Paging method and apparatus

Abstract

The application provides a paging method and device, wherein the paging method comprises the following steps: a terminal device receives first type extended discontinuous reception (eDRX) configuration information and second type eDRX configuration information, the first type eDRX configuration information comprises a first eDRX cycle, the second type eDRX configuration information comprises a second eDRX cycle, the first eDRX cycle is greater than a first cycle threshold, and the second eDRX cycle is less than or equal to the first cycle threshold; and the terminal device determines whether to use the first type eDRX configuration information to listen to a paging message or to use the second type eDRX configuration information to listen to the paging message according to a category of an access network device of a cell in which the terminal device is located. The application can make the evolved eDRX technology compatible with the eDRX technology before evolution, and improve the paging success rate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a paging method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In communication systems, access network devices send paging messages to terminal devices to notify idle or inactive devices to establish services, to notify terminal devices that system messages have changed and require them to reread the modified system broadcast messages, or to notify terminal devices to receive Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System (ETWS) information, etc. Correspondingly, the terminal device needs to listen for these paging messages. To save power consumption, a discontinuous reception (DRX) mechanism is introduced to control the terminal device's paging message listening behavior; that is, the terminal device can wake up to listen for paging messages according to the DRX cycle. With technological evolution, to allow terminal devices to enter sleep mode for longer periods and further save power, extended DRX (eDRX) technology was proposed to extend the DRX cycle. The DRX cycle in eDRX technology is called the eDRX cycle. As eDRX technology continues to evolve, the eDRX cycle will also continue to lengthen. As eDRX technology continues to evolve, access network devices that support paging with longer eDRX cycles will emerge in the network. However, access network devices that previously only supported shorter eDRX cycles will also exist. As terminal devices move constantly, they may move from cells supported by access network devices that support longer eDRX cycles to cells supported by access network devices that only support shorter eDRX cycles, which will lead to paging failures. Therefore, how to improve the paging success rate of terminal devices during the continuous evolution of eDRX technology is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a paging method and apparatus that can improve the paging success rate of terminal devices as eDRX technology continues to evolve.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a paging method, wherein the method can be executed by a terminal device or by a component of the terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system). The paging method may include:

[0005] The terminal device receives a first type of extended discontinuous reception eDRX configuration information and a second type of eDRX configuration information. The first type of eDRX configuration information includes a first eDRX period, and the second type of eDRX configuration information includes a second eDRX period. The first eDRX period is greater than a first period threshold, and the second eDRX period is less than or equal to the first period threshold.

[0006] The terminal device determines whether to use the first type of eDRX configuration information to listen for paging messages or to use the second type of eDRX configuration information to listen for paging messages based on the category of the access network equipment in the cell where the terminal device is located. The category of the access network equipment is determined at least based on whether the access network equipment supports paging using an eDRX period greater than the first period threshold.

[0007] By implementing the method described in the first aspect, two types of eDRX configuration information are configured for the terminal device: a first type of eDRX configuration information and a second type of eDRX configuration information. The first type of eDRX configuration information includes a first eDRX cycle greater than a first cycle threshold, and the second type of eDRX configuration information includes an eDRX cycle less than or equal to the first cycle threshold. The terminal device can determine whether to use the first type of eDRX configuration information or the second type of eDRX configuration information to listen for paging messages based on the type of access network equipment in its cell. Using the method of this application, even if different types of access network devices exist in the network, the terminal device can determine the corresponding type of eDRX configuration information based on the different types of access network devices to listen for paging messages. Thus, as eDRX technology continues to evolve and different types of access network devices appear in the network (this type can be determined based on whether the access network device supports eDRX period paging with a period greater than the first period threshold), the success rate of paging message listening is improved. Furthermore, if the access network devices in the cell do not support paging with an eDRX period greater than the first period threshold, the device can fall back to the second type of eDRX configuration. Compared to falling back to DRX, this avoids the terminal device waking up frequently and saves power consumption.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the terminal device determines whether to use the first type of eDRX configuration information or the second type of eDRX configuration information to listen for paging messages, based on the category of the access network equipment in the cell where the terminal device is located.

[0009] If the access network equipment in the cell where the terminal device is located is of the first category, the terminal device listens for paging messages according to the eDRX configuration information of the first type. The access network equipment of the first category supports paging using an eDRX period greater than the first period threshold.

[0010] If the access network equipment in the cell where the terminal device is located belongs to the second category, the terminal device listens for paging messages according to the eDRX configuration information of the second type. Access network equipment of the second category does not support paging using an eDRX period greater than the first period threshold.

[0011] Implementing this method, if the access network equipment in the cell where the terminal device is located supports paging using an eDRX period greater than the first period threshold, the terminal device listens for paging messages according to the first type of eDRX configuration information. Since the first eDRX period included in the first type of eDRX configuration information is greater than the first period threshold, it can maximize the saving of terminal device power consumption. If the access network equipment in the cell where the terminal device is located does not support paging using an eDRX period greater than the first period threshold, the terminal device listens for paging messages according to the second type of eDRX configuration information, thereby improving the success rate of paging message listening.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the second category of access network devices supports paging using an eDRX cycle that is less than or equal to the first cycle threshold.

[0013] Implementing this method, the second type of access network equipment supports paging using eDRX cycles less than or equal to the first cycle threshold. In this case, the terminal equipment is allowed to fall back to using the second type of eDRX configuration information to listen for paging messages, instead of falling back to using the DRX configuration information to listen for paging messages. This can save power consumption of the terminal equipment while improving the success rate of listening for paging messages.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the first type of eDRX configuration information and the second type of eDRX configuration information are carried in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection release message.

[0015] By implementing this method, when releasing the RRC connection of the terminal device, two types of eDRX configuration information are configured for the terminal device. This allows the terminal device to select the corresponding type of eDRX configuration information to listen to paging messages based on the type of access network equipment in its cell, thereby improving the success rate of listening to paging messages.

[0016] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a paging method, which can be executed by a first access network device or by a component of the first access network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system). The paging method may include: the first access network device sending a first type of extended discontinuous reception (eDRX) configuration information and a second type of eDRX configuration information to a terminal device. The first type of eDRX configuration information includes a first eDRX period, and the second type of eDRX configuration information includes a second eDRX period. The first eDRX period is greater than a first period threshold, and the second eDRX period is less than or equal to the first period threshold.

[0017] By implementing the method described in the second aspect, the first access network device configures two types of eDRX configuration information for the terminal device, thereby enabling the terminal device to determine whether to use the first type or the second type of eDRX configuration information to listen to paging messages based on the type of access network device in its cell, thus improving the success rate of paging message listening.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the first access network device sends a first paging message to the second access network device. The first paging message includes the identifier of the terminal device, eDRX configuration information of the first type, and eDRX configuration information of the second type.

[0019] In this method, the first access network device sends the first type of eDRX configuration information and the second type of eDRX configuration information to the second access network device, so that the second access network device can use either the first type of eDRX configuration information or the second type of eDRX configuration information to send a paging message for the terminal device, thereby improving the paging success rate.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the second access network device is either a first-category access network device or a second-category access network device. The first-category access network device supports paging using an eDRX cycle greater than the first cycle threshold, while the second-category access network device does not support paging using an eDRX cycle greater than the first cycle threshold. Alternatively, the second-category access network device supports paging using an eDRX cycle less than or equal to the first cycle threshold.

[0021] In this method, the first access network device sends the same eDRX configuration information to either the second access network device that supports paging using eDRX cycles greater than the first cycle threshold or the second access network device that does not support paging using eDRX cycles greater than the first cycle threshold. This allows the second access network device to selectively use either the first type of eDRX configuration information or the second type of eDRX configuration information to send paging messages.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0023] The first access network device sends a second paging message to a second access network device of the first category. The second paging message includes the identifier of the terminal device and the eDRX configuration information of the first type. The second access network device of the first category supports paging using an eDRX period greater than the first period threshold.

[0024] The first access network device sends a third paging message to a second access network device of the second category. The third paging message includes the identifier of the terminal device and eDRX configuration information of the second type. The second access network device of the second category does not support paging with an eDRX period greater than the first period threshold, and the access network device of the second category supports paging with an eDRX period less than or equal to the first period threshold.

[0025] In this method, the first access network device sends different types of eDRX configuration information to different categories of second access network devices, thereby facilitating the second access network devices to send paging messages using the received eDRX configuration information.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0027] The first access network device receives capability indication information sent by the second access network device of the first category. The capability indication information is used to indicate that the corresponding second access network device of the first category supports paging for an eDRX period greater than the first period threshold.

[0028] By implementing this method, the first access network device can determine that the second access network device supports paging for eDRX cycles greater than the first cycle threshold by using the capability indication information sent by the second access network device, and thus send the first type of eDRX configuration information to the second access network device in a targeted manner.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the first type of eDRX configuration information and the second type of eDRX configuration information are carried in the Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection release message.

[0030] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a paging method, wherein the method can be executed by a second access network device or by a component of the second access network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system). The paging method may include: the second access network device receiving a first paging message sent by a first access network device, the first paging message including an identifier of a terminal device, first type eDRX configuration information, and second type eDRX configuration information, the first type eDRX configuration information including a first eDRX period, the second type eDRX configuration information including a second eDRX period, the first eDRX period being greater than a first period threshold, and the second eDRX period being less than or equal to the first period threshold;

[0031] If the second access network device is of the first type, then a second paging message is sent according to the eDRX configuration information of the first type, and the second paging message includes the identifier of the terminal device;

[0032] If the second access network device is of the second category, then a second paging message is sent according to the eDRX configuration information of the second type, and the second paging message includes the identifier of the terminal device;

[0033] The first category and the second category are determined at least based on whether the second access network device supports paging using an eDRX cycle greater than the first cycle threshold.

[0034] By implementing the method described in the third aspect, when the second access network device receives a first paging message from the first access network device that includes a first type of eDRX configuration information and a second type of eDRX configuration information, and the second access network device is of different categories, different types of eDRX configuration information are used to send the paging message, thereby improving the paging success rate when the network includes two types of access network devices.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the first type of access network device supports paging using an eDRX cycle greater than the first cycle threshold, the second type of access network device does not support paging using an eDRX cycle greater than the first cycle threshold, and the second type of access network device supports paging using an eDRX cycle less than or equal to the first cycle threshold.

[0036] Implementing this method can improve paging success rates when the network includes two types of access network devices.

[0037] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a paging method, wherein the method can be executed by a terminal device or by a component of the terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system). The paging method may include:

[0038] The terminal device receives extended discontinuous reception (eDRX) configuration information of the first type, which includes a first eDRX period and the first eDRX period is greater than a first period threshold.

[0039] If the access network equipment of the cell where the terminal device is located is of the first category, the terminal device listens for paging messages according to the eDRX configuration information of the first type.

[0040] If the access network equipment of the cell where the terminal device is located is of the second category, the terminal device receives the second type of eDRX configuration information from the access network equipment of the cell where the terminal device is located, and listens for paging messages according to the second type of eDRX configuration information. The second type of eDRX configuration information includes a second eDRX period, and the second eDRX period is less than or equal to the first period threshold.

[0041] The first category and the second category are determined at least based on whether the access network device supports paging using an eDRX cycle greater than the first cycle threshold.

[0042] By implementing the method described in the fourth aspect, a first type of eDRX configuration information is configured for the terminal device. If the access network equipment in the cell where the terminal device is located belongs to the first category, the terminal device can listen for paging messages based on this first type of eDRX configuration information. If the access network equipment in the cell where the terminal device is located belongs to the second category, the terminal device needs to receive second type of eDRX configuration information from the access network equipment in that cell, and then listen for paging messages based on this second type of eDRX configuration information. This approach allows for the existence of first-category access network equipment that supports paging using eDRX cycles longer than the first cycle threshold and second-category access network equipment that does not support paging using eDRX cycles longer than the first cycle threshold, thereby improving the paging success rate.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the first type of access network device supports paging using an eDRX cycle greater than the first cycle threshold, the second type of access network device does not support paging using an eDRX cycle greater than the first cycle threshold, and the second type of access network device supports paging using an eDRX cycle less than or equal to the first cycle threshold.

[0044] In one possible implementation, before the terminal device receives the second type of eDRX configuration information from the access network equipment of the cell where the terminal device is located, the method further includes:

[0045] When the terminal device moves from a cell under the first category of access network equipment to a cell under the second category of access network equipment, the terminal device sends a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection recovery request to the access network equipment of the cell where the terminal device is located.

[0046] The terminal device receives a second type of eDRX configuration information from the access network equipment of the cell where the terminal device is located, including:

[0047] The terminal device receives an RRC connection release message sent by the access network device of the cell where the terminal device is located. The RRC connection release message includes the second type of eDRX configuration information.

[0048] In this method, when a terminal device moves from a cell under a first-category access network device to a cell under a second-category access network device, the terminal device sends an RRC connection recovery request to the second-category access network device, thereby enabling the second-category access network device to send the second-type eDRX configuration information to the terminal device, so that the terminal device can listen for paging messages according to the second-type eDRX configuration information.

[0049] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a paging method, wherein the method can be executed by a first access network device or by a component of the first access network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system). The paging method may include: the first access network device sending a first type of extended discontinuous reception (eDRX) configuration information to a terminal device, wherein the first type of eDRX configuration information includes a first eDRX period, and the first eDRX period is greater than a first period threshold;

[0050] The first access network device instructs the core network device that the terminal device use the first type of eDRX configuration information to listen for paging messages;

[0051] When the first access network device receives a context request from the second access network device, the first access network device indicates to the core network device that the first eDRX configuration information has been updated, and the context request includes the identifier of the terminal device.

[0052] By implementing the method described in the fifth aspect, after configuring the first type of eDRX configuration information to the terminal device, the first access network device instructs the core network device to use the first type of eDRX configuration information to listen for paging messages, thereby allowing the core network device to know the eDRX configuration information used by the terminal device. Furthermore, when the first access network device receives a context request sent by the second access network device, it indicates that the terminal device has moved to the cell under the second access network device. The first access network device then instructs the core network device that the first eDRX configuration information has been updated, thereby allowing the core network device to perceive the update of the eDRX configuration information used by the terminal device.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the second access network device does not support paging using eDRX cycles greater than the first cycle threshold, but supports paging using eDRX cycles less than or equal to the first cycle threshold.

[0054] When the terminal device moves to a cell under a second access network device that does not support paging using eDRX cycles greater than the first cycle threshold but supports paging using eDRX cycles less than or equal to the first cycle threshold, the first access network device indicates to the core network device that the first eDRX configuration information has been updated, meaning that the core network device does not need to cache the terminal device's data.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0056] The first access network device sends a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection release message to the second access network device. The RRC connection release message is used to indicate that the terminal device is released to an idle state or an inactive state.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the RRC connection release message is used to indicate that the terminal device is released to an inactive state;

[0058] The RRC connection release message includes a second type of eDRX configuration information, which includes a second eDRX period, and the second eDRX period is less than or equal to the first period threshold.

[0059] By implementing this method, the first access network device can configure the second type of eDRX configuration information for the terminal device and send it to the terminal device through the second access network device, so that the terminal device can listen for paging messages sent by the first access network device according to the second type of eDRX configuration information.

[0060] Sixthly, this application provides a communication device applied to a terminal equipment, comprising:

[0061] The transceiver unit is used to receive a first type of extended discontinuous reception eDRX configuration information and a second type of eDRX configuration information. The first type of eDRX configuration information includes a first eDRX period, and the second type of eDRX configuration information includes a second eDRX period. The first eDRX period is greater than a first period threshold, and the second eDRX period is less than or equal to the first period threshold.

[0062] The processing unit is configured to determine, based on the type of access network equipment in the cell where the terminal equipment is located, whether to use the first type of eDRX configuration information to listen for paging messages or to use the second type of eDRX configuration information to listen for paging messages. The type of access network equipment is determined at least based on whether the access network equipment supports paging using an eDRX period greater than the first period threshold.

[0063] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is specifically configured to: if the access network device of the cell where the terminal device is located is of the first category, then listen for paging messages according to the eDRX configuration information of the first type, wherein the access network device of the first category supports paging using an eDRX period greater than the first period threshold.

[0064] If the access network equipment in the cell where the terminal device is located belongs to the second category, then the paging message is listened to according to the eDRX configuration information of the second type. Access network equipment of the second category does not support paging using an eDRX period greater than the first period threshold.

[0065] In one possible implementation, the second category of access network devices supports paging using an eDRX cycle that is less than or equal to the first cycle threshold.

[0066] In one possible implementation, the first type of eDRX configuration information and the second type of eDRX configuration information are carried in the Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection release message.

[0067] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a communication apparatus applied to a first access network device, comprising:

[0068] The transceiver unit is used to send a first type of extended discontinuous reception eDRX configuration information and a second type of eDRX configuration information to the terminal device. The first type of eDRX configuration information includes a first eDRX period, and the second type of eDRX configuration information includes a second eDRX period. The first eDRX period is greater than a first period threshold, and the second eDRX period is less than or equal to the first period threshold.

[0069] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to send a first paging message to a second access network device, the first paging message including the identifier of the terminal device, eDRX configuration information of the first type and eDRX configuration information of the second type.

[0070] In one possible implementation, the second access network device is either a first-category access network device or a second-category access network device. The first-category access network device supports paging using an eDRX cycle greater than the first cycle threshold, while the second-category access network device does not support paging using an eDRX cycle greater than the first cycle threshold. Alternatively, the second-category access network device supports paging using an eDRX cycle less than or equal to the first cycle threshold.

[0071] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to send a second paging message to a second access network device of the first category, the second paging message including the identifier of the terminal device and eDRX configuration information of the first type, wherein the second access network device of the first category supports paging using an eDRX period greater than the first period threshold;

[0072] The transceiver unit is further configured to send a third paging message to a second access network device of the second category. The third paging message includes the identifier of the terminal device and eDRX configuration information of the second type. The second access network device of the second category does not support paging with an eDRX period greater than the first period threshold, and the second access network device of the second category supports paging with an eDRX period less than or equal to the first period threshold.

[0073] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive capability indication information sent by the second access network device of the first category, the capability indication information being used to indicate that the corresponding second access network device of the first category supports paging for an eDRX period greater than the first period threshold.

[0074] In one possible implementation, the first type of eDRX configuration information and the second type of eDRX configuration information are carried in the Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection release message.

[0075] Eighthly, this application provides a communication device for use in a second access network device, comprising:

[0076] The transceiver unit is used to receive a first paging message sent by a first access network device. The first paging message includes the identifier of the terminal device, a first type of eDRX configuration information and a second type of eDRX configuration information. The first type of eDRX configuration information includes a first eDRX period and the second type of eDRX configuration information includes a second eDRX period. The first eDRX period is greater than a first period threshold and the second eDRX period is less than or equal to the first period threshold.

[0077] The processing unit is configured to send a second paging message based on the eDRX configuration information of the first type if the category of the second access network device is the first category, wherein the second paging message includes the identifier of the terminal device;

[0078] If the second access network device is of the second category, then a second paging message is sent according to the eDRX configuration information of the second type, and the second paging message includes the identifier of the terminal device;

[0079] The first category and the second category are determined at least based on whether the second access network device supports paging using an eDRX cycle greater than the first cycle threshold.

[0080] In one possible implementation, the first type of access network device supports paging using an eDRX cycle greater than the first cycle threshold, the second type of access network device does not support paging using an eDRX cycle greater than the first cycle threshold, and the second type of access network device supports paging using an eDRX cycle less than or equal to the first cycle threshold.

[0081] Ninthly, this application provides a communication device for use in a terminal equipment, comprising:

[0082] Transceiver unit, configured to receive extended discontinuous reception eDRX configuration information of the first type, wherein the first type of eDRX configuration information includes a first eDRX period, and the first eDRX period is greater than a first period threshold.

[0083] The processing unit is configured to listen for paging messages according to the eDRX configuration information of the first type if the access network equipment of the cell where the terminal device is located is of the first type.

[0084] If the access network equipment of the cell where the terminal device is located is of the second category, then the second type of eDRX configuration information is received from the access network equipment of the cell where the terminal device is located, and paging messages are listened to according to the second type of eDRX configuration information. The second type of eDRX configuration information includes a second eDRX period, and the second eDRX period is less than or equal to the first period threshold.

[0085] The first category and the second category are determined at least based on whether the access network device supports paging using an eDRX cycle greater than the first cycle threshold.

[0086] In one possible implementation, the first type of access network device supports paging using an eDRX cycle greater than the first cycle threshold, the second type of access network device does not support paging using an eDRX cycle greater than the first cycle threshold, and the second type of access network device supports paging using an eDRX cycle less than or equal to the first cycle threshold.

[0087] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to send a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection recovery request to the access network equipment of the cell where the terminal device is located when the terminal device moves from a cell under the first category of access network equipment to a cell under the second category of access network equipment.

[0088] The transceiver unit is specifically used to receive an RRC connection release message sent by the access network equipment of the cell where the terminal device is located. The RRC connection release message includes the second type of eDRX configuration information.

[0089] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a communication apparatus applied to a first access network device, comprising:

[0090] The transceiver unit sends extended discontinuous reception (eDRX) configuration information of the first type to the terminal device. The first type of eDRX configuration information includes a first eDRX period, and the first eDRX period is greater than a first period threshold.

[0091] The transceiver unit is also used to instruct the core network equipment that the terminal device uses the first type of eDRX configuration information to listen for paging messages;

[0092] The transceiver unit is further configured to, upon receiving a context request from the second access network device, indicate to the core network device that the first eDRX configuration information has been updated, wherein the context request includes the identifier of the terminal device.

[0093] In one possible implementation, the second access network device does not support paging using eDRX cycles greater than the first cycle threshold, but supports paging using eDRX cycles less than or equal to the first cycle threshold.

[0094] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to send a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection release message to the second access network device, the RRC connection release message being used to indicate that the terminal device is released to an idle state or an inactive state.

[0095] In one possible implementation, the RRC connection release message is used to indicate that the terminal device is released to an inactive state;

[0096] The RRC connection release message includes a second type of eDRX configuration information, which includes a second eDRX period, and the second eDRX period is less than or equal to the first period threshold.

[0097] Eleventhly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device including a processor for executing the methods in any possible implementations of the first to fifth aspects described above. Alternatively, the processor may execute a program stored in a memory, wherein when the program is executed, the methods in any possible implementations of the first to fifth aspects described above are executed.

[0098] In one possible implementation, the memory is located outside the aforementioned communication device.

[0099] In one possible implementation, the memory is located within the aforementioned communication device.

[0100] In this embodiment of the application, the processor and memory can also be integrated into a single device, that is, the processor and memory can be integrated together.

[0101] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a transceiver for receiving or transmitting signals.

[0102] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which includes a logic circuit and an interface, wherein the logic circuit and the interface are coupled; the interface is used to receive information, and the logic circuit is used to perform processing operations.

[0103] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the methods shown in any possible implementation of the first to fifth aspects to be executed.

[0104] In a fourteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product comprising a computer program or computer code that, when run on a computer, causes the methods shown in any possible implementation of the first to fifth aspects to be executed.

[0105] In a fifteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, executes the methods shown in any possible implementation of the first to fifth aspects described above.

[0106] In a sixteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a wireless communication system, which includes an access network device and a terminal device.

[0107] The technical effects achieved by the sixth to sixteenth aspects mentioned above can be referred to the technical effects of the first to fifth aspects or the beneficial effects in the method embodiments shown below, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0108] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a paging process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0109] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a 5G communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0110] Figure 3a This is a schematic flowchart of a paging method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0111] Figure 3b This is an example of a paging method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0112] Figure 4a This is a flowchart illustrating another paging method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0113] Figure 4b This is an example of another paging method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0114] Figure 5a This is a flowchart illustrating another paging method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0115] Figure 5b This is another example of a paging method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0116] Figure 6a This is a flowchart illustrating another paging method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0117] Figure 6b This is another example of a paging method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0118] Figures 7 to 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0119] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0120] The terms "first" and "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used only to distinguish different objects and not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or apparatuses.

[0121] The term "embodiment" as used herein means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0122] In this application, "at least one (item)" means one or more, "more than one" means two or more, "at least two (items)" means two or three or more, and "and / or" is used to describe the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist simultaneously, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one (item) of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items. For example, at least one (item) of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c".

[0123] Before detailing the methods of this application, let me first briefly introduce some concepts involved in this application.

[0124] 1. Paging DRX

[0125] Paging can be used to notify idle or inactive terminal devices to establish a service, to notify terminal devices that system messages have changed and require the terminal device to reread the modified system broadcast message, or to notify terminal devices to receive Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System (ETWS) information. Depending on the initiator of the paging message, paging is divided into Core Network (CN) paging and Radio Access Network (RAN) paging, initiated by core network equipment and access network equipment respectively. CN paging is mainly used to page idle terminal devices, while RAN paging is used to page inactive terminal devices.

[0126] To save power consumption when listening to paging messages, DRX technology is used. Similarly, depending on the source of the paging message, it can be divided into IDLE DRX (IDLE DRX for CN paging) configuration and INACTIVE DRX configuration for RAN paging.

[0127] Access network devices (such as gNBs) send the network's default DRX configuration to terminal devices via System information block type 1 (SIB1).

[0128] If the terminal device needs to use a special IDLE DRX configuration, the terminal device can use Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling to negotiate with the core network. The terminal device listens for paging messages using period T1, where period T1 = min{specific DRX cycle configured by CN, default DRX cycle configured by SIB1} period.

[0129] If the terminal device needs to use a special INACTIVE DRX configuration, the access network device (e.g., the base station) can provide a special DRX cycle when releasing the terminal device to the INACTIVE state. Considering the potential RRC state misalignment, the terminal device in the INACTIVE state also needs to use the IDLE DRX configuration to listen for CN paging. At this time, the terminal device uses cycle T2 to listen for paging messages. Cycle T2 = min{the specific DRX cycle configured by CN if configured, the default DRX cycle configured by SIB1, and the specific DRX cycle configured by RAN}.

[0130] For terminal devices in INACTIVE state, after the paging DRX period T2 is determined, the paging frame (PF) and paging occasion (PO) can be determined according to the above INACTIVE DRX configuration, as shown in the following formula:

[0131] A subframe (SFN) that satisfies the following formula can be considered a PF:

[0132] (SFN+PF_offset)mod T=(T div N)*(UE_ID mod N)

[0133] The index number i_s is used to indicate the index number corresponding to the PO, and the index number i_s can be determined by the following formula:

[0134] i_s = floor(UE_ID / N) mod Ns

[0135] Among them, PF_offset, N and Ns are broadcast by the system information. PF_offset represents the offset provided by the system information broadcast, N is the number of PFs contained in a paging DRX period T, Ns is the number of paging opportunities, while UE_ID and T are associated with the specific configuration of the terminal device.

[0136] 2. Paging eDRX

[0137] To further save power, the enhanced DRX (eDRX) technology from Release 17 can be used to extend the DRX cycle, allowing terminal devices to enter sleep mode for longer periods. The IDLE eDRX configuration can extend the eDRX cycle to over 3 hours and also introduces the concept of a paging time window (PTW). The terminal device needs to listen for CN paging within the PTW. Specifically, the terminal device and the network need to determine the paging superframe PH where the PTW resides and the frame number corresponding to the start position of the PTW within that superframe.

[0138] An H-SFN that satisfies the following formula can be used as a paging superframe:

[0139] H-SFN mod T eDRX_CN =(UE_ID_H mod T) eDRX_CN )

[0140] UE_ID_H is the high 13 bits of the Hashed ID, while the Hashed ID is obtained by taking the low 32 bits of S-TMSI and performing calculations according to the frame check sequence generation method. The resulting frame check sequence is the Hashed ID. T eDRX_CN This refers to the specific eDRX cycle of the terminal device, in units of superframes, with a value range of 2, ..., 1024.

[0141] The frame number corresponding to the PTW start position within the paging superframe (PH) can be determined using the following formula:

[0142] SFN = 128*i eDRX _CN, where

[0143] -i eDRX _CN = floor(UE_ID_H / T) eDRX_CN )mod 8

[0144] It should be noted that PTW will not be used when the eDRX cycle is 256 (i.e., 2.56s), 512 (i.e., 5.12s), and 1024 (i.e., 10.24s).

[0145] For the R17 INACTIVE eDRX configuration, the eDRX cycle configured in this R17 INACTIVE eDRX configuration is no more than 10.24s. The use of the eDRX cycle is the same as the use of the DRX cycle. That is, the eDRX cycle can be directly used as T in the aforementioned PF / PO confirmation formula to confirm PF and PO. The terminal device wakes up every INACTIVE eDRX cycle to listen for paging messages.

[0146] In some embodiments, the second eDRX configuration information in this application can be an R17 INACTIVE eDRX configuration with an eDRX period less than or equal to 10.24s.

[0147] 3. Paging during terminal device movement

[0148] The following is combined Figure 1 The paging process during movement provided in the embodiments of this application will be described. Figure 1 In this example, the last serving access network device is gNB1, and the access network device of the cell where the terminal device is currently located is gNB2. The explanation will be based on the terminal device being a User Equipment (UE).

[0149] 101. The AMF or UPF sends signaling or data of UE1 to gNB1.

[0150] When UE1’s last serving base station gNB1 releases UE1 into the INACTIVE state, it provides the INACTIVE eDRX configuration. UE1 then moves to another base station gNB2. Since the core network considers UE1, which is in the INACTIVE state, to still be in the CM-CONNECTED state, signaling and data will be sent to UE1’s last serving base station gNB1.

[0151] 102, gNB1 sends a paging message.

[0152] gNB1 notifies other base stations within the RNA area of ​​the wireless network to initiate paging, and also initiates paging itself. Figure 1 For example, gNB1 sends a paging message to gNB2.

[0153] 103, gNB1 sends a paging message to UE1.

[0154] 104, gNB2 sends a paging message to UE1.

[0155] 105, UE1 sends an RRC connection restoration request.

[0156] If UE1 detects its own paging message and responds to the paging message, in this embodiment, UE1 moves to the cell under gNB2 and sends an RRC connection recovery request to gNB2.

[0157] 106, gNB2 sends a context retrieval request.

[0158] gNB2 sends a context acquisition request to the last serving base station gNB1 of UE1, which includes the identifier of UE1.

[0159] 107. gNB1 sends the context of UE1 to gNB2.

[0160] 108. gNB2 sends an RRC Resume message to UE1.

[0161] 109. UE1 sends an RRC connection restoration complete message.

[0162] 110, Path switching.

[0163] Understandably, in this embodiment, if gNB2 supports the INACIVE eDRX configuration configured by gNB1, UE1 can continue to use the INACIVE eDRX configuration configured by gNB1 to listen for paging messages in the cell under gNB2. For example, gNB2 indicates capability support information by broadcasting eDRX-AllowedInactive-r17, indicating that the current cell supports RAN paging of UE1 in the INACTIVE state using an eDRX period of less than or equal to 10.24s. However, if gNB2 does not support the INACIVE eDRX configuration configured by gNB1, UE1 needs to stop using the INACIVE eDRX configuration configured by gNB1 (e.g., an eDRX period of 10.24s) to listen for paging messages, for example, by falling back to the DRX configuration (e.g., a DRX period of 1.28s) to listen for paging messages.

[0164] 4. INACTIVE eDRX configuration with a time greater than 10.24 seconds

[0165] To further save power, a potential approach is to extend the INACTIVE eDRX cycle to over 10.24 seconds and introduce a PTW window similar to the IDLE eDRX configuration, allowing the terminal device to enter sleep mode for a longer period. In this embodiment, the first eDRX configuration information can be an INACTIVE eDRX configuration with an eDRX cycle greater than 10.24 seconds.

[0166] To avoid excessively long sleep times and the resulting accumulation of cached data from various terminal devices at the access network device (e.g., gNB), the data can be cached at the User Plane Function (UPF). Specifically, before sending the INACTIVE eDRX configuration to the terminal device, the access network device (e.g., gNB) needs to notify the core network of relevant information (e.g., the INACTIVE eDRX configuration, including the INACTIVE eDRX period and PTW length), so that the core network knows the time when the terminal device will next wake up to listen for paging messages. The core network can determine the caching time based on the time when the terminal device will next wake up to listen for paging messages. For example, the data can be cached until just before the time when the terminal device next wakes up to listen for paging messages before being sent to the access network device (e.g., gNB), thus reducing the amount of cached data that the access network device (e.g., gNB) needs to cache for an extended period.

[0167] After the buffer time expires, if there is data or signaling that needs to be sent to the terminal device, the core network can send a message to the access network device through the N2 interface to initiate paging of the access network device. The terminal device responds to the paging to restore the RRC connection and notifies the UPF to release the buffer for data or signaling transmission.

[0168] It should be noted that, for ease of description, this application may refer to an eDRX configuration with an eDRX cycle greater than 10.24s as a long INACTIVE eDRX configuration. It is understood that this name can also be other names, and this application does not limit it. The second eDRX configuration information in the embodiments of this application may be this long INACTIVE eDRX configuration.

[0169] For access network devices (e.g., gNBs) that support long INACTIVE eDRX configurations longer than 10.24s, an indication message can be sent to instruct the access network device (e.g., gNB or cell) to support sending paging messages with eDRX cycles longer than 10.24s. For example, a new IE can be broadcast via SIB1, such as longeDRX-AllowedInactive-r18. The new IE is used to instruct the access network device (e.g., gNB or cell) to support paging terminal devices in INACTIVE state with long INACTIVE eDRX configurations longer than 10.24s.

[0170] The technical solutions of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), 5th Generation (5G) system, New Radio (NR) and other new systems that have emerged with the development of technology.

[0171] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a 5G communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 As shown, the system can be divided into two parts: the access network and the core network.

[0172] The access network implements functions related to radio access and mainly includes Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment 202. The core network mainly includes the following key logical network elements: User Plane Function (UPF) 203, Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 205, Session Management Function (SMF) 206, Policy Control Function (PCF) 207, and Unified Data Management (UDM) 208. The system may also include user equipment (UE) 201, data network (DN) 204, and application functions (AF). The interfaces between the network elements are as follows... Figure 2 As shown in the diagram. It should be understood that network elements can also communicate using service-oriented interfaces.

[0173] UE, also known as terminal equipment, can communicate with one or more core networks (CNs) via RAN equipment. Terminal equipment can be referred to as access terminal, terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, wireless network equipment, user agent, or user device. Terminals can be cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other devices connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle equipment, wearable devices or IoT devices, terminal equipment in vehicular networks, and any form of terminal equipment in future networks.

[0174] RAN equipment is a device that connects terminal devices to a wireless network, specifically a base station. Base stations can include various forms, such as macro base stations, micro base stations (also called small stations), relay stations, and access points. Specifically, they can be: access points (APs) in wireless local area networks (WLANs), base transceiver stations (BTSs) in Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), base stations (NodeBs, NBs) in wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), evolved Node Bs (eNBs or eNodeBs) in LTE, relay stations or access points, or base stations in vehicle-mounted equipment, wearable devices, and the next-generation Node B (gNB) in 5G systems, or future public land mobile networks (PLMNs).

[0175] UDM has functions such as managing user contract data and generating user authentication information.

[0176] The Active Mobility Element (AMF) is primarily responsible for UE registration management, UE connection management, UE reachability management, UE access authorization and authentication, UE security functions, UE mobility management, network slice selection, and SMF selection. The AMF acts as the anchor point for N1 / N2 interface signaling connections and provides routing for N1 / N2 interface session management (SM) messages to the SMF, maintaining and managing UE state information. The AMF is a mobility management network element in 5G systems.

[0177] The SMF (Service Provider Function) is primarily responsible for all control plane functions of UE session management, including UPF (User Provider Function) selection and control, Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation and management, session quality of service (QoS) management, and obtaining policy and charging control (PCC) policies from the PCF (Process Control Provider Function). The SMF also serves as the endpoint for the SM (Service Message) portion of non-access stratum (NAS) messages.

[0178] PCF has the ability to provide policy rules to control plane functional entities.

[0179] AF can be an application server, which can belong to the operator or a third party.

[0180] The UPF (User Provider Interface) is primarily responsible for processing user packets, such as forwarding and charging. It can serve as the anchor point for Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session connections, i.e., the PDU session anchor (PSA). It is responsible for filtering UE data packets, data transmission / forwarding, rate control, generating charging information, user plane QoS processing, uplink authentication, transmission class verification, downlink packet buffering, and triggering downlink data notifications. The UPF can also serve as a branch point for multi-homed PDU sessions.

[0181] A Data Network (DN) provides data transmission services to users, such as IP Multimedia Service (IMS) and the Internet. A DN may include an Application Server (AS), a software framework that provides an environment for applications to run, offering services such as security, data, transaction support, load balancing, and large-scale distributed system management. The UE obtains application messages by communicating with the AS. It should be noted that the AF mentioned above refers to the AS's control plane.

[0182] It should be understood that the embodiments of this application are not limited to only applying to Figure 2 In the system architecture shown, for example, a communication system to which the paging method of the embodiments of this application can be applied may include more or fewer network elements or devices. Figure 2 The devices or network elements in the network can be hardware, software based on function, or a combination of both. Figure 2 Devices or network elements within the network can communicate with each other through other devices or network elements.

[0183] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0184] The terminal devices described in this application embodiment may be user equipment (UE), access terminal, UE unit, UE station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, UE terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, multimedia device, streaming media device, UE agent, or UE device, etc. Access terminals may be cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, terminals in future 5G networks, or terminals in future evolved public land mobile networks (PLMN) networks, etc.

[0185] The access network equipment described in this application embodiment is a device capable of communicating with terminal devices, and can be a base station, relay station, or access point. A base station can be a base transceiver station (BTS) in a Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, a node base station (NB) in a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) network, an evolved NB (eNB or eNodeB) in Long Term Evolution (LTE), a radio controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario, a base station device in a future 5G network, or an access network device in a future evolved PLMN network, or a wearable device or vehicle-mounted device.

[0186] The core network equipment described in this application corresponds to different devices in different systems. For example, in 3G, it may correspond to the Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) and / or the Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN); in 4G, it may correspond to the Mobility Management Entity (MME) and / or the Serving Gateway (S-GW); and in 5G, it may correspond to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), or User Plane Function (UPF).

[0187] The following examples illustrate embodiments of the paging method of this application. It should be noted that the various technical solutions (or embodiments) of this application can be implemented independently or in combination based on certain inherent connections. This application does not impose limitations. Furthermore, various terms and definitions between the embodiments can be referenced mutually. In each embodiment of this application, different implementation methods can also be implemented in combination or independently.

[0188] Before introducing the flowchart embodiments of the paging method of this application, the first type of eDRX configuration information and the second type of eDRX configuration information mentioned in the various embodiments of this application will be described first: the first type of eDRX configuration information includes a first eDRX period, and the second type of eDRX configuration information includes a second eDRX period. The first eDRX period is greater than a first period threshold, and the second eDRX period is less than or equal to the first period threshold. For example, the first period threshold can be 10.24s. Further, the second eDRX period is greater than or equal to 2.56s. Further, the first type of eDRX configuration information may also include paging time window (PTW) configuration information.

[0189] For example, the first type of eDRX configuration information can refer to an INACTIVE eDRX configuration longer than 10.24 seconds, which may be simply referred to as a long INACTIVE eDRX configuration in some scenarios. The second type of eDRX configuration information can refer to an INACTIVE eDRX configuration shorter than or equal to 10.24 seconds, which may be simply referred to as an R17 INACTIVE eDRX configuration in some scenarios. In some scenarios, both the first and second types of eDRX configuration information can be INACTIVE eDRX configuration information.

[0190] Please refer to Figure 3a This is a flowchart illustrating a paging method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This can be a system architecture diagram applicable to this paging method. Figure 3a In this process, the first access network device configures two types of eDRX configuration information for the terminal device and sends two types of eDRX configuration information to the second access network device, such as... Figure 3a As shown, the method may include steps 301-304, wherein the execution order of each step is not limited in this embodiment. Figure 3a As shown, the paging method in this application embodiment includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0191] 301. The first access network device sends the first type of eDRX configuration information and the second type of eDRX configuration information to the terminal device.

[0192] In some embodiments, the first access network device may send a first type of eDRX configuration information and a second type of eDRX configuration information to the terminal device via an RRC connection release message, which is used to release the terminal device to the inactive INACTIVE state.

[0193] For example, the RRC connection release message includes the field SuspendConfig, and an information element (IE) can be added to the extended field of the SuspendConfig field. The added IE is used to carry the first type of eDRX configuration information, which includes the first eDRX cycle (which can be denoted as ran-LongExtendedPagingCycle-r18, with a value greater than 10.24s) and PTW length used by the terminal device to listen for paging messages.

[0194] The element ran-ExtendedPagingCycle-r17 in the SuspendConfig field is used to carry the second eDRX cycle in the second type of eDRX configuration information. The element ran-ExtendedPagingCycle-r17 can be assigned a value of 10.24s or other values ​​(e.g., 2.56s, 5.12s).

[0195] In some embodiments, the first access network device notifies the core network device of the first type of eDRX configuration information so that the core network device can cache the downlink data of the terminal device.

[0196] 302, the first access network device sends a first paging message to the second access network device, the first paging message including eDRX configuration information of a first type and eDRX configuration information of a second type.

[0197] When paging is required for a terminal device, the first access network device sends a first paging message to a second access network device within the radio notification area (RNA). This first paging message includes eDRX configuration information of a first type and a second type. It is understood that the first access network device can also send paging messages to the terminal device.

[0198] The second access network device can be either a first-category access network device or a second-category access network device. First-category access network devices support paging using eDRX cycles greater than the first cycle threshold. In some embodiments, first-category access network devices may also be compatible with supporting paging using eDRX cycles less than or equal to the first cycle threshold. Second-category access network devices do not support paging using eDRX cycles greater than the first cycle threshold, but second-category access network devices support paging using eDRX cycles less than or equal to the first cycle threshold.

[0199] In some embodiments, a first capability indication message may be broadcast for access network devices of a first category. This first capability indication message indicates that the access network device supports paging using an eDRX cycle greater than a first cycle threshold. For example, the first capability indication message may be longeDRX-AllowedInactive-r18, and the access network device of the first category may be an R18 base station.

[0200] For access network devices of the second category, a second capability indication message may be broadcast. This second capability indication message indicates that the access network device supports paging using an eDRX cycle less than or equal to a first cycle threshold. For example, the second capability indication message may be eDRX-AllowedInactive-r17, and the access network device of the second category may be an R17 base station.

[0201] In some embodiments, if an R18 base station does not broadcast longeDRX-AllowedInactive-r18 (i.e., the first capability indication information), but broadcasts eDRX-AllowedInactive-r17, the R18 base station can also be classified as a second category of access network equipment. In other words, the second category of access network equipment can also be R18 base stations that do not broadcast longeDRX-AllowedInactive-r18 (i.e., the first capability indication information).

[0202] It is understood that the first access network device in this application embodiment can be a first type of access network device. For example, the first access network device can be an R18 base station that broadcasts longeDRX-AllowedInactive-r18 (i.e., first capability indication information). The first access network device can be configured with a first type of eDRX configuration information and a second type of eDRX configuration information.

[0203] It should be noted that the above classification of access network devices also applies to other embodiments of this application.

[0204] In some embodiments, the number of second access network devices within the RNA can be one or more. Further, in one implementation, all second access network devices in the RNA can be access network devices of the first category; in another implementation, all second access network devices in the RNA can be access network devices of the second category; and in yet another implementation, the RNA can include second access network devices of the first category and access network devices of the second category.

[0205] In some embodiments, the first paging message sent by the first access network device to the second access network device may be a Radio Access Network (RAN) paging message. This RAN paging message may include added IE bearer eDRX configuration information of a first type, such as adding the first eDRX period and corresponding PTW length to the IE bearer. For example, the added IE may be NR PagingLong eDRX Information for RRC INACTIVE-r18. The AssignedCriticismality of this added IE may be set to ignore.

[0206] The existing IE (i.e., NR Paging eDRX Information for RRCINACTIVE) in the RAN paging message can be used to carry the second type of eDRX configuration information, for example, by assigning it a value of 10.24s or other values ​​(2.56s, 5.12s).

[0207] 303. If the category of the second access network device is the first category, then the paging message of the terminal device is sent according to the eDRX configuration information of the first type; if the category of the second access network device is the second category, then the paging message of the terminal device is sent according to the eDRX configuration information of the second type.

[0208] The second access network device receives the first paging message sent by the first access network device, and further sends a paging message to the terminal device.

[0209] For example, if the second access network device is of the first category, that is, the second access network device supports eDRX periodic paging with a period greater than the first period threshold, then the second access network device sends the paging message of the terminal device according to the eDRX configuration information of the first type, that is, the eDRX configuration information of the first type takes effect, and the second access network device does not consider the eDRX configuration information of the second type.

[0210] For example, if the second access network device is classified as a second category, meaning it supports eDRX periodic paging with a period less than or equal to the first period threshold but does not support eDRX periodic paging with a period greater than the first period threshold, then the second access network device sends the terminal device's paging message according to the second type of eDRX configuration information. In this embodiment, the second access network device of the second category cannot recognize the IE carrying the first type of eDRX configuration information.

[0211] 304. The terminal device determines whether to use the first type of eDRX configuration information to listen to paging messages or the second type of eDRX configuration information to listen to paging messages, based on the type of access network equipment in the cell where the terminal device is located.

[0212] The terminal device determines the category of the access network equipment in the cell where it is located. Specifically, optionally, the terminal device can determine the category of the access network equipment in the cell by receiving capability indication information sent by the access network equipment.

[0213] For example, if a terminal device receives first capability indication information, it determines that the access network device in the cell where the terminal device is located belongs to the first category. This first capability indication information indicates that the access network device supports paging using an eDRX cycle greater than a first cycle threshold. The first capability indication information can be longeDRX-AllowedInactive-r18. In some embodiments, access network devices of the first category that support paging using an eDRX cycle greater than the first cycle threshold may also support paging using an eDRX cycle less than or equal to the first cycle threshold.

[0214] For example, if a terminal device receives second capability indication information, it determines that the access network equipment in the cell where the terminal device is located belongs to the second category. This second capability indication information indicates that the access network equipment supports paging using eDRX cycles less than or equal to the first cycle threshold, but does not support paging using eDRX cycles greater than the first cycle threshold. This second capability indication information can be eDRX-AllowedInactive-r17.

[0215] In some embodiments, if the access network device of the cell where the terminal device is located is of the first category, the access network device may also support paging for eDRX cycles less than or equal to the first cycle threshold. Therefore, the access network device may also send second capability indication information. Accordingly, the terminal device receives the first capability indication information and the second capability indication information. In this scenario where both the first capability indication information and the second capability indication information are received, the category of the access network device of the cell where the terminal device is located can be determined to be the first category.

[0216] In some implementations, if the access network device sends a first capability indication message, it can be determined that the access network device supports paging using not only the first type of eDRX configuration information but also the second type of eDRX configuration information. That is, it supports paging using eDRX cycles greater than the first cycle threshold as well as paging using eDRX cycles less than or equal to the first cycle threshold. In other implementations, the access network device needs to indicate whether it supports paging using the corresponding eDRX configuration information through different capability indication messages. For example, if the access network device sends a first capability indication message, it only indicates that the access network device supports paging using the first type of eDRX configuration information. If the access network device also supports paging using the second type of eDRX configuration information, then it also needs to send a second capability indication message.

[0217] The terminal device determines whether to use the first type of eDRX configuration information or the second type of eDRX configuration information to listen for paging messages based on the category of the access network equipment in the cell where the terminal device is located. For example, if the category of the access network equipment in the cell where the terminal device is located is the first category, that is, the access network equipment in the cell where the terminal device is located supports paging using an eDRX period greater than the first period threshold, then the terminal device uses the first type of eDRX configuration information to listen for paging messages, meaning the first type of eDRX configuration information is effective; otherwise, the terminal device uses the second type of eDRX configuration information to listen for paging messages, that is, if the category of the access network equipment in the cell where the terminal device is located is not the first category (for example, it is the second category), the terminal device uses the second type of eDRX configuration information to listen for paging messages.

[0218] In some embodiments, the first access network device may also interact with the terminal device to exchange capabilities before configuring eDRX configuration information for the terminal device. For example, the terminal device may send third capability indication information to indicate that it supports paging using the first type of eDRX configuration information described above. The terminal device may send fourth capability indication information to indicate that it supports paging using the second type of eDRX configuration information described above. The fourth indication information may be extendedDRX-CycleInactive-r17, and the third capability indication information may be a new capability indication.

[0219] In one implementation, if the terminal device supports paging using the first type of eDRX configuration information, then the terminal device must support paging using the second type of eDRX configuration information. In this case, the terminal device sends a third capability indication message to indicate that the terminal device supports paging using both the first and second types of eDRX configuration information.

[0220] In another implementation, the terminal device needs to indicate whether it supports the corresponding eDRX configuration information through different capability indication information. For example, if the terminal device sends a third capability indication information, it only indicates that the terminal device supports paging using the first type of eDRX configuration information. If the terminal device also supports paging using the second type of eDRX configuration information, then a fourth capability indication information also needs to be sent.

[0221] Accordingly, the first access network device can configure eDRX configuration information for the terminal device based on the capability indication information reported by the terminal device. In this embodiment, the terminal device supports paging using both the first type of eDRX configuration information and the second type of eDRX configuration information. Therefore, the first access network device configures both the first type of eDRX configuration information and the second type of eDRX configuration information for the terminal device.

[0222] In this embodiment, the first access network device configures two types of eDRX configuration information for the terminal device, so that the terminal device can be paged regardless of the type of cell under the access network device, thereby improving the paging success rate. Furthermore, if the access network device of the cell does not support paging using an eDRX cycle greater than the first cycle threshold, it can fall back to the second type of eDRX configuration. Compared to falling back to DRX, this avoids the terminal device waking up frequently and saves power consumption.

[0223] Please refer to Figure 3b This is an example of a paging method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3b for Figure 3a A more detailed example of the paging method shown is as follows: Figure 3b As shown, the method may include steps 401-408, wherein the execution order of each step is not limited in this embodiment. Figure 3b As shown, the paging method in this application embodiment includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0224] 401, CN sends the first message to the first access network device.

[0225] The first message carries core network assistance information for RRC INACTIVE. For example, the first message sent by the CN could be an initial context establishment request message, an end device context modification request message, a handover request message, or a path handover request.

[0226] 402, The first access network device determines the eDRX configuration information of the first type and the eDRX configuration information of the second type.

[0227] The first access network device can be an access network device that supports paging using eDRX cycles greater than or equal to the first cycle threshold, i.e., the first access network device is an access network device of the first category. In some implementations, the first access network device also supports paging using eDRX cycles less than or equal to the first cycle threshold.

[0228] The first access network device determines the first type of eDRX configuration information and / or the second type of eDRX configuration information based on the Core Network Assistance Information for RRC INACTIVE in the first message, that is, configures the first type of eDRX configuration information and / or the second type of eDRX configuration information for the terminal device.

[0229] 403, The first access network device notifies the CN of the first type of eDRX configuration information.

[0230] The first access network device notifies the CN of the first type of eDRX configuration information so that the CN can determine how to cache the data of the terminal device.

[0231] 404. The first access network device sends an RRC connection release message to the terminal device. The RRC connection release message includes eDRX configuration information of the first type and eDRX configuration information of the second type.

[0232] For example, the RRC connection release message includes the field SuspendConfig, and an information element (IE) can be added to the extended field of the SuspendConfig field. The added IE is used to carry the first type of eDRX configuration information, which includes the first eDRX cycle (which can be denoted as ran-LongExtendedPagingCycle-r18, with a value greater than 10.24s) and PTW length used by the terminal device to listen for paging messages.

[0233] The element ran-ExtendedPagingCycle-r17 in the SuspendConfig field is used to carry the second eDRX cycle in the second type of eDRX configuration information. The element ran-ExtendedPagingCycle-r17 can be assigned a value of 10.24s or other values ​​(e.g., 2.56s, 5.12s).

[0234] 405, CN sends the first signaling, which is used to trigger RAN paging in the access network.

[0235] For example, when downlink data from a terminal device is available, the CN sends a first signaling message to the first access network device, which is used to instruct the paging terminal device.

[0236] 406. The first access network device sends a first paging message to the second access network device. The first paging message includes eDRX configuration information of a first type and eDRX configuration information of a second type.

[0237] For example, the first access network device sends a first paging message to all second access network devices within the RNA. The first paging message can be a RAN paging message, which includes eDRX configuration information of a first type and eDRX configuration information of a second type.

[0238] For example, the RAN paging message can add eDRX configuration information for the first type of IE bearer, such as adding the first eDRX period and corresponding PTW length for the IE bearer. For instance, this new IE could be "NR Paging Long eDRXInformation for RRC INACTIVE-r18". The Assigned Criticality of this new IE can be set to "ignore".

[0239] The IE in the RAN paging message (e.g., NR Paging eDRX Information for RRCINACTIVE) can be used to carry the second type of eDRX configuration information.

[0240] RNA may include second access network devices of the first category and / or second access network devices of the second category.

[0241] 407. If the category of the second access network device is the first category, then the paging message of the terminal device is sent according to the eDRX configuration information of the first type; if the category of the second access network device is the second category, then the paging message of the terminal device is sent according to the eDRX configuration information of the second type.

[0242] If the second access network device is classified as Category 1, when it receives a first paging message (e.g., a RAN paging message), and the first paging message contains eDRX configuration information of type 1, then the second access network device sends a paging message for the terminal device based on the eDRX configuration information of type 1, without considering eDRX configuration information of type 2. If the second access network device is classified as Category 2, it cannot recognize the newly added IE used to carry eDRX configuration information of type 1; therefore, the second access network device sends a paging message for the terminal device based on eDRX configuration information of type 2.

[0243] 408. The terminal device determines whether to use the first type of eDRX configuration information to listen to paging messages or the second type of eDRX configuration information to listen to paging messages, based on the type of access network equipment in the cell where the terminal device is located.

[0244] The terminal device can determine the category of the access network equipment based on the capability indication information sent by the access network equipment in its cell. If the category of the access network equipment in the cell where the terminal device is located is Category 1, then the eDRX configuration information of Category 2 is not considered, and the paging message is listened to using the eDRX configuration information of Category 1. If the category of the access network equipment in the cell where the terminal device is located is Category 2, then the paging message is listened to using the eDRX configuration information of Category 2.

[0245] Please refer to Figure 4a This is a flowchart illustrating another paging method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This can be a system architecture diagram applicable to this paging method. Figure 4a In this process, the first access network device configures two types of eDRX configuration information for the terminal device, and sends different types of eDRX configuration information to different categories of second access network devices, such as... Figure 4a As shown, the method may include steps 501-506, wherein the execution order of each step is not limited in this embodiment. Figure 4a As shown, the paging method in this application embodiment includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0246] 501. The first access network device sends the first type of eDRX configuration information and the second type of eDRX configuration information to the terminal device.

[0247] Please refer to step 501 of the embodiment of this application. Figure 3a Step 301 of the embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0248] 502, the first access network device sends a second paging message to a second access network device of the first category, the second paging message including eDRX configuration information of the first type.

[0249] 503, the first access network device sends a third paging message to the second access network device of the second category, the third paging message including eDRX configuration information of the second type.

[0250] When paging of a terminal device is required, the first access network device sends a second paging message to a second access network device of the first category within the radio notification area (RNA). This second paging message includes eDRX configuration information of the first type. The first category of access network devices supports paging using an eDRX period greater than a first period threshold. In some embodiments, the first category of access network devices may also support paging using an eDRX period less than or equal to the first period threshold. It is understood that the first access network device may also send paging messages to the terminal device.

[0251] The first access network device sends a third paging message to a second access network device of the second category within the RNA. This third paging message includes eDRX configuration information of the second type. The second access network device of the second category does not support paging using an eDRX period greater than the first period threshold, but it does support paging using an eDRX period less than or equal to the first period threshold.

[0252] In one implementation, the second access network devices in the RNA can all be access network devices of the first category; in another implementation, the second access network devices in the RNA can all be access network devices of the second category; in yet another implementation, the RNA can include second access network devices of the first category and access network devices of the second category.

[0253] In some embodiments, the paging message sent by the first access network device to the second access network device may be a Radio Access Network Paging (RAN) message.

[0254] For example, the RAN paging message sent by the first access network device to the second access network device of the second category may include NR Paging eDRX Information for RRC INACTIVE, which is assigned a value of the second DReX period, such as 10.24s or other values ​​(e.g., 2.56s, 5.12s), to instruct the second access network device of the second category to send paging messages with the second DReX period.

[0255] For example, the RAN paging message sent by the first access network device to the second access network device of the first category may include NR Paging eDRX Information for RRC INACTIVE, which is assigned the value of the first DREX period, the first DREX period being greater than 10.24s, and the RAN paging message needs to carry PTW configuration information to instruct the second access network device of the first category to send a paging message according to the second DREX period and PTW configuration information.

[0256] In some implementations, before performing steps 502 and 503, the first access network device interacts with the second access network devices within the RNA to determine the category of each second access network device within the RNA.

[0257] For example, the first access network device may determine the category of each second access network device during the Xn Setup process or through capability interaction (Operation Administration and Maintenance, OAM).

[0258] In one implementation, a second access network device of the first category can send first capability indication information, which indicates that the corresponding second access network device supports paging for eDRX cycles greater than a first cycle threshold. A second access network device of the second category can send second capability indication information, which indicates that the corresponding second access network device supports paging for eDRX cycles less than or equal to the first cycle threshold, but does not support paging for eDRX cycles greater than the first cycle threshold. The receiving party (e.g., the first access network device) determines the category of the corresponding second access network device based on the received first or second capability indication information.

[0259] In another implementation, a second access network device of the first category can send capability indication information, which indicates that the second access network device supports paging for eDRX cycles longer than a first cycle threshold. However, second access network devices of the second category may not send this capability indication information; by default, second access network devices that do not send this capability indication information do not support paging for eDRX cycles longer than the first cycle threshold. In this implementation, the Assigned Criticality of the capability indication information can be marked as Ignore. If the receiver (e.g., the first access network device) receives a message containing the aforementioned capability indication information, it determines that the second access network device sending the capability indication information is a first-category access network device. If the received message does not contain this capability indication information, it indicates that the second access network device sending the message is a second-category access network device.

[0260] 504. The second access network device of the first category sends a paging message according to the eDRX configuration information of the first type.

[0261] 505. The second access network device of the second category sends a paging message according to the eDRX configuration information of the second type.

[0262] It is understood that if the RNA does not include second access network devices of the second category, then step 504 is executed instead of step 505; if the RNA does not include second access network devices of the first category, then step 505 is executed instead of step 504; if the RNA includes not only second access network devices of the first category but also second access network devices of the second category, then steps 504 and 505 are executed.

[0263] 506. The terminal device determines whether to use the first type of eDRX configuration information to listen to paging messages or the second type of eDRX configuration information to listen to paging messages, based on the type of access network equipment in the cell where the terminal device is located.

[0264] Please refer to step 506 of the embodiment of this application. Figure 3a Step 304 of the embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0265] Please refer to Figure 4b This is an example of another paging method provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 4b for Figure 4a A more detailed example of the paging method shown is as follows: Figure 4b As shown, the method may include steps 601-610, wherein the execution order of each step is not limited in this embodiment. Figure 4b As shown, the paging method in this application embodiment includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0266] 600, Capability Interaction.

[0267] For example, the first access network device may determine the category of each second access network device by interacting with each second access network device during the Xn Setup process or through (Operation Administration and Maintenance, OAM).

[0268] In one implementation, a second access network device of the first category can send first capability indication information, which indicates that the corresponding second access network device supports paging for eDRX cycles greater than a first cycle threshold. A second access network device of the second category can send second capability indication information, which indicates that the corresponding second access network device supports paging for eDRX cycles less than or equal to the first cycle threshold, but does not support paging for eDRX cycles greater than the first cycle threshold. The receiving party (e.g., the first access network device) determines the category of the corresponding second access network device based on the received first or second capability indication information.

[0269] In another implementation, a second access network device of the first category can send capability indication information, which indicates that the second access network device supports paging for eDRX cycles greater than a first cycle threshold. However, a second access network device of the second category may not send this capability indication information. By default, a second access network device that does not send this capability indication information does not support paging for eDRX cycles greater than the first cycle threshold, but supports paging for eDRX cycles less than or equal to the first cycle threshold. In this implementation, the Assigned Criticality of the capability indication information can be marked as Ignore. If the receiver (e.g., the first access network device) receives a message containing the aforementioned capability indication information, it determines that the second access network device that sent the capability indication information is a first-category access network device. If the received message does not contain this capability indication information, it indicates that the second access network device that sent the message is a second-category access network device.

[0270] 601, CN sends the first message to the first access network device.

[0271] 602, The first access network device determines the first type of eDRX configuration information and the second type of eDRX configuration information.

[0272] 603, The first access network device notifies the CN of the first type of eDRX configuration information.

[0273] 604. The first access network device sends an RRC connection release message to the terminal device. The RRC connection release message includes eDRX configuration information of the first type and eDRX configuration information of the second type.

[0274] 605, CN sends a first signaling message to the first access network device, which is used to trigger paging by the first access device.

[0275] Please refer to steps 601-605 of the embodiments of this application. Figure 3b Steps 401-405 of the embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0276] 606, the first access network device sends a second paging message to a second access network device of the first category, the second paging message including eDRX configuration information of the first type.

[0277] 607, the first access network device sends a third paging message to a second access network device of the second category, the third paging message including eDRX configuration information of the second type.

[0278] The second and third paging messages can be RAN paging messages.

[0279] The RAN paging message sent by the first access network device to the second access network device of the second category may include NR Paging eDRX Information for RRC INACTIVE, which is assigned the value of the second eDRX period, such as 10.24s or other values ​​(e.g., 2.56s, 5.12s), to instruct the second access network device of the second category to send paging messages in the second eDRX period.

[0280] For example, the RAN paging message sent by the first access network device to the second access network device of the first category may include NR Paging eDRX Information for RRC INACTIVE, which is assigned the value of the first eDRX period, the first eDRX period being greater than 10.24s, and the RAN paging message needs to carry PTW configuration information to instruct the second access network device of the first category to send a paging message according to the second eDRX period and the PTW configuration information.

[0281] 608. The second access network device of the first category sends a paging message according to the eDRX configuration information of the first type.

[0282] 609. The second access network device of the second category sends a paging message according to the eDRX configuration information of the second type.

[0283] It is understood that if the RNA does not include second access network devices of the second category, then step 608 is executed instead of step 609; if the RNA does not include second access network devices of the first category, then step 609 is executed instead of step 608; if the RNA includes not only second access network devices of the first category but also second access network devices of the second category, then steps 608 and 609 are executed.

[0284] 610. The terminal device determines whether to use the first type of eDRX configuration information to listen to paging messages or the second type of eDRX configuration information to listen to paging messages, based on the type of access network equipment in the cell where the terminal device is located.

[0285] Please refer to step 610 of the embodiment of this application. Figure 3b Step 408 of the illustrated embodiment will not be described again here.

[0286] Please refer to Figure 5a This is a flowchart illustrating another paging method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This can be a system architecture diagram applicable to this paging method. Figure 5a In this process, the first access network device provides the terminal device with eDRX configuration information of the first type. When the terminal device moves to a cell under the second type of access network device, it can listen for paging messages according to the pre-configured eDRX configuration information of the second type. For example... Figure 5a As shown, the method may include steps 701-704, wherein the execution order of each step is not limited in this embodiment. Figure 5a As shown, the paging method in this application embodiment includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0287] 701, The first access network device sends the first type of eDRX configuration information to the terminal device.

[0288] The first type of eDRX configuration information includes a first eDRX period, which is greater than a first period threshold. For example, the first period threshold can be 10.24s. Furthermore, the first type of eDRX configuration information may also include paging time window (PTW) configuration information.

[0289] For example, the first type of eDRX configuration information can refer to an INACTIVE eDRX configuration longer than 10.24 seconds, which can be simply referred to as a long INACTIVE eDRX configuration in some scenarios.

[0290] In some embodiments, the first access network device may send a first type of eDRX configuration information to the terminal device via an RRC connection release message, which is used to release the terminal device into an inactive INACTIVE state.

[0291] For example, the RRC connection release message includes the field SuspendConfig, and an information element (IE) can be added to the extended field of the SuspendConfig field. The added IE is used to carry the first type of eDRX configuration information, which includes the first eDRX cycle (which can be denoted as ran-LongExtendedPagingCycle-r18, with a value greater than 10.24s) and PTW length used by the terminal device to listen for paging messages.

[0292] 702, the first access network device sends a first paging message to the second access network device, the first paging message including eDRX configuration information of a first type and eDRX configuration information of a second type.

[0293] 703. If the category of the second access network device is the first category, then a second paging message is sent according to the eDRX configuration information of the first type; if the category of the second access network device is the second category, then a second paging message is sent according to the eDRX configuration information of the second type.

[0294] Steps 702-703 of the embodiments of this application can be referred to. Figure 3a Steps 302-303 in the embodiment are not repeated here.

[0295] 704. The terminal device determines whether to use the first type of eDRX configuration information to listen to paging messages or to use the pre-configured second type of eDRX configuration information to listen to paging messages, based on the type of access network equipment in the cell where the terminal device is located.

[0296] The terminal device determines the category of the access network equipment in its cell. Optionally, the terminal device can determine the category of the access network equipment in its cell by receiving capability indication information, such as system information, sent by the access network equipment. Figure 3a The relevant description of step 304 in the previous section will not be repeated here.

[0297] If the access network equipment in the cell where the terminal device is located is of category 1, meaning the access network equipment in the cell supports paging using an eDRX period longer than the first period threshold, then the terminal device uses the first type of eDRX configuration information to listen for paging messages, and the first type of eDRX configuration information is effective. If the access network equipment in the cell where the terminal device is located is of category 2, meaning the access network equipment in the cell supports paging using an eDRX period shorter than or equal to the first period threshold, but does not support paging using an eDRX period longer than the first period threshold, then the terminal device uses the second type of eDRX configuration information to listen for paging messages. This second type of eDRX configuration information can be pre-configured or can be specified by the protocol. In other words, if the first type of eDRX configuration information is ineffective, the terminal device, if supported by the cell, can fall back to using the second type of eDRX configuration information to listen for paging messages, for example, using an eDRX period of 10.24 seconds to listen for paging messages.

[0298] Please refer to Figure 5b This is another example of a paging method provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 5b for Figure 5a A more detailed example of the paging method shown is as follows: Figure 5b As shown, the method may include steps 801-808, wherein the execution order of each step is not limited in this embodiment. Figure 4b As shown, the paging method in this application embodiment includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0299] 801, CN sends the first message to the first access network device.

[0300] 802, The first access network device determines the first type of eDRX configuration information and the second type of eDRX configuration information.

[0301] 803, The first access network device notifies the CN of the first type of eDRX configuration information.

[0302] Please refer to steps 801-803 of the embodiments of this application. Figure 3b Steps 401-403 of the embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0303] 804. The first access network device sends an RRC connection release message to the terminal device. The RRC connection release message includes eDRX configuration information of the first type.

[0304] For example, the RRC connection release message includes the SuspendConfig field, and an IE can be added to the extended field of the SuspendConfig field. The added IE is used to carry the first type of eDRX configuration information, which includes the first eDRX cycle (which can be denoted as ran-LongExtendedPagingCycle-r18, with a value greater than 10.24s) and PTW length used by the terminal device to listen for paging messages.

[0305] 805, CN sends a first signaling message to the first access network device, which is used to trigger the first access network device to send a paging message.

[0306] 806, the first access network device sends a first paging message to the second access network device, the first paging message including eDRX configuration information of a first type and eDRX configuration information of a second type.

[0307] 807. If the category of the second access network device is the first category, then the paging message of the terminal device is sent according to the eDRX configuration information of the first type; if the category of the second access network device is the second category, then the paging message of the terminal device is sent according to the eDRX configuration information of the second type.

[0308] Please refer to steps 805-807 of the embodiments of this application. Figure 3b Steps 405-407 of the embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0309] 808. The terminal device determines, based on the type of access network equipment in the cell where the terminal device is located, whether to use the first type of eDRX configuration information to listen to paging messages or to use the pre-configured second type of eDRX configuration information to listen to paging messages.

[0310] If the access network equipment in the cell where the terminal device is located is of the first category, the terminal device uses the first type of eDRX configuration information to listen for paging messages, that is, the first type of eDRX configuration information takes effect; if the access network equipment in the cell where the terminal device is located is of the second category, the terminal device uses the second type of eDRX configuration information to listen for paging messages, and the second type of eDRX configuration information can be pre-configured or specified by the protocol.

[0311] Please refer to Figure 6a This is a flowchart illustrating another paging method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This can be a system architecture diagram applicable to this paging method. Figure 6aIn this process, the first access network device provides the terminal device with eDRX configuration information of the first type. When the terminal device moves to a cell under the second type of access network device, it can access the second type of access network device and obtain the second type of eDRX configuration information from it. Figure 6a As shown, the method may include steps 901-908, wherein the execution order of each step is not limited in this embodiment. Figure 6a As shown, the paging method in this application embodiment includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0312] 901, The first access network device sends the first type of eDRX configuration information to the terminal device.

[0313] Please refer to step 901 of the embodiment of this application. Figure 5a Step 701 of the embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0314] 902, The first access network device instructs the core network device to use the first type of eDRX configuration information to listen for paging messages.

[0315] The first access network device instructs the core network device to use the first type of eDRX configuration information to listen for paging messages, so that the core network device can cache the downlink data of the terminal device.

[0316] 903. If the access network equipment in the cell where the terminal device is located is of the first category, the terminal device listens for paging messages according to the eDRX configuration information of the first type.

[0317] If the access network equipment in the cell where the terminal device is located is of the first category, that is, the access network equipment in the cell where the terminal device is located supports paging using an eDRX period greater than the first period threshold, then the terminal device uses the first type of eDRX configuration information to listen for paging messages.

[0318] 904. When a terminal device moves from a cell under a first-category access network device to a cell under a second-category access network device, it sends an RRC connection recovery request to the second access network device.

[0319] When a terminal device moves from a cell under a first-category access network device to a cell under a second-category access network device, the first-category access network device supports paging for eDRX cycles exceeding the first cycle threshold, while the second-category access network device does not. Therefore, the first-type eDRX configuration information pre-configured by the first access network device for the terminal device is inapplicable. In this case, the terminal device can obtain the second-type eDRX configuration information from the access network device in its current cell and listen for paging messages based on the second-type eDRX configuration information. The access network device in the current cell is of the second-category access network device type, and the second-type eDRX configuration information includes a second eDRX cycle that is less than or equal to the first cycle threshold.

[0320] For ease of description, in this embodiment, the access network device of the cell where the terminal device is currently located is referred to as the second access network device. The terminal device can obtain the second type of eDRX configuration information from the second access network device in the following ways: the terminal device sends an RRC connection recovery request to the second access network device to trigger the second access network device to request the configuration of the second type of eDRX configuration information from the first access network device; or, the second access network device can configure the second type of eDRX configuration information for the terminal device after obtaining the terminal device context. For details, please refer to the description of steps 905-908 below, which will not be repeated here.

[0321] 905, the second access network device sends a context request to the first access network device, which is used to obtain the context of the terminal device.

[0322] When the second access network device receives the RRC connection recovery request from the terminal device, the second access network device sends a context request to the first access network device. The context request is used to request the context of the terminal device.

[0323] 906. When the first access network device receives a context request, it indicates to the core network device that the first type of eDRX configuration information has been updated.

[0324] When the first access network device receives a context request from the terminal device, it needs to indicate to the core network device that the first type of eDRX configuration information has been updated. The update of the first type of eDRX configuration information can be at least one of the following: the first type of eDRX configuration information is updated to the second type of eDRX configuration information, the first type of eDRX configuration information is updated to have no INACTIVE eDRX configuration information, the terminal device's state is updated from INACTIVE to IDLE, etc.

[0325] The first access network device indicates to the core network device that the first type of eDRX configuration information has been updated, so that the core network device does not need to cache the data of the terminal device.

[0326] 907, The first access network device sends the second type of eDRX configuration information or the context of the terminal device to the second access network device;

[0327] 908, the second access network device sends the second type of eDRX configuration information to the terminal device.

[0328] In the first implementation, the context of the terminal device is still stored in the first access network device. The first access network device configures the second type of eDRX configuration information for the terminal device and sends it to the second access network device, which then sends it to the terminal device.

[0329] Optionally, the first access network device sends a "RETRIEVE UE CONTEXT FAILURE" message to the second access network device, the reason being that the first access network device determines that the second access network device does not support paging using eDRX cycles greater than a first cycle threshold. This "RETRIEVE UE CONTEXT FAILURE" message includes an "RRCRelease" message, which carries second-type eDRX configuration information. The second access network device sends the "RRCRelease" message to the terminal device, which releases the terminal device to the INACTIVE state. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second-type eDRX configuration information, allowing it to listen for paging messages based on this information. In some embodiments, the terminal device can update the first-type eDRX configuration information to the second-type eDRX configuration information.

[0330] It is understandable that in this implementation, in step 906, the first access network device instructs the core network device that the eDRX configuration information of the terminal device has been updated, which may mean that the first type of eDRX configuration information has been updated to the second type of eDRX configuration information, and the core network device does not need to cache the data of the terminal device.

[0331] In the second implementation, the context of the terminal device is released. In this implementation, the terminal device is released to the idle state, and the terminal device listens for paging messages according to the IDLE eDRX configuration information.

[0332] Specifically, optionally, the first access network device sends a "RETRIEVE UE CONTEXT FAILURE" message to the second access network device, the reason being that the first access network device determines that the second access network device does not support paging using an eDRX cycle greater than a first cycle threshold. This "RETRIEVE UE CONTEXT FAILURE" message includes an "RRCRelease" message, which releases the terminal device to the IDLE state. The second access network device sends the "RRCRelease" message to the terminal device, thereby releasing the terminal device to the IDLE state. The terminal device listens for paging messages according to its IDLE eDRX configuration information. In some embodiments, the terminal device may discard previously configured first-type eDRX configuration information.

[0333] It is understood that in this implementation, step 906, in which the first access network device indicates to the core network device that the eDRX configuration information of the terminal device has been updated, may include: the first type of eDRX configuration information being updated to no INACTIVE eDRX configuration information, and / or the terminal device's state being updated from INACTIVE state to IDLE state.

[0334] In the third implementation, the context of the terminal device is transferred from the first access network device to the second access network device. That is, the first access network device sends the context of the terminal device to the second access network device, and the second access network device configures the second type of eDRX configuration information for the terminal device.

[0335] Optionally, the first access network device receives a context request from the second access network device and sends the terminal device's context to the second access network device. Further, the second access network device decides to release the terminal device into the INACTIVE state. The second access network device can indicate to the core network device that the terminal device's first type of eDRX configuration information has been updated. For example, the second access network device sends signaling to the core network device, and the core network device updates the terminal device's state to RRC INACTIVE with CM CONNECTED, where the CN does not need to cache UE data. The second access network device can also interact with the core network device to perform path switching. In some embodiments, the second access network device can indicate to the core network device that the terminal device's first type of eDRX configuration information has been updated via a path switch request message; that is, the path switch request message includes indication information indicating that the terminal device's first type of eDRX configuration information has been updated.

[0336] The second access network device sends an RRC connection release message to the terminal device. The RRC connection release message is used to release the terminal device to the INACTIVE state. The RRC connection release message includes eDRX configuration information of the second type.

[0337] It is understandable that in the third implementation, if the second access network device indicates to the core network device that the first type of eDRX configuration information has been updated, then the first access network device does not need to indicate to the core network device that the first type of eDRX configuration information has been updated, i.e., step 906 can be skipped. Conversely, in the third implementation, if the second access network device does not indicate to the core network device that the first type of eDRX configuration information has been updated, then step 906 can be executed, i.e., the first access network device indicates to the core network device that the first type of eDRX configuration information has been updated.

[0338] In the third implementation, updating the first type of eDRX configuration information can mean that the first type of eDRX configuration information is updated to the second type of eDRX configuration information.

[0339] Please refer to Figure 6b This is another example of a paging method provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 6b for Figure 6a A more detailed example of the paging method shown is provided, wherein the execution order of the various steps is not limited in this embodiment. Figure 6b As shown, the paging method in this application embodiment includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0340] 1001, CN sends the first message to the first access network device.

[0341] 1002, The first access network device determines the eDRX configuration information of the first type.

[0342] 1003, The first access network device instructs the CN to use the first type of eDRX configuration information to listen for paging messages.

[0343] 1004, the first access network device sends an RRC connection release message to the terminal device, which includes eDRX configuration information of the first type.

[0344] 1005. If the access network equipment in the cell where the terminal device is located is of the first category, the terminal device listens for paging messages according to the eDRX configuration information of the first type.

[0345] 1006. When a terminal device moves from a cell under a first-category access network device to a cell under a second-category access network device, it sends an RRC connection recovery request to the second access network device.

[0346] 1007, the second access network device sends a context request to the first access network device, which is used to obtain the context of the terminal device.

[0347] If the first access network device does not return the context of the terminal device to the second access network device, then execute... Figure 6b In the first process (i.e., executing steps 1008-1010); if the first access network device successfully returns the context of the terminal device to the second access network device, then proceed... Figure 6b The second process (i.e., steps 1011-1015) is described below. The steps in both processes are described in detail below.

[0348] Process 1 includes, but is not limited to, the following steps 1008-1010:

[0349] 1008, the first access network device indicates to the CN that the first eDRX configuration information has been updated.

[0350] 1009, the first access network device sends an RRC connection release message to the second access network device.

[0351] 1010, the second access network device sends an RRC connection release message to the terminal device.

[0352] In one implementation, the context of the terminal device is still stored in the first access network device. The first access network device configures the terminal device with the second type of eDRX configuration information and sends it to the second access network device, which then sends it to the terminal device.

[0353] Optionally, the first access network device sends a "RETRIEVE UE CONTEXT FAILURE" message to the second access network device. This "RETRIEVE UE CONTEXT FAILURE" message includes an "RRCRelease" message, which carries eDRX configuration information of the second type. The second access network device then sends the "RRCRelease" message to the terminal device. This "RRC connection release" message releases the terminal device to the INACTIVE state. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the eDRX configuration information of the second type, allowing it to listen for paging messages based on this information.

[0354] The first access network device instructing the CN that the first eDRX configuration information has been updated may refer to the CN notifying the CN that the first eDRX configuration information has been updated to the second type of eDRX configuration information.

[0355] In another implementation, the context of the terminal device is released. In this implementation, the terminal device is released to the idle state, and the terminal device listens for paging messages according to the IDLE eDRX configuration information.

[0356] Optionally, the first access network device sends a "RETRIEVE UE CONTEXT FAILURE" message to the second access network device, which includes an RRC connection release message (RRCRelease) that releases the terminal device to the IDLE state. The second access network device then sends the RRCelease message to the terminal device, thereby releasing the terminal device to the IDLE state. The terminal device then listens for paging messages based on its IDLE eDRX configuration information.

[0357] The first access network device instructs the CN that the eDRX configuration information of the terminal device has been updated, which may mean that the first type of eDRX configuration information has been updated to no INACTIVE eDRX configuration information, and the state of the terminal device has been updated from INACTIVE state to IDLE state.

[0358] Process 2 includes, but is not limited to, the following steps 1011-1015:

[0359] 1011, The first access network device sends the context of the terminal device to the second access network device.

[0360] The first access network device sends the context of the terminal device to the second access network device. In process two, either the first access network device or the second access network device can indicate to the CN that the eDRX configuration information of the first type has been updated, and then step 1012 or step 1013 can be executed.

[0361] 1012, the second access network device indicates to the CN that the first eDRX configuration information has been updated.

[0362] 1013, the first access network device indicates to the CN that the first eDRX configuration information has been updated.

[0363] In process two, instructing the CN that the terminal device's eDRX configuration information has been updated can mean that the terminal device's eDRX configuration information has been updated from the first type to the second type, without requiring the core network device to cache data. Specifically, the second access network device can determine that the first eDRX configuration information has been updated to the second type based on the first access network device's support for paging beyond the first cycle threshold.

[0364] 1014, Path switching.

[0365] 1015, the second access network device sends an RRC connection release message to the terminal device, which includes eDRX configuration information of the second type.

[0366] The second access network device can configure a second type of eDRX configuration information for the terminal device when releasing the terminal device to the INACTIVE state. For example, the second access network device sends an RRC connection release message to the terminal device, which includes the second type of eDRX configuration information.

[0367] The following describes the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0368] This application divides the communication device into functional modules according to the above-described method embodiments. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated modules can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules. It should be noted that the module division in this application is illustrative and represents only one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation. The following will combine... Figures 7 to 9 The communication device of the present application embodiment is described in detail.

[0369] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the communication device 1000 can correspondingly implement the functions or steps implemented by the communication device (e.g., terminal device or access network device) in the various method embodiments described above. The communication device may include a processing unit 1200 and a transceiver unit 1100. Optionally, it may also include a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions (code or program) and / or data. The processing unit 1200 and the transceiver unit 1100 can be coupled to the storage unit; for example, the processing unit 1200 can read instructions (code or program) and / or data from the storage unit to implement the corresponding method. The aforementioned units can be set independently, or partially or completely integrated. For example, the transceiver unit 1100 may include a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. The transmitting unit can be a transmitter, and the receiving unit can be a receiver. The entity corresponding to the transceiver unit 1100 can be a transceiver.

[0370] In some possible implementations, the communication device 1000 can correspondingly implement the behavior and functions of the terminal device in the above method embodiments. For example, the communication device 1000 can be a terminal device or a component (e.g., a chip or circuit) applied in the terminal device. The transceiver unit 1100 can, for example, be used to perform... Figures 3a to 6bIn the embodiments, all receiving or sending operations performed by the terminal device, for example Figure 3a Steps 301 and 303 in the process, Figure 3b Steps 404 and 407 in the text Figure 4a Steps 501, 504, and 505 in the text Figure 4b Steps 604, 608, and 609 in the text Figure 5a Steps 701 and 703 in the process, Figure 5b Steps 804 and 807 in the text Figure 6a Steps 901, 904, and 908 in the text Figure 6b Steps 1004, 1006, 1010, and 1015, and / or other processes used to support the technology described herein. Processing unit 1200 is used to execute... Figures 3a to 6b In the embodiments, all operations performed by the terminal device except for sending and receiving operations, such as Figure 3a Step 304 in the illustrated embodiment, for example Figure 3b Step 408 in the illustrated embodiment, Figure 4a Step 506 in the illustrated embodiment Figure 4b Step 610 in the embodiment described above, Figure 5a Step 704 in the illustrated embodiment, Figure 5b Step 808 in the illustrated embodiment, Figure 6a Step 903 in the illustrated embodiment, Figure 6b Step 1005 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0371] In some possible implementations, the communication device 1000 can correspondingly implement the behavior and functions of the first access network device in the above method embodiments. For example, the communication device 1000 can be the first access network device, or it can be a component (e.g., a chip or circuit) applied in the first access network device. The transceiver unit 1100 can, for example, be used to perform... Figures 3a to 6b In the embodiments, all receive or transmit operations performed by the first access network device, for example... Figure 3a Steps 301 and 302 in the process, Figure 3b Steps 401, 403, 404, 405, and 406 in the text. Figure 4a Steps 501, 502, and 503 in the text Figure 4b Steps 601, 603, 605, 606, and 607 in the text. Figure 5a Steps 701 and 702 in the process, Figure 5b Steps 801, 803, 805, and 806 in the text. Figure 6aSteps 901, 902, 905, 906, and 907 in the text. Figure 6b Steps 1001, 1003, 1004, 1007, 1008, 1009, and 1011, and / or other processes used to support the technology described herein. Processing unit 1200 is used to execute... Figures 3a to 6b In the embodiments, all operations performed by the first access network device except for transmit and receive operations, such as Figure 3b Step 402 in the illustrated embodiment, for example Figure 4b Step 602 in the illustrated embodiment, Figure 5b Step 802 in the illustrated embodiment, Figure 6b Step 1002 in the embodiment described above.

[0372] In some possible implementations, the communication device 1000 can correspondingly implement the behavior and functions of the second access network device in the above method embodiments. For example, the communication device 1000 can be the second access network device, or it can be a component (e.g., a chip or circuit) applied in the second access network device. The transceiver unit 1100 can, for example, be used to perform... Figures 3a to 6b In the embodiments, all receive or transmit operations performed by the second access network device, for example... Figure 3a Steps 302 and 303 in the process, Figure 3b Steps 406 and 407 in the process, Figure 4a Steps 502 and 504 in the process Figure 4a Steps 503 and 505 in the text Figure 4b Steps 606 and 608 in the process Figure 4b Steps 607 and 609 in the process, Figure 5a Steps 702 and 703 in the process, Figure 5b Steps 806 and 807 in the process, Figure 6a Steps 904, 905, 907, and 908 in the text. Figure 6b Steps 1006, 1007, 1009, 1010, 1011, 1012, and 1015, and / or other processes used to support the technology described herein. Processing unit 1200 is used to execute... Figures 3a to 6b In this embodiment, all operations performed by the second access network device except for the transmit and receive operations are performed.

[0373] The terminal device and access network device according to embodiments of this application have been described above. The following describes possible product forms of the terminal device and the access network device. It should be understood that any device possessing the above-described features... Figure 7 Any product in any form that possesses the functions of the aforementioned terminal device, or any product that has the above-mentioned features. Figure 7 Any form of the access network device described herein falls within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. It should also be understood that the following description is merely illustrative and does not limit the product form of the access network device and terminal device in the embodiments of this application to these examples.

[0374] In one possible implementation, Figure 7 In the communication device shown, the processing unit 1200 may be one or more processors, and the transceiver unit 1100 may be a transceiver, or the transceiver unit 1100 may also be a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. The transmitting unit may be a transmitter, and the receiving unit may be a receiver. The transmitting unit and the receiving unit are integrated into one device, such as a transceiver. In the embodiments of this application, the processor and the transceiver may be coupled, etc. The connection method between the processor and the transceiver is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0375] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device 2000 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 The communication device mentioned above can be either the terminal equipment or the access network equipment.

[0376] like Figure 8 As shown, the communication device 2000 includes one or more processors 2200 and transceivers 2100. The transceiver 2100 can implement the functions of the transceiver unit 1100, and the processor 2200 can implement the functions of the processing unit 1200.

[0377] exist Figure 8 In various implementations of the communication apparatus shown, the transceiver may include a receiver for performing a receiving function (or operation) and a transmitter for performing a transmitting function (or operation). The transceiver is also used to communicate with other devices / appliances via a transmission medium.

[0378] Optionally, the communication device 2000 may further include one or more memories 2300 for storing program instructions and / or data. The memory 2300 is coupled to the processor 2200. The coupling in this embodiment is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, and can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, used for information exchange between devices, units, or modules. The processor 2200 may operate in conjunction with the memory 2300. The processor 2200 can execute program instructions stored in the memory 2300.

[0379] This application embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the transceiver 2100, processor 2200, and memory 2300. This application embodiment... Figure 8 The transceiver 2100, processor 2200, and memory 2300 are connected via bus 2400. Figure 8 The connections between other components are shown in bold and are for illustrative purposes only, not as limiting information. The bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, Figure 8 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0380] In the embodiments of this application, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc., and can implement or execute the various methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware processor, or being executed by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.

[0381] In this application embodiment, the memory may include, but is not limited to, non-volatile memory such as hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD), random access memory (RAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), read-only memory (ROM), or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), etc. Memory is any storage medium capable of carrying or storing program code in the form of instructions or data structures, and capable of being read and / or written by a computer (such as the communication device shown in this application), but is not limited to this. The memory in this application embodiment may also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing storage functions, used to store program instructions and / or data.

[0382] The processor 2200 is primarily used for processing communication protocols and data, controlling the entire communication device, executing software programs, and processing software program data. The memory 2300 is primarily used for storing software programs and data. The transceiver 2100 may include control circuitry and an antenna. The control circuitry is primarily used for converting baseband signals to radio frequency signals and processing radio frequency signals. The antenna is primarily used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input / output devices, such as touchscreens, displays, and keyboards, are primarily used for receiving user input data and outputting data to the user.

[0383] When the communication device is powered on, the processor 2200 can read the software program in the memory 2300, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be transmitted wirelessly, the processor 2200 performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) circuit. The RF circuit processes the baseband signal and transmits the RF signal outward in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts the RF signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 2200. The processor 2200 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0384] In another implementation, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna can be set up independently of the processor performing baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna can be arranged remotely, independent of the communication device.

[0385] It is understood that the communication device shown in the embodiments of this application may also have more than Figure 8 This application does not limit the use of other components or other related elements. The methods performed by the processor and transceiver shown above are merely examples; the specific steps performed by the processor and transceiver can be found in the methods described above.

[0386] In another possible implementation Figure 7 In the communication device shown, the processing unit 1200 can be one or more logic circuits, and the transceiver unit 1100 can be an input / output interface, or a communication interface, or an interface circuit, or an interface, etc. Alternatively, the transceiver unit 1100 can also be a transmitting unit and a receiving unit; the transmitting unit can be an output interface, and the receiving unit can be an input interface, integrated into one unit, such as an input / output interface. Figure 9 As shown, Figure 9 The communication device shown includes logic circuitry 3001 and interface 3002. That is, the processing unit 1200 can be implemented using logic circuitry 3001, and the transceiver unit 1100 can be implemented using interface 3002. The logic circuitry 3001 can be a chip, processing circuit, integrated circuit, or system-on-chip (SoC) chip, etc., and the interface 3002 can be a communication interface, input / output interface, pins, etc. For example, Figure 9 Taking the aforementioned communication device as an example, the chip includes logic circuit 3001 and interface 3002.

[0387] In this embodiment, the logic circuit and the interface can also be coupled to each other. The specific connection method between the logic circuit and the interface is not limited in this embodiment.

[0388] It is understood that the communication device shown in the embodiments of this application can implement the method provided in the embodiments of this application in hardware form or in software form, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit it in this way.

[0389] This application also provides a wireless communication system, which includes an access network device and a terminal device, which can be used to perform the methods in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0390] In addition, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer code, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the operations and / or processes performed by the access network device and the terminal device in the method provided in this application.

[0391] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes computer code or a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the operations and / or processes performed by the access network device and the terminal device in the method provided in this application to be executed.

[0392] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be an indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices, or units, or it may be an electrical, mechanical, or other form of connection.

[0393] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the technical effects of the solutions provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0394] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0395] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a readable storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or an access network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned readable storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0396] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A paging method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a terminal device, or a chip of the terminal device, and the method includes: Receive first type of extended discontinuous reception eDRX configuration information and second type of eDRX configuration information. The first type of eDRX configuration information includes a first eDRX period and a paging time window (PTW) length. The second type of eDRX configuration information includes a second eDRX period. The first eDRX period is greater than a first period threshold. The second eDRX period is less than or equal to the first period threshold. Based on the category of the access network equipment in the cell where the terminal device is located, it is determined whether to use the first type of eDRX configuration information to listen for paging messages or to use the second type of eDRX configuration information to listen for paging messages. The category of the access network equipment is determined at least based on whether the access network equipment supports paging using an eDRX period greater than the first period threshold.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first cycle threshold is 10.24 seconds.

3. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The terminal device determines whether to use the first type of eDRX configuration information to listen to paging messages or the second type of eDRX configuration information to listen to paging messages based on the category of the access network equipment in the cell where the terminal device is located, including: If the system information block type 1 SIB1 sent by the access network device of the cell where the terminal device is located includes first capability indication information, the category of the access network device of the cell where the terminal device is located is determined to be the first category. The paging message is listened to according to the eDRX configuration information of the first type. The first capability indication information indicates that the access network device supports paging using an eDRX period greater than the first period threshold. If the SIB1 sent by the access network device in the cell where the terminal device is located does not include the first capability indication information, and the SIB1 includes the second capability indication information, the access network device in the cell where the terminal device is located is determined to be of the second category. The paging message is listened to according to the eDRX configuration information of the second type. The second capability indication information indicates that the access network device supports paging using an eDRX period less than or equal to the first period threshold.

4. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The second capability indication information is eDRX-AllowedInactive-r17.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first type of eDRX configuration information and the second type of eDRX configuration information are carried in the Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection release message.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the terminal device supports paging using the first type of eDRX configuration information, it sends third capability indication information, which is used to indicate that the terminal device supports paging using the first type of eDRX configuration information. If the terminal device supports paging using the second type of eDRX configuration information, it sends a fourth capability indication information, which indicates that the terminal device supports paging using the second type of eDRX configuration information.

7. A paging method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first access network device, or a chip of the first access network device, and the method includes: Send a first type of extended discontinuous reception eDRX configuration information and a second type of eDRX configuration information to the terminal device. The first type of eDRX configuration information includes a first eDRX period and a paging time window (PTW) length. The second type of eDRX configuration information includes a second eDRX period. The first eDRX period is greater than a first period threshold, and the second eDRX period is less than or equal to the first period threshold. Send a first paging message to the second access network device. The first paging message includes the identifier of the terminal device, the eDRX configuration information of the first type and the eDRX configuration information of the second type.

8. The method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The second access network device is either a first-category access network device or a second-category access network device. The first-category access network device supports paging using an eDRX cycle greater than the first cycle threshold, while the second-category access network device does not support paging using an eDRX cycle greater than the first cycle threshold. The second-category access network device supports paging using an eDRX cycle less than or equal to the first cycle threshold.

9. The method as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: The system receives capability indication information sent by a second access network device of the first category. The capability indication information is used to indicate that the corresponding second access network device of the first category supports paging for an eDRX period greater than the first period threshold.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7-9, characterized in that, The first type of eDRX configuration information and the second type of eDRX configuration information are carried in the Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection release message.

11. The method according to any one of claims 7-10, characterized in that, The first cycle threshold is 10.24 seconds.

12. The method according to any one of claims 7-11, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the first access network device supports paging using the first type of eDRX configuration information, it sends SIB1 including first capability indication information, whereby the first capability indication information indicates that the first access network device supports paging using an eDRX period greater than the first period threshold. If the first access network device supports paging using the second type of eDRX configuration information, it sends an SIB1 including second capability indication information, wherein the SIB1 does not include the first capability indication information, and the second capability indication information indicates that the first access network device supports paging using an eDRX period less than or equal to the first period threshold.

13. The method as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The second capability indication information is eDRX-AllowedInactive-r17.

14. A paging method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a second access network device or a chip of the second access network device, and the method includes: The system receives a first paging message sent by a first access network device. The first paging message includes the identifier of the terminal device, a first type of eDRX configuration information, and a second type of eDRX configuration information. The first type of eDRX configuration information includes a first eDRX period and a paging time window (PTW) length. The second type of eDRX configuration information includes a second eDRX period. The first eDRX period is greater than a first period threshold, and the second eDRX period is less than or equal to the first period threshold. If the category of the second access network device is the first category, then a second paging message is sent according to the eDRX configuration information of the first type; If the second access network device is of the second category, then a second paging message is sent according to the eDRX configuration information of the second type; The second paging message includes the identifier of the terminal device; The first category and the second category are determined at least based on whether the second access network device supports paging using an eDRX cycle greater than the first cycle threshold.

15. The method as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The first cycle threshold is 10.24 seconds.

16. The method as described in claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the second access network device supports paging using the first type of eDRX configuration information, it sends SIB1 including first capability indication information, the first capability indication information indicating that the second access network device supports paging using an eDRX period greater than the first period threshold. If the second access network device supports paging using the second type of eDRX configuration information, it sends an SIB1 including second capability indication information, wherein the SIB1 does not include the first capability indication information, and the second capability indication information indicates that the second access network device supports paging using an eDRX period less than or equal to the first period threshold.

17. The method as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The second capability indication information is eDRX-AllowedInactive-r17.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14-17, characterized in that, The first category of access network devices supports paging using eDRX cycles greater than the first cycle threshold, while the second category of access network devices does not support paging using eDRX cycles greater than the first cycle threshold, but supports paging using eDRX cycles less than or equal to the first cycle threshold.

19. A communication device applied to a terminal equipment, characterized in that, include: The transceiver unit is used to receive extended discontinuous reception (eDRX) configuration information of a first type and eDRX configuration information of a second type. The first type of eDRX configuration information includes a first eDRX period and a paging time window (PTW) length. The second type of eDRX configuration information includes a second eDRX period. The first eDRX period is greater than a first period threshold, and the second eDRX period is less than or equal to the first period threshold. The processing unit is configured to determine, based on the type of access network equipment in the cell where the terminal equipment is located, whether to use the first type of eDRX configuration information to listen for paging messages or to use the second type of eDRX configuration information to listen for paging messages. The type of access network equipment is determined at least based on whether the access network equipment supports paging using an eDRX period greater than the first period threshold.

20. A communication device applied to a first access network device, characterized in that, include: The transceiver unit is used to send a first type of extended discontinuous reception eDRX configuration information and a second type of eDRX configuration information to the terminal device. The first type of eDRX configuration information includes a first eDRX period and a paging time window (PTW) length. The second type of eDRX configuration information includes a second eDRX period. The first eDRX period is greater than a first period threshold, and the second eDRX period is less than or equal to the first period threshold. The transceiver unit is further configured to send a first paging message to the second access network device. The first paging message includes the identifier of the terminal device, the eDRX configuration information of the first type, and the eDRX configuration information of the second type.

21. A communication device applied to a second access network device, characterized in that, include: The transceiver unit is used to receive a first paging message sent by a first access network device. The first paging message includes the identifier of the terminal device, a first type of eDRX configuration information and a second type of eDRX configuration information. The first type of eDRX configuration information includes a first eDRX period and a paging time window (PTW) length. The second type of eDRX configuration information includes a second eDRX period. The first eDRX period is greater than a first period threshold, and the second eDRX period is less than or equal to the first period threshold. The processing unit is configured to send a second paging message based on the eDRX configuration information of the first type if the category of the second access network device is the first category. If the second access network device is of the second category, then a second paging message is sent according to the eDRX configuration information of the second type; The second paging message includes the identifier of the terminal device; The first category and the second category are determined at least based on whether the second access network device supports paging using an eDRX cycle greater than the first cycle threshold.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, Including the processor; The processor is coupled to the memory; The memory is used to store instructions; The processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the method described in any one of claims 1-6 to be performed; or... The processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the method described in any one of claims 7-13 to be performed; or... The processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the method described in any one of claims 14-18 to be performed.

23. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium is used to store a computer program that, when executed, performs the method according to any one of claims 1-6; or, when executed, performs the method according to any one of claims 7-13; or, when executed, performs the method according to any one of claims 14-18.

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