Method and apparatus for listening for paging messages

Abstract

The application provides a method and device for monitoring a paging message, which can be applied to an NTN, such as a satellite communication system, and the method comprises the following steps: a first communication device sends an attach request message, wherein the attach request message comprises a request for a discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration; the first communication device receives an attach accept message, wherein the attach accept message comprises the DRX configuration and non-active time period information, and the non-active time period information is used for indicating a time period for stopping monitoring a paging message; and the first communication device monitors the paging message according to the DRX configuration and the non-active time period information.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application. The original application has the application number 202110507782.8 and the original application date is May 10, 2021. The entire contents of the original application are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and more specifically, to a method and apparatus for listening to paging messages. Background Technology

[0003] Power Saving Mode (PSM) is a new low-power mode introduced in the Internet of Things (IoT) scenario. When a communication device has no service data to process and wishes to enter power saving mode (PSM), it can request PSM information from the network. After obtaining the PSM information, the communication device can enter PSM mode. In PSM mode, the communication device is unreachable, meaning the network cannot contact it, allowing the device to enter a long-term deep sleep state, thus saving power consumption.

[0004] Currently, after a PSM cycle ends, or when a communication device needs to transmit service data, it can exit PSM mode and switch to connected mode. However, in satellite communication systems, because satellite base stations move at high speeds, when a communication device exits PSM mode, there may not be a satellite base station in the cell where the device is currently located that can communicate with it. In other words, the communication device exits PSM mode at an inappropriate time, resulting in wasted power. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a method and apparatus for low-power mode PSM transmission, which facilitates the communication device to wake up from PSM mode at an appropriate time, thereby reducing power waste.

[0006] In a first aspect, a method for low-power mode (PSM) transmission is provided, comprising: a first communication device sending a first request message for requesting to enter PSM mode; the first communication device receiving a first response message including first indication information and second indication information, the first indication information indicating that the first communication device enters the PSM mode, and the second indication information indicating X wake-up opportunity time periods in the PSM mode, where X is greater than or equal to 0; and the first communication device entering the PSM mode based on the first response message.

[0007] In this embodiment of the application, while receiving the first indication information for indicating entry into PSM mode, the first communication device also receives X wake-up opportunity time periods for indicating the first communication device in the PSM mode. During the wake-up opportunity time periods, the first communication device can temporarily wake up to process uplink and downlink service data. In this way, the first communication device can wake up at an appropriate time, which helps to reduce the power consumption of the first communication device.

[0008] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, when X is greater than 0, the second indication information includes the start and end times of each of the X wake-up opportunity time periods, or the start time and duration of each wake-up opportunity time period.

[0009] In this embodiment of the application, the first communication device can determine the appropriate awakening opportunity time period by indicating the start and end time points of each awakening opportunity time period, or the start time point and duration. This indication is simple and intuitive, and facilitates processing by the first communication device.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, after the first communication device enters the PSM mode based on the first response message, if the first communication device has service data to be sent, the first communication device sends the service data during the first wake-up opportunity time period out of X wake-up opportunity time periods.

[0011] In this embodiment of the application, if the first communication device in PSM mode has service data to be sent, the first communication device can select the first wake-up opportunity time period from X wake-up opportunity time periods to send the service data, which is beneficial to the normal transmission of service data and reduces power loss.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first response message is an attach accept message or a tracking area update accept message.

[0013] In this embodiment of the application, the second indication information used to indicate X awakening opportunity time periods can be transmitted via an attach accept message or a tracking area update accept message, which helps to reduce signaling overhead.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first communication device receives information of a first duration, the first duration being used to indicate the delay time of the PSM mode; the first communication device enters the PSM mode based on the first response message, including: after receiving the first response message, the first communication device enters the PSM mode after the first duration has elapsed.

[0015] In this embodiment of the application, the first communication device has a delay time, namely a first duration, before entering the PSM mode. After the first duration, the first communication device enters the PSM mode, which is beneficial for the first communication device to receive paging messages before entering the PSM mode.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first communication device receives information of a second duration, which is used to indicate the duration of the PSM mode; after entering the PSM mode, the first communication device exits the PSM mode after the second duration has elapsed.

[0017] In this embodiment of the application, the first communication device can exit the PSM mode after the second duration ends, so as to avoid the first communication device failing to update the location information in time due to being in the PSM mode for a long time.

[0018] In a second aspect, a method for low-power mode (PSM) transmission is provided, comprising: a second communication device receiving a first request message for requesting to enter PSM mode; the second communication device sending a first response message including first indication information and second indication information, the first indication information for instructing the first communication device to enter the PSM mode, and the second indication information for indicating X wake-up opportunity time periods of the first communication device in the PSM mode, wherein X is greater than or equal to 0.

[0019] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, when X is greater than 0, the second indication information includes the start time and end time of each of the X wake-up opportunity time periods, or the start time and duration of each wake-up opportunity time period.

[0020] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first response message is an attach accept message or a tracking area update accept message.

[0021] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the second communication device sends information of a first duration, which is used to indicate the delay time of the PSM mode.

[0022] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the second communication device sends information of a second duration, which is used to indicate the duration of the PSM mode.

[0023] Thirdly, a method for monitoring paging messages is provided, comprising: a first communication device sending a second request message, the second request message being used to request a timing for monitoring paging messages; the first communication device receiving a second response message, the second response message including third indication information or fourth indication information, the third indication information being used to indicate the paging cycle for which the first communication device monitors paging messages, and the fourth indication information being used to indicate the time period during which the first communication device stops monitoring paging messages; and the first communication device monitoring paging messages based on the second response message.

[0024] In this embodiment of the application, the timing for the first communication device to listen to or stop listening to paging messages can be indicated by the third or fourth indication information. This can prevent the first communication device from listening to paging messages when there is no network connection, which helps to reduce power consumption waste.

[0025] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the fourth instruction information includes the start and end times of the period during which paging messages are stopped, or the start and duration of the period during which paging messages are stopped.

[0026] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the first communication device listens to paging messages based on the second response message, including: the first communication device determines a target paging period for listening to paging messages in at least one paging period based on the third indication information; the first communication device listens to paging messages within the target paging period.

[0027] In this embodiment of the application, the first communication device has at least one paging cycle, but it may not be able to listen to the paging message in some paging cycles. Therefore, the third indication information can indicate the target paging cycle in which the paging message can be listened to in at least one paging cycle, which is beneficial to reduce power loss.

[0028] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the first communication device listens to paging messages based on the second response message, including: the first communication device determines a time period for stopping listening to paging messages based on the fourth indication information; after the end of the time period for stopping listening to paging messages, the first communication device continues to listen to paging messages.

[0029] In this embodiment of the application, the fourth indication information can indicate the time period for stopping the listening of paging messages. During the time period for stopping the listening of paging messages, the first communication device cannot listen to the paging messages. Therefore, the first communication device does not need to listen during the time period for stopping the listening of paging messages, which helps to reduce power loss.

[0030] Fourthly, a method for monitoring paging messages is provided, comprising: a second communication device receiving a second request message, the second request message being used to request a timing for monitoring paging messages; the second communication device sending a second response message, the second response message including third indication information or fourth indication information, the third indication information being used to indicate the paging cycle of a first communication device monitoring paging messages, and the fourth indication information being used to indicate the time period during which the first communication device stops monitoring paging messages.

[0031] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the fourth indication information includes the start and end times of the period during which paging messages are stopped, or the start time and duration.

[0032] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the second communication device receives a paging message, the paging message including a time period for instructing the second communication device to stop sending the paging message; the second communication device stops sending the paging message during the time period during which it stops sending the paging message.

[0033] Fifthly, an apparatus for low-power mode PSM transmission is provided, comprising: a method for performing any possible implementation of any of the above aspects. Specifically, the apparatus includes a module for performing the method in any possible implementation of any of the above aspects.

[0034] In one design, the device may include modules that perform the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the foregoing aspects one by one. These modules may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0035] In another design, the device is a communication chip, which may include input circuitry or interface for transmitting information or data, and output circuitry or interface for receiving information or data.

[0036] In another design, the device is a communication device, which may include a transmitter for sending information or data and a receiver for receiving information or data.

[0037] In another design, the device is used to perform the methods in any of the above aspects or any possible implementations of the above aspects. The device may be configured in the above-described first communication device or second communication device, or the device itself may be the above-described first communication device or second communication device.

[0038] A sixth aspect provides another apparatus for low-power mode PSM transmission, comprising a processor and a memory for storing a computer program, the processor for calling and running the computer program from the memory, such that the apparatus performs the method in any possible implementation of any of the above aspects.

[0039] Optionally, the processor may be one or more, and the memory may be one or more.

[0040] Optionally, the memory may be integrated with the processor, or the memory may be separated from the processor.

[0041] Optionally, the communication device also includes a transmitter and a receiver, which can be set separately or integrated together and referred to as a transceiver.

[0042] A seventh aspect provides a communication system comprising: means for implementing the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, and means for implementing the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect; or, means for implementing the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect, and means for implementing the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0043] In one possible design, the communication system may also include other devices that interact with the first communication device and / or the second communication device as provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0044] Eighthly, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions), which, when run, causes a computer to perform a method in any possible implementation of any of the above aspects.

[0045] Ninthly, a computer-readable medium is provided that stores a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods in any possible implementation of any of the preceding aspects.

[0046] In a tenth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, including a communication interface and a logic circuit. The communication interface is used to send a first request message and / or receive a first response message, and the logic circuit is used to enter a PSM according to the first response message to execute the method in any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0047] Eleventhly, another communication device is provided, including a communication interface and logic circuitry, the communication interface being used to receive a first request message and / or send a first response message, and the logic circuitry being used to execute the method in any possible implementation of the second aspect above according to the PSM transmitted in the first request message.

[0048] In a twelfth aspect, another communication device is provided, comprising a communication interface and logic circuitry, the communication interface being used to send a second request message and / or receive a second response message, and the logic circuitry being used to listen for paging messages based on the second response message and execute the method in any possible implementation of the third aspect described above.

[0049] In a thirteenth aspect, another communication device is provided, comprising a communication interface and logic circuitry, the communication interface being configured to receive a second request message and / or send a second response message, and the logic circuitry being configured to execute the method in any possible implementation of the fourth aspect above at a listening time when a paging message is transmitted based on the second request message. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a system frame;

[0051] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of power loss of a UE under different states;

[0052] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a system architecture for PSM transmission provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another system architecture for PSM transmission provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0054] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for PSM transmission provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of power loss under different states provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a system frame provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 8 This is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus for PSM transmission provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 9 This is a schematic block diagram of another apparatus for PSM transmission provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0059] Figure 10This is a schematic block diagram of another apparatus for PSM transmission provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0060] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0061] To facilitate understanding, the terminology used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced first.

[0062] 1. Non-terrestrial networks (NTN): The rapid development of information technology has placed more urgent demands on the efficiency, mobility, and diversity of communications. Because traditional terrestrial networks cannot provide seamless coverage for user equipment (UE), especially in areas where base stations cannot be deployed, such as the ocean, desert, or in the air, NTN has been introduced into 5G mobile networks. NTN provides seamless coverage for UE by deploying base stations or parts of their functions on high-altitude platforms or satellites. Furthermore, high-altitude platforms or satellites are less affected by natural disasters, thus improving the reliability of 5G systems.

[0063] 2. Satellite Communication: In some important fields, such as space communication, aviation communication, maritime communication, and military communication, satellites play an irreplaceable role. Satellite communication features long communication distance, large coverage area, and flexible networking, and can provide services for both fixed terminals and various mobile terminals.

[0064] 3. Radio Resource Control (RRC) Status: RRC status includes idle status (RRC_IDLE), inactive status (RRC_INACTIVE), and connected status (RRC_CONNECTED).

[0065] When the UE is in connected state (RRC_CONNECTED), it can send and receive data from the network, listen to control signaling indicating control authorization on the shared channel, and report channel quality to the network.

[0066] When a UE is in idle mode (RRC_IDLE) or inactive mode (RRC_INACTIVE), it typically turns off its receiver and enters a low-power state. To receive paging messages from the base station, the UE periodically wakes up from this low-power mode and attempts to receive paging messages. Paging messages mainly include system message change notifications or short message alerts for natural disasters.

[0067] 4. Discontinuous Reception (DRX): In cellular systems, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) designed the DRX mechanism to reduce UE power consumption. According to the DRX mechanism, when the UE is in an idle state (RRC_IDLE) or an inactive state (RRC_INACTIVE), the UE can periodically receive paging messages based on the DRX information configured in the network.

[0068] The specific time when a UE receives a paging message is determined by the paging frame (PF) and the paging occasion (PO). The PF represents the frame in which the paging message is sent; a UE in an idle state (RRC_IDLE) or inactive state (RRC_INACTIVE) will only attempt to receive a paging message within the PF. The PO represents the occasion within a PF when attempting to receive a paging message. Since paging messages are scheduled using downlink control information (DCI) scrambled with a paging-radio network temporary identity (P-RNTI), one PO can actually correspond to S detection occasions of P-RNTI-scrambled DCIs, where S can be obtained through system messages.

[0069] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a system frame, such as... Figure 1 As shown, a paging cycle consists of 16 system frames. The system frame with system frame number (SFN) 1 is the paging frame (PF). This paging frame (PF) includes 10 subframes with identifiers from 0 to 9. The paging event point (PO) can be located in the subframe with identifier 9. The UE can receive paging messages within the PF. Each PF can correspond to multiple POs, but the network does not send paging messages to the UE on every PO.

[0070] The following uses narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) as an example to illustrate how to obtain the Power Factor (PF) and the Point of Interest (PO).

[0071] For example, the PF is located in a system frame that satisfies the following formula:

[0072] SFN mod T=(T div N)*(UE_ID mod N)

[0073] In this context, mod represents the modulo operation, div represents the integer division operation, SFN represents the system frame number, T represents the DRX period, which is a time unit, exemplarily 2.56 seconds, meaning the UE has one or more opportunities to attempt to receive a paging message within time T, and N represents the number of PFs included in each DRX period. UE_ID is the UE's identifier, which can be determined based on the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI). For example, UE_ID can be calculated by using IMSI mod 4096.

[0074] For example, the location of PO can be determined based on the following formula:

[0075] I_s = floor(UE_ID / N) mod(Ns)

[0076] Here, floor(·) represents the floor function, and Ns represents the number of point objects (POs) included in each point function (PF). Based on the calculated I_s index, the location of a PO can be queried through Table 1.

[0077] Table 1

[0078] Ns i_s = 0 i_s = 1 i_s = 2 i_s = 3 1 9 N / A N / A N / A 2 4 9 N / A N / A 4 0 4 5 9

[0079] In Table 1, Ns can take values ​​of 1, 2, or 4, and I_s can take values ​​of 0, 1, 2, or 3. N / A represents the location where the PO does not exist. Different values ​​of Ns and I_s correspond to different PO locations. For example, as shown in Table 1, when Ns = 1 and I_s = 0, the PO can be located at, for example, the location of the PO. Figure 1 The subframe shown is identified by the number 9.

[0080] 5. PSM Mode: PSM is a new low-power mode introduced in NB-IoT scenarios. It belongs to the non-access stratum (NAS) function and can be initiated by the UE. In PSM mode, the UE can enter a long-term deep sleep mode without periodically listening for paging messages. When PSM is activated, the network cannot contact the UE.

[0081] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of power loss of a UE under different states. Figure 2 The horizontal axis represents time, and the UE's state changes over time. The vertical axis represents power loss, which varies depending on the UE's state. Figure 2As can be seen, the UE is initially in the connected state (RRC_CONNECTED). In the connected state, the UE can process uplink and downlink service data. After the UE finishes processing the service data, the RRC connection will be released and the UE will enter the idle state (RRC_IDLE). The idle state corresponds to multiple DRX cycles. In each DRX cycle, the UE can listen for paging messages. In other words, the UE can periodically listen for paging messages in the idle state.

[0082] The idle state corresponds to a timer. For example, the timer can be a T3324 timer (duration is 0 to 255 seconds). When the T3324 timer expires, the UE can enter the PSM mode from the idle state. Therefore, the T3324 timer can also be called the PSM mode activation timer, or the duration of the T3324 timer can be regarded as the delay time for the UE to enter the PSM mode from the idle state.

[0083] In one possible implementation, the UE can exit PSM mode after the timer corresponding to PSM mode times out. For example, the timer corresponding to PSM mode can be a T3412 timer, and the duration of the T3412 timer can be 6 minutes, 12 minutes, or other durations. This application embodiment does not limit this. The T3412 timer can also be called the tracking area updating (TAU) periodic request timer. After the T3412 timer times out, the UE exits PSM mode and enters the connected state to perform TAU. After the TAU ends, if there is no service data to process, the UE returns from the connected state to the idle state, and then enters PSM mode again, and so on.

[0084] In another possible implementation, the UE can actively exit PSM mode when there is service data to process, thereby entering the connected state to process service data.

[0085] When a UE exits PSM mode using either of the two possible implementations described above, considering the high-speed movement of the satellite platform in an NTN scenario, it's highly likely that the serving satellite base station for the UE's cell will move to another cell in the future, while other satellite base stations in the satellite topology may not yet have reached the UE's cell, resulting in no satellite base station coverage for the UE's cell. In this case, after the UE exits PSM mode and enters the connected state, it cannot communicate with the satellite base station. In other words, the UE exited PSM mode at an incorrect time, leading to wasted power consumption.

[0086] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a method for PSM transmission in an NTN scenario. When transmitting PSM, the satellite base station can allocate a wake-up opportunity time period in PSM mode to the UE. When there is service data to be processed, the UE can temporarily wake up during the wake-up opportunity time period and process the service data during that time period. Since there is a satellite base station communicating with the UE during this wake-up opportunity time period, the UE can wake up at an appropriate time, which helps to reduce power consumption waste.

[0087] It should be understood that the embodiments of this application can be applied to a number of different scenarios, such as data transmission between terminal devices and network devices, data transmission between terminal devices, and data transmission between network devices. The embodiments of this application do not limit this. The embodiments of this application will be described below according to the first communication device and the second communication device.

[0088] Before introducing the method and apparatus for low-power mode PSM transmission provided in the embodiments of this application, the following points should be noted.

[0089] First, in the embodiments shown below, the terms and English abbreviations, such as PSM mode, wake-up opportunity period, attach receive message, tracking area update, etc., are all exemplary examples given for ease of description and should not constitute any limitation on this application. This application does not preclude the possibility of defining other terms that can achieve the same or similar functions in existing or future agreements.

[0090] Second, in the embodiments shown below, the first, second, and various numerical designations are merely distinctions for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, they may be used to distinguish different communication devices.

[0091] Third, "at least one" means one or more, while "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, and c can mean: a, or b, or c, or a and b, or a and c, or b and c, or a, b, and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0092] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of a system architecture 300 for PSM transmission provided in an embodiment of this application. The system architecture 300 includes a first communication device 301, a second communication device 302, and a core network 303.

[0093] The second communication device 302 can be deployed on a satellite to communicate with the first communication device 301, and the second communication device 302 is connected to the ground core network 303 via a wireless link.

[0094] It should be understood that the first communication device can refer to user equipment, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user equipment. The first communication device can also be a cellular phone, cordless phone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA), handheld device with wireless communication function, computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, vehicle-mounted device, wearable device, communication device in a 5G network, or communication device in a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN), etc., and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0095] By way of example and not limitation, in the embodiments of this application, the first communication device may also be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices, are a general term for devices that are intelligently designed and developed using wearable technology, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices that are worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not just hardware devices, but also achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include those that are feature-rich, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, as well as those that focus on only one type of application function and need to be used in conjunction with other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0096] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first communication device can also be a terminal device in an IoT system. IoT is an important component of future information technology development, and its main technical feature is connecting objects to networks through communication technology, thereby realizing an intelligent network of human-machine interconnection and object-to-object interconnection. In this embodiment, IoT technology can achieve massive connectivity, deep coverage, and terminal power saving through technologies such as narrowband NB-IoT.

[0097] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first communication device can also be a terminal device employing device-to-device (D2D) communication technology. D2D technology refers to a communication method in which two peer terminal devices communicate directly. In a distributed network composed of D2D terminal devices, each terminal device node can send and receive signals and has the function of automatic routing (forwarding messages).

[0098] The second communication device can be a base station (BTS) in a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) system or a code division multiple access (CDMA) system, or a base station (NodeB, NB) in a wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) system, or an IoT base station in an IoT system or an NB-IoT base station in a narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) system, or an evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB) in an LTE system, or a radio controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. Alternatively, the second communication device can be a relay station, access point, vehicle-mounted equipment, wearable device, or a communication device in a 5G network or a communication device in a future evolved PLMN network, etc. The embodiments of this application are not limited to these.

[0099] The second communication device in this application embodiment can be a device in a wireless network, such as a radio access network (RAN) node that connects a terminal to the wireless network. Examples of RAN nodes include: base stations, next-generation base stations (gNBs), transmission reception points (TRPs), evolved Node Bs (eNBs), home base stations, baseband units (BBUs), or access points (APs) in WiFi systems. In a network architecture, the second communication device may include a centralized unit (CU) node, a distributed unit (DU) node, or a RAN device comprising both CU and DU nodes.

[0100] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another system architecture 400 for PSM transmission provided in this application embodiment. It should be understood that system architecture 400 is a more specific description of system architecture 300. The following description uses a first communication device 301 as a terminal device, a second communication device 302 as a 5G satellite base station, and a core network 303 as a 5G core network as an example to illustrate system architecture 400. Figure 4 As can be seen, the system architecture 400 includes two terminal devices 401, two 5G satellite base stations 402, a ground station 403, and a 5G core network 404. Among them, the 5G core network 404 includes a 5G control plane 405 and a 5G data plane 406.

[0101] Among them, terminal device 401 can be a mobile phone, PAD or other device that supports 5G new radio interface. Terminal device 401 can access the satellite network through the air interface and initiate services such as making calls and accessing the Internet.

[0102] The 5G satellite base station 402 mainly provides wireless access services, which can schedule wireless resources for accessing terminal devices and provide reliable wireless transmission protocols and data encryption protocols.

[0103] Ground station 403 is mainly responsible for forwarding signaling and service data between 5G satellite base station 402 and 5G core network 404.

[0104] The 5G core network 404 is primarily responsible for services such as user access control, mobility management, session management, user security authentication, and billing. The 5G core network 404 consists of multiple functional units, which can be divided into two functional entities: the 5G control plane 405 and the 5G data plane 406.

[0105] The 5G control plane 405 includes the 5G access and mobility management function (AMF) 407 and the 5G session management function (SMF) 408. The 5G AMF 407 is responsible for user access management, security authentication, and mobility management. The 5G SMF 408 is responsible for interacting with the separate 5G data plane 406, creating, updating, and deleting Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions, and managing the session environment with the PDUs.

[0106] The 5G data plane 406 includes a 5G user plane function (UPF) 409 and a data network 410. Among them, the 5G UPF 409 is responsible for interacting with the data network 410 and managing functions such as user plane data transmission, traffic statistics, and security eavesdropping.

[0107] Data network 410 can provide massive and diverse data for 5G UPD 409.

[0108] In system architecture 400, the 5G New Radio (NR) represents the radio link between terminal device 401 and 5G satellite base station 402. The Xn interface represents the interface between two 5G satellite base stations 402, mainly used for signaling interaction such as handover. The NG interface represents the interface between 5G satellite base station 402 and 5G core network 404, mainly used for exchanging NAS signaling of 5G core network 404 and user service data.

[0109] The 5G satellite base station 402 can transmit downlink data to the terminal device 401. The data is encoded using channel coding, and the channel-coded data is transmitted to the terminal device 401 after constellation modulation. The terminal device 401 transmits uplink data to the 5G satellite base station 402. The uplink data can also be encoded using channel coding, and the encoded data is transmitted to the 5G satellite base station 402 after constellation modulation.

[0110] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of a method 500 for PSM transmission provided in an embodiment of this application. Method 500 includes the following steps:

[0111] S501, the first communication device sends a first request message, which requests to enter PSM mode. Correspondingly, the second communication device receives the first request message.

[0112] S502, the second communication device sends a first response message, and correspondingly, the first communication device receives the first response message.

[0113] The first response message includes a first instruction message and a second instruction message. The first instruction message is used to instruct the first communication device to enter the PSM mode, and the second instruction message is used to instruct the first communication device to have X wake-up opportunity time periods in the PSM mode, where X is greater than or equal to 0.

[0114] S503, the first communication device enters the PSM mode based on the first response message.

[0115] In this embodiment of the application, the first communication device may request the second communication device to enter PSM mode. If the second communication device allows the first communication device to enter PSM mode, the second communication device may instruct the first communication device to enter PSM mode through the first instruction information, and may instruct the first communication device to perform data transmission in PSM mode through the second instruction information for X wakeup occasion windows, where X is greater than or equal to 0.

[0116] It should be understood that the X wake-up opportunity time periods can be determined based on the constellation topology. Based on the constellation topology, the time when the satellite base station covers the first communication device can be predicted. In this way, after receiving the X wake-up opportunity time periods, the first communication base station can decide whether to wake up from PSM mode based on the X wake-up opportunity time periods. That is to say, the first communication device can wake up from PSM mode at an appropriate time, which helps to reduce power consumption waste.

[0117] As an optional embodiment, when X is greater than 0, the second indication information includes the start time and end time of each of the X wake-up opportunity time periods, or the start time and duration of each wake-up opportunity time period.

[0118] It should be understood that when X is greater than 0, it means that there is at least one wake-up opportunity period for the first communication device in PSM mode. When X equals 0, it means that based on the constellation topology prediction, there is no wake-up period for the first communication device during the duration of PSM mode, and the first communication device needs to continue to maintain PSM mode to save power.

[0119] In embodiments of this application, the second indication information may include different forms of awakening opportunity time periods. For example, the second communication device may indicate the start and end times of each awakening opportunity time period via the second indication information, or indicate the start time and duration of each awakening opportunity time period.

[0120] For example, the second communication device may carry information about the time period of awakening opportunity in tabular form, as shown in Table 2 or Table 3.

[0121] Table 2

[0122]

[0123] Table 3

[0124]

[0125] The information element identifier (IEI) indicates the specific meaning represented by the field. Tables 2 and 3 show the possible formats for carrying one of the X wake-up opportunity time periods. Furthermore, the X wake-up opportunity time periods can also be shown in the same table, or grouped into different tables; this embodiment does not impose any limitations on this.

[0126] As an optional embodiment, after S503, method 500 further includes: if the first communication device has service data to be sent, the first communication device sends the service data during the first wake-up opportunity time period in the X wake-up opportunity time periods.

[0127] In this embodiment of the application, if the first communication device has service data that needs to be processed, the first communication device can select the first wake-up opportunity time period out of X wake-up opportunity time periods to transmit data. After the first wake-up opportunity time period ends, the first communication device can continue to enter PSM mode.

[0128] It should be understood that the first wake-up opportunity period can be any one of the X wake-up opportunity periods in the PSM mode, and this application embodiment does not limit this. Of course, in practical applications, the first wake-up opportunity period will definitely occur after the generation of business data transmission requirements or TAU update requirements (or other requirements requiring wake-up). Therefore, strictly speaking, the first wake-up opportunity period can be any one of the last X0 wake-up opportunity periods in the X wake-up opportunity periods in the PSM mode, and these X0 wake-up opportunity periods occur after the generation of business data transmission requirements or TAU update requirements (or other requirements requiring wake-up). Without affecting the understanding, this application will still use X as an example for explanation.

[0129] As an optional embodiment, the first response message is an attach accept message or a tracking area update accept message.

[0130] In this embodiment, the first communication device may request to enter PSM mode from the second communication device via an attach request message or a tracking area update (TAU) message during the attach procedure or the tracking area update (TAU) procedure. Correspondingly, the second communication device may send an attach accept message or a tracking area update accept message to the first communication device to instruct the first communication device to enter PSM mode and to indicate the wake-up opportunity period for the first communication device in PSM mode.

[0131] As an optional embodiment, method 500 further includes: the first communication device receiving information of a first duration, the first duration being used to indicate the delay time of the PSM mode. S503 includes: after receiving the first response message, the first communication device enters the PSM mode after the first duration has elapsed.

[0132] In the embodiments of this application, the first duration is used to indicate the delay time of the PSM mode, that is, the duration from the start of the first communication device in the idle state until it enters the PSM mode.

[0133] For example, the first duration can be the duration of the T3324 timer. The T3324 timer can be regarded as the activation timer of the PSM mode. After the T3324 timer expires, the first communication device can enter the PSM mode.

[0134] As an optional embodiment, method 500 further includes: a first communication device receiving information of a second duration, the second duration being used to indicate the duration of the PSM mode; and the first communication device exiting the PSM mode after entering the PSM mode and after the second duration has elapsed.

[0135] In this embodiment of the application, the second duration is used to indicate the duration of the PSM mode, that is, the duration from when the first communication device starts from the idle state until it exits the PSM mode.

[0136] For example, the second duration can be the duration of the T3412 timer, after which the first communication device can exit PSM mode.

[0137] It should be understood that if there is a wake-up opportunity period in PSM mode, but there is no business data to process and the second duration has not yet ended, the first communication device will not exit PSM mode until the second duration ends, at which point it will exit PSM mode.

[0138] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating power loss under different states provided in an embodiment of this application. Compared to Figure 1 , Figure 6 The duration of the PSM mode contains X wake-up opportunity time periods, where X is greater than or equal to 0.

[0139] After processing the data, the first communication device can enter an idle state, which corresponds to the T3324 timer. After the T3324 timer expires, the first communication device can enter PSM mode. When there are X wake-up opportunity time periods as shown in the figure in PSM mode, the first communication device can select one of the X wake-up opportunity time periods for data transmission.

[0140] For example, when X=0, that is, the second communication device indicates that there is no time period in the PSM mode that the first communication device can wake up, the first communication device does not need to wake up even if there is business data that needs to be processed, and will continue to maintain the PSM mode until the T3412 timeout and exit the PSM mode.

[0141] For example, if there are two wake-up opportunity time periods as shown in the figure in PSM mode, i.e., X=2, and the first communication device has data services to process at time T1, but the first wake-up opportunity time period in PSM mode has not yet arrived, the first communication device needs to wait for the arrival of the first wake-up opportunity time period. When the first wake-up opportunity time period arrives, the first communication device can process service data in the first wake-up opportunity time period.

[0142] In addition, the first communication device may not process the service data during the first wake-up opportunity period, but wait for the arrival of the second wake-up opportunity period and process the service data during the second wake-up opportunity period. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0143] For example, if there are two wake-up opportunity time periods as shown in the figure in PSM mode, i.e., X=2, and the first communication device has data services to process at time T2, since the first wake-up opportunity time period has passed but the second wake-up opportunity time period has not yet arrived, the first communication device needs to wait for the arrival of the second wake-up opportunity time period. When the second wake-up opportunity time period arrives, the first communication device can process service data during the second wake-up opportunity time period.

[0144] For example, if there are two wake-up opportunity time periods as shown in the figure in PSM mode, i.e., X=2, and the first communication device has data service to process at time T3, but the first wake-up opportunity time period and the second wake-up opportunity time period have passed, and there is no wake-up opportunity time period for the first communication device to transmit data, the first communication device needs to exit PSM mode and enter the connected state to update the tracking area after the timer T3412 expires, and then enter the next PSM mode cycle through the idle state, and select the nearest wake-up opportunity time period in the next PSM mode cycle to process the service data.

[0145] When X takes other values, the processing procedure is similar to that for X=2, and will not be described again in the embodiments of this application.

[0146] The above combination Figures 1-6 The method for PSM transmission provided in the embodiments of this application is described in detail. The first communication device can determine the wake-up time period from the PSM mode based on the X wake-up opportunity time periods sent by the second communication device, which helps to reduce the power consumption of the first communication device.

[0147] When the first communication device is idle, it needs to periodically listen for paging messages according to the DRX configuration. Since the paging message configuration is sent in the system message, and the system message is bound to the cell, in scenarios where the cell where the first communication device is located is bound to the geographical location, the first communication device may listen for paging messages according to the originally configured paging cycle even without a serving satellite base station. However, it cannot listen for paging messages in every paging cycle, which also results in wasted power consumption.

[0148] For example, it can be done in the SystemInformationBlockType2-NB- of the RRC message.

[0149] Add an indicator for the active cycle of the paging cycle to the RadioResourceConfigCommonSIB-NB->PCCH-Config-NB field:

[0150]

[0151]

[0152] Here, SEQUENCE{…} indicates that it can include all the parameters enumerated later, ENUMERATED{…} indicates that it takes one of the parameters enumerated later, and Bit STRING(size(…)) indicates that the size of the bit string can take one of the range of parameters enumerated later.

[0153] For example, radio frame (rf) 128 means there are 128 radio frames. rf 256, rf 512, and rf 1024 are similar to rf 128 and will not be described again here.

[0154] For example, fourT represents 4 paging cycles, halfT represents half a paging cycle, one16thT represents 1 / 16 of a paging cycle, and other values ​​such as quarterT have similar meanings to one16thT, so they will not be repeated here.

[0155] For example, r1 means repeating once, r2 means repeating twice, and the meanings of other characters such as r32 are similar to those of r1 and r2, and will not be repeated here.

[0156] The "Active_cycle Bit STRING(size(2……maxPeriod_of_cycles))" field is a new field that allows you to add an indication of the active cycle for the paging cycle. For example, you can use "active cycle = 010000" in this field to indicate that you are listening for paging messages in the second paging cycle.

[0157] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a system frame provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 This includes 6 paging cycles, each consisting of 16 system frames. When using an active cycle of 010000 to indicate listening for paging messages in the second paging cycle, for example, as follows... Figure 7 As shown, the system frame with system frame number 17 in the second paging cycle is the paging frame PF. The paging frame PF includes 10 subframes with identifiers from 0 to 9. The paging timing PO can be located in the subframe with identifier 9.

[0158] Similarly, an active cycle of 001000 can be used to indicate that paging messages are being listened for in the third paging cycle.

[0159] In other words, whichever bit in the active cycle is 1 from left to right indicates that the first communication device can listen for paging messages during the corresponding paging cycle.

[0160] For example, an active cycle of 000010 can be used to indicate whether paging messages are being listened to in the second paging cycle. That is, the active cycle indicates which bit from right to left is 1, meaning the first communication device can listen to paging messages in the corresponding paging cycle. It should be understood that other active indications for paging cycles are also possible, and this application embodiment does not limit these.

[0161] By adding an activation period indicator for the paging period to the field of the RRC message sent to the first communication device, the first communication device can select the period for listening to paging messages based on the activation period indicator, thereby helping to reduce power consumption waste.

[0162] The above text combined Figure 7The description describes a first communication device that can select an appropriate paging cycle for listening to paging messages based on an activation cycle indication. Furthermore, the first communication device can also stop listening for a period of time based on an inactive window (Deactive_window) indication.

[0163] For example, it can be done in the SystemInformationBlockType2-NB- of the RRC message.

[0164] Add an indication for the inactive window during the paging cycle to the RadioResourceConfigCommonSIB-NB->PCCH-Config-NB field:

[0165]

[0166] The meanings of SEQUENCE{…}, ENUMERATED{…}, and their respective enumerated parameters have been described above and will not be repeated here. INTEGER indicates an integer type, which can be one of the parameters in the enumeration range.

[0167] The aforementioned "Deactive_window SEQUENCE{…}" field is a newly added field. An indication for an inactive window (Deactive_window) can be added to this field. Based on the indication of the inactive window (Deactive_window) field, the first communication device can stop listening for a period of time and then continue to listen for paging messages according to the original configuration.

[0168] Similar to the DRX configuration, when the first communication device is idle, it can also periodically listen for paging messages according to the extended connectionless reception (eDRX) configuration. Likewise, the period for which listening can be stopped can be indicated by the indication information.

[0169] For example, an IE (Internet Information Type) can be included in the paging message sent from the network to the second communication device. This information contains parameter information for NB-IoT paging eDRX, namely the NB-IoT paging eDRX Cycle, and adds a Deactive_Window_Start field and a Deactive_duration field to indicate the time period during which the first communication device stops listening, which is also the time period during which the second communication device stops sending paging messages. As shown in Table 4, the Deactive_Window_Start field can indicate the start time of stopping listening, and the Deactive_duration field can indicate the duration of notification listening.

[0170] In Table 4, "M" indicates that the corresponding field is mandatory, and "O" indicates that the corresponding field is optional.

[0171] For example, hf2 represents 2 superframes, hf3 represents 3 superframes, and other superframes such as hf16 have similar meanings to hf2, which will not be repeated here.

[0172] For example, s1 represents 1 subframe, s2 represents 2 subframes, and other subframes such as s6 have similar meanings to s1, which will not be repeated here.

[0173] The period T corresponding to the “NB-IoT Paging eDRX Cycle” field eDRX Defined in standard TS36.304

[20] , its unit is the number of hyperframes.

[0174] For example, the first communication device can request eDRX configuration in an attach request message or a tracking area update request message. Correspondingly, the network can carry the eDRX configuration in an attach accept message or a tracking area update accept message and send the eDRX configuration to the first communication device. This eDRX configuration includes a newly added Deactive_Window_Start field and a Deactive_duration field to indicate the time period during which listening is stopped. As shown in Table 5, the Deactive_Window_Start field indicates the start time of stopping listening, and the Deactive_duration field indicates the duration of stopping listening.

[0175] It should be understood that when the network sends the period of time during which listening is to be stopped to the second communication device, it also needs to send the same period of time to the first communication device through the second communication device. In this way, the second communication device stops sending paging messages during the period of time during which listening is to be stopped, and the first communication device stops listening for paging messages during the same period of time during which listening is to be to be stopped, which is beneficial to the synchronization of information between the first and second communication devices.

[0176] Table 4

[0177]

[0178] Table 5

[0179]

[0180] It should be understood that the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0181] The above text combines Figures 3 to 7 The present application describes in detail a method for PSM transmission according to embodiments thereof, which will be discussed below in conjunction with... Figures 8 to 10 A detailed description of the apparatus for PSM transmission according to embodiments of this application is provided.

[0182] Figure 8 A schematic block diagram of an apparatus 800 for PSM transmission provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. The apparatus 800 includes an output module 810, a receiving module 820, and a processing module 830.

[0183] The output module 810 is configured to: output a first request message, which requests entry into PSM mode; the receiving module 820 is configured to: receive a first response message, which includes first indication information and second indication information, wherein the first indication information indicates that the device enters the PSM mode and the second indication information indicates X wake-up opportunity time periods in the PSM mode, where X is greater than or equal to 0; and the processing module 830 is configured to: enter the PSM mode based on the first response message.

[0184] Optionally, when X is greater than 0, the second indication information includes the start and end times of each of the X wake-up opportunity time periods, or the start and duration of each wake-up opportunity time period.

[0185] Optionally, the output module 810 is configured to: if the device has service data to be sent, the device outputs the service data during the first wake-up opportunity time period out of X wake-up opportunity time periods.

[0186] Optionally, the first response message is an attach accept message or a tracking area update accept message.

[0187] Optionally, the receiving module 820 is configured to: receive information of a first duration, the first duration being used to indicate the delay time of the PSM mode; and the processing module 830 is configured to: after receiving the first response message, enter the PSM mode after the first duration has elapsed.

[0188] Optionally, the receiving module 820 is configured to: receive information of a second duration, the second duration being used to indicate the duration of the PSM mode; and the processing module 830 is configured to: exit the PSM mode after entering the PSM mode and after the second duration has elapsed.

[0189] In an optional example, those skilled in the art will understand that device 800 may specifically be the first communication device in the above embodiments, or the functions of the first communication device in the above embodiments may be integrated into device 800. The above functions may be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software may include one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. For example, the receiving module 820 may be a communication interface, such as a transceiver interface. Device 800 may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the first communication device in the above method embodiments.

[0190] Figure 9 A schematic block diagram of another apparatus 900 for PSM transmission provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. The apparatus 900 includes a receiving module 910 and an output module 920.

[0191] The receiving module 910 is used to receive a first request message, which is used to request to enter the PSM mode; the output module 920 is used to output a first response message, which includes first indication information and second indication information. The first indication information is used to instruct the first communication device to enter the PSM mode, and the second indication information is used to indicate X wake-up opportunity time periods of the first communication device in the PSM mode, where X is greater than or equal to 0.

[0192] Optionally, when X is greater than 0, the second indication information includes the start and end times of each of the X wake-up opportunity time periods, or the start time and duration of each wake-up opportunity time period.

[0193] Optionally, the first response message is an attach accept message or a tracking area update accept message.

[0194] Optionally, the output module 920 is used to output information of a first duration, which is used to indicate the delay time of the PSM mode.

[0195] Optionally, the output module 920 is configured to output information of a second duration, which indicates the duration of the PSM mode.

[0196] In an optional example, those skilled in the art will understand that device 900 may specifically be the second communication device in the above embodiments, or the functions of the second communication device in the above embodiments may be integrated into device 900. The above functions may be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software may include one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. For example, the receiving module 910 may be a communication interface, such as a transceiver interface. Device 900 may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the second communication device in the above method embodiments.

[0197] It should be understood that devices 800 and 900 here are embodied in the form of functional modules. The term "module" here may refer to application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electronic circuits, processors (e.g., shared processors, proprietary processors, or group processors) and memories for executing one or more software or firmware programs, combined logic circuits, and / or other suitable components that support the described functions.

[0198] In embodiments of this application, devices 800 and 900 may also be chips or chip systems, such as systems on a chip (SoC). Correspondingly, output module 810 may be the transceiver circuit of the chip, which is not limited here.

[0199] Figure 10 A schematic block diagram of another apparatus 1000 for PSM transmission provided in this application embodiment is shown. The apparatus 1000 includes a processor 1010, a transceiver 1020, and a memory 1030. The processor 1010, transceiver 1020, and memory 1030 communicate with each other via internal interconnection. The memory 1030 stores instructions, and the processor 1010 executes the instructions stored in the memory 1030 to control the transceiver 1020 to transmit and / or receive signals.

[0200] It should be understood that device 1000 may specifically be the first communication device or the second communication device in the above embodiments, or the functions of the first communication device or the second communication device in the above embodiments may be integrated into device 1000. Device 1000 may be used to execute the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the first communication device or the second communication device in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memory 1030 may include read-only memory and random access memory, and provide instructions and data to the processor. A portion of the memory may also include non-volatile random access memory. For example, the memory may also store device type information. The processor 1010 may be used to execute instructions stored in the memory, and when the processor executes the instructions, the processor may execute the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the first communication device or the second communication device in the above method embodiments.

[0201] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, the processor 1010 may be a central processing unit (CPU), or it may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0202] In implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as execution by a hardware processor, or as a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor executes the instructions in the memory, combining them with its hardware to complete the steps of the above method. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0203] This application also provides a communication device, including a communication interface and a logic circuit. The communication interface is used to send a first request message and / or receive a first response message, and the logic circuit is used to enter the PSM according to the first response message to execute the method in any possible implementation of the first aspect described above.

[0204] This application also provides another communication device, including a communication interface and a logic circuit, wherein the communication interface is used to receive a first request message and / or send a first response message, and the logic circuit is used to execute the method in any possible implementation of the second aspect described above according to the PSM transmitted in the first request message.

[0205] This application also provides another communication device, including a communication interface and a logic circuit, wherein the communication interface is used to send a second request message and / or receive a second response message, and the logic circuit is used to listen for paging messages based on the second response message and execute the method in any possible implementation of the third aspect described above.

[0206] This application also provides another communication device, including a communication interface and a logic circuit, wherein the communication interface is used to receive a second request message and / or send a second response message, and the logic circuit is used to execute the method in any possible implementation of the fourth aspect above based on the listening timing of transmitting a paging message according to the second request message.

[0207] This application also provides a communication system, which may include the above-described... Figure 8 The first communication device shown (device 800 is embodied as the first communication device).

[0208] This application also provides a communication system, which may include the above-described... Figure 9 The second communication device shown (device 900 is embodied as the second communication device).

[0209] This application also provides a communication system, which may include the above-described... Figure 10 The first communication device shown (device 1000 is embodied as the first communication device) or the above-mentioned Figure 10 The second communication device shown (device 1000 is embodied as the second communication device).

[0210] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0211] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0212] In the several 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. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0213] 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 to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0214] In addition, 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.

[0215] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they 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 a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned 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.

[0216] 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 method for listening to a paging message, characterized by, include: The first communication device receives DRX configuration and inactive time period information. The inactive time period information is used to determine the time period for stopping listening to paging messages. The inactive time period information includes the inactive window start time point and the inactive duration. The inactive window start time point is used to determine the start time point for stopping listening to paging messages, and the inactive duration is used to determine the duration for stopping listening to paging messages. The first communication device listens for paging messages according to the DRX configuration and the inactive time period information, wherein listening for paging messages means listening for paging messages at one or more paging times; The first communication device listens for paging messages according to the DRX configuration and the inactive time period information, including: The first communication device does not listen for paging messages during the inactive period of the DRX cycle.

2. The method according to any one of claim 1, characterized in that, The first communication device is a terminal device, or a communication device within a terminal device.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The DRX configuration is an eDRX configuration; the method further includes: The first communication device sends an attach request message, the attach request message including a request for the eDRX configuration; The first communication device receives DRX configuration and inactive time period information, including: the first communication device receives an attach accept message, the attach accept message including the eDRX configuration and inactive time period information.

4. A method for listening to a paging message, characterized by, include: The second communication device sends DRX configuration and inactive time period information. The inactive time period information is used to determine the time period for stopping listening to paging messages. The inactive time period information includes the inactive window start time point and the inactive duration. The inactive window start time point is used to determine the start time point for stopping listening to paging messages, and the inactive duration is used to determine the duration for stopping listening to paging messages. The first communication device receives DRX configuration and inactive time period information, and listens for paging messages according to the DRX configuration and the inactive time period information, wherein listening for paging messages means listening for paging messages at one or more paging times; The first communication device listens for paging messages according to the DRX configuration and the inactive time period information, including: the first communication device does not listen for paging messages during the inactive time period in the DRX cycle.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The second communication device is a communication device in the core network, or a communication device in the communication device in the core network.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein, The DRX configuration is an eDRX configuration; the method further includes: The second communication device receives an attach request message, the attach request message including a request for the eDRX configuration; The second communication device sends DRX configuration and inactive time period information, including: the second communication device sends an attach accept message, the attach accept message including the eDRX configuration and inactive time period information.

7. An apparatus for listening to a paging message, the apparatus comprising: include: The communication module is used to receive DRX configuration and inactive time period information. The inactive time period information is used to determine the time period for stopping listening to paging messages. The inactive time period information includes the inactive window start time point and the inactive duration. The inactive window start time point is used to determine the start time point for stopping listening to paging messages, and the inactive duration is used to determine the duration for stopping listening to paging messages. The processing module is configured to listen for paging messages based on the DRX configuration and the inactive time period information, wherein listening for paging messages means listening for paging messages at one or more paging times; The processing module is used to listen for paging messages based on the DRX configuration and the inactive time period information, including: The processing module is used to not listen for paging messages during the inactive period of the DRX cycle.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein, The device is a terminal device, or a component or chip in a terminal device.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The DRX configuration is an eDRX configuration; the device also includes: A communication module is configured to send an attach request message, the attach request message including a request for the eDRX configuration; Correspondingly, the communication module is also specifically used to: receive an attach accept message, the attach accept message including the eDRX configuration and inactive time period information.

10. A communication system for monitoring paging messages, characterized in that, Includes a first communication device and a second communication device. The second communication device includes a second communication module, which is used to send DRX configuration and inactive time period information. The inactive time period information is used to determine the time period for stopping listening to paging messages. The inactive time period information includes the inactive window start time point and the inactive duration. The inactive window start time point is used to determine the start time point for stopping listening to paging messages, and the inactive duration is used to determine the duration for stopping listening to paging messages. The first communication device includes a first communication module and a first processing module. The first communication module is used to receive DRX configuration and inactive time period information. The first processing module is used to listen for paging messages according to the DRX configuration and the inactive time period information, wherein listening for paging messages means listening for paging messages at one or more paging times.

11. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second communication device is a communication device in the core network, or a component or chip in the communication device in the core network.

12. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The DRX configuration is an eDRX configuration; The second communication module is further configured to receive an attach request message, the attach request message including a request for the eDRX configuration; Correspondingly, the second communication module is also specifically used to: send an attach accept message, the attach accept message including the eDRX configuration and inactive time period information.

13. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, Used to store a computer program, the computer program including instructions for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 1-6.

14. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes computer program code that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-6.

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