4.6.2.1 General

The NG-RAN communicates with AIOTF via one of the two connectivity options as following:

• Direct Connectivity: When the NG-RAN communicates with AIOTF directly, the protocol stack is specified in clause 4.6.2.2.
• Indirect Connectivity: When the NG-RAN communicates with AIOTF indirectly via an AMF, the protocol stack is specified in clause 4.6.2.3.

For both connectivity options, NG-RAN communicates with AIOTF or AMF via NGAP as specified in TS 38.413 [10].

When UE reader is used, the protocol stack is specified in clause 4.6.2.4. The UE reader communicates with NG-RAN via RRC as specified in TS 38.300 [5], and NG-RAN communicates with AIOTF indirectly via AMF using NGAP as specified in TS 38.413 [10].

The AIoT NAS protocol supports the Inventory and Command related procedures as defined in clause 6.