Energy saving method and communication device

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention discloses an energy-saving method and communication equipment, and belongs to the technical field of communication, and the energy-saving method comprises the steps that a first network function receives a request message, and the request message is used for requesting to select a second network function; the first network function selects the second network function based on energy saving information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application belongs to the field of communication technology, and specifically relates to an energy-saving method and communication equipment. Background Art

[0002] Service discovery, such as network function (NF) service discovery, allows service discoverers (such as network repository functions, NRF) to discover network functions that provide services to the outside world. However, service discovery in related technologies only considers the capabilities of network functions and the networks to which they belong (such as slices, non-terrestrial networks, NPNs), etc., which is not suitable for network architecture requirements for network energy saving. Summary of the invention

[0003] The embodiments of the present application provide an energy-saving method and a communication device, which can solve the problem in the related art that it is not conducive to energy saving during service discovery.

[0004] In a first aspect, a power saving method is provided, including: a first network function receives a request message, where the request message is used to request selection of a second network function; and the first network function selects the second network function based on power saving information.

[0005] In a second aspect, a power saving method is provided, including: a third network function sends a request message, where the request message is used by a first network function to select a second network function based on power saving information.

[0006] In a third aspect, an energy-saving device is provided, including: a receiving module, used to receive a request message, wherein the request message is used to request selection of a second network function; and a selecting module, used to select the second network function based on energy-saving information.

[0007] In a fourth aspect, an energy-saving device is provided, including: a sending module, used to send a request message, wherein the request message is used for a first network function to select a second network function based on energy-saving information.

[0008] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a program or instruction that can be run on the processor, and when the program or instruction is executed by the processor, the steps of the method described in the first aspect or the second aspect are implemented.

[0009] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to receive a request message, the request message is used to request selection of a second network function; and the processor is used to select the second network function based on energy saving information.

[0010] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to send a request message, and the request message is used for a first network function to select a second network function based on energy saving information.

[0011] In an eighth aspect, a readable storage medium is provided, on which a program or instruction is stored. When the program or instruction is executed by a processor, the steps of the method described in the first aspect are implemented, or the steps of the method described in the second aspect are implemented.

[0012] In the ninth aspect, a chip is provided, comprising a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the processor is used to run a program or instructions to implement the steps of the method described in the first aspect, or to implement the steps of the method described in the second aspect.

[0013] In the tenth aspect, a computer program / program product is provided, wherein the computer program / program product is stored in a storage medium, and the computer program / program product is executed by at least one processor to implement the steps of the method described in the first aspect, or to implement the steps of the method described in the second aspect.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present application, the first network function receives a request message, where the request message is used to request selection of a second network function. The first network function can select the second network function based on energy-saving information, which is conducive to selecting an energy-saving second network function and facilitating meeting network architecture requirements for network energy saving. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0016] Figure 2 is a schematic flow chart of an energy-saving method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0017] Figure 3 is a schematic flow chart of an energy-saving method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0018] Figure 4 is a schematic flow chart of an energy-saving method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0019] Figure 5 is a schematic flow chart of an energy-saving method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] Figure 6 is a schematic flow chart of an energy-saving method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 7 is a schematic flow chart of an energy-saving method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 8 is a schematic flow chart of an energy-saving method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Fig. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of an energy-saving device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Fig.10 is a schematic structural diagram of an energy-saving device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Fig.11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Fig.12 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network side device according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field belong to the scope of protection of this application.

[0028] The terms "first", "second", etc. of the present application are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the terms used in this way are interchangeable where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first" and "second" are generally of one type, and the number of objects is not limited, for example, the first object can be one or more. In addition, "or" in the present application represents at least one of the connected objects. For example, "A or B" covers three schemes, namely, Scheme 1: including A but not including B; Scheme 2: including B but not including A; Scheme 3: including both A and B. The character " / " generally indicates that the objects associated with each other are in an "or" relationship.

[0029] The term "indication" in this application can be a direct indication (or explicit indication) or an indirect indication (or implicit indication). A direct indication can be understood as the sender explicitly informing the receiver of specific information, operations to be performed, or request results in the sent indication; an indirect indication can be understood as the receiver determining the corresponding information according to the indication sent by the sender, or making a judgment and determining the operation to be performed or the request result according to the judgment result.

[0030] It is worth noting that the technology described in the embodiments of the present application is not limited to the Long Term Evolution (LTE) / LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) system, but can also be used in other wireless communication systems, such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Single-carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) or other systems. The terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of the present application are often used interchangeably, and the described technology can be used for the systems and radio technologies mentioned above as well as for other systems and radio technologies. The following description describes a New Radio (NR) system for illustrative purposes, and NR terminology is used in most of the following descriptions, but these technologies can also be applied to systems other than NR systems, such as the 6th generation (6 th Generation, 6G) communication system.

[0031] Figure 1A block diagram of a wireless communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application is shown. The wireless communication system includes a terminal 11 and a network side device 12. Among them, the terminal 11 can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer (Tablet Personal Computer), a laptop computer (Laptop Computer), a notebook computer, a personal digital assistant (Personal Digital Assistant, PDA), a handheld computer, a netbook, an ultra-mobile personal computer (Ultra-mobile Personal Computer, UMPC), a mobile Internet device (Mobile Internet Device, MID), an augmented reality (Augmented Reality, AR), a virtual reality (Virtual Reality, VR) device, a robot, a wearable device (Wearable Device), an aircraft (flight vehicle), a vehicle-mounted device (Vehicle User Equipment, VUE), a ship-mounted device, a pedestrian terminal (Pedestrian User Equipment, PUE), a smart home (home appliances with wireless communication functions, such as refrigerators, televisions, washing machines or furniture, etc.), a game console, a personal computer (Personal Computer, PC), a teller machine or a self-service machine and other terminal side devices. Wearable devices include: smart watches, smart bracelets, smart headphones, smart glasses, smart jewelry (smart bracelets, smart bracelets, smart rings, smart necklaces, smart anklets, smart anklets, etc.), smart wristbands, smart clothing, etc. Among them, the vehicle-mounted device can also be called a vehicle-mounted terminal, a vehicle-mounted controller, a vehicle-mounted module, a vehicle-mounted component, a vehicle-mounted chip or a vehicle-mounted unit, etc. It should be noted that the specific type of the terminal 11 is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. The network side device 12 may include an access network device or a core network device, wherein the access network device may also be referred to as a radio access network (Radio Access Network, RAN) device, a radio access network function or a radio access network unit. The access network device may include a base station, a wireless local area network (Wireless Local Area Network, WLAN) access point (Access Point, AS) or a wireless fidelity (Wireless Fidelity, WiFi) node, etc.Among them, the base station may be referred to as a Node B (NB), an evolved Node B (eNB), a next generation Node B (gNB), a New Radio Node B (NR Node B), an access point, a Relay Base Station (RBS), a Serving Base Station (SBS), a Base Transceiver Station (BTS), a radio base station, a radio transceiver, a Basic Service Set (BSS), an Extended Service Set (ESS), a Home Node B (HNB), a Home Evolved Node B (home evolved Node B), a Transmission Reception Point (TRP) or other appropriate terms in the relevant field. As long as the same technical effect is achieved, the base station is not limited to specific technical vocabulary. It should be noted that in the embodiment of the present application, only the base station in the NR system is used as an example for introduction, and the specific type of the base station is not limited.

[0032] The core network equipment may include but is not limited to at least one of the following: core network node, core network function, mobility management entity (Mobility Management Entity, MME), access mobility management function (Access and Mobility Management Function, AMF), session management function (Session Management Function, SMF), user plane function (User Plane Function, UPF), policy control function (Policy Control Function, PCF), policy and charging rules function unit (Policy and Charging Rules Function, PCRF), edge application service discovery function (Edge Application Server Discovery Function, EASDF), unified data management (Unified Data Management, UDM), unified data storage (Unified Data Repository, UDR), home user server (Home Subscriber Server, HSS), centralized network configuration (CNC), network storage function (Network Repository Function, NRF), network exposure function (Network Exposure Function, NEF), local NEF (Local NEF, or L-NEF), binding support function (Binding Support Function, BSF), application function (Application Function, AF), etc. It should be noted that in the embodiment of the present application, only the core network device in the NR system is introduced as an example, and the specific type of the core network device is not limited.But not limited to at least one of the following: core network node, core network function, mobility management entity (Mobility Management Entity, MME), access mobility management function (Access and Mobility Management Function, AMF), session management function (Session Management Function, SMF), user plane function (UserPlane Function, UPF), policy control function (Policy Control Function, PCF), policy and charging rules function unit (Policy and Charging Rules Function, PCRF), edge application service discovery function (Edge Application Server Discovery Function, EASDF), unified data management (Unified Data Management, UDM), unified data storage (Unified Data Repository, UDR), home user server (Home Subscriber Server, HSS), centralized network configuration (CNC), network storage function (Network Repository Function, NRF), network exposure function (Network Exposure Function, NEF), local NEF (Local NEF, or L-NEF), binding support function (Binding Support Function, BSF), application function (Application Function, AF), etc. It should be noted that in the embodiment of the present application, only the core network device in the NR system is introduced as an example, and the specific type of the core network device is not limited.

[0033] The energy-saving method provided by the embodiment of the present application is described in detail below through some embodiments and their application scenarios in combination with the accompanying drawings.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, an embodiment of the present application provides an energy-saving method 200, which can be executed by a first network function. In other words, the method can be executed by software or hardware installed in the first network function, and the method includes the following steps.

[0035] S202: The first network function receives a request message, where the request message is used to request selection of a second network function.

[0036] In this embodiment, the first network function may select a second network function that can provide services externally based on a service request message or the like.

[0037] Optionally, the first network function is a network storage function (NF Repository Function, NRF) or a service communication proxy (Service Communication Proxy, SCP), the request message comes from an NF service consumer (NFService Consumer), and the second network function is an NF service producer (NF Service Producer). Among them, the NRF or SCP and the NF service producer can interact through a service-oriented interface. In this embodiment, the NF service consumer can also be referred to as an NF service consumer network element, an NF service consumer device, etc.; the NF service producer can also be referred to as an NF service producer network element, an NF service producer device, etc.

[0038] Optionally, the first network function is a session management function (SMF), and the second network function is a user plane function (UPF). The interface between the SMF and the UPF may not be a service-oriented interface.

[0039] S204: The first network function selects the second network function based on energy saving information.

[0040] In this step, the first network function may select a second network function that provides external services based on energy-saving information of one or more second network functions.

[0041] Optionally, the request message includes an energy-saving indication, and the energy-saving indication is used to request the selection of the second network function for energy saving, so that the first network function in S204 can select the second network function based on the energy-saving indication and the energy-saving information of one or more second functions. Optionally, the energy-saving indication is obtained by the third network function that sends the request message based on the following messages: a registration message, a protocol data unit (PDU) session establishment request message; or the energy-saving indication is configured by the third network function for itself. In this example, the third network function that sends the request message can obtain the energy-saving indication based on the registration message or the PDU session establishment request message of the terminal.

[0042] Optionally, the second network function selected by the first network function for energy saving is predefined, that is, regardless of whether the request message received by the first network function includes an energy saving indication, the first network function selects the second network function for energy saving.

[0043] For example, in this embodiment, the first network function may select a second network function that is in an energy-saving state; the first network function selects a second network function whose energy consumption is less than or equal to a first threshold, and so on.

[0044] In the related art, network service discovery only considers the capabilities of the second network function and the network it describes (e.g., slice, NPN), etc., and does not include factors such as the second network function being in different energy states (Energy State,), different energy consumption (Energy Consumption,), energy sources (Energy Source), and carbon emissions (Carbon Emission). Therefore, the current network service discovery does not consider energy-saving factors and is not suitable for network architecture requirements for network energy saving.

[0045] In the energy-saving method provided in the embodiment of the present application, a first network function receives a request message, wherein the request message is used to request selection of a second network function. The first network function can select the second network function based on energy-saving information, which is conducive to selecting an energy-saving second network function and is convenient for meeting the network architecture requirements for network energy saving.

[0046] Optionally, based on the above hot one embodiment, the first network function may select the second network function based on at least one of the following energy-saving information of the second network function (or the energy-saving information includes at least one of the following):

[0047] 1) Energy State, used to indicate that the second network function is in an energy-saving state or a not energy-saving state. In this example, the first network function can select a second network function whose energy state is an energy-saving state. When the second network function is in an energy-saving state, other network functions are required to bear its load; when the second network function is in a not energy-saving state, its load can continue to increase; or, when the second network function is in an energy-saving state, the network performs operations according to operation administration and maintenance (OAM), operator operation strategies, etc. to reduce the energy consumption of the second network function; when the second network function is in a not energy-saving state, the network does not perform any energy-saving operations or strategies.

[0048] 2) Energy consumption information, used to indicate the total energy value consumed by the second network function or the energy value consumed in a specific time period, and the unit can be J (joule, kwH) or W (J / s). In this example, the first network function can select a second network function whose energy consumption is less than or equal to the first threshold.

[0049] 3) Energy Source, used to indicate the type of energy provided to the second network function. The energy type includes, for example, clean energy, non-clean energy, wind energy, solar energy, thermal power or hydropower. In this example, the first network function can select a second network function whose energy source is a specified type, such as clean energy, solar energy, etc.

[0050] 4) Carbon Emission, used to indicate the total carbon emission generated by the second network function or the carbon emission generated in a specific time period. In this example, the first network function can select a second network function whose carbon emission is less than or equal to the second threshold.

[0051] 5) Energy consumption indication, used to indicate whether the energy consumption of the second network function is less than or equal to the first threshold. In this example, the energy consumption indication can be "1" or "0". "1" indicates that the energy consumption of the second network function is less than or equal to the first threshold, and "0" indicates that the energy consumption of the second network function is greater than the first threshold. The first network function can select the second network function with an energy consumption indication of "1".

[0052] Optionally, in parallel with the previous embodiment, the request message received by the first network function may include an energy saving indication, where the energy saving indication is used to request at least one of the following:

[0053] 1) Selecting the second network function whose energy state is the energy saving state.

[0054] 2) Selecting the second network function whose energy consumption is less than or equal to the first threshold.

[0055] 3) Considering the energy consumption of the second network function when selecting the second network function.

[0056] 4) Selecting the energy source as the specified type of the second network function.

[0057] 5) Selecting the second network function whose carbon emission is less than or equal to a second threshold.

[0058] 6) Considering the carbon emissions of the second network function when selecting the second network function.

[0059] In this embodiment, the first network function may select the second network function that provides services externally based on the energy-saving indication and the energy-saving information of the second network function.

[0060] Reference Figure 3The embodiment shown mainly introduces the NF service discovery process, wherein the first network function is NRF, NRF receives a request message from an NF service consumer, and the second network function is NF service producer, NRF selects an energy-saving NF service producer for the NF service consumer. Figure 3 As shown, this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0061] Step 1: The NF service consumer sends a request message to the NRF, such as a network function discovery request (Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request) message.

[0062] In this embodiment, the NF service consumer wants to discover the services available in the network according to the service name and the target NF type. The NF service consumer sends a Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request message to the NRF configured in the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN). The Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request message may include the expected NF service name, the NF type of the expected NF instance, and the NF type of the NF consumer. The Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request message may be used to request a network function description (NF Profile) file.

[0063] The NF Profile file of the NF service consumer may include the following parameters: NF Producer Set ID, NF Service Set ID, Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI), Data Set ID, External Group ID (UDM, UDR Discovery), UE's Routing Indicator and Home Network Public Key Identifier (UDM and AUSF Discovery), Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI), NSI ID (if available) and other service-related parameters.

[0064] Optionally, the above request message may include an energy-saving indication to select a more energy-saving NF service producer. The source of the indication may be carried in a registration message, a PDU session establishment request, or the network's own configuration, that is, the operator operates an energy-saving network and requires that all network services be provided in an energy-saving state.

[0065] Optionally, the operator operating the energy-saving network may not carry the energy-saving indication, and the selection of all network functions by default needs to select the NF with the best energy saving.

[0066] Step 2: NRF authorizes NF service discovery.

[0067] Based on the profile of the expected NF or NF Service and the type of NF Service Consumer, the NRF decides whether to allow the NF Service Consumer to discover the expected NF Instance.

[0068] Energy saving instructions for NF service consumers are possible as follows:

[0069] The energy saving indication may be just a 1-bit indication information (such as EE indication), then NRF selects NF according to one or more of the following information of the NF Profile of the NF registered therein (which may be the NF service producer): Energy State; NF Energy Consumption; Energy Source; Carbon Emission.

[0070] Optionally, the energy-saving indication may include a specific energy-saving request, for example, requesting at least one of the following:

[0071] 1) Select the NF service producer whose energy state is energy-saving state.

[0072] 2) Selecting NF service producers whose energy consumption is less than or equal to the first threshold.

[0073] 3) Consider the energy consumption of NF service producers when selecting NF service producers.

[0074] 4) Select the energy source as the NF service producer of the specified type.

[0075] 5) Select NF service producers whose carbon emissions are less than or equal to the second threshold.

[0076] 6) Consider the carbon emissions of NF service producers when selecting NF service producers.

[0077] Step 3: The NRF sends a response message to the NF service consumer, where the response message includes, for example, a network function discovery request response message.

[0078] In this embodiment, the NRF will determine a set of NF instances that match the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request message and the NRF internal policy, and send the ID of the determined NF instance to the NF profile. Each NF Profile contains at least the parameters required to be output to the NF service consumer through the network function discovery request response message.

[0079] Optionally, based on Embodiment 200, the first network function may be an NRF, the request message comes from an NF service consumer, and the second network function is an NF service producer; the method further includes: the NRF sending a service registration response message to the NF service consumer, the service registration response message including first information; or, the first information is configured by OAM in a service description file of the NF service consumer; the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0080] 1) Periodic information, used to indicate the period or frequency of the NF service consumer updating its service description (NF Profile) file.

[0081] 2) Energy consumption threshold, which is used to trigger the NF service consumer to update its service description file.

[0082] 3) A carbon emission threshold, where the carbon emission threshold is used to trigger the NF service consumer to update its service description file.

[0083] 4) Energy state, used to indicate whether the NF service producer is in energy-saving state or non-energy-saving state.

[0084] 5) Energy consumption information, which is used to indicate the total energy value consumed by the NF service producer or the energy value consumed in a specific time period;

[0085] 6) Energy source, used to indicate the type of energy provided to the NF service producer.

[0086] 7) Carbon emissions, which are used to indicate the total carbon emissions generated by the NF service producer or the carbon emissions generated in a specific time period.

[0087] 8) Energy consumption indication, used to indicate whether the energy consumption of the NF service producer is less than or equal to a first threshold.

[0088] Reference Figure 4 The embodiment shown mainly introduces the NF service registration process, wherein the first network function is NRF, the second network function is NF service producer, NRF sends a service registration response message to the NF service consumer, and the service registration response message includes first information, such as Figure 4 As shown, the following steps are included:

[0089] Step 1: The NF service consumer sends a network function management network function registration (Nnrf_NFManagement_NFRegister) request message to the NRF. When the NF service consumer starts working for the first time, it notifies the NRF of its corresponding NFProfile.

[0090] Step 2: NRF stores the NF Profile file of the NF service consumer and marks the NF service consumer as available.

[0091] Step 3: NRF accepts the NF service consumer registration through the Network Function Management Network Function Registration Response (Nnrf_NFManagement_NFRegisterresponse) message.

[0092] Optionally, the NRF carries first information in a response message sent to the NF service consumer, where the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0093] 1) Periodic information, used to indicate the period or frequency of the NF service consumer to update its service description (NF Profile) file. For example, considering that the energy consumption of NF (such as NF service consumer) is constantly changing (based on the EC monitoring frequency of OAM), the core network NRF may not need to frequently update the NF energy consumption according to the OAM monitoring frequency, so it can customize the periodic information and feedback it to the NF service consumer.

[0094] 2) Energy consumption threshold, which is used to trigger the NF service consumer to update its service description file. The energy consumption threshold is used to define the upper or lower limit of energy consumption. For NF service updates triggered by changes in energy-saving status or energy-saving information, NF service updates are triggered only when the upper threshold is exceeded or the lower threshold is lowered.

[0095] 3) Carbon emission threshold, which is used to trigger the NF service consumer to update its service description file. The carbon emission threshold is used to define the upper or lower limit of carbon emissions. For NF service updates triggered by changes in energy-saving status or energy-saving information, NF service updates will only be triggered when the upper threshold is exceeded or the lower threshold is lower than.

[0096] 4) Energy state, used to indicate whether the NF service producer is in energy-saving state or non-energy-saving state.

[0097] 5) Energy consumption information, which is used to indicate the total energy value consumed by the NF service producer or the energy value consumed in a specific time period;

[0098] 6) Energy source, used to indicate the type of energy provided to the NF service producer.

[0099] 7) Carbon emissions, which are used to indicate the total carbon emissions generated by the NF service producer or the carbon emissions generated in a specific time period.

[0100] 8) Energy consumption indication, used to indicate whether the energy consumption of the NF service producer is less than or equal to a first threshold.

[0101] Optionally, the above-mentioned first information can also be directly configured by OAM in the NF Profile of the NF service consumer. For example, OAM directly defines the update reporting period of the NF Profile, and the NF performs NF service update according to the periodic information. For another example, OAM directly defines the energy consumption threshold or carbon emission threshold, and the NF service update will be triggered only when it exceeds the upper limit of the threshold or is lower than the lower limit of the threshold.

[0102] Optionally, based on any one of the above embodiments, the first network function is NRF, and the second network function is NF service producer; the method also includes: the NRF receives a service update message from the NF service producer, and the service update message is sent by the NF service producer when at least one of the following conditions is met: energy state changes, energy consumption changes, energy source changes, carbon emissions changes, the update time defined by the update cycle is reached, energy consumption reaches a set upper threshold or lower threshold, and carbon emissions reach a set upper threshold or lower threshold.

[0103] Reference Figure 5 The embodiment shown in the figure mainly introduces the NF service update process. Figure 5 As shown, the following steps are included:

[0104] Step 1: The NF instance (such as NF service producer) sends a network function management network function update (Nnrf_NFManagement_NFUpdate) request message to the NRF to notify the NRF to update the NF Profile file, such as updating the energy status, energy consumption, energy source, carbon emissions, etc.

[0105] In this embodiment, the NF service producer sends a network function management network function update request message under the condition that at least one of the following conditions is met: energy state changes, energy consumption changes, energy source changes, carbon emissions change, the update time defined by the update cycle is reached, energy consumption reaches the set upper threshold or lower threshold, and carbon emissions reach the set upper threshold or lower threshold.

[0106] Step 2: NRF updates the NF Profile file of the NF service consumer.

[0107] Step 3: NRF sends a Network Function Management Network Function Update (Nnrf_NFManagement_NFUpdate) response message to confirm the NF service update.

[0108] Optionally, in one embodiment, the first network function may be NRF or SCP, the request message comes from an NF service consumer, the second network function is an NF service producer, and the service description file of the NF service consumer is updated by the OAM function based on the energy-saving information of the NF service producer.

[0109] Reference Figure 6 The embodiment shown mainly introduces an independent NF service discovery process, which is implemented through SCP, that is, the first network function can be SCP, the request message comes from the NF service consumer, and the second network function is the NF service producer, such as Figure 6 As shown, the following steps are included:

[0110] Step 1: The NF service consumer sends a request message, such as a service request message, to the SCP.

[0111] In this embodiment, the NF service consumer communicates with the NF service producer. The NF service consumer sends a service request message to the SCP. The service request message may include discovery and selection parameters required for discovering and selecting an NF service producer instance.

[0112] The service request message may carry an energy-saving indication, which is used to select a more energy-saving NF service producer. The source of the energy-saving indication may be carried in the registration message, the PDU session establishment request message, or the network's own configuration, that is, the operator operates an energy-saving network and requires that all network services are provided in an energy-saving state.

[0113] Optionally, the operator operating the energy-saving network may not carry this indication, and the default selection of all network functions requires the selection of the best energy-saving NF.

[0114] Step 2: SCP performs the discovery process.

[0115] The SCP can perform the discovery process by interacting with the NRF using Network Function Discovery (Nnrf_NFDiscovery) or by using information gathered during previous interactions with the NRF (via the Nnrf_NFDiscovery service or the Nnrf_NFManagement_NFStatusNotify service operation). The SCP authorizes the request together with the NRF. The SCP selects the target NF Service Producer. When determining the target NF Service Producer, the energy saving indication for the NF Service Consumer is possible as follows:

[0116] The energy saving indication may be just a 1-bit indication information (such as EE indication), then NRF selects NF according to one or more of the following information of the NF Profile of the NF registered therein (which may be the NF service producer): Energy State; NF Energy Consumption; Energy Source; Carbon Emission.

[0117] Optionally, the energy-saving indication may include a specific energy-saving request, for example, requesting at least one of the following:

[0118] 1) Select the NF service producer whose energy state is energy-saving state.

[0119] 2) Selecting NF service producers whose energy consumption is less than or equal to the first threshold.

[0120] 3) Consider the energy consumption of NF service producers when selecting NF service producers.

[0121] 4) Select the energy source as the NF service producer of the specified type.

[0122] 5) Select NF service producers whose carbon emissions are less than or equal to the second threshold.

[0123] 6) Consider the carbon emissions of NF service producers when selecting NF service producers.

[0124] Step 3: If the NF service consumer is authorized to communicate with the NF service producer, the SCP forwards the request to the selected NF service producer.

[0125] Step 4: The NF service producer sends a response message to the SCP.

[0126] Step 5: SCP routes the response to the NF service consumer.

[0127] Optionally, in one embodiment, the first network function is a session management function (SMF), and the second network function is a UPF; wherein the energy-saving information is contained in the UPF supply information of the UPF, and the UPF supply information is sent by the NRF to the SMF; or the energy-saving information is configured in the SMF, and the UPF is registered with the SMF through the NRF.

[0128] Optionally, the UPF supply information further includes at least one of the following:

[0129] 1) Periodic information, used to indicate the period or frequency at which the UPF updates its service description file.

[0130] 2) Energy consumption threshold, which is used to trigger the UPF to update its service description file.

[0131] 3) A carbon emission threshold, which is used to trigger the UPF to update its service description file.

[0132] 4) Energy status, used to indicate whether the UPF is in energy-saving state or non-energy-saving state.

[0133] 5) Energy consumption information, which is used to indicate the total energy value consumed by the UPF or the energy value consumed in a specific time period.

[0134] 6) Energy source, used to indicate the type of energy provided to the UPF.

[0135] 7) Carbon emissions, which are used to indicate the total carbon emissions generated by the UPF or the carbon emissions generated in a specific time period.

[0136] 8) Energy consumption indication, used to indicate whether the energy consumption of the UPF is less than or equal to a first threshold.

[0137] Reference Figure 7 In the embodiment shown, UPF is registered with SMF through NRF. In this embodiment, in order to support energy saving, UPF Provisioning Information of UPF will add relevant descriptions of energy saving: such as Energy State, Energy Consumption, Energy Source, Carbon Emission, etc. This information is added as information for SMF to select UPF.

[0138] Optionally, the following information can also be added to the UPF ProvisioningInformation of the UPF:

[0139] 1) Periodic information, which is used to indicate the period or frequency of the UPF to update its UPF provisioning information. For example, considering that the energy consumption of the UPF is constantly changing, the core network may not need to frequently update the UPF energy consumption according to the OAM monitoring frequency, so it can customize the periodic information.

[0140] 2) Energy consumption threshold, which is used to trigger the UPF to update its UPF supply information. The energy consumption threshold is used to define the upper or lower limit of energy consumption. For UPF supply information update triggered by energy saving status or energy saving information change, the UPF supply information update will only be triggered when it exceeds the upper threshold or falls below the lower threshold.

[0141] 3) Carbon emission threshold, which is used to trigger UPF to update its service description file. The carbon emission threshold is used to define the upper or lower limit of carbon emissions. For UPF supply information updates triggered by changes in energy-saving status or energy-saving information, UPF supply information updates are triggered only when the upper threshold is exceeded or the lower threshold is lower than.

[0142] like Figure 7 As shown, this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0143] Step 1: SMF sends a network function management network function status subscription message to NRF.

[0144] Step 2: NRF sends a network function management network function status notification message to SMF (this step is optional).

[0145] Step 3-4: OAM and UPF interact to perform UPF instance deployment and configuration.

[0146] Step 5: UPF sends a network function management network function registration request message to NRF.

[0147] Step 6: OAM can configure or modify the UPF provisioning information of the UPF.

[0148] For example, this step is executed when the energy state of the UPF is modified; or, when OAM monitors that the energy-saving state of the UPF has changed, the power consumption has changed, the energy source has changed, the carbon emissions have changed, or the energy consumption / carbon emissions have reached the upper or lower threshold. For another example, this step is executed when the update time defined in the update cycle is reached.

[0149] Step 7: NRF sends a network function management network function status notification message to SMF, which may include energy-saving description information. Please refer to the description of energy-saving information or energy-saving indication in the previous embodiment.

[0150] Based on this step, during the UPF selection process, SMF can select a suitable UPF as needed based on energy-saving instructions or network operator policies.

[0151] Optionally, the UPF provisioning information of the UPF may also be directly configured in the SMF for use when the SMF selects the UPF.

[0152] Combination of the above Figures 2 to 7 The energy saving method according to the embodiment of the present application is described in detail. Figure 8 The energy saving method according to another embodiment of the present application is described in detail. It can be understood that, Figure 8 Examples and Figure 2The description of the first network function side in the method shown is the same or corresponding. To avoid repetition, the relevant description is appropriately omitted.

[0153] Figure 8 1 is a schematic diagram of the energy saving method implementation flow of the embodiment of the present application, which can be applied to the third network function. Figure 8 As shown, the method 800 includes the following steps.

[0154] S802: The third network function sends a request message, where the request message is used by the first network function to select the second network function based on the energy-saving information.

[0155] In the embodiment of the present application, it is beneficial for the first network function to select the energy-saving second network function, so as to facilitate meeting the network architecture requirements for network energy saving.

[0156] Optionally, as an embodiment, the first network function is NRF or SCP, the third network function is an NF service consumer, and the second network function is an NF service producer.

[0157] Optionally, as an embodiment, the energy-saving indication is obtained by the third network function based on the following messages: a registration message, a protocol data unit PDU session establishment request message; or the energy-saving indication is configured by the third network function for itself.

[0158] Optionally, as an embodiment, the request message includes an energy-saving indication, and the energy-saving indication is used to request selection of the second network function for energy saving; or, the second network function for energy saving selected by the first network function is predefined.

[0159] Optionally, as an embodiment, the energy-saving information includes at least one of the following: 1) energy status, used to indicate that the second network function is in an energy-saving state or a non-energy-saving state; 2) energy consumption information, used to indicate the total energy value consumed by the second network function or the energy value consumed in a specific time period; 3) energy source, used to indicate the type of energy provided to the second network function; 4) carbon emissions, used to indicate the total carbon emissions generated by the second network function or the carbon emissions generated in a specific time period; 5) energy consumption indication, used to indicate whether the energy consumption of the second network function is less than or equal to a first threshold.

[0160] Optionally, as an embodiment, the energy saving indication is used to request at least one of the following: 1) selecting the second network function whose energy state is the energy saving state; 2) selecting the second network function whose energy consumption is less than or equal to a first threshold; 3) considering the energy consumption of the second network function when selecting the second network function; 4) selecting the second network function whose energy source is a specified type; 5) selecting the second network function whose carbon emissions are less than or equal to a second threshold; 6) considering the carbon emissions of the second network function when selecting the second network function.

[0161] Optionally, as an embodiment, the first network function is NRF, and the third network function is NF service consumer; the method further includes: the NF service consumer receives a service registration response message from the NRF, and the service registration response message includes first information; or, the first information is configured by OAM in the service description file of the NF service consumer; the first information includes at least one of the following: 1) periodic information, used to indicate the period or frequency of the NF service consumer to update its service description file; 2) energy consumption threshold, the energy consumption threshold is used to trigger the NF service consumer to update its service description file; 3) carbon Emission threshold, the carbon emission threshold is used to trigger the NF service consumer to update its service description file; 4) Energy state, used to indicate that the NF service producer is in energy-saving state or non-energy-saving state; 5) Energy consumption information, used to indicate the total energy value consumed by the NF service producer or the energy value consumed in a specific time period; 6) Energy source, used to indicate the type of energy provided to the NF service producer; 7) Carbon emissions, used to indicate the total carbon emissions generated by the NF service producer or the carbon emissions generated in a specific time period; 8) Energy consumption indication, used to indicate whether the energy consumption of the NF service producer is less than or equal to the first threshold.

[0162] Optionally, as an embodiment, the service description file of the NF service consumer is updated by an operation management and maintenance OAM function based on the energy saving information of the NF service producer.

[0163] Optionally, as an embodiment, the first network function is SMF, and the second network function is UPF; wherein the energy-saving information is contained in the UPF supply information of the UPF, and the UPF supply information is sent to the SMF by NRF; or, the energy-saving information is configured in the SMF, and the UPF is registered to the SMF through NRF.

[0164] Optionally, as an embodiment, the UPF supply information also includes at least one of the following: 1) periodic information, used to indicate the period or frequency of the UPF updating its service description file; 2) energy consumption threshold, the energy consumption threshold is used to trigger the UPF to update its service description file; 3) carbon emission threshold, the carbon emission threshold is used to trigger the UPF to update its service description file; 4) energy state, used to indicate that the UPF is in energy-saving state or non-energy-saving state; 5) energy consumption information, used to indicate the total energy value consumed by the UPF or the energy value consumed in a specific time period; 6) energy source, used to indicate the type of energy provided to the UPF; 7) carbon emissions, used to indicate the total carbon emissions generated by the UPF or the carbon emissions generated in a specific time period; 8) energy consumption indication, used to indicate whether the energy consumption of the UPF is less than or equal to the first threshold.

[0165] The energy-saving method provided in the embodiment of the present application can be executed by an energy-saving device. In the embodiment of the present application, the energy-saving device provided in the embodiment of the present application is described by taking the energy-saving device executing the energy-saving method as an example.

[0166] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an energy-saving device according to an embodiment of the present application, and the device can be applied to the first network function in other embodiments. Fig. 9 As shown, the device 900 includes the following modules.

[0167] The receiving module 902 is used to receive a request message, where the request message is used to request selection of a second network function.

[0168] The selection module 904 is configured to select the second network function based on the energy saving information.

[0169] In an embodiment of the present application, the receiving module receives a request message, wherein the request message is used to request selection of a second network function. The selection module can select the second network function based on energy-saving information, which is conducive to selecting an energy-saving second network function and facilitating meeting network architecture requirements for network energy saving.

[0170] Optionally, as an embodiment, the first network function is NRF or SCP, the request message comes from a NF service consumer, and the second network function is a NF service producer.

[0171] Optionally, as an embodiment, the request message includes an energy-saving indication, and the energy-saving indication is used to request selection of the second network function for energy saving; or, the second network function for energy saving selected by the first network function is predefined.

[0172] Optionally, as an embodiment, the energy-saving indication is obtained by the third network function based on the following messages: a registration message, a protocol data unit PDU session establishment request message; or, the energy-saving indication is configured by the third network function for itself.

[0173] Optionally, as an embodiment, the energy-saving information includes at least one of the following: 1) energy status, used to indicate that the second network function is in an energy-saving state or a non-energy-saving state; 2) energy consumption information, used to indicate the total energy value consumed by the second network function or the energy value consumed in a specific time period; 3) energy source, used to indicate the type of energy provided to the second network function; 4) carbon emissions, used to indicate the total carbon emissions generated by the second network function or the carbon emissions generated in a specific time period; 5) energy consumption indication, used to indicate whether the energy consumption of the second network function is less than or equal to a first threshold.

[0174] Optionally, as an embodiment, the energy saving indication is used to request at least one of the following: 1) selecting the second network function whose energy state is the energy saving state; 2) selecting the second network function whose energy consumption is less than or equal to a first threshold; 3) considering the energy consumption of the second network function when selecting the second network function; 4) selecting the second network function whose energy source is a specified type; 5) selecting the second network function whose carbon emissions are less than or equal to a second threshold; 6) considering the carbon emissions of the second network function when selecting the second network function.

[0175] Optionally, as an embodiment, the first network function is NRF, the request message comes from the NF service consumer, and the device 900 further includes a sending module, which is used to send a service registration response message to the NF service consumer, and the service registration response message includes first information; or, the first information is configured by OAM in the service description file of the NF service consumer; the first information includes at least one of the following: 1) periodic information, which is used to indicate the period or frequency of the NF service consumer to update its service description file; 2) energy consumption threshold, which is used to trigger the NF service consumer to update its service description file; 3) carbon Emission threshold, the carbon emission threshold is used to trigger the NF service consumer to update its service description file; 4) Energy state, used to indicate that the NF service producer is in energy-saving state or non-energy-saving state; 5) Energy consumption information, used to indicate the total energy value consumed by the NF service producer or the energy value consumed in a specific time period; 6) Energy source, used to indicate the type of energy provided to the NF service producer; 7) Carbon emissions, used to indicate the total carbon emissions generated by the NF service producer or the carbon emissions generated in a specific time period; 8) Energy consumption indication, used to indicate whether the energy consumption of the NF service producer is less than or equal to the first threshold.

[0176] Optionally, as an embodiment, the first network function is NRF, the second network function is the NF service producer, and the receiving module 902 is also used to receive a service update message from the NF service producer, and the service update message is sent by the NF service producer when at least one of the following conditions is met: energy state changes, energy consumption changes, energy source changes, carbon emissions changes, the update time defined by the update cycle is reached, energy consumption reaches a set upper threshold or lower threshold, and carbon emissions reach a set upper threshold or lower threshold.

[0177] Optionally, as an embodiment, the service description file of the NF service consumer is updated by an operation management and maintenance OAM function based on the energy saving information of the NF service producer.

[0178] Optionally, as an embodiment, the first network function is SMF, and the second network function is UPF; wherein the energy-saving information is contained in the UPF supply information of the UPF, and the UPF supply information is sent to the SMF by NRF; or, the energy-saving information is configured in the SMF, and the UPF is registered to the SMF through NRF.

[0179] Optionally, as an embodiment, the UPF supply information also includes at least one of the following: 1) periodic information, used to indicate the period or frequency of the UPF updating its service description file; 2) energy consumption threshold, the energy consumption threshold is used to trigger the UPF to update its service description file; 3) carbon emission threshold, the carbon emission threshold is used to trigger the UPF to update its service description file; 4) energy state, used to indicate that the UPF is in energy-saving state or non-energy-saving state; 5) energy consumption information, used to indicate the total energy value consumed by the UPF or the energy value consumed in a specific time period; 6) energy source, used to indicate the type of energy provided to the UPF; 7) carbon emissions, used to indicate the total carbon emissions generated by the UPF or the carbon emissions generated in a specific time period; 8) energy consumption indication, used to indicate whether the energy consumption of the UPF is less than or equal to the first threshold.

[0180] According to the device 900 of the embodiment of the present application, the process of the method 200 corresponding to the embodiment of the present application can be referred to, and the various units / modules in the device 900 and the above-mentioned other operations and / or functions are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes in the method 200, and can achieve the same or equivalent technical effects. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0181] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an energy-saving device according to an embodiment of the present application, which may correspond to the third network function of sending a request message in other embodiments. Fig.10As shown, the device 1000 includes the following modules.

[0182] The sending module 1002 is used to send a request message, where the request message is used by the first network function to select the second network function based on the energy-saving information.

[0183] Optionally, the device 1000 also includes a receiving module and the like.

[0184] In the embodiment of the present application, it is helpful to select an energy-saving second network function, so as to meet the network architecture requirements for network energy saving.

[0185] Optionally, as an embodiment, the first network function is NRF or SCP, the third network function is an NF service consumer, and the second network function is an NF service producer.

[0186] Optionally, as an embodiment, the request message includes an energy-saving indication, and the energy-saving indication is used to request selection of the second network function for energy saving; or, the second network function for energy saving selected by the first network function is predefined.

[0187] Optionally, as an embodiment, the energy-saving information includes at least one of the following: 1) energy status, used to indicate that the second network function is in an energy-saving state or a non-energy-saving state; 2) energy consumption information, used to indicate the total energy value consumed by the second network function or the energy value consumed in a specific time period; 3) energy source, used to indicate the type of energy provided to the second network function; 4) carbon emissions, used to indicate the total carbon emissions generated by the second network function or the carbon emissions generated in a specific time period; 5) energy consumption indication, used to indicate whether the energy consumption of the second network function is less than or equal to a first threshold.

[0188] Optionally, as an embodiment, the energy saving indication is used to request at least one of the following: 1) selecting the second network function whose energy state is the energy saving state; 2) selecting the second network function whose energy consumption is less than or equal to a first threshold; 3) considering the energy consumption of the second network function when selecting the second network function; 4) selecting the second network function whose energy source is a specified type; 5) selecting the second network function whose carbon emissions are less than or equal to a second threshold; 6) considering the carbon emissions of the second network function when selecting the second network function.

[0189] Optionally, as an embodiment, the first network function is NRF, the third network function is NF service consumer, the device 1000 further includes a receiving module, for receiving a service registration response message from the NRF, the service registration response message including first information; or, the first information is configured by OAM in the service description file of the NF service consumer; the first information includes at least one of the following: 1) periodic information, for indicating the period or frequency of the NF service consumer to update its service description file; 2) energy consumption threshold, the energy consumption threshold is used to trigger the NF service consumer to update its service description file; 3) carbon emission A carbon emission threshold, the carbon emission threshold is used to trigger the NF service consumer to update its service description file; 4) Energy state, used to indicate that the NF service producer is in energy-saving state or non-energy-saving state; 5) Energy consumption information, used to indicate the total energy value consumed by the NF service producer or the energy value consumed in a specific time period; 6) Energy source, used to indicate the type of energy provided to the NF service producer; 7) Carbon emissions, used to indicate the total carbon emissions generated by the NF service producer or the carbon emissions generated in a specific time period; 8) Energy consumption indication, used to indicate whether the energy consumption of the NF service producer is less than or equal to the first threshold.

[0190] Optionally, as an embodiment, the service description file of the NF service consumer is updated by the OAM function based on the energy saving information of the NF service producer.

[0191] Optionally, as an embodiment, the first network function is SMF, and the second network function is UPF; wherein the energy-saving information is contained in the UPF supply information of the UPF, and the UPF supply information is sent to the SMF by NRF; or, the energy-saving information is configured in the SMF, and the UPF is registered to the SMF through NRF.

[0192] Optionally, as an embodiment, the UPF supply information also includes at least one of the following: 1) periodic information, used to indicate the period or frequency of the UPF updating its service description file; 2) energy consumption threshold, the energy consumption threshold is used to trigger the UPF to update its service description file; 3) carbon emission threshold, the carbon emission threshold is used to trigger the UPF to update its service description file; 4) energy state, used to indicate that the UPF is in energy-saving state or non-energy-saving state; 5) energy consumption information, used to indicate the total energy value consumed by the UPF or the energy value consumed in a specific time period; 6) energy source, used to indicate the type of energy provided to the UPF; 7) carbon emissions, used to indicate the total carbon emissions generated by the UPF or the carbon emissions generated in a specific time period; 8) energy consumption indication, used to indicate whether the energy consumption of the UPF is less than or equal to the first threshold.

[0193] According to the device 1000 of the embodiment of the present application, the process of the method 800 corresponding to the embodiment of the present application can be referred to, and the various units / modules in the device 1000 and the above-mentioned other operations and / or functions are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes in the method 800, and can achieve the same or equivalent technical effects. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0194] Optional, such as Fig.11 As shown, an embodiment of the present application also provides a communication device 1100, including a processor 1101 and a memory 1102, and the memory 1102 stores programs or instructions that can be executed on the processor 1101. For example, when the communication device 1100 is a network side device, the program or instructions are executed by the processor 1101 to implement the various steps of the above-mentioned energy-saving method embodiment, and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, they are not repeated here.

[0195] The embodiment of the present application also provides a network side device, including a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface is used to receive a request message, the request message is used to request the selection of a second network function; the processor is used to select the second network function based on energy saving information. Alternatively, the communication interface is used to send a request message, the request message is used for the first network function to select the second network function based on energy saving information. This network side device embodiment corresponds to the above-mentioned network side device method embodiment, and each implementation process and implementation method of the above-mentioned method embodiment can be applied to this network side device embodiment, and can achieve the same technical effect.

[0196] The present application embodiment also provides a network side device. Fig.12 As shown, the network side device 1200 includes: a processor 1201, a network interface 1202 and a memory 1203. The network interface 1202 is, for example, a Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI).

[0197] Specifically, the network side device 1200 of the embodiment of the present invention further includes: instructions or programs stored in the memory 1203 and executable on the processor 1201, and the processor 1201 calls the instructions or programs in the memory 1203 to execute Fig. 9 or Fig.10 The methods executed by the modules shown achieve the same technical effects, and therefore will not be described here in detail to avoid repetition.

[0198] An embodiment of the present application also provides a readable storage medium, on which a program or instruction is stored. When the program or instruction is executed by a processor, the various processes of the above-mentioned energy-saving method embodiment are implemented and the same technical effect can be achieved. To avoid repetition, it will not be repeated here.

[0199] The processor is the processor in the terminal described in the above embodiment. The readable storage medium may be non-volatile or non-transient. The readable storage medium includes a computer-readable storage medium, such as a computer read-only memory ROM, a random access memory RAM, a magnetic disk or an optical disk. In some examples, the readable storage medium may be a non-transient readable storage medium.

[0200] An embodiment of the present application further provides a chip, which includes a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the processor is used to run programs or instructions to implement the various processes of the above-mentioned energy-saving method embodiment, and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be repeated here.

[0201] It should be understood that the chip mentioned in the embodiments of the present application can also be called a system-level chip, a system chip, a chip system or a system-on-chip chip, etc.

[0202] The embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program / program product, which is stored in a storage medium. The computer program / program product is executed by at least one processor to implement the various processes of the above-mentioned energy-saving method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be repeated here.

[0203] An embodiment of the present application further provides an energy-saving system, including: a terminal and a network-side device, wherein the terminal can be used to execute the steps of the energy-saving method described above, and the network-side device can be used to execute the steps of the energy-saving method described above.

[0204] It should be noted that, in this article, the terms "comprise", "include" or any other variant thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. In the absence of further restrictions, an element defined by the sentence "comprises one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or device including the element. In addition, it should be pointed out that the scope of the method and device in the embodiment of the present application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, and may also include performing functions in a substantially simultaneous manner or in reverse order according to the functions involved, for example, the described method may be performed in an order different from that described, and various steps may also be added, omitted or combined. In addition, the features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0205] Through the description of the above implementation methods, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the above-mentioned embodiment methods can be implemented by means of a computer software product plus a necessary general hardware platform, and of course, can also be implemented by hardware. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM, RAM, disk, CD, etc.), including several instructions to enable a terminal or a network-side device to execute the methods described in each embodiment of the present application.

[0206] The embodiments of the present application are described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the present application is not limited to the above-mentioned specific implementation methods. The above-mentioned specific implementation methods are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Under the guidance of the present application, ordinary technicians in this field can also make many forms of implementation methods without departing from the purpose of the present application and the scope of protection of the claims, and these implementation methods are all within the protection of the present application.

Claims

1. An energy saving method, characterized in that: include: The first network function receives a request message, where the request message is used to request selection of a second network function; The first network function selects the second network function based on energy saving information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The request message includes an energy saving indication, where the energy saving indication is used to request selection of the second network function for energy saving; or The second network function selecting the energy-saving first network function is predefined.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The energy-saving information includes at least one of the following: energy state, used to indicate whether the second network function is in an energy-saving state or a non-energy-saving state; Energy consumption information, used to indicate a total energy value consumed by the second network function or an energy value consumed in a specific time period; an energy source, used to indicate a type of energy provided for the second network function; Carbon emissions, used to indicate the total carbon emissions generated by the second network function or the carbon emissions generated in a specific time period; The energy consumption indication is used to indicate whether the energy consumption of the second network function is less than or equal to a first threshold.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The energy saving indication is used to request at least one of the following: Selecting the second network function whose energy state is a power saving state; Selecting the second network function whose energy consumption is less than or equal to a first threshold; considering the energy consumption of the second network function when selecting the second network function; the second network function selecting an energy source of a specified type; Selecting the second network function whose carbon emissions are less than or equal to a second threshold; The carbon emissions of the second network function are considered when selecting the second network function.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The first network function is a network storage function NRF or a service communication agent SCP, the request message comes from a NF service consumer, and the second network function is a NF service producer.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The first network function is an NRF, and the request message comes from an NF service consumer; the method further includes: the NRF sending a service registration response message to the NF service consumer, the service registration response message including first information; or, the first information is configured by operation management and maintenance OAM in a service description file of the NF service consumer; the first information includes at least one of the following: Period information, used to indicate the period or frequency of the NF service consumer updating its service description file; an energy consumption threshold, where the energy consumption threshold is used to trigger the NF service consumer to update its service description file; a carbon emission threshold, wherein the carbon emission threshold is used to trigger the NF service consumer to update its service description file; Energy state, used to indicate whether the NF service producer is in energy-saving state or non-energy-saving state; Energy consumption information, used to indicate the total energy value consumed by the NF service producer or the energy value consumed in a specific time period; energy source, used to indicate the type of energy provided to the NF service producer; Carbon emissions, used to indicate the total carbon emissions generated by the NF service producer or the carbon emissions generated in a specific time period; The energy consumption indication is used to indicate whether the energy consumption of the NF service producer is less than or equal to a first threshold.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The first network function is an NRF, and the second network function is an NF service producer; the method further includes: the NRF receiving a service update message from the NF service producer, wherein the service update message is sent by the NF service producer when at least one of the following conditions is met: The energy state changes, the energy consumption changes, the energy source changes, the carbon emissions change, the update time defined in the update cycle is reached, the energy consumption reaches the set upper threshold or lower threshold, and the carbon emissions reach the set upper threshold or lower threshold.

8. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The service description file of the NF service consumer is updated by the operation administration and maintenance OAM function based on the energy saving information of the NF service producer.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The first network function is a session management function SMF, and the second network function is a UPF; wherein, The energy-saving information is included in UPF supply information of the UPF, and the UPF supply information is sent by the NRF to the SMF; or The energy-saving information is configured in the SMF, wherein the UPF is registered in the SMF through NRF.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The UPF supply information also includes at least one of the following: Periodic information, used to indicate the period or frequency at which the UPF updates its service description file; An energy consumption threshold, the energy consumption threshold is used to trigger the UPF to update its service description file; A carbon emission threshold, wherein the carbon emission threshold is used to trigger the UPF to update its service description file; Energy state, used to indicate whether the UPF is in energy-saving state or non-energy-saving state; Energy consumption information, used to indicate the total energy value consumed by the UPF or the energy value consumed in a specific time period; Energy source, used to indicate the type of energy provided to the UPF; Carbon emissions, which indicates the total carbon emissions generated by the UPF or the carbon emissions generated in a specific time period; The energy consumption indication is used to indicate whether the energy consumption of the UPF is less than or equal to a first threshold.

11. An energy saving method, characterized in that: include: The third network function sends a request message, where the request message is used by the first network function to select the second network function based on the energy saving information.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The request message includes an energy saving indication, where the energy saving indication is used to request selection of the second network function for energy saving; or The second network function selecting the energy-saving first network function is predefined.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The energy saving indication is obtained by the third network function based on the following messages: a registration message, a protocol data unit PDU session establishment request message; or The energy saving indication is configured by the third network function for itself.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that: The energy-saving information includes at least one of the following: energy state, used to indicate whether the second network function is in an energy-saving state or a non-energy-saving state; Energy consumption information, used to indicate a total energy value consumed by the second network function or an energy value consumed in a specific time period; an energy source, used to indicate a type of energy provided for the second network function; Carbon emissions, used to indicate the total carbon emissions generated by the second network function or the carbon emissions generated in a specific time period; The energy consumption indication is used to indicate whether the energy consumption of the second network function is less than or equal to a first threshold.

15. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The energy saving indication is used to request at least one of the following: Selecting the second network function whose energy state is a power saving state; Selecting the second network function whose energy consumption is less than or equal to a first threshold; considering the energy consumption of the second network function when selecting the second network function; the second network function selecting an energy source of a specified type; Selecting the second network function whose carbon emissions are less than or equal to a second threshold; The carbon emissions of the second network function are considered when selecting the second network function.

16. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that The first network function is NRF or SCP, the third network function is NF service consumer, and the second network function is NF service producer.

17. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that: The first network function is an NRF, and the third network function is an NF service consumer; the method further includes: the NF service consumer receives a service registration response message from the NRF, and the service registration response message includes first information; or the first information is configured by OAM in a service description file of the NF service consumer; the first information includes at least one of the following: Period information, used to indicate the period or frequency of the NF service consumer updating its service description file; an energy consumption threshold, where the energy consumption threshold is used to trigger the NF service consumer to update its service description file; a carbon emission threshold, wherein the carbon emission threshold is used to trigger the NF service consumer to update its service description file; Energy state, used to indicate whether the NF service producer is in energy-saving state or non-energy-saving state; Energy consumption information, used to indicate the total energy value consumed by the NF service producer or the energy value consumed in a specific time period; Energy source, used to indicate the type of energy provided to the NF service producer; Carbon emissions, used to indicate the total carbon emissions generated by the NF service producer or the carbon emissions generated in a specific time period; The energy consumption indication is used to indicate whether the energy consumption of the NF service producer is less than or equal to a first threshold.

18. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The service description file of the NF service consumer is updated by the operation administration and maintenance OAM function based on the energy saving information of the NF service producer.

19. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that The first network function is SMF, and the second network function is UPF; wherein, The energy-saving information is included in UPF supply information of the UPF, and the UPF supply information is sent by the NRF to the SMF; or The energy-saving information is configured in the SMF, wherein the UPF is registered in the SMF through NRF.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that The UPF supply information also includes at least one of the following: Periodic information, used to indicate the period or frequency at which the UPF updates its service description file; An energy consumption threshold, the energy consumption threshold is used to trigger the UPF to update its service description file; A carbon emission threshold, wherein the carbon emission threshold is used to trigger the UPF to update its service description file; Energy state, used to indicate whether the UPF is in energy-saving state or non-energy-saving state; Energy consumption information, used to indicate the total energy value consumed by the UPF or the energy value consumed in a specific time period; Energy source, used to indicate the type of energy provided to the UPF; Carbon emissions, which indicates the total carbon emissions generated by the UPF or the carbon emissions generated in a specific time period; The energy consumption indication is used to indicate whether the energy consumption of the UPF is less than or equal to a first threshold.

21. An energy-saving device, characterized in that: include: A receiving module, used to receive a request message, where the request message is used to request selection of a second network function; A selection module is used to select the second network function based on the energy saving information.

22. An energy-saving device, characterized in that: include: The sending module is used to send a request message, where the request message is used by the first network function to select the second network function based on the energy-saving information.

23. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a program or instruction that can be run on the processor, and when the program or instruction is executed by the processor, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 20 are implemented.

24. A readable storage medium, characterized in that: The readable storage medium stores a program or instruction, and when the program or instruction is executed by a processor, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 20 are implemented.

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