Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and a communication apparatus. The method is applicable to a first communication apparatus in a sleep state, and comprises: a first communication apparatus receiving a first message and first indication information; and the first communication apparatus determining a transmission policy for the first message on the basis of the first indication information, wherein the transmission policy comprises: ignoring the first message, or sending the first message before a timer indicated by the first indication information expires. A first communication apparatus in a sleep state determines, on the basis of received first indication information, to ignore a first message or send the first message before a timer indicated by the first indication information expires, such that the problem of the first communication apparatus in the sleep state being awakened to send the first message upon receiving the first message is avoided, thereby ensuring that the first communication apparatus in the sleep state has a long sleep duration, and thus reducing the network power consumption.

Description

A communication method and a communication apparatus

[0001] The present application claims priority to the Chinese patent application No. 202410548413.7, filed on April 30, 2024, and entitled "A communication method and a communication apparatus", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communication, in particular to a communication method and a communication apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0003] With the continuous rise of base station energy consumption, base station energy consumption has become one of the main reasons for the high operating cost of operators. In order to reduce operating costs, the physical layer of the base station, or the communication unit / module below the physical layer will enter a sleep state on symbols without data transmission, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the base station.

[0004] Currently, by aggregating data originally sent dispersedly in time domain in time domain, the frequency of waking up the base station is reduced, the energy consumption of the base station is reduced, and network energy saving (NES) is achieved. However, in actual application scenarios, even if the base station is in a sleep state, when the base station receives information that needs to be transmitted, the base station will be immediately woken up to transmit the information, which cannot guarantee the sleep time of the base station, and the network energy saving effect is poor. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application provides a communication method to reduce the power consumption of network devices and achieve network energy saving.

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a first communication apparatus (e.g., a network device). In the absence of special instructions, "first communication apparatus" in the present application can refer to the first communication apparatus itself, a component (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.) in the first communication device, or a logic module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the first communication device. The method provided by the present application will be described below with the first communication apparatus as an example.

[0007] The communication method is applicable to a first communication apparatus in a sleep state. The method includes: receiving a first message and first indication information by the first communication apparatus; determining a transmission strategy of the first message according to the first indication information by the first communication apparatus, the transmission strategy including: ignoring the first message, or sending the first message before a timer indicated by the first indication information expires.

[0008] According to the method provided in the application, the first communication device in the sleep state ignores the received first message according to the first indication information, or transmits the first message before the timer indicated by the first indication information expires. The transmission strategy of the first communication device determined according to the first indication information can avoid the first communication device in the sleep state from being immediately woken up to forward the message, compared with the first communication device in the sleep state transmitting the first message immediately, the method can ensure that the first communication device in the sleep state has a longer sleep duration, reduce the power consumption of the first communication device, and achieve the effect of network energy saving.

[0009] In combination with the first aspect, in some possible implementation manners, the first indication information includes one or more of the following: a type of the first message, a duration of the timer, or a deadline of the timer.

[0010] In combination with the first aspect, in some possible implementation manners, in the case of transmitting the first message before the timer indicated by the first indication information expires, the first message is associated with the timer.

[0011] In combination with the first aspect, in some possible implementation manners, if the first indication information includes the type of the first message, and the first message is a first message of a first type, the first message of the first type is a message to be repeatedly transmitted in the case of the timer expiring, and the transmission strategy is to ignore the first message.

[0012] The above technical solution, the first indication information indicates the type of the first message, the first message is a first message of a first type, the first communication device in the sleep state can ignore the first message, that is, the first communication device can skip the transmission of the first message, or the first communication device does not transmit the first message, or the first communication device does not transmit the first message when the first communication device is in the sleep state, and the first communication device transmits the first message when the first communication device wakes up from the sleep state (or is in an active state, or a non-sleep state).

[0013] In combination with the first aspect, in some possible implementation manners, if the first indication information includes the type of the first message, and the first message is a first message of a second type, the first message of the second type is a message that is not repeatedly transmitted in the case of the timer expiring, and the transmission strategy is to transmit the first message before the timer indicated by the first indication information expires.

[0014] It should be understood that the first message of the second type is no longer repeatedly transmitted in the case of the expiration of the timer, which can be understood as that, in the case of the expiration of the timer, the device sending the first message of the second type no longer repeatedly sends the message. It is assumed that the first message of the second type is sent by the core network device to the first communication apparatus, and in the case of the expiration of the timer, the core network device no longer sends the first message of the second type.

[0015] The above technical solution, the first indication information indicates the type of the first message, the first message is the first message of the second type, and the first communication apparatus in the sleep state sends the first message before the expiration of the timer. The method can avoid the first communication apparatus in the sleep state from being immediately woken up to forward the message. Compared with immediately waking up the first communication apparatus in the sleep state to send the first message, the method ensures that the first communication apparatus in the sleep state has a longer sleep duration, reduces the power consumption of the first communication apparatus, and achieves the effect of network energy saving.

[0016] In combination with the first aspect, in some possible implementation manners, if the first indication information includes the type of the first message, and the first message is the first message of the third type, the first message of the third type is a message completed transmission before the expiration of the timer, and the transmission strategy is: sending the first message before the expiration of the timer indicated by the first indication information.

[0017] It should be understood that the first message of the third type is completed transmission in the case of the expiration of the timer, which can be understood as that, before the expiration of the timer indicated by the first indication information, the first communication apparatus sends the first message, and the transmission of the first message is completed. It is assumed that the first message of the third type is sent by the core network device to the first communication apparatus, and in the case of the expiration of the timer, the core network device sends the first message of the third type to the terminal device.

[0018] The above technical solution, the first indication information indicates the type of the first message, the first message is the first message of the third type, and the first communication apparatus in the sleep state sends the first message before the expiration of the timer. The method can avoid the first communication apparatus in the sleep state from being immediately woken up to forward the message. Compared with immediately waking up the first communication apparatus in the sleep state to send the first message, the method ensures that the first communication apparatus in the sleep state has a longer sleep duration, reduces the power consumption of the first communication apparatus, and achieves the effect of network energy saving.

[0019] In combination with the first aspect, in some possible implementation manners, the first indication information further includes first identification information, and the method further includes: receiving a response message of the first message; and determining, according to the first identification information, that the first message is associated with the response message of the first message.

[0020] It should be understood that the first identification information can be configured by the terminal device, or the first identification information can be configured by the first communication device, which is not limited in the present application. The first identification information can be for each terminal device, or for each message.

[0021] In the above technical solution, the first communication device in the sleep state receives the response message of the first message. The first communication device determines, according to the first identification information, that the response message of the first message is associated with the first message. The first communication device can wait until the physical layer in the first communication device and / or the communication module or communication unit (such as a radio frequency link, a power amplifier, an active antenna processing unit) below the physical layer are woken up from the sleep state, and then the first communication device sends out the response message of the first message, thereby guaranteeing the sleep duration of the first communication device and achieving better network energy saving.

[0022] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a second communication device (for example, a terminal device). In the case of no special description, the "second communication device" in the present application can refer to the second communication device itself, or a component (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system) in the second communication device, or a logic module or software capable of realizing all or part of the functions of the second communication device. The method provided in the present application will be described below with the second communication device as an example.

[0023] The method includes: receiving, by the second communication device, a first message and first indication information; determining, by the second communication device, a transmission strategy of the first message according to the first indication information and a sleep state of the first communication device, the transmission strategy including: ignoring the first message, or sending the first message before a timer indicated by the first indication information expires.

[0024] According to the method provided in the present application, the second communication device ignores the received first message according to the first indication information and the sleep state of the first communication device, or sends the first message before the timer indicated by the first indication information expires. The transmission strategy determined by the second communication device according to the first indication information and the sleep state of the first communication device can avoid the first communication device in the sleep state being immediately woken up to forward the message. Compared with immediately waking up the first communication device in the sleep state to send the first message, the method can guarantee that the first communication device in the sleep state has a longer sleep duration, reduce the power consumption of the first communication device, and achieve the effect of network energy saving.

[0025] In combination with the second aspect, in some possible implementation manners, the first indication information includes one or more of the following: a type of the first message, a time length of the timer, or a deadline of the timer.

[0026] With reference to the second aspect, in some possible implementation manners, in the case where the first message is sent before the timer expires as indicated by the first indication information, the first message is associated with the timer.

[0027] With reference to the second aspect, in some possible implementation manners, if the first indication information comprises a type of the first message, and the first message is a first message of a first type, the first message of the first type is a message to be repeatedly transmitted in the case where the timer expires, and the transmission strategy is to ignore the first message.

[0028] With reference to the second aspect, in some possible implementation manners, if the first indication information comprises a type of the first message, and the first message is a first message of a second type, the first message of the second type is a message not to be repeatedly transmitted in the case where the timer expires, and the transmission strategy is to send the first message before the timer expires as indicated by the first indication information.

[0029] With reference to the second aspect, in some possible implementation manners, if the first indication information comprises a type of the first message, and the first message is a first message of a third type, the first message of the third type is a message to be completed in transmission before the timer expires, and the transmission strategy is to send the first message before the timer expires as indicated by the first indication information.

[0030] With reference to the second aspect, in some possible implementation manners, the first indication information further comprises first identification information, the first identification information being used to associate the first message with a response message of the first message.

[0031] The technical effects of the method provided in the second aspect and possible designs thereof can refer to the technical effects in the first aspect and possible designs thereof.

[0032] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a first communication device (for example, a network device). In the case where no special description is made, the "first communication device" in the present application can refer to the first communication device itself, a component (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system) in the first communication device, or a logic module or software capable of realizing all or part of the functions of the first communication device. The method provided in the present application is described below by taking the first communication device as an example.

[0033] The method is suitable for the first communication device in the sleep state, the first communication device receives the first message and the first indication information, the first indication information comprises the first identification information; the first communication device sends the first message and the first identification information; the first communication device receives the response message of the first message and the first identification information; the first communication device determines the transmission strategy of the response message of the first message according to the first identification information and the first indication information, the transmission strategy comprises: ignoring the response message of the first message, or sending the response message of the first message before the expiration of the timer indicated by the first indication information.

[0034] According to the method provided in the application, the first communication device ignores the received response message of the first message according to the first indication information, or sends the response message of the first message before the expiration of the timer indicated by the first indication information. The transmission strategy determined by the first communication device according to the first indication information can avoid the first communication device in the sleep state from being immediately woken up to forward the response message of the first message, compared with receiving the response message of the first message and immediately waking up the first communication device in the sleep state to send the response message of the first message, the method can ensure that the first communication device in the sleep state has a longer sleep duration, reduces the power consumption of the first communication device, and realizes the effect of network energy saving.

[0035] In combination with the third aspect, in some possible implementation manners, the first indication information comprises one or more of the following: the type of the first message, the duration of the timer, or the cutoff time of the timer.

[0036] In combination with the third aspect, in some possible implementation manners, the first indication information further comprises the first identification information, and the method further comprises: receiving the response message of the first message; determining, according to the first identification information, that the first message is associated with the response message of the first message; and determining the transmission strategy of the response message of the first message according to the first indication information.

[0037] It should be understood that the first identification information can be configured by a terminal device, or the first identification information can be configured by the first communication device, which is not limited in the application. The first identification information can be for each terminal device, or for each message, or for each message of each terminal device.

[0038] The above technical solution, the first communication device in the sleep state receives the response message of the first message, the first communication device determines that the response message of the first message is associated with the first message according to the first identification information, the first communication device can determine the transmission strategy of the response message of the first message according to the first indication information of the first message, ensure the sleep duration of the first communication device, and realize better network energy saving.

[0039] In some possible implementation manners, in a case where the response message of the first message is sent before the timer indicated by the first indication information expires, the first message is associated with the timer.

[0040] In some possible implementation manners, if the first indication information comprises a type of the first message, and the first message is a first message of a first type, the first message of the first type is a message to be repeatedly transmitted in a case where the timer expires, and the transmission strategy is to ignore the response message of the first message.

[0041] In some possible implementation manners, if the first indication information comprises a type of the first message, and the first message is a first message of a second type, the first message of the second type is a message not to be repeatedly transmitted in a case where the timer expires, and the transmission strategy is to send the response message of the first message before the timer indicated by the first indication information expires.

[0042] In some possible implementation manners, if the first indication information comprises a type of the first message, and the first message is a first message of a third type, the first message of the third type is a message to be completed before the timer expires, and the transmission strategy is to send the response message of the first message before the timer indicated by the first indication information expires.

[0043] A fourth aspect provides a communication apparatus. The communication apparatus is configured to implement the first aspect and any one of the implementation manners of the first aspect. Specifically, the communication apparatus comprises a processor and a memory configured to store a computer program; the processor is configured to invoke and run the computer program stored in the memory, so that the communication apparatus implements the first aspect and any one of the implementation manners of the first aspect.

[0044] In an implementation manner, the communication apparatus is a network device. When the communication apparatus is the network device, the transceiver unit can be a transceiver, or the input / output interface. The processing unit can be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0045] In another implementation manner, the communication apparatus can be a chip, a chip system or a circuit in the network device. At this time, the transceiver unit can be an input / output interface, an interface circuit, an output circuit, an input circuit, a pin or a related circuit in the chip, the chip system or the circuit; the processing unit can be at least one processor, a processing circuit or a logic circuit.

[0046] In a fifth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus is configured to implement the second aspect and any of the implementation forms thereof. Specifically, the communication apparatus includes a processor and a memory storing a computer program. The processor is configured to invoke and run the computer program from the memory, so that the network device implements the second aspect and any of the implementation forms thereof.

[0047] In an implementation form, the communication apparatus is a terminal device. When the communication apparatus is a terminal device, the transceiver unit can be a transceiver, or an input / output interface. The processing unit can be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0048] In another implementation form, the communication apparatus can be a chip, chip system or circuit in a network device. In this case, the transceiver unit can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin or related circuit on the chip, chip system or circuit; the processing unit can be at least one processor, processing circuit or logic circuit, etc.

[0049] In a sixth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus is configured to implement the third aspect and any of the implementation forms thereof. Specifically, the communication apparatus includes a processor and a memory storing a computer program. The processor is configured to invoke and run the computer program from the memory, so that the communication apparatus implements the first aspect and any of the implementation forms thereof.

[0050] In an implementation form, the communication apparatus is a network device. When the communication apparatus is a network device, the transceiver unit can be a transceiver, or an input / output interface. The processing unit can be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0051] In another implementation form, the communication apparatus can be a chip, chip system or circuit in a network device. In this case, the transceiver unit can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin or related circuit on the chip, chip system or circuit; the processing unit can be at least one processor, processing circuit or logic circuit, etc.

[0052] In a seventh aspect, a computer readable storage medium is provided. The computer readable storage medium stores a computer program which, when executed, causes the method of any of the implementation forms of the first aspect to the third aspect to be performed.

[0053] In an eighth aspect, a computer program product including instructions is provided. When the computer program product is run, the method provided by any one of the first aspect to the third aspect is executed.

[0054] In a ninth aspect, a chip is provided. The chip includes a processor and a communication interface. The processor reads instructions through the communication interface, and executes the method provided by any one of the first aspect to the third aspect.

[0055] Optionally, as an implementation form, the chip further includes a memory. The memory stores a computer program or instructions. The processor is configured to execute the computer program or instructions stored in the memory. When the computer program or instructions are executed, the processor is configured to execute the method provided by any one of the first aspect to the third aspect.

[0056] In a tenth aspect, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes the communication device of the fourth aspect and the communication device of the fifth aspect, or the communication device of the fifth aspect and the communication device of the sixth aspect.

[0057] In an eleventh aspect, a computer program is provided. When the computer program is run, the method provided by any one of the first aspect to the third aspect is executed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0058] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture to which embodiments of the present application are applicable.

[0059] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a network device side NR protocol stack and a network module.

[0060] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an architecture of an O-RAN system to which embodiments of the present application are applicable.

[0061] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a transmission of a cell DTX technology.

[0062] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a terminal device access process.

[0063] FIG. 6 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0064] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of signaling transmission.

[0065] FIG. 8 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0066] FIG. 9 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0067] FIG. 10 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0068] FIG. 11 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0069] FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0070] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of another communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] In order to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the following points are first explained.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 1, a communication system includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. The RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (such as 110a and 110b in FIG. 1, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal device (such as 120a-120j in FIG. 1, collectively referred to as 120). Other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in FIG. 1), etc., can also be included in the RAN. The terminal devices 120 are connected to the RAN nodes 110 in a wireless manner. The RAN nodes 110 are connected to the core network 200 in a wireless or wired manner. The core network devices in the core network 200 and the RAN nodes 110 in the RAN 100 can be different physical devices respectively, or can be the same physical device integrated with the logical functions of the core network and the logical functions of the radio access network.

[0073] The RAN 100 can be a 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) related cellular system, such as a 4G, 5G, future mobile communication system, non-terrestrial network (NTN) system, or future-oriented evolved system. The RAN 100 can also be an open radio access network (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system, and can also be a communication system that combines two or more of the above systems.

[0074] A device in the communication system can send a signal to another device or receive a signal from another device. The signal can include information, signaling, or data, etc. The device can also be replaced by an entity, a network entity, a communication device, a communication module, a node, a communication node, etc. The embodiments of the present application are described by taking the device as an example.

[0075] In the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device is a device with wireless transceiving function, which can be referred to as a user equipment (UE), an access terminal, a subscriber unit, a user station, a mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a user terminal, a wireless communication device, a user agent or a user apparatus.

[0076] In the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device can also be a satellite phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a wireless data card, a wireless modem, a machine type communication device, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a customer-premises equipment (CPE), a smart point of sale (POS) machine, a handheld device with wireless communication function, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, a vehicle-mounted device, a communication device carried on an airship, a wearable device, a drone, a robot, a terminal in device-to-device (D2D) communication, a terminal in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical, a wireless terminal in smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in smart city, a wireless terminal in smart home, or a terminal device in a communication network evolved after 5G, etc., without limitation. In the embodiments of the present application, the device for implementing the function of the terminal device can be the terminal device, or can be a device capable of supporting the terminal device to implement the function, such as a chip system or a chip, which can be installed in the terminal device. In the embodiments of the present application, the chip system can be composed of a chip, or can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0077] In embodiments of the present application, the terminal device can also be a device with communication function in a future communication system, and the form or type of the terminal device in other future communication systems is not limited.

[0078] In embodiments of the present application, the RAN node 110 can also be referred to as an access network device, an access node or a RAN entity, which is used to help the terminal device to realize wireless access. The plurality of RAN nodes 110 can be nodes of the same type or nodes of different types. In some scenarios, the roles of the RAN node 110 and the terminal device 120 are relative, for example, the network element 120i in FIG. 1 can be a helicopter or a drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For the terminal 120j that accesses the RAN 100 through the network element 120i, the network element 120i is a base station; but for the base station 110a, the network element 120i is a terminal device. The RAN node 110 and the terminal device 120 are sometimes collectively referred to as communication apparatuses, for example, the network elements 110a and 110b in FIG. 1 can be understood as communication apparatuses with base station functions, and the network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication apparatuses with terminal functions.

[0079] In a possible scenario, the RAN node 110 can also be a network device, which can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system, etc. The RAN node can be a macro base station (such as 110a in FIG. 1), a micro base station or an indoor station (such as 110b in FIG. 1), a relay node or a donor node, or a wireless controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, the RAN node can also be a server, a wearable device, a vehicle or a vehicle-mounted device, etc. For example, the network device in vehicle to everything (V2X) technology can be a road side unit (RSU).

[0080] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes cooperate to assist a terminal to implement wireless access, and different RAN nodes respectively implement part of functions of a base station. For example, a RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), etc. The CU and the DU can be separately arranged, or can also be included in the same network element, for example, in a baseband unit (BBU). The CU node and the DU node split the protocol layers of the gNB, and the functions of part of the protocol layers are placed in the CU for centralized control, and the remaining part or all of the protocol layers are distributed in the DU and controlled by the CU. As an implementation manner, as shown in FIG. 2, the CU is deployed with a radio resource control (RRC) layer, a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, and a service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer in a protocol stack; and the DU is deployed with a radio link control (RLC) layer, a media access control (MAC) layer, and a physical layer (PHY) in the protocol stack. Therefore, the CU has processing capability of RRC, PDCP, and SDAP. The DU has processing capability of RLC, MAC, and PHY. It can be understood that the splitting of the above functions is only an example, and does not constitute a limitation on the CU and the DU. The RU can be included in a radio frequency device or a radio frequency unit, for example, included in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna processing unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH).

[0081] The CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU can also have different names in different systems, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in an ORAN system, the CU can also be referred to as an O-CU (open CU), the DU can also be referred to as an O-DU, the CU-CP can also be referred to as an O-CU-CP, the CU-UP can also be referred to as an O-CU-UP, and the RU can also be referred to as an O-RU. For the convenience of description, the CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU and RU are taken as examples for description in this application. Any one of the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in this application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0082] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an architecture of an O-RAN system to which embodiments of the present application are applicable. As shown in FIG. 3, the O-RAN system includes a first network element, a second network element, a third network element, an O-eNB, an O-CU-CP, an O-CU-UP, an O-DU, an O-RU and an O-Cloud.

[0083] The above network elements (which can also be referred to as nodes) can be connected to each other. For example, the first network element is connected to the O-Cloud through an O2 interface, connected to the third network element, the O-eNB, the O-CU-CP, the O-CU-UP, the O-DU and the O-RU through an O1 interface, connected to the O-RU through an open fronthaul M-Plane interface, the O-DU is connected to the O-RU through an open fronthaul M-Plane interface and an open fronthaul C / U / S-Plane interface, the third network element is connected to the O-eNB, the O-CU-CP, the O-CU-UP and the O-DU through an E2 interface, the O-CU-CP is connected to the O-DU through an F1-c interface, the O-CU-UP is connected to the O-DU through an F1-u interface, and the O-CU-CP is connected to the O-CU-UP through an E1 interface. For specific descriptions of the interfaces shown in FIG. 3, please refer to the existing standards, which will not be described here.

[0084] As a possible example, the first network element can be a service management and orchestration framework (SMO), or a network element similar in function to the SMO, which is not limited in this regard.

[0085] As a possible example, the second network element can be a Non-RT RIC, or a network element similar in function to the Non-RT RIC, which is not limited in this regard.

[0086] One possible example, the third network element can be Near-RT RIC, or a network element similar in function to Near-RT RIC, which is not limited.

[0087] Optionally, for network elements in the ORAN system, each network element can implement the protocol layer functions shown in Table 1 below.

[0088] Table 1

[0089] It should be understood that in different systems, CUs (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DUs, or RUs can also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in the ORAN system, the CU can also be referred to as O-CU (open CU), the DU can also be referred to as O-DU, the CU-CP can also be referred to as O-CU-CP, the CU-UP can also be referred to as O-CU-UP, and the RU can also be referred to as O-RU. For the convenience of description, the CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU are taken as examples for description in this application. Any of the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0090] It should be noted that in the ORAN system, the network device in this application can be one or more network elements in Table 1 above. It should be noted that in the ORAN system, the network device in this application can be one or more network elements in Table 1 above.

[0091] In the embodiments of this application, the core network device 200 refers to a device in the core network (CN) that provides service support for the terminal device 120. At present, some examples of core network devices are: access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, session management function (SMF) network element, user plane function (UPF) network element, and the like, which are not listed one by one here. Among them, the AMF network element can be responsible for access management and mobility management of the terminal device; the SMF network element can be responsible for session management, such as session establishment of users, etc.; the UPF network element can be a functional network element of the user plane, mainly responsible for connecting external networks. It should be noted that the network element in this application can also be referred to as an entity or a functional entity, for example, the AMF network element can also be referred to as an AMF entity or an AMF functional entity, and for example, the SMF network element can also be referred to as an SMF entity or an SMF functional entity, etc.

[0092] Among them, the AMF network element: mainly used for access control, mobility management, attachment and detachment and other functions. The SMF network element: mainly used for user plane network element selection, user plane network element redirection, terminal device internet protocol (Internet Protocol, IP) address allocation, and session establishment, modification and release and QoS control. The UPF network element: mainly used for receiving and forwarding user plane data. For example, the UPF can receive user plane data from the DN and send the user plane data to the terminal device through the RAN device. The UPF can also receive user plane data from the terminal device through the RAN device and forward it to the DN. The PCF network element: mainly used for a unified policy framework to guide network behavior, providing policy rule information for control plane network elements (such as AMF, SMF, etc.). The UDM network element: mainly used for management of UE subscription data, including storage and management of UE identity, access authorization of UE, etc.

[0093] It should be understood that the core network device includes the above-mentioned AMF, SMF, UPF, PCF, UDM and the like, or network elements, and can also include: network slice selection function (network slice selection function, NSSF) network element, authentication server function (authentication server function, AUSF) network element, network exposure function (network exposure function, NEF) network element, network storage function (NF repository function, NRF) network element, application function (application function, AF) network element, and the like. This application will not be listed one by one. The above-mentioned network elements can be understood as network elements for realizing different functions, for example, they can be combined into network slices as needed. These network elements can be independent devices, or can be integrated into the same device to realize different functions, or can be network elements in a hardware device, or software functions running on a dedicated hardware, or virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (such as a cloud platform). The specific form of the above-mentioned network elements is not limited in this application.

[0094] It should also be understood that the above-mentioned naming is only defined for the convenience of distinguishing different functions and should not constitute any limitation on this application. This application does not exclude the possibility of using other names in future networks. For example, in future networks, part or all of the above-mentioned network elements can use the terminology in 5G, or other names, etc.

[0095] The technical terms and communication methods involved in the method of the present application will be exemplarily introduced below.

[0096] With the rising energy consumption of base stations, the energy consumption of base stations has become one of the main reasons for the high operating cost of operators. How to reduce the energy consumption of base stations has become a problem to be solved. Common energy saving methods include network devices adopting different depths of shutdown technology when there is no data transmission in the time domain, for example, network devices adopting symbol shutdown when there is no data transmission in the symbol, that is, network devices can enter a sleep state. Network devices can also use some scheduling methods to aggregate data that is originally transmitted in the time domain, that is, to concentrate the transmission of scattered data on a certain time domain resource, so as to ensure that network devices are not constantly awakened to transmit data, and to achieve network energy saving (NES).

[0097] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of signal transmission. Cell discontinuous transmission (cell DTX) technology can enable network devices to perform downlink transmission with terminal devices only in a specified time period, and network devices and terminal devices do not perform downlink transmission in other time periods, that is, network devices can use shutdown technology to achieve network energy saving. As shown in FIG. 4, cell 1 adopts a periodic cell DTX configuration. In the cell DTX on time period, the network device transmits downlink data to the terminal device, and the downlink data includes downlink services between the network device and the terminal device. In the cell DTX off time period, the network device stops downlink data transmission with the terminal device. For example, in the cell DTX on time period, the network device can stop transmitting periodic signals such as synchronization broadcast blocks (SSBs) and channel state information reference signals (CSI-RSs) with the terminal device. The longer the cell DTX off time period, the longer the shutdown time taken by the network device and the deeper the shutdown depth, so that the network device can achieve better energy saving effect. Similarly, cell 1 can also adopt a cell discontinuous reception (cell DRX) configuration to ensure the energy saving effect of the network device. The cell DRX is similar to the above-mentioned cell DTX, and will not be described in detail here. The configurations of the cell DRX and the cell DTX can be related or unrelated, and the cell DRX and the cell DTX can be configured at the same time or not at the same time, or only one of them can be configured, which is not limited by the present application.

[0098] Based on the signal transmission mode introduced in FIG. 4, the network device can obtain a better energy saving effect, but the influence of the service transmission delay on the terminal device will also increase.

[0099] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a terminal device access process. In a mobile communication system, for example, a ground network of LTE or NR, the process of terminal device accessing a network device mainly includes an RRC signaling establishment process, a NAS interaction authentication / authorization / registration process, and an initial context establishment process of the terminal device.

[0100] In the above-mentioned signal transmission mode, when the terminal device is in the coverage area of the network device, the terminal device initiates a RACH process to the network device, and details can be found in the prior art. In the case that the RRC establishment between the terminal device and the network device is successful, the terminal device sends an RRC establishment completion message (for example, an RRC setup complete message) to the network device, which includes NAS signaling. After the terminal device sends the NAS signaling, the terminal device starts a NAS related timer. Before the expiration of the timer, if the terminal device does not receive a corresponding signaling message, the terminal device repeatedly sends the NAS signaling to the network device. After the network device receives the RRC establishment completion message from the terminal device, the interface link between the network device and the core network device is normal, and the network device forwards the NAS signaling in the RRC establishment completion message to the core network device. The core network device authenticates, authorizes and registers the terminal device according to the NAS signaling. The core network device and the terminal device complete the transmission of uplink and / or downlink NAS signaling (for example, a response message of the NAS signaling) through the network device. For example, when the network device receives the NAS signaling from the terminal device, the network device immediately forwards the NAS signaling to the core network device. When the network device receives the response message of the NAS signaling from the core network device, the network device immediately forwards the response message of the NAS signaling to the terminal device, so as to ensure that the terminal device can successfully access the network.

[0101] It can be seen that in the access process of the terminal device shown in FIG. 5, in the transmission process of the NAS signaling and the response message of the NAS signaling, the network device acts as a transparent device between the terminal device and the core network device, that is, after receiving the NAS signaling (or the response message of the NAS signaling), the network device immediately forwards the NAS signaling (or the response message of the NAS signaling). Assuming that the network device is in a sleep state, after the network device receives the NAS signaling (or the response message of the NAS signaling), the network device needs to immediately enter a non-sleep state (or an active state) from the sleep state and forward the NAS signaling (or the response message of the NAS signaling). In other words, in the transmission process of the NAS signaling or the response message of the NAS signaling, even if the network device is in a sleep state, the network device still needs to forward the NAS signaling or the response message of the NAS signaling immediately, and the sleep duration of the network device cannot be guaranteed.

[0102] In addition, in the 5G core network (5GC) architecture, when the AMF network element sends a paging message to the next generation radio access network (NG-RAN), the paging message is used to attempt to connect the terminal device, and the AMF network element starts a timer T3513 at the same time of sending the paging message. The timer T3513 is used for the AMF network element to monitor the time interval from the time of sending the paging message to receiving the response message (such as a service request message) from the terminal device.

[0103] Assuming that the AMF network element does not receive the service request message sent by the terminal device before the timer T3513 expires, according to the protocol process, the AMF network element will send a paging message to the NG-RAN again to continue attempting to connect the terminal device;

[0104] Assuming that the AMF network element does not receive the service request message sent by the terminal device before the timer T3513 expires, the AMF network element can adjust the content in the paging message, such as updating the paging priority or the paging reason of the terminal device, and the like, and the AMF network element will send the updated paging message to the NG-RAN to continue attempting to connect the terminal device;

[0105] Assuming that the AMF network element does not receive the service request message sent by the terminal device before the timer T3513 expires, the AMF network element can expand the paging area to improve the paging success rate, such as paging more cells or tracking areas (TAs) to improve the probability of the terminal device receiving the paging message.

[0106] The AMF network element repeatedly sends the paging message, or adjusts the content in the paging message, or expands the paging area, and the like, so that the terminal device can obtain the service request or indication of the network side in time, thereby maintaining the continuity of the service between the terminal device and the network. However, in the network energy saving scenario, the network device in the sleep state may be woken up by the AMF network element to send the paging message at any time, resulting in poor network energy saving effect.

[0107] In view of the above introduction, there is an urgent need for a method capable of guaranteeing the sleep time of the network device and reducing the power consumption of the network device.

[0108] The present application provides a communication method capable of reducing the power consumption of the network device and achieving better network energy saving effect.

[0109] FIG. 6 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0110] It should be understood that in the method shown in FIG. 6, the network device is in a sleep state, that is, the physical layer of the network device and / or the communication module / unit below the physical layer are in a sleep state. For example, any one or more of the radio frequency link, the power amplifier, and the AAU unit in the network device are in a sleep state.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 6, the method can include the following steps:

[0112] 601, the RAN receives a first message and first indication information, and accordingly, the core network device sends the first message and the first indication information.

[0113] The first message can be a NAS signaling or a paging message, for example, the first message can be a paging message.

[0114] In a possible implementation manner, the first indication information can include one or more of the following: the type of the first message, the duration of the timer, or the expiration time of the timer, and the like.

[0115] It should be understood that the type of the first message can include a first type of first message, a second type of first message, and a third type of first message.

[0116] The first type of first message is a message to be repeatedly transmitted in the case of expiration of the timer. For example, the AMF network element or the SMF network element sends a signaling 1 and starts a timer #1, and the signaling 1 is associated with the timer #1. The AMF network element or the SMF network element does not receive a response signaling before the expiration of the timer #1, and the AMF network element or the SMF network element sends the signaling 1 again and restarts the timer #1, that is, the signaling 1 is a first type of first message.

[0117] For example, the first message of the first type can be a DEREGISTRATION REQUEST message, a REGISTRATION ACCEPT message, a CONFIGURATION UPDATE COMMAND message, etc. sent by an AMF network element; or the first message can be a PDU SESSION AUTHENTICATION COMMAND message, a PDU SESSION MODIFICATION COMMAND message, a PDU SESSION RELEASE COMMAND message, etc. sent by an SMF network element. When the first message of the first type is an IDENTITY REQUEST message, the timer #1 can be a T3570 timer.

[0118] For example, the first message of the second type can be a paging message, and the timer #2 can be a T3513 timer.

[0119] For example, the first message of the second type can be a paging message, and the timer #2 can be a T3513 timer.

[0120] For example, the first message of the second type can be a paging message, and the timer #2 can be a T3513 timer.

[0121] For example, assume that the first message of the third type is the signaling 3 shown in (1) of FIG. 7, and the second message is the signaling 4 shown in (1) of FIG. 7. As shown in (1) and (2) of FIG. 7, the terminal device receives the signaling 4 from the SMF network element, and starts the timer #4, i.e., the signaling 4 is associated with the timer #4. The SMF network element sends the signaling 3, and starts the timer #3, i.e., the signaling 3 is associated with the timer #3. Wherein, the SMF network element does not receive the response signaling before the timer #3 expires, the SMF network element sends the signaling 3 again, and restarts the timer #3. After the RAN receives the signaling 3, the RAN needs to complete the transmission of the signaling 3 before the timer #4 associated with the signaling 4 expires. Wherein, in the process of transmitting the signaling 4, the SMF network element can provide the RAN with the related information of the timer #4; or after the terminal device receives the signaling 4, the terminal device feeds back the related information of the timer #4 associated with the signaling 4 to the RAN; or in the process of the SMF network element sending the signaling 3 to the RAN, the SMF network element carries the related information of the timer #4 in the message for transmitting the signaling 3 to the RAN, so as to ensure that the RAN obtains the related information of the timer #4. The related information of the timer #4 includes the duration of the timer #4 and / or the expiration time of the timer #4, and the related characteristics of the signaling 4. The RAN determines to complete the transmission of the signaling 3 before the timer #4 expires according to the related information of the timer #4. Wherein, the related characteristics of the signaling 4 can be used to indicate that the terminal device does not receive the signaling (e.g., the signaling 3) before the timer #4 associated with the signaling 4 expires, and the terminal device will be executed to perform the deregistration operation. The signaling 3 is the first message of the third type, and the signaling 3 is completed to be transmitted before the timer #4 associated with the signaling 4 expires.

[0122] For example, the first message of the third type can be the related signaling of the first type or the second type as described above, wherein the second message can be a registration rejection (e.g., REGISTRATION REJECT) message or a deregistration request (e.g., DEREGISTRATION REQUEST) message, and the associated timer #4 can be the timer T3540. If the terminal device does not receive the first message before the timer T3540 expires, the terminal device releases the NAS connection. Or, the second message can also be a PDU session establishment rejection (e.g., PDU SESSION ESTABLISHMENT REJECT) message, a PDU session rejection modification (e.g., PDU SESSION MODIFICATION REJECT), or a PDU session release command (e.g., PDU SESSION RELEASE COMMAND), and the associated timer #4 can be the timer T3584.

[0123] It should be understood that the first message and the first indication information can be carried in the same message or in different messages, which is not limited in the present application.

[0124] 602, the RAN determines the transmission strategy of the first message according to the first indication information.

[0125] For example, after receiving the first message and the first indication information, the RAN determines the transmission strategy of the first message according to the first indication information.

[0126] It should be understood that the transmission strategy of the first message includes ignoring the first message or sending the first message before the timer indicated by the first indication information expires.

[0127] Optionally, the transmission strategy can also include immediately sending the first message.

[0128] In one possible implementation, when the first indication information includes the type of the first message, the RAN determines the transmission strategy of the first message according to the type of the first message.

[0129] As an example, assuming that the first indication information indicates that the first message is a first type of first message, the RAN ignores the first message.

[0130] Assuming that the first indication information indicates that the first message is a second type of first message or a third type of first message, the RAN immediately sends the first message.

[0131] As another example, assuming that the first indication information indicates that the first message is a second type of first message or a third type of first message, the RAN obtains the related information of the timer associated with the first message according to the type of the first message, and the RAN can send the first message before the timer expires. The related information of the timer associated with the first message can be predefined, or obtained by the RAN from the core network device according to the first message, or configured to the RAN by the core network device when the communication interface between the RAN and the core network device is established, which is not limited in the present application.

[0132] In another possible implementation, the first indication information includes the related information of the timer (such as the duration of the timer and / or the expiration time of the timer), and the RAN determines the transmission strategy of the first message according to the related information of the timer.

[0133] It should be understood that the related information of the timer in the embodiments of the present application includes the duration of the timer, which can be the remaining duration of the timer, or can be the total duration of the timer. When the duration of the timer is the remaining duration of the timer, that is, the RAN receives the first indication information, the remaining duration of the timer can be used to determine the deadline of the timer. When the duration of the timer is the total duration of the timer, the first indication information can further include the start time of the timer, and the RAN determines the deadline of the timer according to the total duration of the timer and the start time of the timer indicated by the first indication information.

[0134] As an example, it is assumed that the first indication information indicates the duration of the timer and / or the deadline of the timer, and the duration of the timer and / or the deadline of the timer indicated by the first indication information is a finite non-zero value, and the RAN sends the first message before the timer expires.

[0135] It should be understood that the timer indicated by the first indication information can be a timer associated with the first message, or can not be a timer associated with the first message, for example, the timer is a timer associated with a second message, which is not limited by the present application.

[0136] As another example, it is assumed that the first indication information indicates the duration of the timer and / or the deadline of the timer, and the duration of the timer and / or the deadline of the timer is zero or infinite, then the RAN ignores the first message.

[0137] As another example, it is assumed that the first indication information includes the related information of the timer, and the related information of the timer is empty (for example, the related information of the timer indicated by the first indication information takes the value of Null), then the RAN ignores the first message.

[0138] It should be understood that the content included in the first indication information in the embodiments of the present application can be understood as the attribute indicated by the first indication information. For example, the first indication information includes the related information of the timer, which can be understood as that the attribute indicated by the first indication information includes the related information of the timer. For example, the attribute indicated by the first indication information includes the deadline of the timer, and the RAN can determine the transmission strategy of the first message according to the specific value of the deadline of the timer.

[0139] In another possible implementation manner, when the first indication information includes the category of the first message and the related information of the timer (for example, the duration of the timer, and / or the deadline of the timer), the RAN determines the transmission strategy of the first message according to the category of the first message and the related information of the timer.

[0140] It should be understood that in this implementation, the length of the timer and / or the expiration time of the timer indicated by the first indication information is a limited non-zero value.

[0141] As an example, if the first message included in the first indication information is a first message of a first type, the RAN determines to ignore the first message according to the type of the first message.

[0142] It should be understood that the first indication information indicates that the first message is a first message of a first type, which is repeatedly transmitted in the case of expiration of the timer, i.e., the RAN can directly ignore the first message received in step 601 or skip the first message, and the RAN does not wake up the network device in the sleep state to transmit the first message, thereby ensuring the sleep length of the network device and saving the power consumption of the network device.

[0143] Optionally, the RAN can send the first message again when the network device is switched from the sleep state to the non-sleep state or the active state.

[0144] As another example, if the first message included in the first indication information is a first message of a second type, the RAN determines to send the first message before the expiration of the timer indicated by the first indication information according to the type of the first message.

[0145] It should be understood that the first indication information indicates that the first message is a first message of a second type, which is not transmitted in the case of expiration of the timer associated with the first message, i.e., the RAN can send the first message before the expiration of the timer associated with the first message indicated by the first indication information. Wherein, the RAN determines that the first message is a first message of a second type, assuming that the network device is in a sleep state, the RAN can not immediately send the first message, and the RAN sends the first message before the expiration of the timer associated with the first message, which ensures the communication transmission of the first message and also ensures a longer sleep length of the network device, thereby saving the power consumption of the network device.

[0146] As yet another example, if the first message included in the first indication information is a first message of a third type, the RAN determines to send the first message before the expiration of the timer indicated by the first indication information according to the type of the first message.

[0147] It should be understood that the first indication information indicates that the first message is a first message of a third type, which is completed before the timer associated with the second message expires, i.e., the RAN needs to send the first message before the timer associated with the second message expires. Wherein, the RAN determines that the first message is a first message of a third type, assuming that the network device is in a sleep state, the RAN can not immediately send the first message, and the RAN sends the first message before the timer associated with the second message expires, which not only guarantees the communication transmission of the second message, but also ensures that the network device has a longer sleep time, thereby saving the power consumption of the network device.

[0148] Optionally, when the RAN receives the first indication information indicating that the first message is a first message of a third type, the RAN obtains the time length of the timer associated with the second message, and / or the deadline associated with the second message. The RAN determines the time for sending the first message according to the time length of the timer associated with the second message, and / or the deadline of the timer associated with the second message.

[0149] According to the method shown in Figure 6, the network device is in a sleep state, the RAN receives the first message and the first indication information, and the RAN determines the transmission strategy of the first message according to the first indication information. For example, the RAN ignores the received first message, or the RAN sends the first message before the timer indicated by the first indication information expires, avoiding the network device in a sleep state from being immediately woken up to forward the first message. Compared with receiving the first message and immediately waking up the network device in a sleep state to send the first message, the method can ensure that the network device in a sleep state has a longer sleep time, thereby reducing the power consumption of the network device and achieving a better network energy saving effect.

[0150] Figure 8 is a schematic flow chart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0151] It should be understood that in the method shown in Figure 8, the network device is in a sleep state, i.e., the physical layer of the network device and / or the communication module / unit below the physical layer are in a sleep state. For example, at least one of the radio frequency link, the power amplifier in the network device, or the AAU unit is in a sleep state.

[0152] As shown in Figure 8, the method can include the following steps:

[0153] 801, the DU receives the first message and the first indication information, and accordingly, the core network device sends the first message and the first indication information.

[0154] For example, the core network device sends the first message and the first indication information to the CU, and the CU forwards the first message and the first indication information to the DU.

[0155] It should be understood that the first message and the first indication information are similar to those in step 601 in FIG. 6, and details are described above with reference to FIG. 6.

[0156] It should be further understood that the first message and the first indication information can be carried in the same message or in different messages, which is not limited in the present application.

[0157] 802. The DU determines the transmission strategy of the first message according to the first indication information.

[0158] For example, after receiving the first message and the first indication information, the DU determines the transmission strategy of the first message according to the first indication information.

[0159] It should be understood that the transmission strategy of the first message includes ignoring the first message or sending the first message before the timer indicated by the first indication information expires.

[0160] Optionally, the transmission strategy can further include immediately sending the first message.

[0161] In a possible implementation, when the first indication information includes the category of the first message, the DU determines the transmission strategy of the first message according to the category of the first message.

[0162] As an example, assuming that the first indication information indicates that the first message is a first category of first message, the DU ignores the first message. Assuming that the first indication information indicates that the first message is a second category of first message or a third category of first message, the DU immediately sends the first message.

[0163] As another example, assuming that the first indication information indicates that the first message is a second category of first message or a third category of first message, the DU obtains the related information of the timer associated with the first message according to the category of the first message, and the DU can send the first message before the timer expires. The related information of the timer associated with the first message can be predefined, or obtained by the DU from the core network device through the CU, or configured by the core network device to the CU when the communication interface between the CU and the core network device is established, and configured by the CU to the DU, which is not limited in the present application.

[0164] In another possible implementation, the first indication information includes the related information of the timer (such as the length of the timer and / or the expiration time of the timer), and the DU determines the transmission strategy of the first message according to the related information of the timer.

[0165] As an example, assume that the first indication information indicates a duration of the timer and / or an expiration time of the timer, and the duration of the timer and / or the expiration time of the timer indicated by the first indication information is a finite non-zero value, the DU transmits the first message before the timer expires.

[0166] It should be understood that the timer indicated by the first indication information can be a timer associated with the first message, or can not be a timer associated with the first message, for example, a timer associated with a second message, which is not limited by the present application.

[0167] As another example, assume that the first indication information indicates a duration of the timer and / or an expiration time of the timer, and the duration of the timer and / or the expiration time of the timer is zero or infinite, the DU ignores the first message.

[0168] As yet another example, assume that the first indication information includes timer-related information, and the timer-related information is empty (for example, the timer-related information indicated by the first indication information takes the value of Null), the DU ignores the first message.

[0169] In yet another possible implementation manner, when the first indication information includes a type of the first message and timer-related information (for example, a duration of the timer, and / or, an expiration time of the timer), the DU determines a transmission strategy of the first message according to the type of the first message and the timer-related information.

[0170] As an example, if the first indication information includes a first message of a first type, the DU determines to ignore the first message according to the type of the first message.

[0171] It should be understood that the first indication information indicates that the first message is a first type of first message, and the first type of first message is repeatedly transmitted in the case of expiration of the timer, that is, the DU can directly ignore the first message received in step 801, or skip the first message, and the DU wakes up the network device in the sleep state to transmit the first message, thereby ensuring the sleep duration of the network device and saving the power consumption of the network device.

[0172] Optionally, when the network device is switched from the sleep state to the non-sleep state or the active state, the DU can transmit the first message.

[0173] As another example, if the first indication information includes a first message of a second type, the RAN determines to transmit the first message before the expiration of the timer indicated by the first indication information according to the type of the first message.

[0174] It should be understood that in this example, the duration of the timer and / or the expiration time of the timer indicated by the first indication information is a finite non-zero value.

[0175] It should be understood that the first indication information indicates that the first message is a first message of a second type, which is no longer transmitted in the case of expiration of the timer associated with the first message, i.e., the DU can send the first message before the expiration of the timer associated with the first message indicated by the first indication information. Where the DU determines that the first message is a first message of the second type, the DU can not immediately send the first message, assuming that the network device is in a sleep state, the DU sends the first message before the expiration of the timer associated with the first message, which not only guarantees the communication transmission of the first message, but also ensures that the network device has a longer sleep duration, thereby saving the power consumption of the network device.

[0176] As another example, if the first indication information includes a first message of a third type, the DU determines to send the first message before the expiration of the timer indicated by the first indication information according to the type of the first message.

[0177] It should be understood that in this example, the duration of the timer and / or the expiration time of the timer indicated by the first indication information is a limited non-zero value.

[0178] It should be understood that the first indication information indicates that the first message is a first message of a third type, which is completed before the expiration of the timer associated with the second message, i.e., the DU needs to send the first message before the expiration of the timer associated with the second message. Where the DU determines that the first message is a first message of the third type, the DU can not immediately send the first message, assuming that the network device is in a sleep state, the DU sends the first message before the expiration of the timer associated with the second message, which not only guarantees the communication transmission of the second message, but also ensures that the network device has a longer sleep duration, thereby saving the power consumption of the network device.

[0179] Optionally, when the DU receives the first indication information indicating that the first message is a first message of the third type, the DU obtains the duration of the timer associated with the second message and / or the expiration time of the timer associated with the second message. The DU determines the time for sending the first message according to the duration of the timer associated with the second message and / or the expiration time of the timer associated with the second message.

[0180] According to the method shown in FIG. 8, the network device is in the sleep state, the DU receives the first message and the first indication information, and the DU determines the transmission strategy of the first message according to the first indication information. For example, the DU ignores the received first message, or the DU transmits the first message before the expiration of the timer indicated by the first indication information, avoiding the network device in the sleep state from being immediately woken up to forward the first message. Compared with receiving the first message and immediately waking up the network device in the sleep state to transmit the first message, the method can ensure that the network device in the sleep state has a longer sleep duration, reduces the power consumption of the network device, and achieves a better network energy saving effect.

[0181] FIG. 9 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0182] It should be understood that in the method shown in FIG. 9, the network device is in the sleep state, that is, the physical layer of the network device and / or the communication module / unit below the physical layer are in the sleep state. For example, at least one of the radio frequency link, the power amplifier, or the AAU unit in the network device is in the sleep state.

[0183] As shown in FIG. 9, the method can include the following steps:

[0184] 901. The first protocol layer of the terminal device sends a first message and first indication information to the second protocol layer of the terminal device, and correspondingly, the second protocol layer of the terminal device receives the first indication information of the first message from the first protocol layer of the terminal device.

[0185] For example, the first message can be an uplink NAS signaling, the second protocol layer of the terminal device can be an access stratum (AS) layer of the terminal device, and the first protocol layer of the terminal device can be a non-access stratum (NAS) layer of the terminal device.

[0186] The first indication information is used to determine the transmission strategy of the first message.

[0187] In a possible implementation manner, the first indication information can include one or more of the following: the type of the first message, the duration of the timer, or the expiration time of the timer, and the like.

[0188] It should be understood that the type of the first message can include a first type of first message, a second type of first message, and a third type of first message. The definitions of the first type of first message, the second type of first message, and the third type of first message can be referred to the description in FIG. 6.

[0189] For example, the first message of the first type can be a mobility management associated message, a PDU session re-establishment request (e.g., PDU SESSION ESTABLISHMENT REQUEST) message, a PDU session modification request (e.g., PDU SESSION MODIFICATION REQUEST) message, or a PDU session release request (e.g., PDU SESSION RELEASE REQUEST) message sent by the first protocol layer of the terminal device.

[0190] For example, the first message of the second type can be a service request (e.g., SERVICE REQUEST) message or a control plane service request (e.g., CONTROL PLANE SERVICE REQUEST) message sent by the first protocol layer of the terminal device. Wherein, before the expiration of the timer associated with the first message of the second type, if the first protocol layer of the terminal device has not received a corresponding response message, the first protocol layer of the terminal device does not send the first message, and the first protocol layer of the terminal device can send an identity response (e.g., IDENTITY RESPONSE) message, a registration request (e.g., REGISTRATION REQUEST) message, or a deregistration request (e.g., DEREGISTRATION REQUEST) message.

[0191] For example, the first message of the third type can be a message (or referred to as a response message) that the terminal device needs to receive before the expiration of the timer T3540 in the case that the terminal device receives a registration rejection (e.g., REGISTRATION REJECT) message or a deregistration request (e.g., DEREGISTRATION REQUEST) message and starts the associated timer (e.g., T3540). If the terminal device does not receive the response message before the expiration of the timer T3540, the terminal device releases the NAS connection.

[0192] It should be understood that the first message and the first indication information in step 901 are similar to the first message and the first indication information in step 601 of FIG. 6 described above, and specific details can be referred to the detailed description of FIG. 6 described above.

[0193] It should also be understood that the first message and the first indication information can be carried in the same message for transmission, or carried in different messages for transmission, which is not limited by the present application.

[0194] 902, the second protocol layer of the terminal device determines the transmission strategy of the first message according to the first indication information and the sleep state of the network device.

[0195] For example, after the terminal device's second protocol layer receives the first message and the first indication information, the terminal device's second protocol layer determines the transmission strategy of the first message according to the first indication information and the sleep state of the network device. The terminal device's second protocol layer determines whether to send the first message to the network device or when to send the first message to the network device according to the first indication information and the sleep state of the network device.

[0196] Optionally, before step 902, the method can further include:

[0197] The terminal device's second protocol layer acquires the sleep state of the network device.

[0198] In a possible implementation manner, the terminal device's second protocol layer sends information for requesting to acquire the sleep state of the network device to the network device, and correspondingly, the network device receives the information for requesting to acquire the sleep state of the network device from the terminal device's second protocol layer and sends the sleep state information of the network device to the terminal device's second protocol layer.

[0199] In another possible implementation manner, when the network device is in a non-sleep state or an active state, the network device can send or broadcast its sleep state information through indication information or system information, and correspondingly, the terminal device's second protocol layer can acquire the sleep state of the network device.

[0200] The sleep state information of the network device can include the sleep duration of the network device and the sleep start time of the network device, and / or the sleep end time of the network device.

[0201] It should be understood that the transmission strategy of the first message includes ignoring the first message or sending the first message before the timer indicated by the first indication information expires.

[0202] Optionally, the transmission strategy can further include immediately sending the first message.

[0203] In a possible implementation manner, the first indication information includes the category of the first message, and the terminal device's second protocol layer determines the transmission strategy of the first message according to the category of the first message.

[0204] As an example, assuming that the first indication information indicates that the first message is a first category of first message, the terminal device's second protocol layer ignores the first message. Assuming that the first indication information indicates that the first message is a second category of first message or a third category of first message, the terminal device's second protocol layer will immediately send the first message.

[0205] As another example, assuming that the first indication information indicates that the first message is a first message of the second type or a first message of the third type, the second protocol layer of the terminal device acquires the related information of the timer associated with the first message according to the type of the first message, and the second protocol layer of the terminal device can send the first message before the timer expires. The related information of the timer associated with the first message can be predefined, or requested by the second protocol layer of the terminal device from the first protocol layer of the terminal device, or preconfigured by the system to the second protocol layer of the terminal device, which is not limited herein.

[0206] In another possible implementation manner, the first indication information includes the related information of the timer (for example, the duration of the timer and / or the expiration time of the timer), and the second protocol layer of the terminal device determines the transmission strategy of the first message according to the related information of the timer.

[0207] As an example, assuming that the first indication information indicates the duration of the timer and / or the expiration time of the timer, and the duration of the timer and / or the expiration time of the timer indicated by the first indication information is a finite non-zero value, the second protocol layer of the terminal device sends the first message before the timer expires.

[0208] It should be understood that the timer indicated by the first indication information can be a timer associated with the first message, or not a timer associated with the first message (for example, a timer associated with a second message).

[0209] As another example, assuming that the first indication information indicates the duration of the timer and / or the expiration time of the timer, and the duration of the timer and / or the expiration time of the timer is zero or infinite, the second protocol layer of the terminal device ignores the first message.

[0210] As another example, assuming that the first indication information includes the related information of the timer, and the related information of the timer is empty (for example, the related information of the timer indicated by the first indication information takes the value of Null), the second protocol layer of the terminal device ignores the first message.

[0211] In another possible implementation manner, when the first indication information includes the type of the first message and the related information of the timer (for example, the duration of the timer and / or the expiration time of the timer), the second protocol layer of the terminal device determines the transmission strategy of the first message according to the type of the first message and the related information of the timer.

[0212] It should be understood that in this implementation manner, the duration of the timer and / or the expiration time of the timer indicated by the first indication information is a finite non-zero value.

[0213] As an example, if the first message included in the first indication information is a first message of a first type, the second protocol layer of the terminal device determines to ignore the first message according to the type of the first message.

[0214] It should be understood that the first indication information indicates that the first message is a first message of a first type, and the first message of the first type is repeatedly transmitted in the case of expiration of the timer, that is, the second protocol layer of the terminal device can directly ignore the first message received in step 901, or skip the first message, and the second protocol layer of the terminal device sends the first message to the network device, that is, does not wake up the network device in the sleep state to transmit the first message, thereby ensuring the sleep duration of the network device and saving the power consumption of the network device.

[0215] Optionally, when the network device is switched from the sleep state to the non-sleep state or the active state, the second protocol layer of the terminal device can send the first message to the network device again.

[0216] As another example, if the first message included in the first indication information is a first message of a second type, the second protocol layer of the terminal device determines to send the first message before expiration of the timer indicated by the first indication information according to the type of the first message.

[0217] It should be understood that the first indication information indicates that the first message is a first message of a second type, and the first message of the second type is no longer transmitted in the case of expiration of the timer associated with the first message, that is, the second protocol layer of the terminal device can send the first message before expiration of the timer associated with the first message indicated by the first indication information. Wherein, the second protocol layer of the terminal device determines that the first message is a first message of a second type, and assumes that the network device is in a sleep state, the second protocol layer of the terminal device can not immediately send the first message, and the second protocol layer of the terminal device sends the first message before expiration of the timer associated with the first message, which not only ensures the communication transmission of the first message, but also ensures a longer sleep duration of the network device and saves the power consumption of the network device.

[0218] As yet another example, if the first message included in the first indication information is a first message of a third type, the second protocol layer of the terminal device determines to send the first message before expiration of the timer indicated by the first indication information according to the type of the first message.

[0219] It should be understood that the first indication information indicates that the first message is a first message of a third type, which is completed before the timer associated with the second message expires, i.e., the second protocol layer of the terminal device needs to send the first message before the timer associated with the second message expires. Wherein, the second protocol layer of the terminal device determines that the first message is a first message of a third type, assuming that the network device is in a sleep state, the second protocol layer of the terminal device can not send the first message immediately, and the second protocol layer of the terminal device sends the first message before the timer associated with the second message expires, which not only ensures the communication transmission of the second message, but also ensures that the network device has a longer sleep time, thereby saving the power consumption of the network device.

[0220] Optionally, when the second protocol layer of the terminal device receives the first indication information indicating that the first message is a first message of a third type, the second protocol layer of the terminal device acquires the time length information of the timer associated with the second message, and / or the deadline of the timer associated with the second message. The second protocol layer of the terminal device determines the time for the second protocol layer of the terminal device to send the first message according to the time length information of the timer associated with the second message, and / or the deadline of the timer associated with the second message.

[0221] According to the method shown in FIG. 9, the network device is in a sleep state, the second protocol layer of the terminal device receives the first message and the first indication information from the first protocol layer of the terminal device, and the second protocol layer of the terminal device determines the transmission strategy of the first message according to the first indication information. For example, the second protocol layer of the terminal device ignores the received first message, or the second protocol layer of the terminal device sends the first message before the timer expires as indicated by the first indication information, thereby avoiding the network device in a sleep state from being immediately awakened, ensuring that the network device in a sleep state has a longer sleep time, reducing the power consumption of the network device, and achieving a better network energy saving effect.

[0222] FIG. 10 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0223] It should be understood that in the method shown in FIG. 10, the network device is in a sleep state, i.e., the physical layer of the network device and / or the communication module / unit below the physical layer are in a sleep state. At least one of the radio frequency link, the power amplifier, and the AAU unit in the network device is in a sleep state.

[0224] As shown in FIG. 10, the method can include the following steps:

[0225] 1001, the first protocol layer of the terminal device sends a first message and first indication information to the second protocol layer of the terminal device, and accordingly, the second protocol layer of the terminal device receives the first indication information of the first message from the first protocol layer of the terminal device.

[0226] For example, the first message can be uplink NAS signaling, the second protocol layer of the terminal device can be an AS layer of the terminal device, and the first protocol layer of the terminal device can be a NAS layer of the terminal device.

[0227] Optionally, the first indication information includes first identification information, and the first identification information is used for associating the first message and the response message of the first message.

[0228] It should be understood that step 1001 is similar to step 901 in FIG. 9 described above, and the detailed introduction can be referred to the introduction of step 901 in FIG. 9 described above.

[0229] 1002. The second protocol layer of the terminal device sends the first message and the first indication information to the RAN, and correspondingly, the RAN receives the first message and the first indication information sent by the second protocol layer of the terminal device.

[0230] It should be understood that the second protocol layer of the terminal device forwards the first message and the first indication information received in step 1001.

[0231] In a possible implementation manner, before step 1002, the second protocol layer of the terminal device can send request information for obtaining uplink transmission resources to the RAN. After the RAN receives the request information, the RAN configures uplink transmission resources for the terminal device, for example, the RAN indicates the uplink transmission resources to the second protocol layer of the terminal device through downlink control information (DCI). Correspondingly, after the second protocol layer of the terminal device obtains the uplink transmission resources, the second protocol layer of the terminal device sends the first message and the first indication information to the RAN on the uplink transmission resources.

[0232] 1003. The RAN sends the first message to the core network device.

[0233] For example, after the RAN receives the first message and the first indication information, the RAN can save the first indication information locally in the RAN. The RAN sends the first message to the core network device.

[0234] In a possible implementation manner, the first indication information includes first identification information, and the RAN carries the first identification information when sending the first message to the core network device.

[0235] In another possible implementation manner, the first indication information does not include first identification information, and the RAN determines the first identification information and carries the first identification information when sending the first message to the core network device.

[0236] It should be understood that the first identification information can be determined by the terminal device, or the first identification information can be determined by the RAN. For example, the terminal device configures one first identification information for each first message sent, or the RAN configures one first identification information for each first message received. The first identification information is used to associate the first message with the response message of the first message. Wherein, the first identification information can be Per-terminal device Per-message, i.e., the first identification information can be Per-terminal device Per-message.

[0237] For example, the first identification information can be a terminal device number, or an index, or a number, etc., and the specific form of the first identification information is not limited by the present application. Assuming that multiple terminal devices send first messages, wherein each terminal device sends only one first message, the identification information of the terminal device can be used as the first identification information.

[0238] 1004, the RAN receives the response message of the first message, and accordingly, the core network device sends the response message of the first message.

[0239] Wherein, the response message of the first message received by the RAN carries the first identification information in step 1003.

[0240] It should be understood that after the RAN receives the response message of the first message and the first identification information, the RAN determines the association between the response message of the first message and the first message according to the first identification information.

[0241] As an example, assuming that the RAN receives first messages from 3 terminal devices, for example, the RAN receives message #1 from terminal device #1, message #2 from terminal device #2, and message #3 from terminal device #3. The RAN sends the message #1, the message #2 and the message #3 to the core network device respectively, wherein the message #1 carries the identification #1, the message #2 carries the identification #2, and the message #3 carries the identification #3. Accordingly, the RAN receives response message #1, response message #2 and response message #3 from the core network device, wherein the response message #1 carries the identification #1, the response message #2 carries the identification #2, and the response message #3 carries the identification #3. The RAN determines that the response message #1 is associated with the message #1, the response message #2 is associated with the message #2, and the response message #3 is associated with the message #3 according to the identification carried by the response message. For example, the identification information can be the identification information of the terminal device, or an index.

[0242] As an example, assume that the RAN receives 3 first messages from the same terminal device, for example, the RAN receives message #1-1, message #1-2, and message #1-3 from terminal device #1. The RAN sends message #1, message #2, and message #3 to the core network device respectively, where message #1-1 carries an identification #1-1, message #1-2 carries an identification #1-2, and message #1-3 carries an identification #1-3. Accordingly, the RAN receives response message #1-1, response message #1-2, and response message #1-3 from the core network device, where response message #1-1 carries an identification #1-1, response message #1-2 carries an identification #1-2, and response message #1-3 carries an identification #1-3. The RAN determines that response message #1-1 is associated with message #1-1, response message #1-2 is associated with message #1-2, and response message #1-3 is associated with message #1-3 according to the identification carried by the response messages. For example, the identification information can be an index.

[0243] It should be understood that the RAN determines the first message associated with the response message of the first message according to the first identification information carried by the response message received by the RAN, and further determines the transmission strategy of the response message of the first message according to the first indication information corresponding to the first message.

[0244] 1005, the RAN determines the transmission strategy of the response message of the first message according to the first indication information.

[0245] It should be understood that after the RAN receives the response message of the first message, the RAN determines that the response message of the first message is associated with the first message according to the first identification information, and the RAN determines the transmission strategy of the response message of the first message according to the first indication information.

[0246] It should be understood that when the RAN receives the response message of the first message, the network device is in a dormant state, the RAN determines the transmission strategy of the response message of the first message according to the first indication information.

[0247] It should be understood that the transmission strategy of the response message of the first message includes ignoring the response message of the first message, or sending the response message of the first message before the timer indicated by the first indication information expires.

[0248] Optionally, the transmission strategy can also include immediately sending the response message of the first message.

[0249] In a possible implementation manner, when the first indication information includes the category of the first message and does not include the related information of the timer (for example, the length of the timer and / or the expiration time of the timer), the RAN determines the transmission strategy of the response message of the first message according to the category of the first message.

[0250] As an example, assume that the first indication information indicates that the first message is a first message of a first type, the RAN ignores a response message for the first message.

[0251] As another example, assume that the first indication information indicates that the first message is a first message of a second type, or a first message of a third type, the RAN immediately sends a response message for the first message.

[0252] In another possible implementation, the first indication information includes information related to a timer (e.g., a time length of the timer, and / or, an expiration time of the timer), and does not include a type of the first message, the RAN determines a transmission strategy of a response message for the first message according to the information related to the timer.

[0253] As an example, assume that the first indication information indicates a time length of the timer and / or an expiration time of the timer, the time length of the timer and / or the expiration time of the timer indicated by the first indication information is a finite non-zero value, the RAN sends the response message for the first message before the timer expires.

[0254] It should be understood that the timer indicated by the first indication information can be a timer associated with the first message, or can not be a timer associated with the first message (e.g., a timer associated with a second message).

[0255] As another example, assume that the first indication information indicates a time length of the timer and / or an expiration time of the timer, and the time length of the timer and / or the expiration time of the timer is zero or infinite, the RAN ignores the response message for the first message.

[0256] As yet another example, assume that the first indication information includes information related to a timer, and the information related to the timer is empty (e.g., the information related to the timer indicated by the first indication information takes a value of Null), the RAN ignores the response message for the first message.

[0257] In yet another possible implementation, the first indication information includes a type of the first message and information related to a timer (e.g., a time length of the timer, and / or, an expiration time of the timer), the RAN determines a transmission strategy of a response message for the first message according to the type of the first message and the information related to the timer.

[0258] It should be understood that, in this implementation, the time length of the timer and / or the expiration time of the timer indicated by the first indication information is a finite non-zero value.

[0259] As an example, if the first indication information includes a first message of a first type and information related to a timer, the RAN determines to ignore a response message for the first message according to the type of the first message.

[0260] It should be understood that the first indication information indicates that the first message is a first type of first message, which is repeatedly transmitted in the case of timer expiration, i.e., the RAN can directly ignore or skip the response message of the first message received in step 1004, and the RAN does not wake up the network device in the sleep state to transmit the response message of the first message, thereby guaranteeing the sleep duration of the network device and saving the power consumption of the network device.

[0261] Optionally, when the network device is switched from the sleep state to the non-sleep state or the active state, the RAN can further send the response message of the first message to the terminal device.

[0262] As another example, if the first message included in the first indication information is a second type of first message, the RAN determines to send the response message of the first message before the timer indicated by the first indication information expires according to the type of the first message.

[0263] It should be understood that the first indication information indicates that the first message is a second type of first message, which is no longer transmitted in the case of timer expiration associated with the first message, i.e., the RAN can send the response message of the first message before the timer associated with the first message expires as indicated by the first indication information. Wherein, the RAN determines that the first message is a second type of first message, assuming that the network device is in the sleep state, the RAN can not immediately send the response message of the first message, and the RAN sends the response message of the first message before the timer associated with the first message expires, which not only avoids the interruption of service data, but also guarantees a longer sleep duration of the network device and saves the power consumption of the network device.

[0264] As another example, if the first message included in the first indication information is a third type of first message, the RAN determines to send the response message of the first message before the timer indicated by the first indication information expires according to the type of the first message.

[0265] It should be understood that the first indication information indicates that the first message is a third type of first message, which is completed before the timer associated with the second message expires, i.e., the RAN needs to send the response message of the first message before the timer associated with the second message expires. Wherein, assuming that the network device is in the sleep state and the first message is a third type of first message, the RAN can not immediately send the response message of the first message, and the RAN can guarantee that the response message of the first message is sent to the terminal device before the timer associated with the second message expires, thereby guaranteeing the connection between the terminal device and the network device, and guaranteeing a longer sleep duration of the network device and saving the power consumption of the network device.

[0266] Optionally, the RAN receives the first indication information, and the first indication information indicates that the first message is the first message of the third type. The RAN acquires time length information of a timer associated with the second message and / or a deadline associated with the timer associated with the second message. The RAN determines a time for the RAN to send a response message of the first message according to the time length information of the timer associated with the second message and / or the deadline associated with the timer associated with the second message.

[0267] For example, it is assumed that the RAN receives response message #1, response message #2, and response message #3 from the core network device, where the RAN determines that the response message #1 is associated with message #1, the response message #2 is associated with message #2, and the response message #3 is associated with message #3 according to the first identification information carried by the response messages. The message #1, the message #2, and the message #3 are from different terminal devices (for example, terminal device #1, terminal device #2, and terminal device #3). It is assumed that the message #1, the message #2, and the message #3 are all the first message of the first type, and the RAN can directly ignore the response message #1, the response message #2, and the response message #3. It is assumed that the message #1 and the message #2 are the first message of the first type, and the message #3 is the first message of the second type. The RAN ignores the response message #1 and the response message #2, and the RAN needs to send the response message #3 to the terminal device #3 before the timer corresponding to the first indication information of the message #3 expires. It is assumed that the message #1 is the first message of the first type, the message #2 is the first message of the second type, and the message #3 is the first message of the third type. The RAN ignores the response message #1, the RAN sends the response message #2 to the terminal device #2 before the timer corresponding to the first indication information of the message #2 expires, and the RAN sends the response message #3 to the terminal device #3 before the timer corresponding to the first indication information of the message #3 expires.

[0268] For example, assume that the RAN receives response message #1-1, response message #1-2, and response message #1-3 from the core network device, where the RAN determines that response message #1-1 is associated with message #1-1, response message #1-2 is associated with message #1-2, and response message #1-3 is associated with message #1-3 according to the first identification information carried by the response messages. Message #1-1, message #1-2, and message #1-3 are from the same terminal device (e.g., terminal device #1). Assume that message #1-1, message #1-2, and message #1-3 are all first messages of the first type, the RAN can directly ignore response message #1-1, response message #1-2, and response message #1-3, i.e., the RAN can not send response message #1-1, response message #1-2, and response message #1-3 to terminal device #1. Assume that message #1-1 and message #1-2 are first messages of the first type, and message #1-3 is a first message of the second type, the RAN ignores response message #1-1 and response message #1-2, and the RAN needs to send the response message #1-3 to terminal device #1 before the timer indicated by the first indication information corresponding to message #1-3 expires. Assume that message #1-1 is a first message of the first type, message #1-2 is a first message of the second type, and message #1-3 is a first message of the third type, the RAN ignores response message #1-1, the RAN sends response message #1-2 to terminal device #1 before the timer indicated by the first indication information corresponding to message #1-2 expires, and the RAN sends response message #1-3 to terminal device #1 before the timer indicated by the first indication information corresponding to message #1-3 expires.

[0269] It should be understood that, assuming that the RAN receives first messages that are all first messages of the second type, the RAN receives the first messages in the order of message #1→ message #2→ message #3. Wherein the expiration time of timer #1 indicated by the first indication information corresponding to message #1 < the expiration time of timer #1 indicated by the first indication information corresponding to message #2 < the expiration time of timer #1 indicated by the first indication information corresponding to message #3, i.e., the RAN first sends the response message of message #3, then sends the response message of message #2, and finally sends the response message of message #3. It can be seen that the order in which the RAN sends the response messages of the first messages is irrelevant to the order in which the RAN receives the first messages.

[0270] According to the method shown in FIG. 10, the network device is in the sleep state, the second protocol layer of the terminal device forwards the first message and the first indication information sent by the first protocol layer of the terminal device to the RAN, and the RAN sends the first message and the first indication information to the core network device according to the non-air interface protocol stack. Correspondingly, the RAN receives a response message of the first message from the core network device, the response message carries the first indication information, and the RAN determines the first message corresponding to the response message according to the first indication information. Further, the RAN determines the transmission strategy of the response message of the first message according to the first indication information corresponding to the first message. For example, the RAN ignores the received response message of the first message, or the RAN sends the response message of the first message before the timer indicated by the first indication information expires, avoiding that the network device in the sleep state is not immediately woken up to forward the response message of the first message, compared with receiving the response message of the first message and immediately waking up the network device in the sleep state to send the response message of the first message, the method can ensure that the network device in the sleep state has a longer sleep duration, reduces the power consumption of the network device, and achieves a good network energy saving effect.

[0271] FIG. 11 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0272] It should be understood that the method described in FIG. 11 exemplarily describes the communication method provided by the present application by the information interaction between the communication device #1 and the communication device #2. The communication device #1 can be the RAN shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, or the DU in FIG. 8, or the second protocol layer of the terminal device in FIG. 9, etc., and the communication device #2 can be the core network device in FIGS. 6 and 8, or the CU in FIG. 8, or the first protocol layer of the terminal device in FIG. 9, or the first protocol layer of the terminal device and the second protocol stack of the terminal device in FIG. 10, etc. The specific forms of the communication device #1 and the communication device #2 are not limited in the present application.

[0273] It is assumed that the communication device #1 is the RAN or the DU, and in the case that the network device is in the sleep state, the method shown in FIG. 11 can include steps 1001 and 1002.

[0274] 1101, the communication device #1 receives the first message and the first indication information, and correspondingly, the communication device #2 sends the first message and the first indication information.

[0275] It should be understood that the first message can be a NAS signaling related message, or a paging message, etc., which is not limited in the present application.

[0276] It should also be understood that the first indication information includes one or more of the following: the type of the first message, the duration of the timer, or the cutoff time of the timer, etc.

[0277] Optionally, the first message is associated with a kind of timer.

[0278] It should also be understood that the kind of the first message can be divided into a first kind of first message, a second kind of first message and a third kind of first message. When the first indication information indicates the kind of the first message, the transmission strategy of the first message determined by the communication device 1 can be different for different kinds of first messages. Specific examples can be seen in the detailed description of FIGS. 6-10 above.

[0279] It should also be understood that the first message and the first indication information can be carried in the same message for transmission, or carried in different messages for transmission, which is not limited by the present application.

[0280] 1102, the communication device 1 determines the transmission strategy of the first message according to the first indication information.

[0281] For example, after the communication device 1 receives the first message and the first indication information, the communication device 1 determines the transmission strategy of the first message according to the first indication information. In the embodiments of the present application, the transmission strategy is also referred to as sending strategy, processing strategy, forwarding strategy, etc.

[0282] In different cases, the transmission strategy determined by the first communication device is different. For example, the communication device 1 can ignore the first message, or the communication device 1 can send the first message before the expiration of the timer indicated by the first indication information, or the communication device 1 can immediately send the first message. Specific examples can be seen in the detailed description of FIGS. 6-10 above.

[0283] Assuming that the communication device 1 is the second protocol layer of the terminal device, in the case that the network device is in a sleep state, the method shown in FIG. 10 can include steps 1101' and 1102':

[0284] 1101', the communication device 1 receives the first message and the first indication information. Correspondingly, the communication device 2 (for example, the first protocol layer of the terminal device) sends the first message and the first indication information.

[0285] It should be understood that the first message can be a NAS signaling related message, or a paging message, etc., which is not limited by the present application.

[0286] It should also be understood that the first indication information includes one or more of the kind of the first message, the length of the timer, or the expiration time of the timer, etc.

[0287] Optionally, the first message is associated with a kind of timer.

[0288] It should also be understood that the category of the first message can be divided into a first category of the first message, a second category of the first message and a third category of the first message. When the first indication information indicates the category of the first message, the transmission strategy of the first message determined by the communication device 1 can be different for different categories of the first message. Specific examples can be seen in the detailed description of FIGS. 6 to 10 described above.

[0289] It should also be understood that the first message and the first indication information can be carried in the same message for transmission, or carried in different messages for transmission, which is not limited by the present application.

[0290] 1102', the communication device 1 determines the transmission strategy of the first message according to the first indication information and the sleep state of the network device.

[0291] For example, after the communication device 1 receives the first message and the first indication information, the first communication device determines the transmission strategy of the first message according to the first indication information and the sleep state of the network device.

[0292] In different cases, the transmission strategy determined by the first communication device is different. For example, the communication device 1 can ignore the first message, or the communication device 1 can send the first message before the timer indicated by the first indication information expires, or the communication device 1 can immediately send the first message. Specific examples can be seen in the detailed description of FIG. 9 described above.

[0293] Optionally, before step 1102', the method can further include:

[0294] The communication device 1 obtains the sleep state of the network device.

[0295] In one possible implementation, the communication device 1 sends information to the network device for requesting to obtain the sleep state of the network device, accordingly, the network device receives the information from the communication device 1 for requesting to obtain the sleep state of the network device, and sends the sleep state information of the network device to the communication device 1.

[0296] In another possible implementation, when the network device is in a non-sleep state or an active state, the network device can send or broadcast its own sleep state information through indication information or system message, accordingly, the communication device 1 can obtain the sleep state of the network device.

[0297] The sleep state information of the network device can include the sleep duration of the network device and the sleep start time of the network device, and / or the sleep cutoff time of the network device, etc.

[0298] According to the method shown in FIG. 11, the network device is in the sleep state, the first communication device receives the first message and the first indication information, and the first communication device determines the transmission strategy of the first message according to the first indication information and the sleep state of the network device. The method can avoid the network device in the sleep state from being immediately woken up to forward the first message, compared to receiving the first message and immediately waking up the network device in the sleep state to send the first message, which not only ensures that the network device in the sleep state has a longer sleep duration, but also reduces the power consumption of the network device, thereby achieving a better network energy saving effect.

[0299] The method embodiments of the embodiments of the present application are described above in combination with the drawings. The device embodiments of the embodiments of the present application are described below. It can be understood that the description of the method embodiments and the description of the device embodiments can correspond to each other, and therefore, the parts not described can be referred to the foregoing method embodiments.

[0300] It can be understood that the terms and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referred to each other if there is no special description and no logical conflict, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0301] It can be understood that in the present application, "for indicating" can include for directly indicating and for indirectly indicating. When describing that certain indication information is for indicating A, it can include that the indication information directly indicates A or indirectly indicates A, and does not mean that A must be carried in the indication information. The information indicated by the indication information is called to-be-indicated information, and there are many ways to indicate the to-be-indicated information in the specific implementation process, for example but not limited to, the to-be-indicated information can be directly indicated, such as the to-be-indicated information itself or the index of the to-be-indicated information. The to-be-indicated information can also be indirectly indicated by indicating other information, where the other information and the to-be-indicated information have an association relationship. The to-be-indicated information can also be only indicated a part of the to-be-indicated information, and the other part of the to-be-indicated information is known or agreed in advance. For example, the indication of a specific information can also be achieved by means of the arrangement order of each information agreed in advance (for example, a protocol stipulates), thereby reducing the indication overhead to a certain extent. Meanwhile, the common part of each information can be identified and uniformly indicated, so as to reduce the indication overhead caused by separately indicating the same information.

[0302] It can be understood that, in the embodiments of the present application, "first", "second", and various numerical numbers (for example, "#1", "#2", and the like) are only used for distinguishing convenience of description, and do not limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application. The size of the serial number of each process below does not mean the order of execution, and the execution order of each process should be determined according to its function and inherent logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that the objects thus described can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances, so as to be able to describe solutions other than the embodiments of the present application.

[0303] It can be understood that, in the embodiments of the present application, "exemplary" or "for example" and the like are used to indicate an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design solution described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the present application should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or design solutions. Rather, the use of "exemplary" or "for example" and the like is intended to present the relevant concept in a specific manner.

[0304] It can be understood that, in the embodiments of the present application, "saving" can refer to saving in one or more memories. The one or more memories can be separately arranged or integrated in the encoder or decoder, processor, or communication device. The one or more memories can be partially separately arranged and partially integrated in the decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, which is not limited in the present application.

[0305] It can be understood that, in the embodiments of the present application, "protocol" can refer to a standard protocol in the communication field, for example, can include NR protocol and related protocols applied in future communication systems, which are not limited in the present application.

[0306] It can be understood that, in the embodiments of the present application, "of", "corresponding", "corresponding", and "associated" can be used interchangeably at times. It should be pointed out that when the distinction is not emphasized, the meanings expressed are consistent.

[0307] It can be understood that, in the embodiments of the present application, "in the case of", "when", "if" can be used interchangeably at times. It should be pointed out that when the distinction is not emphasized, the meanings expressed are consistent.

[0308] It can be understood that the term "and / or" in the present document is only used to describe an associated relationship between associated objects, which means that three relationships can exist, for example, A and / or B can represent three cases of A existing alone, A and B existing together, and B existing alone. In addition, the character " / " in the present document generally represents an "or" relationship between the front and rear associated objects.

[0309] It can be understood that "message", "information", or "information element (IE)" and the like can be used interchangeably in the present document, and the name of the message or information is not limited in any way as long as the corresponding function can be implemented.

[0310] The above mainly introduces the scheme provided by the embodiments of the present application from the perspective of interaction between various network elements. It can be understood that each network element, such as a transmitting end device or a receiving end device, includes a corresponding hardware structure and / or software module for executing each function in order to implement the above functions. Those skilled in the art should be aware that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in the embodiments disclosed in the present document, the present application can be realized in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a certain function is driven by hardware or computer software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional technicians can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present application.

[0311] The embodiments of the present application can divide the function modules of the transmitting end device or the receiving end device according to the above method examples, for example, each function module can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated in one processing module. The above integrated module can be realized in the form of hardware or in the form of a software function module. It should be noted that the division of the modules in the embodiments of the present application is illustrative, and is only a logical function division. Actual implementation can have another division manner. The following will be described taking the example of dividing each function module according to each function.

[0312] FIG. 12 is a structural schematic diagram of a communication apparatus provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0313] The apparatus 1200 includes a transceiver unit 1210 and a processing unit 1220, wherein the transceiver unit 1210 can be used to implement a corresponding communication function, and the processing unit 1220 can be used for data processing.

[0314] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1210 can also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication unit, which includes a transmitting unit and / or a receiving unit. The transceiver unit 1210 can be a transceiver (including a transmitter and / or a receiver), an input / output interface (including an input and / or an output interface), a pin, or a circuit, etc. The transceiver unit 1210 can be used to perform the steps of transmitting and / or receiving in the above method embodiments.

[0315] Optionally, the processing unit 1220 can be a processor (which can include one or more), a processing circuit having processor function, etc., and can be used to perform other steps in the above method embodiments except for transmitting and receiving.

[0316] Optionally, the apparatus 1200 further includes a storage unit, which can be a memory, an internal storage unit (for example, a register, a cache, etc.), an external storage unit (for example, a read-only memory, a random access memory, etc.), etc. The storage unit is used to store instructions, and the processing unit 1220 executes the instructions stored in the storage unit to enable the communication apparatus to perform the above method.

[0317] In one design, the apparatus 1200 can correspond to a network device (for example, a RAN, a DU) in the above method embodiments, or be a component (for example, a chip) of the network device.

[0318] In another design, the apparatus 1200 can correspond to a terminal device (for example, a second protocol layer of the terminal device) in the above method embodiments, or be a component (for example, a chip) of the terminal device.

[0319] The apparatus 1200 can implement steps or procedures corresponding to those performed by a terminal device in the above method embodiments, wherein the transceiver unit 1210 can be used to perform the transceiver-related operations of the terminal device in the above method embodiments, and the processing unit 1220 can be used to perform the device-internal operations of the terminal device in the above method embodiments except for transmitting and receiving information.

[0320] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1210 is configured to receive a first message and first indication information; and the processing unit 1220 is configured to determine a transmission strategy of the first message according to the first indication information, the transmission strategy including ignoring the first message or transmitting the first message before a timer indicated by the first indication information expires.

[0321] The apparatus 1200 can implement steps or procedures corresponding to those performed by a first communication apparatus in the above method embodiments, wherein the transceiver unit 1210 can be used to perform the transceiver-related operations of the first communication apparatus in the above method embodiments, and the processing unit 1220 can be used to perform the device-internal operations of the first communication apparatus in the above method embodiments except for transmitting and receiving information.

[0322] In a possible implementation, the transceiver 1210 is configured to receive the first message and the first indication information; and the processor 1220 is configured to determine a transmission strategy of the first message according to the first indication information and the sleep state of the first communication device, the transmission strategy including ignoring the first message or sending the first message before a timer indicated by the first indication information expires.

[0323] When the apparatus 1200 is configured to perform the methods in FIGS. 7-11, the transceiver 1210 can be configured to perform the steps of transceiving information in the methods; and the processor 1220 can be configured to perform the steps inside the device other than transceiving information in the methods.

[0324] It should be understood that the specific process in which each unit performs the corresponding steps described above has been described in detail in the method embodiments, and for the sake of brevity, will not be repeated here.

[0325] It should also be understood that the apparatus 1200 here is embodied in the form of functional units. The term "unit" here can refer to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (for example, a shared processor, a dedicated processor, or a group processor, etc.) and a memory for executing one or more software or firmware programs, a combination of logical circuit and / or other suitable components supporting the described functions. In an alternative example, those skilled in the art can understand that the apparatus 1200 can be embodied as the network device in the above embodiments, and can be configured to perform the processes and / or steps corresponding to the network device in each of the method embodiments described above. To avoid repetition, details will not be repeated here.

[0326] The apparatus 1200 of each of the above solutions has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the device (such as RAN, DU, terminal device) in the above methods. The function can be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions; for example, the transceiver can be replaced by a transceiver (for example, the transmitting unit in the transceiver can be replaced by a transmitter, and the receiving unit in the transceiver can be replaced by a receiver), and other units, such as the processing unit, can be replaced by a processor, which performs the transceiving operations and related processing operations in each of the method embodiments.

[0327] In addition, the transceiver 1210 described above can also be a transceiver circuit (for example, which can include a receiving circuit and a transmitting circuit), and the processing unit can be a processing circuit.

[0328] It should be noted that the apparatus in FIG. 12 can be a network element or device in the foregoing embodiments, or can be a chip or chip system, for example, a system on chip (SoC). The transceiver unit can be an input / output circuit or a communication interface, and the processing unit can be a processor or microprocessor or integrated circuit integrated on the chip.

[0329] FIG. 13 is a structural schematic diagram of a communication apparatus 1300 provided by an embodiment of the present application. The communication apparatus 1300 shown in FIG. 13 includes a processor 1310, a memory 1320, and a transceiver 1330. The processor 1310 is coupled to the memory 1320, and is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory 1320 to control the transceiver 1330 to transmit and / or receive signals.

[0330] It should be understood that the processor 1310 and the memory 1320 described above can be combined into one processing apparatus, and the processor 1310 is configured to execute program codes stored in the memory 1320 to implement the above functions. In specific implementation, the memory 1320 can be integrated in the processor 1310, or be independent of the processor 1310. It should be understood that the processor 1310 can also correspond to each processing unit in the foregoing communication apparatus, and the transceiver 1330 can correspond to each receiving unit and transmitting unit in the foregoing communication apparatus.

[0331] It should also be understood that the transceiver 1330 can include a receiver (or receiver) and a transmitter (or transmitter). The transceiver can further include an antenna, and the number of antennas can be one or more. The transceiver can also be a communication interface or interface circuit.

[0332] Specifically, the communication apparatus 1300 can correspond to the device (RAN, DU, terminal device) in FIGS. 6 to 11 according to the embodiments of the present application. The communication apparatus 1300 can include units of the method performed by the RAN, or units of the method performed by the DU, or units of the method performed by the terminal device in FIGS. 6 to 11. It should be understood that the specific processes of each unit performing the corresponding steps have been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and for the sake of brevity, will not be described here.

[0333] When the communication apparatus 1300 is a chip, the chip includes an interface unit and a processing unit. The interface unit can be an input / output circuit or a communication interface, and the processing unit can be a processor or microprocessor or integrated circuit integrated on the chip.

[0334] In the implementation process, the steps of the above method can be completed by the integrated logic circuit of hardware in the processor or the instruction in the form of software. The steps of the method disclosed in combination with the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as hardware processor execution completion, or execution completion by hardware and software module combination in the processor. The software module can be located in the mature storage medium in the field, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory or electrically erasable programmable memory, register, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory, and combines the hardware to complete the steps of the above method. To avoid repetition, it will not be described in detail here.

[0335] It should be noted that the processor in the embodiments of the present application can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capability. In the implementation process, the steps of the above method embodiments can be completed by the integrated logic circuit of hardware in the processor or the instruction in the form of software. The above processor can be a general 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 or transistor logic device, a discrete hardware component. The disclosed methods, steps and logic block diagrams in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented or executed. The general processor can be a microprocessor or the processor can also be any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in combination with the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as hardware decoding processor execution completion, or execution completion by hardware and software module combination in the decoding processor. The software module can be located in the mature storage medium in the field, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory or electrically erasable programmable memory, register, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory, and combines the hardware to complete the steps of the above method.

[0336] The present application also provides a computer readable medium having a computer program stored thereon, the computer program being executed by a computer to implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0337] The present application also provides a computer program product, which is executed by a computer to implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0338] In the embodiments described above, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented by software, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are generated. The computer can be a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable apparatus. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer readable storage medium or transferred from one computer readable storage medium to another computer readable storage medium, for example, the computer instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center through wired (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) manner. The computer readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server, data center, etc. integrated with one or more available media sets. The available media can be magnetic media (such as floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), optical media (such as high-density digital video disc (digital video disc, DVD)), or semiconductor media (such as solid state disk (solid state disk, SSD)) and the like.

[0339] Those skilled in the art can appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether the functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Skilled professionals can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present application.

[0340] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the above-described system, device and unit can refer to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, which will not be described here.

[0341] In several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed system, device and method can be implemented in other manners. For example, the described device embodiments are merely schematic. The division of the units is merely logical function division. There can be another division manner for the actual implementation, for example, multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the displayed or discussed mutual couplings or direct couplings or communication connections can be indirect couplings or communication connections through some interfaces, devices or units, and can be in electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0342] The units described as separate components can or can not be physically separate, and the components shown as units can or can not be physical units, i.e., can be located in one place, or can be distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the embodiment.

[0343] In addition, each functional unit in the various embodiments of the present application can be integrated into a processing unit, or each unit can be a physically independent unit, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0344] If the functions are realized in the form of software function units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the present application can be embodied in the form of a software product, and the computer software product is stored in a storage medium, and includes several instructions for causing a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: a U disk, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk, and various media that can store program codes.

[0345] The above description is merely a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or replacements within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be covered within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

[0346] As used in this description, the terms "component," "module," "system", and the like are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and / or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a computing device and the computing device can be a component. One or more components can reside within a process and / or thread of execution and a component can be localized, partially localized, and / or distributed across two or more computers. Also, these components can execute from various computer readable media having various data structures stored thereon. The components can communicate by way of local and / or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting with another component in a local system, distributed system, and / or across a network such as the Internet with other systems via the signal).

[0347] Those skilled in the art can realize that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be realized in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether the functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints. Those skilled in the art can realize the functions described in each example using a different method for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: A method suitable for a first communication device in a dormant state, comprising: receiving a first message and first indication information; determining a transmission policy of the first message according to the first indication information, the transmission policy comprising: ignoring the first message, or transmitting the first message before expiry of a timer indicated by the first indication information.

2. A communication method characterized by comprising: comprising: receiving a first message and first indication information; determining a transmission policy of the first message according to the first indication information and a dormant state of the first communication device, the transmission policy comprising: ignoring the first message, or transmitting the first message before expiry of a timer indicated by the first indication information.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, the first indication information comprising one or more of a type of the first message, a length of the timer, or an expiry time of the timer.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, in the case of transmitting the first message before expiry of the timer indicated by the first indication information, the first message is associated with the timer.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, in the case that the first indication information comprises the type of the first message, and the first message is a first type of first message, the first type of first message being a message to be repeatedly transmitted in the case of expiry of the timer, the transmission policy is to ignore the first message.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, in the case that the first indication information comprises the type of the first message, and the first message is a second type of first message, the second type of first message being a message not to be repeatedly transmitted in the case of expiry of the timer, the transmission policy is to transmit the first message before expiry of the timer indicated by the first indication information.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, in the case that the first indication information comprises the type of the first message, and the first message is a third type of first message, the third type of first message being a message to be transmitted before expiry of the timer, the transmission policy is to transmit the first message before expiry of the timer indicated by the first indication information.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, the first indication information further comprising first identification information, the method further comprising: receiving a response message of the first message; determining that the first message is associated with the response message of the first message according to the first identification information.

9. A communication method characterized by comprising: A method suitable for a first communication device in a dormant state, comprising: receiving a first message and first indication information, the first indication information comprising first identification information; transmitting the first message and the first identification information; receiving a response message of the first message and the first identification information; determining a transmission policy of the response message of the first message according to the first identification information and the first indication information, the transmission policy comprising: ignoring the response message of the first message, or transmitting the response message of the first message before expiry of a timer indicated by the first indication information.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, the first indication information comprising one or more of a type of the first message, a length of the timer, or an expiry time of the timer.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, the first indication information further comprising first identification information, the method further comprising: receiving a response message of the first message; determining that the first message is associated with the response message of the first message according to the first identification information. determining a transmission strategy of a response message of the first message according to the first indication information.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, the first message is associated with the timer.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, if the first indication information comprises a category of the first message, and the first message is a first message of a first category, the first message of the first category is a message to be repeatedly transmitted in case of the timer expiring, the transmission strategy is to ignore the response message of the first message.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, if the first indication information comprises a category of the first message, and the first message is a first message of a second category, the first message of the second category is a message not to be repeatedly transmitted in case of the timer expiring, the transmission strategy is to transmit the response message of the first message before the timer indicated by the first indication information expires.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, if the first indication information comprises a category of the first message, and the first message is a first message of a third category, the first message of the third category is a message to be transmitted before the timer expires, the transmission strategy is to transmit the response message of the first message before the timer indicated by the first indication information expires.

16. A communications device, characterized by The communication device comprises units or modules for performing the method of any of claims 1-15.

17. A communications device, characterized by comprising: a processor coupled with the memory, the processor configured to invoke the computer program instructions stored in the memory to perform the method of any of claims 1-15.

18. A chip, characterized by comprising a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface configured to receive data and / or information and transmit the received data and / or information to the processor, the processor configured to process the data and / or information to perform the method of any of claims 1-15.

19. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer readable storage medium has stored thereon instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any of claims 1-15.

20. A computer program product, characterised in that, The computer program product, when executed, causes the method of any of claims 1-15 to be implemented.

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