Method for light connection control of a user equipment and corresponding device

Abstract

The application provides a method for light connection control of a user equipment, comprising: a first radio access network node acquiring at least one kind of data information corresponding to the user equipment; and the first radio access network node performing corresponding light connection control on the user equipment according to the data information; wherein the data information comprises: energy saving mode information, data buffer information, light connection information, type information, service information, capability information and paging validity time; the application also provides a method for light connection control of a user equipment, comprising: a core network node acquiring at least one kind of data information corresponding to the user equipment; the core network node performing corresponding light connection control on the user equipment according to the data information; and sending light connection information corresponding to the light connection control to a remote end. That is, the present application can perform light connection control on the user equipment according to different information corresponding to the user equipment, save the signaling cost and reduce the access delay of the user equipment.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application for patent with application number 201710459639.X, application date of 2017-06-16, and title of "Method for Controlling User Equipment in Light Connection and Corresponding Device". TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of wireless communication, in particular, the present application relates to a method for controlling user equipment in light connection and corresponding device. BACKGROUND

[0003] Modern mobile communication is increasingly tending to provide multimedia services with high rate transmission for users.

[0004] For example, Figure 1The figure is a system architecture diagram of SAE (System Architecture Evolution). In the figure: UE (User Equipment) 101 is a terminal device supporting network protocols. E-UTRAN (Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network) 102 is a wireless access network, which includes a base station (eNodeB / NodeB) providing a wireless network interface for the UE. MME (Mobility Management Entity) 103 is responsible for managing the mobile context, session context and security information of the UE. SGW (Serving Gateway) 104 mainly provides user plane functions, and the MME 103 and the SGW 104 can be in the same physical entity. PGW (Packet Data Node Gateway) 105 is responsible for charging, lawful interception and other functions, and can also be in the same physical entity as the SGW 104. PCRF (Policy and Charging Rules Function) 106 provides QoS (Quality of Service) policies and charging criteria. SGSN (Serving GPRS Support Node) 108 is a network node device in UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) that provides routing for data transmission. HSS (Home Subscriber Server) 109 is the home subsystem of the UE, responsible for protecting user information including the current location of the user equipment, the address of the service node, user security information, and the packet data context of the user equipment.

[0005] As Figure 2As shown, it is a next generation network (5G) initial system architecture diagram. Among them: contains next generation (NextGen) UE, next generation access network or next generation wireless access network (Next Gen(R)AN), next generation core network (NextGen Core) and data network. The control plane interface between Next Gen(R)AN and NextGen Core is NG2 (also known as NG-C), and the user plane interface is NG3 (also known as NG-U). The names of these interfaces are only temporary naming, and if 3GPP finally decides to use other names, it does not affect the main content of the present application. NextGen Core further contains user plane function entities and control plane function entities.

[0006] In the foreseeable future, more and more electrical equipment will be intelligentized, and life surrounding supplies will be interconnected, all of which have the function of accessing the network. On the one hand, part of the UEs in the future often have the following characteristics: static or low mobility, low cost, and the data transmitted and received are often small data volume and discontinuous. For these UEs, the signaling overhead caused by establishing and releasing connections is much larger than the data volume transmitted and received. On the other hand, in order to support more and more real-time applications such as virtual reality, the access delay of future mobile communication networks is greatly reduced. In order to save signaling overhead, improve data transmission efficiency, and reduce the access delay of UEs to the network, there are still many problems to be solved in the existing network. SUMMARY

[0007] In order to overcome the above technical problems or at least partially solve the above technical problems, the following technical solutions are proposed:

[0008] One embodiment of the present application provides a method for controlling a user equipment in a light connection mode, comprising:

[0009] The first radio access network node acquires at least one data information corresponding to the user equipment;

[0010] According to the data information, the first radio access network node controls the user equipment in the light connection mode correspondingly;

[0011] The data information includes: energy saving mode information, data buffer information, light connection information, type information, service information, capability information, and paging effective time.

[0012] Preferably, the step of controlling the user equipment in the light connection mode by the first radio access network node comprises at least one of the following:

[0013] The first radio access network node controls the user equipment correspondingly in the paging mode;

[0014] The first radio access network node performs corresponding data buffer control on the user equipment.

[0015] The first radio access network node performs corresponding light connection control configuration on the user equipment.

[0016] Preferably, the step of the first radio access network node performing corresponding paging control on the user equipment comprises:

[0017] When the first radio access network node is disconnected from the user equipment, determines that the UE enters light connection or determines that the UE is in inactive state, the user equipment is controlled according to the energy saving mode information of the user equipment.

[0018] Preferably, the step of controlling the user equipment according to the energy saving mode information of the user equipment comprises at least one of the following:

[0019] When the energy saving mode information indicates that the user equipment has entered the energy saving mode or has requested the energy saving mode, the user equipment is not paged;

[0020] When the energy saving mode information of the user equipment indicates that the user equipment is within the corresponding energy saving mode active time, the user equipment is paged.

[0021] Preferably, the step of the first radio access network node performing corresponding data buffer control on the user equipment comprises:

[0022] When the first radio access network node is disconnected from the user equipment, determines that the UE enters light connection or determines that the UE is in inactive state, the user equipment is controlled according to the data buffer information and / or energy saving mode information of the user equipment.

[0023] Preferably, the step of controlling the user equipment according to the paging validity time of the user equipment comprises:

[0024] When the first radio access network node is disconnected from the user equipment, determines that the UE enters light connection or determines that the UE is in inactive state, and receives data of the UE, the UE is paged according to the paging validity time of the received data.

[0025] Preferably, the step of controlling the user equipment according to the data buffer information and / or energy saving mode information of the user equipment comprises:

[0026] When the user equipment meets the preset unreachable condition, the data buffer of the user equipment is controlled.

[0027] Preferably, the preset unreachable condition comprises at least one of the following:

[0028] The first radio access network node initiates a paging to the user equipment, and no response corresponding to the paging is received;

[0029] The energy saving mode information indicates that the user equipment has entered an energy saving mode or has requested an energy saving mode;

[0030] The energy saving mode information indicates that the user equipment has exceeded a corresponding energy saving mode active time.

[0031] Preferably, the step of the first radio access network node configuring the user equipment with light connection control accordingly comprises at least one of the following:

[0032] When the energy saving mode information of the user equipment indicates that the user equipment has entered an energy saving mode or has requested an energy saving mode, the first radio access network node does not configure the user equipment with light connection;

[0033] When the light connection information of the user equipment indicates that the user equipment has requested light connection or has conditions to perform light connection, the first radio access network node configures the user equipment with light connection;

[0034] When the type information and / or capability information of the user equipment indicates that the type of the user equipment belongs to a preset light connection type, the first radio access network node configures the user equipment with light connection;

[0035] When the service information of the user equipment indicates that the user equipment performs a preset light connection service type, the first radio access network node configures the user equipment with light connection.

[0036] Another embodiment of the present application provides a method for light connection control of a user equipment, which comprises:

[0037] The core network node acquires at least one data information corresponding to the user equipment;

[0038] According to the data information, the core network node performs light connection control of the user equipment accordingly;

[0039] The core network node sends light connection information corresponding to the light connection control to a remote end;

[0040] The data information comprises energy saving mode information, data cache information, light connection information, type information, service information, capability information, and paging validity time.

[0041] Preferably, the method further comprises the following steps:

[0042] According to the data information, the core network node controls the energy saving mode of the user equipment correspondingly;

[0043] The core network node sends energy saving mode information corresponding to the energy saving mode control to the remote end.

[0044] Preferably, the step of controlling the energy saving mode of the user equipment by the core network node comprises at least one of the following:

[0045] When the light connection information indicates that the user equipment has requested light connection or has the condition of light connection, the core network node controls the user equipment to be in light connection.

[0046] When the type information and / or the capability information indicates that the type of the user equipment belongs to a preset light connection type, the core network node controls the user equipment to be in light connection.

[0047] When the service information indicates that the user equipment has executed a preset light connection service type, the core network node controls the user equipment to be in light connection.

[0048] Preferably, the step of controlling the energy saving mode of the user equipment by the core network node comprises:

[0049] When the core network node does not control the user equipment to be in light connection, the core network node controls the user equipment to be in energy saving mode.

[0050] Preferably, the step of controlling the energy saving mode of the user equipment by the core network node comprises:

[0051] When the core network node controls the user equipment to be in light connection, the core network node does not control the user equipment to be in energy saving mode.

[0052] Preferably, the remote end comprises the user equipment and / or the first radio access network node.

[0053] Another embodiment of the present application provides a device for controlling a user equipment to be in light connection, comprising:

[0054] A radio access network obtaining module is configured to obtain at least one data information corresponding to the user equipment through the first radio access network node;

[0055] A radio access network control module is configured to control the user equipment to be in light connection correspondingly through the first radio access network node according to the data information.

[0056] The data information comprises energy saving mode information, data cache information, light connection information, type information, service information, capability information and paging validity time.

[0057] In still another embodiment of the present application, a device for controlling light connection of a user equipment is provided, comprising:

[0058] a core network acquisition module, configured to acquire at least one data information corresponding to the user equipment through a core network node;

[0059] a core network control module, configured to control light connection of the user equipment through the core network node according to the data information;

[0060] an information sending module, configured to send light connection information corresponding to the light connection control to a remote end through the core network node;

[0061] The data information includes energy saving mode information, data buffer information, light connection information, type information, service information, capability information and paging valid time.

[0062] Compared with the prior art, the present application has the following advantages:

[0063] In an embodiment of the present application, in view of the trend that the number of UEs accessing the network in the future is large and the amount of data transmitted and received is small, which easily causes the signaling overhead when the UE establishes connection with the network and releases the connection to be much larger than the amount of data transmitted and received, and the delay in accessing the network to be large, a method for controlling light connection of a user equipment is provided. The following at least one information of the UE is acquired through a first radio access network node: energy saving mode information, data buffer information, light connection information, type information, service information, capability information and paging valid time. The UE is controlled according to the acquired information. That is, the first radio access network node can control the light connection of the UE according to the different information corresponding to the UE, save the signaling overhead, reduce the delay in accessing the network, and exert the advantages of light connection.

[0064] In an embodiment of the present application, in view of the trend that the number of UEs accessing the network in the future is large and the amount of data transmitted and received is small, which easily causes the signaling overhead when the UE establishes connection with the network and releases the connection to be much larger than the amount of data transmitted and received, and the delay in accessing the network to be large, a method for controlling light connection of a user equipment is provided. The following at least one information of the UE is acquired through a core network node: energy saving mode information, data buffer information, light connection information, type information, service information, capability information and paging valid time. The core network node controls the light connection of the UE according to the acquired information, and sends light connection information corresponding to the light connection control to a remote end. That is, the core network node can control the light connection of the UE according to the different information corresponding to the UE, save the signaling overhead, reduce the delay in accessing the network, and exert the advantages of light connection.

[0065] Additional aspects and advantages of the application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following and the attendant drawings or can be learned by practice of the application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0066] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present application will become apparent and be more readily understood through reference to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0067] Figure 1 is a prior art system architecture diagram for system architecture evolution (SAE);

[0068] Figure 2 is a prior art system architecture diagram for next generation network (5G) initial system architecture;

[0069] Figure 3 is a flow chart of a method for controlling a user equipment in light connection according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0070] Figure 4 is a flow chart of a method for controlling a user equipment in light connection according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0071] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a method for controlling a user equipment in light connection according to embodiment 1 of the present application;

[0072] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a method for controlling a user equipment in light connection according to embodiment 2 of the present application;

[0073] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a method for controlling a user equipment in light connection according to embodiment 3 of the present application;

[0074] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a method for controlling a user equipment in light connection according to embodiment 4 of the present application;

[0075] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a device for controlling a user equipment in light connection according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0076] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a device for controlling a user equipment in light connection according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] Embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein the same or like reference numerals are used throughout the figures to refer to the same or like components. The embodiments described below are illustrative of the present application and are not intended to be limiting thereof.

[0078] Those skilled in the art of the technology can understand that, unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present application belongs. It should also be understood that terms such as those defined in a general dictionary should be understood to have meanings consistent with those in the context of the prior art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless specifically defined as such herein.

[0079] In order to facilitate the understanding of the technical solutions of the present application, it is necessary to make the following preliminary explanation of the principles and corresponding terms of the present application.

[0080] In order to reduce the paging range and reduce the signaling of service establishment, the present application proposes a light connection (Light Connection) UE connection mode. Specifically, light connection refers to when the wireless access network releases the connection of the UE or the UE is not active, the wireless access network does not request the core network to release the connection about the UE, such as the connection between the base station and the MME (S1 interface control plane) about the UE, the connection between the base station and the SGW (Serving GW, Serving Gateway) (S1 interface user plane) about the UE, the connection between the base station and the AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function, Access and Mobility Management Function) (NG-C interface control plane) about the UE, the connection between the base station and the UPF (User Plane Function, User Plane Function) (NG-U interface user plane) about the UE. When the UE is in idle state or inactive, the wireless access network still maintains the context of the UE, and the core network (such as MME, SGW, AMF, SMF, UPF) can consider that the UE is still in normal connection state. When there is downlink data, the core network (such as SGW, UPF) sends the data of the UE to the base station, and if the UE is in idle state or inactive at this time (such as the connection between the UE and the base station has been disconnected, suspended or inactive), the base station can initiate paging to the UE. Light connection can be applied to both SAE and 5G system architectures, such as Figure 1 As shown in Figure 2 .

[0081] After the above-mentioned light connection UE connection mode is proposed, a series of problems need to be solved in the data transmission process. The following are analyzed one by one:

[0082] Problem 1: UE can request power saving mode to core network, core network node confirms and allocates a power saving mode active time for UE. When the connection between UE and network is disconnected or inactive, UE can continue to listen to the network within the power saving mode active time configured by the core network node. When the configured power saving mode active time is over, UE will enter power saving mode. For the UE entering power saving mode, UE will no longer listen to the network, including the paging initiated by the radio access network node. Currently, the radio access network does not know whether the UE requests power saving mode. When the connection between UE and radio access network is disconnected or inactive, if the radio access network configures the UE to be in light connection state, i.e. maintains the connection between radio access network and core network about the UE, when the radio access network node pages the UE, the UE entering power saving mode will not be able to obtain the response of UE, wasting the paging resource.

[0083] Problem 2: Some data sent to UE can tolerate longer transmission delay, such as updated software version. When UE is temporarily unreachable, core network can cache data for a period of time, and wait until the connection between UE and network is restored (such as UE restores the connection with network in order to send periodic location update), and then core network sends the cached data to UE. While in light connection mode, core network does not cache data, but directly sends data to radio access network, when the radio access network pages UE and does not get response, the radio access network will directly delete the data and does not wait for the connection between UE and network to be restored.

[0084] Problem 3: The paging initiated by radio access network can be sent to other radio access network nodes for paging, and other radio access network nodes do not have the paging reachable time about UE, paging UE when UE is unreachable only wastes UE resource.

[0085] Problem 4: Light connection or inactive state requires UE to perform radio access network node relocation when moving out of the reachable range of the current radio access network node, which requires UE to listen to the network when moving. But the UE entering power saving mode does not listen to the network, which is a contradiction.

[0086] Problem 5: After UE enters light connection or inactive state, the radio access network receives data of UE and needs to page UE. But different UE data has different paging validity time, if UE does not return paging response all the time, the radio access network will always page, and the data may have been invalid. Leading to waste of paging resource.

[0087] Some terms in this paper are explained as follows:

[0088] In some embodiments, the radio access network node can be a base station, eNB, NodeB, radio access network central control unit, radio access network node distribution unit, etc. In next generation networks, the concept of node can be virtualized into functions or units. The radio access network central control unit can connect multiple radio access network node distribution units.

[0089] In some embodiments, the core network node can be a MME, SGSN, SGW, CCNF, AMF, SMF, etc., core network control node (e.g., MME, CCNF, AMF), core network user plane node (e.g., SMF, SGW, UDF), core network control plane function, core network user plane function, core network control plane unit, core network user plane unit, etc. In next generation networks, the concept of node can be virtualized into functions or units.

[0090] In some embodiments, the core network control node can be a MME, SGSN, core network control plane function, core network control plane unit, etc.

[0091] In some embodiments, the core network user plane node can be a SGW, SGSN, core network user plane function, core network user plane unit, network slice, etc.

[0092] In some embodiments, the energy saving mode active time for the UE can be represented as a paging reachable time, a time when paging can be initiated, a UE reachable time, etc.

[0093] In some embodiments, the light connection can also be embodied as a radio access network triggered paging function.

[0094] In some embodiments, whether the UE can be in light connection can be embodied as whether the UE is suitable for light connection, whether the UE is allowed to be in light connection, whether the UE supports light connection, whether the UE is able to be in light connection.

[0095] In some embodiments, the light connection can be embodied as an inactive state or an inactive state operation.

[0096] In some embodiments, the power saving mode can also be referred to as a MICO (Mobile Initiated Connection only) mode. The power saving mode or MICO mode can mean that the UE can support mobile originated (MO) data; but can not support mobile terminated (MT) data when idle. For example, the UE can enter the power saving mode / MICO mode when in idle mode, in which the UE does not listen for paging for the UE. The network can generate or receive data for the UE (which belongs to MT data) without paging the UE, but instead waits until the UE accesses the network to enter the connected mode and then sends the data to the UE. The power saving mode or MICO mode can not only be used for the UE in idle state, but also for the UE in inactive state. In some embodiments, the light connection or inactivity is when the RRC connection between the UE and the radio access network is light connection or inactivity. In other embodiments, the light connection or inactivity is when the connection between the UE and the core network is light connection or inactivity.

[0097] It should be noted that the present application proposes a method for controlling light connection of a user equipment, i.e., the method is described from the perspective of a first radio access network node, which can be implemented as a computer program on a remote radio access network device through programming, including but not limited to a computer, a network host, a single network server, a plurality of network server sets, or a cloud composed of multiple servers.

[0098] For details, please refer to the accompanying drawings Figure 3 For a flowchart of a method for controlling light connection of a user equipment in an embodiment of the present application, the method specifically includes the following steps:

[0099] In step 301, a first radio access network node acquires at least one data information corresponding to a user equipment; wherein the data information can include at least one of the following: power saving mode information, data buffering information, light connection information, type information, service information, capability information, paging validity time.

[0100] Specifically, in some embodiments, the first radio access network node can receive the above information from a second radio access network node, a UE, or a core network node.

[0101] Optionally, the power saving mode information of the UE includes at least one of the following: power saving mode indication information of the UE, power saving mode active time of the UE, enhanced DRX (discontinuous reception), and paging transmission window.

[0102] The power saving mode indication information about the UE can be an indication that the UE requests the power saving mode or an indication that the core network node accepts the UE to enter the power saving mode.

[0103] The power saving mode active time about the UE can be a time that the UE continues to listen after the connection with the radio access network is disconnected or after the UE enters the inactive state. When the time expires, the UE will no longer listen to the radio access network. The power saving mode active time about the UE can be expressed as a paging time or a UE reachable time about the UE. The first radio access network node can page the UE or configure the UE within the time. The first radio access network node can stop paging after the power saving mode active time expires.

[0104] Further, in some embodiments, when the first radio access network node initiates paging of the UE, the third radio access network is requested to page the UE, and the paging request can include the power saving mode active time about the UE. Since there is a difference between the time of initiating paging and the actual start of the active time, the power saving mode active time about the UE sent to the third radio access network node can be different from the power saving mode active time about the UE received by the first radio access network node. In some embodiments, the power saving mode active time about the UE received by the third radio access network node can be shorter than the power saving mode active time about the UE on the first radio access network node, minus the difference between the start of the initiation and the initiation of paging.

[0105] It is not difficult to understand that when the first radio access network node requests the third radio access network to page, the paging request includes the power saving mode active time about the UE, which can effectively avoid the problem that the third radio access network initiates paging to the UE at a time when the UE is not reachable due to the unknown power saving mode active time about the UE, and wastes paging resources.

[0106] Further, in some embodiments, the enhanced DRX represents a longer sleep time for the UE. The first radio access network node can calculate the UE reachable time according to the enhanced DRX and / or the paging sending time. Within the UE reachable time, paging of the UE can be initiated. Otherwise, outside the UE reachable time, the first radio access network node can suspend the paging event, such as buffering data.

[0107] Optionally, the data buffering information can include at least one of the following: delay tolerance indication information, data buffering time, and the amount of data that can be buffered. In some embodiments, when the UE is temporarily not reachable, the network can buffer the downlink data with long delay for a period of time, and send it to the UE after the UE and the network resume connection, such as the UE establishes or resumes the connection between the UE and the network for sending a periodic location update request.

[0108] The time delay tolerance indication information can indicate that the radio access network node buffers data of the UE for a period of time when the UE is unreachable. The period of time for buffering data can be the time for buffering the received data or the time for buffering data configured on the first radio access network node. The time delay tolerance indication can also be embodied as a long time delay data communication indication.

[0109] The time for buffering data can be the maximum time for buffering data. The first radio access network node can start timing the time for buffering data when the data is received or when the UE is found to be unreachable.

[0110] Optionally, the data buffering information can be information at a UE bearer level or a UE level. That is, the data buffering information for all bearers of the UE can be the same or the data buffering information for each UE bearer can be different.

[0111] Optionally, the information about the light connection of the UE can include at least one of the following: indication information about whether the UE can be in light connection, indication information about whether the UE requests light connection. The indication information about whether the UE can be in light connection can also be embodied as at least one of the following: whether the connection between the UE and the radio access network can be disconnected or inactive, whether the connection between the UE and the radio access network can be disconnected or inactive, whether the context of the UE can be maintained in the radio access network after the connection between the UE and the radio access network is disconnected or inactive, or whether the radio access network performs radio access network triggered paging configuration for the UE after the connection between the UE and the network is disconnected or inactive, etc.

[0112] Optionally, the service information of the UE can include at least one of the following: mobile broadband enhancement eMBB, massive MTC (Machine Type Communication), and mission-critical MTC.

[0113] Optionally, the paging validity time is a paging validity time related to UE data (which can also be embodied as a paging validity duration). For example, a paging validity time related to NAS data, a paging validity time related to session / QoS flow / bearer data. In some embodiments, the first radio access network node obtains the paging validity time when it learns of the UE data. For example, when the first radio access network node receives a NAS data packet, it obtains the paging validity time for the NAS data packet. In other embodiments, when the first radio access network node receives a request to establish a session / QoS flow / bearer, it obtains the paging validity time for the session / QoS flow / bearer. The paging validity time can be a duration of time during which the radio access network can trigger a paging. When the first radio access network node is disconnected from the UE, determines that the UE is in light connection, or determines that the UE is in an inactive state, and receives data for the UE, the first radio access network node pages the UE according to the paging validity time for the received data. If the UE does not respond to the page within the paging validity time, the first radio access network node can not need to continue paging, because the data for the UE related to the paging validity time can have expired.

[0114] Further, please refer to the accompanying drawings Figure 3 In one embodiment of the present application, a method for controlling a user equipment in light connection further comprises the steps of:

[0115] At step 302, the first radio access network node controls the user equipment in light connection according to the data information.

[0116] The data information can include at least one of the following: power saving mode information, data buffer information, light connection information, type information, service information, and capability information. The power saving mode information, data buffer information, light connection information, type information, service information, capability information, and paging validity time are as described in step 301, and will not be repeated here.

[0117] Optionally, the light connection control of the UE can include at least one of the following: paging control, UE data buffer control, and configuration of the UE for light connection control.

[0118] In some embodiments, after the connection between the first radio access network node and the UE is disconnected or inactive, if a paging event occurs (e.g., the UE receives downlink data), the first radio access network node can determine whether to initiate a page for the UE according to the power saving mode information for the UE.

[0119] Specifically, when the energy saving mode information indicates that the UE has entered the energy saving mode or has requested the energy saving mode, the UE can not be paged; or when the energy saving mode information of the UE indicates that the UE is within the corresponding energy saving mode active time, the first radio access network node can page the UE, otherwise, the first radio access network node can avoid paging the UE after the energy saving mode active time expires, because the UE is not reachable at this time.

[0120] In some embodiments, after the connection between the first radio access network node and the UE is disconnected or inactive, if there is a paging event (such as receiving downlink data of the UE), it can be determined whether to initiate paging of the UE according to the paging validity time.

[0121] Specifically, the paging validity time (as described in 301) indicates the time when the UE is reachable for paging. When the paging validity time expires, the first radio access network node can page the UE; when the paging validity time expires, the first radio access network node can avoid paging the UE after the energy saving mode active time expires, because the UE is not reachable at this time.

[0122] In some embodiments, according to the energy saving mode active time of the UE, after the connection between the UE and the network is disconnected or inactive, the first radio access network node starts timing the active time. When the active time expires, the first radio access network node can know that the UE is in the energy saving mode.

[0123] In some embodiments, according to the energy saving mode indication information or the energy saving mode active time, the first radio access network node knows that the UE enters the energy saving mode after the connection between the UE and the network is disconnected or inactive.

[0124] It is understandable that the first radio access network node can not page the UE which has entered the energy saving mode according to the energy saving mode information of the UE, and the problem of wasting paging resources is avoided. Specifically, in one application scenario of the present scheme, the UE requests the energy saving mode to the core network, and the core network node can allocate an energy saving mode active time for the UE after confirmation. When the connection between the UE and the network is disconnected or inactive, the UE can continue to listen to the network within the energy saving mode active time configured by the core network node. When the configured energy saving mode active time is over, the UE will enter the energy saving mode. For the UE which has entered the energy saving mode, the UE will no longer listen to the network, including the paging initiated by the first radio access network node. However, when the first radio access network does not know whether the UE has requested the energy saving mode, after the connection between the UE and the first radio access network is disconnected or inactive, if the first radio access network configures the UE to be in the light connection state, i.e., maintains the connection between the first radio access network and the core network about the UE, when the first radio access network node pages the UE, the UE which has entered the energy saving mode will not be able to obtain the response of the UE, and the paging resources are wasted. The first radio access network node can know whether the UE has entered the energy saving mode or has requested the energy saving mode through the energy saving mode information, and the problem of wasting paging resources is avoided.

[0125] Further, in some embodiments, after the connection between the first radio access network node and the UE is disconnected or inactive, if there is downlink data of the UE arriving at the first radio access network node. The first radio access network node can perform data buffer control of the UE according to the data buffer information about the UE and / or the energy saving mode information about the UE. In some embodiments, the data buffer control can include but is not limited to one of the following:

[0126] 1. When the UE meets a preset unreachable condition, the first radio access network node buffers data of the UE. Specifically, when the UE is found to be unreachable, the first radio access network node can buffer the data of the UE for a period of time. The buffering time can be the time configured by the first radio access network node, or the time of the received data buffer.

[0127] 2. The first radio access network node can decide whether to buffer data according to different reasons for the UE being unreachable. The data of the UE which has entered the energy saving mode is buffered for a period of time, and the data of the UE which is unreachable in other ways can not be buffered or can be buffered for a shorter time.

[0128] Correspondingly, the preset unreachable condition can include at least one of the following:

[0129] The first radio access network node initiates paging to the UE, and does not receive the response corresponding to the paging;

[0130] The energy saving mode information indicates that the UE has entered the energy saving mode or has requested the energy saving mode;

[0131] The energy saving mode information represents that the UE has exceeded the corresponding energy saving mode active time.

[0132] It is understandable that the first radio access network node can control the data buffering of the UE according to the obtained data buffering information and energy saving mode information of the UE. Specifically, in one application scenario of the present application, some data sent to the UE can tolerate a longer transmission delay, such as an updated software version. When the UE is temporarily unreachable (such as entering the energy saving mode), the first radio access network node can buffer the data for a period of time, and wait until the connection between the UE and the network is restored (such as the UE restores the connection with the network for sending periodic location updates), and then the first radio access network node sends the buffered data to the UE, avoiding the problem of data loss due to not buffering the data.

[0133] In some embodiments, the first radio access network node can decide whether to configure the UE for light connection control according to at least one of the following: light connection information about the UE, energy saving mode information about the UE, type information of the UE, service information of the UE, and capability information of the UE. In some embodiments, whether to configure the UE for light connection control can include but is not limited to one of the following:

[0134] 1. For the UE indicating the energy saving mode, the first radio access network node can not configure the UE for light connection. The first radio access network node can know that the UE is the UE indicating the energy saving mode according to the energy saving mode information about the UE.

[0135] 2. For the UE indicating that light connection can be performed or the UE requesting light connection, the first radio access network node can configure the UE for light connection. In some embodiments, the UE requesting light connection does not request the energy saving mode; the UE requesting the energy saving mode does not request light connection.

[0136] 3. For the UE that cannot perform light connection or the UE that does not request light connection, the first radio access network node can not configure the UE for light connection.

[0137] 4. The first radio access network node configures the UE for light connection when the type information and / or the capability information of the UE indicates that the UE belongs to a pre-defined type of light connection. Specifically, for some UE types, the data volume is small, the UE has no interaction with the network for a long time, or the latency requirement is low. For example, massive MTC, the first radio access network node can not configure the UE for light connection. For other UE types, the data volume is large, the UE has frequent interaction with the network, or the latency requirement is high (e.g., eMBB, critical MTC), the first radio access network node can configure the UE for light connection. The first radio access network node can determine whether the UE is suitable for light connection according to the type information of the UE and / or the capability information of the UE, i.e., whether the UE belongs to a pre-defined type of light connection.

[0138] 5. The first radio access network node configures the UE for light connection when the service information of the UE indicates that the UE performs a pre-defined type of service of light connection. For some types of service, the service type has no interaction with the network for a long time or has a low latency requirement, such as fire prevention sensor monitoring service. For the UE performing the service, the first radio access network node can not configure the UE for light connection. For other types of service, the service type has frequent interaction with the network or has a high latency requirement (e.g., V2X, vehicle collision prevention monitoring service). For the UE performing the service, the first radio access network node can configure the UE for light connection.

[0139] Further, in some embodiments, configuring the UE for light connection comprises at least one of the following steps:

[0140] maintaining, by the first radio access network node, a context of the UE after a connection between the UE and the network is disconnected or inactive;

[0141] configuring, by the first radio access network node, an access network node anchor update area for the UE.

[0142] Correspondingly, in some other embodiments, not configuring the UE for light connection comprises at least one of the following steps:

[0143] releasing, by the first radio access network node, the context of the UE after the connection between the UE and the network is disconnected or inactive;

[0144] releasing, by the first radio access network node, a connection between the first radio access network node and a core network node with respect to the UE after the connection between the UE and the network is disconnected or inactive;

[0145] not configuring, by the first radio access network node, an access network node anchor update area for the UE.

[0146] In summary, the present application aims at the tendency of large number of UEs and small amount of data in future access network, which causes the signaling overhead of UE and network connection establishment and release to be much larger than the amount of data transmission, and the problem of long access network delay, and proposes a method for light connection control of user equipment. The first radio access network node obtains at least one of the following information of the UE: power saving mode information, data buffer information, light connection information, type information, service information and capability information, and performs light connection control on the UE according to the obtained information. That is, the first radio access network node can realize different light connection control of the UE according to the different information corresponding to the UE, save the signaling overhead, reduce the UE access network delay, and play the advantage of light connection function.

[0147] Correspondingly, the present application also proposes a method for light connection control of user equipment, which is described from the perspective of the core network node. The method for light connection control of user equipment can be realized as a computer program on a remote core network device by programming, which includes but is not limited to a computer, a network host, a single network server, a plurality of network server sets or a cloud composed of multiple servers.

[0148] For details, please refer to the accompanying drawings Figure 4 The flow chart of the method for light connection control of user equipment in an embodiment of the present application, which specifically includes the following steps:

[0149] Step 401, the core network node obtains at least one data information corresponding to the user equipment; wherein the data information includes: power saving mode information, data buffer information, light connection information, type information, service information, and capability information.

[0150] In some embodiments, the core network control node receives the above information from the radio access network node, the UE, other core network control nodes or the core network user plane node. Optionally, the power saving mode information of the UE includes at least one of the following: power saving mode indication information about the UE, power saving mode active time about the UE, enhanced DRX (discontinuous reception), and paging transmission window.

[0151] Optionally, the power saving mode information about the UE contains the information as described in step 301, which is not repeated here.

[0152] Optionally, the data buffer information about the UE contains the information as described in step 301, which is not repeated here.

[0153] Optionally, the light connection information about the UE contains the information as described in step 301, which is not repeated here.

[0154] Optionally, the type information of the UE contains information as described in step 301, which will not be repeated here.

[0155] Optionally, the service information of the UE contains information as described in step 301, which will not be repeated here.

[0156] Optionally, the capability information of the UE contains information as described in step 301, which will not be repeated here.

[0157] Further, please refer to the accompanying drawings Figure 4 In an embodiment of the present application, the method for controlling the UE in light connection further comprises the following steps:

[0158] In step 402, the core network node controls the UE in light connection according to the data information, wherein the data information can include at least one of the following: energy saving mode information, data buffer information, light connection information, type information, service information, capability information, and paging validity time.

[0159] It is not difficult to understand that the method of the present application can further comprise the step of controlling the UE in energy saving mode according to the data information.

[0160] Optionally, the light connection control of the UE by the core network node can include at least one of the following: determining whether the UE can be in light connection. In some embodiments, whether the UE can be in light connection can be manifested as whether the UE is suitable for light connection.

[0161] Optionally, the energy saving mode control of the UE by the core network node can include at least one of the following: determining whether the UE can be in energy saving mode.

[0162] In some embodiments, the condition for the core network node to determine that the UE can be in light connection can include but is not limited to at least one of the following:

[0163] 1. When the light connection information represents that the UE has requested light connection or has the condition to be in light connection, the core network node can confirm that the UE can be in light connection. Specifically, the core network node can know whether the UE has requested light connection according to the light connection information of the UE.

[0164] 2、When the type information and / or the capability information indicates that the type of the UE belongs to a preset light connection type, the core network node can determine that the UE can perform light connection. Specifically, the UE type suitable for light connection can include a UE with a large amount of data, for example, the UE includes a data amount exceeding a certain preset value; a UE that frequently interacts with the network or a UE with a high requirement for latency, for example, eMBB, critical MTC, that is, the UE has an interaction with the network within a preset time or a latency requirement value lower than a preset latency value. The core network node can determine whether the type of the UE is suitable for light connection according to the type information of the UE or the capability information of the UE.

[0165] 3、When the service information indicates that the UE performs a preset light connection service type, the core network node can determine that the UE can perform light connection. Specifically, the preset light connection service type includes a service type in which the UE has an interaction with the network within a preset time; and / or a service type in which the latency requirement value of the UE is lower than a preset latency value. The service type suitable for light connection can be a service that frequently interacts with the network or a service with a high requirement for latency, such as V2X, vehicle collision monitoring service.

[0166] In some other embodiments, the condition in which the core network node determines that the UE cannot perform light connection can include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following:

[0167] 1、When the power saving mode information indicates that the UE has indicated a power saving mode, the core network node can determine that the UE cannot perform light connection. The core network node can determine that the UE is a UE that has indicated a power saving mode according to the power saving mode information of the UE.

[0168] 2、When the type information and / or the capability information indicates that the type of the UE does not belong to a preset light connection type, the core network node can determine that the UE cannot perform light connection. Specifically, the type of the UE that does not belong to the preset light connection type can include: the data amount of the UE is lower than a certain preset value; the UE has no interaction with the network within a preset time or the latency requirement value of the UE is higher than a preset latency value, such as massive MTC.

[0169] 3、When the service information indicates that the UE performs a preset service type that does not perform light connection, the core network node can determine that the UE cannot perform light connection. The service type that is not suitable for light connection can include a service type that has no interaction with the network for a long time or a service type with a low requirement for latency, that is, a service type in which the UE has no interaction with the network within a preset time or a service type in which the latency requirement value of the UE is higher than a preset latency value. For example, a UE performing fire sensing monitoring service.

[0170] In some embodiments, the condition under which the core network node decides that the UE can enter the energy saving mode can be the condition under which the core network node decides that the UE cannot enter the light connection, which will not be repeated here.

[0171] In some embodiments, the condition under which the core network node decides that the UE cannot enter the energy saving mode can be the condition under which the core network node decides that the UE can enter the light connection, which will not be repeated here.

[0172] Further, please refer to the accompanying drawings Figure 4 In one embodiment of the present application, a method for controlling a light connection of a user equipment further comprises the following steps:

[0173] In step 403, the core network node sends light connection information corresponding to the light connection control to a remote end.

[0174] Correspondingly, it is not difficult to understand that after the aforementioned step of controlling the energy saving mode of the UE by the core network node according to the data information, the method of the present application can further comprise the following step: the core network node sends energy saving mode information corresponding to the energy saving mode control to a remote end.

[0175] In some embodiments, the remote end can include the user equipment and / or the first radio access network node.

[0176] In some embodiments, the core network node can send light connection information about the UE to the UE or the first radio access network node, the light connection information about the UE indicating whether the UE can enter the light connection according to the decision of the core network node.

[0177] In some embodiments, when the core network node decides that the UE can enter the energy saving mode, the core network node can send energy saving mode information about the UE to the UE or the first radio access network node.

[0178] In summary, the present application proposes a method for controlling a light connection of a user equipment in view of the trend that the number of UEs of future access networks is large and the amount of data transmitted and received is small, which can easily cause the signaling overhead when the UE establishes a connection with the network and releases the connection to be much larger than the amount of data transmitted and received, and the delay when accessing the network is large. The core network node obtains at least one of the following information of the UE: energy saving mode information, data buffer information, light connection information, type information, service information and capability information. The core network node controls the light connection of the UE according to the obtained information, and sends light connection information corresponding to the light connection control to a remote end. That is, the core network node can control the light connection of the UE according to the different information obtained from the UE, save the signaling overhead, reduce the delay when the UE accesses the network, and take advantage of the light connection function.

[0179] To facilitate understanding of the specific implementation of the solution described in this invention, the following detailed description of the solution is provided in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0180] Example 1:

[0181] Please see the appendix Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the method for controlling a light connection to a UE in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Specifically, this embodiment is applied during the establishment or restoration of a connection between the UE and the network. Firstly, it demonstrates the implementation method of the radio access network node regarding paging, data buffering, and light connection control; secondly, it demonstrates the implementation method of the core network node regarding light connection control. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0182] Step 501: The UE establishes or restores an RRC (Radio Resource Control) connection with the first radio access network node.

[0183] Optionally, the RRC connection establishment request or RRC connection recovery request message may contain data information corresponding to the UE; wherein the data information may include at least one of the following: power saving mode information, data cache information, light connection information, type information, service information, and capability information. After receiving the above data information, the first radio access network node may perform paging control, UE data cache control, and configure the UE to perform light connection control, as described in step 302.

[0184] Step 502: The first radio access network node sends an initial UE message to the core network control node. The initial UE message may contain an attach request or a TAU (Tracking Area Update) request from the UE.

[0185] Optionally, the UE can send data information corresponding to the UE to the core network node through an attach request or a TAU request; wherein the data information may include at least one of the following: power saving mode information, data cache information, light connection information, type information, service information, capability information, and paging validity time, as described in step 401.

[0186] The core network performs control based on relevant information, as described in step 402.

[0187] Step 503: The core network control node sends an initial context establishment request message to the first radio access network node.

[0188] Optionally, when the core network control node determines that the UE can enter power-saving mode, it can send power-saving mode information about the UE to the first radio access network node through an initial context establishment request message, as described in step 403.

[0189] Optionally, the core network control node can send light connection information about the UE to the radio access network node through an initial context establishment request message. The light connection information about the UE indicates whether the UE can perform light connection information as determined by the core network node, as described in step 403.

[0190] Optionally, the initial context establishment request message may contain data information corresponding to the UE; wherein the data information may include at least one of the following: power saving mode information, data cache information, light connection information, type information, service information, capability information, and paging validity time. After receiving the above information, the first radio access network node may perform paging control, UE data cache control, and configure the UE to perform light connection control, as described in step 302.

[0191] Step 504: The first radio access network node sends an initial context establishment response message to the core network control node.

[0192] Step 505: The first radio access network node performs RRC connection reconfiguration on the UE.

[0193] The RRC reconfiguration request message may contain an attach accept or TAU accept message.

[0194] Optionally, when the core network control node determines that the UE can enter power-saving mode, it can send power-saving mode information about the UE to the UE through attach accept or TAU accept messages, as described in step 403.

[0195] Optionally, the core network control node can send light connection information about the UE to the UE via an attach accept or TAU accept message, as described in step 403.

[0196] Step 506: The first radio access network node sends an initial context establishment complete message to the core network control node.

[0197] This concludes the method flow in this embodiment.

[0198] Example 2:

[0199] Please see the appendix Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the method for controlling a light connection to a UE in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Specifically, Embodiment 2 is applied when the UE and the network are in a connected state and the UE triggers a TA (Tracking Area) update. It demonstrates two implementation methods: first, the radio access network node's control over paging, data buffering, and light connections; and second, the core network node's control over light connections. Figure 6 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0200] Step 601: The UE sends an uplink information transmission message to the first radio access network node.

[0201] Optionally, the uplink information transmission message may contain data information corresponding to the UE; wherein the data information may include at least one of the following: power saving mode information, data cache information, light connection information, type information, service information, capability information, and paging validity time. After receiving the above information, the first radio access network node may perform paging control, data cache control, and configure the UE to perform light connection control, as described in step 302.

[0202] Step 602: The first wireless access network node sends an uplink NAS transmission message to the core network control node.

[0203] The uplink NAS transmission message may include the UE's TAU request.

[0204] Optionally, the UE can send data information corresponding to the UE to the core network node through the UE's TAU request; wherein the data information may include at least one of the following: power saving mode information, data cache information, light connection information, type information, service information, capability information, and paging validity time.

[0205] The specific information content is as described in step 401. The core network performs control based on the relevant information, as described in step 402.

[0206] Step 603: The core network control node sends a downlink NAS transmission message to the first radio access network node.

[0207] Optionally, when the core network control node determines that the UE can enter power-saving mode, it can send power-saving mode information about the UE to the first radio access network node through downlink NAS transmission messages, as described in step 403.

[0208] Optionally, the core network control node can send light connection information about the UE to the radio access network node via downlink NAS transmission messages. The light connection information about the UE indicates whether the UE can perform light connection information as determined by the core network node, as described in step 403.

[0209] Optionally, the downlink NAS transmission message may include data information corresponding to the UE; wherein the data information may include at least one of the following: power saving mode information, data cache information, light connection information, type information, service information, capability information, and paging validity time. After receiving the above information, the first radio access network node may perform paging control, UE data cache control, and configure the UE to perform light connection control, as described in step 302.

[0210] Step 604: The first radio access network node sends a downlink information transmission message to the UE.

[0211] The downlink information transmission message may include a TAU acceptance message.

[0212] Optionally, when the core network control node determines that the UE can enter power-saving mode, it can send power-saving mode information about the UE to the UE through the TAU receiving message, as described in step 403.

[0213] Optionally, the core network control node can receive messages through the TAU and send light connection information about the UE to the UE, as described in step 403.

[0214] This concludes the method flow in this embodiment.

[0215] Example 3:

[0216] Please see the appendix Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the method for controlling light connections to user equipment in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Specifically, Embodiment 3 is applied in the UE bearer establishment process, demonstrating two aspects: first, the implementation method of radio access network node control regarding paging, data buffering, and light connections; and second, the implementation method of core network node control regarding light connections. Figure 7 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0217] Step 701: The core network control node sends an E-RAB (Evolved Radio Access Bearer, user plane bearer) establishment request or modification request message to the first radio access network node.

[0218] Optionally, when the core network control node determines that the UE can enter power-saving mode, it can send power-saving mode information about the UE to the first radio access network node through an E-RAB establishment request or modification request message, as described in step 403.

[0219] Optionally, the core network control node can send light connection information about the UE to the radio access network node via an E-RAB establishment request or modification request message. The light connection information about the UE indicates whether the UE can perform light connection information as determined by the core network node, as described in step 403.

[0220] Optionally, the E-RAB establishment request or modification request message may contain data information corresponding to the UE; wherein the data information may include at least one of the following: power saving mode information, data cache information, light connection information, type information, service information, capability information, and paging validity time. After receiving the above information, the first radio access network node may perform paging control, UE data cache control, and whether to configure the UE to perform light connection control, as described in step 302.

[0221] Step 702: The first radio access network node performs RRC connection reconfiguration on the UE.

[0222] Step 703: The first radio access network node sends an E-RAB establishment response or modification request response message to the core network control node.

[0223] This concludes the method flow in this embodiment.

[0224] Example 4:

[0225] Please see the appendix Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the method for controlling light connections to a user equipment (UE) in Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Specifically, Embodiment 4 is applied after the connection between the UE and the network is disconnected or inactive, demonstrating the implementation of the radio access network node's control over paging, data buffering, and light connections. Figure 8 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0226] Step 801: The RRC connection between the UE and the first radio access network node is released or suspended. Optionally, after the RRC connection is released or suspended, the first radio access network node may start timing the UE's power-saving mode active time. The UE's power-saving mode active time is as described in step 301, and will not be repeated here.

[0227] Step 802: The first radio access network node receives downlink data about the UE.

[0228] If the UE's power-saving mode active time has not expired, the first radio access node pagees the UE. Optionally, the first radio access node may also send the paging of the UE to the second radio access node, as in step 803.

[0229] In some implementations, when the UE is not active in power-saving mode for an extended period of time, the first radio access network node stops paging the UE.

[0230] Step 803: The first radio access network node sends a paging message about the UE to the second radio access network node.

[0231] Optionally, the paging message may contain data information corresponding to the user equipment; wherein the data information may include at least one of the following: power-saving mode information, data cache information, light connection information, type information, service information, capability information, and paging validity period. After receiving the above information, the second radio access network node may perform paging control on the UE, as described in step 302.

[0232] In some implementations, when the UE is unreachable, the UE's data is latency-tolerant data, and the first radio access network node is allowed to cache the UE data according to its own configured data caching time or the received data caching time, as described in step 302.

[0233] Optionally, the timer for the UE's power-saving mode active time begins. The UE's power-saving mode active time is as described in step 301 and will not be repeated here.

[0234] Optionally, when the UE is unreachable, there are two ways to stop paging of the UE on the second radio access network node: Method 1: The first radio access network node sends a paging stop message to the second radio access network node after the energy-saving mode active time for the UE expires, as described in step 804. Method 2: After the second radio access network node learns that the UE is an energy-saving mode UE, upon receiving the paging message, the second radio access network node can start the energy-saving mode active timer for the UE. The energy-saving mode active time for the UE on the second radio access network node can be the default configuration or received from the first radio access network node. The energy-saving mode active time for the UE received by the second radio access network node can be shorter than the energy-saving mode active time for the UE on the first radio access network node, minus the difference between the start of the activation and the paging initiation.

[0235] Step 804, optionally, the first radio access network node sends a paging stop message to the second radio access network node, requesting to stop paging for the UE. In some implementations, the first radio access network node sends the paging stop message to the second radio access network node when the UE is unreachable and the power-saving mode active time for the UE has expired.

[0236] This concludes the method flow in this embodiment.

[0237] In summary, Example 1, applied during the establishment and restoration of the UE-network connection, demonstrates the implementation methods of the radio access network node's control over paging, data buffering, and light connections, as well as the implementation methods of the core network node's control over light connections. Example 2, applied during the UE-network connection establishment process and the UE triggering a TA update, demonstrates the implementation methods of the radio access network node's control over paging, data buffering, and light connections, as well as the implementation methods of the core network node's control over light connections. Example 3, applied during the UE bearer establishment process, demonstrates the implementation methods of the radio access network node's control over paging, data buffering, and light connections, as well as the implementation methods of the core network node's control over light connections. Example 4, applied after the UE disconnects, demonstrates the implementation methods of the radio access network node's control over paging, data buffering, and light connections.

[0238] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, this invention achieves UE paging, data caching, and light connection control by synchronizing UE light connection information, energy-saving mode information, and data caching information between the wireless access network node and the core network node. It can differentiate between different UE types and service types to implement light connections, configuring light connections for UEs truly suitable for them, saving signaling overhead, reducing UE network access latency, and leveraging the advantages of light connection functionality.

[0239] Furthermore, based on the functional modularity of computer software and the aforementioned method for lightweight connection control of user equipment, this invention also provides a device for lightweight connection control of user equipment, which can be a wireless access network device. Please refer to the following for details. Figure 9 The device includes a wireless access network acquisition module 901 and a wireless access network control module 902.

[0240] Specifically, the wireless access network acquisition module 901 is used to acquire at least one type of data information corresponding to the user equipment through the first wireless access network node; the wireless access network control module 902 is used to perform corresponding light connection control on the user equipment through the first wireless access network node based on the data information; wherein the data information includes: power saving mode information, data cache information, light connection information, type information, service information, capability information, and paging validity time.

[0241] In the solution of the present invention, the specific functional implementation of each module in the device for light connection control of user equipment can be referred to the aforementioned specific steps 301 and 302, and will not be described in detail here.

[0242] Similarly, based on the functional modularity of computer software and the aforementioned method for lightweight connection control of user equipment, this invention also provides a device for lightweight connection control of user equipment, which can be a core network device. Please refer to [link / reference] for details. Figure 10 The device includes a core network acquisition module 1001, a core network control module 1002, and an information transmission module 1003.

[0243] Specifically, the core network acquisition module 1001 is used to acquire at least one type of data information corresponding to the user equipment through the core network node; the core network control module 1002 is used to perform corresponding light connection control on the user equipment through the core network node based on the data information; and the information sending module 1003 is used to send light connection information corresponding to the light connection control to the remote end through the core network node; wherein the data information includes: energy saving mode information, data cache information, light connection information, type information, service information, capability information, and paging validity time.

[0244] In the solution of the present invention, the specific functional implementation of each module in the device for light connection control of user equipment can be referred to the aforementioned specific steps 401, 402 and 403, which will not be described in detail here.

[0245] The above description is only a partial embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method of controlling a state of a user equipment by a base station in a wireless communication system, the method comprising: Comprising: receiving information for controlling a state of a user equipment, UE, from a core network node, the information comprising an indication associated with a first mode, the first mode determined by the core network node based on a request from the UE to the core network node; determining whether to configure the state of the user equipment, UE, to a first state based on the information; maintaining a context of the UE in case the UE is configured to the first state, wherein a connection between the base station and the core network node is maintained in the first state; wherein paging of the UE is handled by the base station in case the UE is configured to the first state; wherein paging is not monitored by the UE in the first mode and in an idle state of the UE.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The UE enters the first mode is determined based on a timeout of an active time after the UE enters an idle state, the active time allocated by the core network node.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The information is transmitted by an initial context setup message.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The initial context setup message further comprises information on a value of discontinuous reception, DRX, of the UE.

5. A method of controlling a state of a user equipment by a core network node in a wireless communication system, the method comprising: Comprising: receiving a request for a first mode from a UE; determining to allow a user equipment, UE, to use the first mode based on the request; sending information for controlling a state of a terminal to a base station, the information comprising an indication that the UE is allowed the first mode; maintaining a connection between the core network node and the base station in case the UE is configured to the first state based on the information; wherein a context of the UE is maintained by the base station in case the UE is configured to the first state; wherein paging of the UE is handled by the base station in case the UE is configured to the first state; wherein paging is not monitored by the UE in the first mode and in an idle state of the UE.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The UE enters the first mode is determined based on a timeout of an active time after the UE enters an idle state, the active time allocated by the core network node.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The information is transmitted by an initial context setup message.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The initial context setup message further comprises information on a value of discontinuous reception, DRX, of the UE.

9. A base station that controls a user equipment in a wireless communication system, the base station comprising: Comprising: means for receiving information for controlling a state of a user equipment, UE, from a core network node, the information comprising an indication associated with a first mode, the first mode determined by the core network node based on a request from the UE to the core network node; means for determining whether to configure the state of the user equipment, UE, to a first state based on the information; means for maintaining a context of the UE in case the UE is configured to the first state, wherein a connection between the base station and the core network node is maintained in the first state; wherein paging of the UE is handled by the base station in case the UE is configured to the first state; wherein paging is not monitored by the UE in the first mode and in an idle state of the UE.

10. The base station of claim 9, characterized in that, The UE enters the first mode is determined based on a timeout of an active time after the UE enters an idle state, the active time allocated by the core network node.

11. The base station according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by The information is transmitted by an initial context setup message.

12. The base station of claim 11, characterized in that, The initial context setup message further comprises information on a value of discontinuous reception, DRX, of the UE.

13. A core network node for controlling the state of user equipment in a wireless communication system, characterized in that, Comprising: means for receiving a request for a first mode from a UE; means for determining to allow a user equipment, UE, to use the first mode based on the request; a module for sending information for controlling a terminal state to a base station, the information comprising an indication that the UE is allowed a first mode; a module for maintaining a connection between the core network node and the base station if the UE is configured to a first state based on the information, wherein the context of the UE is maintained by the base station if the UE is configured to the first state; wherein paging of the UE is handled by the base station if the UE is configured to the first state; the paging is not monitored by the UE in the first mode and when the UE is in an idle state.

14. The access and mobility management function of claim 13, wherein, the UE enters the first mode is determined according to a timeout of an active time after the UE enters an idle state, the active time being allocated by the core network node.

15. The access and mobility management function according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, the information is transmitted by an initial context setup message.

16. The access and mobility management function of claim 15, wherein, the initial context setup message further comprises information on a value of a discontinuous reception, DRX, of the UE.

17. A radio access network device, characterized by: It comprises: one or more processors; a memory; one or more application programs, wherein the one or more application programs are stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the one or more processors, the one or more programs configured to perform the method of controlling a state of a user equipment by a base station in a wireless communication system according to any one of claims 1-4.

18. A core network device, comprising: It comprises: one or more processors; a memory; one or more application programs, wherein the one or more application programs are stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the one or more processors, the one or more programs configured to perform the method of controlling a state of a user equipment by a core network node in a wireless communication system according to any one of claims 5-8.

19. A computer readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program, characterized in that, The program is executed by the processor to implement the method of controlling a state of a user equipment by a base station in a wireless communication system according to any one of claims 1-4.

20. A computer readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program, characterized in that, The program is executed by the processor to implement the method of controlling a state of a user equipment by a core network node in a wireless communication system according to any one of claims 5-8.

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