Communication method and device

Abstract

The invention discloses a communication method and device, and relates to the field of communication. The communication method can reduce network energy consumption during background data transmission, and comprises the following steps: a first network element receives a first request from an application function network element for requesting a strategy of background data transmission between the application function network element and a terminal device, and sends a first response for responding to the first request to the application function network element, the first response comprises at least one first strategy and an energy consumption parameter corresponding to each first strategy in the at least one first strategy; and the application function network element determines a second strategy from the first strategies according to the energy consumption parameters corresponding to the first strategies, and transmits the background data according to the second strategy.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] After a user equipment (UE) accesses a mobile communication network, it can transmit data to an application function (AF) network element through the network, so as to use the services provided by the AF network element. Among the data transmitted between the AF network element and the UE, there is a type of data that has no requirement for transmission timeliness, and this type of data can be called background data. For example, the UE can send the collected map data to the AF network element for the AF network element to formulate a high-definition map based on the map data. The AF network element needs a certain amount of map data provided by a certain number of UEs in a certain period to ensure the accuracy of the high-definition map. In other words, the UE only needs to send the map data to the AF network element within the period, and does not need to send it immediately when the map data is collected. Another example is that the AF network element can send application data to the UE for the UE to update the application. Since the update of the application does not require real-time, the AF network element does not need to send the application data to the UE immediately after generating it. The transmission of background data between the AF network element and the UE may cause high energy consumption of the network. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a communication method and apparatus, which can reduce the network energy consumption during the transmission of background data.

[0004] To achieve the above object, the following technical solutions are adopted in this application:

[0005] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. The execution entity of this method can be a first network element, or a component or device applied to the first network element (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first network element. The communication method includes: First, the first network element receives a first request from an application function network element for a policy that requests the application function network element to transmit background data to a terminal device. The above policy can also be interpreted as a policy for the application function network element and the terminal device to transmit background data through the network to which the first network element belongs. The network to which the first network element belongs transmits or forwards background data between the application function network element and the terminal device; Then, the first network element sends a first response for responding to the first request to the application function network element. The first response includes at least one first policy and an energy consumption parameter corresponding to each first policy in the at least one first policy. The energy consumption parameter can be included in the first policy. The energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy includes at least one of the following: the consumed energy or the energy efficiency. Among them, the consumed energy can have the following possible definitions: the energy consumed by the network when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy, the energy expected to be consumed by the network when transmitting a specified amount of background data when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy, or the energy consumed by the network when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data through the network according to the first policy. The energy efficiency can be defined as: the energy efficiency of the network for transmitting background data when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy.

[0006] It should be understood that the above consumed energy and energy efficiency are predicted and not the actual consumed ones. In the first aspect, after the first network element receives the first request from the application function network element for the policy of requesting to transmit background data, the first network element sends a first response for responding to the first request to the application function network element. The first response includes at least one first policy and an energy consumption parameter corresponding to each first policy, so that the application function network element can select a policy for transmitting background data based on the energy consumption parameter, which helps to reduce the energy consumption of network transmission of background data.

[0007] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the first request may include first indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate that the network uses green energy to transmit background data, or the first indication information may also be used to indicate that the background data needs to be transmitted using green energy. The first policy may include a first time window, that is, the first policy is used to indicate that the application function network element transmits background data within the first time window, and there is available green energy within the first time window.

[0008] In this implementation, in response to the first indication information, the first network element provides a first policy including a first time window to the application function network element, so that the network can use green energy to transmit background data within the first time window, which is conducive to realizing environmental protection and energy conservation.

[0009] Combined with the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the first response may further include: when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy, the proportion of green energy in the energy used by the network to transmit background data, and the proportion of green energy may be included in the energy consumption parameter; and / or, the first response may further include: a second piece of information, which is used to indicate that when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy, the energy used by the network to transmit background data includes green energy. The first network element provides the proportion of green energy corresponding to the first policy and / or the second piece of information to the application function network element as a reference for the application function network element to select a background data transmission policy, which helps to achieve environmental protection and energy conservation.

[0010] Combined with the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the method may further include: the first network element obtains at least one first policy and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy.

[0011] For example, the first network element obtains at least one first policy and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy, which may include: the first network element determines at least one first policy and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy according to the first information, and the first information is used to indicate the energy efficiency of the network in transmitting data in each time period. Based on the first information, the first network element can estimate the energy consumption parameters corresponding to transmitting background data by the network in different time periods, and then determine the first policy with lower energy consumption.

[0012] Optionally, the method may further include: sending a third request to the second network element, where the third request is used to request the energy efficiency of the network in transmitting data in each time period; receiving the first information from the second network element.

[0013] Optionally, the third request is determined according to the first request, and the first network element designs the third request specifically according to the first request, which helps to improve the matching degree between the first information and the first request, and makes the first policy determined based on the first information more in line with the requirements of the application function network element for transmitting background data.

[0014] For another example, the first network element obtains at least one first policy and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy, which may include: the first network element sends a fourth request to the second network element, where the fourth request is used to request a policy for the application function network element and the terminal device to transmit background data; receiving at least one first policy and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy from the second network element.

[0015] In this implementation, the first network element can obtain the first policy and the energy consumption parameters corresponding to the first policy from the second network element by means of a request, which can reduce the processing complexity of the first network element.

[0016] Combined with the first aspect, in a possible implementation, when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy, the energy efficiency of the network for transmitting background data may include at least one of the following: the level of energy efficiency, or, when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy, the amount of background data transmitted by the network per unit of energy used.

[0017] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided. The execution subject of this method can be an application function network element, or a component or device applied to the application function network element (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the application function network element. This communication method includes: First, the application function network element receives a first response from the first network element. The first response includes at least one first policy and the energy consumption parameters corresponding to each first policy. Among them, the first policy is used for the application function network element and the terminal device to transmit background data, or the first policy can also be interpreted as being used for the application function network element and the terminal device to transmit background data through the network to which the first network element belongs. The network to which the first network element belongs transmits or forwards background data between the application function network element and the terminal device; the energy consumption parameters corresponding to the first policy include at least one of the following: the energy consumed by the network for transmitting background data when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy, the energy expected to be consumed by the network for transmitting a specified amount of background data when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy, the energy consumed by the network when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data through the network according to the first policy, or the energy efficiency of the network for transmitting background data when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy. Then, the application function network element determines a second policy from the first policies according to the energy consumption parameters corresponding to the first policy. Finally, the application function network element transmits background data according to the second policy. The second policy is selected from the first policies based on the energy consumption parameters of each first policy. Using this second policy to transmit background data helps to reduce the energy consumption of the network.

[0018] Combined with the second aspect, in a possible implementation, this method may further include: the application function network element sends a first request for requesting the first policy to the first network element. In this way, the application function network element can request the policy for transmitting background data as needed.

[0019] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the first request may include first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the network uses green energy to transmit background data, and the first indication information may also be used to indicate that the background data needs to be transmitted using green energy. The first policy may include a first time window, that is, the first policy is used to indicate that the application function network element transmits background data within the first time window, and there is available green energy within the first time window in the network. Based on the first indication information, the application function network element can obtain the first policy including the first time window, so that the application function network element can transmit background data within the time window when there is available green energy in the network, which helps to achieve environmental protection and energy conservation.

[0020] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible implementation, when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy, the energy efficiency of the network for transmitting background data may include at least one of the following: the level of energy efficiency, or, when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy, the amount of background data transmitted by the network per unit of energy used.

[0021] In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which may be a first network element or a chip or a system-on-chip in the first network element. The communication device can implement the functions performed by the first network element in the above first aspect or possible designs of the first aspect. The functions can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. For example, the communication device includes: a transceiver module, configured to receive a first request from an application function network element for requesting a policy for the application function network element and a terminal device to transmit background data, where the network to which the first network element belongs transmits background data between the application function network element and the terminal device; and send a first response for responding to the first request to the application function network element, where the first response includes at least one first policy and an energy consumption parameter corresponding to each first policy in the at least one first policy. The energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy includes at least one of the following: the energy consumed by the network to transmit background data when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy, the energy expected to be consumed by the network to transmit a specified amount of background data when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy, or the energy efficiency of the network for transmitting background data when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy.

[0022] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the first request may include first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the network uses green energy to transmit background data, and the first policy may include a first time window, and there is available green energy within the first time window in the network.

[0023] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the first response may further include: the proportion of green energy in the energy used by the network to transmit background data when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy; and / or, the first response may further include: when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy, the energy used by the network to transmit background data includes green energy.

[0024] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the apparatus may further include: a processing module, configured to obtain at least one first policy and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy.

[0025] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the processing module may specifically be configured to: determine at least one first policy and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy according to the first information, where the first information is used to indicate the energy efficiency of the network in transmitting data in each time period.

[0026] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the transceiver module may further be configured to: send a third request to the second network element, where the third request is used to request the energy efficiency of the network in transmitting data in each time period; and receive the first information from the second network element.

[0027] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the processing module may specifically be configured to: call the transceiver module to send a fourth request to the second network element, where the fourth request is used to request a policy; the transceiver module is further configured to receive at least one first policy and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy from the second network element.

[0028] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible implementation, when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy, the energy efficiency of the network in transmitting background data may include at least one of the following: the level of energy efficiency, or, when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy, the amount of background data transmitted by the network using per unit of energy.

[0029] Fourthly, the present application provides a communication device, which may be an application function network element or a chip or system-on-chip in the application function network element. The communication device can implement the functions performed by the application function network element in the first aspect or the possible designs of the first aspect. The functions can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. For example, the communication device includes: a transceiver module, configured to receive a first response from a first network element, the first response including at least one first policy and an energy consumption parameter corresponding to each first policy, wherein the first policy is used for the application function network element to transmit background data to a terminal device, and the network to which the first network element belongs transmits background data between the application function network element and the terminal device; the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy includes at least one of the following: the energy consumed by the network to transmit background data when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy, the energy expected to be consumed by the network to transmit a specified amount of background data when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy, or the energy efficiency of the network for transmitting background data when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy. A processing module, configured to determine a second policy from the first policies according to the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy. A transceiver module, configured to transmit background data according to the second policy.

[0030] In combination with the fourth aspect, in a possible implementation, the transceiver module may also be configured to send a first request for requesting the first policy to the first network element.

[0031] In combination with the fourth aspect, in a possible implementation, the first request may include first indication information for indicating that the network uses green energy to transmit background data, and the first policy may include a first time window during which there is available green energy in the network.

[0032] In combination with the fourth aspect, in a possible implementation, when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy, the energy efficiency of the network for transmitting background data may include at least one of the following: the level of energy efficiency, or the amount of background data transmitted by the network per unit of energy used when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy.

[0033] Fifthly, the present application provides a communication device, which includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores computer instructions, and the processor can run the computer instructions to implement the method in the first aspect or the second aspect. Further, the communication device may further include a transceiver, and the transceiver may support the communication device to perform transceiver functions, such as supporting the communication device to send the first request, etc.

[0034] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions, which, when running, execute the method of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0035] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a computer program product containing instructions, which, when running on a computer, enable the computer to execute the method of the first aspect or the second aspect described above.

[0036] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a chip, which includes a controller and an interface circuit. The controller is used to interact with other devices through the interface circuit to execute the method of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0037] In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a communication system, which includes a first network element and an application function network element. The first network element is used to execute the method of the first aspect, and the application function network element is used to execute the method of the second aspect.

[0038] In a tenth aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which includes: the first network element receives a first request from the application function network element for requesting a policy for the application function network element to transmit background data to the terminal device; the first network element sends a first response to the application function network element for responding to the first request, and the first response includes at least one first policy and an energy consumption parameter corresponding to each first policy in the at least one first policy, and the energy consumption parameter may be included in the first policy. The application function network element receives the first response from the first network element, determines a second policy from the first policies according to the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy, and then transmits the background data according to the second policy.

[0039] Among them, for the beneficial effects described in the third aspect to the tenth aspect of the present application, reference can be made to the beneficial effect analysis of the first aspect or the second aspect, which will not be elaborated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Figure 3 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Figure 4 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Figure 6 It is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Figure 7 It is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 8 It is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 9 It is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 10 It is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figure 11 It is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 12 It is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0052] The network architecture and service scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application. Those of ordinary skill in the art know that with the evolution of the network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application are equally applicable to similar technical problems.

[0053] The communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: the sixth-generation (6G) mobile communication system, the long-term evolution (LTE) system, the fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication system, the wireless fidelity (WiFi) system, future communication systems, or systems integrating multiple communication systems, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not make limitations. Among them, 5G can also be referred to as new radio (NR).

[0054] Next, taking Figure 1 in combination with Figure 2 the communication system shown as an example, the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application will be described.

[0055] As Figure 1 shown, it is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system provided by the present application. Figure 1The shown communication system can be a communication system for a 5G network. In Figure 1 , the 5G network includes a network exposure function (NEF) network element, a network repository function (NRF) network element, a network data analytics function (NWDAF) network element, an application function (AF) network element, a policy control function (PCF) network element, a unified data repository (UDR) network element, a unified data management (UDM) network element, an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, a session management function (SMF) network element, a user plane function (UPF) network element, a data network (DN), a terminal device, a radio access network (RAN) node, and an operation, administration and maintenance (OAM) network element. Among them, the RAN node can communicate with the AMF network element and the UPF network element, and the terminal device can communicate with the AMF network element. The terminal device and the RAN node can communicate using air interface technology.

[0056] In Figure 1 , N1 is the interface between the terminal device and the AMF network element, N2 is the interface between the RAN node and the AMF network element, N3 is the interface between the RAN node and the UPF network element, N4 is the interface between the SMF network element and the UPF network element, N6 is the interface between the UPF network element and the DN. Namf is the service-based interface provided by the AMF network element, Nsmf is the service-based interface provided by the SMF network element, Nudm is the service-based interface provided by the UDM network element, Nnef is the service-based interface provided by the NEF network element, Nnrf is the service-based interface provided by the NRF network element, Nnwdaf is the service-based interface provided by the NWDAF network element, Naf is the service-based interface provided by the AF network element, Npcf is the service-based interface provided by the PCF network element, and Nudr is the service-based interface provided by the UDR network element.

[0057] The NWDAF network element can provide data analysis functions for 5G core network (5GC) network functions (NFs) and / or OAM network elements. For example, a 5GC NF or an OAM network element can request network data analysis results from the NWDAF network element. After receiving the request, the NWDAF network element collects data from relevant network elements and trains an artificial intelligence (AI) model or a machine learning (ML) model, and finally uses the model for data inference and feeds the inference results back to the corresponding 5GC NF or OAM network element. It can be understood that according to different functions, the NWDAF network element can be divided into a NWDAF that supports training (i.e., NWDAF(MTLF)) and a NWDAF that supports inference (i.e., NWDAF(AnLF)). Optionally, the NWDAF(AnLF) network element can request AI model information from the NWDAF(MTLF) network element for data inference. If the NWDAF network element wants to obtain terminal device-related data through the OAM network element, it can be achieved by accessing the minimization of drive tests (MDT) network element. Since the MDT network element belongs to the OAM network element, the MDT network element can directly interact with the OAM network element, and thus indirectly access the OAM network element by accessing the MDT network element. For example, the NWDAF network element can subscribe to information about relevant terminal devices from the MDT network element to collect OAM data reported by the MDT RAN node side.

[0058] The AF network element can interact with other control network elements in the 5G network on behalf of the application, including providing service QoS requirements, routing policy requirements, etc. For example, when the AF network element wants to obtain information through the 5G core network, by accessing the NEF network element, the AF network element can ignore the internal topology of the 5G core network and thus obtain the required information. It can be seen that the NEF network element plays a role of guiding the AF network element.

[0059] The PCF network element is mainly used for managing policy rules, managing user subscription information, etc.

[0060] The UDR network element is used for the UDM to store or read subscription data and for the PCF to store or read policy data.

[0061] Optionally, Figure 1 the communication system shown may further include a management data analytics function (MDAF) network element ( Figure 1(not shown in the figure). MDAF can assist the management system in setting reasonable network topology parameters for network configuration through data analysis, enhancing the intelligent operation of management plane data related to operation and maintenance, and ensuring service quality.

[0062] The terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver functions. The terminal device can be deployed on land, including indoors, outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on the water surface (such as ships, etc.); it can also be deployed in the air (such as airplanes, balloons, satellites, etc.). The terminal device can also be referred to as a terminal. The terminal device can be a user equipment (UE), a mobile station (MS), a mobile terminal (MT), etc., or a device for providing voice or data connectivity to users. Among them, the UE includes handheld devices with wireless communication functions, vehicle-mounted devices (such as cars, bicycles, electric vehicles, airplanes, ships, trains, high-speed trains, etc.), wearable devices (such as smart watches, smart bracelets, pedometers, earphones, etc.), or computing devices. Exemplarily, the UE can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a palmtop computer, a mobile internet device (MID), a satellite terminal device, or a computer with wireless transceiver functions. The UE can also be a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless modem, a smart point of sale (POS) machine, a customer-premises equipment (CPE), a smart robot, a robotic arm, workshop equipment, smart home equipment (such as refrigerators, TVs, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), wireless terminal devices in industrial control, wireless terminal devices in unmanned driving, wireless terminal devices in remote medical treatment, wireless terminal devices in a smart grid, wireless terminal devices in transportation safety, wireless terminal devices in a smart city, wireless terminal devices in a smart home, vehicle-mounted terminal devices, a roadside unit (RSU) with terminal device functions, or flying devices (such as smart robots, hot air balloons, drones, airplanes), and so on. The terminal device can also be other devices with terminal device functions. For example, the terminal device can also be a device that serves as a terminal device function in device-to-device (D2D) communication.

[0063] By way of example and not limitation, in the present application, the terminal device may be a wearable device. A wearable device, also known as a wearable intelligent device, is a general term for devices developed by applying wearable technologies to the intelligent design of daily wear, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. A wearable device is a portable device that is directly worn on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. For example, a wearable device is not only a hardware device, but also a device that realizes powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable intelligent devices include devices with complete functions and large sizes that can realize complete or partial functions without relying on a smart phone, such as smart watches or smart glasses, and also include devices that only focus on a certain type of application function and need to cooperate with other devices such as smart phones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0064] In the present application, the terminal device may be a terminal device in an Internet of Things (IoT) system. The IoT is an important part of the future development of information technology. Its main technical feature is to connect objects to the network through communication technologies, so as to realize an intelligent network of human-machine interconnection and thing-thing interconnection. The terminal device in the present application may be a terminal device in machine type communication (MTC). The terminal device of the present application may be an in-vehicle module, in-vehicle module group, in-vehicle component, in-vehicle chip, or in-vehicle unit built into a vehicle as one or more components or units. The vehicle can implement the method of the present application through the built-in in-vehicle module, in-vehicle module group, in-vehicle component, in-vehicle chip, or in-vehicle unit. The terminal device of the present application may be a means of transportation, such as a vehicle. Therefore, the present application can be applied to vehicle networking, such as vehicle to everything (V2X), long term evolution-vehicle (LTE-V), vehicle to vehicle (V2V), etc.

[0065] In the present application, the form of the terminal device is not limited. The device for realizing the function of the terminal device may be the terminal device; it may also be a device capable of supporting the terminal device to realize this function, such as a chip system. This device may be installed in the terminal device or used in matching with the terminal device.

[0066] A RAN node can be a device with wireless transceiver functions, which can help terminal devices achieve wireless access. The RAN node in this application can also be referred to as a node in the RAN, a RAN node, an access network device, etc. RAN nodes include, but are not limited to: evolved base stations in LTE (NodeB or eNB or e-NodeB, evolutional Node B), evolved base stations in the next generation of LTE (next generation eNB, ng-eNB), base stations in NR (gNodeB or gNB), transmitting points (TP), or transmission receiving points (TRP), base stations evolved by 3GPP in the future, next generation base stations (next generation NodeB, gNB), next generation base stations in the 6G mobile communication system, base stations in future mobile communication systems, satellites, access nodes in the WiFi system, wireless relay nodes, wireless backhaul nodes, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes, RAN nodes in a mobile switching center non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication system, that is, they can be deployed on high-altitude platforms or satellites, etc. Base stations can be: macro base stations, micro base stations, pico base stations, small stations, relay stations, or balloon stations, etc. Multiple base stations can support the networks of the same technology mentioned above, or can also support the networks of different technologies mentioned above.

[0067] The base station may include one or more co-located or non-co-located TRPs. The RAN node may also be a device that serves as a base station in D2D communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) communication, or machine communication. The RAN node may also be a radio controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. The RAN node may also be a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), a radio unit (RU), a road side unit (RSU) with base station functionality, a wired access gateway, or a core network element, etc. The RAN node may also be a server, a wearable device, a machine communication device, or a vehicle-mounted device, etc. For example, the RAN node in V2X technology may be an RSU. Hereinafter, the RAN node is taken as an example of a base station for description. The multiple RAN nodes may be of the same type of base station or different types of base stations. The base station may communicate with the terminal device or may communicate with the terminal device through a relay station. The terminal device may communicate with multiple base stations of different technologies. For example, the terminal device may communicate with a base station supporting an LTE network, may also communicate with a base station supporting a 5G network, and may also support dual connectivity with a base station of an LTE network and a base station of a 5G network.

[0068] In this application, the CU and the DU may be separately provided or may be included in a unit, such as included in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). Alternatively, they may also be included in the same network element, such as in a baseband unit (BBU). The RU may be included in a radio device or a radio unit. It can be understood that the CU may be classified as an RAN node in the access network or may be classified as an RAN node in the core network, which is not limited herein.

[0069] In different systems, the CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in an open radio access network (ORAN) system, the CU may also be referred to as O-CU (Open CU), the DU may also be referred to as O-DU, the CU-CP may also be referred to as O-CU-CP, the CU-UP may also be referred to as O-CU-UP, and the RU may also be referred to as O-RU. For the sake of description, in this application, the CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU are used as examples for description. Any unit among the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application may be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0070] It can be understood that in some scenarios, the roles of RAN nodes and terminal devices are relative. For example, a helicopter or a drone that is usually configured as a terminal device can also be configured as a mobile base station, and the device accessing the RAN node through the helicopter or drone is configured as a terminal device.

[0071] In this application, the form of the RAN node is not limited. The device for implementing the functions of the RAN node may be the RAN node; it may also be a device capable of supporting the RAN node to implement such functions, such as a chip system. This device may be installed in the RAN node or used in combination with the RAN node.

[0072] After the terminal device accesses Figure 1 the communication network shown, it can transmit data with the AF network element through this communication network for the terminal device to use the functional services provided by the AF network element. Specifically, the terminal device can access Figure 1 the NWDAF network element or the PCF network element shown, etc., to call the AF network element to transmit data, such as transmitting background data, etc. In the background data transmission scenario, a type of network element with policy-making and analysis capabilities (such as the NWDAF network element or the PCF network element, etc.) can customize the policy for the terminal device to transmit background data with the AF network element for the terminal device to transmit background data with the AF network element. Transmitting background data based on the background data transmission policy formulated by the network may result in relatively high network energy consumption.

[0073] To solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method. After a first network element receives a first request from an application function network element for requesting a policy for transmitting background data, the first network element sends a first response for responding to the first request to the application function network element. The first response includes at least one first policy and an energy consumption parameter corresponding to each first policy. After receiving the first response, the application function network element can select a second policy from the first policies based on the energy consumption parameters of the first policies, and transmit background data with the terminal device based on the second policy. Since the second policy is selected based on the energy consumption parameters, the application function network element and the terminal device transmitting background data based on the second policy helps to reduce the energy consumption of the network.

[0074] The communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application can be applied to Figure 2 the communication system 20 shown in Figure 2 In the communication system 20, the communication system 20 may include a first network element 201 and an application function network element 202 communicatively connected to the first network element 201. Optionally, the communication system 20 may further include a second network element 203 communicatively connected to the first network element 201. The second network element 203 may be any network element capable of providing the first information.

[0075] In Figure 2 the application function network element 202 may send a first request for requesting a policy to the first network element 201. The policy is used for the application function network element 202 to transmit background data with the terminal device. After receiving the first request, the first network element 201 sends a first response for responding to the first request to the application function network element. The first response includes at least one first policy and an energy consumption parameter corresponding to each first policy in the at least one first policy. Subsequently, the application function network element 202 determines a second policy from the first policies according to the first response; and transmits background data according to the second policy. Exemplarily, the first network element 201 may be a PCF network element, or a NWDAF network element.

[0076] Optionally, the first network element 201 may send a request for generating the first response to the second network element 203 (the information for generating the first response may be carried in the request). Exemplarily, the first network element 201 may be Figure 1 the PCF in the communication system shown in Figure 1 the NWDAF network element with a model training logic function (MTLF) in the communication system shown in, or an energy open network element, etc. After receiving the request for generating the first response, the second network element 203 generates the first response and feeds it back to the first network element 201.

[0077] In a possible implementation manner, Figure 2The communication system 20 shown can be applied to the current 5G network or other future networks, etc. The embodiments of this application do not make specific limitations in this regard.

[0078] It can be understood that if Figure 2 the communication system 20 shown is applied to Figure 1 the 5G network shown, then Figure 2 the network element or entity corresponding to the first network element 201 in it can be an NWDAF network element or a PCF network element with AnLF in the 5G network architecture, etc.; Figure 2 the network element or entity corresponding to the second network element 203 in it can be an NWDAF network element or an MDAF network element with MTLF in the 5G network architecture, etc. It should be understood that in specific applications, Figure 2 the first network element 201 or the second network element 203 in it can also correspond to other network elements in the 5G network, without limitation.

[0079] Next, in combination with the communication system introduced above, the communication method provided by the embodiments of this application will be further introduced.

[0080] Figure 3 The flowchart of the communication method provided by the embodiments of this application is shown. As Figure 3 shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0081] S310, the application function network element sends a first request for requesting a policy to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the first request for requesting a policy from the application function network element.

[0082] Optionally, the first network element is a type of network element with the ability to formulate and analyze policies, or the first network element is a type of network element that can communicate with a type of network element with the ability to formulate and analyze policies. For example, the first network element can be a PCF network element or an NWDAF network element.

[0083] The policy requested by the application function network element can be used for the application function network element to transmit background data with the terminal device, or the policy can also be used for the application function network element to transmit background data with the terminal device through the network to which the first network element belongs. In other words, in one scenario, the above policy is used for the network to which the first network element belongs to transmit background data between the application function network element and the terminal device. In another scenario, the above policy is used for the network to which the first network element belongs to forward background data between the application function network element and the terminal device.

[0084] The policy requested by the application function network element specifies the time window for transmitting background data. The time windows for transmitting background data specified in different policies are generally different. Since the load conditions and energy supply conditions of the network to which the application function network element and the first network element belong may vary under different time windows, the energy efficiency (EE) may differ when transmitting background data under different time windows. For example, in time window A, there are many services with high immediacy requirements in the network load, so there are fewer communication resources available for background data transmission, and the energy supply is non-green energy. While in time window B, there are fewer services with high immediacy requirements in the network load, so there are more communication resources available for background data transmission, and the energy supply is green energy. Then the energy efficiency of transmitting background data in time window A and time window B is different, and the energy efficiency of transmitting background data in time window B is higher. Therefore, by sending the first request to request the policy and the corresponding energy consumption or energy efficiency, the application function network element can select a policy with less energy consumption or higher energy efficiency for background data transmission to achieve the purpose of energy saving.

[0085] In one implementation, taking the terminal device as a UE as an example, the first request is introduced. The first request may include second indication information, and the second indication information includes:

[0086] The identifier of the application that needs to transmit background data (e.g., application service provider identifier, ASPID);

[0087] The number of UEs to which the application function network element needs to send the background data (e.g., number of UEs);

[0088] The desired time window for transmitting background data (e.g., desired time window);

[0089] The identifier of the optional UE (e.g., optionally external group identifier);

[0090] Network area information (e.g., network area information);

[0091] Information for requesting notification (e.g., request for notification). After the policy negotiation is completed, in the case of a policy change, the first network element can trigger the policy change based on this information;

[0092] MAC address or IP 3-tuple information of the application function network element server for transmitting background data (MAC address or IP 3-tuple of application server).

[0093] Exemplarily, the first request including the second indication information may be a policy negotiation request in the policy negotiation for background traffic transmission. In this case, for the second indication information in the policy negotiation request, reference may be made to the specific description of the related art, which will not be elaborated here.

[0094] The first request can also be redesigned based on the above policy negotiation request. Exemplarily, the first request may also include a first indication information, which is used to indicate that the network uses renewable energy to transmit background data (renewable energy indication). Through the indication of the above first indication information, among the at least one first policy determined by the first network element that matches the first request, a first time window may be included, and there is available renewable energy in the network within the first time window. Data transmission within the time window using renewable energy can achieve the purpose of energy saving.

[0095] Furthermore, the first indication information can also directly indicate the proportion of renewable energy used for the expected transmission of background data (renewable energy ratio threshold). In other words, the proportion of renewable energy in the policy for the requested transmission of background data shall not be lower than the expected proportion of renewable energy.

[0096] In one implementation manner, also for similar energy-saving considerations, the first request can also be designed as follows: The first request may also include a third indication information, which indicates the energy indication for transmitting background data. Exemplarily, the third indication information may include at least one of the following information: the total energy budget for transmitting background data (total energy budget), the energy budget for each terminal device to transmit background data (energy budget per UE), or the energy-saving transmission of background data (energy saving indication). Through the indication of the above third indication information, among the at least one first policy determined by the first network element that matches the first request, the energy indication indicated by the third indication information can be satisfied. For example, the energy consumption estimate corresponding to the first policy is less than the energy budget, or the energy consumption estimate corresponding to the first policy is relatively small, thereby achieving the purpose of energy saving.

[0097] S320, the first network element sends a first response for responding to the first request to the application function network element. Correspondingly, the application function network element receives the first response from the first network element.

[0098] After receiving the first request, the first network element can determine at least one first policy that matches the first request and the corresponding energy consumption parameters, and send a first response including the first policy and the corresponding energy consumption parameters to the application function network element. The energy consumption parameters corresponding to the first policy include at least one of the following: the energy consumed by the network for transmitting background data when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy, the energy efficiency of the network for transmitting background data when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy, the energy expected to be consumed by the network for transmitting a specified amount of background data when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy, or the energy consumed by the network when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data through the network according to the first policy.

[0099] The consumed energy (referred to as energy consumption) can be the energy used to achieve a specific system purpose, expressed in units such as joules (J) or watt-hours (Wh). The energy consumed for transmitting the above background data can be the energy required for all terminal devices and the application function network element to transmit the complete background data, or it can also be the energy required for each terminal device to transmit its respective part of the background data.

[0100] Energy efficiency (referred to as energy efficiency) is the economic output that can be generated by the energy used within a certain period of time, or the magnitude of the economic benefit. Specifically, it is an important indicator for measuring the energy utilization efficiency and reflects the degree to which energy is effectively utilized. The energy efficiency will be further introduced below in combination with different scenarios.

[0101] When the effective output of the communication scenario is the data volume, the energy efficiency can be understood as the quotient obtained by dividing the transmitted data volume by the consumed energy, and the formula is expressed as:

[0102]

[0103] Similarly, when the effective output is the delay, the energy efficiency can be understood as the reciprocal of the product of the average delay of the network (slice) and the energy consumption, and the formula is expressed as:

[0104]

[0105] Similarly, when the effective output is the number of users, the energy efficiency can be understood as the quotient obtained by dividing the total number of users on the network (or slice) by the energy consumption, and the formula is expressed as:

[0106]

[0107] In the embodiments of the present application, in the application scenario of transmitting background data, the effective output is the data volume. In this scenario, by way of example, the energy efficiency may include the level of the energy efficiency, and / or, the data volume of the background data transmitted per unit of energy used by the network. For example, the energy efficiency may be as shown in Table 1:

[0108] Table 1

[0109]

[0110] In one implementation, referring to the description in S310, the first request includes first indication information indicating green energy. In this scenario, the first response may further include: the proportion of green energy in the energy used by the network to transmit background data (estimation renewable energy ratio) when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy; and / or, second information, which is used to indicate whether the energy used by the network to transmit background data includes green energy when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy.

[0111] In the above introduction, the first policy and the energy consumption parameters are introduced respectively. It should be understood that the energy consumption parameters may be included in the first policy without limitation.

[0112] The first response will be further introduced below with specific examples. In one example, as shown in Table 2, the first response includes the first policy and the corresponding energy consumption parameters. The first policy defines the time window for transmitting background data.

[0113] Table 2

[0114]

[0115] In the example shown in Table 2, the times (also known as time windows) for transmitting background data indicated by each first policy are: 06:00 - 10:00, 10:00 - 14:00, and 00:00 - 06:00 respectively. The levels of the energy efficiency in the corresponding energy consumption parameters are: level1, level2, and level3 respectively. The data volumes of the background data transmitted per unit of energy in the corresponding energy consumption parameters are: 5M / J, 6M / J, and 6M / J respectively.

[0116] In another example, as shown in Table 3, the first response includes a first policy, the energy consumption parameters corresponding to the first policy, and a green energy indication. As introduced above, the green energy indication may be the proportion of green energy in the energy used by the network to transmit background data when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy; and / or whether the energy used by the network to transmit background data includes green energy when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy.

[0117] Table 3

[0118]

[0119] In the example shown in Table 3, each first policy and the corresponding energy consumption parameters are the same as those in the example shown in Table 2 and will not be elaborated here. Compared with the example shown in Table 2, the first response in the example shown in Table 3 further includes a green energy indication. In the example shown in Table 3, the green energy indications corresponding to each first policy (06:00 - 10:00, 10:00 - 14:00, and 00:00 - 06:00) are respectively: including green energy and / or the proportion of green energy is 50%, including green energy and / or the proportion of green energy is 80%, and not including green energy and / or the proportion of green energy is 0%.

[0120] It should be understood that the above introduction of each first response is an exemplary description. In specific implementation, the first response may have other designs, which are not limited.

[0121] S330. The application function network element determines a second policy from the first policies according to the energy consumption parameters corresponding to the first policy.

[0122] Among them, after the application function network element receives the first response, it can determine the second policy from the first policies for the purpose of energy conservation. The mechanism for the application function network element to determine the second policy can be set flexibly. For example, the first policy with the lowest energy consumption can be determined as the second policy. Or, the first policy with the highest proportion of green energy used can also be determined as the second policy. Or, the first policy with the lowest energy consumption among the multiple first policies using green energy can also be determined as the second policy.

[0123] It should be understood that the above determination mechanism of the second policy is an exemplary description. In specific implementation, there may be other designs, which are not limited.

[0124] S340. The application function network element transmits background data according to the second policy.

[0125] Among them, after the second policy is determined, the application function network element can transmit background data according to the second policy, which can achieve energy-saving transmission of background data.

[0126] In an embodiment of the present application, after the first network element receives a first request from the application function network element for requesting a policy for transmitting background data, the first network element sends a first response for responding to the first request to the application function network element. The first response includes at least one first policy and an energy consumption parameter corresponding to each first policy. After receiving the first response, the application function network element can select a second policy from the first policies based on the energy consumption parameters of the first policies, and transmit background data with the terminal device based on the second policy. Since the second policy is a first policy with lower energy consumption selected based on the energy consumption parameter, transmitting background data based on the second policy can achieve energy saving.

[0127] In one embodiment, as Figure 4 shown, the method may further include:

[0128] S350, the first network element obtains at least one first policy and an energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy.

[0129] Wherein, the first network element may pre-cache first information for indicating the energy efficiency of the network for transmitting data in each time period, or the first network element may also obtain the above first information from other network entities. The first information can be used to obtain at least one first policy and an energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy. In other words, S350 may include: determining at least one first policy and an energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy according to the first information.

[0130] For the scenario where the first network element obtains the above first information from other network entities, the first network element may obtain the first information through the following steps after receiving the first request in S310: the first network element sends a third request to the second network element for requesting the energy efficiency of the network for transmitting data in each time period (i.e., the first information); the first network element receives the first information from the second network element. Exemplarily, in this scenario, the first network element may be a PCF network element, and the second network element may be a NWDAF network element.

[0131] Wherein, the third request may be determined based on the first request. Exemplarily, the following information included in the third request can all be determined according to the corresponding information in the first request:

[0132] Subscribe to information on energy efficiency analysis and / or energy consumption analysis from the NWDAF network element, the identifier of the application that needs to transmit background data, which UEs the application function network element needs to transmit data to, the desired time window for transmitting background data, and the data volume of data transmitted between the application function network element and the UEs.

[0133] Specifically, the following information in the first request and the third request can be the same: subscribing to energy efficiency analysis and / or energy consumption analysis information from the NWDAF network element, the identifier of the application that needs to transmit background data, which UEs the application function network element needs to transmit data to, and the data volume of data transmitted between the application function network element and the UEs. For the "desired time window for transmitting background data" in the third request, it can be the "desired time window for transmitting background data" in the first request adjusted by the first network element in combination with factors such as the network status. For example, the desired time window for transmitting background data in the third request is the time window after the expansion of the desired time window for transmitting background data in the third request.

[0134] The first network element obtaining at least one first policy and the energy consumption parameters corresponding to the first policy matches the first request in step S310. Exemplarily, as described in step S310, taking the first request including the second request information, optionally, the first request may further include the first indication information indicating green energy and / or the third indication information indicating the energy budget as an example. If the first request includes the second indication information, at least one first policy determined by the first network element should conform to the desired time window for transmitting background data in the second indication information. Another example, if the second request includes the first indication information, at least one determined first policy should use green energy. In another example, if the first request includes the third indication information, the energy consumption parameters corresponding to at least one determined first policy do not exceed the energy budget indicated by the third indication information.

[0135] It should be understood that the above principle examples regarding at least one determined first policy can be combined and used. For example, the determined first policy can satisfy at least two of the first indication information, the second indication information, and the third indication information, without limitation.

[0136] In the embodiments of the present application, the first network element obtaining at least one first policy and the energy consumption parameters corresponding to the first policy match the first request of the application function network element, and the obtained first policy can achieve energy saving.

[0137] In one embodiment, as Figure 5 shown, S350 may include:

[0138] S3501, the first network element sends a second request to the UDR for requesting a reference background data transmission policy. Correspondingly, the UDR receives the above second request.

[0139] Among them, the reference background data transmission policy is the transmission policy of background data related to the ASP stored by the UDR. The UDR may store reference background data transmission policies for transmitting past background data, and these reference background data transmission policies can be used as references when determining the policy requested in step S310, which helps to accurately and quickly determine the policy requested in S310.

[0140] It should be understood that the reference background data transmission policy may also have other names, which are not limited.

[0141] S3502. The UDR sends the reference background data transmission policy in response to the second request to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the reference background data transmission policy.

[0142] Among them, after receiving the second request, the UDR determines the reference background data transmission policy stored by itself and sends the reference background data transmission policy to the first network element.

[0143] S3503. The first network element determines the first policy and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy according to the reference background data transmission policy and the first information.

[0144] Among them, the first network element is a type of network element with policy formulation and analysis functions. It can first determine the first policy based on the reference background data transmission policy and the first information, and estimate the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy.

[0145] In the embodiment of the present application, the first network element determines the first policy and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy according to the reference background data transmission policy and the first information, and can accurately and efficiently determine the first policy and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy.

[0146] In one embodiment, as Figure 6 shown, S350 may further include:

[0147] S3504. The first network element sends a fourth request for requesting a policy to the second network element; correspondingly, the second network element receives the fourth request from the first network element.

[0148] Among them, in the scenario where the first network element needs to obtain a policy from the second network element, as an example, the first network element may be a PCF network element, and the second network element may be a NWDAF network element. The fourth request can be determined according to the first request in step S310. For example, the fourth request may include the following three items of information: the first indication information and the third indication information in the first request, and the time window for expecting to transmit background data in the second indication information (or, the time window for expecting to transmit background data in the modified second indication information).

[0149] It should be understood that the above introduction of determining the fourth request is an example. In specific implementation, there may be other designs for the fourth request, which are not limited.

[0150] S3505. The second network element determines at least one first policy and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy that match the fourth request.

[0151] Among them, the second network element pre-caches first information for indicating the energy efficiency of the network in transmitting data during each time period. The second network element can determine at least one first policy matching the fourth request and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy according to the first information.

[0152] In one implementation, the second network element can also determine at least one first policy and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy based on the reference background data transmission policy and the first information. The specific determination process is similar to that of steps S3501 - S3503 in the Figure 5 illustrated embodiment and will not be elaborated here.

[0153] S3506, the second network element sends at least one first policy and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives at least one first policy and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy from the second network element.

[0154] In the embodiments of the present application, the second network element determines at least one first policy matching the first request sent by the application function network element and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy, and provides them to the first network element. This first policy can achieve energy saving.

[0155] Combined with the above introduction, it is not difficult to see that the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application starts from the purpose of energy saving and designs a specific implementation for determining a strategy for transmitting background data with an energy-saving effect. Specifically, after the first network element receives a first request from the application function network element for requesting a strategy for transmitting background data, the first network element sends a first response for responding to the first request to the application function network element. This first response includes at least one first policy and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to each first policy. After receiving the first response, the application function network element can select a second policy from the first policies based on the energy consumption parameters of the first policies, and transmit background data with the terminal device based on the second policy. Since the second policy is selected based on the energy consumption parameter, transmitting background data based on the second policy can achieve energy saving.

[0156] The above mainly introduces the solution provided by the embodiments of the present application from the perspective of the execution logic of each step. For the sake of understanding, the following further introduces the communication method provided by the present application in specific implementation scenarios in combination with multiple architectures of the communication system shown in the Figure 1 embodiments of the present application. In the following introduction, the description and beneficial effects of each step can refer to the description of the corresponding steps in the Figures 3 - 6 embodiments of the present application, which will not be elaborated here. Instead, it focuses on the specific implementation of the process to help better understand the communication method of the present application.

[0157] In one embodiment, the first network element is a PCF network element or an NWDAF network element. The PCF network element or the NWDAF network element stores first information for indicating the energy efficiency of the network in transmitting data during each time period, and the PCF network element or the NWDAF network element obtains a reference background data transmission policy from the UDR network element. Figure 7 shows a schematic flow diagram of the communication method in this scenario. As Figure 7 shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0158] S710, the application function network element sends a policy negotiation request for requesting a policy to the PCF network element or the NWDAF network element. Correspondingly, the PCF network element or the NWDAF network element receives the policy negotiation request for requesting a policy from the application function network element.

[0159] Among them, the policy negotiation request may be Figure 3 the first request in step S310 in the shown embodiment.

[0160] S720, the PCF network element or the NWDAF network element sends a second request for requesting a reference background data transmission policy to the UDR network element. Correspondingly, the UDR network element receives the above second request.

[0161] Among them, the description of the second request may refer to Figure 5 the description of the second request in the shown embodiment, which will not be elaborated here.

[0162] S730, the UDR network element sends a reference background data transmission policy in response to the second request to the PCF network element or the NWDAF network element. Correspondingly, the PCF network element or the NWDAF network element receives the reference background data transmission policy.

[0163] Among them, after receiving the reference background data transmission policy, the PCF network element or the NWDAF network element can use it for the determination of the first policy.

[0164] S740, the PCF network element or the NWDAF network element determines a first policy matching the policy negotiation request and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy according to the reference background data transmission policy and the first information.

[0165] Among them, the first information may include each time window and the energy efficiency corresponding to each time window respectively. Exemplarily, each time window and its corresponding energy efficiency may be as shown in Table 4.

[0166] Table 4

[0167]

[0168] When the PCF network element or the NWDAF network element determines the first policy and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy according to the first information and the reference background data transmission policy, the PCF network element or the NWDAF network element combines the energy efficiency of different time windows with the reference background data transmission policy obtained from the UDR network element, and selects the time window with the highest energy efficiency as the first policy for the application function network element (such as "00:00-06:00" in the example shown in Table 4), or determines multiple time windows with an estimated energy consumption less than the energy consumption budget in the S710 policy negotiation request as the first policy.

[0169] For example, the energy consumption budget in the S710 policy negotiation request is the energy budget for each terminal device to transmit background data. The PCF network element or the NWDAF network element can calculate the energy consumption of each terminal device to transmit background data in each time window based on the data volume of the background data to be transmitted, the number of terminal devices, and the data volume that can be transmitted per unit of energy when the network transmits data for each terminal device, and determine the time window with the energy consumption of each terminal device to transmit background data less than the energy budget for each terminal device to transmit background data as the first policy.

[0170] Another example, the energy consumption budget in the S710 policy negotiation request is the total energy budget for transmitting background data. The PCF network element or the NWDAF network element can estimate the total energy estimate for transmitting background data based on the data volume of the background data to be transmitted and the data volume of the background data transmitted per unit of energy, and determine the time window with the calculated total energy estimate less than the total energy budget as the first policy.

[0171] After determining the first policy, the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy is determined. Several possible designs of the energy consumption parameter can refer to Figure 3 the description of the energy consumption parameter in step S320 in the embodiment shown. For example, the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy may include at least one of the following: the consumed energy or the energy efficiency. Among them, the consumed energy may have the following possible definitions: the energy consumed by the network to transmit background data when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy, the energy expected to be consumed by the network to transmit a specified data volume of background data when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy, or the energy consumed by the network when the application and the terminal device transmit background data through the network according to the first policy. The energy efficiency can be defined as: the energy efficiency of the network for transmitting background data when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy.

[0172] In S750, the PCF network element or the NWDAF network element sends a first response for responding to the first request to the application function network element. Correspondingly, the application function network element receives the first response from the PCF network element or the NWDAF network element.

[0173] Among them, the first response includes a first policy and the corresponding energy consumption parameters. Several possible designs of the first response can refer to Figure 3 the description of the first response in step S320 in the illustrated embodiment. Exemplarily, the first response may include:

[0174] The first policy, also known as a recommended time window for the background data transfer;

[0175] The charging rate corresponding to the first policy (time window);

[0176] The maximum aggregated bitrate corresponding to the first policy (time window);

[0177] The energy parameter corresponding to the first policy (time window);

[0178] Whether the first policy (time window) is applicable to green energy and / or the proportion of the used green energy in the total used energy.

[0179] It should be understood that the above first response is an exemplary description. In specific implementations, there may be other designs, which are not limited.

[0180] S760. The application function network element determines a second policy from the first policy according to the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy.

[0181] Among them, after receiving the first response, the application function network element can determine the second policy from the first policy for energy-saving purposes. The mechanism for the application function network element to determine the second policy can be flexibly set. For example, the first policy with the lowest energy consumption can be determined as the second policy. Or, the first policy with the highest proportion of used green energy can also be determined as the second policy. Or, the first policy with the lowest energy consumption among multiple first policies using green energy can also be determined as the second policy.

[0182] S770. The application function network element transmits background data according to the second policy.

[0183] Among them, after determining the second policy, the application function network element can transmit background data according to the second policy. Energy-saving transmission of background data can be achieved.

[0184] In an embodiment of the present application, after the PCF network element or the NWDAF network element receives a first request from the application function network element for requesting a policy for transmitting background data, the PCF network element or the NWDAF network element sends a first response for responding to the first request to the application function network element. The first response includes at least one first policy and an energy consumption parameter corresponding to each first policy. After receiving the first response, the application function network element can select a second policy from the first policies based on the energy consumption parameters of the first policies, and transmit background data with the terminal device based on the second policy. Since the second policy is selected based on the energy consumption parameter, transmitting background data based on the second policy can achieve energy saving.

[0185] In one embodiment, the first network element is a PCF network element. The PCF network element does not store the first information for indicating the energy efficiency of the network transmitting data in each time period, but needs to obtain the above first information from the NWDAF network element and obtain a reference background data transmission policy from the UDR network element. Figure 8 The flowchart of the communication method in this scenario is shown. As Figure 8 shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0186] S810, the application function network element sends a policy negotiation request for requesting a policy to the PCF network element. Correspondingly, the PCF network element receives the policy negotiation request for requesting a policy from the application function network element.

[0187] Among them, the policy negotiation request may be Figure 3 the first request in step S310 in the embodiment shown.

[0188] S820, the PCF network element sends a second request for requesting a reference background data transmission policy to the UDR network element. Correspondingly, the UDR network element receives the second request.

[0189] Among them, the description of the second request may refer to Figure 5 the description of the second request in the embodiment shown, and will not be elaborated here.

[0190] S830, the UDR network element sends a reference background data transmission policy in response to the second request to the PCF network element. Correspondingly, the PCF network element receives the reference background data transmission policy.

[0191] Among them, after receiving the reference background data transmission policy, the PCF network element can use it for the determination of the first policy.

[0192] S840, the PCF network element sends a third request for requesting the first information to the NWDAF network element. Correspondingly, the NWDAF network element receives the third request from the PCF network element.

[0193] After receiving the third request, the NWDAF network element can collect in-network data and analyze the in-network data to determine the first information that matches the third request. Exemplarily, the third request may include:

[0194] Subscribe to information on energy efficiency analysis and / or energy consumption analysis from the NWDAF network element (e.g., analytics ID indicating energy efficiency analysis and / or energy consumption analysis);

[0195] The identifier of the application that needs to transmit background data (e.g., ASPIdentifier);.

[0196] Which UEs the application function network element needs to transmit data to (e.g., UE ID);

[0197] The desired time window for transmitting background data (e.g., desired time window);

[0198] The amount of data transmitted between the application function network element and the UE (e.g., volume);

[0199] It should be understood that the content of the above third request is named for an exemplary illustration, and the content of the third request can also have other names, which are not limited.

[0200] S850, the NWDAF network element sends the first information to the PCF network element. Correspondingly, the PCF network element receives the first information.

[0201] Among them, the first information returned by the NWDAF network element can be in the granularity of terminal devices. In other words, the first information includes the energy efficiency of each terminal device. Exemplarily, the first information may include a UE list and the energy efficiency of each terminal device in the UE list under the corresponding policy time window. The terminal devices in the UE list can be a subset or the whole set of the terminal devices indicated by the policy negotiation request in S810. Taking the UE list including UE1 and UE2 as an example, the first information includes:

[0202] UE list: UE1 and UE2;

[0203] The energy efficiency of UE1 under the corresponding policy time window:

[0204] Time window 1: Energy efficiency 1, proportion of green energy 1; Time window 2: Energy efficiency 2, proportion of green energy 2;

[0205] The energy efficiency of UE2 under the corresponding policy time window:

[0206] Time window 1: Energy efficiency 3, proportion of green energy 3; Time window 2: Energy efficiency 4, proportion of green energy 4.

[0207] It should be understood that the above first information is an exemplary description, and in specific implementations, the first information can be flexibly designed. For example, the estimated energy consumption can be added to the first information, or the energy efficiency can be replaced with energy consumption, etc., without limitation.

[0208] It should be understood that the execution order of steps S820 - S830 and steps S840 - S850 can be flexibly swapped without limitation. In other words, steps S840 - S850 can also be executed first, and then steps S820 - S830.

[0209] S860. The PCF network element determines a first policy that matches the policy negotiation request and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy according to the reference background data transmission policy and the first information.

[0210] Among them, the first information may include each time window and the energy efficiency corresponding to each time window respectively. For example, the first information can be as shown in Table 4, which will not be elaborated here.

[0211] When the PCF network element determines the first policy and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy according to the first information and the reference background data transmission policy, the PCF network element selects the time window with the highest energy efficiency as the first policy for the application function network element (such as "00:00 - 06:00" in the example shown in Table 4) according to the energy efficiency of different time windows in combination with the reference background data transmission policy obtained from the UDR network element, or determines multiple time windows with an estimated energy consumption less than the energy consumption budget in the S810 policy negotiation request as the first policy.

[0212] For example, if the energy consumption budget in the S810 policy negotiation request is the energy budget for each terminal device to transmit background data, the PCF network element can calculate the energy consumption of a single terminal device to transmit background data in each time window based on the data volume of the background data to be transmitted, the number of terminal devices, and the data volume of data that can be transmitted per unit energy when the network transmits data for each terminal device, and determine the time window with the energy consumption of a single terminal device to transmit background data less than the energy budget for each terminal device to transmit background data as the first policy.

[0213] For another example, if the energy consumption budget in the S810 policy negotiation request is the total energy budget for transmitting background data, the PCF network element can estimate the total energy estimate for transmitting background data based on the data volume of the background data to be transmitted and the data volume of background data transmitted per unit energy, and determine the time window with the calculated total energy estimate less than the total energy budget as the first policy.

[0214] After determining the first policy, the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy is then determined. Several possible designs of the energy consumption parameter can refer to Figure 3 the description of the energy consumption parameter in step S320 in the embodiment shown, which will not be elaborated here.

[0215] As Figure 3 described in the embodiment of step S320 for the "energy consumed", the "energy consumed" may be the energy consumed by a single network terminal device to transmit a specified amount of background data, or the total energy consumed by the network to transmit a specified amount of background data for all terminal devices used.

[0216] S870, the PCF network element sends a first response for responding to the first request to the application function network element. Correspondingly, the application function network element receives the first response from the PCF network element.

[0217] Among them, the first response includes a first policy and corresponding energy consumption parameters. Several possible designs of the first response can refer to Figure 3 the description of the first response in step S320 of the embodiment shown. Exemplarily, the first response may include:

[0218] The first policy, also known as a recommended time window for the background data transfer;

[0219] A reference to a charging rate for this time window;

[0220] Optionally a maximum aggregated bitrate for this time window;

[0221] Energy parameters corresponding to the first policy (time window);

[0222] Whether the first policy (time window) is applicable to green energy and / or the proportion of green energy used in the total energy used.

[0223] It should be understood that the above first response is an exemplary description. In specific implementations, there may be other designs, which are not limited.

[0224] S880, the application function network element determines a second policy from the first policy according to the energy consumption parameters corresponding to the first policy.

[0225] Among them, after the application function network element receives the first response, it can determine the second policy from the first policies for energy-saving purposes. The mechanism for the application function network element to determine the second policy can be set flexibly. For example, the first policy with the lowest energy consumption can be determined as the second policy. Or, the first policy with the highest proportion of green energy usage can also be determined as the second policy. Or, the first policy with the lowest energy consumption among multiple first policies using green energy can also be determined as the second policy.

[0226] S890, the application function network element transmits the background data according to the second policy.

[0227] Among them, after the second policy is determined, the application function network element can transmit the background data according to the second policy. Energy-saving transmission of background data can be achieved.

[0228] In the embodiments of the present application, after the PCF network element receives the first request from the application function network element for a policy requesting the transmission of background data, the PCF network element sends a first response for responding to the first request to the application function network element. The first response includes at least one first policy and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to each first policy. After receiving the first response, the application function network element can select a second policy from the first policies based on the energy consumption parameters of the first policies, and transmit the background data with the terminal device based on the second policy. Since the second policy is selected based on the energy consumption parameters, transmitting the background data based on the second policy can achieve energy saving.

[0229] In one embodiment, the first network element is a PCF network element. The PCF network element does not directly determine the first policy and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy, but obtains the first policy and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy from the NWDAF network element. Figure 9 The flowchart of the communication method in this scenario is shown. As Figure 9 shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0230] S901, the application function network element sends a policy negotiation request for requesting a policy to the PCF network element. Correspondingly, the PCF network element receives the policy negotiation request for requesting a policy from the application function network element.

[0231] Among them, the policy negotiation request may be Figure 3 the first request in step S310 in the shown embodiment.

[0232] S902, the PCF network element sends a fourth request for requesting a policy to the NWDAF network element; correspondingly, the second network element receives the fourth request from the first network element.

[0233] Among them, the fourth request can be based on Figure 3In the illustrated embodiment, the determination of the first request in step S310, for example, the fourth request may include the following three items of information: the first indication information and the third indication information in the first request, and the desired time window for transmitting background data in the second indication information (or the desired time window for transmitting background data in the second indication information modified by the second network element according to its own policy).

[0234] Exemplarily, the fourth request may include:

[0235] The total energy budget for transmitting background data;

[0236] The energy budget per UE for transmitting background data;

[0237] The energy saving indication;

[0238] The volume of data transmitted between the application function network element and the UE;

[0239] The desired time window for transmitting background data corresponding to each terminal device;

[0240] It should be understood that the above fourth request is an exemplary illustration. In specific implementations, there may be other designs, which are not limited.

[0241] S903, the NWDAF network element collects network data to generate first information.

[0242] Among them, the network data may include the energy consumption information of existing policies and / or the energy consumption or energy efficiency information of the network transmission background data collected by the operation, administration, and maintenance network element (or the energy open network element). Based on the network data, first information can be generated. The generation process of the first information can refer to related technologies and will not be elaborated here.

[0243] S904, the NWDAF network element sends a fifth request to the UDR network element for requesting the reference background data transmission policy. Correspondingly, the UDR network element receives the above fifth request.

[0244] Among them, the fifth request is Figure 5 the same as the function of the second request in the Figure 5 illustrated embodiment. The description of the fifth request can refer to the description of the second request in the

[0245] illustrated embodiment and will not be elaborated here. S905, the UDR network element sends the reference background data transmission policy in response to the fifth request to the NWDAF network element. Correspondingly, the NWDAF network element receives the reference background data transmission policy.

[0246] Among them, after the NWDAF network element receives the reference background data transmission policy, it can use the policy to determine the first policy.

[0247] S906. The NWDAF network element determines at least one first policy that matches the fourth request and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy according to the first information and the reference background data transmission policy.

[0248] Among them, the description of determining the first policy and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy can refer to Figure 7 the description of step S740 in the illustrated embodiment, which will not be elaborated here.

[0249] It should be understood that steps S904 - S905 are an optional solution. The introduction of the reference background data transmission policy helps to efficiently and accurately determine at least one first policy and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy. In specific implementation, even if the reference background data transmission policy is not introduced, at least one first policy and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy can still be determined.

[0250] S907. The NWDAF network element sends a first response including at least one first policy and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy to the PCF network element. Correspondingly, the PCF network element receives the first response from the NWDAF network element.

[0251] Among them, after the NWDAF network element determines at least one first policy and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy, it can send them to the PCF network element in the form of a first response for the PCF network element to provide them to the application function network element.

[0252] S908. The PCF network element sends a first response for responding to the first request to the application function network element. Correspondingly, the application function network element receives the first response from the PCF network element or the NWDAF network element.

[0253] Among them, the first response includes the first policy and the corresponding energy consumption parameter. Several possible designs of the first response can refer to Figure 3 the description of the first response in step S320 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0254] S909. The application function network element determines a second policy from the first policies according to the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy.

[0255] Among them, after the application function network element receives the first response, it can determine the second policy from the first policies for energy-saving purposes. The mechanism for the application function network element to determine the second policy can be set flexibly. For example, the first policy with the lowest energy consumption can be determined as the second policy. Or, the first policy with the highest proportion of green energy usage can also be determined as the second policy. Or, the first policy with the lowest energy consumption among multiple first policies using green energy can also be determined as the second policy.

[0256] S910. The application function network element transmits the background data according to the second policy.

[0257] Among them, after the second policy is determined, the application function network element can transmit the background data according to the second policy, enabling energy-saving transmission of the background data.

[0258] In the embodiments of the present application, after the PCF network element receives the first request from the application function network element for a policy requesting transmission of background data, the PCF network element obtains from the NWDAF network element and sends to the application function network element a first response for responding to the first request. The first response includes at least one first policy and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to each first policy. After receiving the first response, the application function network element can select a second policy from the first policies based on the energy consumption parameters of the first policies and transmit the background data to the terminal device based on the second policy. Since the second policy is selected based on the energy consumption parameter, transmitting the background data based on the second policy can achieve energy saving.

[0259] Combined with the above Figure 7 、 Figure 8 、and Figure 9 It can be seen from the illustrated embodiments that the embodiments of the present application have designed strategies for achieving energy-saving transmission of background data in a targeted manner in various network architectures. Specifically, after the first network element receives the first request from the application function network element for a policy requesting transmission of background data, the first network element sends to the application function network element a first response for responding to the first request. The first response includes at least one first policy and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to each first policy. After receiving the first response, the application function network element can select a second policy with lower energy consumption from the first policies based on the energy consumption parameters of the first policies and transmit the background data to the terminal device based on the second policy. Since the second policy is a policy with lower energy consumption selected based on the energy consumption parameter, transmitting the background data based on the second policy can achieve energy saving.

[0260] The above mainly introduces the solution provided by the embodiments of the present application from the perspective of the execution logic of each step. It can be understood that for each node, such as the first network element, in order to implement the above functions, it includes the corresponding hardware structure and / or software module for executing each function. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that, in combination with the algorithm steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed in this article, the method of the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a certain function is executed in the form of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional technicians can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of the present application.

[0261] The embodiments of the present application can divide the functional modules of the first network element according to the above method examples. For example, each functional module can be divided corresponding to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The above integrated module can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional module. It should be noted that the division of modules in the embodiments of the present application is illustrative, only a logical function division, and there can be other division methods in actual implementation.

[0262] In specific implementation, each network element shown in the present application, such as: the first network element can adopt Figure 10 the shown composition structure or include Figure 10 the shown components. Figure 10 FIG. is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided by the embodiments of the present application. When the communication device has the functions of the first network element described in the embodiments of the present application, the communication device can be the first network element or a chip or system-on-chip in the first network element. When the communication device has the functions of the application function network element described in the embodiments of the present application, the communication device can be the application function network element or a chip or system-on-chip in the application function network element.

[0263] Such as Figure 10 shown, the communication device can include a processor 101. Optionally, the communication device can further include a communication line 102, a transceiver 103, and a memory 104. Among them, the processor 101, the memory 104, and the transceiver 103 can be connected through the communication line 102. In one example, the processor 101 can include one or more CPUs, such as Figure 10 the CPU0 and CPU1 in

[0264] As an optional implementation manner, the communication device includes multiple processors. For example, in addition to Figure 10 the processor 101 in

[0265] Among them, the processor 101 can be a central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor, a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), or any combination thereof. The processor 101 can also be other devices with processing functions, such as circuits, devices, or software modules.

[0266] The communication line 102 is used to transmit information between the components included in the communication device.

[0267] The transceiver 103 is used to communicate with other devices or other communication networks. The other communication network can be an Ethernet, a radio access network (RAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), etc. The transceiver 103 can be an interface circuit, a pin, a radio frequency module, a transceiver, or any device capable of implementing communication.

[0268] Furthermore, the communication device may further include a memory 104. The memory 104 is used to store instructions. Among them, the instructions can be computer programs.

[0269] Among them, the memory 104 can be a read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices that can store static information and / or instructions. It can also be a random access memory (RAM) or other types of dynamic storage devices that can store information and / or instructions. It can also be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage, magnetic disk storage media, or other magnetic storage devices. Optical disc storage includes compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs, or Blu-ray discs, etc.

[0270] It should be noted that the memory 104 can exist independently of the processor 101 or be integrated with the processor 101. The memory 104 can be used to store instructions, program codes, or some data, etc. The memory 104 can be located inside the communication device or outside the communication device, without limitation. When the processor 101 executes the instructions stored in the memory 104, the method provided by the embodiments of the present application can be implemented.

[0271] As an optional implementation, the communication device further includes an output device 105 and an input device 106. Exemplarily, the input device 106 is a device such as a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, or a joystick, and the output device 105 is a device such as a display screen or a speaker.

[0272] It should be noted that the communication device can be a desktop computer, a portable computer, a network server, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a wireless terminal device, an embedded device, a chip system, or a device with a Figure 10 similar structure. In addition, Figure 10 the shown component structure does not limit the communication device. Except for Figure 10 the shown components, the communication device can include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have a different component layout.

[0273] In the embodiments of the present application, the chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0274] Figure 11 FIG. shows a structural diagram of a communication device 110, which is applied to a first network element. Figure 11 In the shown device, each module has the function of implementing the Figures 3 - 9 corresponding steps in Figures 3 - 9 and can achieve its corresponding technical effects. The beneficial effects of each module executing the steps can refer to the description of the

[0275] A transceiver module 1101, configured to receive a first request from an application function network element for requesting a policy for the application function network element to transmit background data to a terminal device, where the network to which the first network element belongs transmits background data between the application function network element and the terminal device; a processing module 1102, configured to obtain at least one first policy and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy. The transceiver module 1101 is further configured to send a first response for responding to the first request to the application function network element, where the first response includes at least one first policy and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to each first policy in the at least one first policy. The energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy includes at least one of the following: the energy consumed by the network for transmitting background data when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy, or the energy efficiency of the network for transmitting background data when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy.

[0276] Figure 12 FIG. shows a structural diagram of a communication device 120, which is applied to an application function network element. Figure 12 Each module in the shown device has the function of implementing Figures 3 - 9 the corresponding steps in and can achieve the corresponding technical effects. The beneficial effects corresponding to the steps executed by each module can refer to Figures 3 - 9 the description of the corresponding steps and will not be elaborated here. The above functions can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. The communication device can be a terminal device or a chip or a system-on-chip in the terminal device. For example, the communication device includes:

[0277] A transceiver module 1201, configured to receive a first response from a first network element, where the first response includes at least one first policy and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to each first policy, where the first policy is used for the application function network element to transmit background data to the terminal device, and the network to which the first network element belongs transmits background data between the application function network element and the terminal device; the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy includes at least one of the following: the energy consumed by the network for transmitting background data when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy, or the energy efficiency of the network for transmitting background data when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit background data according to the first policy. A processing module 1202, configured to determine a second policy from the first policies according to the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy. The transceiver module 1201 is configured to transmit background data according to the second policy.

[0278] An embodiment of the present application further provides a communication system, which may include: a first network element and an application function network element. Among them, the first network element may have the function of the above communication device 110, and the application function network element may have the function of the above communication device 120.

[0279] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer-readable storage medium. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be completed by a computer program instructing relevant hardware. This program can be stored in the above computer-readable storage medium. When this program is executed, it can include the processes of the above method embodiments. The computer-readable storage medium can be the terminal device in any of the foregoing embodiments, such as an internal storage unit including a data sending end and / or a data receiving end, for example, the hard disk or memory of the terminal device. The above computer-readable storage medium can also be an external storage device of the above terminal device, such as a plug-in hard disk, a smart media card (SMC), a secure digital (SD) card, a flash card, etc., equipped on the above terminal device. Further, the above computer-readable storage medium can also include both the internal storage unit of the above terminal device and the external storage device. The above computer-readable storage medium is used to store the above computer program and other programs and data required by the above terminal device. The above computer-readable storage medium can also be used to temporarily store the data that has been output or will be output.

[0280] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer instruction. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be completed by a computer instruction instructing relevant hardware (such as a computer, a processor, a network device, and a terminal device, etc.). This program can be stored in the above computer-readable storage medium.

[0281] The embodiments of the present application also provide a chip system. The chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete devices, without limitation. The chip system includes a processor and a transceiver. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be completed by the chip system. For example, the chip system can be used to implement the functions executed by the first network element or the application function network element in the above method embodiments.

[0282] In a possible design, the above chip system further includes a memory, and the memory is used to store program instructions and / or data. When the chip system runs, the processor executes the program instructions stored in the memory so that the chip system executes the functions executed by the first network element or the application function network element in the above method embodiments.

[0283] In the embodiments of the present application, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component, and can 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 any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the method disclosed in combination with the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as being executed by the hardware processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor.

[0284] In the embodiments of the present application, the memory may be a non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), etc., or may also be a volatile memory, such as a random-access memory (RAM). The memory is any other medium that can be used to carry or store the desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory in the embodiments of the present application may also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing a storage function, for storing instructions and / or data.

[0285] It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second" in the description, claims and drawings of the present application are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order. In addition, the terms "comprising" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but optionally further includes steps or units not listed, or optionally further includes other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0286] It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, "at least one (item)" means one or more, "a plurality" means two or more, "at least two (items)" means two or three or more, and "and / or" is used to describe the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and both A and B exist at the same time. Among them, A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one (item) of the following" or its similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single item (item) or plural items (items). For example, at least one (item) of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, "B corresponding to A" means that B is associated with A. For example, B can be determined according to A. It should also be understood that determining B according to A does not mean determining B only according to A, and B can also be determined according to A and / or other information. In addition, the "connection" that appears in the embodiments of the present application refers to various connection methods such as direct connection or indirect connection to achieve communication between devices, and the embodiments of the present application do not make any limitations on this.

[0287] Unless otherwise specified, the "transmission" (transmit / transmission) that appears in the embodiments of the present application refers to two-way transmission, including the actions of sending and / or receiving. Specifically, the "transmission" in the embodiments of the present application includes the sending of data, the receiving of data, or the sending and receiving of data. Or rather, the data transmission here includes uplink and / or downlink data transmission. Data can include channels and / or signals. Uplink data transmission is the transmission of uplink channels and / or uplink signals, and downlink data transmission is the transmission of downlink channels and / or downlink signals. The "network" and "system" that appear in the embodiments of the present application express the same concept, and a communication system is a communication network.

[0288] Through the description of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that for the convenience and simplicity of description, only the above division of each functional module is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be allocated to different functional modules according to needs, that is, the internal structure of the device is divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0289] In several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of the modules or 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 integrated into another device, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the displayed or discussed coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between each other can be through some interfaces. The indirect coupling or communication connection of the devices or units can be in electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0290] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated. The components displayed as units can be one physical unit or multiple physical units, that is, they can be located in one place, or they can be distributed to multiple different places. Some or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0291] In addition, in each embodiment of this application, the functional units can be integrated in a processing unit, or each unit can exist physically alone, or two or more units can be integrated in one unit. The above-mentioned integrated units can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional units. If the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a readable storage medium. Based on such an understanding, the technical solution of the embodiments of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of this technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to enable a device, such as a single-chip microcomputer, a chip, etc., or a processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in each embodiment of this application. The foregoing storage medium includes: various media such as USB flash drives, mobile hard disks, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks or optical discs that can store program codes. The above is only the specific implementation manner of this application, but the protection scope of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be covered by the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: A first network element receives a first request from an application function network element for requesting a policy, where the policy is for the application function network element to transmit background data with a terminal device, and a network to which the first network element belongs transmits the background data between the application function network element and the terminal device; The first network element sends a first response for responding to the first request to the application function network element, where the first response includes at least one first policy, and the first response further includes an energy consumption parameter corresponding to each of the at least one first policy; Wherein, the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy includes at least one of the following: the energy consumed by the network to transmit the background data when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit the background data according to the first policy, or the energy efficiency of the network for transmitting the background data when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit the background data according to the first policy.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein The first request includes first indication information for indicating that the network uses green energy to transmit the background data, the first policy includes a first time window, and there is available green energy in the network within the first time window.

3. The communication method according to claim 2, wherein The first response further includes: When the application function network element and the terminal device transmit the background data according to the first policy, the proportion of green energy in the energy of the network for transmitting the background data; and / or, Second information for indicating that when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit the background data according to the first policy, the energy of the network for transmitting the background data includes green energy.

4. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The method further includes: The first network element obtains the at least one first policy and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy.

5. The communication method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first network element obtaining the at least one first policy and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy includes: The first network element determines the at least one first policy and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy according to first information, where the first information is used to indicate the energy efficiency of the network for transmitting data in each time period.

6. The communication method according to claim 5, wherein The method further includes: Sending a third request to a second network element, where the third request is for requesting the energy efficiency of the network for transmitting data in each time period; Receiving the first information from the second network element.

7. The communication method according to claim 3, characterized in that The first network element obtaining the at least one first policy and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy includes: The first network element sends the fourth request to the second network element, where the fourth request is for requesting the policy; Receiving the at least one first policy and the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy from the second network element.

8. The communication method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, When the application function network element and the terminal device transmit the background data according to the first policy, the energy efficiency of the network for transmitting the background data includes at least one of the following: The level of the energy efficiency, or, when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit the background data according to the first policy, the amount of the background data transmitted by the network per unit of energy.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The application function network element receives a first response from a first network element, the first response includes at least one first policy, the first response further includes an energy consumption parameter corresponding to each of the at least one first policy, and the network to which the first network element belongs transmits the background data between the application function network element and the terminal device; the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy includes at least one of the following: the energy consumed by the network for transmitting the background data when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit the background data according to the first policy, or the energy efficiency of the network for transmitting the background data when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit the background data according to the first policy The application function network element determines a second policy from the first policies according to the energy consumption parameter corresponding to the first policy; The application function network element transmits the background data to the terminal device through the network according to the second policy.

10. The communication method according to claim 9, wherein The method further includes: The application function network element sends a first request for requesting the first policy to the first network element.

11. The communication method according to claim 10, wherein The first request includes first indication information for indicating that the network uses green energy to transmit the background data, the first policy includes a first time window, and there is available green energy in the first time window in the network.

12. The communication method according to any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that, When the application function network element and the terminal device transmit the background data according to the first policy, the energy efficiency of the network for transmitting the background data includes at least one of the following: The level of the energy efficiency, or, when the application function network element and the terminal device transmit the background data according to the first policy, the amount of the background data transmitted by the network per unit of energy.

13. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes: a module for executing the method according to any one of claims 1-12.

14. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor and a memory, and the processor is configured to execute instructions in the memory to implement the method according to any one of claims 1-12.

15. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions, and when the computer instructions are run on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-12.

16. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes: a controller and an interface circuit, wherein the controller is configured to interact with other devices through the interface circuit to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-12.

17. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes: a first network element and an application function network element, wherein the first network element is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-8, and the application function network element is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 9-12.

18. A computer program product comprising instructions, characterized in that, When the computer program product runs on a computer, the computer is caused to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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