Communication method, network function and storage medium

Abstract

The invention discloses a communication method, and the method comprises the steps that a first network function transmits energy-saving information to a second network function, or transmits the energy-saving information to the second network function through a capability opening function; wherein the energy-saving information is used for creating / updating an energy-saving strategy of the user and / or the network function. The invention further discloses a first network function, a second network function, a third network function, a fourth network function, a fifth network function, a sixth network function and a computer readable storage medium.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to, but is not limited to, the field of communications, and in particular, to a communication method, a first network function, a second network function, a third network function, a fourth network function, a fifth network function, a sixth network function, and a computer-readable storage medium. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of the network, the network energy-saving technologies in the related art are difficult to meet the increasingly high energy-saving requirements. For example, in the related art, the energy-saving methods of the network mainly carry out energy-saving design and energy-saving optimization within the core network domain and the access network domain, that is, the network energy-saving conducts energy-saving optimization in the local scope of the core network and the access network, so as to reduce the energy consumption of a single network function affected. However, the energy-saving optimization only for the single network function granularity has limited effect on reducing the overall network energy consumption. Thus, there will be a problem that the energy consumption of other network functions not affected in the network increases. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Embodiments of this application provide a communication method, a first network function, a second network function, a third network function, a fourth network function, a fifth network function, a sixth network function, and a computer-readable storage medium.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which is applied to a first network function and includes:

[0005] Sending energy-saving information to a second network function, or sending the energy-saving information to the second network function through a capabilities open function; wherein, the energy-saving information is used to create / update an energy-saving policy for a user and / or a network function.

[0006] In a second aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which is applied to a second network function and includes:

[0007] Receiving the energy-saving information sent by a first network function, or receiving the energy-saving information sent by the first network function through the capabilities open function; wherein, the energy-saving information is used to create / update an energy-saving policy for a user and / or a network function.

[0008] In a third aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which is applied to a third network function and includes:

[0009] Sending a first piece of information to a first network function; wherein, the first piece of information includes one or more of the following: user identifier, user energy-saving information, user energy-saving requirement, user energy-saving threshold, user energy-saving priority information.

[0010] In a fourth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which is applied to a fourth network function and includes:

[0011] Send the second information to the first network function; wherein, the second information includes one or more of the following: user identification, user energy consumption information, user energy saving requirement, user energy saving threshold, user energy saving priority information.

[0012] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a fifth network function and includes:

[0013] Send the third information to the first network function; wherein, the third information includes one or more of the following: network function identification, network function energy consumption threshold, network function energy consumption adjustment or modification information, network function energy consumption priority information.

[0014] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a sixth network function and includes:

[0015] Send an energy saving rule to the fourth network function and / or the fifth network function; wherein, the fourth network function and / or the fifth network function adjust one or more of the following parameters according to the energy saving rule:

[0016] Quality of service parameter;

[0017] Quality of service flow;

[0018] Quality of service configuration;

[0019] GER;

[0020] Non-GBR;

[0021] Utilization rate of the central processing unit of the device;

[0022] Virtualized network function of the device.

[0023] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a first network function, which includes:

[0024] A first sending module, configured to send energy saving information to a second network function, or send the energy saving information to the second network function through an ability open function; wherein, the energy saving information is used to create / update an energy saving policy for a user and / or a network function.

[0025] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a second network function, which includes:

[0026] A second receiving module, configured to receive the energy saving information sent by the first network function, or receive the energy saving information sent by the first network function through the ability open function; wherein, the energy saving information is used to create / update an energy saving policy for a user and / or a network function.

[0027] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a third network function, which includes:

[0028] A third sending module, configured to send first information to a first network function; wherein, the first information includes one or more of the following: user identifier, user energy-saving information, user energy-saving requirements, user energy-saving threshold, user energy-saving priority information.

[0029] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a fourth network function, which includes:

[0030] A fourth sending module, configured to send second information to a first network function; wherein, the second information includes one or more of the following: user identifier, user energy consumption information, user energy-saving requirements, user energy-saving threshold, user energy-saving priority information.

[0031] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a fifth network function, which includes:

[0032] A fifth processing module, configured to send third information to a first network function; wherein, the third information includes one or more of the following: network function identifier, network function energy consumption threshold, network function energy consumption adjustment or modification information, network function energy consumption priority information.

[0033] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a sixth network function, which includes:

[0034] A sixth sending and processing module, configured to send an energy-saving rule to the fourth network function and / or the fifth network function; wherein, the fourth network function and / or the fifth network function adjust one or more of the following parameters according to the energy-saving rule:

[0035] Quality of service parameter;

[0036] Quality of service parameter;

[0037] Quality of service flow;

[0038] Quality of service configuration;

[0039] GER;

[0040] Non-GBR;

[0041] Utilization rate of the central processing unit of the device;

[0042] Virtualized network function of the device.

[0043] In a thirteenth aspect, a network function includes:

[0044] A memory, configured to store executable instructions;

[0045] A processor, when executing the executable instructions stored in the memory, implements the above communication method.

[0046] In a fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program, which causes a computer to execute the above communication method.

[0047] Based on the centralized control node, that is, the first network function can centrally control the energy-saving strategies of other network functions, such as creating or updating. In this way, the energy-saving design of the end-to-end system and the cross-domain connection are realized, reducing the overall energy consumption of the end-to-end system and also reducing the probability of increased energy consumption of other devices not affected in the end-to-end system, meeting the end-to-end energy-saving requirements of future networks. At the same time, the first network function can control the energy-saving strategies of users, such as creating or updating. In this way, the user granularity configuration of network energy saving and the energy-saving optimization of user energy consumption information are realized, further reducing the overall energy consumption of the communication network and meeting the refined energy-saving requirements of future networks. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 2 It is a schematic flow chart of the communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application Figure 1 ;

[0050] Figure 3 It is a schematic flow chart of the communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application Figure 2 ;

[0051] Figure 4 It is a schematic flow chart of the communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application Figure 3 ;

[0052] Figure 5 It is a schematic flow chart of the communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application Figure 4 ;

[0053] Figure 6 It is a schematic flow chart of the communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application Figure 5 ;

[0054] Figure 7 It is a schematic flow chart of the communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application Figure 6 ;

[0055] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the energy consumption judgment process of the EECF and the ECU provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figure 9 A schematic block diagram of a first network function provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Figure 10 A schematic block diagram of a second network function provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Figure 11 A schematic block diagram of a third network function provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] Figure 12 A schematic block diagram of a fourth network function provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] Figure 13 A schematic block diagram of a fifth network function provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] Figure 14 A schematic block diagram of a sixth network function provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] Figure 15 A schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0063] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings 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. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present application without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0064] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0065] As Figure 1 shown, the communication system 100 may include a terminal device 110 and a network device 120. The network device 120 may communicate with the terminal device 110 through the air interface. Multi-service transmission is supported between the terminal device 110 and the network device 120.

[0066] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application are only exemplarily described by the communication system 100, but the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto. That is to say, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Internet of Things (IoT) system, Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) system, enhanced Machine-Type Communications (eMTC) system, the 5th generation mobile communication technology (5G) communication system (also known as New Radio (NR) communication system), or future communication systems, etc.

[0067] In Figure 1 In the communication system 100 shown, the network device 120 may be an access network device that communicates with the terminal device 110. The access network device can provide communication coverage for a specific geographical area and can communicate with the terminal device 110 (such as User Equipment (UE)) located within the coverage area.

[0068] The network device 120 may be an Evolutional Node B (eNB or eNodeB) in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, or a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG RAN) device, or a base station (gNB) in an NR system, or a radio controller in a Cloud Radio Access Network (CRAN), or the network device 120 may be a relay station, an access point, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a hub, a switch, a bridge, a router, or a network device in a future evolved Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), etc.

[0069] The terminal device 110 includes, but is not limited to, any terminal device that is wired or wirelessly connected to the network device 120 or other terminal devices. For example, the terminal device 110 may refer to an access terminal, a user equipment (UE), a user unit, a user station, a mobile station, a mobile terminal, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a user terminal, a terminal, a wireless communication device, a user agent, or a user device. The access terminal may be a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, an IoT device, a satellite handheld terminal, a Wireless Local Loop (WLL) station, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a computing device, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a terminal device in a 5G network, or a terminal device in a future evolved network, etc.

[0070] The terminal device 110 can be used for Device to Device (D2D) communication.

[0071] The wireless communication system 100 may further include a core network device 130 that communicates with the base station. The core network device 130 may be a 5G Core (5GC) device. For example, an Energy Efficiency Control Function (EECF), or, for another example, an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device, or, for another example, an Authentication Server Function (AUSF) device, or, for another example, a User Plane Function (UPF) device, or, for another example, a Session Management Function (SMF) device.

[0072] Optionally, the core network device 130 may also be an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) device of an LTE network. For example, it may be a Session Management Function + Core Packet Gateway (SMF+PGW-C) device. It should be understood that the SMF+PGW-C can simultaneously implement the functions that can be achieved by the SMF and the PGW-C. During the network evolution process, the names of the above core network devices may change, or new network entities may be formed by partitioning the functions of the core network. The embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0073] Each functional unit in the communication system 100 may also establish a connection through a Next Generation (NG) interface to achieve communication.

[0074] For example, the terminal device establishes a radio interface connection with the access network device through the NR interface for transmitting user plane data and control plane signaling; the terminal device may establish a control plane signaling connection with the AMF through the NG interface 1 (abbreviated as N1); the access network device, such as a next-generation radio access base station (gNB), may establish a user plane data connection with the UPF through the NG interface 3 (abbreviated as N3); the access network device may establish a control plane signaling connection with the AMF through the NG interface 2 (abbreviated as N2); the UPF may establish a control plane signaling connection with the SMF through the NG interface 4 (abbreviated as N4); the UPF may interact with the data network for user plane data through the NG interface 6 (abbreviated as N6); the AMF may establish a control plane signaling connection with the SMF through the NG interface 11 (abbreviated as N11); the SMF may establish a control plane signaling connection with the Policy Control Function (PCF) through the NG interface 7 (abbreviated as N7).

[0075] Figure 1 Exemplarily, one base station, one core network device, and two terminal devices are shown. Optionally, the wireless communication system 100 may include multiple base stations, and the coverage range of each base station may include other numbers of terminal devices. The embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0076] It should be noted that Figure 1The system applicable to the present application is only schematically shown by way of example. Of course, the method shown in the embodiments of the present application can also be applicable to other systems. In addition, the terms "system" and "network" in this article are often used interchangeably. The term "and / or" in this article is only a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this article generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after. It should also be understood that the "indication" mentioned in the embodiments of the present application can be a direct indication, an indirect indication, or a representation of an association relationship. For example, A indicates B, which can mean that A directly indicates B. For example, B can be obtained through A; it can also mean that A indirectly indicates B. For example, A indicates C, and B can be obtained through C; it can also mean that there is an association relationship between A and B. It should also be understood that the "corresponding" mentioned in the embodiments of the present application can represent a direct or indirect corresponding relationship between the two, can also represent an association relationship between the two, or can also be an indication and being indicated, configuration and being configured, etc. relationships. It should also be understood that the "predefined" or "predefined rule" mentioned in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented by pre-saving corresponding codes, tables, or other means that can be used to indicate relevant information in a device (for example, including a terminal device and a network device). The present application does not limit its specific implementation manner. For example, the predefined can refer to that defined in the protocol. It should also be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the "protocol" can refer to a standard protocol in the communication field, for example, it can include the LTE protocol, the NR protocol, and related protocols applied to future communication systems. The present application does not limit this.

[0077] To facilitate the understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the related technologies of the embodiments of the present application are described below. The following related technologies can be arbitrarily combined with the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application as optional solutions, and they all fall within the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0078] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this article have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the technical field to which this application belongs. The terms used in this article are only for the purpose of describing the embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application.

[0079] Before explaining the present application, the energy-saving methods for the network in the related technologies are described here:

[0080] In related technologies, the energy-saving methods of networks mainly include cloudified platforms for resource sharing, simplified network architecture design, separation of control and data, separation of control and bearer, efficient air interface design, efficient network function design, efficient hardware, energy-saving management (such as system-level hibernation, energy consumption strategy management, energy consumption artificial intelligence (AI) optimization), new energy application, etc. Thus, the energy consumption of communication networks has been effectively reduced. For example, the power consumption of a single 5G base station has decreased by about 35% compared with the initial commercial stage, saving 10% to 30% of electricity in low-load scenarios and 50% in extremely low-load scenarios.

[0081] Although some energy-saving methods have been proposed in related technologies, energy consumption is still an important restricting factor for the current scale development of communication networks. The industry believes that the requirements and indicators of the 6th generation mobile communication technology (6G) will be significantly improved compared with 5G. For example, the traffic density will reach 0.1 - 10 Gbps / m 2 (for 5G it is 10 Mbps / m 2 ), and the connection density will reach 0.1 - 100 million devices / km 2 (for 5G it is 1 million devices / km 2 ); Therefore, 6G will pose higher requirements for network energy saving.

[0082] Currently, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Radio Access Network (RAN) 1 and Standalone (SA) 5 in the 5th generation mobile communication technology Release 17 (R17) have carried out relevant definitions for wireless base station energy saving, energy-saving performance, and Key Performance Indicator (KPI) requirements. SA1, SA2, and SA5 have all strengthened their investment in solutions for base station energy saving, core network energy saving, end-to-end system energy saving, etc. in the R19 stage.

[0083] Figure 2 The flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of this application is shown as Figure 2 shown. This method is applied to the Figure 1 wireless communication system 100 shown. This method includes:

[0084] Step 201: The first network function sends energy-saving information to the second network function, or sends energy-saving information to the second network function through the capability open function.

[0085] Among them, the energy-saving information is used to create a user, and / or update a user, and / or create an energy-saving policy for a network function, and / or update an energy-saving policy for a network function.

[0086] In the embodiments of the present application, the capability open function can be understood as a third-party platform, that is, the first network function sends energy-saving information to the second network function through a third-party platform.

[0087] In the embodiments of the present application, the first network function, also known as the EECF, energy efficiency management control function, energy consumption management control function, energy efficiency management function, energy consumption management function, energy efficiency control function, energy consumption control function, is a centralized control node responsible for energy-saving optimization in the network. Here, the first network function can be an independent device in the wireless communication system 100, can be the terminal device 110, can also be the network device 120, or can also be a functional network element in the core network device 130.

[0088] In some embodiments, the first network function sends the energy-saving information to the second network function according to the first information provided by the third network function; and / or the first network function sends the energy-saving information to the second network function according to the local policy of the operator.

[0089] In the embodiments of the present application, the first information is that the third network function receives the user energy-saving preferences reported by other network functions, performs summary processing and data analysis, and generates the first information.

[0090] It should be noted that each network function will register with the EECF when it goes online. The EECF subscribes to the energy consumption information of the network function and requires each network function to regularly report the energy consumption information of the network function.

[0091] In the embodiments of the present application, the energy-saving information includes the energy efficiency recommendation information generated by the first network function.

[0092] In the embodiments of the present application, the energy-saving information includes one or more of the following: the energy-saving information of the user; the energy-saving information of the network function.

[0093] In the embodiments of the present application, the second network function, also known as the PCF, is used to provide different policy control services for the network function. The second network function receives the energy-saving information sent by the first network function and creates / updates the energy-saving policy of the user and / or the network function based on the energy-saving information.

[0094] It should be noted that the network function in the embodiments of the present application can be a functional network element in the terminal device 110, or the network device 120, or the core network device 130; Exemplarily, the network function includes a base station, a core network element, a user plane function (UPF), a terminal, and a network management device.

[0095] The energy-saving strategies in the present application include one or more of the following:

[0096] Adjust or reduce the quality guarantee of the Quality of Service (QoS) flow / traffic flow;

[0097] Adjust or reduce the data rate of the QoS flow / traffic flow;

[0098] Adjust or reduce the priority of the QoS flow / traffic flow;

[0099] Adjust or reduce the utilization rate of the central processing unit of the device;

[0100] Adjust the access management related policies;

[0101] Adjust the session management related policies;

[0102] Adjust or reduce the aggregated maximum bit rate that the user's Non-GBR bearer can use;

[0103] Adjust or reduce the period of the extended discontinuous reception mode;

[0104] Perform load sharing for high-power consumption devices;

[0105] Adjust the user energy-saving policies on the device;

[0106] Adjust the energy-saving mode for low-power consumption devices;

[0107] When the energy consumption exceeds the first energy consumption threshold, adjust the quality of service, and when the energy consumption exceeds the second energy consumption threshold, readjust the adjusted quality of service; the first consumption threshold is less than the second consumption threshold;

[0108] Increase the service charge when the energy consumption does not decrease;

[0109] Upgrade the quality of service when increasing the service charge of the user.

[0110] In the embodiments of the present application, modifying the user's energy-saving policy includes that when the user's energy consumption is high, the user's connection rate, service quality, service availability, and service continuity can be appropriately reduced; or still provide the highest quality communication service under the condition of resource allowance, increase the network energy consumption, and appropriately increase the resource provision and increase the service charge; or turn off and share the energy consumption at the device level and network element level.

[0111] In the embodiments of the present application, the energy-saving strategy for modifying network functions includes adjusting network configuration, adjusting device capacity, and enabling device sleep.

[0112] Exemplarily, the energy-saving strategy can be to turn off the base station / UPF, or to reduce the speed of the base station / UPF, or to reduce the QoS of users within a certain range. For example, reducing the QoS of the top 10% of high-energy-consuming users, that is, the QoS level of 90% of the users in the device is higher than that of the top 10% of high-energy-consuming users; it can also be to increase the tariff within a certain range.

[0113] In the embodiments of the present application, the ways to send energy-saving information include in-band, out-of-band, media, signaling, data, message, control plane, user plane, etc. Among them, the energy-saving information is sent through existing channels to better be compatible with the existing system and reduce the cost of system transformation.

[0114] The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, which includes: a first network function sends energy-saving information to a second network function, or sends energy-saving information to the second network function through a capability open function; wherein, the energy-saving information is used to create / update the energy-saving strategy of the user and / or network function. That is to say, based on the centralized control node, the first network function can centrally control the energy-saving strategies of other network functions, such as creating or updating. In this way, the energy-saving design of the end-to-end system and the cross-domain connection are realized, the overall energy consumption of the end-to-end system is reduced, and the probability of increasing the energy consumption of other devices not affected in the end-to-end system is also reduced, meeting the end-to-end energy-saving requirements of future networks. At the same time, the first network function can control the energy-saving strategy of the user, such as creating or updating. In this way, the user granularity configuration of network energy saving and the energy-saving optimization of the user's energy consumption information are realized, further reducing the overall energy consumption of the communication network and meeting the refined energy-saving requirements of future networks.

[0115] Figure 3 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application, as Figure 3 shown, this method is applied to Figure 1 the wireless communication system 100 shown, and this method includes:

[0116] Step 301, a third network function sends a first piece of information to the first network function.

[0117] Wherein, the first piece of information includes one or more of the following: user identifier, user energy-saving information, user energy-saving requirement, user energy-saving threshold, user energy-saving priority information.

[0118] In the embodiments of the present application, the user energy-saving requirement is used to describe the target value of user energy saving.

[0119] In the embodiments of the present application, the user energy-saving threshold is used to describe the value range of the user's energy consumption.

[0120] In the embodiments of the present application, the user energy-saving priority is used to describe the high or low priority among different users.

[0121] Here, each user has a unique identifier. In some embodiments, the identifier includes a color identifier, a graphic identifier, a text identifier, a digital identifier, a location identifier, etc.

[0122] In the embodiments of the present application, the methods for sending the first information include: in-band, out-of-band, media, signaling, data, message, control plane, user plane, etc. Among them, the second information is sent through an existing channel to better be compatible with the existing system and reduce the cost of system transformation.

[0123] In the embodiments of the present application, the third network function may be an Application Function (AF), which is used to provide services to the 3GPP network. For example, the AF interacts with the PCF for policy control.

[0124] Step 302: The first network function receives the first information sent by the third network function.

[0125] Step 303: The first network function creates / updates the energy-saving information according to the first information.

[0126] It should be noted that the descriptions of the same steps and the same content in this embodiment and other embodiments can refer to the descriptions in other embodiments, and will not be elaborated here.

[0127] Figure 4 It is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application. As Figure 4 shown, this method is applied to Figure 1 the wireless communication system 100 shown as follows. This method includes:

[0128] Step 401: The fourth network function sends the second information to the first network function.

[0129] Among them, the second information includes one or more of the following: user identifier, user energy consumption information, user energy-saving requirement, user energy-saving threshold, user energy-saving priority information.

[0130] Here, when the fourth network function reports the user energy consumption information, it can report the energy consumption information of users within a certain power consumption range on the network function. For example, it reports the energy consumption information of the top 10%, top 20%, and top 50% high-energy-consuming users of the device.

[0131] In the embodiments of the present application, the fourth network function periodically sends the second information to the first network function; the sending period of the second information can be preset or indicated by the first network function. For example, it can be set to report once an hour or once a day. The specific time of the period is not specifically limited in this application.

[0132] In the embodiments of the present application, when the first information changes, the fourth network function sends the second information to the first network function.

[0133] In the embodiments of the present application, the energy consumption information of the user on the network function is the energy consumption at the user level; the energy consumption at the user level can be calculated by formula (1).

[0134]

[0135] Among them, EE represents the user energy consumption, DRB.PdcpSduVolumeUl represents the uplink data volume of a single user; DRB.PdcpSduVolumeDl represents the uplink data volume of a single user; PEE.Energy represents the power (Power), energy (Energy), and environment (Environmental) (PEE) of the device of the network function, that is, the calculation of the energy consumption at the user level is obtained by the uplink and downlink Data Volume of a single user on the device / the entire device PEE.

[0136] It should be noted that the data volume (in kilobits) is obtained by measuring the amount of DL / UL Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) service data unit (SDU) bits of the considered network elements over the measurement period (The Data Volume(inkbits)is obtained by measuring amount of DL / UL PDCP SDU bits of the considered network elements over the measurement period).

[0137] In the embodiments of the present application, the ways to send the second information include in-band, out-of-band, media, signaling, data, message, control plane, user plane, etc. Among them, the third information is sent through the existing channels to better be compatible with the existing system and reduce the cost of system transformation.

[0138] In the embodiments of the present application, the fourth network function includes UPF.

[0139] Step 402: The first network function receives the second information sent by the fourth network function, or receives the second information sent by the fourth network function through other network functions.

[0140] Step 403: The first network function creates / updates the energy-saving information according to the second information.

[0141] It should be noted that the descriptions of the same steps and the same content in this embodiment and other embodiments can be referred to the descriptions in other embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0142] Figure 5 It is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 5 shown, this method is applied to Figure 1 the wireless communication system 100 shown. This method includes:

[0143] Step 501: The fifth network function sends the third information to the first network function.

[0144] Among them, the third information includes one or more of the following: network function identifier, network function energy consumption threshold, network function energy consumption adjustment or modification information, network function energy consumption priority information.

[0145] In the embodiment of the present application, the fifth network function includes RAN.

[0146] In the embodiment of the present application, the energy consumption information of the network function is for the energy consumption at the device level; the calculation of the energy consumption at the device level is obtained by the network function uplink and downlink data volume (Data Volume) / the energy consumption PEE of the network function.

[0147] In the embodiment of the present application, the fifth network function periodically sends the third information to the first network function; the sending period of the third information can be preset or indicated by the first network function. For example, it is set to report once an hour, or once a day. The specific time of the period is not specifically limited in this application.

[0148] In the embodiment of the present application, when the first information changes, the fifth network function sends the third information to the first network function.

[0149] Step 502: The first network function receives the third information sent by the fifth network function, or receives the third information sent by the fifth network function through other network functions.

[0150] Step 503: The first network function creates / updates the energy-saving information according to the third information.

[0151] In the embodiments of the present application, the first network function compares the third information of each fifth network function, adjusts the energy-saving strategy of the fifth network function, or adjusts the resources allocated to the fifth network function.

[0152] In some embodiments, the method provided by the embodiments of the present application includes the following:

[0153] The first network function sends a first request to the fourth network function and / or the fifth network function;

[0154] wherein, the first request is used to subscribe to the energy consumption information of the fourth network function and / or the fifth network function and the energy consumption information of users on the fourth network function and / or the fifth network function.

[0155] Exemplarily, the first network function can subscribe / request device-level energy consumption information and user-level energy consumption information from the fourth network function and / or the fifth network function, and perform information aggregation and analysis; the reporting period can be divided into various methods such as periodic reporting and event-triggered reporting. Event-triggered reporting includes thresholds, user policy updates, etc. The reported content can be the top 10%, top 20%, and top 50% high-energy-consuming users of the energy consumption of the base station; when the high-energy-consuming users of the base station exceed the threshold, an energy consumption warning is issued and reported to the first network function.

[0156] It should be noted that the descriptions of the same steps and the same content in this embodiment and other embodiments can be referred to the descriptions in other embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0157] In some embodiments, the method provided by the embodiments of the present application includes the following:

[0158] The first network function receives the fourth information sent by the fourth network function; wherein, the fourth information includes the energy consumption information of the fourth network function obtained based on the adjusted energy-saving strategy; based on the fourth information, it is judged whether the adjusted energy-saving strategy meets the execution condition; if the adjusted energy-saving strategy does not meet the execution condition, continue to adjust the energy-saving strategy until the adjusted energy-saving strategy meets the execution condition.

[0159] The first network function receives the fifth information sent by the fifth network function; wherein, the fifth information includes the energy consumption information of the fifth network function obtained based on the adjusted energy-saving strategy; based on the fifth information, it is judged whether the adjusted energy-saving strategy meets the execution condition; if the adjusted energy-saving strategy does not meet the execution condition, continue to adjust the energy-saving strategy until the adjusted energy-saving strategy meets the execution condition.

[0160] In the embodiments of the present application, if the reduction in energy consumption corresponding to the adjusted policy meets the expectation, it is determined that the adjusted energy-saving policy meets the execution condition. If the reduction in energy consumption corresponding to the adjusted policy does not meet the expectation, that is, the reduced energy consumption is still high, it is determined that the adjusted energy-saving policy does not meet the execution condition.

[0161] In the embodiments of the present application, after the first network function creates / updates the energy-saving policy, the first network function requests the fourth network function and / or the fifth network function to report the current user energy consumption again, and the ECF determines whether the current energy consumption corresponding to the adjusted energy-saving policy meets the expectation. Here, the fourth network function and / or the fifth network function can be reported based on the energy consumption unit (ECU) in the fourth network function and / or the fifth network function.

[0162] In some embodiments, the method provided by the embodiments of the present application includes the following:

[0163] Step A1: The first network function sends a second request to the seventh network function.

[0164] Among them, the second request is used to obtain the user subscribed energy consumption information.

[0165] Step A2: The first network function receives the user subscribed energy consumption information sent by the seventh network function.

[0166] Step A3: The first network function creates / updates the energy-saving information according to the user subscribed energy consumption information.

[0167] In the embodiments of the present application, the seventh network function can be a UPF or a RAN.

[0168] The solution provided by the present application combines user characteristics for energy-saving optimization. The user energy consumption information can be collected through the base station. When the user energy consumption is high, the user-level energy-saving policy is adjusted based on the user subscribed energy consumption information.

[0169] Exemplarily, for user-level policy adjustment, according to the user subscribed energy consumption information, the policy is adjusted through the PCF. When the user energy consumption exceeds 10%, the QoS is reduced by one level. When the user energy consumption exceeds 20%, the QoS is reduced by the second level; or the tariff for this user is increased and the QoS is increased by one level.

[0170] In some embodiments, the method provided by the embodiments of the present application includes the following:

[0171] Step B1: The second network function sends the energy-saving policy to the sixth network function.

[0172] Among them, the sixth network function adjusts one or more of the following parameters according to the energy-saving policy: adjusting or reducing the quality guarantee of the quality of service flow / traffic flow; adjusting or reducing the data rate of the quality of service flow / traffic flow; adjusting or reducing the priority of the quality of service flow / traffic flow; adjusting session management policy control; adjusting access management policy control.

[0173] Step B2: The sixth network function receives the energy-saving policy sent by the second network function.

[0174] Step B3: The sixth network function adjusts one or more of the following parameters according to the energy-saving policy: adjusting or reducing the quality guarantee of the quality of service flow / traffic flow; adjusting or reducing the data rate of the quality of service flow / traffic flow; adjusting or reducing the priority of the quality of service flow / traffic flow; adjusting session management policy control; adjusting access management policy control.

[0175] It should be noted that the sixth network function includes the AMF.

[0176] In some embodiments, the method provided by the embodiments of the present application includes the following:

[0177] Step C1: The sixth network function sends an energy-saving rule to the fourth network function and / or the fifth network function.

[0178] Among them, the energy-saving rule is an energy-saving rule generated by the sixth network function according to the energy-saving policy

[0179] Step C2: The fourth network function and / or the fifth network function receive the energy-saving rule sent by the sixth network function.

[0180] Step C3: The fourth network function and / or the fifth network function adjust one or more of the following parameters according to the energy-saving rule: quality of service parameters; quality of service flow; quality of service configuration; Guaranteed Bit Rate (GBR); Non-GBR; the central processor utilization rate of the device; the virtualized network function of the device.

[0181] Next, the exemplary application of the embodiments of the present application in an actual application scenario will be described. See Figure 6 ,

[0182] Step 601: AF creates a request for energy saving, including target UE identifier(s) and target energy consumption information, and sends the request to NEF by invoking Nnef_EnergySaving.

[0183] Step 602: The NEF invokes Neecf_EnergySaving to send the target UE identifier(s) and target energy consumption information to EECF.

[0184] Step 603: The EECF obtains energy saving authorization information of the target UE(s) via subscribed information from UDM by invoking Nudm_SDM_Get.

[0185] Step 604: The EECF collects energy information of the target UE(s), including Energy type information, Carbon emission information, Carbon efficiency information, Energy efficiency information, Energy consumption information.

[0186] Step 605: Based on the energy information and the energy consumption threshold, the EECF generates policy adjustment information to indicate the PCF to adjust the following parameters for each target UE: UE-AMBR, eDRX cycle, and periodic registration update timer. The EECF sends the information to the PCF via the Npcf_AMPolicyAuthorization Create / Update service.

[0187] Step 606: Based on the energy information and the energy consumption threshold, the EECF generates policy adjustment information to indicate the PCF to adjust the following parameters for each target UE: QoS information, and PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session release information. The EECF sends the information to the PCF via the Npcf_PolicyAuthorization Create / Update service.

[0188] Step 607: Based on the information received in step 605, the PCF determines the AM policy.

[0189] Step 608: Based on the information received in step 606, the PCF determines the SM policy.

[0190] Step 609: The SMF triggers an N4 session modification procedure to execute the QoS information in the updated SM policy.

[0191] Step 610: If the updated SM policy in step 608 includes PDU session release information, the SMF triggers a PDU session release procedure (SMF triggers PDU Session release).

[0192] It should be noted that Figure 6 The PCF in generates and updates the AM policy and the SM policy according to the energy-saving information received from the EECF, namely UE-AMBR, eDRX period, periodic registration update timer, QoS information, and PDU session release information. Figure 6 The AMF in updates the eDRX period and the periodic registration update timer based on the AM policy. Figure 6 The SMF in triggers a PDU session release procedure based on the SM policy

[0193] Figure 7 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application in the scenario of PDU session establishment of a UE.

[0194] Step 701: The EECF sends a threshold first request to the RAN.

[0195] Among them, the first request is used to subscribe to energy consumption information. Here, for the service-based process, the request directly goes to the RAN, and for the non-service-based process, the request is transparently transmitted through the AMF N2 interface.

[0196] Step 702: The RAN reports the energy consumption information to the EECF.

[0197] Among them, the energy consumption information can be reported regularly or reported by event trigger. When the RAN determines that the energy consumption is greater than the threshold or the policy needs to be adjusted, the RAN is triggered to report the energy consumption information.

[0198] In the embodiment of the present application, the reported energy consumption information includes user-level energy consumption and device-level energy consumption.

[0199] Step 703: The EECF collects, statistics, and analyzes the network energy consumption information.

[0200] Step 704: The EECF sends a query request to the UDM.

[0201] Among them, the query request is used to query the user subscription information.

[0202] Step 705, the UDM responds to the query request and sends the user subscription information to the EECF.

[0203] Step 706, the EECF generates an energy-saving optimization strategy / suggestion.

[0204] It should be noted that the ECF optimizes the strategy / suggestion according to the user subscription information and the QoS strategy corresponding to different energy consumptions. For example, when the energy consumption exceeds 10%, the QoS is reduced by one level, and when the energy consumption exceeds 20%, the QoS is reduced by the second level.

[0205] Step 707, the EECF sends a policy adjustment suggestion to the PCF.

[0206] Step 708, the PCF interacts with the SMF to update the session policy.

[0207] In the embodiment of this application, the PCF interacts with the SMF to update the policy information according to the policy adjustment suggestion of the EECF.

[0208] Step 709, the SMF returns a session policy update response to the PCF.

[0209] In the embodiment of this application, steps 701 to 709 are the PDU session establishment process of the UE.

[0210] Step 710, the SMF returns a policy adjustment response to the EECF.

[0211] Step 711, the RAN reports the energy consumption information to the EECF for the new user policy.

[0212] Step 712, the EECF determines whether the policy meets the expectation according to the energy consumption information after the policy adjustment. If so, the current policy is executed. If not, steps 706 to 711 are repeated until the adjusted policy meets the expectation.

[0213] In the embodiment of this application, steps 710 to 711 are the PDU session update process of the UE.

[0214] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the communication method flow executed based on the EECF and network functions. As Figure 8 shown:

[0215] Step 801, the EECF sends the subscription information carrying the threshold to the ECU.

[0216] Among them, the subscription information is used to subscribe to the energy consumption information.

[0217] Step 802, the ECU reports the energy consumption information to the EECF.

[0218] Among them, the ECU regularly reports energy consumption information to the EECF; the ECU triggers reporting energy consumption information to the EECF based on a threshold.

[0219] Step 803: The EECF collects and statistically analyzes network energy consumption information and performs analysis to obtain an energy consumption strategy / suggestion.

[0220] Step 808: The EECF sends the energy consumption strategy / suggestion to the ECU.

[0221] Step 805: The ECU adjusts the energy consumption strategy to obtain adjusted energy consumption information.

[0222] Step 806: The ECU reports the adjusted energy consumption information to the EECF.

[0223] Among them, the ECU regularly reports the adjusted energy consumption information to the EECF; the ECU triggers reporting the adjusted energy consumption information to the EECF based on a threshold.

[0224] Step 807: The EECF analyzes whether the strategy meets the expectation. If so, the current strategy is executed. If not, steps 804 to 807 are repeated to continue strategy adjustment until it meets the expectation.

[0225] An embodiment of the present application provides a first network function, and this first network function can be used to implement Figures 2 to 5 A corresponding embodiment provides a communication method. Referring to Figure 9 As shown, the first network function 900 includes:

[0226] A first sending module 901, configured to send energy-saving information to a second network function, or send energy-saving information to the second network function through a capability open function; among them, the energy-saving information is used to create / update an energy-saving strategy for a user and / or a network function.

[0227] In other embodiments of the present application, the first sending module 901 is configured to send energy-saving information to the second network function according to first information provided by a third network function and / or a local policy of an operator.

[0228] In other embodiments of the present application, a first receiving module 902 is configured to receive first information sent by a third network function; among them, the first information includes one or more of the following: a user identifier, user energy-saving information, user energy-saving requirements, a user energy-saving threshold, and user energy-saving priority information.

[0229] In other embodiments of the present application, a first processing module 903 is configured to create / update energy-saving information according to the first information.

[0230] In other embodiments of the present application, the energy-saving information includes energy efficiency suggestion information generated by the first network function.

[0231] In other embodiments of the present application, the energy-saving information includes the energy-saving information of the user and / or network functions.

[0232] In other embodiments of the present application, the first receiving module 902 is configured to receive or receive, through other network functions, the second information sent by the fourth network function; wherein, the second information includes one or more of the following: user identifier, user energy consumption information, user energy-saving requirement, user energy-saving threshold, user energy-saving priority information.

[0233] In other embodiments of the present application, the first processing module 903 is configured to create / update the energy-saving information according to the second information.

[0234] In other embodiments of the present application, the first receiving module 902 is configured to receive or receive, through other network functions, the third information sent by the fifth network function; wherein, the third information includes one or more of the following: network function identifier, network function energy consumption threshold, network function energy consumption adjustment / modification information, network function energy consumption priority information.

[0235] In other embodiments of the present application, the first processing module 903 is configured to create / update the energy-saving information according to the third information.

[0236] In other embodiments of the present application, the energy-saving policy includes one or more of the following:

[0237] The energy-saving policy includes one or more of the following:

[0238] Adjust or reduce the quality guarantee of the service quality flow / traffic flow;

[0239] Adjust or reduce the data rate of the service quality flow / traffic flow;

[0240] Adjust or reduce the priority of the service quality flow / traffic flow;

[0241] Adjust or reduce the utilization rate of the central processing unit of the device;

[0242] Adjust the access management related policy;

[0243] Adjust the session management related policy;

[0244] Adjust or reduce the aggregated maximum bit rate that can be used by the Non-GBR bearers used by the user;

[0245] Adjust or reduce the period of the extended discontinuous reception mode;

[0246] Perform load sharing for high energy consumption devices;

[0247] Adjust the user energy-saving policy on the device;

[0248] Adjust the energy-saving mode for low-power-consuming devices;

[0249] When the energy consumption exceeds the first energy consumption threshold, adjust the quality of service. When the energy consumption exceeds the second energy consumption threshold, readjust the adjusted quality of service; the first consumption threshold is less than the second consumption threshold;

[0250] Increase the fees when the energy consumption does not decrease;

[0251] Upgrade the quality of service when increasing the user's fees.

[0252] In other embodiments of the present application, the first sending module 901 is used to send a first request to the fourth network function and / or the fifth network function;

[0253] wherein, the first request is used to subscribe to the energy consumption information of the fourth network function and / or the fifth network function and the energy consumption information of the users on the fourth network function and / or the fifth network function.

[0254] In other embodiments of the present application, the first receiving module 902 is used to periodically receive the second information and / or the third information sent by the fourth network function and / or the fifth network function; or, when the first information changes, the first network function receives the second information and / or the third information sent by the fourth network function and / or the fifth network function.

[0255] In other embodiments of the present application, the first sending module 901 is used to send a second request to the seventh network function; wherein, the second request is used to obtain the user-signed energy consumption information;

[0256] The first processing module 903 is used for the first network function to create / update the energy-saving information according to the user-signed energy consumption information.

[0257] In other embodiments of the present application, the user energy-saving requirement is used to describe the target value of the user's energy saving.

[0258] In other embodiments of the present application, the user energy-saving threshold is used to describe the value range of the user's energy consumption.

[0259] In other embodiments of the present application, the user energy-saving priority is used to describe the level of priority among different users.

[0260] In other embodiments of the present application, the first receiving module 902 is used to receive the fourth information sent by the fourth network function; wherein, the fourth information includes the energy consumption information of the fourth network function obtained by the fourth network function based on the adjusted energy-saving strategy;

[0261] The first processing module 903 is configured to determine, based on the fourth piece of information, whether the adjusted energy-saving policy meets the execution condition; if the adjusted energy-saving policy does not meet the execution condition, the first network function continues to adjust the energy-saving policy until the adjusted energy-saving policy meets the execution condition.

[0262] In other embodiments of the present application, the first processing module 903 is configured to compare the third information of each fifth network function, adjust the energy-saving policy of the fifth network function, or adjust the resources allocated to the fifth network function.

[0263] In other embodiments of the present application, the first receiving module 902 is configured to receive the fifth piece of information sent by the fifth network function; wherein the fifth piece of information includes the energy consumption information of the fifth network function obtained based on the adjusted energy-saving policy.

[0264] The first processing module 903 is configured to determine, based on the fifth piece of information, whether the adjusted energy-saving policy meets the execution condition; if the adjusted energy-saving policy does not meet the execution condition, continue to adjust the energy-saving policy until the adjusted energy-saving policy meets the execution condition.

[0265] In other embodiments of the present application, the network functions include base stations, core network elements, user plane elements, terminals, and network management functions.

[0266] The description of the above device embodiments is similar to the description of the above method embodiments and has similar beneficial effects to the method embodiments. For the technical details not disclosed in the device embodiments of the present application, please refer to the description of the method embodiments of the present application for understanding.

[0267] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, if the above communication method is implemented in the form of software function modules and sold or used as an independent product, it can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the embodiments of the present application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the related technology, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for causing a terminal device to execute all or part of the methods of the various embodiments of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: USB flash drives, mobile hard disks, ROMs, magnetic disks, or optical discs, etc., which can store program codes. In this way, the embodiments of the present application are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software.

[0268] An embodiment of the present application provides a second network function, which can be used to implement Figure 2 A corresponding embodiment provides a communication method. Refer to Figure 10 As shown, the second network function 1000 includes:

[0269] The second receiving module 1001 is configured to receive the energy-saving information sent by the first network function, or receive the energy-saving information sent by the first network function through the capability open function; wherein, the energy-saving information is used to create / update the energy-saving policies of the user and / or the network function.

[0270] The second sending module 1002 is configured to send the energy-saving policy to the sixth network function; wherein, the sixth network function adjusts one or more of the following parameters according to the energy-saving policy:

[0271] Adjust or reduce the quality guarantee of the service quality flow / traffic flow;

[0272] Adjust or reduce the data rate of the service quality flow / traffic flow;

[0273] Adjust or reduce the priority of the service quality flow / traffic flow;

[0274] Adjust the session management policy control;

[0275] Adjust the access management policy control.

[0276] The description of the above device embodiments is similar to the description of the above method embodiments, and has beneficial effects similar to those of the method embodiments. For the technical details not disclosed in the device embodiments of the present application, please refer to the description of the method embodiments of the present application for understanding.

[0277] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, if the above communication method is implemented in the form of a software function module and sold or used as an independent product, it can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on such an understanding, the technical solution of the embodiments of the present application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the related technology, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for causing a terminal device to execute all or part of the methods of the embodiments of the present application. The foregoing storage medium includes: various media such as USB flash drives, mobile hard disks, ROMs, magnetic disks, or optical discs that can store program codes. In this way, the embodiments of the present application are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software.

[0278] An embodiment of the present application provides a third network function, which can be used to implement Figure 3 A communication method provided by the corresponding embodiment, refer to Figure 11 As shown, the third network function 1100 includes:

[0279] The third sending module 1101 is configured to send a first message to the first network function; wherein, the first message includes one or more of the following: user identifier, user energy-saving information, user energy-saving requirement, user energy-saving threshold, user energy-saving priority information.

[0280] The description of the above device embodiments is similar to that of the above method embodiments and has similar beneficial effects to those of the method embodiments. For the technical details not disclosed in the device embodiments of the present application, please refer to the description of the method embodiments of the present application for understanding.

[0281] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, if the above communication method is implemented in the form of software functional modules and sold or used as an independent product, it can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on such an understanding, the technical solution of the embodiments of the present application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the related technology can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for causing a terminal device to execute all or part of the methods of the various embodiments of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: various media such as USB flash drives, external hard drives, ROMs, magnetic disks, or optical discs that can store program codes. In this way, the embodiments of the present application are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software.

[0282] An embodiment of the present application provides a fourth network function, which can be used to implement Figure 4 A communication method provided by the corresponding embodiment, referring to Figure 12 As shown, the fourth network function 1200 includes:

[0283] A fourth sending module 1201, configured to send second information to the first network function; wherein, the second information includes one or more of the following: user identifier, user energy consumption information, user energy saving requirement, user energy saving threshold, user energy saving priority information.

[0284] In other embodiments of the present application, a fourth receiving module 1202 is configured to receive a first request sent by the first network function; wherein, the first request is used to subscribe to the energy consumption information of the fourth network function and the energy consumption information of users on the fourth network function.

[0285] In other embodiments of the present application, the fourth sending module 1201 is configured to periodically send the second information to the first network function; or, in the case where the first information changes, send the second information to the first network function.

[0286] In other embodiments of the present application, the fourth sending module 1201 is configured to send fourth information to the first network function; wherein, the fourth information includes the energy consumption information of the fourth network function obtained based on the adjusted energy saving strategy.

[0287] In other embodiments of the present application, the fourth receiving module 1202 is configured to receive an energy saving rule sent by the sixth network function;

[0288] The fourth processing module 1203 is configured to adjust one or more of the following parameters according to the energy saving rule for the fourth network function:

[0289] Quality of Service parameter;

[0290] Quality of Service flow;

[0291] Quality of Service configuration;

[0292] GER;

[0293] Non-GBR;

[0294] The utilization rate of the central processing unit of the device;

[0295] The virtualized network function of the device.

[0296] The description of the above device embodiments is similar to that of the above method embodiments, and has similar beneficial effects to those of the method embodiments. For the technical details not disclosed in the device embodiments of the present application, please refer to the description of the method embodiments of the present application for understanding.

[0297] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, if the above communication method is implemented in the form of a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on such an understanding, the technical solution of the embodiments of the present application, in essence or the part that contributes to the related technology, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for causing a terminal device to execute all or part of the methods of the various embodiments of the present application. The foregoing storage medium includes: various media such as USB flash drives, mobile hard disks, ROMs, magnetic disks, or optical discs that can store program codes. In this way, the embodiments of the present application are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software.

[0298] The embodiments of the present application provide a fifth network function, which can be used to implement Figure 5 A communication method provided by the corresponding embodiment, refer to Figure 13 As shown, the fifth network function 1300 includes:

[0299] The fifth sending module 1301 is configured to send third information to the first network function; wherein, the third information includes one or more of the following: network function identifier, network function energy consumption threshold, network function energy consumption adjustment or modification information, network function energy consumption priority information.

[0300] In other embodiments of the present application, the fifth receiving module 1302 is configured to receive a first request sent by the first network function; wherein, the first request is used to subscribe to the energy consumption information of the fifth network function and the energy consumption information of the users on the fifth network function.

[0301] In other embodiments of the present application, the fifth sending module 1301 is configured to periodically send third information to the first network function; or, when the first information changes, the fifth network function sends the third information to the first network function.

[0302] In other embodiments of the present application, the fifth sending module 1301 is configured to send fifth information to the first network function; wherein, the fifth information includes the energy consumption information of the fifth network function obtained based on the adjusted energy-saving policy.

[0303] In other embodiments of the present application, the fifth receiving module 1302 is configured to receive an energy-saving rule sent by the sixth network function by the fifth network function;

[0304] The fifth processing module 1303 is configured to adjust one or more of the following parameters by the fifth network function according to the energy-saving rule:

[0305] Quality of service parameter;

[0306] Quality of service flow;

[0307] Quality of service configuration;

[0308] GER;

[0309] Non-GBR;

[0310] Utilization rate of the central processing unit of the device;

[0311] Virtualized network function of the device.

[0312] An embodiment of the present application provides a sixth network function, which can be used to implement a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. Refer to Figure 14 As shown, the sixth network function 1400 includes:

[0313] The sixth sending module 1401 is configured to send an energy-saving rule to the fourth network function and / or the fifth network function; wherein, the fourth network function and / or the fifth network function adjust one or more of the following parameters according to the energy-saving rule:

[0314] Quality of service parameter;

[0315] Quality of service flow;

[0316] Quality of service configuration;

[0317] GER;

[0318] Non-GBR;

[0319] Utilization rate of the central processing unit of the device;

[0320] Virtualized network functions of the device.

[0321] In other embodiments of the present application, the energy-saving rule is an energy-saving rule generated by the sixth network function according to the energy-saving policy.

[0322] In other embodiments of the present application, the sixth receiving module 1402 is configured to receive the energy-saving policy sent by the second network function;

[0323] The sixth processing module 1403 is configured to adjust one or more of the following parameters according to the energy-saving policy: adjust or reduce the quality guarantee of the quality of service flow / traffic flow; adjust or reduce the data rate of the quality of service flow / traffic flow; adjust or reduce the priority of the quality of service flow / traffic flow; adjust session management policy control; adjust access management policy control.

[0324] The description of the above device embodiments is similar to the description of the above method embodiments and has similar beneficial effects to the method embodiments. For the technical details not disclosed in the device embodiments of the present application, please refer to the description of the method embodiments of the present application for understanding.

[0325] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, if the above communication method is implemented in the form of software function modules and sold or used as an independent product, it can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on such an understanding, the technical solution of the embodiments of the present application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the related technology, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for causing a terminal device to execute all or part of the methods of the embodiments of the present application. The foregoing storage medium includes: various media such as USB flash drives, mobile hard disks, ROMs, magnetic disks, or optical discs that can store program codes. In this way, the embodiments of the present application are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software.

[0326] Figure 15 It is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 1500 provided by the embodiments of the present application. The communication device can be the first network function / second network function / third network function / fourth network function / fifth network function / sixth network function. Figure 15 The shown communication device 1500 includes a first processor 1510, and the first processor 1510 can call and run a computer program from the memory to implement the method in the embodiments of the present application.

[0327] Optionally, as Figure 15 shown, the communication device 1500 may further include a first memory 1520. Among them, the first processor 1510 can call and run a computer program from the first memory 1520 to implement the method in the embodiments of the present application.

[0328] Among them, the first memory 1520 can be a separate device independent of the first processor 1510 or can be integrated in the first processor 1510.

[0329] Optionally, as Figure 15 shown, the communication device 1500 may further include a transceiver 1530. The first processor 1510 may control the transceiver 1530 to communicate with other devices. Specifically, it may send information or data to other devices or receive information or data sent by other devices.

[0330] Among them, the transceiver 1530 may include a transmitter and a receiver. The transceiver 1530 may further include an antenna, and the number of antennas may be one or more.

[0331] Optionally, the communication device 1500 may specifically be the first network function / second network function / third network function / fourth network function / fifth network function / sixth network function of the embodiments of the present application, and the communication device 1500 may implement the corresponding processes implemented by the first network function / second network function / third network function / fourth network function / fifth network function / sixth network function in each method of the embodiments of the present application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be elaborated here.

[0332] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiments of the present application may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, the steps of the above method embodiments may be completed by the integrated logic circuit in the hardware of the processor or by instructions in software form. The above processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components. It may implement or execute the various methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or the processor may also be any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the method disclosed in combination with the embodiments of the present application may be directly embodied as being executed by the hardware decoding processor or completed by a combination of the hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module may be located in a mature storage medium in the art such as a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory, or an electrically erasable programmable memory, a register, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and combines its hardware to complete the steps of the above method.

[0333] As an example, the processor may include one or more general-purpose central processing units (CPUs). Each of these processors may be a single-CPU processor or a multi-CPU processor. The processor here may refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores for processing data (such as computer execution instructions).

[0334] It can be understood that the memory in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be ROM, programmable ROM (PROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory may be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory of the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0335] It should be understood that the above-mentioned memory is for illustrative but not restrictive purposes. For example, the memory in the embodiments of the present application may also be a static random access memory (SRAM), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), a double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), an enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), a synch link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and a direct rambus random access memory (DR RAM), etc. That is to say, the memory in the embodiments of the present application is intended to include but not limited to these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0336] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program.

[0337] Optionally, the computer-readable storage medium can be applied to the first network function / second network function / third network function / fourth network function / fifth network function / sixth network function in the embodiments of the present application, and the computer program enables the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the first network function / second network function / third network function / fourth network function / fifth network function / sixth network function in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be elaborated here.

[0338] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product.

[0339] A computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions according to the embodiments of the present application are generated in whole or in part. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable devices. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from a website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center by wire (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wirelessly (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.). The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that can be stored by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more integrated available media. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (such as a floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (such as a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (such as a solid state disk (SSD)).

[0340] The above has introduced in detail the communication method, the first network function, the second network function, the third network function, the fourth network function, the fifth network function, and the storage medium provided by the embodiments of the present application. Specific examples are used in this article to elaborate on the principles and implementation manners of the present application. The description of the above embodiments is only used to help understand the method and its core idea of the present application; at the same time, for those of ordinary skill in the art, according to the idea of the present application, there will be changes in the specific implementation manners and application scopes. In summary, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation to the present application.

[0341] It should be understood that the "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" or "the embodiments of the present application" or "the foregoing embodiments" or "some implementation manners" or "some embodiments" mentioned throughout the specification mean that specific features, structures, or characteristics related to the embodiment are included in at least one embodiment of the present application. Therefore, the "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" or "the embodiments of the present application" or "the foregoing embodiments" or "some implementation manners" or "some embodiments" that appear throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, these specific features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner. It should be understood that in various embodiments of the present application, the sequence numbers of the above processes do not mean the order of execution is prior or subsequent. The order of execution of each process should be determined according to its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation to the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application. The sequence numbers of the embodiments of the present application above are only for description and do not represent the advantages or disadvantages of the embodiments.

[0342] Unless otherwise specified, when the first network function / second network function / third network function / fourth network function / fifth network function / sixth network function executes any step in the embodiments of the present application, it may be the processor of the first network function / second network function / third network function / fourth network function / fifth network function / sixth network function that executes this step. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments of the present application do not limit the order in which the first network function / second network function / third network function / fourth network function / fifth network function / sixth network function executes the following steps. In addition, the methods used to process data in different embodiments may be the same method or different methods.

[0343] In several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. The device embodiments described above are only illustrative. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components can be combined, or can be integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored, or not executed. In addition, the coupling, direct coupling, or communication connection between the components shown or discussed with each other can be through some interfaces. The indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0344] The units described above as separate components may or may not be physically separated. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; they can be located in one place or distributed to multiple network units; some or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0345] In addition, in each embodiment of the present application, each functional unit can be all integrated in a processing unit, or each unit can be separately used as a unit, or two or more units can be integrated in a unit; the above integrated unit can be implemented in the form of hardware, or in the form of a combination of hardware and software functional units.

[0346] The methods disclosed in several method embodiments provided in the present application can be arbitrarily combined without conflict to obtain new method embodiments.

[0347] The features disclosed in several product embodiments provided in the present application can be arbitrarily combined without conflict to obtain new product embodiments.

[0348] The features disclosed in several method or device embodiments provided in the present application can be arbitrarily combined without conflict to obtain new method embodiments or device embodiments.

[0349] Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand that all or part of the steps to implement the above method embodiments can be completed by hardware related to program instructions. The foregoing program can be stored in a computer storage medium. When the program is executed, it performs the steps including the above method embodiments; and the foregoing storage medium includes: various media such as removable storage devices, ROMs, magnetic disks, or optical discs that can store program codes.

[0350] Alternatively, if the above integrated units of the present application are implemented in the form of software function modules and sold or used as independent products, they can also be stored in a computer storage medium. Based on such an understanding, the technical solution of the embodiments of the present application, in essence or the part that contributes to the related art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for causing a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the methods described in the various embodiments of the present application. And the foregoing storage medium includes: various media such as removable storage devices, ROMs, magnetic disks, or optical discs that can store program codes.

[0351] As used in the embodiments of the present application and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "the", and "said" are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0352] It should be noted that in the various embodiments involved in the present application, all the steps can be executed or part of the steps can be executed, as long as a complete technical solution can be formed.

[0353] As described above, the above is only the implementation manner of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the present application can easily think of changes or substitutions, which should all be covered by the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claimed rights.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to the first network function, the method includes: The first network function sends energy-saving information to the second network function, or sends energy-saving information to the second network function through the capability open function; wherein, the energy-saving information is used to create / update the energy-saving policies of users and / or network functions.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first network function sending the energy-saving information to the second network function includes: The first network function sends the energy-saving information to the second network function according to the first information provided by the third network function and / or the local policy of the operator.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first network function receives the first information sent by the third network function; wherein, the first information includes one or more of the following: user identification, user energy-saving information, user energy-saving requirements, user energy-saving thresholds, user energy-saving priority information.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein The method further includes: The first network function creates / updates the energy-saving information according to the first information.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein The energy-saving information includes energy efficiency recommendation information generated by the first network function.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein The energy-saving information includes the energy-saving information of users and / or network functions.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further includes: The first network function receives or receives through other network functions the second information sent by the fourth network function; wherein, the second information includes one or more of the following: user identification, user energy consumption information, user energy-saving requirements, user energy-saving thresholds, user energy-saving priority information.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein The method further includes: The first network function creates / updates the energy-saving information according to the second information.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further includes: The first network function receives or receives through other network functions the third information sent by the fifth network function; wherein, the third information includes one or more of the following: network function identification, network function energy consumption threshold, network function energy consumption adjustment or modification information, network function energy consumption priority information.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first network function creates / updates the energy-saving information according to the third information.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein The energy-saving policies include one or more of the following: Adjust or reduce the quality guarantee of the service quality flow / traffic flow; Adjust or reduce the data rate of the service quality flow / traffic flow; Adjust or reduce the priority of the service quality flow / traffic flow; Adjust or reduce the utilization rate of the central processing unit of the device; Adjust the access management related policies; Adjust the session management related policies; Adjust or reduce the aggregated maximum bit rate that can be used by the Non-GBR bearers used by the user; Adjust or reduce the period of the extended discontinuous reception mode; Perform load sharing for high energy consumption devices; Adjust the user energy-saving policy on the device; Adjust the energy-saving mode for low energy consumption devices; Adjust the service quality when the energy consumption exceeds the first energy consumption threshold, and readjust the adjusted service quality when the energy consumption exceeds the second energy consumption threshold; The first consumption threshold is less than the second consumption threshold; Increase the fee when the energy consumption does not decrease; Upgrade the service quality when increasing the fee of the user.

12. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first network function sends a first request to the fourth network function and / or the fifth network function. Among them, the first request is used to subscribe to the energy consumption information of the fourth network function and / or the fifth network function and the energy consumption information of users on the fourth network function and / or the fifth network function.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein The method further includes: The first network function periodically receives the second information and / or the third information sent by the fourth network function and / or the fifth network function; Or, When the first information changes, the first network function receives the second information and / or the third information sent by the fourth network function and / or the fifth network function.

14. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further includes: The first network function sends a second request to the seventh network function; among them, the second request is used to obtain user subscribed energy consumption information The first network function creates / updates the energy saving information according to the user subscribed energy consumption information.

15. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The user energy saving requirement is used to describe the target value of the user's energy saving.

16. The method according to claim 3, wherein The user energy saving threshold is used to describe the value range of the user's energy consumption.

17. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The user energy saving priority is used to describe the priority level among different users.

18. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first network function receives the fourth information sent by the fourth network function; among them, the fourth information includes the energy consumption information of the fourth network function obtained by the fourth network function based on the adjusted energy saving strategy; The first network function determines whether the adjusted energy saving strategy meets the execution condition based on the fourth information; If the adjusted energy saving strategy does not meet the execution condition, the first network function continues to adjust the energy saving strategy until the adjusted energy saving strategy meets the execution condition.

19. The method according to claim 9, wherein The method further includes: The first network function compares the third information of each of the fifth network functions, adjusts the energy saving strategy of the fifth network function, or adjusts the resources allocated to the fifth network function.

20. The method according to claim 9, wherein The method further includes: The first network function receives the fifth information sent by the fifth network function; among them, the fifth information includes the energy consumption information of the fifth network function obtained by the fifth network function based on the adjusted energy saving strategy; The first network function determines whether the adjusted energy saving strategy meets the execution condition based on the fifth information; If the adjusted energy saving strategy does not meet the execution condition, the first network function continues to adjust the energy saving strategy until the adjusted energy saving strategy meets the execution condition.

21. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that The network function includes a base station, a core network element, a user plane element, a terminal, and a network management function.

22. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to the second network function, the method includes: The second network function receives the energy saving information sent by the first network function, or receives the energy saving information sent by the first network function through the capability open function; among them, the energy saving information is used to create / update the energy saving strategy of the user and / or the network function.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein, The second network function sends the energy saving strategy to the sixth network function; among them, the sixth network function adjusts one or more of the following parameters according to the energy saving strategy: Adjust or reduce the quality guarantee of the service quality flow / traffic flow; Adjust or reduce the data rate of the service quality flow / traffic flow; Adjust or reduce the priority of the service quality flow / traffic flow; Adjust the session management policy control; Adjust the access management policy control.

24. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a third network function, the method includes: The third network function sends first information to a first network function; wherein, the first information includes one or more of the following: user identifier, user energy saving information, user energy saving requirement, user energy saving threshold, user energy saving priority information.

25. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a fourth network function, the method includes: The fourth network function sends second information to a first network function; wherein, the second information includes one or more of the following: user identifier, user energy consumption information, user energy saving requirement, user energy saving threshold, user energy saving priority information.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein The method further includes: The fourth network function receives a first request sent by the first network function; wherein, the first request is used to subscribe to the energy consumption information of the fourth network function and the energy consumption information of users on the fourth network function.

27. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that The method further includes: The fourth network function periodically sends the second information to the first network function; Or, In the case where the first information changes, the fourth network function sends the second information to the first network function.

28. The method according to claim 25, wherein The method further includes: The fourth network function sends fourth information to the first network function; wherein, the fourth information includes the energy consumption information of the fourth network function obtained based on the adjusted energy saving policy.

29. The method according to claim 25, wherein The method further includes: The fourth network function receives an energy saving rule sent by a sixth network function; The fourth network function adjusts one or more of the following parameters according to the energy saving rule: Quality of service parameters; Quality of service flow; Quality of service configuration; GER; Non-GBR; Utilization rate of the central processing unit of the device; Virtualized network function of the device.

30. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a fifth network function, the method includes: The fifth network function sends third information to a first network function; wherein, the third information includes one or more of the following: network function identifier, network function energy consumption threshold, network function energy consumption adjustment or modification information, network function energy consumption priority information.

31. The method according to claim 30, characterized in that, The method further includes: The fifth network function receives a first request sent by the first network function; wherein, the first request is used to subscribe to the energy consumption information of the fifth network function and the energy consumption information of users on the fifth network function.

32. The method according to claim 30, wherein The method further includes: The fifth network function periodically sends the third information to the first network function; Or, In the case where the first information changes, the fifth network function sends the third information to the first network function.

33. The method according to claim 30, characterized in that, The method further includes: The fifth network function sends fifth information to the first network function; wherein, the fifth information includes the energy consumption information of the fifth network function obtained based on the adjusted energy saving policy.

34. The method according to claim 30, wherein The method further includes: The fifth network function receives an energy saving rule sent by a sixth network function; The fifth network function adjusts one or more of the following parameters according to the energy saving rule: Quality of service parameters; Quality of service flow; Quality of Service configuration; GER; Non-GBR; Central processing unit utilization rate of the device; Virtualized network function of the device.

35. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to the sixth network function, the method includes: The sixth network function sends an energy-saving rule to the fourth network function and / or the fifth network function; wherein, the fourth network function and / or the fifth network function adjust one or more of the following parameters according to the energy-saving rule: Quality of Service parameter; Quality of Service flow; Quality of Service configuration; GER; Non-GBR; Central processing unit utilization rate of the device; Virtualized network function of the device.

36. The method according to claim 35, wherein The energy-saving rule is an energy-saving rule generated by the sixth network function according to an energy-saving policy.

37. The method according to claim 35, wherein The method further includes: The sixth network function receives an energy-saving policy sent by the second network function; The sixth network function adjusts one or more of the following parameters according to the energy-saving policy: adjusting or reducing the quality guarantee of the Quality of Service flow / service flow; adjusting or reducing the data rate of the Quality of Service flow / service flow; adjusting or reducing the priority of the Quality of Service flow / service flow; adjusting session management policy control; adjusting access management policy control.

38. A first network function, characterized in that, The first network function includes: A first sending module, configured to send energy-saving information to the second network function, or send the energy-saving information to the second network function through a capability open function; wherein, the energy-saving information is used to create / update the energy-saving policy of the user and / or network function.

39. A second network function, characterized in that, The second network function includes: A second receiving module, configured to receive the energy-saving information sent by the first network function, or receive the energy-saving information sent by the first network function through the capability open function; wherein, the energy-saving information is used to create / update the energy-saving policy of the user and / or network function.

40. A third network function, characterized in that, The third network function includes: A third sending module, configured to send a first piece of information to the first network function; wherein, the first piece of information includes one or more of the following: user identifier, user energy-saving information, user energy-saving requirement, user energy-saving threshold, user energy-saving priority information.

41. A fourth network function, characterized in that, The fourth network function includes: A fourth sending module, configured to send a second piece of information to the first network function; wherein, the second piece of information includes one or more of the following: user identifier, user energy consumption information, user energy-saving requirement, user energy-saving threshold, user energy-saving priority information.

42. A fifth network function, characterized in that, The fifth network function includes: A fifth processing module, configured to send a third piece of information to the first network function; wherein, the third piece of information includes one or more of the following: network function identifier, network function energy consumption threshold, network function energy consumption adjustment or modification information, network function energy consumption priority information.

43. A sixth network function, characterized in that, The sixth network function includes: A sixth sending and processing module, configured to send an energy-saving rule to the fourth network function and / or the fifth network function; wherein, the fourth network function and / or the fifth network function adjust one or more of the following parameters according to the energy-saving rule: Quality of Service parameter; Quality of Service parameter; Quality of Service flow; Quality of Service configuration; GER; Non-GBR; Central processing unit utilization rate of the device; Virtualized network function of the device.

44. A network function, characterized in that, The network function includes: A memory, configured to store executable instructions; A processor, when executing the executable instructions stored in the memory, implements the communication method described in any one of claims 1 to 21, or the communication method described in any one of claims 22 to 23, or the communication method described in any one of claims 24, or the communication method described in any one of claims 25 to 29, or the communication method described in any one of claims 30 to 34, or the communication method described in any one of claims 35 to 37.

45. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores one or more programs, and the one or more programs can be executed by one or more processors to implement the communication method described in any one of claims 1 to 21, or the communication method described in any one of claims 22 to 23, or the communication method described in any one of claims 24, or the communication method described in any one of claims 25 to 29, or the communication method described in any one of claims 30 to 34, or the communication method described in any one of claims 35 to 37.

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