A system and method for permanent connection of a wireless communication system

Abstract

A system and method for permanent connection of a wireless communication system. A method for operating a user equipment UE comprises: determining a first operation state according to a first message flow generated by a non-session type application running in the UE; setting a state machine of the UE to the first operation state; and sending a first message according to the state machine.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to prior application U.S. Non-Provisional Application No. 14 / 150,539, filed on January 8, 2014, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERMANENT CONNECTION OF A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to digital communication, and more particularly to a system and method for permanent connection of a wireless communication system. Background Art

[0003] As user equipment (UE) becomes more and more advanced, UE can run different applications in the foreground (called foreground applications) or in the background (called background applications), and the connection with the evolved NodeB (eNB) is increasing. UE is also commonly called terminal, subscriber, user, mobile station, mobile device, etc. eNB is also commonly called NodeB, base station, controller, communication controller, access point, etc.

[0004] Foreground applications (and the associated message traffic - "foreground traffic") include applications such as video streaming, web browsing, file transfer, games, etc. Background applications (and the associated message traffic - "background traffic") include keep-alive messages generated by the mobile operating system, instant messaging, reports generated by sensors and / or smart meters, etc. Providing persistent connections (maintaining an existing connection for low-latency communications, rather than terminating an existing connection and reestablishing another one when needed) while conserving energy (e.g., maximizing battery life) is a big challenge. Summary of the invention

[0005] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for permanent connection of a wireless communication system.

[0006] According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a method for operating a UE includes: determining a first operating state based on a first message traffic generated by a non-session-based application running in the UE, setting a state machine of the UE to the first operating state, and sending a first message based on the state machine.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a UE includes a processor and a transmitter, wherein the transmitter is operatively coupled to the processor. The processor is configured to determine a first operating state according to first message traffic generated by a non-conversational application running in the UE, and set a state machine of the UE to the first operating state. The transmitter is configured to send a first message according to the state machine.

[0008] The advantage of this embodiment is that the UE running in the ECO state (ie, low power consumption state) can maintain a permanent connection while minimizing energy consumption.

[0009] Another advantage of this embodiment is that the UE running in the ECO state does not need to switch to the active state to support the transmission of background applications, so that the communication overhead and delay are minimized. Eliminating the need for state switching helps to reduce message transmission overhead, thereby reducing communication overhead and improving the efficiency of the communication system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] For a more complete understanding of the present invention and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1 An example communication system provided by the example embodiments described herein is shown;

[0012] Figure 2 An example state machine diagram provided by the example embodiments described herein is shown;

[0013] Figure 3a A first example UE identifier of a MAC identifier and network resource information combination provided by the example embodiments described herein is shown;

[0014] Figure 3b A second example UE identifier of a MAC identifier and sleep cycle group information combination provided by the example embodiments described herein is shown;

[0015] Figure 3c A diagram showing an example authorization-free transmission mechanism for a UE in an ECO state provided by the example embodiments described herein;

[0016] Figure 4 An example description diagram of message traffic generated by an application provided by the example embodiments described herein is shown;

[0017] Figure 5 An example message switching diagram provided by the example embodiments described herein is shown;

[0018] Figure 6 An example message exchange diagram emphasizing the exchange of messages from an ECO state to an ACTIVE state provided by the example embodiments described herein is shown;

[0019] Figure 7a A flowchart showing an example operation performed in a UE when the UE sets its state provided by the example embodiments described herein;

[0020] Figure 7b A flowchart showing an example operation performed in a UE when the UE sets its state according to state information received from an eNB according to an example embodiment described herein;

[0021] Figure 8 A flowchart showing an example operation performed in the eNB when the eNB sends status information to the UE according to the example embodiment described herein is shown;

[0022] Figure 9a A flowchart showing an example operation performed in the UE when the UE switches from the ECO state to the ACTIVE state according to an example embodiment described herein;

[0023] Figure 9b A flowchart of an operation performed in the eNB when the eNB helps a UE switch from an ECO state to an ACTIVE state is shown in the exemplary embodiment described herein;

[0024] Fig.10a A flowchart showing an example operation performed in the UE when the UE switches from the ACTIVE state to the ECO state provided by the example embodiment described herein;

[0025] Fig.10b A flowchart of an operation performed in the eNB when the eNB helps a UE switch from an ACTIVE state to an ECO state is shown in the exemplary embodiment described herein;

[0026] Fig.11 An example first communication device provided by the example embodiments described herein is shown;

[0027] Fig.12 An example second communication device provided by the example embodiments described herein is shown; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The operation and structure of the current example embodiment are discussed in detail below. However, it should be understood that many applicable inventive concepts provided by the present invention can be implemented in a variety of specific environments. The specific embodiments discussed only illustrate the specific structure of the present invention and the specific mode for operating the present invention, and should not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0029] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a permanent connection of a wireless communication system. For example, a UE determines a first operating state according to a first message flow generated by a non-session-based application running in the UE, sets a state machine of the UE to the first operating state, and sends a message according to the state machine. For another example, an eNB receives information about a first message flow generated by a non-session-based application running in a user equipment (UE for short), determines an operating state of the UE according to the information, and sends an indication of the operating state to the UE.

[0030] The present invention will be described in conjunction with an example embodiment in a specific environment, namely a communication system supporting permanent connection. The present invention can be applied to communication systems that meet standards, such as communication systems that meet the third generation partnership project (3GPP for short), IEEE802.11, etc., and communication systems that meet technical standards and non-standards that support permanent connection.

[0031] Figure 1 An example communication system 100 is shown. The communication system 100 includes an eNB 105 serving multiple UEs, including UE 110, UE 112, UE 114, UE 116, and UE 118. As mentioned above, as UEs become more advanced, they can run more and more applications. The applications can be divided into conversational applications and non-conversational applications. Conversational applications (which may include video streaming, web browsing, file transfer, games, etc.) are generally characterized by using a series of data exchanges, no tolerance for high latency, a large amount of message traffic generation, and a large demand for data bandwidth. Non-conversational applications (which may include keep-alive messages generated by mobile operating systems or instant messaging, reports generated by sensors and / or smart meters, etc.) generally use short data exchanges, some applications can tolerate high latency, generate a small amount of message traffic, and have a small demand for data bandwidth. However, some non-conversational applications may not tolerate high latency, such as security sensors, health sensors, etc.

[0032] As an example, UE 110 runs a multimedia streaming application, a browser, and an instant messaging application, while UE 112 runs a multi-user video game. Similarly, UE 114 runs a browser application while performing a large number of file transfers; UE 116 has an instant messaging application open but is not active, only sending keep-alive messages to maintain the connection; UE 118 is a sensor that occasionally reports.

[0033] The communication system may use multiple eNBs that can communicate with multiple UEs, but for simplicity, only one eNB and multiple UEs are described.

[0034] Generally, a terminal connection state machine (or simply a state machine) is used in a UE to define characteristics of the UE, such as network resource usage (e.g., dedicated resources or shared resources), control channel usage, control channel monitoring mode, etc. The design of the state machine affects the power consumption of the UE, network resources (e.g., material resources, UE identity allocation, etc.), data transmission delay, control plane signaling overhead, etc.

[0035] As an example, if the state machine includes two states: CONNECTED and IDLE; in the IDLE state, the UE cannot send, then before sending or receiving a transmission (which rarely occurs due to the nature of non-conversational applications), the UE executing a non-conversational application will switch to the CONNECTED state. The state switching usually requires the exchange of multiple messages between the UE and its eNB, which can cause significant communication overhead and communication delay, especially when considering that the UE may send or receive messages that are only a few bits long (or even shorter).

[0036] According to one embodiment, the state machine can be designed to enable a UE executing a non-conversational application to communicate using background messages without switching the state from a first state that can allow a significant saving in energy consumption to a second state that results in greater energy consumption but generally has no restrictions on the communication method of the UE.

[0037] Figure 2 A diagram of an example state machine 200 is shown. The state machine 200 includes two states: an ACTIVE state (i.e., an activated state) 205 and an ECO state (i.e., a low power consumption state) 210; it can be designed that in the ACTIVE state 205, the UE is a conversational application, for example, an interactive and / or foreground application (e.g., web browsing, instant messaging, chatting, games, etc.) sends and / or receives message traffic. The ACTIVE state 205 can support data sending and receiving under an active connection management mechanism (meaning that the UE needs to send a short-term link connection report and receive a dynamic resource allocation request and authorization from the eNB), and can also adopt a predetermined, semi-static and / or static scheduling and unlicensed transmission mechanism. It can be designed that in the ECO state 210, the UE is in an energy-saving state while being able to send and / or receive message traffic for non-conversational applications. The ECO state 210 can support data transmission and reception under a light connection management mechanism (usually meaning that the UE does not need to send a short-term link connection report, nor does it need to receive a dynamic resource allocation request and authorization from the eNB), and can also adopt a semi-static and / or static scheduling and / or unlicensed transmission mechanism with semi-static link adaptation. Further, in the ECO state 210, the UE's identity can be maintained, thereby facilitating the transmission and / or reception of data in the ECO state 210. The ECO state 210 can also be quickly switched to the ACTIVE state 205 by using a dedicated connection signature.

[0038] The state machine 200 may switch states from the ACTIVE state 205 to the ECO state 210 , from the ECO state 210 to the ACTIVE state 205 , from the ACTIVE state 205 to the ACTIVE state 205 , and from the ECO state 210 to the ECO state 210 .

[0039] A UE in the ACTIVE state 205 may be assigned a UE-centric identifier (e.g., a medium access control (MAC) identifier) ​​based on a dedicated connection signature (DCS) obtained during initial network access. In the ACTIVE state 205, the UE may send and / or receive message traffic through a predetermined authorization mechanism (e.g., in a typical cellular communication system), a semi-static and / or static mechanism, and / or an authorization-free mechanism. Examples of authorization-free mechanisms are described in detail in the commonly designated U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 911,716, filed on June 6, 2013, entitled "System and Method for Small Traffic Transmission," which is incorporated herein by reference. Examples of dedicated connection signatures are described in detail in the commonly designated U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 608,653, filed on September 10, 2012, entitled "System and Method for User Equipment-centric Unified System Access in a Virtual Wireless Access Network," which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0040] Although the UE in the ECO state 210 saves power, it can still send and / or receive certain types of message traffic (such as non-session traffic) by using the authorization-free mechanism and / or the semi-static / or static mechanism with semi-static link adaptability. In the ACTIVE state 205, the UE can be assigned a UE-centric identifier (such as a MAC identifier) ​​based on the DCS obtained during initial network access. There may be several possibilities for the UE-centric identifier allocation. If the UE-centric identifier space is large enough, the UE will be assigned a unique identifier whether in the ACTIVE state 205 or in the ECO state 210, which means that there is a one-to-one mapping relationship between the UE's DCS (unique for the UE) and the UE-centric identifier. If the number of UE-centric identifiers is insufficient, the UE's identifier may be based on a combination of several identifier values, including a UE-centric identifier.

[0041] Figure 3a A first example UE identifier of a combination of a MAC identifier and network resource information is shown. The first example UE identifier can be used to identify the UE when the UE is in an ECO state, such as ECO state 210. Example network resource map, such as Figure 3aAs shown, four network resources identified by their time resource identifiers and frequency resource identifiers are highlighted. For example, network resource 305 is identified by its frequency resource identifier F1 and time resource identifier T1, and network resource 307 is identified by its frequency resource identifier F2 and time resource identifier T1.

[0042] According to the example shown, the first example UE identifier can be represented as a combination of the UE's MAC identifier and the network resource identifier. Figure 3a As shown, the UE identifier of the first UE allocated with network resources 305 is (MAC_IDK, F1, T1) 310, and the network identifier of the second UE allocated with network resources 307 is (MAC_IDK, F2, T1) 312, wherein MAC_IDK is the MAC identifier allocated to the first UE and the second UE for use in the ECO state, such as the ECO state 210. The combination of the MAC identifier and the network resource identifier enables the MAC identifier to be reused with different UEs.

[0043] Figure 3b A second example UE identifier of a combination of a MAC identifier and sleep cycle group information is shown. The second example UE identifier can be used to identify the UE when the UE is in an ECO state, such as the ECO state 210. Figure 3b A first trace 320 and a second trace 322 are shown, showing paging cycle groups of UEs, wherein a high interval of the trace indicates that UEs in a particular paging cycle group may monitor a paging channel.

[0044] According to the example shown, the second example UE identity can be represented as a combination of the UE's MAC identity and the sleep cycle group information. Figure 3b As shown, the UE identifier of the first UE in the first paging cycle group is (MAC_IDK, cycle group 1) 325, and the UE identifier of the second UE in the second paging cycle group is (MAC_IDK, cycle group 2) 327, wherein MAC_IDK is the MAC identifier assigned to the first UE and the second UE in the ACTIVE state, such as the ACTIVE state 205.

[0045] Reference Figure 2 , each UE in the ECO state 210 will receive a paging message sent by its respective eNB on the downlink. In addition, since the UE has a unique identifier (such as a MAC identifier) ​​assigned to it, data transmission and / or reception becomes possible. However, in order to save power, a non-session traffic and / or low-rate traffic unlicensed transmission mode must be configured.

[0046] Typically, the UE wakes up from a defined sleep cycle (eg, defined by its sleep cycle group) and decodes the data channel for grant-free transmission. Without a predetermined transmission mechanism, the UE does not monitor the dynamic control channel, and therefore, energy consumption is reduced.

[0047] Figure 3c An example diagram of an unlicensed transmission mechanism for a UE in ECO state is shown. Figure 3b A first trace 340 and a second trace 342 are shown, showing the paging cycle groups of the UE, wherein the high interval of the trace indicates that the UE in the specific paging cycle group can monitor the data channel. For example, as part of the first paging cycle group, the first UE will wake up in the cycle 345 and cycle 346 stages to monitor the data channel for unlicensed transmission, and as part of the second paging cycle, the second UE will wake up in the cycle 347 and cycle 348 stages to monitor the data channel for unlicensed transmission.

[0048] Generally, the type of message traffic generated by the application may need to be described so as to determine the state in which the UE should operate. For example, the message traffic generated by the application may be described as session-type traffic (implying that the UE executing the application is in the ACTIVE state) or non-session-type traffic (implying that the UE executing the application is in the ECO state). Furthermore, if the message traffic generated by the application is described as both session-type traffic and non-session-type traffic (for example, in a social networking application, a chat session may generate session-type traffic, and a status update operation may generate non-session-type traffic), then the UE will be in the ACTIVE state when executing such an application to support the session-type traffic.

[0049] Optionally, the type of the application itself can also be described without describing the type of the message traffic generated by the application. For example, the application is described as a conversational application or a non-conversational application. The description of the application can be used to set the state of the UE. For example, a UE executing a conversational application can be set to the ACTIVE state, while a UE executing a non-conversational application can be set to the ECO state. It should be noted that if the UE executes both conversational and non-conversational applications, the UE will be set to the ACTIVE state to support the conversational application.

[0050] Figure 4 An example depiction diagram 400 of message traffic generated by an application is shown. Figure 4As shown, message traffic generated by multiple applications including (but not limited to) sensor application 405, social network application 406, browser application 407, and game application 408 can be described by examining requirements such as quality of service (QoS). For example, the message traffic from sensor application 405 has a first QoS requirement (type 1) 410, and similarly, the status update message traffic from social network application 406 also has a first QoS requirement (type 1) 410. The chat message traffic from social network application 406 and the message traffic from browser application 407 have a second QoS requirement (type 2) 412. The message traffic from game application 408 has a third QoS requirement (type 3) 414.

[0051] The QoS requirements may be provided to the UE state and traffic mapping configuration unit 415 (or simply, configuration unit), wherein the traffic mapping configuration information may be used to describe the message traffic and establish a mapping of the message traffic to the ECO state 420, since the ACTIVE state 422 generally supports all types of traffic. Figure 4 As shown, the first QoS requirement message traffic corresponds to the ECO state 420 , and the second and third QoS requirement message traffic are supported by the ACTIVE state 422 .

[0052] According to an example embodiment, the traffic mapping configuration information may be generated by an eNB or a network entity responsible for generating the traffic mapping configuration information. According to an optional example embodiment, the traffic mapping configuration information is detailed by a technical standard of the wireless communication system or an operator. The traffic mapping configuration information is determined based on historical data collected by monitoring the application and the message traffic generated by the application, as well as factors such as the impact on the wireless communication system and the energy consumption of the UE.

[0053] According to an example embodiment, the traffic mapping configuration information may be provided to the UE. When the UE performs initial network access, the traffic mapping configuration information may be provided to the UE. The traffic mapping configuration information may be updated. The update is to meet changing operating conditions. For example, if the power consumption of the UE is too large, some message traffic (or applications) will change from a conversational description to a non-conversational description, and vice versa. The update may be performed periodically. The updated traffic mapping configuration information may be provided to the UE via a broadcast message or a multicast high-layer signaling (such as a radio resource control (RRC)) message.

[0054] Figure 5 An example message exchange diagram 500 is shown. The message exchange diagram 500 shows messages exchanged between UE 505 and eNB 510. Figure 5As shown, eNB 510 sends updated traffic mapping configuration information to UE 505 (as shown by event 515). The updated traffic mapping configuration information may be broadcast in a broadcast message or multicast in a multicast message.

[0055] It should be noted that QoS requirements can be an example of how to describe message traffic. Other methods of describing message traffic may include data volume, user priority, application priority, delay sensitivity, etc. Therefore, the description of the use of describing QoS requirements for message traffic should not be understood as limiting the scope or spirit of this example embodiment.

[0056] The UE can switch states. The UE can switch states based on different reasons, including (but not limited to) the execution of a new application on the UE, the end of an existing application on the UE, etc. A UE running in the ECO state can switch to the ACTIVE state, and vice versa. For example, if the UE starts executing a conversational application (or an application that can generate conversational message traffic), the UE currently running in the ECO state can switch to the ACTIVE state. Similarly, if the UE no longer executes a conversational application (or an application that generates conversational message traffic), the UE currently running in the ACTIVE state can switch to the ECO state.

[0057] Figure 6 An example message exchange diagram 600 is shown that emphasizes a message switching from an ECO state to an ACTIVE state. The state switching may be a contention-free access procedure that may allow for a simple and fast state switching, also known as a contention-free state switching. Message exchange diagram 600 shows messages exchanged between a UE 605 and an eNB 610 when the UE 605 switches from an ECO state to an ACTIVE state. The UE 605 may initiate a state switching by sending a message including its DCS to the eNB 610 (as shown by event 615). The eNB 610 may respond by sending activation state configuration information to the UE 605 (as shown by event 620). The activation state configuration information may include parameters such as power control information, timing advance information, etc.

[0058] Figure 7a A flow diagram is shown of example operations 700 performed on a UE when the UE sets its state. Operations 700 may be indicative of operations performed on a UE, such as UEs 110-118, when the UE sets its state.

[0059] Operations 700 begin with the UE making an initial access to the eNB (block 705). As previously described, as part of or after the initial access, the UE may receive traffic mapping configuration information from the eNB. The UE may determine its status based on the applications it is running or the message traffic generated by the applications (block 707). For example, the UE may use Figure 4 1. The example of describing the message traffic generated by the application shown in FIG. 1 is used to describe the message traffic generated by the application. The UE can use the same technique when describing the application instead of the message traffic. The UE can set its operating state based on the state determined in block 707 (block 709).

[0060] Figure 7b A flow chart illustrating example operations 750 performed on a UE when the UE sets its state based on state information received from an eNB. Operations 750 may be indicative of operations performed on a UE, such as UEs 110-118, when the UE sets its state based on state information received from an eNB.

[0061] Operation 750 begins with the UE making an initial access to the eNB (block 755). The UE sends information about applications running on the UE or message traffic generated by the applications to the eNB (block 757). Instead of describing its applications or the message traffic, the UE sends the information about the applications or the message traffic to the eNB to allow the eNB to perform the description and determine the state of the UE. The UE may receive state information from the eNB (block 759). The state information may include an indication of the operational state of the UE. The UE may set its operational state based on the state information (block 761).

[0062] Figure 8 A flow diagram is shown of example operations 800 performed at an eNB when the eNB sends status information to a UE. Operations 800 may be indicative of operations performed at an eNB, such as the eNB 105, when the eNB sends status information to a UE.

[0063] Operations 800 begin with the eNB making initial access to the UE (block 805). The eNB receives information about applications running on the UE or message traffic generated by the applications (block 807). The eNB may determine the operating state of the UE based on the information received from the UE (block 809). The eNB may use Figure 4The example of describing the message traffic generated by the application is shown in FIG. 8 to describe the message traffic generated by the application. The eNB may send information about the operation state to the UE (block 811).

[0064] Figure 9a A flow chart of example operations 900 performed on a UE when the UE switches from an ECO state to an ACTIVE state is shown. Operations 900 may be indicative of operations performed on the UE, such as UEs 110-118, when an eNB switches from the ECO state to the ACTIVE state, ie, participates in a contention-free state switch.

[0065] Operations 900 may begin with the UE sending a message including a DCS to an eNB (block 905). As previously described, the DCS may be a unique value provided to the UE upon network access. The UE may receive a response from the eNB (block 907). The response from the eNB may include parameters such as power control information, timing advance information, etc. The UE may switch its state to the ACTIVE state (block 909).

[0066] Figure 9b A flowchart of operations 950 performed on the eNB when the eNB assists the UE to switch from the ECO state to the ACTIVE state is shown. When the eNB assists the UE to switch from the ECO state to the ACTIVE state, that is, participates in contention-free state switching, operations 950 may indicate operations performed on the eNB, such as eNB105.

[0067] Operation 950 may begin with the eNB receiving a message including a DCS from the UE (block 955). Since the DCS is unique, the eNB is able to identify the UE from the DCS information. The eNB may send a response to the UE (block 957). The response from the eNB may include parameters such as power control information, timing advance information, etc.

[0068] Fig.10a A flow chart illustrating example operations 1000 performed on a UE when the UE switches from an ECO state to an ACTIVE state. Operations 1000 may indicate operations performed on the UE, such as UEs 110-118, when the UE switches from the ACTIVE state to the ECO state.

[0069] Operations 1000 may begin with the UE receiving signaling to change state to the ECO state (block 1005). Typically, the switch from the ACTIVE state to the ECO state is initiated by the eNB. The UE may switch its state to the ECO state (block 1007). The UE sends a response to the eNB indicating that the UE has switched to the ECO state or will switch to the ECO state (block 1009).

[0070] Fig.10b A flow chart of operations 1050 performed on an eNB when an eNB assists a UE to switch from an ACTIVE state to an ECO state is shown. Operations 1050 may be indicative of operations performed on the eNB, such as eNB 105, when an eNB assists a UE to switch from an ACTIVE state to an ECO state.

[0071] Operation 1050 may begin with the eNB sending signaling to the UE to notify the UE to switch to the ECO state (block 1055). Since the switch from the ACTIVE state to the ECO state is initiated by the eNB, the signaling is sent by the eNB to the UE. The eNB may receive a response from the UE indicating that the UE has switched to the ECO state or is about to switch to the ECO state (block 1057).

[0072] Fig.11 An example first communication device 1100 is shown. The communication device 1100 may be implemented as a station, a user equipment, a terminal, a subscriber, a mobile station, etc. The communication device 1100 may be used to implement various embodiments discussed herein. Fig.11 As shown, the transmitter 1105 is used to send data packets, etc. The communication device 1100 further includes a receiver 1110, and the receiver 1110 is used to receive data packets, state information, traffic mapping configuration information, etc.

[0073] The description unit 1120 is used to describe the application based on the message traffic generated by the application. The description unit 1120 is used to describe the message traffic generated by the application. The signaling unit 1122 is used to generate a message for transmission. The state machine control unit 1124 is used to control the state of the state machine. The state machine control unit 1124 is used to switch the state machine from a first state to a second state. The state machine control unit 1124 is used to switch the state machine according to traffic mapping configuration information, state information, etc. The state machine control unit 1124 is used to implement the ACTIVE state and ECO state of the state machine, for example, as shown in Figure 2. The access unit 1126 is used to perform a network access process with the eNB. The memory 1130 is used to store states, state information, application descriptions, message traffic descriptions, traffic mapping configuration information, etc.

[0074] The components of the communication device 1100 may be implemented as specific hardware logic blocks. Alternatively, the components of the communication device 1100 may be implemented as software executed in a processor, a controller, an ASIC, etc. In another optional embodiment, the components of the communication device 1100 may be implemented as a combination of software and / or hardware.

[0075] For example, the receiver 1110 and the transmitter 1105 may be specific hardware blocks, and the description unit 1120, the signaling unit 1122, the state machine control unit 1124, and the access unit 1126 may be software modules executed in a microprocessor (such as the processor 1115) or a custom circuit or a custom compiled logic array of a field programmable logic array. The description unit 1120, the signaling unit 1122, the state machine control unit 1124, and the access unit 1126 may be modules stored in the memory 1130.

[0076] Fig.12 An example second communication device 1200 is shown. The communication device 1200 may be implemented as an AP, a base station, a NodeB, an eNB, a controller, a communication controller, etc. The communication device 1200 may be used to implement various embodiments discussed herein. Fig.12 As shown, the transmitter 1205 is used to send data packets, status information, traffic mapping configuration information, etc. The communication device 1200 also includes a receiver 1210 for receiving data packets, etc.

[0077] The description unit 1220 is used to describe the application based on the message traffic generated by the application. The description unit 1220 is used to describe the message traffic generated by the application. The description unit 1220 is used to describe the application and / or message traffic of the UE connected to the communication device 1200. The signaling unit 1222 is used to generate a message for transmission. The state machine control unit 1224 is used to generate state information to control the state of the state machine. The state machine control unit 1224 is used to generate state information to switch the state machine from a first state to a second state. The state machine control unit 1224 is used to generate state information to switch the state machine according to traffic mapping configuration information, state information, etc. The access unit 1226 is used to perform a network access process with the UE. The memory 1230 is used to store states, state information, application descriptions, message traffic descriptions, traffic mapping configuration information, etc.

[0078] The elements of the communication device 1200 may be implemented as specific hardware logic blocks. Alternatively, the elements of the communication device 1200 may be implemented as software executed in a processor, a controller, an application specific integrated circuit, etc. In yet another alternative embodiment, the elements of the communication device 1200 may be implemented as a combination of software and / or hardware.

[0079] For example, the receiver 1210 and the transmitter 1205 may be implemented as specific hardware blocks, while the description unit 1220, the signaling unit 1222, the state machine control unit 1224, and the access unit 1226 may be software modules executed in a microprocessor (such as the processor 1215) or a custom circuit or a custom edited logic array of a field programmable logic array. The description unit 1220, the signaling unit 1222, the state machine control unit 1224, and the access unit 1226 may be modules stored in the memory 1230.

[0080] Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A state switching method, characterized in that: The method comprises: A user equipment UE working in a first state obtains a UE identification ID from a communication device, where the UE ID is determined based on a dedicated connection signature DCS, where the UE ID is used to uniquely identify the UE, where the DCS is obtained by the UE at the time of initial network access, and where the DCS is used for the UE to switch from the second state to the first state; The UE receives a first signaling from the communication device, the first signaling being used to instruct the UE to switch from the first state to the second state, wherein the first state is an active ACTIVE state, the second state is different from the first state and also different from an idle IDLE state, the UE ID is maintained in the second state, and the second state supports data transmission that does not require dynamic resource authorization by the communication device; and The UE sends or receives data according to the UE ID in the second state.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method also includes the UE switching from the first state to the second state.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The method also includes, the UE sending a response message to the communication device, where the response message is used to indicate that the UE has switched from the first state to the second state.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The method also includes, before the UE switches from the first state to the second state, the UE sending a response message to the communication device, where the response message is used to indicate that the UE will switch from the first state to the second state.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The second state is set by the UE according to a first message traffic generated by a non-session-based application running in the UE.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The second state is a low power consumption state.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: In the second state, the UE supports data transmission and reception under a light connection management mechanism, or adopts a semi-static and / or static scheduling and / or unlicensed transmission mechanism with semi-static link adaptation.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The UE ID is different from the media access control MAC ID of the UE.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The UE ID includes a combination of the MAC ID and network time-frequency resource information, wherein the network time-frequency resource information includes a time domain resource ID and / or a frequency domain resource ID; or The UE ID includes a combination of the MAC ID and sleep cycle group information.

10. A state switching method, characterized in that: The method comprises: The communication device assigns a UE identification ID to a user equipment UE working in a first state, where the UE ID is determined based on a dedicated connection signature DCS, where the UE ID is used to uniquely identify the UE, where the DCS is acquired by the UE at initial network access, and where the DCS is used for the UE to switch from the second state to the first state; instructing the UE to switch from the first state to the second state, wherein the first state is an active ACTIVE state, the second state is different from the first state and also different from an idle IDLE state, the second state still maintains the UE ID, and the second state supports data transmission that does not require dynamic resource authorization by the communication device; and The communication device and the UE in the second state perform data transmission or reception according to the UE ID.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The method also includes, the communication device receiving a response message sent by the UE, where the response message is used to indicate that the UE has switched from the first state to the second state.

12. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The method also includes, before the UE switches from the first state to the second state, the communication device receiving a response message sent by the UE, where the response message is used to indicate that the UE will switch from the first state to the second state.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that: The communication device triggers a switch of the UE from the first state to the second state.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that: The communication device determines that the UE switches from the first state to the second state.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that: The second state is a low power consumption state.

16. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that: In the second state, the UE supports data transmission and reception under a light connection management mechanism, or adopts a semi-static and / or static scheduling and / or unlicensed transmission mechanism with semi-static link adaptation.

17. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that: The UE ID is different from the media access control MAC ID of the UE.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The UE ID includes a combination of the MAC ID and network time-frequency resource information, wherein the network time-frequency resource information includes a time domain resource ID and / or a frequency domain resource ID; or The UE ID includes a combination of the MAC ID and sleep cycle group information.

19. A user equipment UE, characterized in that: include: a receiver, configured to obtain a UE identification ID from a communication device in a first state, wherein the UE ID is determined based on a dedicated connection signature DCS, the UE ID is used to uniquely identify the UE, the DCS is obtained by the UE during initial network access, and the DCS is used for the UE to switch from a second state to the first state; The receiver is further configured to receive a first signaling from the communication device, the first signaling being used to instruct the UE to switch from the first state to the second state, wherein the first state is an activated ACTIVE state, the second state is different from the first state and also different from an idle IDLE state, the UE ID is maintained in the second state, and the second state supports data transmission that does not require dynamic resource authorization by the communication device; as well as The processor is configured to switch the UE from a first state to the second state.

20. The UE according to claim 19, characterized in that The receiver is further configured to receive data with the communication device according to the UE ID; and / or The UE also includes a transmitter, which is used to send data to the communication device according to the UE ID.

21. The UE according to claim 19, characterized in that The UE further comprises a transmitter, configured to send a response message to the communication device, wherein the response message is used to indicate that the UE has switched from the first state to the second state.

22. The UE according to claim 19, characterized in that The UE further includes a transmitter, configured to send a response message to the communication device before the UE switches from the first state to the second state, wherein the response message is used to indicate that the UE will switch from the first state to the second state.

23. The UE according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that: The second state is set by the UE according to a first message traffic generated by a non-session-based application running in the UE.

24. The UE according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that: The second state is a low power consumption state.

25. The UE according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that: In the second state, the UE supports data transmission and reception under a light connection management mechanism, or adopts a semi-static and / or static scheduling and / or unlicensed transmission mechanism with semi-static link adaptation.

26. The UE according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that: The UE ID is different from the media access control MAC ID of the UE.

27. The UE according to claim 26, characterized in that The UE ID includes a combination of the MAC ID and network time-frequency resource information, wherein the network time-frequency resource information includes a time domain resource ID and / or a frequency domain resource ID; or The UE ID includes a combination of the MAC ID and sleep cycle group information.

28. A communication device, characterized in that: include: a processor, configured to assign a UE identification ID to a user equipment UE operating in a first state, wherein the UE ID is determined based on a dedicated connection signature DCS, the UE ID is used to uniquely identify the UE, the DCS is acquired by the UE during initial network access, and the DCS is used for state switching of the UE from a second state to the first state; A transmitter is used to instruct the UE to switch from the first state to the second state, wherein the first state is an activated ACTIVE state, the second state is different from the first state and the idle IDLE state, the second state still maintains the UE ID, and the second state supports data transmission that does not require dynamic resource authorization by the communication device.

29. The communication device according to claim 28, characterized in that The communication device further includes a receiver configured to receive a response message sent by the UE, wherein the response message is used to indicate that the UE has switched from the first state to the second state.

30. The communication device according to claim 28, characterized in that The communication device also includes a receiver, configured to receive a response message sent by the UE before the UE switches from the first state to the second state, wherein the response message is used to indicate that the UE will switch from the first state to the second state.

31. The communication device according to any one of claims 28 to 30, characterized in that: The processor is further configured to trigger a switch of the UE from the first state to the second state.

32. The communication device according to any one of claims 28 to 30, characterized in that: The processor is further configured to determine that the UE switches from the first state to the second state.

33. The communication device according to any one of claims 28 to 30, characterized in that: The second state is a low power consumption state.

34. The communication device according to any one of claims 28 to 30, characterized in that: In the second state, the UE supports data transmission and reception under a light connection management mechanism, or adopts a semi-static and / or static scheduling and / or unlicensed transmission mechanism with semi-static link adaptation.

35. The communication device according to any one of claims 28 to 30, characterized in that: The UE ID is different from the media access control MAC ID of the UE.

36. The communication device according to claim 35, characterized in that The UE ID includes a combination of the MAC ID and network time-frequency resource information, wherein the network time-frequency resource information includes a time domain resource ID and / or a frequency domain resource ID; or The UE ID includes a combination of the MAC ID and sleep cycle group information.

37. A communication system, characterized in that: The communication system comprises the UE as described in any one of claims 19 to 27 and the communication device as described in any one of claims 28 to 36.

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