used to indicate that the first data is transmitted via a user-directed data transmission target address, wherein sending the first data includes: sending the first data according to the data transmission target address information.

[0055] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be applied to a third communication device. The third communication device may be, for example, a terminal device, or a module within the terminal device (wherein the module includes a communication module and a computing module), or a circuit or chip within the terminal device responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip). Alternatively, the third communication device may also be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a communication device. The method includes: sending a first request to a first network element, wherein the first request is used to request the collection of data from at least one communication device, and the first request includes information for determining the type of the first data.

[0056] In this application, the source of the first request can be varied. For example, when a single communication device senses that the model on its side needs updating (i.e., new data is required for retraining), the source of the first request can be UE0, which triggers the data collection process. This solution proactively triggers data collection after a single communication device senses that the model needs updating, making the data collection requirements more precise and providing support for subsequent model training.

[0057] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method. The method can be applied to a first network element, which may be, for example, an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element or access network device, or a module within an AMF network element or access network device (wherein the module includes a communication module and a computing module), or a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions within an AMF network element or access network device (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core), or the first network element may also be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a communication device. The method includes: receiving a first request from a second network element, wherein the first request is used to request the acquisition of first data from at least one communication device, and the first request includes information for determining the type of the first data; and sending a second request, wherein the second request is used to request the acquisition of the first data from the at least one communication device.

[0058] In this application, in scenarios where data collection instructions are issued by network elements within the core network, the communication device does not need to register its own data collection capability information with the first network element. After the first network element sends out data collection instructions (such as the second request), the communication device receiving the second request determines whether it supports the data collection. Compared with the solution that requires the communication device to register its own data collection capability information with the network element, this solution is more conducive to protecting the compliance and privacy of data.

[0059] In one possible implementation, the second request further includes policy parameter information, which includes at least one of periodic reporting instructions, data threshold conditions, data accuracy requirements, data aggregation strategies, reporting data volume limits, terminal device load conditions, terminal device mobility limits, and terminal device connection status limits.

[0060] In yet another possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving policy parameter information from a policy control function network element.

[0061] In yet another possible implementation, sending the second request includes sending the second request to the at least one communication device according to a broadcast message.

[0062] In the above implementation, it is further clarified that the first network element matches the communication device that supports this data collection by sending a second request in bulk. This solution is more likely to protect the compliance and privacy of the data.

[0063] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving first data from the at least one second communication device; and sending second information to the second network element, wherein the second information includes a data set, data type identification information of the data set, and area identification information of the area to which the communication device corresponding to the data set belongs, the data set being determined based on the first data from the at least one second communication device.

[0064] In another possible implementation, the second request further includes data transmission target address information, which is used to indicate that the first data is transmitted via a user-directed data transmission target address.

[0065] In yet another possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving the first data from at least one second communication device; and sending second information based on the data transmission destination address information.

[0066] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a fourth request to a second network element, wherein the fourth request is for requesting the transmission of a data set, the fourth request including data type identification information of the data set and area identification information of the area to which the communication device corresponding to the data set belongs, and at least one of the following: data collection completion indication information and estimated data collection completion time. Receiving first response information from the second network element, wherein the first response information includes data transmission time or data transmission trigger information.

[0067] In yet another possible implementation, the first response information includes data transmission destination address information.

[0068] In yet another possible implementation, sending the second request includes sending the second request to the access network device.

[0069] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a data set from an access network device, the data set being determined based on first data from the at least one second communication device; and sending second information to the second network element, wherein the second information includes the data set, data type identification information of the data set, and area identification information of the area to which the communication device corresponding to the data set belongs.

[0070] In another possible implementation, the first network element is an access network device.

[0071] In another possible implementation, the first network element is an access and mobility management function network element.

[0072] In another possible implementation, when the first network element is an access and mobility management function network element, the second network element is a network data analysis function network element; or when the first network element is an access network device, the second network element is the access and mobility management function network element.

[0073] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which can be applied to a first communication device. The first communication device may be, for example, a terminal device, or a module within the terminal device (wherein the module includes a communication module and a computing module), or a circuit or chip within the terminal device responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip). Alternatively, the first communication device may also be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a communication device. The method includes: receiving a second request, wherein the second request is for requesting the acquisition of first data, and the second request includes information for determining the type of the first data; determining, based on the second request, that the capability to support the collection of the first data is available; and sending the first data.

[0074] In this application, in scenarios where data collection instructions are issued by network elements within the core network, the communication device does not need to register its data collection capabilities with the first network element. After the first network element sends out the data collection instructions (i.e., the second request), the communication device receiving the second request independently determines whether it supports the data collection. For example, the first communication device determines whether it supports collecting first data based on the second request. If the communication device determines that it supports collecting the first data, it acquires and sends the first data to the first network element. Compared to solutions that require communication devices to register their data collection capabilities with network elements, this approach more easily protects data compliance and privacy.

[0075] In one possible implementation, the second request may further include a first data collection time window.

[0076] In another possible implementation, the second request further includes policy parameter information, which includes at least one of periodic reporting instructions, data threshold conditions, data accuracy requirements, data aggregation strategies, reporting data volume limits, terminal device load conditions, terminal device mobility limits, and terminal device connection status limits.

[0077] In yet another possible implementation, the method further includes: sending the first data to the first network element.

[0078] In another possible implementation, the first network element is an access and mobility management function network element or an access network device.

[0079] In another possible implementation, the second request further includes data transmission target address information, which is used to indicate that the first data is transmitted via a user-directed data transmission target address, and the method further includes: sending the first data according to the data transmission target address information.

[0080] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which can be applied to a second network element. The second network element can be, for example, a data exposure-network data analytics function (DE-NWDAF) network element, or a module within a DE-NWDAF network element (wherein the module within the DE-NWDAF network element includes a communication module and a computing module), or a circuit or chip within a DE-NWDAF network element responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip), or the second network element can also be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a communication device. The method includes: sending a registration request, wherein the registration request includes registration information, the registration information representing the service capabilities possessed; and sending a first request to a first network element, wherein the first request is used to request the collection of first data from at least one communication device, the first request including information for determining the type of the first data.

[0081] In this application, when a second network element within the core network needs data to support model updates or training, the second network element can issue a data collection command to the first network element to request the collection of first data from at least one communication device. This solution, by having the second network element issue the data collection command, transfers the initiative to determine whether data collection is supported to the communication device. Compared to solutions where the communication device needs to register its data collection capabilities with the network element, and the network element then determines which communication device supports data collection, this approach more effectively protects data compliance and privacy.

[0082] In one possible implementation, the first request may further include identification information of a first manufacturer, the first information being used to determine that the communication device corresponding to the at least one manufacturer identification supports the collection of the first data.

[0083] In another possible implementation, the first request may further include area information of a first area, the first information being used to determine that the at least one second communication device supports collecting the first data of the first area.

[0084] In another possible implementation, the first request further includes policy parameter information, which includes at least one of periodic reporting instructions, data threshold conditions, data accuracy requirements, data aggregation strategies, reporting data volume limits, terminal device load conditions, terminal device mobility limits, and terminal device connection status limits.

[0085] In the above implementation, when the second network element is a DE-NWDAF network element, from the perspective of DE-NWDAF, the data can be filtered more finely through the above parameter information, and the channel load caused by a large amount of data transmission in a single transaction can be avoided.

[0086] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving first data or a data set from the first network element, wherein the data set is determined based on the first data from the at least one second communication device.

[0087] In another possible implementation, the first request further includes data transmission target address information, which is used to indicate that the first data is transmitted via a user-directed data transmission target address.

[0088] In another possible implementation, the network element corresponding to the data transmission target address is the second network element, and the method further includes: receiving the first data from at least one second communication device.

[0089] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a fourth request from a first network element, wherein the fourth request is for requesting the transmission of the data set, the fourth request including a notification association identifier, data type identifier information of the data set, and area identifier information of the area to which the communication device corresponding to the data set belongs, and at least one of the following: data collection completion indication information, and the estimated completion time of the data collection. Sending first response information to the first network element, wherein the first response information includes data transmission time or data transmission trigger information.

[0090] In yet another possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a data subscription request from a third network element, wherein the data subscription request includes information for determining the type of the first data.

[0091] Optionally, the third network element is an application function (AF) network element or an application server (over the top server, OTT server).

[0092] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: sending registration information to a fourth network element, wherein the registration information includes third information, the third information being used to indicate that the second network element has communication device data open capability, and the third information being used by the third network element to discover the second network element with communication device data open capability through the fourth network element.

[0093] Optionally, the fourth network element is a network repository function (NRF) network element.

[0094] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that can be used in a first network element of the first or fourth aspect. The first network element can be an access and mobility management function network element or an access network device, or it can be a device (e.g., a chip, a chip system, or a circuit) in the access and mobility management function network element or access network device, or a device that can be used in conjunction with the access and mobility management function network element or access network device, or it can be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the access and mobility management function network element or access network device.

[0095] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include modules or units that perform the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first or fourth aspect. These modules or units may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0096] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that can be used in the communication devices of the second or fifth aspects, and can also be used in the communication devices of the third aspect. The communication device can be a terminal device, or a device in the terminal device (e.g., a chip, a chip system, or a circuit), or a device that can be matched with the terminal device, or a logic module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the terminal device.

[0097] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include modules or units that perform the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second, third, or fifth aspects. These modules or units may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0098] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that can be used for a second network element in the sixth aspect. The second network element can be a network data analysis function (DE-NWDAF) network element, a device (e.g., a chip, a chip system, or a circuit) in a network data analysis function network element, or a device that can be used in conjunction with a network data analysis function network element, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of a network data analysis function network element.

[0099] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include modules or units that perform the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the sixth aspect. These modules or units may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0100] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which includes at least one processor and a communication interface; the communication interface is used for inputting and / or outputting information, and the at least one processor is used to call a computer program stored in at least one memory to implement the method described in any one of the embodiments of the first to sixth aspects.

[0101] In one possible implementation of the tenth aspect, the communication device further includes at least one of the aforementioned memories. Optionally, the memory and processor are integrated together.

[0102] Eleventhly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which includes a logic circuit and an interface, the logic circuit and the interface being coupled; the interface is used to input and / or output information, and the logic circuit is used to implement the method described in any of the first to sixth aspects above.

[0103] In one possible implementation of the eleventh aspect, the communication device is a chip or chip system.

[0104] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication system, which includes a first network element, a communication device, and a second network element, wherein the first network element, the communication device, and the second network element are communicatively connected. The first network element is used to implement the method of any one of the embodiments of the first or fourth aspect, the communication device is used to implement the method of any one of the embodiments of the second, third, or fifth aspect, and the second network element is used to implement the method of any one of the embodiments of the sixth aspect.

[0105] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions or computer programs; when the instructions or computer programs are executed, they implement the method of any one of the embodiments of the first to sixth aspects.

[0106] In a fourteenth aspect, this application provides a computer program product including computer instructions that, when executed on at least one processor, can implement the methods described in any of the first to sixth aspects or any possible implementation thereof. Exemplarily, the computer program product can be a software installation package, which can be downloaded and executed on a computing device when the aforementioned methods are required.

[0107] The beneficial effects of the technical solutions provided in aspects two to fourteen of this application can be referred to the beneficial effects of the technical solutions in aspect one, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0108] The accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below.

[0109] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0110] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0111] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a fifth-generation mobile communication technology network architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0112] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0113] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a process for sending a second request according to an embodiment of this application;

[0114] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0115] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of a data collection process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0116] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of another data collection process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0117] Figure 7C is a schematic diagram of another data collection process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0118] Figure 7D is a schematic diagram of another data collection process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0119] Figure 8A is a schematic diagram of another data collection process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0120] Figure 8B is a flowchart of the interaction between a second network element, a third network element, and a fourth network element provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0121] Figure 8C is a schematic diagram of another implementation of the data collection process provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0122] Figure 8D is a schematic diagram of another data collection process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0123] Figure 9A is a schematic diagram of another data collection process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0124] Figure 9B is a schematic diagram of another implementation of the data collection process provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0125] Figure 9C is a schematic diagram of another data collection process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0126] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 100 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0127] Figure 11 is a structural schematic diagram of another communication device 110 provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0128] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0129] The system architecture used in the embodiments of this application is described below. It should be noted that the system architecture and business scenarios described in this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0130] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication system includes a core network device 101. Optionally, the communication system may further include at least one first communication device 102 and a third communication device 103, wherein at least one first communication device 102 is communicatively connected to the core network device 101, and the third communication device 103 is communicatively connected to the core network device 101. Further optionally, at least one second communication device 104 is a subset of at least one first communication device 102. It should be noted that the first communication device 102 and the third communication device 103 may be independent of each other or coupled, and the second communication device 104 and the third communication device 103 may be communication devices that process the same service or communication devices that process different services.

[0131] For example, the function of the first communication device 102 includes sending registration information to the first network element, the function of the second communication device 104 includes receiving data collection requests, and the function of the third communication device 103 is a communication device that has not registered data collection capabilities. The function of the third communication device 103 includes triggering data collection to the first network element. In this case, the second communication device 104, which collects data according to the data collection request, belongs to the first communication device 102 that has registered its capabilities with the first network element. The third communication device 103 and the first communication device 102 are independent communication devices. That is, the second communication device 104 and the third communication device 103 are communication devices that handle the same services, and the first communication device 102 and the third communication device 103 are independent of each other.

[0132] For example, the function of the first communication device 102 includes sending registration information to the first network element, the function of the second communication device 104 includes receiving data collection requests, and the function of the third communication device 103 is a communication device that has registered data collection capabilities. The function of the third communication device 103 includes triggering data collection to the first network element. In this case, the second communication device 104 that collects data according to the data collection request and the third communication device 103 that triggers data collection to the first network element are both the first communication device 102 that has registered its capabilities with the first network element. The third communication device 103 and the first communication device 102 can be coupled communication devices, that is, the second communication device 104 and the third communication device 103 are communication devices that handle different services, and the first communication device 102 and the third communication device 103 are coupled communication devices.

[0133] It should be noted that the above examples are merely examples to better illustrate the functions of the first communication device 102, the second communication device 104, and the third communication device 103, and this application does not limit them.

[0134] In this embodiment, the first communication device 102, the third communication device 103, and the second communication device 104 can be terminal devices. Terminal devices can include various handheld devices, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, computing devices, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem that have wireless communication capabilities. Terminal devices can also be called user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc., or devices used to provide voice or data connectivity to users, and can also be Internet of Things (IoT) devices. For example, terminal devices include handheld devices and vehicle-mounted devices with wireless connectivity. Currently, terminal devices can include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices (such as smartwatches, smart bracelets, pedometers, smart glasses, etc.), in-vehicle devices (such as cars, bicycles, electric vehicles, airplanes, ships, trains, high-speed trains, etc.), satellite terminals, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, point-of-sale (POS) machines, customer-premises equipment (CPE), light user equipment (UE), reduced capability user equipment (REDCAP UE), wireless terminals in industrial control, smart home devices (such as refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), intelligent robots, robotic arms, workshop equipment, wireless terminals in autonomous driving, wireless terminals in telemedicine, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, or wireless terminals in smart homes, and flying equipment (such as intelligent robots, hot air balloons, drones, airplanes), etc. Terminal devices can also be vehicle devices, such as vehicle devices, vehicle modules, vehicle chips, on-board units (OBUs) or telematics boxes (T-BOXs). Terminal devices can also be other devices with terminal functions. For example, a terminal device can also be a device that performs terminal functions in D2D communication.

[0135] Core network equipment 101 refers to equipment in the core network (CN) that provides service support for the second communication device 104 and / or the third communication device 103. In this embodiment, the core network equipment 101 may include a first network element 1001 and a second network element 1002. Optionally, the core network equipment 101 may also include a third network element 1003, a fourth network element 1004, and a fifth network element 1005 (shown in Figure 1 by dashed boxes).

[0136] For example, the first network element 1001 can be an existing mobility management network element, access and mobility management function network element, access network equipment, or sensing function (SF) network element in a 5G network. It can also be a network element in a next-generation network that implements the corresponding function. The first network element 1001 is responsible for collecting data from the terminal device, that is, the terminal device is triggered to collect data by the first network element. The collected data may include air interface data and / or sensing data. Optionally, specific service-type data may also be collected by specific network elements. For example, the collection of sensing data may be triggered by an SF network element or other specific network elements. This application does not limit the possible entities that collect sensing data. The second network element 1002 can be an existing data-related function in the 5G network, such as a network data analytics function (NWDAF) network element, or a network data analytics function network element with special capabilities; it can also be a data exposure-network data analytics function (DE-NWDAF) network element, such as a data collection coordinate function (DCCF) network element, or an analytics data repository function (ADRF) network element; it can also be a newly introduced network element in the 5G network, such as a data collection function (DCF) network element responsible for collecting data from terminal devices; it can also be a functional network element in future network generations, such as a data agent responsible for intelligent data collection and processing, or a data control function network element responsible for unified data management. The third network element 1003 can be an AF network element or an OTT server, etc., and the fourth network element 1004 is a network element responsible for network storage functions, such as an NRF network element. The fifth network element 1005 is responsible for network data storage. For example, it could be an analytics data repository function (ADRF) network element or a data storage function network element, etc., which will not be listed here. Specifically, the access and mobility management function network element can be responsible for the registration, reachability, and mobility management of the first communication device 102. The access and mobility management function network element can interact with the access network equipment to issue data collection-related instructions to the second communication device 104, etc.Access network devices can be nodes in a radio access network (RAN), or RAN nodes (or devices). Each access network device has a corresponding service geographical area and generally implements access network functions to help the first communication device 102 achieve wireless access. As shown in Figure 2, the multiple access network devices 210 in the communication system 2000 can be nodes of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of access network devices 210 and terminal devices 220 are relative. For example, network element 220i in Figure 2 can be a helicopter or a drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminal devices 220j that access RAN 200 through network element 220i, network element 220i is a base station; but for base station 210a, network element 220i is a terminal device. Access network device 210 and terminal device 220 are sometimes referred to as communication devices. For example, network elements 210a and 210b in Figure 2 can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, and network elements 220a-220j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0137] In one possible scenario, access network equipment can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmitting and receiving point (TRP), a transmitting point (TP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a base station in a future mobile communication system, a satellite, or an access point (AP) in a Wi-Fi system, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, or an access network device in a mobile switching center non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication system, i.e., it can be deployed on a high-altitude platform or satellite, etc. Access network equipment can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 2, 210a), a micro base station or indoor station (as shown in Figure 2, 210b), a relay node or donor node, or a radio controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. Access network equipment can also function as a base station in device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, drone communication, and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication. Alternatively, the access network equipment can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0138] In another possible scenario, multiple access network devices collaborate to assist terminals in achieving wireless access, with each device performing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, access network devices can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs). CUs and DUs can be separate entities or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs). It is understood that access network devices can be CU nodes, DU nodes, or devices comprising both CU and DU nodes. Furthermore, CUs can be classified as access network devices within the RAN (RAN) or the CN (CN), without limitation.

[0139] The DE-NWDAF network element can be used to handle data exposure and network data analysis. Specifically, it can expose data from the second communication device 104 to third-party AF network elements and OTT servers. It receives data subscription requests from users (i.e., third-party AFs or OTT servers) directly or through the network exposure function (NEF) network element and responds with the requested data. It also receives data from the second communication device 104 sent by access and mobility management function network elements, access network equipment, or the second communication device 104 itself, and stores the data from the second communication device 104 locally or on the ADRF network element. Here, OTT server is a general term for various services provided by the Internet, referring to third-party application services outside the core network. The NEF network element is used to expose the capabilities and events of the 5G network and to receive related external information. The ADRF network element is mainly responsible for storing, retrieving, and analyzing the data stored by the second communication device 104. It should be noted that in this application, network elements can also be referred to as entities or functional entities. For example, an access and mobility management function network element can be referred to as an access and mobility management entity or an access and mobility management function entity, etc.

[0140] Please refer to Figure 3, which is a schematic diagram of a fifth-generation mobile communication technology network architecture provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 3, an air interface connection is established between the UE and the RAN, and an N1 control plane connection is constructed between the UE and the AMF through the RAN. After accessing the core network, the UE sends a PDU session establishment request to the AMF through the RAN. The AMF interacts with the Service Management Function (SMF) network element to exchange information. The SMF allocates the Internet Protocol (IP) address of the UPF and passes it to the RAN through the AMF. An N3 connection, i.e., the user plane connection, is established between the RAN and the UPF. The UPF is responsible for user plane functions such as forwarding and processing user packets, connection to the data network (DN), session anchoring, and execution of quality of service (QoS) policies. The network elements within the core network are connected through service-oriented interfaces. For example, the AMF provides the Namf interface, and the NWDAF (not shown in Figure 3) provides the Nnwdaf interface.

[0141] Based on the existing 5G network architecture, in order to further drive the evolution of mobile network architecture towards flexibility and intelligence, the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) proposed an intelligent network architecture concept. This concept involves collecting information and data from core network elements (such as NWDAF elements) to train models, outputting valuable prediction results, and assisting in network resource allocation and strategy adjustment, etc.

[0142] In some schemes, the NWDAF can collect application data from terminal devices by interacting with the AF. The application function can be within or outside the mobile network operator (MNO) domain. Data collection can be achieved by establishing a user plane connection between the terminal device's application data and the AF through a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session. This user plane connection between the AF and the terminal application can occur at any point in time. Specifically, the AF can collect the terminal device's application data directly (the terminal application interacts directly with the AF) or indirectly (the terminal application interacts with the AF through the AF server). However, this scheme collects data from terminal application devices via the user plane, focusing on the terminal device level and neglecting to consider the impact of terminal device mobility on data collection. If the terminal device collecting data changes due to mobility, it becomes impossible to maintain the terminal device in a timely manner to meet data collection needs.

[0143] In some other schemes, the location management function (LMF) network element can obtain the location data of the terminal device from the terminal device through the control plane. However, this scheme is only used for data collection by a single terminal device. Therefore, the LMF will request data from the access and mobility management function network element for a single terminal device. The terminal device and the access and mobility management function network element only transmit the data of a single terminal device through the control plane. This scheme is not suitable for scenarios where data from a large number of terminal devices is collected for model training.

[0144] However, with the development of big data and artificial intelligence, intelligent networks may no longer be limited to the core network. Various network entities along the data transmission path from terminal devices to the core network (such as terminal devices, access network devices, third-party AFs, OTT servers, etc.) can be upgraded intelligently. To assist terminal devices in better receiving and transmitting wireless information, corresponding models can be configured on the terminal device side. Therefore, it is necessary to collect data related to the air interface performance of the terminal devices to provide data support for model training or updates. Considering the limited computing power of terminal devices, the privacy of terminal device data, and the fact that model training may require a large amount of terminal data to improve the model's generalization ability, model training and updates will be completed by third-party applications (such as OTT servers). Data from the terminal devices is collected through the core network and made available to third-party applications. How to assist in data collection, improve data transmission efficiency, and provide data support for subsequent model training and updates along the data transmission path from terminal devices to the core network is an urgent problem to be solved. In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a communication method and related apparatus, wherein a first communication device registers its data collection capability information with a first network element, so that when executing a business process that determines a communication device that supports data collection, the first network element can promptly obtain the information of the communication device that supports data collection, thereby issuing a request to collect data from the corresponding communication device, improving data transmission efficiency, and providing data support for subsequent model training and updates.

[0145] In the communication method shown below (as shown in Figure 4), the specific descriptions of the first network element, the first communication device, and the second network element can be found in Figure 1, and will not be detailed here. For ease of description, in the embodiments of this application, specific examples may be used to illustrate that the first network element is an access and mobility management function network element or an access network device, and the second network element is a DE-NWDAF network element, but this should not be construed as a limitation on the embodiments of this application.

[0146] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0147] Please refer to Figure 4, which is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Optionally, this method can be applied to a communication system, such as the communication system shown in Figure 1.

[0148] The method shown in Figure 4 may include steps S401-S403. It should be understood that, for ease of description, this application describes the steps in the order of S401-S403, but does not limit the execution to this order. This application's embodiments do not limit the order of execution, the execution time, or the number of executions of one or more of the above steps. Steps S401-S403 are as follows:

[0149] Step S401: The first communication device sends the first information to the first network element.

[0150] Accordingly, the first network element receives the first information.

[0151] The first information includes the data collection capability information of the first communication device.

[0152] The data collection capability information of the first communication device is described in detail below by way of example:

[0153] (1) The data collection capability information of the first communication device can indicate that the first communication device has the ability to collect data for all types of data.

[0154] For example, the first communication device reports a first instruction message, which is used to characterize that the first communication device supports the collection of all types of data.

[0155] (2) The data collection capability information of the first communication device can be represented by registering the collection capability at the granularity of specific data types.

[0156] For example, if the first communication device supports collecting and reporting positioning measurement data but does not support collecting and reporting beam data, then the data collection capability information of the first communication device includes positioning but does not include beam.

[0157] It should be understood that the above are only some possible scenarios shown for the purpose of describing the data collection capability information of the first communication device, and are not intended to limit the specific content of the data collection capability information of the first communication device in the embodiments of this application.

[0158] Optionally, the first network element can be an access and mobility management function network element or an access network device.

[0159] The following provides two possible scenarios for the first communication device to send the first information when the first network element is a different device:

[0160] In scenario one, the first communication device sends the first information to the access network equipment.

[0161] Accordingly, the access network device receives this first information.

[0162] In scenario two, the first communication device sends the first information to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0163] Accordingly, the access and mobility management function network element receives the first information.

[0164] In one possible design, when the model needs to be updated, the data collection process can be triggered by different devices. For example, after the first communication device completes the registration of data collection capability information, the data collection process can be triggered by different devices. Four implementation methods for triggering data collection processes by different devices are described below:

[0165] In the first implementation method, data collection is triggered by a third communication device.

[0166] For example, the third communication device sends a first request to the first network element. Accordingly, the first network element receives the first request.

[0167] The first request is used to request the collection of data from at least one communication device, and the first request includes information for determining the type of the first data.

[0168] Optionally, when data collection is triggered by a third communication device, the communication device selected by the first network element for data collection may or may not include the communication device that triggered the data collection. For example, the third communication device that triggers the data collection is terminal device 0, and the communication device selected by the first network element for data collection may be terminal device 0 or terminal device 1; this application does not limit this choice.

[0169] Implementation method two: Data collection is actively triggered by the access network device.

[0170] Implementation method three: Data collection is triggered by the second network element.

[0171] Optionally, the second network element sends registration information.

[0172] The registration information is used to determine the service capabilities of the second network element. For example, the registration information can be used to determine whether the second network element has data sharing and / or data collection capabilities.

[0173] Alternatively, the second network element sends a first request to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the first request.

[0174] The following provides two exemplary schemes for sending the first request when the first network element and the second network element are different devices, as detailed below:

[0175] When the first network element is an access and mobility management function (AMI) network element, the second network element is a network data analysis function (BMI) network element. In this case, the first request sent by the BMI network element to the AMI network element can originate from a third-party AF or OTT server, or it can be sent by the BMI network element to the AMI network element based on model update or model training requirements.

[0176] When the first network element is an access network device, the second network element is an access and mobility management function (AMU) network element. In this case, the first request sent by the AMU network element to the access network device can originate from the network data analysis function network element, or it can be sent by the AMU network element to the access network device based on the needs of model updates or model training.

[0177] Implementation method four: Data collection is triggered by a third-party AF or OTT server.

[0178] Optionally, a third-party AF or OTT server sends a first request to the second network element.

[0179] Accordingly, the second network element receives the first request.

[0180] Alternatively, the second network element may send a first request to the first network element.

[0181] Accordingly, the first network element receives the first request.

[0182] It should be understood that the scheme of the second network element sending the first request to the first network element has been explained in detail in Implementation Method 3, and will not be repeated in Implementation Method 4.

[0183] It should be noted that Situation 1, Situation 2, and Implementation Methods 1 to 4 can be used in combination or individually, and this application does not limit them.

[0184] Optionally, the first request includes data type identification information of the first data and scenario information corresponding to the data type identification information of the first data. The data type identification information of the first data and the scenario information corresponding to the data type identification information of the first data are used to determine the type of the first data.

[0185] For example, the data type identification information of the first data carried in the first request (e.g., represented as data context ID) can also be called data content identifier. The data type identification information of the first data is used to indicate a specific data type, such as CSI data, beam data or positioning data, etc., and the use scenario of the first data can be AI assistant positioning or AI direct positioning, etc.

[0186] Optionally, if the first data does not require differentiation of usage scenarios, application scenario information may not be provided. For example, the first request includes data type identification information of the first data, which is used to determine the type of the first data.

[0187] Alternatively, the data type of the first data can be further subdivided, such as dividing the location data into indoor location data / outdoor location data, etc.

[0188] Optionally, the data type identification information of the first data can be sent separately by the first network element. For example, the first network element sends the data type identification information of the first data.

[0189] The data type identifier information of the first data is used to determine the type of the first data. For example, the location data may correspond to scenario 1 or the location data may correspond to scenario 2.

[0190] Optionally, the first request may further include identification information of a first manufacturer, the first information being used to determine that at least one manufacturer identifier corresponds to a first communication device that supports the collection of first data. Further optionally, the manufacturer identifier may be a device manufacturer identifier or a chip manufacturer identifier. For example, the first request may further include identification information of the first manufacturer as manufacturer 1, the first information being used to determine that terminal device 1 and terminal device 2 correspond to manufacturer 1, based on which it can be determined that terminal device 1 and terminal device 2 support the collection of first data.

[0191] Optionally, the first request further includes area information of the first area, which is used to determine that at least one first communication device supports collecting first data of the first area. The first area may also be called an area of ​​interest (AoI) or a target area. The identification information of the first area is typically a cell ID, for example, the identification information of the first area is cell 1. The first information is used to determine that terminal device 1 and terminal device 2 support collecting first data of cell 1.

[0192] In addition, model updates are generally performed at the region level (e.g., cell level), with model training occurring on the OTT server side. When a single communication device needs a model update, it may trigger other communication devices within the cell to collect data, upload it to the OTT server for model training, and then distribute the updated model to all communication devices within the corresponding cell.

[0193] Optionally, the first request may also include policy parameter information. Further optionally, the policy parameter information may include at least one of the following: periodic reporting indication, data threshold condition, data accuracy requirement, data aggregation policy, reported data volume limit, terminal device load condition, terminal device mobility limit, and terminal device connection status limit. For example, the periodic reporting indication may be used to instruct data reporting every hour; the data threshold condition may be: data reporting is performed when RSRP < -80dBm; the data accuracy requirement may be: data must be accurate to 10 decimal places; the data aggregation policy may be: data must be aggregated by averaging at the cell level before reporting; the reported data volume limit may be: single reported data must be less than or equal to 100,000 records or 100MB; the terminal device load condition may be: data collection is performed when terminal device resource utilization is below 50%; the terminal device mobility limit may be: data collection is required when the UE is stationary or outdoors; and the terminal device connection status limit may require the terminal to collect data only when connected.

[0194] It should be noted that the examples of the above parameter information are only for the purpose of explaining the parameters and should not be construed as limiting the specific parameter examples.

[0195] Optionally, the first network element determines, based on the first information, that at least one first communication device supports the collection of first data.

[0196] For example, the first information characterization terminal device 1 supports collecting data types such as positioning measurement data and beam data, and the data type identification information of the first data indicates beam data. Since the capability information supported by terminal device 1 meets the conditions for collecting the first data, the first network element can determine that terminal device 1 supports collecting the first data.

[0197] Further optionally, at least one first communication device is selected by the access and mobility management function network element from at least one communication device based on information such as the location information of at least one communication device, the connection status of at least one communication device, the data collection capability of at least one communication device, and the mobility behavior of at least one communication device.

[0198] Optionally, if the number of communication devices does not meet the requirements or the corresponding access network equipment does not support data collection and reporting, the access and mobility management function network element can send a failure notification and optional reasons to the data collector.

[0199] The minimum amount of data or communication devices required can be carried by the second network element, or obtained by the access and mobility management function network element from other network elements such as the policy control function (PCF) or unified data management (UDM) network element.

[0200] Each type of model update may require different data formats. For example, a specific data collection strategy may include the required data collection time duration, the minimum amount of data to be collected, the minimum number of communication device samples to be collected, etc. Optionally, this data collection strategy can be determined by a third network element and pre-configured on the access network equipment.

[0201] Step S402: The first network element sends the second request.

[0202] The second request is used to request the acquisition of first data from at least one second communication device, and the second request includes information for determining the type of the first data.

[0203] Wherein, at least one second communication device is determined based on the data collection capability information of at least one first communication device in the first information, and at least one second communication device is one or more of at least one first communication device. For example, at least one first communication device includes terminal device 1, terminal device 2, terminal device 3, terminal device 4, and terminal device 5, and at least one second communication device may include terminal device 1, terminal device 2, and terminal device 3.

[0204] Optionally, the first network element sends a second request to at least one first communication device.

[0205] Please refer to Figure 5, which is a schematic diagram of a process for sending a second request according to an embodiment of this application. The following describes, exemplarily, three scenarios in which the first network element, as different devices, sends a second request or data collection request to at least one second communication device:

[0206] As shown in Figure 5(a), when the first network element is an access and mobility management function network element:

[0207] Step 1: The first communication device sends the first information to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0208] Step 2: The second network element sends the first request to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0209] In the process where the access and mobility management function network element first sends a request to the access network device, and then the access network device sends a request to at least one second communication device:

[0210] Step 3: The access and mobility management function network element sends a second request to the access network equipment (optionally, the second request carries identification information of at least one second communication device).

[0211] Step 4: The access network device sends a data collection request to at least one second communication device.

[0212] As shown in Figure 5(b), when the first network element is an access and mobility management function network element:

[0213] Step 1: The first communication device sends the first information to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0214] Step 2: The second network element sends the first request to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0215] Step 3: The access and mobility management function network element sends a second request to at least one second communication device.

[0216] As shown in Figure 5(c), when the first network element is an access network device:

[0217] Step 1: The first communication device sends the first information to the access network equipment.

[0218] Step 2: The access and mobility management function network element sends the first request to the access network device.

[0219] Step 3: The access network device sends a second request to at least one second communication device.

[0220] Optionally, the second request may also include a first data collection time window. For example, the first data collection time window may be 9:00-10:00. This solution defines the collection time for the first data, allowing the communication device to collect data within a specified time and to remain dormant during unspecified times, thereby effectively saving network resources and improving resource utilization.

[0221] Optionally, the second request may also include policy parameter information. For example, the policy parameter information may include at least one of the following: periodic reporting indication, data threshold conditions, data accuracy requirements, data aggregation policy, reported data volume limits, terminal device load conditions, terminal device mobility limits, and terminal device connection status limits.

[0222] Alternatively, the policy parameter information is not carried in the second request and is received separately by the first network element. Optionally, the first network element receives policy parameter information from a policy control function (PCF) network element.

[0223] Step S403: The second communication device sends the first data.

[0224] Optionally, the second communication device sends the first data to the first network element.

[0225] Accordingly, the first network element receives the first data.

[0226] In one possible design, after the second communication device completes data collection based on the received second request, different devices can act as data transmission nodes visible to the core network, uploading data to the core network to provide data support for the model training and / or model update process. Several implementation methods using different devices as data transmission nodes are exemplarily described below:

[0227] In one implementation method, a second communication device is used as the data transmission node.

[0228] It should be noted that using the second communication device as a data transmission node means that the second communication device directly transmits data to the access and mobility management function network element through the N1 connection.

[0229] Accordingly, the first network element receives first data from at least one second communication device. Optionally, the first network element sends second information to the second network element. In this case, the first network element is an access and mobility management function network element, and the second network element is a network data analysis function network element.

[0230] Optionally, if the first communication device subsequently updates its data, the second communication device can directly update the data to the access and mobility management function network element via the N1 connection.

[0231] The second information includes a data set, data type identification information of the data set, and area identification information of the area to which the communication device corresponding to the data set belongs. The data set is determined based on the first data of at least one second communication device.

[0232] Optionally, "the data set is determined based on the first data of at least one second communication device" can mean that the access network device uploads the first data of at least one second communication device together (this scheme retains the original data), or the access network device aggregates the first data of at least one second communication device before uploading it, that is, it processes the original first data of at least one second communication device to generate new data before uploading it.

[0233] Optionally, the access network device can provide mean, extreme values, variance, etc. at each time step according to time granularity. The aggregation granularity may be affected by model training requirements and data security and privacy strategies. If, under the premise of satisfying data security and privacy, it is necessary to use the identifier of the communication device to associate the data of the communication device during subsequent training, the access network device can send data through the N2 channel corresponding to a single communication device. The access and mobility management function network element can perceive the identifier of the specific communication device corresponding to the data. If data at the communication device level is not required, the access network device can perform aggregation at the regional level (e.g., at the cell level) or the time level (e.g., at the hour level). This application does not limit this.

[0234] In the second implementation method, the access network device serves as the data transmission node.

[0235] It should be noted that using the access network device as a data transmission node means that after receiving data from the second communication device, the access network device can aggregate the data and then transmit the aggregated data to the second network element through the N2 connection.

[0236] In this case, the first network element is the access network equipment, and the second network element is the access and mobility management function network element.

[0237] Optionally, if the second communication device subsequently uploads data updates to the access network device, the access network device can update the data to the access and mobility management function network element via the N2 connection.

[0238] Optionally, after the first network element receives first data from at least one second communication device (which may be data transmitted by the second communication device as a data transmission node or data transmitted by an access network device as a data transmission node), it assigns a notification correlation ID to the first request and a subscription correlation ID to the second request. The mapping relationship between the notification correlation ID and the subscription correlation ID is stored for subsequent updates.

[0239] For example, the subscription association identifier corresponding to the request of NWDAF-1 is aaa-1, the notification association identifier corresponding to the request sent by the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMS) network element to RAN-1 is bbb-1, and the notification association identifier corresponding to the request sent to RAN-2 is bbb-2. The subscription association identifier corresponding to the request of NWDAF-2 is aaa-2, and the notification association identifier corresponding to the request sent by the AMS network element to RAN-3 is bbb-3. Subsequently, if the AMS network element receives data from RAN-1 and finds that the data of RAN-1 carries the subscription association identifier aaa-1, the AMS network element knows, based on the mapping relationship between aaa-1 and bbb-1, that the data of RAN-1 should be sent to NWDAF-1. This design of the scheme can quickly locate which device the data needs to be uploaded to when the collected data is subsequently uploaded, based on the mapping relationship between the notification association identifier and the subscription association identifier, as well as the request sent by the device uploading the data, thereby improving the efficiency of data transmission.

[0240] Similarly, when a network data analysis function network element sends multiple data requests, if the access and mobility management function network element sends data with aaa-1, the network data analysis function network element can know the specific request.

[0241] It should be noted that the above scheme provides data transmission via the control plane. Optionally, considering the limitations of the control plane protocol itself, this application can also utilize the data transmission destination address information to achieve data transmission via the user plane, which can avoid the data transmission from significantly impacting the load on the control plane.

[0242] The following provides two exemplary methods for configuring data transmission target address information, as follows:

[0243] In configuration method one, the first request also includes data transmission target address information. This data transmission target address information is used to indicate that the first data is transmitted via a user-directed data transmission target address.

[0244] Optionally, the second request may also include data transmission destination address information.

[0245] In one possible design, the first network element receives first data from at least one second communication device and sends second information according to the data transmission target address information.

[0246] In the second configuration method, the first network element sends data transmission target address information to at least one second communication device, instructing at least one second communication device to send first data according to the data transmission target address information.

[0247] Optionally, considering that there may be a time interval between data collection and data use, after receiving the first data from at least one second communication device, the second network element can store the first data from at least one second communication device in the third network element. When the second network element receives a request from the third network element, it can obtain the first data from at least one second communication device from the fifth network element.

[0248] The following section explores the upload time of data transmission in detail. By defining a new interaction between the access network device and the access and mobility management function (AM) network element, and the interaction between the AM and the second network element, the core network (AM / second network element) determines the specific upload time. This allows for better utilization of network resources, avoids channel congestion caused by data transmission, and optimizes the data transmission process.

[0249] It should be noted that, to demonstrate the optimal solution, the following example uses an access network device as the data transmission node. Data transmission via the access network device can be aggregated to reduce the amount of signaling and avoid signaling congestion. However, in reality, either the access network device or the second communication device can act as a data transmission node. The difference lies in the control plane: the access network device uploads via N2, while the second communication device uploads via N1. In the user plane scenario, if the access network device acts as the data transmission node, an upload address is assigned to the access network device. If the second communication device acts as the data transmission node, a unified upload address is issued by the access network device, or the core network assigns an upload address to the communication device.

[0250] The following provides two possible implementation methods for confirming the upload time of data transmission, as exemplified below:

[0251] In one implementation, the upload time of data transmission is confirmed by the network data analysis function network element.

[0252] Specifically, the first network element sends a fourth request to the second network element and receives a first response from the second network element. Correspondingly, the second network element receives the fourth request and sends a first response to the first network element.

[0253] The fourth request is used to request the transmission of a data set. The fourth request includes data type identification information of the data set and area identification information of the area to which the communication device corresponding to the data set belongs, as well as at least one of the following: data collection completion indication information and predicted ready time of data collection. The first response information includes data transmission time or data transmission trigger information.

[0254] Optionally, the fourth request may also include a data profile, which is used to assist the access and mobility management function network element in determining the upload time. For example, the data profile may include information such as a first data collection time window, dataset size, and a list of user devices (UEs).

[0255] Optionally, the first response information may also include data transmission destination address information.

[0256] Optionally, the second network element can determine when to transmit data based on information such as data transmission strategy, network load status, and data demand, and send a data transmission time / data transmission trigger message to the access and mobility management function network element (optional if a data collection completion indication is received, or if the expected collection completion time has been exceeded); if the second network element supports receiving data and storing it locally or to a third network element, the second network element may carry its own address or the address of the third network element as the data transmission target address information in the message.

[0257] Optionally, the third network element sends a data subscription request to the second network element. Correspondingly, the second network element receives the data subscription request.

[0258] The data subscription request includes information used to determine the type of the first data.

[0259] Optionally, the second network element sends registration information to the fourth network element. Correspondingly, the fourth network element receives the registration information.

[0260] The registration information includes third information, which is used to indicate that the second network element has the capability to open communication devices, and the third information is used by the third network element to discover the second network element with the capability to open communication device data through the fourth network element.

[0261] In one implementation, the upload time of data transmission is confirmed by the access and mobility management function network element.

[0262] Specifically, the access and mobility management function network element receives a fourth request from the access network device and sends a first response information to the access network device. Optionally, the first response information may also include data transmission destination address information.

[0263] The fourth request is used to request the transmission of a data set. The fourth request includes data type identification information of the data set and area identification information of the area to which the communication device corresponding to the data set belongs, as well as at least one of the following: data collection completion indication information and estimated completion time of data collection. The first response information includes data transmission time or data transmission trigger information.

[0264] Optionally, the access and mobility management function network element can determine when to transmit data based on data transmission policies or information such as channel and network load conditions.

[0265] Alternatively, the data transmission strategy or channel, network load status, and other information can be obtained from other networks, such as data transmission strategy information from a policy control function network element, network load status information from a second network element, or non-real-time information such as data transmission strategy information stored locally by the access and mobility management function network element.

[0266] Optionally, considering the mobility of the communication devices, if the location of at least one second communication device is updated, the access and mobility management function network element sends a third request to the access network device. Accordingly, the access network device receives the third request.

[0267] The third request includes the identifier of at least one updated second communication device, and the third request is used to request the updated at least one second communication device to collect data.

[0268] For example, if a communication device in the communication device list is removed from the target area, or the communication device is no longer reachable, or a new communication device that supports data collection enters the target area, the first network element requests the access network device to update at least one second communication device for data collection.

[0269] Further, alternatively, to reduce the frequent transmission of update signaling, the update interval can be set (e.g., every 10 minutes); in addition, when initially selecting a communication device for data collection, communication devices with lower mobility can be given priority to reduce the frequency of updates.

[0270] In this application, the first communication device registers its data collection capability information with the first network element, so that when executing a business process that determines a communication device that supports data collection, the first network element can obtain the information of the communication device that supports data collection in a timely manner, thereby issuing a request to collect data from the corresponding communication device, improving data transmission efficiency, and providing data support for subsequent model training and updates.

[0271] Compared to the embodiment shown in Figure 4, another solution is provided below. In scenarios where data collection instructions are issued by network elements within the core network, the communication device does not need to register its data collection capabilities with the first network element. After the first network element sends data collection instructions from the second network element, the communication device receiving the second request independently determines whether it supports the data collection. For example, the second communication device determines whether it supports collecting the first data based on the second request. If it supports collecting the first data, it acquires and sends the first data to the first network element. This solution, compared to the solution requiring the communication device to register its data collection capabilities with the network element, is more effective in protecting data compliance and privacy.

[0272] Please refer to Figure 6, which is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Optionally, this method can be applied to a communication system, such as the communication system shown in Figure 1.

[0273] The method shown in Figure 6 may include steps S601-S604. It should be understood that, for ease of description, this application describes the steps in the order of S601-S604, but does not limit the execution to this order. This application's embodiments do not limit the order of execution, the execution time, or the number of executions of one or more of the above steps. Steps S601-S604 are as follows:

[0274] Step S601: The second network element sends a first request to the first network element.

[0275] Accordingly, the first network element receives the first request.

[0276] The first request is used to request the acquisition of first data, and the first request includes information for determining the type of the first data.

[0277] For example, the first request is used to request data 1 and data 2. The first request includes data type identification information of data 1 as beam data and data type identification information of data 2 as positioning measurement data.

[0278] Optionally, before the second network element sends the first request to the first network element, it can determine that the network element corresponding to the first area is the first network element. For example, if the first area is cell 1, the second network element determines that the network element responsible for accessing cell 1 is RAN1, thus pre-determining RAN1 as the network element responsible for accessing cell 1, so that it can directly issue data collection instructions to RAN1 later. Further optionally, the area information of the area to which the communication device capable of acquiring data 1 and data 2 belongs is cell 1. Further optionally, the second request also includes a first data collection time window. For example, the collection time window for data 1 is 9:00-10:00, and the collection time window for data 2 is 9:00-11:00. This solution, by defining the collection time of the first data, enables the communication device collecting data to collect data within a specified time and to sleep during unspecified times, thereby effectively saving network resources and improving resource utilization.

[0279] Step S602: The first network element sends the second request.

[0280] Optionally, the first network element sends a second request to at least one communication device.

[0281] The following are three exemplary scenarios in which the first network element, acting as a different device, sends a second request or data collection request to at least one communication device:

[0282] In scenario one, in the process where the access and mobility management function (AM) network element first sends a request to the access network device, and then the access network device sends a request to at least one communication device, the AM network element sends a second request to the access network device (optionally, the second request carries identification information of at least one communication device), and the access network device sends a data collection request to at least one communication device.

[0283] In the second scenario, when the first network element is an access and mobility management function network element, the access and mobility management function network element sends a second request to at least one communication device.

[0284] Scenario 3: When the first network element is an access network device, the second request is also sent to at least one communication device. Optionally, the access network device can directly send the second request to at least one communication device in a group, or it can first perform a preliminary screening of at least one communication device based on the air interface load, and then send the second request to the screened communication devices.

[0285] Optionally, the second request may also include policy parameter information. For example, the policy parameter information may include at least one of the following: periodic reporting indication, data threshold conditions, data accuracy requirements, data aggregation policy, reported data volume limits, terminal device load conditions, terminal device mobility limits, and terminal device connection status limits.

[0286] Alternatively, the policy parameter information is not carried in the second request and is received separately by the first network element. Optionally, the first network element receives policy parameter information from the policy control function network element.

[0287] Optionally, the first network element sends a second request to at least one communication device based on a broadcast message. Accordingly, at least one communication device receives the second request.

[0288] In one possible design, upon receiving the second request, at least one communication device can determine whether to support the data collection based on its own data collection capabilities, user consent, and its own status (such as battery level and data transmission load). For example, taking at least one communication device including terminal device 1, terminal device 2, terminal device 3, terminal device 4, and terminal device 5, the second request is used to request data 1 and data 2 from cell 1. The second request includes data type identification information for data 1 (beam data) and data type identification information for data 2 (location measurement data). The area information of the communication device capable of acquiring data 1 and data 2 is cell 1. The identifiers of the communication devices capable of acquiring data 1 and data 2 are terminal device 1, terminal device 2, and terminal device 3. Terminal device 1 and terminal device 2, based on their own data collection capabilities, user consent, and their own status (such as battery level and data transmission load), decide to support the data collection. Terminal device 3, based on its own data collection capabilities, user consent, and its own status (such as battery level and data transmission load), decides not to support the data collection.

[0289] Optionally, at least one communication device responds to the access network device regarding whether it supports the requested data collection. Three exemplary scenarios are described below:

[0290] In scenario one, at least one of the communication devices that supports data collection replies to the access network device that it supports the requested data collection. For example, at least one communication device includes terminal device 1, terminal device 2, terminal device 3, terminal device 4, and terminal device 5. If terminal device 1 and terminal device 2 support the requested data collection, then terminal device 1 and terminal device 2 reply to the access network device that they support the requested data collection.

[0291] Scenario 2: In at least one communication device, only the communication device that does not support data collection replies to the access network device that it does not support the requested data collection. For example, at least one communication device includes terminal device 1, terminal device 2, terminal device 3, terminal device 4, and terminal device 5. Terminal device 1 and terminal device 2 support the requested data collection, while terminal devices 3, 4, and 5 do not support the requested data collection. In this case, terminal devices 3, 4, and 5 reply to the access network device that they do not support the requested data collection.

[0292] Scenario 3: All communication devices in at least one communication device respond to the access network device regarding whether they support the requested data collection. For example, at least one communication device includes terminal device 1, terminal device 2, terminal device 3, terminal device 4, and terminal device 5. Terminal device 1 and terminal device 2 support the requested data collection, while terminal devices 3, 4, and 5 do not. In this case, terminal device 1 and terminal device 2 respond to the access network device that they support the requested data collection, while terminal devices 3, 4, and 5 respond to the access network device that they do not support the requested data collection.

[0293] Step S603: At least one second communication device determines, based on the second request, that it has the capability to support the collection of the first data.

[0294] For example, in at least one communication device, if terminal device 1 determines that the types of data it supports collecting are beam data and positioning measurement data, then terminal device 1 can acquire data 1 and data 2. Optionally, if the area to which terminal device 1 belongs is cell 1, then terminal device 1 can acquire data 1 and data 2 from cell 1.

[0295] For example, in at least one communication device, terminal device 1 determines that the data type it supports collecting is beam data, and terminal device 2 determines that the data type it supports collecting is positioning measurement data. Therefore, terminal device 1 can acquire data 1, and terminal device 2 can acquire data 2. Optionally, if both terminal device 1 and terminal device 2 belong to cell 1, then terminal device 1 can acquire data 1 from cell 1, and terminal device 2 can acquire data 2 from cell 1.

[0296] In one possible design, after the second communication device completes data collection based on the received second request, different devices can act as data transmission nodes to upload the data to the core network, providing data support for the model training and / or model update process. Several implementation methods using different devices as data transmission nodes are exemplarily described below:

[0297] In one implementation method, a second communication device is used as the data transmission node.

[0298] Step S604: The second communication device sends the first data to the first network element.

[0299] Accordingly, the first network element receives first data from at least one second communication device. Optionally, the first network element sends second information to the second network element. In this case, the first network element is an access and mobility management function network element, and the second network element is a network data analysis function network element.

[0300] Optionally, if the second communication device subsequently updates its data, it can directly update the data to the access and mobility management function network element via the N1 connection.

[0301] The second information includes a data set, data type identification information of the data set, and area identification information of the area to which the communication device corresponding to the data set belongs. The data set is determined based on the first data of at least one second communication device.

[0302] Optionally, "the data set is determined based on the first data of at least one first communication device" can mean that the access network device uploads the first data of at least one second communication device together (this scheme retains the original data), or the access network device aggregates the first data of at least one second communication device before uploading it, that is, it processes the original first data of at least one second communication device to generate new data before uploading it.

[0303] Optionally, the access network device can provide mean, extreme values, variance, etc., at each time granularity. The aggregation granularity may be affected by model training requirements and data security and privacy strategies. If, under the premise of satisfying data security and privacy, subsequent training requires the use of the communication device's identifier to associate the data of the communication device, the access network device can send data through the N2 channel corresponding to a single communication device. The access and mobility management function network element can perceive the identifier of the specific communication device corresponding to the data. If data at the communication device level is not required, the access network device can perform aggregation at the cell level or other area levels. This application does not limit this.

[0304] In the second implementation method, the access network equipment acts as the data transmission node. In this case, the first network element is the access network equipment, and the second network element is the access and mobility management function network element.

[0305] Optionally, if the second communication device subsequently uploads data updates to the access network device, the access network device can update the data to the access and mobility management function network element via the N2 connection.

[0306] It should be noted that the above scheme provides data transmission via the control plane. Optionally, considering the limitations of the control plane protocol itself, this application can also utilize the data transmission destination address information to achieve data transmission via the user plane, which can avoid the data transmission from significantly impacting the load on the control plane.

[0307] The following provides two exemplary methods for configuring data transmission target address information, as follows:

[0308] In configuration method one, the second request also includes data transmission target address information.

[0309] The data transmission target address information is used to indicate that the first data is transmitted through the user to the data transmission target address.

[0310] In one possible design, the first network element receives first data from at least one first communication device and sends second information according to the data transmission target address information.

[0311] In one possible design, the access and mobility management function network element receives a data set from the access network device and sends second information to the second network element.

[0312] In the second configuration method, the first network element sends data transmission target address information to at least one second communication device, instructing at least one second communication device to send first data according to the data transmission target address information.

[0313] Optionally, considering that there may be a time interval between data collection and data use, after receiving the first data from at least one second communication device, the second network element can store the first data from at least one second communication device in the third network element. When it receives a request from the fifth network element, the second network element can obtain the first data from at least one second communication device from the third network element.

[0314] The following section explores the upload time of data transmission in detail. By defining a new interaction between the access network device and the access and mobility management function (AM) network element, and the interaction between the AM and the second network element, the core network (AM / second network element) determines the specific upload time. This allows for better utilization of network resources, avoids channel congestion caused by data transmission, and optimizes the data transmission process.

[0315] It should be noted that, to demonstrate the optimal solution, the following example uses an access network device as the data transmission node. Data transmission via the access network device can be aggregated to reduce the amount of signaling and avoid signaling congestion. However, in reality, either the access network device or the second communication device can act as a data transmission node. The difference lies in the control plane: the access network device uploads via N2, while the second communication device uploads via N1. In the user plane scenario, if the access network device acts as the data transmission node, an upload address is assigned to the access network device. If the second communication device acts as the data transmission node, a unified upload address is issued by the access network device, or the core network assigns an upload address to the communication device.

[0316] The following provides two possible implementation methods for confirming the upload time of data transmission, as exemplified below:

[0317] In the first implementation method, the network data analysis function network element confirms the upload time of data transmission.

[0318] Specifically, the first network element sends a fourth request to the second network element and receives a first response from the second network element. Correspondingly, the second network element receives the fourth request and sends a first response to the first network element.

[0319] The fourth request is used to request the transmission of a data set. The fourth request includes data type identification information of the data set and area identification information of the area to which the communication device corresponding to the data set belongs, as well as at least one of the following: data collection completion indication information and predicted ready time of data collection. The first response information includes data transmission time or data transmission trigger information.

[0320] Optionally, the fourth request may also include a data profile, which is used to assist the access and mobility management function network element in determining the upload time. For example, the data profile may include information such as a first data collection time window, dataset size, and a list of user devices (UEs).

[0321] Optionally, the first response information may also include data transmission destination address information.

[0322] Optionally, the second network element can determine when to transmit data based on information such as data transmission strategy, network load status, and data demand, and send a data transmission time or data transmission trigger message to the access and mobility management function network element (optionally, it can send a data transmission time or data transmission trigger message to the access and mobility management function network element when it receives a data collection completion indication or when the expected collection completion time has been exceeded); if the second network element supports receiving data and storing it locally or to the fifth network element, the second network element may carry its own address or the address of the fifth network element as the data transmission target address information in the message.

[0323] In the second implementation method, the upload time of data transmission is confirmed by the access and mobility management function network element.

[0324] Specifically, the access and mobility management function network element receives a fourth request from the access network device and sends a first response information to the access network device. Optionally, the first response information may also include data transmission destination address information.

[0325] The fourth request is used to request the transmission of a data set. The fourth request includes data type identification information of the data set and area identification information of the area to which the communication device corresponding to the data set belongs, as well as at least one of the following: data collection completion indication information and estimated completion time of data collection. The first response information includes data transmission time or data transmission trigger information.

[0326] Optionally, the access and mobility management function network element can determine when to transmit data based on data transmission policies or information such as channel and network load conditions.

[0327] Alternatively, the data transmission strategy or channel, network load status, and other information can be obtained from other networks, such as data transmission strategy information from a policy control function network element, network load status information from a second network element, or non-real-time information such as data transmission strategy information stored locally by the access and mobility management function network element.

[0328] Optionally, considering the mobility of the communication devices, if the location of at least one second communication device is updated, the access and mobility management function network element sends a third request to the access network device. Accordingly, the access network device receives the third request.

[0329] The third request includes the identifier of at least one updated second communication device, and the third request is used to request the updated at least one second communication device to collect data.

[0330] For example, if a communication device in the communication device list is removed from the target area, or the communication device is no longer reachable, or a new communication device that supports data collection enters the target area, the first network element requests the access network device to update at least one second communication device for data collection.

[0331] Further, alternatively, to reduce the frequent transmission of update signaling, the update interval can be set (e.g., every 10 minutes); in addition, when initially selecting a communication device for data collection, communication devices with lower mobility can be given priority to reduce the frequency of updates.

[0332] In this application, when a second network element within the core network needs data to support model updates or training, the second network element can issue a data collection command to the first network element to request the collection of first data from at least one communication device. This solution, by having the second network element issue the data collection command, transfers the initiative to determine whether data collection is supported to the communication device. Compared to solutions where the communication device needs to register its data collection capabilities with the network element, and the network element then determines which communication device supports data collection, this approach more effectively protects data compliance and privacy.

[0333] Please refer to Figure 7A. Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of a data collection process provided by an embodiment of this application. It should be understood that, for ease of description, this application describes the process in the order of steps S11-S16, and does not limit the execution to this order. This application embodiment does not limit the order of execution, execution time, or number of executions of one or more of the above steps. As shown in Figure 7A, Case 1 implements a data collection process by transmitting data through the control plane. The specific steps are as follows:

[0334] S11: At least one first communication device sends first information to the access network device.

[0335] The first information includes data collection capability information of at least one first communication device.

[0336] The following examples illustrate the scenarios where data collection is triggered by different devices. In Figure 7A, S12-a, S12-b, and S12-c are shown by dashed lines. S12-a, S12-b, and S12-c are parallel scenarios where data collection is triggered. They can be combined with other steps to form a complete data collection process, as follows: S12-a: In the case where data collection is triggered by a third communication device, at least one third communication device sends a first request to the access network device.

[0337] The first request is used to request the collection of data from at least one communication device, and the first request includes information for determining the type of the first data.

[0338] S12-b: Data collection is triggered by the access network equipment.

[0339] S12-c: When data collection is triggered by an access and mobility management function (AM) network element, the AM network element sends a first request to the access network device.

[0340] S13: The access network device sends a second request to at least one second communication device.

[0341] The second request is used to request the acquisition of first data from at least one second communication device, wherein the at least one second communication device is determined based on the data collection capability information of at least one first communication device in the first information, and the at least one second communication device is one or more of at least one first communication device. The second request includes information for determining the type of the first data.

[0342] The following examples illustrate data transmission methods using different devices as data transmission nodes. In Figure 7A, dashed lines represent S14-1 and S14-2 (e.g., representing transmission method one) and S15 (e.g., representing transmission method two). Transmission method one and transmission method two are parallel data transmission methods and can be combined with other steps to form a complete data collection process, as detailed below:

[0343] In transmission mode one, the access network equipment acts as the data transmission node, as detailed below:

[0344] S14-1: At least one second communication device sends first data to the access network device.

[0345] S14-2: The access network device sends the second information to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0346] The second information includes a data set, data type identification information of the data set, and area identification information of the area to which the communication device corresponding to the data set belongs. The data set is determined based on the first data of at least one second communication device.

[0347] In the second transmission method, the second communication device acts as the data transmission node, as detailed below:

[0348] S15: At least one second communication device sends first data to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0349] S16: The access and mobility management function network element sends the second information to the second network element.

[0350] The second information includes a data set, data type identification information of the data set, and area identification information of the area to which the communication device corresponding to the data set belongs. The data set is determined based on the first data of at least one second communication device.

[0351] Optionally, the second network element stores the second information in the fifth network element, and the second network element can obtain the data from the fifth network element when it receives a request from the third network element.

[0352] Optionally, corresponding to the schemes in S14-1 and S14-2, when at least one second communication device subsequently uploads data updates to the access network device, the access network device can update the data to the access and mobility management function network element through the N2 connection.

[0353] Optionally, corresponding to the scheme in S15, when at least one second communication device needs to upload data updates, at least one second communication device can directly update the data to the access and mobility management function network element through the N1 connection.

[0354] It should be noted that detailed explanations of steps S11-S16 above can be found in the embodiment shown in Figure 4, and will not be repeated here.

[0355] In this solution, the third communication device and the access network equipment may require model updates, thus proactively triggering data collection. Furthermore, while existing technologies allow the second communication device to report location data via the access network equipment, this is limited to a single second communication device. When multiple second communication devices use an N1 connection to transmit data, it can lead to excessive air interface load, impacting core services. Therefore, this solution considers an implementation method where the access network equipment aggregates and processes the first data from at least one second communication device before uploading it, effectively reducing signaling and conserving air interface resources.

[0356] Please refer to Figure 7B, which is a schematic diagram of another data collection process provided in an embodiment of this application. It should be understood that, for ease of description, this application describes the process in the order of steps S21-S25, and does not limit the execution to the above order. This application embodiment does not limit the order of execution, execution time, or number of executions of one or more of the above steps.

[0357] As shown in Figure 7B, Case 2 implements the data collection process through user plane data transmission. The specific steps are as follows:

[0358] S21: At least one first communication device sends first information to the access network device.

[0359] The first information includes data collection capability information of at least one first communication device.

[0360] S22: The access and mobility management function network element sends the first request to the access network equipment.

[0361] The first request is used to request the collection of data from at least one communication device, and the first request includes information for determining the type of the first data.

[0362] Optionally, the first request may also include data transmission destination address information. For example, the data transmission destination address information can typically be the address of a network element such as DE-NWDAF, NEF, or ADRF. Optionally, the first request may also include policy parameter information. Further optionally, the policy parameter information may include at least one of the following: periodic reporting indication, data threshold conditions, data accuracy requirements, data aggregation policies, reported data volume limits, terminal device load conditions, terminal device mobility limits, and terminal device connection status limits.

[0363] For example, the periodic reporting indication can be used to instruct data to be reported every hour; the data threshold condition can be: data reporting is performed when RSRP < -80dBm; the data accuracy requirement can be: data must be accurate to 10 decimal places; the data aggregation strategy can be: data must be aggregated by averaging at the cell level before reporting; the reported data volume limit can be: single reported data must be less than or equal to 100,000 records or 100MB; the terminal device load condition can be: data collection is required when the terminal device resource utilization is less than 50%; the terminal device mobility limit can be: data collection is required when the terminal device is stationary or outdoors; and the terminal device connection status limit can be: the terminal device must only collect data when connected.

[0364] It should be noted that the examples of the above parameter information are only for the purpose of explaining the parameters and should not be construed as limiting the specific parameter examples.

[0365] S23: The access network device sends a second request to at least one second communication device.

[0366] The second request is used to request the acquisition of first data from at least one second communication device, wherein the at least one second communication device is determined based on the data collection capability information of at least one first communication device in the first information, and the at least one second communication device is one or more of at least one first communication device. The second request includes information for determining the type of the first data.

[0367] The following examples illustrate data transmission methods using different devices as data transmission nodes. In Figure 7B, dashed lines represent S24-1 and S24-2 (e.g., representing transmission method one) and S25 (e.g., representing transmission method two). Transmission method one and transmission method two are parallel data transmission methods and can be combined with other steps to form a complete data collection process, as detailed below:

[0368] In the first transmission method, the access network device acts as the data transmission node, as follows: S24-1: At least one second communication device sends the first data to the access network device.

[0369] S24-2: The access network device sends the second information based on the data transmission destination address information.

[0370] The second information includes a data set, data type identification information of the data set, and area identification information of the area to which the communication device corresponding to the data set belongs. The data set is determined based on the first data of at least one second communication device.

[0371] In the second transmission method, the second communication device acts as the data transmission node, as detailed below:

[0372] S25: At least one second communication device sends first data to the data transmission target address via a user plane connection.

[0373] It should be noted that detailed explanations of steps S21-S25 above can be found in the embodiment shown in Figure 5, and will not be repeated here.

[0374] Considering the limitations of the control plane protocol itself, this solution provides an implementation scheme that uploads through the user plane, which can avoid affecting the control plane.

[0375] Please refer to Figure 7C, which is a schematic diagram of another data collection process provided in an embodiment of this application. It should be understood that, for ease of description, this application describes the process in the order of steps S31-S36-2, and does not limit the execution to the above order. This application does not limit the order of execution, execution time, or number of executions of one or more of the above steps.

[0376] It should be noted that from Case 3 onwards, all subsequent cases will use the implementation method of using access network devices as data transmission nodes as examples. Data transmission by access network devices can aggregate to reduce the number of signaling messages and avoid signaling congestion; this will not be elaborated further. However, in reality, either access network devices or the second communication device can act as data transmission nodes. The difference lies in the control plane: access network devices upload via N2, while the second communication device uploads via N1. In the user plane scenario, if the access network device acts as a data transmission node, an upload address is assigned to the access network device; if the second communication device acts as a data transmission node, the access network device issues a unified upload address, or the core network assigns an upload address to the communication device. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity in describing the main schemes of the cases, Figures 7C and 7D do not limit the source of the first request. For details on the multiple sources of the first request, please refer to Figure 7A; this will not be elaborated further in subsequent cases.

[0377] As shown in Figure 7C, Case 3 transmits data through the control plane or user plane, and the upload time is confirmed by the access and mobility management function network element to realize the data collection process. The specific steps are as follows:

[0378] S31: At least one first communication device sends first information to the access network device.

[0379] Accordingly, the access network device receives this first information.

[0380] The first information includes data collection capability information of at least one first communication device.

[0381] S32: The access network device sends a second request to at least one second communication device.

[0382] Accordingly, at least one second communication device receives the second request.

[0383] The second request is used to request the acquisition of first data from at least one second communication device, wherein the at least one second communication device is determined based on the data collection capability information of at least one first communication device in the first information, and the at least one second communication device is one or more of at least one first communication device. The second request includes information for determining the type of the first data.

[0384] S33: The access network device sends a fourth request to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0385] Accordingly, the access and mobility management function network element receives the fourth request.

[0386] The fourth request is used to request the transmission of a data set. The fourth request includes data type identification information of the data set, area identification information of the area to which the communication device corresponding to the data set belongs, and at least one of the following: data collection completion indication information and estimated completion time of data collection.

[0387] S34: The access and mobility management function network element sends the first response information to the access network equipment.

[0388] Accordingly, the access network device receives the first response information.

[0389] The first response information includes data transmission time or data transmission trigger information. Optionally, the first response information also includes data transmission destination address information. The data transmission destination address information is used to indicate that the first data is transmitted via a user-directed data transmission destination address.

[0390] The following examples illustrate data transmission methods via the control plane and via the user plane. In Figure 8D, dashed lines represent S35-1 and S35-2 (e.g., representing transmission method one) and S36-1 and S36-2 (e.g., representing transmission method two). Transmission method one and transmission method two are parallel data transmission methods and can be combined with other steps to form a complete data collection process, as detailed below:

[0391] Transmission method one, via control plane, is as follows:

[0392] S35-1: At least one second communication device sends first data to the access network device.

[0393] Accordingly, the access network device receives the first data.

[0394] S35-2: The access network device sends the second information to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0395] Accordingly, the access and mobility management function network element receives the second information.

[0396] The second information includes a data set, data type identification information of the data set, and area identification information of the area to which the communication device corresponding to the data set belongs. The data set is determined based on the first data of at least one second communication device.

[0397] Transmission method two, via user plane, is as follows:

[0398] S36-1: At least one second communication device sends first data to the access network device.

[0399] Accordingly, the access network device receives the first data.

[0400] S36-2: The access network device sends the second information based on the data transmission destination address information.

[0401] Accordingly, the network element corresponding to the data transmission target address receives the second information.

[0402] It should be noted that detailed explanations of steps S31-S36-2 above can be found in the embodiment shown in Figure 4, and will not be repeated here.

[0403] This solution provides a method for core network elements (such as access and mobility management function elements) to confirm data upload time, which can also avoid data transmission congestion and improve network resource utilization efficiency.

[0404] Please refer to Figure 7D. Figure 7D is a schematic diagram of another data collection process provided by an embodiment of this application. It should be understood that, for ease of description, this application describes the process in the order of steps S41-S48-2, and does not limit the execution to the above order. This application embodiment does not limit the order of execution, execution time, or number of executions of one or more of the above steps. As shown in Figure 7D, Case 4 transmits data through the control plane or user plane, and the upload time is confirmed by the second network element to realize the data collection process. The specific steps are as follows:

[0405] S41: At least one first communication device sends first information to the access network device.

[0406] Accordingly, the access network device receives this first information.

[0407] The first information includes data collection capability information of at least one first communication device.

[0408] S42: When data collection is triggered by the access network device, the access network device sends a second request to at least one second communication device.

[0409] Accordingly, at least one second communication device receives the second request.

[0410] The second request is used to request the acquisition of first data from at least one second communication device, wherein the at least one second communication device is determined based on the data collection capability information of at least one first communication device in the first information, and the at least one second communication device is one or more of at least one first communication device. The second request includes information for determining the type of the first data.

[0411] S43: The access network device sends a fourth request to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0412] Accordingly, the access and mobility management function network element receives the fourth request.

[0413] The fourth request is used to request the transmission of a data set. The fourth request includes data type identification information of the data set, area identification information of the area to which the communication device corresponding to the data set belongs, and at least one of the following: data collection completion indication information and estimated completion time of data collection.

[0414] S44: The access and mobility management function network element sends a fourth request to the second network element.

[0415] Accordingly, the second network element receives the fourth request.

[0416] S45: The second network element sends the first response information to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0417] Accordingly, the access and mobility management function network element receives the first response information.

[0418] The first response information includes the data transmission time or data transmission trigger information.

[0419] S46: The access and mobility management function network element sends the first response information to the access network equipment.

[0420] Accordingly, the access network device receives the first response information.

[0421] The following examples illustrate data transmission methods via the control plane and via the user plane. In Figure 8D, dashed lines represent S47-1 and S47-2 (e.g., representing transmission method one) and S48-1 and S48-2 (e.g., representing transmission method two). Transmission method one and transmission method two are parallel data transmission methods and can be combined with other steps to form a complete data collection process, as detailed below:

[0422] Transmission method one, via control plane, is as follows:

[0423] S47-1: At least one second communication device sends first data to the access network device.

[0424] Accordingly, the access network device receives the first data.

[0425] S47-2: The access network device sends the second information to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0426] Accordingly, the access and mobility management function network element receives the second information.

[0427] The second information includes a data set, data type identification information of the data set, and area identification information of the area to which the communication device corresponding to the data set belongs. The data set is determined based on the first data of at least one second communication device.

[0428] Transmission method two, via user plane, is as follows:

[0429] S48-1: At least one second communication device sends first data to the access network device.

[0430] Accordingly, the access network device receives the first data.

[0431] S48-2: The access network device sends the second information based on the data transmission destination address information.

[0432] Accordingly, the network element corresponding to the data transmission target address receives the second information.

[0433] It should be noted that detailed explanations of steps S31-S48-2 above can be found in the embodiment shown in Figure 4, and will not be repeated here.

[0434] This solution provides a method for core network elements (such as the second network element) to confirm the data upload time, which can also avoid data transmission congestion and improve network resource utilization efficiency.

[0435] Please refer to Figure 8A. Figure 8A is a schematic diagram of another data collection process provided by an embodiment of this application. It should be understood that, for ease of description, this application describes the process in the order of steps S51-S60, and does not limit the execution to the above order. This application does not limit the order of execution, execution time, or number of executions of one or more of the above steps. As shown in Figure 8A, Case 5 implements a data collection process by transmitting data through the control plane. The specific steps are as follows:

[0436] S51: At least one first communication device sends first information to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0437] Accordingly, the access and mobility management function network element receives the first information.

[0438] The first information includes data collection capability information of at least one first communication device.

[0439] S52: The second network element sends registration information to the fourth network element.

[0440] Accordingly, the fourth network element receives the registration information.

[0441] The registration information includes third information, which is used to indicate that the second network element has the capability to open communication device data. The third information is used by the third network element to discover the second network element with the capability to open communication device data through the fourth network element.

[0442] S53: The third network element sends a data subscription request to the second network element.

[0443] Accordingly, the second network element receives the data subscription request.

[0444] The data subscription request includes information used to determine the type of the first data.

[0445] To describe in more detail the interaction relationship between the second, third, and fourth network elements, please refer to Figure 8B. Figure 8B is a flowchart of the interaction between the second, third, and fourth network elements provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 8B, taking the second network element as a DE-NWDAF network element, the third network element as an AF network element or an OTT server, and the fourth network element as an NRF network element and a network exposure function (NEF) network element as examples, the entire interaction process can be divided into two processes: data request and data response. The specific steps are as follows:

[0446] The data request process includes the following steps:

[0447] 1. The NWDAF network element sends registration information to the NRF network element.

[0448] The following examples illustrate two possible scenarios for the data request interaction process: one where it requires NEF network elements and the other where it does not.

[0449] In the first scenario, the data request interaction process needs to be completed through the NEF network element (shown as a dashed box in Figure 8B via the NEF network element).

[0450] 2. The AF or OTT server requests the NEF network element to discover network elements with communication device data opening capabilities.

[0451] 3. The NEF network element requests the NRF network element to discover network elements with communication device data opening capabilities.

[0452] 4. The NRF network element feeds back to the NEF network element. The DE-NWDAF network element has the ability to open communication device data.

[0453] 5. The NEF network element sends a data subscription request to the DE-NWDAF network element.

[0454] Scenario 2: The data request interaction process does not need to be completed through NEF network elements (shown as a dashed box in Figure 8B).

[0455] 6. The AF or OTT server requests the NRF network element to discover network elements with communication device data opening capabilities.

[0456] 7. The NRF network element feeds back to the AF or OTT server that the DE-NWDAF network element has the ability to open communication device data.

[0457] 8. The AF or OTT server sends a data subscription request to the DE-NWDAF network element.

[0458] The data response process includes the following steps:

[0459] The following examples illustrate two possible scenarios for the data response interaction process: one where it requires NEF network elements and the other where it does not.

[0460] In the first scenario, the data response interaction process needs to be completed through the NEF network element (shown as a dashed box via the NEF network element in Figure 8B).

[0461] 9. The DE-NWDAF network element sends a data subscription response to the NEF network element.

[0462] 10. The NEF network element sends feedback information to the AF or OTT server.

[0463] Scenario 2: The data request interaction process does not need to be completed through NEF network elements (shown as a dashed box in Figure 8B).

[0464] 11. The DE-NWDAF network element sends a data subscription response to the AF or OTT server.

[0465] S54: The second network element sends the first request to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0466] Accordingly, the access and mobility management function network element receives the first request.

[0467] Wherein, the first request is used to request the acquisition of first data from at least one first communication device, at least one second communication device is determined based on the data collection capability information of at least one first communication device in the first information, at least one second communication device is one or more of at least one first communication device, and the first request includes information for determining the type of the first data.

[0468] S55: The access and mobility management function network element sends a second request to the access network equipment.

[0469] Accordingly, the access network device receives the second request.

[0470] S56: The access and mobility management function network element sends a third request to the access network equipment.

[0471] The third request includes the identifier of at least one updated second communication device, and the third request is used to request the updated at least one second communication device to collect data.

[0472] It should be noted that in real-world scenarios, communication device-side models may be configured according to regions; for example, beamforming models may be linked to the performance of access network equipment. Therefore, when collecting data for training such models, the mobility of the communication devices needs to be considered. This solution provides a maintenance operation for at least one second communication device when the location of at least one second communication device for data collection changes due to the mobility of the communication device. For example, when the location of at least one second communication device is updated, the access and mobility management function network element can instruct the updated at least one second communication device to perform data collection based on the request of the access network equipment, ensuring the feasibility and correctness of at least one second communication device participating in data collection. Furthermore, since step S56 is optional, it is shown as a dashed line in Figure 8A.

[0473] S57: The access network device sends a data collection request to at least one second communication device.

[0474] Accordingly, at least one second communication device receives the data collection request.

[0475] S58: At least one second communication device sends first data to the access network device.

[0476] Accordingly, the access network device receives the first data.

[0477] S59: The access network device sends the second information to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0478] Accordingly, the access and mobility management function network element receives the second information.

[0479] The second information includes a data set, data type identification information of the data set, and area identification information of the area to which the communication device corresponding to the data set belongs. The data set is determined based on the first data of at least one second communication device.

[0480] S60: The access and mobility management function network element sends second information to the second network element.

[0481] Accordingly, the second network element receives the second information.

[0482] It should be noted that detailed explanations of steps S51-S60 above can be found in the embodiment shown in Figure 4, and will not be repeated here.

[0483] Please refer to Figure 8C, which is a schematic diagram of another data collection process provided by an embodiment of this application. It should be understood that, for ease of description, this application describes the process in the order of steps S61-S66, and does not limit the execution to the above order. This application does not limit the order of execution, execution time, or number of executions of one or more of the above steps. As shown in Figure 8C, Case Six implements a data collection process through user plane data transmission, and the specific steps are as follows:

[0484] S61: At least one first communication device sends first information to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0485] Accordingly, the access and mobility management function network element receives the first information.

[0486] The first information includes data collection capability information of at least one first communication device.

[0487] S62: The second network element sends the first request to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0488] Accordingly, the access and mobility management function network element receives the first request.

[0489] Wherein, the first request is used to request the acquisition of first data from at least one first communication device, at least one second communication device is determined based on the data collection capability information of at least one first communication device in the first information, at least one second communication device is one or more of at least one first communication device, and the first request includes information for determining the type of the first data.

[0490] S63: The access and mobility management function network element sends a second request to the access network equipment.

[0491] Accordingly, the access network device receives the second request. The second request further includes data transmission destination address information. This data transmission destination address information is used to indicate that the first data is transmitted via the user towards the data transmission destination address.

[0492] S64: The access network device sends a data collection request to at least one second communication device.

[0493] Accordingly, at least one second communication device receives the data collection request.

[0494] S65: At least one second communication device sends first data to the access network device.

[0495] Accordingly, the access network device receives the first data.

[0496] S66: The access network device sends the second information based on the data transmission destination address information.

[0497] Accordingly, the network element corresponding to the data transmission target address receives the second information.

[0498] The second information includes a data set, data type identification information of the data set, and area identification information of the area to which the communication device corresponding to the data set belongs. The data set is determined based on the first data of at least one second communication device.

[0499] It should be noted that detailed explanations of steps S61-S66 above can be found in the embodiment shown in Figure 4, and will not be repeated here.

[0500] Considering the limitations of the control plane protocol itself, this solution provides an implementation scheme that uploads through the user plane, which can avoid affecting the control plane.

[0501] Please refer to Figure 8D. Figure 8D is a schematic diagram of another data collection process provided by an embodiment of this application. It should be understood that, for ease of description, this application describes the process in the order of steps S71-S78-2, and does not limit the execution to the above order. This application embodiment does not limit the order of execution, execution time, or number of executions of one or more of the above steps. As shown in Figure 8D, Case Seven transmits data through the control plane or user plane, and the upload time is confirmed by the access and mobility management function network element to realize the data collection process. The specific steps are as follows:

[0502] S71: At least one first communication device sends first information to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0503] Accordingly, the access and mobility management function network element receives the first information.

[0504] The first information includes data collection capability information of at least one first communication device.

[0505] S72: The second network element sends the first request to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0506] Accordingly, the access and mobility management function network element receives the first request.

[0507] Wherein, the first request is used to request the acquisition of first data from at least one first communication device, at least one second communication device is determined based on the data collection capability information of at least one first communication device in the first information, at least one second communication device is one or more of at least one first communication device, and the first request includes information for determining the type of the first data.

[0508] S73: The access and mobility management function network element sends a second request to the access network equipment.

[0509] Accordingly, the access network device receives the second request. The second request further includes data transmission destination address information. This data transmission destination address information is used to indicate that the first data is transmitted via the user towards the data transmission destination address.

[0510] S74: The access network device sends a data collection request to at least one second communication device.

[0511] Accordingly, at least one second communication device receives the data collection request.

[0512] S75: The access network device sends a fourth request to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0513] Accordingly, the access and mobility management function network element receives the fourth request.

[0514] The fourth request is used to request the transmission of a data set. The fourth request includes data type identification information of the data set, area identification information of the area to which the communication device corresponding to the data set belongs, and at least one of the following: data collection completion indication information and estimated completion time of data collection.

[0515] S76: The access and mobility management function network element sends the first response information to the access network equipment.

[0516] Accordingly, the access network device receives the first response information.

[0517] The first response information includes the data transmission time or data transmission trigger information. Optionally, the first response information may also include data transmission destination address information.

[0518] The following examples illustrate data transmission methods via the control plane and via the user plane. In Figure 8D, dashed lines represent S77-1, S77-2, and S77-3 (e.g., representing transmission method one) and S78-1 and S78-2 (e.g., representing transmission method two). Transmission method one and transmission method two are parallel data transmission methods, which can be combined with S71-S76 to form a complete data collection process, as detailed below:

[0519] Transmission method one, via control plane, is as follows:

[0520] S77-1: At least one second communication device sends first data to the access network device.

[0521] Accordingly, the access network device receives the first data.

[0522] S77-2: The access network device sends the second information to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0523] Accordingly, the access and mobility management function network element receives the second information.

[0524] The second information includes a data set, data type identification information of the data set, and area identification information of the area to which the communication device corresponding to the data set belongs. The data set is determined based on the first data of at least one second communication device.

[0525] S77-3: Access and Mobility Management Function (AM) network element sends second information to second network element.

[0526] Accordingly, the second network element receives the second information.

[0527] Transmission method two, via user plane, is as follows:

[0528] S78-1: At least one second communication device sends first data to the access network device.

[0529] Accordingly, the access network device receives the first data.

[0530] S78-2: The access network device sends the second information based on the data transmission destination address information.

[0531] Accordingly, the network element corresponding to the data transmission target address receives the second information.

[0532] It should be noted that detailed explanations of steps S31-S78-2 above can be found in the embodiment shown in Figure 4, and will not be repeated here.

[0533] This solution provides a method for core network elements (such as access and mobility management function elements) to confirm data upload time, which can also avoid data transmission congestion and improve network resource utilization efficiency.

[0534] Please refer to Figure 9A. Figure 9A is a schematic diagram of another data collection process provided by an embodiment of this application. It should be understood that, for ease of description, this application describes the process in the order of steps S81-S87, and does not limit the execution to this order. This application does not limit the order of execution, execution time, or number of executions of one or more of the above steps. As shown in Figure 9A, Case 8 implements a data collection process by immediately transmitting data through the control plane. The specific steps are as follows:

[0535] S81: The second network element sends the first request to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0536] Accordingly, the access and mobility management function network element receives the first request.

[0537] The first request is used to request the acquisition of first data from at least one communication device, and the first request includes information for determining the type of the first data.

[0538] S82: The access and mobility management function network element sends a second request to the access network equipment.

[0539] Accordingly, the access network device receives the second request.

[0540] S83: The access network device sends a data collection request to at least one communication device.

[0541] Accordingly, at least one communication device receives the data collection request.

[0542] S84: At least one second communication device determines, based on a data collection request, that it has the capability to support the collection of first data.

[0543] S85: At least one second communication device sends first data to the access network device.

[0544] Accordingly, the access network device receives the first data.

[0545] S86: The access network device sends the second information to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0546] Accordingly, the access and mobility management function network element receives the second information.

[0547] The second information includes a data set, data type identification information of the data set, and area identification information of the area to which the communication device corresponding to the data set belongs. The data set is determined based on the first data of at least one second communication device.

[0548] S87: The access and mobility management function network element sends second information to the second network element.

[0549] Accordingly, the second network element receives the second information.

[0550] It should be noted that detailed explanations of steps S81-S87 above can be found in the embodiment shown in Figure 6, and will not be repeated here.

[0551] Please refer to Figure 9B. Figure 9B is a schematic diagram of another data collection process provided by an embodiment of this application. It should be understood that, for ease of description, this application describes the process in the order of steps S91-S96, and does not limit the execution to this order. This application does not limit the order of execution, execution time, or number of executions of one or more of the above steps. As shown in Figure 9B, Case Nine implements a data collection process by immediately transmitting data from the user plane. The specific steps are as follows:

[0552] S91: The second network element sends a first request to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0553] Accordingly, the access and mobility management function network element receives the first request.

[0554] The first request is used to request the acquisition of first data from at least one communication device, and the first request includes information for determining the type of the first data.

[0555] S92: The access and mobility management function network element sends a second request to the access network equipment.

[0556] Accordingly, the access network device receives the second request. The second request further includes data transmission destination address information. This data transmission destination address information is used to indicate that the first data is transmitted via the user towards the data transmission destination address.

[0557] S93: The access network device sends a data collection request to at least one communication device.

[0558] Accordingly, at least one communication device receives the data collection request.

[0559] S94: At least one second communication device determines, based on a data collection request, that it has the capability to support the collection of first data.

[0560] S95: At least one second communication device sends first data to the access network device.

[0561] Accordingly, the access network device receives the first data.

[0562] S96: The access network device sends the second information based on the data transmission destination address information.

[0563] Accordingly, the network element corresponding to the data transmission target address receives the second information.

[0564] The second information includes a data set, data type identification information of the data set, and area identification information of the area to which the communication device corresponding to the data set belongs. The data set is determined based on the first data of at least one second communication device.

[0565] It should be noted that detailed explanations of steps S91-S96 above can be found in the embodiment shown in Figure 6, and will not be repeated here.

[0566] Considering the limitations of the control plane protocol itself, this solution provides an implementation scheme that uploads through the user plane, which can avoid affecting the control plane.

[0567] Please refer to Figure 9C, which is a schematic diagram of another data collection process provided by an embodiment of this application. It should be understood that, for ease of description, this application describes the process in the order of steps S101-S108-2, and does not limit the execution to the above order. This application embodiment does not limit the order of execution, execution time, or number of executions of one or more of the above steps. As shown in Figure 9C, Case Ten transmits data through the control plane or user plane, and the upload time is confirmed by the access and mobility management function network element to realize the data collection process. The specific steps are as follows:

[0568] S101: The second network element sends a first request to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0569] Accordingly, the access and mobility management function network element receives the first request.

[0570] The first request is used to request the acquisition of first data from at least one communication device, and the first request includes information for determining the type of the first data.

[0571] S102: The access and mobility management function network element sends a second request to the access network equipment.

[0572] Accordingly, the access network device receives the second request. The second request further includes data transmission destination address information. This data transmission destination address information is used to indicate that the first data is transmitted via the user towards the data transmission destination address.

[0573] S103: The access network device sends a data collection request to at least one communication device.

[0574] Accordingly, at least one communication device receives the data collection request.

[0575] S104: The access network device sends a fourth request to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0576] Accordingly, the access and mobility management function network element receives the fourth request.

[0577] The fourth request is used to request the transmission of a data set. The fourth request includes data type identification information of the data set, area identification information of the area to which the communication device corresponding to the data set belongs, and at least one of the following: data collection completion indication information and estimated completion time of data collection.

[0578] S105: The access and mobility management function network element sends the first response information to the access network equipment.

[0579] Accordingly, the access network device receives the first response information.

[0580] The first response information includes the data transmission time or data transmission trigger information. Optionally, the first response information may also include data transmission destination address information.

[0581] S106: At least one second communication device determines, based on a data collection request, that it has the capability to support the collection of first data.

[0582] The following examples illustrate data transmission methods via the control plane and via the user plane. In Figure 8D, dashed lines represent S107-1, S107-2, and S107-3 (e.g., representing transmission method one) and S108-1 and S108-2 (e.g., representing transmission method two). Transmission method one and transmission method two are parallel data transmission methods and can be combined with other steps to form a complete data collection process, as detailed below:

[0583] Transmission method one, via control plane, is as follows:

[0584] S107-1: At least one second communication device sends first data to the access network device.

[0585] Accordingly, the access network device receives the first data.

[0586] S107-2: The access network device sends the second information to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0587] Accordingly, the access and mobility management function network element receives the second information.

[0588] The second information includes a data set, data type identification information of the data set, and area identification information of the area to which the communication device corresponding to the data set belongs. The data set is determined based on the first data of at least one second communication device.

[0589] S107-3: The access and mobility management function network element sends second information to the second network element.

[0590] Accordingly, the second network element receives the second information.

[0591] Transmission method two, via user plane, is as follows:

[0592] S108-1: At least one second communication device sends first data to the access network device.

[0593] Accordingly, the access network device receives the first data.

[0594] S108-2: The access network device sends the second information based on the data transmission destination address information.

[0595] Accordingly, the network element corresponding to the data transmission target address receives the second information.

[0596] It should be noted that detailed explanations of steps S101-S108-2 above can be found in the embodiment shown in Figure 6, and will not be repeated here.

[0597] This solution provides a method for core network elements (such as access and mobility management function elements) to confirm data upload time, which can also avoid data transmission congestion and improve network resource utilization efficiency.

[0598] The methods of the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above. The apparatus of the embodiments of this application is provided below.

[0599] It should be understood that the division of units in the apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units in the apparatus can be implemented by a processor calling software. For example, the apparatus includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of each unit of the apparatus. The processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is either internal or external to the apparatus.

[0600] Alternatively, the units in the device can be implemented as hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the above units is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through a configuration file, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the above units.

[0601] In the embodiments of this application, each unit in the device may be one or more processors (or processing circuits) configured to implement the above methods, such as: CPU, graphics processing unit (GPU), neural network processing unit (NPU), tensor processing unit (TPU), deep learning processing unit (DPU), microprocessor unit (MPU), digital signal processor (DSP), ASIC, FPGA, or a combination of at least two of these processor forms.

[0602] Furthermore, the units in the above devices can be integrated in whole or in part, or they can be implemented independently. In one implementation, these units are integrated together as a system-on-a-chip (SOC). The SOC may include at least one processor for implementing any of the above methods or for implementing the functions of the units in the device. The at least one processor can be of different types, such as including a CPU and an FPGA, or including a CPU and an AI processor, or including a CPU and a GPU, etc. Several possible devices are listed below.

[0603] Please refer to Figure 10, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 100 provided in an embodiment of this application. Optionally, the communication device 100 can be a first network element, a communication device, or a second network element. It can also be a device within the first network element, such as an access and mobility management function network element, an access network device, a chip, or an integrated circuit. Alternatively, it can be a device within the communication device, such as a terminal device, a chip, or an integrated circuit. It can also be a device within the second network element, such as an NWDAF network element, a chip, or an integrated circuit. The communication device 100 is used to implement the aforementioned communication method, such as the communication method shown in Figure 4 or Figure 6.

[0604] In one possible design, the communication device 100 includes a communication unit 1001 and a processing unit 1002. The communication device 100 is used to implement the aforementioned communication method, such as the communication method shown in FIG4 or FIG6. Exemplarily, the communication device is used to execute a method executed by a first network element, or to execute a method executed by the communication device, or to execute a method executed by a second network element.

[0605] The embodiments of this application and the method embodiments shown above are based on the same concept and have the same technical effects. For the specific principles, please refer to the description of the embodiments shown above, which will not be repeated here.

[0606] Please refer to Figure 11, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device 110 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 110 can be an independent device, such as a first network element, a first communication device, a second communication device, or a second network element; it can also be a device included in the first network element, the first communication device, the second communication device, or the second network element, such as a chip, a software module, or an integrated circuit. The communication device 110 can include at least one processor 1101 and a communication interface 1102. Optionally, it can also include at least one memory 1103. Further optionally, it can also include a connection line 1104, wherein the processor 1101, the communication interface 1102, and / or the memory 1103 are connected through the connection line 1104, and / or communicate with each other through the connection line 1104 to transmit control signals and / or data signals.

[0607] Wherein: processor 1101 is a module that performs arithmetic and / or logical operations, and may specifically include one or more of the following modules: filter, modem, power amplifier, low noise amplifier (LNA), baseband processor, radio frequency processor, radio frequency circuit, CPU, AP, microcontroller unit (MCU), electronic control unit (ECU), GPU, MPU, ASIC, image signal processor (ISP), DSP, FPGA, complex programmable logic device (CPLD), or coprocessor, etc.

[0608] The communication interface 1102 can be used to provide information input or output to at least one processor, or to receive signals sent externally and / or send signals to externally.

[0609] For example, the communication interface 1102 may include interface circuitry, such as input / output interfaces, chip pins, etc.

[0610] For example, the communication interface 1102 may include a wired link interface such as an Ethernet cable, or a wireless link interface (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, general wireless transmission, vehicle short-range communication technology and other short-range wireless communication technologies, etc.).

[0611] Optionally, the communication interface 1102 may also include a radio frequency transmitter, an antenna, etc. When the communication interface 1102 includes an antenna, the number of antennas can be one or more.

[0612] As one possible design, if the communication device 110 is a first network element, a communication device, or a second network element, the communication interface 1102 may include a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver and transmitter may be the same component or different components. When the receiver and transmitter are the same component, this component may be referred to as a transceiver.

[0613] As another possible design, if the communication device 110 is a chip or circuit, the communication interface 1102 may include an input interface and an output interface. The input interface and the output interface may be the same interface or they may be different interfaces.

[0614] Alternatively, the functions of the communication interface 1102 can be implemented by a transceiver circuit or a dedicated transceiver chip.

[0615] The memory 1103 provides storage space, in which data such as the operating system and computer programs can be stored. The memory 1103 can be one or a combination of several of the following: cache, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), hard disk drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD), etc. Memory is 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 in the embodiments of this application can also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing storage functions, used to store computer programs or instructions, and / or data.

[0616] The functions and operations of each module or unit in the communication device 110 listed above are merely illustrative examples.

[0617] Each functional unit in the communication device 110 can be used to implement the aforementioned communication method, such as the communication method shown in FIG4 or FIG6, for example, a method for executing the first network element, or a method for executing the communication device, or a method for executing the second network element.

[0618] Optionally, the processor 1101 may be a processor specifically designed to perform the aforementioned methods (for ease of distinction, referred to as a dedicated processor), or a processor that performs the aforementioned methods by calling a computer program (for ease of distinction, referred to as a dedicated processor). Optionally, at least one processor may include both dedicated processors and general-purpose processors.

[0619] Optionally, if the communication device 110 includes at least one memory 1103, and the processor 1101 implements the aforementioned communication method by calling a computer program, the computer program can be stored in the memory 1103.

[0620] This application also provides a chip, which includes logic circuitry and a communication interface. The communication interface is used to receive or transmit signals; the logic circuitry is used to receive or transmit signals through the communication interface. The chip is used to implement the aforementioned communication method, such as the communication method shown in FIG4 or FIG6, for example, a method executed by a first network element, a method executed by a communication device, or a method executed by a second network element.

[0621] This application also provides a communication system, which includes a first network element, a communication device, and a second network element.

[0622] Optionally, the communication system may also include a policy control function network element, a third network element, a fourth network element, and a fifth network element.

[0623] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on at least one processor (or communication device), implement the aforementioned communication method, such as the communication method shown in FIG4 or FIG6, for example, a method for executing a first network element, or a method for executing a communication device, or a method for executing a second network element.

[0624] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes computer instructions for implementing the aforementioned communication method, such as the communication method shown in FIG4 or FIG6, for example, for executing a method executed by a first network element, or for executing a method executed by a communication device, or for executing a method executed by a second network element.

[0625] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplarily" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplarily" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of the words "exemplarily" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0626] In the embodiments of this application, "at least one" refers to one or more items, and "more than one" refers to two or more items. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of a single item or a plurality of items.

[0627] For example, at least one of a, b, or c can be represented as: a, b, c, (a and b), (a and c), (b and c), or (a and b and c), where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. "AND / OR" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "OR" relationship.

[0628] Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, the use of ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of this application is for distinguishing multiple objects and is not for limiting the order, sequence, priority, or importance of multiple objects. Similarly, terms like "first node" and "second node" are merely for convenience in describing new parameters in different implementations and do not indicate differences in their execution operations, importance, structure, etc.

[0629] In the above embodiments, the term "when..." can be interpreted, depending on the context, as meaning "if...", "before...", "determined...", or "detected...". The above descriptions are merely optional embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the concept and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

[0630] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the above embodiments can be implemented by hardware or by a program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as a read-only memory, a disk, or an optical disk.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive first information from at least one first communication device, wherein the first information includes data collection capability information of the at least one first communication device; Receive a first request, wherein the first request is for requesting the collection of data from at least one communication device, and the first request includes information for determining the type of the first data; Send a second request, wherein the second request is for requesting to obtain the first data from at least one second communication device, the at least one second communication device being determined based on the data collection capability information of the at least one first communication device in the first information, the at least one second communication device being one or more of the at least one first communication device, and the second request including information for determining the type of the first data.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first request includes data type identification information of the first data and scenario information corresponding to the data type identification information of the first data. The data type identification information of the first data and the scenario information corresponding to the data type identification information of the first data are used to determine the type of the first data.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send the data type identification information of the first data, wherein the data type identification information of the first data is used to determine the type of the first data.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first request also includes identification information of a first manufacturer, the first information being used to determine that a first communication device corresponding to the at least one manufacturer identification supports collecting the first data.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first request also includes area information of a first region, the first information being used to determine that the at least one second communication device supports collecting the first data of the first region.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Sending the second request includes: The second request is sent to the at least one second communication device.

7. The method according to claims 1-6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive first data from the at least one second communication device; Send second information to the second network element, wherein the second information includes a data set, data type identification information of the data set, and area identification information of the area to which the communication device corresponding to the data set belongs, and the data set is determined based on the first data of the at least one second communication device.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The first request also includes data transmission target address information, which is used to indicate that the first data is transmitted by the user to the data transmission target address. The second request also includes data transmission target address information.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the first data from the at least one second communication device; The second information is sent according to the data transmission target address information.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, Sending the second request includes: The second request is sent to the access network device, wherein the second request carries identification information of the at least one second communication device.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The method further includes: A third request is sent to the access network device, wherein the third request includes an updated identifier of at least one communication device, and the third request is used to request the updated at least one communication device to collect data.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a set of data from an access network device, the set of data being determined based on first data from the at least one second communication device; Send second information to the second network element, wherein the second information includes the data set, the data type identifier information of the data set, and the area identifier information of the area to which the communication device corresponding to the data set belongs.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, When the first network element is an access and mobility management function network element, the second network element is a network data analysis function network element; or when the first network element is an access network device, the second network element is the access and mobility management function network element.

14. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Send first information to the first network element, wherein the first information includes data collection capability information of the first communication device; Receive a second request, wherein the second request is for requesting to obtain first data, the first data being the first information characterizing the data that the first communication device supports collecting, and the second request includes information for determining the type of the first data; Send the first data.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, Sending the first data includes: Send the first data to the first network element.

16. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The second request further includes data transmission target address information, which is used to indicate that the first data is transmitted via a user-directed data transmission target address. Sending the first data includes: The first data is sent according to the data transmission target address information.

17. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Send registration information, wherein the registration information is used to determine the service capabilities of the second network element; Send a first request to a first network element, wherein the first request is used to request the collection of first data from at least one communication device, and the first request includes information for determining the type of the first data.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first request also includes identification information of a first manufacturer, which is used to determine that the communication device corresponding to the at least one manufacturer identification supports collecting the first data.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The first request also includes area information of a first region, the first information being used to determine that the at least one second communication device supports collecting the first data of the first region.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17-19, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive first data or a set of data from the first network element, wherein the set of data is determined based on the first data from the at least one second communication device.

21. The method according to any one of claims 17-19, characterized in that, The first request also includes data transmission target address information, which is used to indicate that the first data is transmitted by the user to the data transmission target address.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The network element corresponding to the data transmission target address is the second network element, and the method further includes: Receive the first data from at least one second communication device.

23. The method according to any one of claims 17-22, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a data subscription request from a third network element, wherein the data subscription request includes information for determining the type of the first data.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a communication unit and a processing unit, which are used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-13, 14-16, and 17-23.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor; When the processor invokes a computer program or instruction in memory, it causes the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-13, 14-16, and 17-23.

26. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes logic circuits and interfaces, wherein the logic circuits and the interfaces are coupled; The interface is used for inputting and / or outputting information, and the logic circuit is used to enable the communication device to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-13, 14-16, and 17-23.

27. The apparatus according to claim 26, characterized in that, The communication device is a chip or chip system.

28. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes the communication device as described in claim 24; or The communication system includes the communication device as described in claim 25.

29. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium is used to store instructions or computer programs; The instructions or the computer program are executed to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-23.

30. A computer program product, characterized in that, include: Instructions or computer programs; The instructions or the computer program are executed to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-23.

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