Communication method and apparatus, and computer readable storage media

Description

1 / 63 “COMMUNICATION METHOD AND APPARATUS AND COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIA”

[0001] This application claims priority over Chinese Patent Application No. 202310361923.9, filed with the National Intellectual Property Administration of China on March 30, 2023, and entitled METHOD, APPARATUS AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of communication and, in particular, to a method, apparatus and system of communication. FUNDAMENTALS

[0003] Discontinuous reception (DRX) means that a terminal can periodically monitor a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) and be in sleep mode to save power. For example, in a DRX cycle, the terminal can enter a sleep mode and not monitor the PDCCH to save power; or the terminal can be activated in a sleep mode and monitor the PDCCH to receive and send data.

[0004] However, different services may have different service requirements, and how to ensure that terminal data transmission after suspension can still meet a service requirement is an important question in current research. SUMMARY

[0005] The embodiments of the present invention provide a method, apparatus and communication system, such that data transmission from a terminal after suspension can still meet a service requirement.

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the present invention uses the following technical solutions.

[0007] According to a first aspect, a method of communication is provided. The method includes: receiving initial indication information, and entering a first sleep mode in response to the initial indication information. The initial indication information instructs a terminal to enter the first sleep mode; the first sleep mode is a sleep mode in a plurality of modes of Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 129 / 211 2 / 63 Terminal suspension: the duration required to activate the terminal in multiple suspension modes differs from one another, and the duration required to activate the terminal in the first suspension mode corresponds to a terminal service requirement.

[0008] It can be understood that the method in the first aspect can be performed by the terminal, or it can be performed by a device included in the terminal, such as a chip, or it can be performed by a device that includes the terminal. This is not specifically limited.

[0009] Based on the methods in the first aspect and the second aspect, it can be learned that the network device can send the first indication information to the terminal based on service requirements of different services, to indicate to the terminal to enter the first sleep mode, whose activated duration corresponds to a service requirement of the terminal, so that even if the terminal is activated in the first sleep mode, the subsequent data transmission from the terminal can still meet the terminal's service requirement.

[0010] In a possible design solution, receiving the first indication information includes: receiving the first indication information during an active time of a discontinuous XRD receive cycle. To be specific, even if the terminal is in the active time of the XRD cycle, the terminal can immediately enter the first sleep mode based on the first indication information, to save energy.

[0011] Optionally, the method in the first aspect may additionally include: disabling, in response to the first indication information, at least one timer configured in the active time, where the at least one timer includes a DRX inactivity timer or a DRX running duration timer, to enable the terminal to enter the first sleep mode.

[0012] In a possible design solution, receiving the first indication information includes: receiving the first indication information during a non-active time of an XDR cycle. To be specific, although the terminal has entered a normal sleep mode during the non-active time of the XDR cycle, the terminal still needs to enter, based on the first indication information, the first sleep mode that corresponds to a requirement of Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pages 130 / 211 3 / 63 Terminal service.

[0013] In a possible design solution, receiving the first indication information includes: receiving the first indication information in a second suspension mode. The second suspension mode is a suspension mode different from the first suspension mode and is in the plurality of suspension modes, so that flexible switching between suspension modes is implemented.

[0014] In a possible design solution, the method in the first aspect may additionally include: receiving second indication information, where the second indication information indicates that the terminal needs to be activated. In this way, the terminal is activated in the first sleep mode in response to the second indication information, and enters any one of the following times: an active time, a short DRX cycle, or a long DRX cycle. The second indication information indicates that the terminal needs to be activated. In other words, an occasion on which the terminal is activated can be indicated by the network device, to implement on-demand activation. In one aspect, a service requirement can be met, and in another aspect, terminal power saving can also be implemented.

[0015] Optionally, if the first sleep mode is a microsleep mode, active time is entered to ensure that data can be received and sent in a timely manner. Alternatively, if the first sleep mode is a light sleep mode, short DRX cycle is entered. In short DRX cycle, data transmission latency is relatively low, and the terminal saves relatively much power, considering both data transmission latency and terminal power savings. Alternatively, if the first sleep mode is an ultra-deep sleep mode, long DRX cycle is entered to ensure that the terminal can save more power.

[0016] Optionally, the second indication information additionally indicates at least one of the following: whether or not to reset an existing short XRD cycle count, whether or not to reuse the short XRD cycle count, or a number of short XRD cycles. To be specific, a number of short XRD cycles and a counting method can be... Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 131 / 211 4 / 63 indicated flexibly, to meet a real requirement. Alternatively, the number of short X-ray cycles and the counting method can be predefined in a protocol. This is not specifically limited.

[0017] Optionally, the second indication information may additionally indicate a number of long XRD cycles, i.e., flexibly indicate the number of long XRD cycles to meet a real requirement. Alternatively, the number of long XRD cycles may be predefined in a protocol. This is not specifically limited.

[0018] Optionally, a time to be activated in the first sleep mode is a first time. If the first sleep mode is a micro-sleep mode, a time at which the second indication information is received is the first time. To be specific, the terminal can be activated immediately, and receive and send data in a timely manner. Alternatively, if the first sleep mode is a light sleep mode, a time at which the second indication information is received is a second time prior to the first time, and a time difference between the first time and the second time is the duration required to be activated in light sleep mode.Alternatively, if the first sleep mode is an ultra-deep sleep mode, the time at which the second indication information is received is a third time prior to the first time, the time difference between the first time and the third time is the duration required to be activated in ultra-deep sleep mode, and the time difference between the first time and the third time is greater than the time difference between the first time and the second time. To be specific, for both light sleep mode and ultra-deep sleep mode, the network device needs to wake the terminal in advance to ensure that the terminal can receive and send data at an appropriate time subsequently.

[0019] Optionally, the method in the first aspect may additionally include: receiving third-party indication information at any time or after any time. The third-party indication information indicates to the terminal whether to enter the DRX cycle or a sleep mode in the plurality of sleep modes. This can be specifically selected based on a real situation, and is not specifically limited. Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 132 / 211 5 / 63

[0020] Optionally, entering the first sleep mode means that a primary radio enters the first sleep mode, and being activated in the first sleep mode means that the primary radio is activated in the first sleep mode; and a secondary radio is configured to monitor, at least part of the non-active time of the DRX cycle and within a predefined bandwidth portion, the secondary indication information used to activate the primary radio. For example, the bandwidth portion is a bandwidth configured for the secondary radio to use at least part of the time. In other words, the secondary radio can monitor the secondary indication information using a specified resource only within a specified time, and for another time, the secondary radio can be disabled to save more power.

[0021] According to a second aspect, a communication method is provided. The method includes: obtaining initial indication information, and sending the initial indication information to a terminal. The initial indication information tells the terminal to enter a first sleep mode, the first sleep mode is a sleep mode in a plurality of the terminal's sleep modes, the duration required to activate the terminal in the plurality of sleep modes is different from each other, and the duration required to activate the terminal in the first sleep mode corresponds to a terminal service requirement.

[0022] It may be understood that the method in the second aspect may be performed by the network device, or may be performed by an apparatus included in the network device, such as a chip, or may be performed by an apparatus that includes the network device. This is not specifically limited.

[0023] In a possible design solution, sending the first indication information to the terminal includes: sending the first indication information to the terminal during an active time of a discontinuous DRX receive cycle from the terminal.

[0024] In a possible design solution, sending the first indication information to the terminal includes: sending the first indication information to the terminal during a non-active time of a terminal DRX cycle.

[0025] In a possible project solution, send the first Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pages 133 / 211 6 / 63 indication information for the terminal includes: sending the first indication information to the terminal when the terminal is in a second sleep mode, where the second sleep mode is a different sleep mode from the first sleep mode and is in the plurality of sleep modes.

[0026] In a possible design solution, the method in the second aspect may additionally include: sending the second indication information to the terminal, where the second indication information indicates that the terminal needs to be activated.

[0027] Optionally, if the first sleep mode is a microsleep mode, the terminal enters the active time after being activated; or if the first sleep mode is a light sleep mode, the terminal enters a short XRD cycle after being activated; or if the first sleep mode is an ultradeep sleep mode, the terminal enters a long XRD cycle after being activated.

[0028] Optionally, the second indication information additionally indicates at least one of the following: whether or not to reset an existing short XRD cycle count, whether or not to reuse the short XRD cycle count, or a number of short XRD cycles.

[0029] Optionally, the second indication information additionally indicates a number of long DRX cycles.

[0030] Optionally, a time at which the terminal is activated is a first time; if the first sleep mode is a microsleep mode, a time at which the second indication information is sent to the terminal is the first time; or if the first sleep mode is a light sleep mode, a time at which the second indication information is sent to the terminal is a second time before the first time, and a time difference between the first time and the second time is the duration required to be activated in light sleep mode; or if the first sleep mode is an ultra-deep sleep mode, a time at which the second indication information is sent to the terminal is a third time before the first time, a time difference between the first time and the third time is the duration required to be activated in ultra-deep sleep mode, and the difference Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 134 / 211 7 / 63 of the time between the first and third halves is greater than the time difference between the first and second halves.

[0031] Optionally, the method in the second aspect may additionally include: sending third-party indication information to the terminal at any time or after any time, where the third-party indication information indicates to the terminal to enter the DRX cycle or a sleep mode in the plurality of sleep modes.

[0032] Optionally, the fact that the terminal enters the first sleep mode means that a primary radio enters the first sleep mode, and the fact that the terminal is activated means that the primary radio is activated; and a secondary radio is configured to monitor, at least part of the non-active time of the DRX cycle and in a predefined bandwidth portion, the secondary indication information used to activate the primary radio. For example, the bandwidth portion is a bandwidth configured for the secondary radio to use at least part of the time.

[0033] Furthermore, regarding the technical effects of the method in the second aspect, refer to the technical effects of the method in the first aspect. Details are not described again in the present invention.

[0034] According to a third aspect, a communication method is provided. The method includes: entering a first sleep mode when a non-active time of a discontinuous DRX receive cycle begins, receiving fourth indication information, and being activated in the first sleep mode in response to the fourth indication information. The first sleep mode is a sleep mode that corresponds to the duration of the DRX cycle and that is present in a plurality of sleep modes, and the duration required to activate a terminal in the plurality of sleep modes is different from each other. The fourth indication information indicates that the terminal needs to be activated.

[0035] It can be understood that the method in the third aspect can be performed by the terminal, or it can be performed by a device included in the terminal, such as a chip, or it can be performed by an apparatus that includes the terminal. This is not specifically limited.

[0036] In a possible design solution, if the duration of the DRX cycle is greater than or equal to the first duration, the duration of a suspension period Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 135 / 211 8 / 63 of the DRX cycle is relatively long, and the first sleep mode is an ultra-deep sleep mode to save more energy. If the DRX cycle duration is less than the first duration and greater than or equal to the second duration, that is, the DRX cycle sleep period duration is moderate, the first sleep mode is a light sleep mode. In light sleep mode, both the terminal sleep duration and the duration required to activate the terminal are relatively moderate, so both data transmission latency and terminal energy savings can be considered. If the DRX cycle duration is less than the second duration, that is, the DRX cycle sleep period duration is relatively short, the first sleep mode is a micro-sleep mode to ensure that the terminal can be activated in a timely manner, thus additionally ensuring data transmission latency.The time required to activate the terminal in microsleep mode is less than the time required to activate it in light sleep mode, and the time required to activate the terminal in light sleep mode is less than the time required to activate the terminal in ultra-deep sleep mode.

[0037] In another possible design solution, if the DRX cycle is a long DRX cycle, the duration of a long DRX cycle suspend period is relatively long, and the first suspend mode is an ultra-deep suspend mode, to save more energy. If the DRX cycle is a short DRX cycle, and no data is received or sent in the short DRX cycle, that is, the duration of a short DRX cycle suspend period is moderate, the first suspend mode is a light suspend mode, to consider both data transmission latency and terminal energy savings. If the DRX cycle is a short DRX cycle, and data is received or sent in the short DRX cycle, that is, the duration of the short DRX cycle suspend period is relatively short, the first suspend mode is a micro-suspend mode, to additionally ensure data transmission latency.The time required to activate the terminal in microsleep mode is shorter than the time required to activate the terminal in light sleep mode, and the time required to activate the terminal in light sleep mode is shorter than the time required to activate the terminal in ultra-deep sleep mode. Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 136 / 211 9 / 63

[0038] In a possible design solution, entering the first sleep mode means that a primary radio enters the first sleep mode, and being activated in the first sleep mode means that the primary radio is activated in the first sleep mode; and a secondary radio is configured to monitor, at least part of the non-active time of the DRX cycle and in a predefined bandwidth portion, the fourth indication information used to activate the primary radio.

[0039] Optionally, the bandwidth portion is a bandwidth configured for the secondary radio to use at least part of the time.

[0040] Furthermore, regarding other technical effects of the method in the third aspect, refer to the technical effects of the method in the first aspect. Details are not described again in the present invention.

[0041] According to a fourth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus includes modules configured to perform the method in the first aspect, for example, a transceiver module and a processing module. For example, the transceiver module is configured to perform the receiving and transmitting functions of the communication apparatus, and the processing module is configured to perform a function of the communication apparatus other than the receiving and transmitting functions.

[0042] Optionally, the transceiver module may include a transmit module and a receive module. The transmit module is configured to implement a transmit function of the communication device in the fourth aspect, and the receive module is configured to implement a receive function of the communication device in the fourth aspect.

[0043] Optionally, the communication device in the fourth aspect may additionally include a storage module. The storage module stores a program or instructions. When the processing module executes the program or instructions, the communication device is enabled to perform the method in the first aspect.

[0044] It may be understood that the communication apparatus in the fourth aspect may be a terminal, or it may be a chip (system) or another part or component that may be disposed of in a terminal, or it may be an apparatus that includes a terminal. This is not limited to the present invention. Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 137 / 211 10 / 63

[0045] Furthermore, regarding the technical effects of the communication apparatus in the fourth aspect, refer to the technical effects of the method in the first aspect. Details are not described in the present invention again.

[0046] According to a fifth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus includes modules configured to perform the method in the second aspect, for example, a transceiver module and a processing module. For example, the transceiver module is configured to perform the receiving and transmitting functions of the communication apparatus, and the processing module is configured to perform a function of the communication apparatus other than the receiving and transmitting functions.

[0047] Optionally, the transceiver module may include a transmit module and a receive module. The transmit module is configured to implement a fifth-aspect communication device transmit function, and the receive module is configured to implement a fifth-aspect communication device receive function.

[0048] Optionally, the communication device in the fifth aspect may additionally include a storage module. The storage module stores a program or instructions. When the processing module executes the program or instructions, the communication device is enabled to perform the method in the second aspect.

[0049] It may be understood that the communication apparatus in the fifth aspect may be a network device, or it may be a chip (system) or another part or component that may be disposed of in a network device, or it may be an apparatus that includes a network device. This is not limited to the present invention.

[0050] Furthermore, regarding the technical effects of the communication apparatus in the fifth aspect, refer to the technical effects of the method in the second aspect. Details are not described in the present invention again.

[0051] According to a sixth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus includes modules configured to perform the method of the third aspect, for example, a Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 138 / 211 11 / 63 transceiver module and a processing module. For example, the transceiver module is configured to perform the receiving and transmitting functions of the communication device, and the processing module is configured to perform a function of the communication device other than receiving and transmitting.

[0052] Optionally, the transceiver module may include a transmit module and a receive module. The transmit module is configured to implement a transmit function of the communication device in the sixth aspect, and the receive module is configured to implement a receive function of the communication device in the sixth aspect.

[0053] Optionally, the communication device in the sixth aspect may additionally include a storage module. The storage module stores a program or instructions. When the processing module executes the program or instructions, the communication device is enabled to perform the method in the third aspect.

[0054] It may be understood that the communication apparatus in the sixth aspect may be a terminal, or it may be a chip (system) or another part or component that may be disposed in a terminal, or it may be an apparatus that includes a terminal. This is not limited to the present invention.

[0055] Furthermore, regarding the technical effects of the communication apparatus in the sixth aspect, refer to the technical effects of the method in the third aspect. Details are not described in the present invention again.

[0056] [According to a seventh aspect, a communication apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus may be a terminal device or a network device, or it may be a chip (system) or some other part or component disposed in the terminal device or network device. The communication apparatus includes a processor. The processor is configured to perform the method in any of the possible implementations from the first aspect to the third aspect.]

[0057] In a possible design solution, the communication device in the seventh aspect may additionally include a transceiver. When the communication device is a terminal device or a network device, the transceiver may be a radio frequency module. When the Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 139 / 211 12 / 63 A communication device is a chip (system) or another part or component in a terminal device or network device; the transceiver may be an input / output interface, a pin, a circuit, or similar. The transceiver may be used by the communication device in the seventh aspect to communicate with another communication device.

[0058] In a possible design solution, the communication apparatus in the seventh aspect may additionally include a memory. The memory may be integrated with the processor, or it may be arranged separately. The memory may be configured to store a computer program and / or data related to the method in any of the possible implementations from the first aspect to the third aspect.

[0059] In this embodiment of the present invention, the communication apparatus in the seventh aspect may be a device that performs the method in any of the possible implementations from the first aspect to the third aspect, or a chip (system) or other part or component that may be disposed in the device, or an apparatus that includes the device.

[0060] Furthermore, regarding the technical effects of the communication apparatus in the seventh aspect, refer to the technical effects of the method in any of the implementations from the first aspect to the third aspect. Details are not described in the present invention again.

[0061] According to an eighth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus may be a terminal device or a network device, or it may be a chip (system) or some other part or component disposed of in the terminal device or network device. The communication apparatus includes a processor, wherein the processor is coupled to a memory, and the processor is configured to execute a computer program stored in the memory, to enable the communication apparatus to perform the method in any of the possible implementations of the first aspect to the third aspect.

[0062] In a possible design solution, the communication apparatus in the eighth aspect may additionally include a transceiver. When the communication apparatus is a terminal device or a network device, the transceiver may be a radio frequency module. When the communication apparatus is a chip (system) or another part or Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 140 / 211 13 / 63 component in the terminal device or network device, the transceiver can be an input / output interface, a pin, a circuit, or similar. The transceiver can be used by the communication device in the eighth aspect to communicate with another communication device.

[0063] In this embodiment of the present invention, the communication apparatus in the eighth aspect may be a device that performs the method in any of the possible implementations from the first aspect to the third aspect, or a chip (system) or other part or component that may be disposed in the device, or an apparatus that includes the device.

[0064] Furthermore, regarding the technical effects of the communication apparatus in the eighth aspect, refer to the technical effects of the method in any of the implementations from the first aspect to the third aspect. Details are not described in the present invention again.

[0065] According to a ninth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus may be a terminal device or a network device, or it may be a chip (system) or another part or component disposed in the terminal device or network device. The communication apparatus includes: a processor and a memory, where the memory is configured to store a computer program, and when the processor executes the computer program, the communication apparatus is enabled to perform the method in any of the implementations of the first aspect to the third aspect.

[0066] In a possible design solution, the communication device in the ninth aspect may additionally include a transceiver. When the communication device is a terminal device or a network device, the transceiver may be a radio frequency module. When the communication device is a chip (system) or another part or component in the terminal device or network device, the transceiver may be an input / output interface, a pin, a circuit, or the like. The transceiver may be used by the communication device in the ninth aspect to communicate with another communication device.

[0067] In this embodiment of the present application, the communication device in the ninth aspect may be a device that implements the method in any of the possible implementations from the first to the third aspect. Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 141 / 211 14 / 63 aspect, or a chip (system) or another part or component that may be disposed of in the device, or an apparatus that includes the device.

[0068] Furthermore, regarding the technical effects of the communication apparatus in the ninth aspect, refer to the technical effects of the method in any of the implementations from the first aspect to the third aspect. Details are not described in the present invention again.

[0069] According to a tenth aspect, a communication method is provided. The communication method includes the method in any of the possible implementations of the first aspect, and the method in any of the possible implementations of the second aspect.

[0070] According to an eleventh aspect, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes a terminal and a network device, where the terminal is configured to perform the method in any of the possible implementations of the first aspect, and the network device is configured to perform the method in any of the possible implementations of the second aspect.

[0071] According to a twelfth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which includes a computer program or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are run on a computer, the computer is enabled to perform the method in any of the possible implementations from the first aspect to the third aspect.

[0072] According to a thirteenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, which includes a computer program or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are run on a computer, the computer is enabled to perform the method in any of the possible implementations from the first aspect to the third aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0073] Figure 1 is a diagram 1 of an XDR cycle;

[0074] Figure 2 is a diagram 2 of an XDR cycle;

[0075] Figure 3 is a diagram 3 of an XDR cycle;

[0076] Figure 4 is a diagram 4 of an XDR cycle;

[0077] Figure 5 is a diagram of a communication system architecture according to an embodiment of the present invention; Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 142 / 211 15 / 63

[0078] Figure 6 is a diagram of a terminal structure in a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0079] Figure 7 is a schematic flowchart 1 of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0080] Figure 8 is a diagram 1 of an application scenario of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0081] Figure 9 is a diagram 2 of an application scenario of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0082] Figure 10 is a diagram 3 of an application scenario of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0083] Figure 11 is a diagram 4 of an application scenario of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0084] Figure 12 is a diagram 5 of an application scenario of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0085] Figure 13 is a diagram 6 of an application scenario of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0086] Figure 14 is a diagram 7 of an application scenario of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0087] Figure 15 is a schematic flowchart 2 of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0088] Figure 16 is a diagram 1 of a structure of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0089] Figure 17 is a diagram 2 of a communication apparatus structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0090] To facilitate understanding, technical terms in embodiments of the present invention are described first below.

[0091] 1. Discontinuous reception (XRD): Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 143 / 211 16 / 63

[0092] DRX means that a terminal can periodically monitor a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) and then rest, in order to conserve power.

[0093] As shown in Figure 1, during an active time (running time) of an XDR cycle, the terminal is in a wake-up mode and monitors a PDCCH. Then, during an inactive time or a sleep period of the XDR cycle, the terminal enters a sleep mode and does not monitor the PDCCH, to save power. Then, during an active time of a subsequent XDR cycle, the terminal is woken up from sleep mode and continues to monitor the PDCCH.

[0094] As shown in Figure 2, a DRX mechanism defines an on-duration DRX timer and an in-activity DRX timer.

[0095] The DRX idle timer indicates the duration of an active time in a DRX cycle under normal circumstances, i.e., the duration of the active time when there is no data transmission during the active time. In other words, when there is data transmission during the active time of the DRX cycle, the active time duration can be extended. The DRX idle timer indicates a time at which the active time ends when there is data transmission during the active time of the DRX cycle.

[0096] Specifically, during the active DRX cycle time, the running DRX idle timer runs, and if there is no data transmission, the UE enters a DRX cycle sleep period after the timer expires. However, when the terminal is scheduled to receive or send data for the first time during the active DRX cycle time, the terminal may very likely receive or send data in a subsequent time period, for example, some slots. Therefore, when the terminal receives or sends data for the first time (or initial data transmission), the DRX idle timer is started or restarted, so that the terminal monitors the PDCCH during the running time of the DRX idle timer.In other words, when the DRX idle timer runs, even if the running DRX duration timer expires, the terminal still needs to continue monitoring PDCCH, and enters the DRX cycle suspend period until the DRX idle timer expires. Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 144 / 211 17 / 63

[0097] It can be understood that when the DRX idle timer is started or restarted, data that originally needs to be transmitted in a plurality of DRX cycles can be transmitted centrally in one DRX cycle. In this way, data transmission latency can be reduced.

[0098] It can be further understood that, although a function of the DRX idle timer is to reduce data transmission latency, if the duration of the DRX idle timer is set to be excessively long, the DRX idle timer may still not expire after the data transmission is completed, and the terminal has to continue monitoring the PDCCH, and cannot enter sleep mode in a timely manner. This does not contribute to terminal power saving. To enable the terminal to enter sleep mode as quickly as possible, a DRX control unit (DRX command) in a medium access control (MAC) layer, which may also be called CE Enter Sleep.For example, upon detecting that the terminal has no uplink or downlink data to transmit, one network side sends a protocol data unit (PDU) at the MAC layer to the terminal, where the PDU may carry the DRX control unit. The terminal can stop the running DRX duration timer and the DRX idle timer based on the DRX control unit, and enter sleep mode as quickly as possible. As shown in Figure 3, the DRX mechanism additionally defines a DRX hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) round-trip time (RTT) timer (DRX-HARQ-RTT-timer) and a DRX retransmission timer (DRX-HARQ-RTT-timer). The DRX-HARQ-RTT timer indicates an occasion on which corresponding retransmission may occur when data transmission fails. The DRX retransmission timer may indicate retransmission.

[0099] Specifically, if the decoding of a transport block (TB) from a downlink HARQ process fails, the terminal can assume that retransmission occurs at least after the DXR-HARQ-RTT timer expires. Therefore, when the DXR timer expires Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 145 / 211 18 / 63 When HARQ-RTT runs, the terminal does not need to monitor a PDCCH to save power. After the DXR-HARQ-RTT timer expires, the terminal starts the XRD retransmission timer for the HARQ process, to indicate a maximum time for the terminal to wait for retransmission. When the DRX retransmission timer runs, the terminal monitors a PDCCH used for HARQ retransmission.

[0100] 2. Long XRD cycle (long cycle) and short XRD cycle (short cycle):

[0101] To adapt to the different requirements of a terminal for sending data, two scenarios are introduced: a long DRX cycle (referred to as long cycle for short) and a short DRX cycle (referred to as short cycle for short).

[0102] As shown in Figure 4, the terminal uses a long loop by default. If a DRX idle timer in the long loop is triggered, this indicates that there is data to be transmitted and continuous data transmission can then occur. Therefore, after the DRX idle timer in the long loop expires, the terminal enters a short loop. Since a short loop sleep period is shorter than that of the long loop, data transmission can be performed better in the short loop, to obtain a better service latency effect. After a DRX idle timer in the short loop expires, the terminal starts a DRX short cycle timer. After the DRX short cycle timer expires, this means that data transmission in the short loop ends, and the terminal can enter the long loop to save power.

[0103] 3. Main radio and secondary radio:

[0104] Receiving and sending data from the terminal can be implemented using a primary radio and a secondary radio.

[0105] The main radio can be in either active or sleep mode. The main radio neither receives nor transmits data in sleep mode, i.e., it does not monitor a PDCCH, in order to save power. There may be a plurality of sleep modes for the main radio, which are respectively, an ultra-deep sleep mode, a light sleep mode, and a micro-sleep mode. A difference between different sleep modes lies mainly in the time required to activate the main radio in different sleep modes, i.e., a time of Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 146 / 211 19 / 63 activation (ascending curve) is different. The activation time is the time spent enabling hardware related to the main radio. The activation time of the main radio in ultra-deep sleep mode is longer than the activation time of the main radio in light sleep mode, and the activation time of the main radio in light sleep mode is longer than the activation time of the main radio in micro-sleep mode. After being activated, the main radio can receive and send data.

[0106] The secondary radio can be configured to detect and receive a wake signal (LP-WUS) to activate the primary radio.

[0107] It can be learned that the activation of the main radio is decoupled from DRX. Currently, how to perform DRX after the main radio is activated is not defined.

[0108] For the previous technical problem, the embodiments of the present invention provide the following technical solutions. The technical solutions are described in the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0109] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention can be applied to various communication systems, for example, a wireless network system (Wi-Fi), a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication system, a device-to-device (D2D) communication system, an Internet of Vehicles communication system, a fourth-generation (4th generation, 4G) mobile communication system, for example, a long-term evolution (LTE) system, a worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, a fifth-generation (5th generation, 5G) system, for example, a new radio (NR) system, and a future communication system.

[0110] All aspects, embodiments or features presented in the present invention describe a system that may include a plurality of devices, components, modules, and the like. It should be noted and understood that each system may include one other device, component, module, and the like, and / or may not include all of the devices, components, modules, and the like discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, a combination of these solutions may be used.

[0111] In embodiments of the present invention, indication may Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 147 / 211 20 / 63 may include a direct indication and an indirect indication, or it may include an explicit indication and an implicit indication. Information indicated by a unit of information (e.g., the following first indication information, second indication information, or third indication information) is referred to as information to be indicated. In a specific implementation process, the information to be indicated is indicated in a plurality of ways. By way of example and not limitation, the information to be indicated may be indicated directly, for example, the information to be indicated or an index of the information to be indicated is indicated. Alternatively, the information to be indicated may be indirectly indicated by indicating other information, and there is an associative relationship between the other information and the information to be indicated.Alternatively, only a portion of the information to be indicated may be indicated, and the other portion of the information to be indicated is known or pre-agreed upon. For example, specific information may alternatively be indicated using a sequence of arrangement of a plurality of pre-agreed information units (e.g., stipulated in a protocol), to reduce indication overhead to some extent. Furthermore, common parts of all information units may additionally be identified and then indicated together, to reduce indication overhead caused by indicating identical information separately.

[0112] Furthermore, specific indication methods may alternatively be various existing indication methods, for example, but without limitation, the previous indication methods and various combinations thereof. For details of the various indication methods, refer to conventional technology. Details are not described in this report. It can be learned from the previous description that, for example, when a plurality of information units of the same type need to be indicated, different information indication methods may be different. In a specific implementation process, a required indication method may be selected based on a specific requirement. The selected indication method is not limited in the embodiments of the present invention. Thus, the indication method in the embodiments of the Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pages 148 / 211 21 / 63 of the present invention should be understood as encompassing various methods that enable a party to be indicated to learn the information to be indicated.

[0113] It should be understood that the information to be indicated may be sent as a whole, or may be divided into a plurality of secondary information units for separate transmission. Furthermore, transmission frequencies and / or the timing of transmission of secondary information may be the same or different. A specific transmission method is not limited in the embodiments of the present invention. The transmission frequencies and / or the timing of transmission of secondary information may be predefined, for example, predefined according to a protocol, or may be configured by a transmitting end device sending the configuration information to a receiving end device.

[0114] Preset or pre-configuration may be implemented by pre-storing corresponding code or a corresponding table in a device, or it may be implemented in another way that can be used to indicate related information. A specific implementation thereof is not limited to the embodiments of the present invention. Storage may be storage in one or more memories. One or more memories may be arranged separately, or may be integrated within an encoder or decoder, a processor, or a communication device. Alternatively, some of one or more memories may be arranged separately, and some of one or more memories are integrated into a decoder, a processor, or a communication device. A type of memory may be a storage medium in any form. This is not limited to the embodiments of the present invention.

[0115] The protocol in embodiments of the present invention may be a family of protocols in the field of communication, a standard protocol with a framework structure similar to a family of protocols, or a related protocol applied to a future communication system. This is not specifically limited to embodiments of the present invention.

[0116] In embodiments of the present invention, descriptions such as "when...", "in a case where..." and "if" all mean that a device performs Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 149 / 211 22 / 63 corresponding processing in a specific objective situation and are not intended to limit time. The descriptions do not mean that the device must have a decisive action during implementation, and do not imply any other limitation.

[0117] In the descriptions of embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise stated, 7 means a relationship or between associated objects, for example, A / B may represent A or B. The term and / or in embodiments of the present invention describes only an associative relationship between associated objects, and indicates that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may represent three cases: Only A exists, both A and B exist, and only B exists, where A and B may be singular or plural. Furthermore, in the descriptions of embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, a plurality of means two or more. At least one of the following items (units) or a similar expression means any combination of these items, which includes any combination of singular items (units) or plural items (units).For example, at least one of a, b, c, or at least one of a, b, or c may represent a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, c may be singular or plural. Furthermore, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, in the embodiments of the present invention, words such as first and second are used to distinguish identical or similar items whose functions and roles are basically the same. A person skilled in the art may understand that terms such as first and second do not limit a quantity or sequence of implementation, and terms such as first and second do not indicate a definite difference. Additionally, in the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as example or for example are used to represent an example, an illustration, or a description.Any embodiment or design scheme described as an example or for example in the embodiments of the present invention should not be explained as being more preferred or having more advantages than another embodiment or design scheme. To be precise, the use of terms such as example or for example is intended to present a related concept in a specific way to facilitate understanding. Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pages 150 / 211 23 / 63

[0118] A network architecture and a service scenario described in embodiments of the present invention are intended to describe the technical solutions in embodiments of the present invention more clearly, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in embodiments of the present invention. A person skilled in the art may learn that, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided in embodiments of the present invention are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0119] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, a communication system to which the embodiments of the present invention are applicable is first described in detail using a communication system shown in Figure 5 as an example. For example, Figure 5 is a diagram of an architecture of a communication system to which a communication method provided in the embodiments of the present invention is applicable.

[0120] As shown in Figure 5, the communication system may include a first device and a second device. For example, in an air interface communication scenario, the first device may be a terminal, and the second device may be a network device. As another example, in a side-link communication scenario, both the first and second devices may be terminals.

[0121] Specifically, the terminal may be a terminal having both receiving and sending functions. The terminal may also be referred to as a user device (user equipment, UE), an access terminal, a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station (MS), a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a user terminal, a terminal, a wireless communication device, a user agent, or a user device. The terminal in the embodiments of the present invention may be a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smartphone, a pad, a wireless data card, a personal digital assistant (PDA) computer, a wireless modem, a handset, a laptop computer, or a machine-type communication terminal. Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 151 / 211 24 / 63 Communication (MTC), a computer having a wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, a terminal in a vehicle, a roadside unit (RSU) having a terminal function, or similar.The terminal in the present invention may alternatively be a vehicle-mounted module, a vehicle-mounted assembly, a vehicle-mounted component, a vehicle-mounted chip, or a vehicle-mounted unit that is built into a vehicle as one or more components or units.

[0122] As shown in Figure 6, the terminal may include a main radio and a secondary radio.

[0123] The main radio has primarily two modes, for example, a sleep mode and a working mode. After the main radio enters sleep mode, the main radio does not monitor a PDCCH, and does not receive or send data. There may be a plurality of sleep modes for the main radio. For example, the plurality of sleep modes may include a microsleep mode, a light sleep mode, and an ultra-deep sleep mode. The duration required to activate the main radio in microsleep mode is generally 0 milliseconds (ms) or approximates 0 milliseconds. In other words, the main radio can be activated immediately in microsleep mode. The duration required to activate the main radio in light sleep mode is very short, for example, 3 ms. In other words, the main radio can be activated quickly in light sleep mode.The time required to activate the main radio in ultra-deep sleep mode is relatively long, for example, 400 ms. In other words, it takes a specific amount of time to activate the main radio in ultra-deep sleep mode.

[0124] It can be understood that the fact that it takes a specific amount of time to activate the main radio in sleep mode means that it takes Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pages 152 / 211 25 / 63 a specific time to enable the main radio hardware. In other words, for different sleep modes, the degrees of disabling the main radio hardware are different. A deeper sleep indicates a greater number of disabled main radio hardware units, being more energy-efficient. Correspondingly, the time required to enable the hardware is also longer. This means that the time required to be activated is also longer.

[0125] It may additionally be understood that the main radio may also be replaced by any other possible name, for example, a first radio, a main transceiver radio or a main communication radio. This is not specifically limited in the present document. Therefore, in this embodiment of the present invention, the fact that the main radio enters sleep mode may also be understood as the fact that the first radio, the main transceiver radio, the main communication radio, or similar enters sleep mode.

[0126] The secondary radio is primarily configured to monitor a signal to activate the main radio. Therefore, after detecting the signal, the secondary radio can trigger the activation of the main radio. The secondary radio can also be replaced by any other possible name, for example, a second radio, a secondary transceiver radio, or a secondary communication radio. This is not specifically limited in the present document.

[0127] The network device may be an access network device, or it may be referred to as a radio access network (RAN) device. The RAN device may be a device that provides access to a terminal device. For example, the RAN device may include a next-generation mobile communication system, for example, a 6G access network device such as a 6G base station. Alternatively, in the next-generation mobile communication system, the network device may alternatively be named in another way, which is covered by the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present invention. This is not limited to the present invention. Alternatively, the RAN device may additionally include a gNB in ​​5G, for example, a new radio system (new radio, NR), or a group (which includes a Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 153 / 211 26 / 63 plurality of antenna panels) of antenna panels of a base station in 5G, or it can be a network node that forms a gNB, a transmission point (transmission and reception point, TRP, or transmission point, TP) or a transmission measurement function (TMF), for example, a baseband unit (BBU), a central unit (CU) or a distributed unit (DU), an RSU having a base station function, a wired access gateway, or a 5G network core.Alternatively, the RAN device may additionally include an access point (AP), a wireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, macro base stations in various forms, a micro base station (also referred to as a small cell), a relay station, an access point, a wearable device, a vehicular device, and the like in a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) system. Alternatively, the network device may be any other possible network core element. This is not specifically limited in the present document.

[0128] For ease of understanding, what follows is described using an example in which the first device is a terminal and the second device is a network device. For a case in which both the first and second devices are terminals, refer to the example for understanding. Details are not described again.

[0129] In the communication system, the network device can send initial indication information to the terminal based on service requirements of different services. The initial indication information can instruct the terminal's main radio to enter a first sleep mode, and the duration required to activate the main radio in the first sleep mode corresponds to a terminal service requirement. In this way, even if the terminal's main radio is activated in the first sleep mode, subsequent data transmission from the terminal can still meet a terminal service requirement.

[0130] With reference to Figures 7 to 15, a procedure for interaction between devices in the previous communication system is specifically described below, using method embodiments. The communication method provided in the embodiments of the present invention is applicable to Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 154 / 211 27 / 63 previous communication system and is specifically applied to several scenarios mentioned in the previous communication system. Specific descriptions are provided below.

[0131] Figure 7 is a schematic flowchart 1 of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present invention. The communication method is applicable to the previous communication system and refers to the interaction between a terminal and a network device. The communication method can be performed by the terminal and the network device, or it can be performed by a chip or a system of chips in the terminal or network device. What follows is described using an example in which the communication method is performed by the terminal and the network device.

[0132] Specifically, as shown in Figure 7, a procedure of the communication method is as follows.

[0133] S701: The network device obtains initial indication information.

[0134] The initial information may indicate that the terminal is entering an initial sleep mode.

[0135] The first sleep mode may be one of a plurality of terminal sleep modes, and the duration required to activate the terminal in the plurality of sleep modes differs from one another. For example, the plurality of sleep modes may include the micro-sleep mode, the light sleep mode, and the ultra-deep sleep mode mentioned previously. For a specific implementation principle, refer to the related descriptions above, and details are not described again in this document. Alternatively, in a future communication system, the plurality of sleep modes may be defined in another way. For example, more than three or more sleep modes are defined. This is not limited to this embodiment of the present invention. The fact that the terminal enters the first sleep mode may mean that a main radio of the terminal enters the first sleep mode.For a specific implementation principle of the main radio, refer to the related descriptions above. Details are not described again in this document. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified below, the fact that the terminal enters first... Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pages 155 / 211 The 28 / 63 sleep mode mentioned below means that the main radio of the terminal enters the first sleep mode.

[0136] The initial indication information can be indicated in a plurality of ways. For example, the initial indication information can be 2-bit (bit) information, 00 indicates that the terminal enters microsleep mode, 01 indicates that the terminal enters light sleep mode, and 10 indicates that the terminal enters ultra-deep sleep mode. As another example, the initial indication information can be a character sequence, microsleep indicates that the terminal enters microsleep mode, light sleep indicates that the terminal enters light sleep mode, and ultra-deep sleep indicates that the terminal enters ultra-deep sleep mode. Yet another example, the initial indication information can be of an enumerated type, and different padding values ​​represent that the terminal enters different sleep modes.Certainly, the previous methods of indicating initial information are merely examples. An implementation of a specific method of indicating initial information is not limited to this embodiment of the present invention.

[0137] The network device can determine, based on a terminal service requirement, a sleep mode that the terminal needs to enter, for example, the first sleep mode.

[0138] The terminal service requirement can be represented by a terminal quality of service (QoS) class identifier (QCI). For example, the QCI can indicate a QoS requirement of a terminal service, such as a resource type, priority, latency, and packet loss rate, that is, the terminal service requirement. The same QoS requirement is represented by the same QCI, and different QoS requirements can be represented by different QCIs. A QCI can be transmitted between network elements to avoid high overheads caused by transmitting a specific QoS requirement.

[0139] The network device can determine, based on the terminal service requirement, a sleep mode that corresponds to the terminal service requirement, namely, the first sleep mode. In other words, Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 156 / 211 29 / 63 The duration required to wake the terminal in the first sleep mode corresponds to the terminal service requirement. For example, QCI indicates that a terminal service has a high latency requirement, and the service is either a latency-sensitive service or an ultra-low latency service. The network device determines that the first sleep mode is microsleep mode. To be specific, the terminal can be immediately woken in microsleep mode to meet the latency requirement of the latency-sensitive service. As another example, QCI indicates that the terminal service has a general latency requirement, and that the service is a low latency service. The network device determines that the first sleep mode is light sleep mode. To be specific, the terminal can be quickly woken in light sleep mode to meet the latency requirement of the low latency service.As another example, QCI indicates that the terminal service has a relatively flexible latency requirement, and that the service is a latency-insensitive service, such as a meter reading service. The network device determines that the first sleep mode is the ultra-deep sleep mode. Therefore, when the terminal needs to enter the first sleep mode, the network device can generate the first indication information. For example, if the network device determines that the terminal's data transmission is complete, and there may be no data transmission for a short period, the network device determines that the terminal needs to enter the first sleep mode to generate the first indication information.Certainly, if the network device has generated the initial indication information in advance, and caches or stores the initial indication information locally, the network device can alternatively obtain the initial indication information directly locally.

[0140] S702: The network device sends the first indication information to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the first indication information.

[0141] In a first possible design solution, the network device can send the first indication information to the terminal during an active time (operating duration) of a terminal DRX cycle. Correspondingly, the terminal can receive the first information from Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pages 157 / 211 30 / 63 indication during the active time of the XRD cycle. To be specific, even if the terminal is in the active time of the XRD cycle, the terminal can immediately enter the first sleep mode based on the first indication information, to save energy. The XRD cycle can be an existing XRD cycle, or a newly defined XRD cycle in this embodiment of the present invention, for example, a newly defined short XRD cycle, or a newly defined long XRD cycle. For details, refer to related descriptions of S705 below. Details are not described again in this document. Furthermore, the XRD cycle mentioned in this embodiment of the present invention can be understood as an existing XRD cycle or a newly defined XRD cycle in this embodiment of the present invention, unless otherwise specified.

[0142] Optionally, in response to the initial indication information, the terminal may additionally disable at least one timer configured during the active time of the DRX cycle. The at least one timer may include: a DRX inactivity timer and a DRX on duration timer, used to enable the terminal to enter the first sleep mode. Furthermore, regarding specific implementation principles of the DRX inactivity timer and the DRX on duration timer, refer to the related descriptions above. Details are not described in the present invention again.

[0143] The initial indication information may explicitly or implicitly indicate to the terminal to disable at least one timer. For example, the initial indication information may include a newly defined information element, such as additional bit information, a character sequence, or a padding value, to indicate to the terminal to disable at least one timer. For a specific indication method, refer to the previous related descriptions. Details are not described in the present invention again. Alternatively, the initial indication information may carry an existing information element, such as a MAC PDU, to indicate to the terminal to disable at least one timer. For a specific implementation principle of the MAC PDU, refer to the previous related descriptions. Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 158 / 211 31 / 63 Details are not described in the present invention again. Alternatively, upon receiving the first indication information, the terminal may disable at least one timer by default.

[0144] In a second possible design solution, the network device may send the first indication information to the terminal during a non-active time of the terminal's DRX cycle. Correspondingly, the terminal may receive the first indication information during the non-active time of the terminal's DRX cycle. During the non-active time of the terminal's DRX cycle, the terminal may be in any possible sleep mode from the plurality of previous sleep modes. A specific sleep mode in which the terminal may be during the terminal's non-active time is not limited in this embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, although the terminal has entered a sleep mode during the non-active time of the DRX cycle, the terminal may still enter, based on the first indication information, the first sleep mode that corresponds to the terminal's service requirement.

[0145] It can be understood that the active time and inactive time of the terminal's XDR cycle mentioned in this embodiment of the present invention are two concepts different from the terminal's first sleep mode. The active time and inactive time of the terminal's XDR cycle are normally concepts of a time dimension, that is, the active time and the inactive time are different time periods in the XDR cycle. The terminal's first sleep mode is a device dimension concept. More specifically, the terminal's first sleep mode is a state in which the terminal can be in a sleep mode for a period of time (e.g., the inactive time).

[0146] It may further be understood that an occasion on which the network device sends the first indication information to the terminal may depend on an occasion determined by the network device and on which the terminal enters the first sleep mode. In other words, if the network device determines that the terminal enters the first sleep mode during the active time of the terminal's DRX cycle, the network device sends the first indication information to the terminal during the active time; and conversely, if the network device determines that the terminal enters the first sleep mode during the non-active time of the terminal's DRX cycle, the Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pages 159 / 211 32 / 63 The network device sends the first indication information to the terminal during inactive time.

[0147] In a third possible design solution, the network device can send the first indication information to the terminal when it is in a second sleep mode. Correspondingly, the terminal can receive the first indication information in the second sleep mode. The second sleep mode is a different sleep mode from the first sleep mode and is in the plurality of sleep modes, so that flexible switching between sleep modes is implemented. In other words, if the network device determines that a current terminal service has a lower requirement for the activation duration, the network device can indicate to the terminal to enter a sleep mode with a longer activation duration, to save more power.Conversely, if the network device determines that the current terminal service has a higher requirement for activation duration, the network device may instruct the terminal to enter a sleep mode with a shorter activation duration to meet that service requirement.

[0148] It can be understood that a difference between the three possible design solutions above lies in the fact that, for the first possible design solution and the second possible design solution, the network device may not capture a specific terminal sleep mode before the terminal enters the first sleep mode, and may not detect whether the terminal is specifically in the active or inactive time of the terminal's DRX cycle, but the occasion that is determined by the network device and on which the first indication information is sent is exactly in the active time or inactive time. For the third possible design solution, the network device needs to capture a change in the terminal's sleep mode to meet the real-time service requirement.

[0149] Initial indication information can be carried over into existing signage, for example, a system message. Alternatively, initial indication information can be carried over into newly defined signage. This is not limited.

[0150] S703: The terminal enters the first sleep mode in response to the first indication information. Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pages 160 / 211 33 / 63

[0151] After the main terminal radio enters the first sleep mode, a secondary terminal radio may be in an operating mode, to monitor a signal to activate the main radio, to ensure that the main radio can be activated in a timely manner subsequently.

[0152] It can be understood that when S703 is performed by the chip or chip system in the terminal, the chip or chip system triggers the terminal to enter the first sleep mode.

[0153] To facilitate understanding, what follows is described using an example.

[0154] As shown in Figures 8 to 10, before a time t1, the UE is in the non-active time of the existing XDR cycle. At time t1, a RAN device sends the first indication information to the UE, and the UE enters the first sleep mode at time t1. A period of time after the UE enters the first sleep mode can be understood as a non-active time.

[0155] Alternatively, as shown in Figures 11 to 13, before time t1, the UE is in the active time of the existing DRX cycle. At time t1, the RAN device sends the first indication information to the UE, and the UE enters the first sleep mode at time t1. Furthermore, at time t1, the UE ends the active time of the existing DRX cycle, disables the existing DRX idle timer and / or the existing running DRX duration timer, and enters a non-active time.

[0156] In conclusion, the network device can send the first indication information to the terminal based on service requirements of different services, to indicate to the terminal to enter the first sleep mode, whose activated duration corresponds to a terminal service requirement, so that even if the terminal is activated in the first sleep mode, the subsequent data transmission from the terminal can still meet the terminal service requirement.

[0157] In a possible design solution, with reference to S701 to S703, the communication method additionally includes:

[0158] S704: The network device sends secondary indication information to the terminal. The terminal receives the secondary indication information. Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pages 161 / 211 34 / 63

[0159] The second indication information may indicate that the terminal needs to be activated.

[0160] In one possible implementation, the second indication information could be a low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS), i.e., implemented by reusing existing signaling. The LP-WUS does not distinguish a specific sleep mode in which the terminal is activated. In other words, regardless of the sleep mode the terminal is in, the terminal can be activated after receiving the LP-WUS.

[0161] In another possible implementation, the second indication information may alternatively be newly defined signaling. For example, second indication information for different functions is defined based on different terminal sleep modes. The second indication information for each function may indicate that the terminal should be activated from a sleep mode corresponding to the second indication information. To be specific, the second indication information for each function may not normally indicate the terminal to be activated from a sleep mode other than a sleep mode corresponding to the second indication information.For example, second indication information #1 may indicate the terminal to be activated from microsleep mode, second indication information #2 may indicate the terminal to be activated from light sleep mode, and second indication information #3 may indicate the terminal to be activated from ultra-deep sleep mode. In this case, second indication information #1 cannot indicate the terminal to be activated from light sleep mode or ultra-deep sleep mode. Second indication information for other functions is similar, and details are not described in the present invention again. Therefore, the network device can send, to the terminal based on the fact that the terminal enters the first sleep mode, second indication information whose function is to indicate the terminal to be activated from the first sleep mode.

[0162] In this embodiment of the present application, the network device can determine, based on an occasion when the terminal needs to receive and send service data, an occasion when the terminal is activated. By Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pages 162 / 211 35 / 63 For example, the network device learns that the terminal may need to receive and send service data after a first time, so the network device can determine that a time when the terminal is activated is the first time, or the time when the terminal is activated in the first sleep mode is the first time.

[0163] Specifically, when an air interface transmission delay between the network device and the terminal is not considered:

[0164] If the first sleep mode is microsleep mode, a time at which the network device sends the second indication information to the terminal can also be the first time. Correspondingly, a time at which the terminal receives the second indication information can also be the first time, that is, the terminal can be immediately activated to receive and send data in a timely manner.

[0165] If the first sleep mode is the soft sleep mode, the time at which the network device sends the second indication information to the terminal may be one second before the first time. Correspondingly, the time at which the terminal receives the second indication information may also be one second before the first time. In this case, a time difference (e.g., 3 ms) between the first time and the second time is the duration required to wake the terminal from soft sleep mode.

[0166] If the first sleep mode is ultra-deep sleep mode, the time at which the network device sends the second indication information to the terminal can be a third time before the first time. Correspondingly, the time at which the terminal receives the second indication information can also be a third time before the first time. In this case, a time difference (e.g., 400 ms) between the first and third times is the duration required to wake the terminal in ultra-deep sleep mode, and the time difference between the first and third times is greater than the time difference between the first and second times. To be specific, the time required to wake the terminal in ultra-deep sleep mode is longer than the time required to wake the terminal in light sleep mode, and the occasion on which the second indication information is sent needs to be earlier. Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 163 / 211 36 / 63

[0167] It can be learned that, for light sleep mode and ultra-deep sleep mode, the network device needs to wake up the terminal in advance, to ensure that the terminal can receive and send data at an appropriate time subsequently, and avoid an increase in communication overheads caused by retransmission due to the lack of data reception and transmission.

[0168] Certainly, if the air interface transmission delay between the network device and the terminal needs to be considered, a time at which the network device sends the second indication information can be advanced by a time required for air interface transmission relative to each previous time.

[0169] For the terminal, as the terminal's primary radio was in the first sleep mode, and cannot receive or send data, the terminal can receive the secondary indication information using the secondary radio. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, receiving the secondary indication information by the terminal mentioned in this embodiment of the present invention means receiving the secondary indication information by the terminal's secondary radio.

[0170] To facilitate understanding, the previous examples are described further below.

[0171] As shown in Figure 8 or Figure 11, the UE is in micro-sleep mode. If the UE can receive or send data after a time t2, the RAN device sends the second indication information to the UE at time t2. Correspondingly, the UE receives the second indication information at time t2, and is immediately activated.

[0172] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 9 or Figure 12, the UE is in light sleep mode. If the UE can receive or send data after time t2, the RAN device sends the second indication information to the UE at a time t3 that is 3 ms earlier than time t2. Correspondingly, the UE receives the second indication information at time t3 and is activated at time t2.

[0173] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 10 or Figure 13, the UE is in ultra-deep sleep mode. If the UE can receive or send data after time t2, the RAN device sends the second information of Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 164 / 211 37 / 63 indication for the UE at time t4, which is 400 ms earlier than time t2. Correspondingly, the UE receives the second indication information at time t4 and is activated at time t2.

[0174] S705: The terminal is activated in the first sleep mode in response to the second indication information and enters any of the following times: an active time, a short DRX cycle, or a long DRX cycle.

[0175] As the terminal's primary radio was in the first sleep mode, after receiving the second indication information, the terminal's secondary radio can trigger activation of the terminal's primary radio in response to an indication from the second indication information. In other words, the terminal's primary radio is activated by the terminal's secondary radio in the first sleep mode. It can be understood that, unless otherwise specified, the fact that the terminal is activated in the first sleep mode mentioned in this embodiment of the present invention means that the terminal's primary radio is activated by the terminal's secondary radio in the first sleep mode.

[0176] The active time can be a newly defined active time, and is denoted as a new active time. The duration of the new active time can still be the duration of the existing DRX cycle active time, or it can be flexibly configured based on a terminal service requirement. For example, the second indication information can additionally carry information representing the duration of the new active time, to indicate the duration of the new active time, or the duration of the new active time can be predefined using a protocol. This is not specifically limited. Certainly, the new active time can also directly reuse the active time of the existing DRX cycle.

[0177] For the terminal, if the first sleep mode is microsleep mode, the terminal can enter the new active time. In this case, the terminal can receive and send data in a timely manner during the new active time without waiting for the inactive time, thus reducing data transmission latency. Then, after the new active time expires, the terminal can enter the inactive time by default, where the duration of the inactive time may not be limited. In other words, during the inactive time, if the network device does not Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pages 165 / 211 38 / 63 indicates that when the terminal enters the new active time, in the short XDR cycle, or in the long XDR cycle, the terminal can remain continuously in the inactive time. Furthermore, the terminal can be in any of the plurality of sleep modes during the inactive time. This is not limited to this embodiment of the present invention.

[0178] To facilitate understanding, the previous examples are described further below.

[0179] As shown in Figure 8 or Figure 11, the UE is in micro-sleep mode. After the UE receives the second indication information at time t2, the UE can be immediately activated at time t2, and enter a new active time. Then, the new active time expires, and the UE enters the non-active time.

[0180] The short DRX cycle above may be a newly defined short DRX cycle, and is denoted as a new short DRX cycle. The duration of the new short DRX cycle can be flexibly configured by the network device based on a service requirement. For example, the second indication information may additionally indicate the duration of the new short DRX cycle, for example, including information indicating the active time and inactive time duration of the new short DRX cycle. Alternatively, the duration of the new short DRX cycle may be predefined in a protocol.

[0181] The second indication information may additionally indicate at least one of the following: whether or not to reset an existing short XRD cycle count (e.g., the existing short XRD cycle), whether or not to reuse the short XRD cycle count (e.g., the existing short XRD cycle), or a number of short XRD cycles (new short XRD cycles). To be specific, a number of short XRD cycles and a method of counting may be flexibly indicated to meet a real requirement.

[0182] Specifically, the number of new short DRX cycles can be flexibly configured by the network device based on a service requirement. For example, the secondary information may additionally indicate the number of new short DRX cycles, for example, carrying information representing the number of new short DRX cycles. Optionally, the secondary information may additionally indicate not to reuse the existing short DRX cycle count. By Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pages 166 / 211 39 / 63 For example, a 1-bit information element is included to indicate, using a value of 0 or 1, not to reuse the existing short DRX cycle count. Alternatively, if the second indication information does not indicate this, the terminal may alternatively not reuse the existing short DRX cycle count by default. Therefore, the terminal can set a short DRX cycle timer for the new short DRX cycle based on the indication of the second indication information, where the short DRX cycle timer is denoted as a new short DRX cycle timer. The new short DRX cycle timer can count based on the number of new short DRX cycles. For example, if the number of new short DRX cycles is 5, a count of the new short DRX cycle timer is 5, indicating that the terminal can execute five new short DRX cycles after being activated.Certainly, the number of new short DRX cycles can alternatively be predefined in a protocol.

[0183] If the second indication information does not indicate the number of new short DRX cycles, or the number of new short DRX cycles is not defined in a protocol, the terminal may alternatively still use the existing number of short DRX cycles as the number of new short DRX cycles, and still use the existing short DRX cycle timer, which is denoted as an existing short DRX cycle timer. For example, the second indication information may indicate reusing the existing count of the existing short DRX cycle. For example, a 1-bit information element is included to indicate, using another value of 0 or 1, reusing the existing short DRX cycle count. To be specific, the existing short DRX cycle timer is used as a running quantity of new short DRX cycles for counting.

[0184] Optionally, when the existing short DRX cycle timer is reused, the second indication information may additionally indicate whether or not to reset the existing short DRX cycle count. For example, a 1-bit information element is included to indicate, using a value of 0 or 1, whether or not to reset the existing short DRX cycle count, or when the second indication information does not indicate, the terminal may alternatively reset or not reset the existing short DRX cycle count by default, or whether the terminal resets or not Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 167 / 211 40 / 63 The existing count of the existing short DRX cycle can alternatively be preset in a protocol. For example, if the number of existing short DRX cycles is 3, this indicates that after executing three existing short DRX cycles, the terminal switches to perform one long DRX cycle and one short DRX cycle. When the existing count of the existing short DRX cycle is 1, if the existing count of the existing short DRX cycle is not reset, the existing short DRX cycle timer count can be counted from 1 to 3, indicating that the terminal can execute two new short DRX cycles after being activated, and then switch to perform the long DRX cycle and the short DRX cycle; Or if the existing short DRX cycle count is reset to zero, the existing short DRX cycle timer count may be counted from 0 to 3, indicating that the terminal may execute three new short DRX cycles after being activated, and then switch to executing the long DRX cycle and the short DRX cycle.

[0185] For the terminal, if the first sleep mode is the light sleep mode, the terminal may enter the new short DRX cycle. In the new short DRX cycle, data transmission latency is relatively low, and the terminal relatively saves energy, considering both data transmission latency and terminal energy savings. Certainly, the short DRX cycle referred to in any of the previous times may alternatively be the existing short DRX cycle. To be specific, after being activated from the first sleep mode, the terminal may alternatively enter the existing short DRX cycle. Details are not described in the present invention again. Then, after the new short DRX cycle or the existing short DRX cycle expires, the terminal may enter the inactive time by default, and the duration of the inactive time and a sleep mode in which the terminal is in the inactive time may not be limited.

[0186] To facilitate understanding, the previous examples are described further below.

[0187] As shown in Figure 9 or Figure 12, the UE is in light sleep mode. After the UE receives the second indication information at time t3, the UE can be activated at time t2 after a duration of 3 ms to 6 ms and enters several short DRX cycles. Then, the short DRX cycles expire, and the UE enters the non-active time.

[0188] The previous long DRX cycle may be a newly long DRX cycle Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 168 / 211 41 / 63 defined, and is denoted as a new long DRX cycle. The duration of the new long DRX cycle can be flexibly configured by the network device based on a service requirement. For example, the second indication information can additionally indicate the duration of the new long DRX cycle, for example, including information indicating the active time and inactive time of the new long DRX cycle. Alternatively, the duration of the new long DRX cycle can be predefined in a protocol.

[0189] The second indication information may additionally indicate a quantity of new long DRX cycles, that is, flexibly indicate the quantity of long DRX cycles to meet a real requirement. For example, the second indication information may include information representing the quantity of new long DRX cycles. The terminal may configure a long DRX cycle timer for the new long DRX cycle based on the indication in the second indication information, where the long DRX cycle timer is denoted as a new long DRX cycle timer. The new long DRX cycle timer may count based on the quantity of new long DRX cycles. For example, if the quantity of new long DRX cycles is 3, a count of the new long DRX cycle timer is 3, indicating that the terminal may execute three new long DRX cycles after being activated.Certainly, the number of new long DRX cycles can alternatively be predefined in a protocol.

[0190] For the terminal, if the first sleep mode is the ultra-deep sleep mode, the terminal enters the new long DRX cycle. Since the non-active time of the new long DRX cycle is relatively long, the terminal can save more energy. Certainly, the long DRX cycle mentioned in any of the previous times in this embodiment of the present invention can alternatively be the existing long DRX cycle. To be specific, after being activated from the first sleep mode, the terminal can alternatively enter the existing long DRX cycle. Details are not described in the present invention again. Then, after the new long DRX cycle or the existing long DRX cycle expires, the terminal can enter the non-active time by default, and the duration of the non-active time and a sleep mode in which the terminal is in the non-active time may not be limited.

[0191] To facilitate understanding, the following description continues. Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 169 / 211 42 / 63 the previous examples.

[0192] As shown in Figure 10 or Figure 13, the UE is in ultra-deep sleep mode. After the UE receives the second indication information at time t4, the UE can be activated at time t2 after a duration of 400 ms, and enter several long DRX cycles. Then, the long DRX cycles expire, and the UE enters the non-active time.

[0193] It can be understood that, for the non-active time of the new short XDR cycle or the non-active time of the new long XDR cycle, the terminal may also be in any of the plurality of sleep modes during the non-active time. This is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0194] It may additionally be understood that the previous implementation is merely an example, and is not used as a limitation. For example, the second indication information may also directly indicate to the terminal whether or not to enter the active time, short DRX cycle, or long DRX cycle after being activated.

[0195] In a possible design solution, with reference to S704 and S705, the communication method additionally includes:

[0196] S706: The network device sends third-party indication information to the terminal, and the terminal receives third-party indication information.

[0197] The third indication information can be used to activate the terminal, for example, to indicate to the terminal to enter any of the following times, such as the active time, the short XDR cycle, or the long XDR cycle. In this case, a function of the third indication information is similar to that of the second indication information. Reference may be made for understanding. Details are not described in the present invention again. Alternatively, the third indication information can be used to trigger the terminal to enter sleep mode, for example, to indicate to the terminal to enter a sleep mode in the plurality of sleep modes. In this case, a function of the third indication information is similar to that of the first indication information. Reference may be made for understanding. Details are not described in the present invention again.

[0198] The network device can send third-party information Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 170 / 211 43 / 63 indication to the terminal at any time in S705. A specific occasion for sending the third-party indication information can be determined by the network device based on the terminal's service requirement. For example, in a short DRX cycle process, if the network device determines, based on a change in service requirement, that a terminal service is no longer sensitive to latency, the network device sends third-party indication information to the terminal to indicate to the terminal to enter the long DRX cycle. As another example, in the short DRX cycle process, if the network device determines, based on a change in service requirement, that the terminal service is more sensitive to latency, the network device sends third-party indication information to the terminal to indicate to the terminal to enter the active time.Alternatively, the network device can send third-party indication information to the terminal after any time in S705 expires, that is, after the terminal enters inactive time.

[0199] To facilitate understanding, the previous examples are described further below.

[0200] As shown in Figure 8 to Figure 13, after the UE enters the inactive time, the UE can receive, at a time t5, the third indication information from the RAN device, to restore the first sleep mode or enter the existing DRX cycle.

[0201] In a possible design solution, with reference to S701 to S706, in this communication method, the secondary radio of the terminal is configured to monitor, in at least a part of the non-active time of the DRX cycle (the existing DRX cycle or the new DRX cycle, which is not limited) and in a predefined bandwidth part (BWP), indication information used to activate the main radio of the terminal, for example, the second indication information or the third indication information (for a case of activating the terminal).

[0202] As shown in Figure 14, if the least partial time is a partial time of the non-active time of the DRX cycle, that is, a non-active partial time, this indicates that the secondary radio of the terminal can be enabled only during the partial time, to save energy. If the least partial time is the entire time of the non-active time of the DRX cycle, that is, the entire non-active time, this indicates that the secondary radio of the terminal can be Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pages 171 / 211 44 / 63 enabled at all times, inactive.

[0203] The partial time can be a time predefined in a protocol and / or a time preconfigured by the network device. For example, the time predefined in the protocol is the entire non-active time of the DRX cycle, and the time preconfigured by the network device is a partial time of the non-active time of the DRX cycle. Before the network device configures the time, the terminal can, by default, control the enabling and disabling of the terminal's secondary radio based on the time predefined in the protocol. To be specific, in this case, the secondary radio needs to be enabled during the entire non-active time to monitor indication information used to activate the terminal's primary radio. If the terminal receives the time configured by the network device, the terminal can control the enabling and disabling of the terminal's secondary radio based on the time configured by the network device.To be specific, in this case, the secondary radio is enabled only during a portion of the inactive time, to monitor the indication information used to activate the terminal's primary radio.

[0204] The bandwidth portion can be a bandwidth configured for the terminal's secondary radio to use during at least part of the non-active time of the DRX cycle. If the at least part of the time is a part of the non-active time of the DRX cycle, this indicates that the terminal's secondary radio can use the bandwidth portion only during that part of the time, or the bandwidth portion may only be valid during that part of the time for the secondary radio. For other times, the terminal's secondary radio normally cannot use the bandwidth portion, but the bandwidth portion can be used to implement another function. If the at least part of the time is the entire non-active time of the DRX cycle, this indicates that regardless of whether the terminal's secondary radio is enabled or not during the non-active time, the bandwidth portion is a bandwidth portion that can be used by the secondary radio.In other words, even if the secondary radio is not enabled, the bandwidth portion can still be used to implement another function.

[0205] The bandwidth portion can be a predefined bandwidth portion in a protocol and / or a bandwidth portion preconfigured by the network device. For example, the bandwidth portion Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pages 172 / 211 The 45 / 63 bandwidth predefined in the protocol is a portion of bandwidth configured for the terminal to use throughout the non-active time of the DRX cycle, and the bandwidth predefined by the network device is a portion of bandwidth configured for the terminal to use during part of the non-active time of the DRX cycle. Before the network device configures the bandwidth portion, the terminal can, by default, use the bandwidth predefined in the protocol. If the terminal receives the bandwidth portion configured by the network device, the terminal can use the bandwidth portion configured by the network device.

[0206] It can be understood that the at least partial time when the terminal's secondary radio is enabled and the at least partial time when the terminal's secondary radio uses the bandwidth portion can be two independent times. If the terminal's secondary radio is configured to be enabled during the partial time of the inactive period, and the bandwidth portion is valid only during a partial time for the secondary radio, the time when the bandwidth portion is valid must overlap with the time during which the terminal's secondary radio is enabled, to ensure that when the terminal's secondary radio is enabled, the secondary radio can have a bandwidth portion available. For example, the time when the bandwidth portion is valid is the entire inactive time, that is, the bandwidth portion is valid during the entire inactive time. However, the terminal's secondary radio can only be enabled during the partial time of the inactive period.

[0207] Figure 15 is a schematic flowchart 2 of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present invention. The communication method is applicable to the previous communication system, and refers to the interaction between a terminal and a network device.

[0208] As shown in Figure 15, a procedure of the communication method is as follows.

[0209] S1501: The terminal enters a first sleep mode when an inactive time of a DRX cycle begins.

[0210] The first sleep mode is a sleep mode that corresponds to the duration of the DRX cycle and is in a plurality of sleep modes, and the duration required to activate the terminal in the plurality of sleep modes is different from each other. For example, the first sleep mode Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 173 / 211 46 / 63 suspension can be any of a microsleep mode, a light sleep mode, and an ultra-deep sleep mode. The duration required to activate the terminal in microsleep mode is shorter than the duration required to activate the terminal in light sleep mode, and the duration required to activate the terminal in light sleep mode is shorter than the duration required to activate the terminal in ultra-deep sleep mode.

[0211] In one possible way, the terminal can determine, based on the DRX cycle duration, a specific sleep mode to enter. For example, if the DRX cycle duration is greater than or equal to the first duration, for example, the first duration is 400 ms, that is, the duration of a DRX cycle sleep period is relatively long, the first sleep mode is the ultra-deep sleep mode, to save more energy. If the DRX cycle duration is less than the first duration and is greater than or equal to the second duration, for example, the second duration is 40 ms, that is, the duration of the DRX cycle sleep period is moderate, the first sleep mode is the light sleep mode. In light sleep mode, both the terminal sleep duration and the duration required to activate the terminal are relatively moderate, so both data transmission latency and terminal energy savings can be considered.If the duration of the DRX cycle is shorter than the second duration, that is, the duration of the DRX cycle suspension period is relatively short, the first suspension mode is the micro-suspension mode, to ensure that the terminal can be activated in a timely manner, thus additionally guaranteeing data transmission latency.

[0212] Alternatively, in another possible way, the terminal can determine, based on the type of an XDR cycle and whether or not data transmission is occurring, a specific sleep mode to enter. If the XDR cycle is a long XDR cycle, the duration of a long XDR cycle sleep period is relatively short, and the first sleep mode is the ultra-deep sleep mode, to save more power. If the XDR cycle is a short XDR cycle, and no data is received or sent in the short XDR cycle, that is, the duration of a short XDR cycle sleep period is moderate, the first sleep mode is the light sleep mode, to consider both. Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 174 / 211 47 / 63 Data transmission latency as well as terminal power saving. If the DRX cycle is the short DRX cycle, and data is received or sent in the short DRX cycle, that is, the duration of the short DRX cycle suspend period is relatively short, the first suspend mode is the micro-suspend mode, to further guarantee data transmission latency.

[0213] It may be understood that the DRX cycle mentioned in S1501 may be an existing DRX cycle, or it may be the new previous DRX cycle. This is not specifically limited in the present document.

[0214] It may further be understood that the fact that the terminal enters the first sleep mode when the non-active time of the XDR cycle begins may be understood as the terminal immediately entering the first sleep mode after the non-active time of the XDR cycle begins, or it may be understood as the terminal entering the first sleep mode after a period of time has elapsed since the start of the non-active time of the XDR cycle. In other words, when a non-active time of an XDR cycle begins, as mentioned in this embodiment of the present invention, is a relatively broad definition.

[0215] S1502: The network device sends the fourth indication information to the terminal, and the terminal receives the fourth indication information.

[0216] The fourth indication may indicate that the terminal needs to be activated. A specific implementation principle is similar to that of the second indication. References may be made for understanding. Details are not described again.

[0217] S1503: The terminal is activated in the first sleep mode in response to the fourth indication information.

[0218] After being activated in the first sleep mode, the terminal can enter the DRX cycle. For a specific implementation principle, refer to the related descriptions of the method shown in Figure 7. Details are not described again in the present invention.

[0219] To make things easier to understand, what follows is described using an example.

[0220] As shown in Figure 4, the UE first uses the XRD cycle. Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pages 175 / 211 The 48 / 63 cycle is long, and data transmission occurs during an active time of the long XDR cycle. After determining that the long XDR cycle ends, the UE enters the short XDR cycle. Additionally, the UE enters ultra-deep sleep mode during a non-active time of the long XDR cycle. Then, the UE receives an LP-WUS signal from a RAN device, is activated from ultra-deep sleep mode, and enters the first short XDR cycle. Because data transmission occurs during an active time of the first short XDR cycle, the duration of a non-active time of the short XDR cycle is compressed. Therefore, after the active time of the short XDR cycle ends and the non-active time of the short XDR cycle begins, the UE enters micro-sleep mode. Then, the UE receives an LP-WUS signal from the RAN device, is activated from micro-sleep mode, and enters the second short XDR cycle.Since there is no data transmission during an active time of the second short DRX cycle, after the active time of the short DRX cycle ends and a non-active time of the short DRX cycle begins, the UE enters light sleep mode. Because there is no data transmission during the second short DRX cycle, this indicates that data transmission from the UE may end. Therefore, the UE receives an LP-WUS signal from the RAN device, is activated from light sleep mode, enters the long DRX cycle, and so on.

[0221] It can be understood that the methods shown in Figure 7 and Figure 15 can also be combined. For example, in the method shown in Figure 7, a sleep mode in which the terminal can be in the non-active time can alternatively be determined based on the duration of the DRX cycle or the duration of the non-active time of the DRX cycle. As another example, in the method shown in Figure 15, a secondary radio of the terminal can also be configured to monitor, at least part of the non-active time of the DRX cycle and in a predefined bandwidth portion, indication information used to activate a primary radio of the terminal, and the bandwidth portion can also be a bandwidth configured for the secondary radio of the terminal to use at least part of the time.

[0222] The above describes, in detail with reference to Figure 7 to Figure 15, the communication methods provided in the embodiments of the present invention. Communication devices configured to perform the communication methods provided in the embodiments of the present invention are described below in detail with reference to Figure 16 and Figure 17. Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pages 176 / 211 49 / 63

[0223] Figure 16 is a diagram 1 of a structure of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, as shown in Figure 16, the communication apparatus 1600 includes a transceiver module 1601 and a processing module 1602. For ease of description, Figure 16 shows only the main components of the communication apparatus.

[0224] In some embodiments, the 1600 communication device can be used in the communication system shown in Figure 5, and perform a terminal function in the method shown in Figure 7.

[0225] Transceiver module 1601 is configured to receive initial indication information. Processing module 1602 is configured to enter a first sleep mode in response to the initial indication information. The initial indication information tells a terminal to enter the first sleep mode; the first sleep mode is a sleep mode among a plurality of terminal sleep modes; the duration required to activate the terminal in the plurality of sleep modes differs from one another, and the duration required to activate the terminal in the first sleep mode corresponds to a terminal service requirement.

[0226] In a possible design solution, the 1601 transceiver module is additionally configured to receive the first indication information in an active time of a discontinuous DRX receive cycle.

[0227] Optionally, processing module 1602 is additionally configured to disable, in response to the first indication information, at least one timer configured during active time, where the at least one timer includes a DRX idle timer or a running DRX duration timer.

[0228] In a possible design solution, the 1601 transceiver module is additionally configured to receive the first indication information during a non-active time of the DRX cycle.

[0229] In a possible design solution, the 1601 transceiver module is additionally configured to receive the first indication information in a second sleep mode. The second sleep mode is a sleep mode that is different from the first sleep mode and that Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pages 177 / 211 50 / 63 is in the plurality of suspension modes.

[0230] In a possible design solution, transceiver module 1601 is additionally configured to receive second indication information, where the second indication information indicates that the terminal needs to be activated. Processing module 1602 is additionally configured to: in response to the second indication information, be activated in the first sleep mode, and enter any of the following times: an active time, a short DRX cycle, or a long DRX cycle. The second indication information indicates that the terminal needs to be activated.

[0231] Optionally, if the first sleep mode is a micro-sleep mode, the active time is entered. Alternatively, if the first sleep mode is a light sleep mode, the short XDR cycle is entered. Alternatively, if the first sleep mode is an ultra-deep sleep mode, the long XDR cycle is entered.

[0232] Optionally, the second indication information additionally indicates at least one of the following: whether or not to reset an existing short XRD cycle count, whether or not to reuse the short XRD cycle count, or a number of short XRD cycles.

[0233] Optionally, the second indication information additionally indicates a number of long DRX cycles.

[0234] Optionally, a time to be activated in the first sleep mode is a first time. If the first sleep mode is a microsleep mode, a time at which the second indication information is received is the first time. Alternatively, if the first sleep mode is a light sleep mode, a time at which the second indication information is received is a second time before the first time, and a time difference between the first time and the second time is the duration required to be activated in light sleep mode. Alternatively, if the first sleep mode is an ultra-deep sleep mode, a time at which the second indication information is received is a third time before the first time, a time difference between the first time and the third time is the duration required to be activated in ultra-deep sleep mode, and the time difference between the first time is the duration required to be activated in ultra-deep sleep mode. Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pages 178 / 211 51 / 63 time and the third period is longer than the time difference between the first and second periods.

[0235] Optionally, the 1601 transceiver module is additionally configured to receive third-party indication information at any time or after any time. The third-party indication information tells the terminal to enter the DRX cycle or a sleep mode in the plurality of sleep modes.

[0236] Optionally, entering first sleep mode means that a primary radio enters first sleep mode, and being activated in first sleep mode means that the primary radio is activated in first sleep mode; and a secondary radio is configured to monitor, at least part of the non-active time of the DRX cycle and in a predefined bandwidth portion, the secondary indication information used to activate the primary radio. For example, the bandwidth portion is a bandwidth configured for the secondary radio to use at least part of the time.

[0237] Optionally, the 1601 transceiver module may include a transmit module (not shown in Figure 16) and a receive module (not shown in Figure 16). The transmit module is configured to implement a transmit function of the 1600 communication device, and the receive module is configured to implement a receive function of the 1600 communication device.

[0238] Optionally, the communication device 1600 may additionally include a storage module (not shown in Figure 16), and the storage module stores a program or instructions. When the processing module 1602 executes the program or instructions, the communication device 1600 is enabled to perform a terminal function in the method shown in Figure 7 in the previous method.

[0239] It may be understood that the communication apparatus 1600 may be a terminal, or it may be a chip (system) or another part or component that may be disposed in a terminal, or it may be an apparatus that includes a terminal. This is not limited to the present invention.

[0240] Furthermore, regarding the technical effects of the 1600 communication apparatus, refer to the technical effects of the method of Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 179 / 211 52 / 63 communication shown in Figure 7. Details are not described in the present invention again.

[0241] In some other embodiments, the 1600 communication device can be applied to the communication system shown in Figure 5, and perform a network device function in the method shown in Figure 7.

[0242] The processing module is configured to obtain initial indication information. The transceiver module is configured to send the initial indication information to the terminal. The initial indication information tells the terminal to enter a first sleep mode; the first sleep mode is a sleep mode among a plurality of terminal sleep modes; the duration required to activate the terminal in the plurality of sleep modes differs from one another, and the duration required to activate the terminal in the first sleep mode corresponds to a terminal service requirement.

[0243] In a possible design solution, the transceiver module is additionally configured to send the first indication information to the terminal during an active time of a discontinuous DRX receive cycle from the terminal.

[0244] In a possible design solution, the transceiver module is additionally configured to send the first indication information to the terminal during a non-active time of a terminal DRX cycle.

[0245] In a possible design solution, the transceiver module is additionally configured to send the first indication information to the terminal when the terminal is in a second sleep mode, where the second sleep mode is a sleep mode that is different from the first sleep mode and that is in the plurality of sleep modes.

[0246] In a possible design solution, the transceiver module is additionally configured to send second indication information to the terminal, where the second indication information indicates that the terminal needs to be activated.

[0247] Optionally, if the first sleep mode is a micro-sleep mode, the terminal enters active time after being activated; or if the first sleep mode is a light sleep mode, the terminal enters Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pages 180 / 211 53 / 63 in a short DRX cycle after being activated; or if the first sleep mode is an ultra-deep sleep mode, the terminal enters a long DRX cycle after being activated.

[0248] Optionally, the second indication information additionally indicates at least one of the following: whether or not to reset an existing short XRD cycle count, whether or not to reuse the short XRD cycle count, or a number of short XRD cycles.

[0249] Optionally, the second indication information additionally indicates a number of long DRX cycles.

[0250] Optionally, a time at which the terminal is activated is the first time; if the first sleep mode is a microsleep mode, a time at which the second indication information is sent to the terminal is the first time; or if the first sleep mode is a light sleep mode, a time at which the second indication information is sent to the terminal is a second time prior to the first time, and a time difference between the first time and the second time is the duration required to be activated in light sleep mode;Or if the first sleep mode is an ultra-deep sleep mode, the time at which the second indication information is sent to the terminal is a third time prior to the first time, the time difference between the first time and the third time is the duration required to be activated in ultra-deep sleep mode, and the time difference between the first time and the third time is greater than the time difference between the first time and the second time.

[0251] Optionally, the transceiver module is additionally configured to send third indication information to the terminal at any time or after any time, where the third indication information indicates that the terminal is entering the DRX cycle or a sleep mode in the plurality of sleep modes.

[0252] Optionally, the fact that the terminal enters the first sleep mode means that a primary radio enters the first sleep mode, and the fact that the terminal is activated means that the primary radio is activated; and a secondary radio is configured to monitor, at least partly during the non-active time of the DRX cycle and in a portion of the width Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pages 181 / 211 54 / 63 preset band, the secondary indication information used to activate the primary radio. For example, the bandwidth portion is a bandwidth configured for the secondary radio to use at least part of the time.

[0253] Optionally, the 1601 transceiver module may include a transmit module (not shown in Figure 16) and a receive module (not shown in Figure 16). The transmit module is configured to implement a transmit function of the 1600 communication device, and the receive module is configured to implement a receive function of the 1600 communication device.

[0254] Optionally, the communication device 1600 may additionally include a storage module (not shown in Figure 16), and the storage module stores a program or instructions. When the processing module 1602 executes the program or instructions, the communication device 1600 is enabled to perform a network device function in the method shown in Figure 7 in the previous method.

[0255] It may be understood that the communication apparatus 1600 may be a network device, or it may be a chip (system) or another part or component that may be disposed in a network device, or it may be an apparatus that includes a network device. This is not limited to the present invention.

[0256] Furthermore, regarding the technical effects of the communication apparatus 1600, refer to the technical effects of the communication method shown in Figure 7. Details are not described in the present invention again.

[0257] In some other embodiments, the 1600 communication device can be applied to the communication system shown in Figure 5, and perform a terminal function in the method shown in Figure 15.

[0258] The processing module is configured to enter a first sleep mode when a non-active time of a discontinuous DRX receive cycle begins. The transceiver module is configured to receive fourth indication information. The processing module is additionally configured to be activated in the first sleep mode in response to the fourth indication information. The first sleep mode is a sleep mode that corresponds to the duration of the DRX cycle and is in Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pages 182 / 211 55 / 63 a plurality of sleep modes, and the duration required to activate a terminal in the plurality of sleep modes differs from one to another. The fourth indicator information indicates that the terminal needs to be activated.

[0259] In a possible design solution, if the XRD cycle duration is greater than or equal to the first duration, the first sleep mode is an ultra-deep sleep mode. If the XRD cycle duration is less than the first duration and greater than or equal to the second duration, the first sleep mode is a light sleep mode, and the terminal is in light sleep mode. If the XRD cycle duration is less than the second duration, the first sleep mode is a micro-sleep mode, to ensure that the terminal can be activated in a timely manner. The duration required to activate the terminal in micro-sleep mode is less than the duration required to activate the terminal in light sleep mode, and the duration required to activate the terminal in light sleep mode is less than the duration required to activate the terminal in ultra-deep sleep mode.

[0260] In another possible design solution, if the XRD cycle is a long XRD cycle, the first sleep mode is an ultra-deep sleep mode. If the XRD cycle is a short XRD cycle, and no data is received or sent in the short XRD cycle, the first sleep mode is a light sleep mode. If the XRD cycle is a short XRD cycle, and data is received or sent in the short XRD cycle, the first sleep mode is a micro-sleep mode. The duration required to activate the terminal in micro-sleep mode is less than the duration required to activate the terminal in light sleep mode, and the duration required to activate the terminal in light sleep mode is less than the duration required to activate the terminal in ultra-deep sleep mode.

[0261] In a possible design solution, entering the first sleep mode means that a primary radio enters the first sleep mode, and being activated in the first sleep mode means that the primary radio is activated in the first sleep mode; and a secondary radio is configured to monitor, at least part of the non-active time of the DRX cycle and in a predefined bandwidth portion, the fourth indication information used to activate the primary radio.

[0262] Optionally, the bandwidth portion is a width of Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pages 183 / 211 56 / 63 band configured for the secondary radio to use at least part of the time.

[0263] Optionally, the 1601 transceiver module may include a transmit module (not shown in Figure 16) and a receive module (not shown in Figure 16). The transmit module is configured to implement a transmit function of the 1600 communication device, and the receive module is configured to implement a receive function of the 1600 communication device.

[0264] Optionally, the communication device 1600 may additionally include a storage module (not shown in Figure 16), and the storage module stores a program or instructions. When the processing module 1602 executes the program or instructions, the communication device 1600 is enabled to perform a terminal function in the method shown in Figure 15 in the previous method.

[0265] It may be understood that the communication apparatus 1600 may be a terminal, or it may be a chip (system) or another part or component that may be disposed in a terminal, or it may be an apparatus that includes a terminal. This is not limited to the present invention.

[0266] Furthermore, regarding the technical effects of the communication apparatus 1600, refer to the technical effects of the communication method shown in Figure 15. Details are not described in the present invention again.

[0267] Figure 17 is a diagram 2 of a communication device structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, the communication device may be a terminal device or a network device, or it may be a chip (system) or another part or component disposed in the terminal device or network device. As shown in Figure 17, the communication device 1700 may include a processor 1701. Optionally, the communication device 1700 may additionally include a memory 1702 and / or a transceiver 1703. The processor 1701 is coupled to the memory 1702 and the transceiver 1703, for example, may be connected via a communication bus.

[0268] Each component of the 1700 communication device is described specifically below with reference to Figure 17.

[0269] Processor 1701 is a control center for the device of Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 184 / 211 57 / 63 communication 1700, and may be a processor, or may be a collective name for a plurality of processing elements. For example, processor 1701 is one or more central processing units (CPUs), may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or may be configured as one or more integrated circuits implementing embodiments of the present invention, for example, one or more microprocessors (digital signal processor, DSP) or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0270] Optionally, processor 1701 can perform various functions of communication device 1700 by running or executing a software program stored in memory 1702 and invoking data stored in memory 1702, for example, performing the communication method shown in Figure 7 or Figure 15.

[0271] During the specific implementation, in one embodiment, the 1701 processor may include one or more CPUs, such as a CPU 0 and a CPU 1 shown in Figure 17.

[0272] During the specific implementation, in one embodiment, the communication apparatus 1700 may alternatively include a plurality of processors such as processor 1701 and processor 1704 shown in Figure 17. Each of the processors may be a single-core processor (single CPU), or it may be a multi-core processor (multiple CPU). The processor described in the present invention may be one or more devices, circuits and / or processing cores configured to process data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0273] Memory 1702 is configured to store a software program to execute the solutions of the present invention, and processor 1701 controls the execution. For a specific implementation, refer to the prior method embodiments. Details are not described in the present invention again.

[0274] Optionally, the 1702 memory can be a read-only memory (ROM) or another type of static storage device that can store information and instructions. Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pages 185 / 211 58 / 63 static, or random access memory (RAM) or another type of dynamic storage device that can store information and instructions, or it can be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other compact disc storage, an optical disc storage (which includes a compact disc, a laser disc, an optical disc, a digital versatile disc, a Blu-ray disc or similar), a magnetic disc storage medium or other magnetic storage device, or any other media that can be used to carry or store expected program code in an instruction or data structure form and that can be accessed by a computer. However, it is not limited to these.Memory 1702 can be integrated with processor 1701; or it can exist independently and is coupled to processor 1701 via an interface circuit (not shown in Figure 17) of communication device 1700. This is not specifically limited in embodiments of the present invention.

[0275] The 1703 transceiver is configured to communicate with another communication device. For example, the 1700 communication device is a terminal device, and the 1703 transceiver can be configured to communicate with a network device or to communicate with another terminal device. As another example, the 1700 communication device is a network device, and the 1703 transceiver can be configured to communicate with a terminal device or to communicate with another network device. When the 1700 communication device is a terminal device or a network device, the 1703 transceiver can be a radio frequency module. When the 1700 communication device is a chip (system) or another part or component in the terminal device or network device, the 1703 transceiver can be an input / output interface, a pin, a circuit, or similar.

[0276] Optionally, the 1703 transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter (not shown separately in Figure 17). The receiver is configured to implement a receive function and the transmitter is configured to implement a send function. Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pages 186 / 211 59 / 63

[0277] Optionally, the transceiver 1703 may be integrated into the processor 1701; or it may exist independently, and is coupled to the processor 1701 by means of an interface circuit (not shown in Figure 17) of the communication apparatus 1700. This is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0278] It may be understood that a communication apparatus structure 1700 shown in Figure 17 does not constitute a limitation on the communication apparatus. A real communication apparatus may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, or combine some components, or have different arrangements of components.

[0279] Furthermore, regarding the technical effects of the communication apparatus 1700, refer to the technical effects of the methods in the prior method embodiments. Details are not described again in the present invention.

[0280] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiments of the present invention may be a central processing unit (CPU). The processor may alternatively be another general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate logic device or transistor, a discrete hardware component, or the like. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or the processor may be any conventional processor or the like.

[0281] It should further be understood that the memory in the embodiments of the present invention may be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory may be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory may be random access memory (random access memory). Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pages 187 / 211 60 / 63 memory, RAM), used as an external cache. Through an example rather than a limiting description, random access memory (RAM) can be used in various forms, for example, static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchlink dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus random access memory (DR RAM).

[0282] All or some of the foregoing embodiments may be implemented using software, hardware (e.g., a circuit), firmware, or any combination thereof. When software is used to implement the embodiments, all or some of the foregoing embodiments may be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or programs are loaded or executed on a computer, the procedures or functions according to the embodiments of the present invention are wholly or partially generated. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a dedicated computer, a computer network, or another programmable device.Computer instructions can be stored on a computer-readable storage medium, or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center in a wired manner (e.g., infrared, wireless, or microwave). The computer-readable storage medium can be any usable medium accessible by the computer or a data storage device, for example, a server or data center, integrating one or more usable media. The usable media can be magnetic media (e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk). Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pages 188 / 211 61 / 63 rigid, or a magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., a DVD), a semiconductor medium, or similar. The semiconductor medium may be a solid-state drive.

[0283] It should be understood that the sequence numbers of the previous processes do not signify execution sequences in various embodiments of the present invention. The execution sequences of the processes should be determined according to the functions and internal logic of the processes, and should not be interpreted as any limitation to the implementation processes of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0284] A person skilled in the art may be aware that, in combination with the examples described in the embodiments disclosed in this descriptive report, algorithm units and steps may be implemented by electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether or not the functions are performed by hardware or software depends on specific applications and design constraints of the technical solutions. A person skilled in the art may use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but it should not be considered that the implementation goes beyond the scope of the present invention.

[0285] It may be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art that, for the sake of convenient and brief description, for a detailed operating process of the preceding system, apparatus and unit, reference should be made to a corresponding process in the preceding method embodiments. Details are not described again in the present invention.

[0286] In the various embodiments provided in the present invention, it should be understood that the disclosed system, apparatus, and method can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiment described above is merely an example. For example, the division of units is only a logical function division, and there may be other divisions during actual implementation. For example, a plurality of units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be omitted or not implemented. Furthermore, the mutual couplings or direct couplings or communication connections shown or discussed may be implemented through some interfaces. The couplings Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pages 189 / 211 62 / 63 Indirect or communication connections between devices or units can be implemented in electronic, mechanical, or other forms.

[0287] The units described as separate parts may or may not be physically separate, and parts displayed as units may or may not be physical units, may be located in one position, or may be distributed across a plurality of network units. Some or all of the units may be selected based on actual requirements to achieve the objectives of the modal solutions.

[0288] Furthermore, the functional units in the embodiments of the present invention can be integrated into a processing unit, each of the units can exist physically alone, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0289] When functions are implemented in the form of a functional software unit and sold or used as a standalone product, the functions may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the present invention, essentially, or the part that contributes to conventional technology, or some of the technical solutions, may be implemented in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored on a storage medium and includes various instructions to direct a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, a network device, or the like) to perform all or some of the steps of the methods described in the embodiments of the present invention.The aforementioned storage media includes various media that can store program code, such as a USB flash drive, a removable hard drive, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disc.

[0290] The foregoing descriptions are merely specific implementations of the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any variation or substitution readily devised by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention shall be covered by the scope of protection of the present invention. Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pages 190 / 211 63 / 63 invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention will be subject to the scope of protection of the claims. Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pages 191 / 211

Claims

1 / 8 CLAIMS 1. Communication method, CHARACTERIZED in that the method comprises: receiving initial indication information, wherein the initial indication information indicates to a terminal to enter a first sleep mode, the first sleep mode being a sleep mode in a plurality of the terminal's sleep modes, the duration required to activate the terminal in the plurality of sleep modes differing from one another, and the duration required to activate the terminal in the first sleep mode corresponding to a terminal service requirement; and entering the first sleep mode in response to the initial indication information.

2. Method, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that receiving the first indication information comprises: receiving the first indication information during an active time of a discontinuous XRD reception cycle.

3. Method according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED in that the method further comprises: disabling, in response to the first indication information, at least one timer configured during active time, wherein the at least one timer comprises one of an XDR inactivity timer and an XDR running duration timer.

4. Method, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that receiving the first indication information comprises: receiving the first indication information at a non-active time of an XRD cycle.

5. Method, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that receiving the first indication information comprises: receiving the first indication information in a second suspension mode, wherein the second suspension mode is a suspension mode that is different from the first suspension mode and that is in the plurality of suspension modes.

6. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 5, CHARACTERIZED in that the method further comprises: Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 192 / 211 2 / 8 receiving second indication information, wherein the second indication information indicates that the terminal needs to be activated; and in response to the second indication information, being activated in the first sleep mode, and entering one of the following times: an active time, a short DRX cycle and a long DRX cycle.

7. Method, according to claim 6, CHARACTERIZED in that one of the following: if the first suspension mode is a micro-suspension mode, enters the active time; if the first suspension mode is a light suspension mode, enters the short XRD cycle; and if the first suspension mode is an ultra-deep suspension mode, enters the long XRD cycle.

8. Method according to claim 7, CHARACTERIZED in that one of the following: the second indication information additionally indicates at least one of the following: whether it resets an existing short XRD cycle count, whether it reuses the short XRD cycle count, and a number of short XRD cycles; and the second indication information additionally indicates a number of long XRD cycles.

9. Method, according to claim 6, CHARACTERIZED in that a time to be activated in the first sleep mode is a first time; and one of the following: if the first sleep mode is a micro-sleep mode, a time at which the second indication information is received is the first time; if the first sleep mode is a light sleep mode, a time at which the second indication information is received is a second time before the first time, and a time difference between the first time and the second time is the duration required to be activated in the light sleep mode; and Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, p.193 / 211 3 / 8 if the first sleep mode is an ultra-deep sleep mode, the time at which the second indication information is received is a third time before the first time, the time difference between the first time and the third time is the duration required to be activated in ultra-deep sleep mode, and the time difference between the first time and the third time is greater than the time difference between the first time and the second time.

10. A method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, CHARACTERIZED in that the method further comprises one of: receiving third-party indication information at any time; and receiving third-party indication information after any time; wherein the third-party indication information indicates to the terminal to enter one of the following times: the active time, the short XDR cycle, the long XDR cycle, and the third-party indication information indicates to the terminal to enter a sleep mode in the plurality of sleep modes.

11. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that entering the first sleep mode means that a primary radio enters the first sleep mode, and being activated in the first sleep mode means that the primary radio is activated in the first sleep mode; and a secondary radio is configured to monitor, during at least a partial time of the non-active time of the DRX cycle and in a predefined bandwidth portion, the secondary indication information used to activate the primary radio.

12. Method according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED in that the bandwidth portion is a bandwidth configured for the secondary radio to use at least part of the time.

13. Communication method, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the method comprises: obtaining initial indication information, wherein the initial indication information indicates to a terminal to enter a first sleep mode, the first sleep mode being a suspension mode Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, page 194 / 211 4 / 8 in a plurality of terminal sleep modes, the duration required to activate the terminal in the plurality of sleep modes is different from each other, and the duration required to activate the terminal in the first sleep mode corresponds to a terminal service requirement; and sending the initial indication information to the terminal.

14. Method, according to claim 13, CHARACTERIZED in that sending the first indication information to the terminal comprises: sending the first indication information to the terminal during an active time of a discontinuous DRX reception cycle from the terminal.

15. Method, according to claim 13, CHARACTERIZED in that sending the first indication information to the terminal comprises: sending the first indication information to the terminal during a non-active time of a terminal DRX cycle.

16. Method according to claim 15, CHARACTERIZED in that sending the first indication information to the terminal comprises: sending the first indication information to the terminal when the terminal is in a second sleep mode, wherein the second sleep mode is a sleep mode that is different from the first sleep mode and that is in the plurality of sleep modes.

17. A method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the method further comprises: sending second indication information to the terminal, wherein the second indication information indicates that the terminal needs to be activated.

18. Method according to claim 17, CHARACTERIZED in that if the first sleep mode is a micro-sleep mode, the terminal enters the active time after being activated; if the first sleep mode is a light sleep mode, the terminal enters a short XRD cycle after being activated; and if the first sleep mode is an ultra-deep sleep mode, the terminal enters a long XRD cycle after being activated. Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 195 / 211 5 / 8 19. Method according to claim 18, CHARACTERIZED in that one of: the second indication information additionally indicates at least one of the following: whether it resets an existing short XRD cycle count, whether it reuses the short XRD cycle count, and a number of short XRD cycles; and the second indication information additionally indicates a number of long XRD cycles.

20. Method, according to claim 17, CHARACTERIZED in that a time at which the terminal is activated is a first time; and one of the following: if the first sleep mode is a microsleep mode, a time at which the second indication information is sent to the terminal is the first time; if the first sleep mode is a light sleep mode, a time at which the second indication information is sent to the terminal is a second time prior to the first time, and a time difference between the first time and the second time is the duration required to be activated in light sleep mode;If the first sleep mode is an ultra-deep sleep mode, the time at which the second indication information is sent to the terminal is a third time before the first time, the time difference between the first time and the third time is the duration required to be activated in ultra-deep sleep mode, and the time difference between the first time and the third time is greater than the time difference between the first time and the second time.

21. Method, according to any one of claims 17 to 20, CHARACTERIZED in that the method further comprises: sending third-party indication information to the terminal at any time; and sending third-party indication information to the terminal after any time; wherein one of the following: Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 196 / 211 6 / 8 third-party indication information indicates to the terminal to enter one of the following times: the active time, the short XDR cycle and the long XDR cycle, and the third-party indication information indicates to the terminal to enter a sleep mode in the plurality of sleep modes.

22. A method according to any one of claims 17 to 21, characterized in that the terminal entering the first sleep mode means that a primary radio enters the first sleep mode, and that the terminal being activated means that the primary radio is activated; and a secondary radio is configured to monitor, during at least a partial time of the non-active time of the DRX cycle and in a predefined bandwidth portion, the secondary indication information used to activate the primary radio.

23. Method according to claim 22, CHARACTERIZED in that the bandwidth portion is a bandwidth configured for the secondary radio to use at least part of the time.

24. Communication method, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the method comprises: entering a first sleep mode when a non-active time of a discontinuous DRX reception cycle begins, wherein the first sleep mode is a sleep mode that corresponds to the duration of the DRX cycle and that is in a plurality of sleep modes, and the duration required to activate a terminal in the plurality of sleep modes is different from each other; receiving fourth indication information, wherein the fourth indication information indicates that the terminal needs to be activated; and being activated in the first sleep mode in response to the fourth indication information.

25. Method according to claim 24, CHARACTERIZED in that one of the following: if the XRD cycle duration is greater than or equal to the first duration, the first suspension mode is an ultra-deep suspension mode; if the XRD cycle duration is less than the first duration and is greater than or equal to the second duration, the first suspension mode is a light suspension mode; and if the XRD cycle duration is less than the second duration, the first suspension mode is a micro-suspension mode, wherein the duration required to activate the terminal in micro-suspension mode is less than the duration required to activate the terminal in light suspension mode, and the duration required to activate the terminal in light suspension mode is less than the duration required to activate the terminal in ultra-deep suspension mode.

26. Method according to claim 24, CHARACTERIZED in that one of the following: if the XRD cycle is a long XRD cycle, the first sleep mode is an ultra-deep sleep mode; if the XRD cycle is a short XRD cycle, and no data is received or sent in the short XRD cycle, the first sleep mode is a light sleep mode; and if the XRD cycle is a short XRD cycle, and data is received or sent in the short XRD cycle, the first sleep mode is a micro-sleep mode, wherein the duration required to activate the terminal in micro-sleep mode is less than the duration required to activate the terminal in light sleep mode, and the duration required to activate the terminal in light sleep mode is less than the duration required to activate the terminal in ultra-deep sleep mode.

27. A method according to any one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that entering the first sleep mode means that a primary radio enters the first sleep mode, and being activated in the first sleep mode means that the primary radio is activated in the first sleep mode; and a secondary radio is configured to monitor, during at least a portion of the non-active time of the DRX cycle and in a predefined bandwidth portion, the fourth indication information used to activate the primary radio.

28. Method, according to claim 27, CHARACTERIZED in that Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 198 / 211 8 / 8 the bandwidth portion is a bandwidth configured for the secondary radio to use at least part of the time.

29. Communication apparatus, CHARACTERIZED in that the apparatus comprises modules configured to perform the method as defined in any one of claims 1 to 28.

30. Computer-readable storage media, CHARACTERIZED in that the computer-readable storage media comprises a computer program or instructions, and when the computer program or instructions are run on a computer, the computer is enabled to perform the method as defined in any of claims 1 to 28. Petition 870250087006, dated 09 / 25 / 2025, pp. 199 / 211

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