In a communication method, a first network element receives a first message from a second network element, where the first message is used for requesting sensing information. The first message includes a first area and/or a first target, the first area includes an area that is not allowed to be sensed, and the first target includes a target that is not allowed to be sensed. The first network element sends a second message to an access network device, where the second message is used for requesting the access network device to perform sensing. The second message includes a second area and/or a second target, the second area is an area that is allowed to be sensed, and the second target is a target that is allowed to be sensed.