Network energy saving

Abstract

The invention relates to network energy saving. A method, an apparatus, and a computer program are described that include receiving a network function request; receiving, from the base station, a request to allow the base station to use the energy saving mode; determining whether the base station is allowed to use an energy saving mode of one or more energy saving modes, wherein the one or more energy saving modes comprise at least a first energy saving mode; in response to determining that the base station is not allowed to use the energy-saving mode in the one or more energy-saving modes, rejecting a request to allow the base station to use the energy-saving mode; in response to determining that the base station is allowed to use the first energy saving mode, providing an indication to the base station of a second base station specific duration during which the base station is allowed to use the first energy saving mode; and in response to providing the indication of the second base station specific duration to the base station, denying the network function request for the second base station specific duration.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Example embodiments can relate to apparatuses and / or methods for network energy saving. BACKGROUND

[0002] There is still interest in reducing the energy consumption of network devices and infrastructure while providing important network services. SUMMARY

[0003] Various embodiments of the invention seek the protection which is afforded by the independent claims. Embodiments and features that are described in this specification but which are not within the scope of the independent claims, if any, are to be interpreted as examples that help to understand various embodiments of the invention.

[0004] A first aspect provides an apparatus comprising: means for receiving a network function request; means for receiving, from a base station, a request to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode; means for determining whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of one or more energy saving modes, wherein the one or more energy saving modes comprise at least a first energy saving mode; means for rejecting the request to allow the base station to use the energy saving mode in response to determining not to allow the base station to use the energy saving mode of the one or more energy saving modes; means for providing, to the base station, an indication of a second base station specific duration in response to determining to allow the base station to use the first energy saving mode, wherein the base station is requested to use the first energy saving mode during the second base station specific duration; and means for rejecting the network function request for the second base station specific duration in response to providing the second base station specific duration to the base station.

[0005] In some example embodiments, rejecting the request to allow the base station to use the energy saving mode comprises providing a rejection message to the base station, wherein the rejection message comprises an indication of a first base station specific duration, wherein the base station is to not use the energy saving mode, or is to not send a further request to use the energy saving mode, during the first base station specific duration. In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for determining the first base station specific duration based at least in part on at least one or more of: a discontinuous transmission, DTX, active state period of the target device; a discontinuous reception, DRX, active state period of the target device; and a minimum time required to satisfy the network function request.

[0006] In some example embodiments, rejecting the network function request comprises sending a network function request rejection message, the network function request rejection message indicating the second base station specific duration.

[0007] In some example embodiments, the use of the first energy saving mode by the base station comprises using a configuration to provide reduced capabilities and consume less power compared to a normal mode of operation when the first energy saving mode is in use.

[0008] In some example embodiments, the use of the first power saving mode by the base station comprises, when the first power saving mode is in use, using a configuration that does not provide a downlink transmission capability or an uplink reception capability.

[0009] In some example embodiments, the one or more power saving modes further comprise a second power saving mode, and the apparatus further comprises means for providing, to the base station, an indication of a third base station specific duration in response to determining that the base station is allowed to use the second power saving mode, wherein the base station is allowed to use the second power saving mode during the third base station specific duration. In some example embodiments, the use of the second power saving mode by the base station comprises, when the second power saving mode is in use, using a configuration that provides a reduced capability compared to the normal operation mode and provides an increased capability compared to the first power saving mode; and that consumes less power compared to the normal operation mode and consumes more power compared to the first power saving mode. In some example embodiments, the use of the second power saving mode by the base station comprises, when the second power saving mode is in use, using a configuration with reduced transmission and / or reception resources. In some example embodiments, the use of the second power saving mode by the base station comprises, when the second power saving mode is in use, using a configuration comprising any one or more of: a smaller set of antenna ports than the normal operation mode; a smaller sounding bandwidth than the normal operation mode; a lower transmit power than the normal operation mode; a smaller set of time slots for transmission and / or reception than the normal operation mode.

[0010] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for determining the second base station specific duration based at least in part on one or more of: a time required to perform a network function when the base station is not available to perform the network function; and a time required to perform the network function when the base station is in the first power saving mode, when the base station is not available to perform the network function, and one or more alternative base stations are able to perform the network function. In some example embodiments, the network function locates a target device.

[0011] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for obtaining an indication of a priority associated with the network function request, wherein the means for determining whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of the one or more energy saving modes is configured to determine whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of the one or more energy saving modes based at least in part on the priority. In some example embodiments, the means for determining whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of the one or more energy saving modes is configured to determine not to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of the one or more energy saving modes at least in part in response to the means for obtaining an indication of a priority associated with the network function request obtaining an indication that a high priority is associated with the network function request. In some example embodiments, the means for determining whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of the one or more energy saving modes is configured to determine to allow the base station to use a first energy saving mode at least in part in response to the means for obtaining an indication of a priority associated with the network function request obtaining an indication that a low priority is associated with the network function request. In some example embodiments, the means for determining whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of the one or more energy saving modes is configured to determine to allow the base station to use a second energy saving mode at least in part in response to the means for obtaining an indication of a priority associated with the network function request obtaining an indication that an intermediate priority is associated with the network function request. In some example embodiments, wherein the network function request is a location service request, and wherein the means for obtaining an indication of a priority associated with the network function request comprises means for determining the priority based on at least one of any one or more of: an indication of an application of a device for which the location service request is requesting location measurements; an indication of a capability of the device for which the location service request is requesting location measurements; an indication of a mobility profile of the device for which the location service request is requesting location measurements; an indication of a speed of the device for which the location service request is requesting location measurements; and an indication of a location of the device for which the location service request is requesting location measurements.

[0012] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for obtaining, during the second base station specific duration, an indication of whether one or more active replacement base stations for the requesting base station are available to replace the requesting base station to satisfy the network function request; and the means for determining whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of the one or more energy saving modes is configured to determine not to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of the one or more energy saving modes at least in part in response to the apparatus obtaining, during the second base station specific duration, an indication that none of the one or more active replacement base stations for the requesting base station are available to replace the requesting base station to satisfy the network function request.

[0013] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for transmitting, to the base station, an indication to change one or more of at least the following characteristics of the positioning reference signal: a sounding bandwidth; a number of active antenna elements; a transmit power; and a periodicity.

[0014] In some example embodiments, the network function request is a location service request.

[0015] A second aspect provides a method comprising: receiving a network function request; receiving, from a base station, a request to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode; determining whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of one or more energy saving modes, wherein the one or more energy saving modes comprise at least a first energy saving mode; in response to determining not to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of the one or more energy saving modes, rejecting the request to allow the base station to use the energy saving mode; in response to determining to allow the base station to use the first energy saving mode, providing, to the base station, an indication of a second base station specific duration during which the base station is allowed to use the first energy saving mode; and in response to providing the indication of the second base station specific duration to the base station, rejecting the network function request for the second base station specific duration.

[0016] In some example embodiments, rejecting the request to allow the base station to use the energy saving mode comprises providing, to the base station, a rejection message, wherein the rejection message comprises an indication of a first base station specific duration during which the base station is to not use the energy saving mode or not transmit a further request to use the energy saving mode. In some example embodiments, the method further comprises determining the first base station specific duration based at least in part on at least one or more of: a discontinuous transmission, DTX, active state period of the target device; a discontinuous reception, DRX, active state period of the target device; and a minimum time required to satisfy the network function request.

[0017] In some example embodiments, rejecting the network function request comprises transmitting a network function request rejection message, the network function request rejection message indicating the second base station specific duration.

[0018] In some example embodiments, the use of the first energy saving mode by the base station comprises using a configuration that provides reduced capabilities compared to a normal mode of operation and consumes less power when a second energy saving mode is in use.

[0019] In some example embodiments, the use of the first energy saving mode by the base station comprises using a configuration that provides no downlink transmission capabilities or uplink reception capabilities when a second energy saving mode is in use.

[0020] In some example embodiments, the one or more power saving modes further comprise a second power saving mode, and the apparatus further comprises: in response to determining that the base station is permitted to use the second power saving mode, providing an indication of a third base station specific duration to the base station, wherein the base station is permitted to use the second power saving mode during the third base station specific duration. In some example embodiments, the use of the second power saving mode by the base station comprises: when the second power saving mode is in use, using a configuration that provides reduced capabilities compared to the normal operating mode, and that provides increased capabilities compared to the first power saving mode; and that consumes less power compared to the normal operating mode, and that consumes more power compared to the first power saving mode. In some example embodiments, the use of the second power saving mode by the base station comprises: when the second power saving mode is in use, using a configuration with reduced transmission and / or reception resources. In some example embodiments, the use of the second power saving mode by the base station comprises: when the second power saving mode is in use, using a configuration comprising any one or more of: a smaller set of antenna ports than the normal operating mode; a smaller sounding bandwidth than the normal operating mode; a lower transmit power than the normal operating mode; a smaller set of time slots for transmission and / or reception than the normal operating mode.

[0021] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: determining the second base station specific duration based at least in part on one or more of: a time required to perform the network function when the base station is unavailable to perform the network function; and a time required to perform the network function when the base station is in the first power saving mode, when the base station is unavailable to perform the network function, and one or more alternative base stations are capable of performing the network function. In some example embodiments, the network function locates a target device.

[0022] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises obtaining an indication of a priority associated with the network function request, wherein determining whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of the one or more energy saving modes comprises determining whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of the one or more energy saving modes based at least in part on the priority. In some example embodiments, determining whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of the one or more energy saving modes comprises, at least in part in response to obtaining the indication of the priority associated with the network function request, obtaining an indication that a high priority is associated with the network function request, determining not to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of the one or more energy saving modes. In some example embodiments, determining whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of the one or more energy saving modes comprises, at least in part in response to obtaining the indication of the priority associated with the network function request, obtaining an indication that a low priority is associated with the network function request, determining to allow the base station to use a first energy saving mode. In some example embodiments, determining whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of the one or more energy saving modes comprises, at least in part in response to obtaining the indication of the priority associated with the network function request, obtaining an indication that an intermediate priority is associated with the network function request, determining to allow the base station to use a second energy saving mode. In some example embodiments, the network function request is a location service request, and obtaining the indication of the priority associated with the network function request comprises determining the priority based on at least one of any one or more of: an indication of an application of a device for which the location service request is requesting location measurements; an indication of a capability of the device for which the location service request is requesting location measurements; an indication of a mobility profile of the device for which the location service request is requesting location measurements; an indication of a speed of the device for which the location service request is requesting location measurements; and an indication of a location of the device for which the location service request is requesting location measurements.

[0023] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises obtaining, during the second base station specific duration, an indication of whether one or more active replacement base stations for the requesting base station are available to replace the requesting base station to satisfy the network function request; and wherein determining whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of the one or more energy saving modes comprises determining not to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of the one or more energy saving modes at least in part in response to the apparatus obtaining, during the second base station specific duration, an indication that none of the one or more active replacement base stations for the requesting base station are available to replace the requesting base station to satisfy the network function request.

[0024] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises transmitting, to the base station, an indication to change one or more of at least the following characteristics of the positioning reference signal: a probe bandwidth; a number of active antenna elements; a transmit power; and a periodicity.

[0025] In some example embodiments, the network function request is a location service request.

[0026] The third aspect provides a computer program comprising a set of instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, is configured to cause the apparatus to perform the method comprising: receiving a network function request; receiving, from a base station, a request to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode; determining whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of one or more energy saving modes, wherein the one or more energy saving modes comprise at least a first energy saving mode; in response to determining not to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of the one or more energy saving modes, rejecting the request to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode; in response to determining to allow the base station to use the first energy saving mode, providing an indication of a second base station specific duration to the base station, wherein the base station is allowed to use the first energy saving mode during the second base station specific duration; and in response to providing the indication of the second base station specific duration to the base station, rejecting the network function request for the second base station specific duration.

[0027] In some example embodiments, the third aspect can include any other feature mentioned in relation to the method of the second aspect.

[0028] The fourth aspect of the application provides a non-transitory computer readable medium having computer readable code stored thereon which, when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to perform the method comprising: receiving a network function request; receiving, from a base station, a request to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode; determining whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of one or more energy saving modes, wherein the one or more energy saving modes comprise at least a first energy saving mode; in response to determining not to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of the one or more energy saving modes, rejecting the request to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode; in response to determining to allow the base station to use the first energy saving mode, providing an indication of a second base station specific duration to the base station, wherein the base station is allowed to use the first energy saving mode during the second base station specific duration; and in response to providing the indication of the second base station specific duration to the base station, rejecting the network function request for the second base station specific duration.

[0029] The fourth aspect can include any other feature mentioned in relation to the method of the second aspect.

[0030] A fifth aspect of the invention provides an apparatus having at least one processor and at least one memory having computer-readable code stored thereon, which when executed by the at least one processor, controls the at least one processor to: receive a network function request; receive, from a base station, a request to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode; determine whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of one or more energy saving modes, wherein the one or more energy saving modes comprise at least a first energy saving mode; in response to determining not to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of the one or more energy saving modes, reject the request to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode; in response to determining to allow the base station to use the first energy saving mode, provide an indication of a second base station specific duration to the base station, wherein the base station is allowed to use the first energy saving mode during the second base station specific duration; and in response to providing the indication of the second base station specific duration to the base station, reject the network function request for the second base station specific duration.

[0031] The fifth aspect can include any of the other features mentioned in relation to the method of the second aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0032] Example embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example system;

[0034] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an example architecture;

[0035] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example apparatus;

[0036] Figure 4 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method;

[0037] Figures 5 to 7 is a message sequence chart illustrating an example method; and

[0038] Figure 8 is a block diagram of components of a system in accordance with example embodiments; and

[0039] Figure 9 An example of a tangible medium for storing computer-readable code which, when executed by a computer, can perform a method in accordance with the example embodiments described above is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Improving network energy efficiency can improve environmental sustainability, for example, by reducing environmental impact (e.g., from greenhouse gas emissions produced in the process of generating electricity). In addition, improving network energy efficiency can also provide operational cost savings. Future cellular systems are becoming ubiquitous across industries and geographical regions, and are handling more advanced services and supporting applications that require very high data rates, such as extended reality (XR), etc. Networks are becoming denser, using more antennas, larger system bandwidths, and more frequency bands. There is interest in keeping the environmental impact of networks under control, such as future 5G networks, 6G networks, and beyond, and thus there is interest in developing novel solutions to improve network energy saving.

[0041] One energy saving technique is discontinuous reception (DRX). In some implementations of DRX, a device (e.g., a user equipment, UE) can cycle between a lower power idle state in which it cannot receive from the network and an active state in which it can receive from the network.

[0042] The UE wakes up periodically once per DRX cycle, which can dominate the power loss of the UE in periods of no signaling or data traffic. If the UE can wake up only when it is triggered (e.g., paged), the power loss can be significantly reduced. This can be achieved by using a wake-up signal to trigger the main UE radio, and a separate ultra-low power loss receiver with the ability to monitor the wake-up signal. The main radio is responsible for data transmission and reception, which can be turned off or set to deep sleep unless it is turned on.

[0043] Similar techniques can be applied to base stations, such as next generation NodeBs (gNBs). For example, some techniques can allow a UE to send an uplink wake-up signal to request a cell to transition from a no or reduced transmission / reception activity mode to an active transmission or reception mode for a channel or signal. The techniques can be applied, for example, to gNBs in one or more radio resource control (RRC) states with a UE. A UE wake-up signal (WUS) sent by the UE to “wake up” the base station / gNB can be used to trigger transmission of a synchronization signal block (SSB) and / or a system information block (SIB).

[0044] With support of WUS, a base station (e.g., a gNB) can be inactive (e.g., it can not transmit and / or receive signals / channels, or it can only transmit and / or receive limited signals). Upon receiving an uplink signal from a UE, the gNB can become active for transmitting and / or receiving channels / signals. The inactivity or lower power mode of the gNB can be referred to as a network energy saving (NES) mode. For example, 3GPP standard document TR 38.864 describes several time, frequency, spatial, and power techniques for providing network energy saving, as well as example NES mode configurations that employ these techniques.

[0045] Networks can provide support for different positioning technologies to enable regulatory and commercial use cases for high-precision positioning for various industries or verticals, while supporting corresponding requirements. Some use cases can include Internet of Things (IoT) devices. To this end, new positioning technologies can enhance existing specifications, but also introduce novel measurement methods and mechanisms. New positioning technologies can be designed to meet stringent positioning requirements. Positioning requirements can vary based on device use cases and / or device environments. For example, positioning requirements (e.g., positioning accuracy) can be more stringent for indoor use than for outdoor use, and / or for devices in motion. Devices with industrial use cases can have more stringent positioning requirements than devices with general commercial use cases, and industrial and general commercial devices can have more stringent requirements than non-commercial and non-industrial devices.

[0046] Radio access technologies (RATs), such as 5G New Radio (NR), can support positioning technologies. To implement RAT-dependent positioning technologies, positioning reference signals can be transmitted and received via a cellular interface. Some widely accepted positioning methods are designed through a framework that leverages differential techniques (e.g., multilateration), where offsets (or errors) are mitigated through differences in measurements of multiple (at least three) reference points. Conversely, in an energy consumption model, a sleep mode is defined where a gNB is turned off completely or partially for energy savings, and thus is unable to process reference signals through a cellular interface.

[0047] In some NES methods, a gNB can transition from an active transmission / reception state to a no transmission / reception state or a reduced transmission / reception state (e.g., based on a cell load level) to improve energy savings. However, some standard positioning technologies require multiple (e.g., at least three) reference points (e.g., multilateration), where throughput and / or load levels can not be important. Moreover, a UE can be unable to directly transmit a WUS to an assisting / adjacent gNB(s) (e.g., intended gNBs for positioning) because the UE is only in an RC connected state with a serving gNB.

[0048] To this end, the goal of obtaining precise positioning measurements and the goal of obtaining energy savings can contradict each other. Obtaining precise positioning measurements can limit NES mode activation, and increasing energy savings can limit positioning measurement accuracy.

[0049] A network node, such as a location management function (LMF), can therefore intervene to decide when and for how long a gNB can enter an NES mode.

[0050] Intervention of the LMF can ensure a better balance between contradicting metrics, e.g., for network power saving and user positioning requirements for various types of devices (e.g., RedCap, loT, and UE), and thus actively avoid having a large impact.

[0051] Accordingly, a network control procedure for activation of the NES mode for the gNB(s) can be needed. In some examples, a network node, such as the LMF, can decide when the gNB can use the NES mode, and for how long the gNB can use the NES mode (e.g., the LMF can decide when the gNB can transition from an active transmission / reception mode to a no transmission / reception mode or reduced transmission / reception mode, while maintaining a balance between contradicting metrics, e.g., network power saving and user requirements).

[0052] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example model system 100. The model system 100 includes a UE 110 served by a serving gNB-1 112. The model system 100 includes two additional gNBs, a neighboring gNB-2 114, and a neighboring gNB-3 116. The model system 100 includes a location server 118. In the example model system 100, the UE 110 communicates with the location server 118 via the serving gNB-1 112, and the location server 118 has configured the UE 110 for positioning using a suitable protocol, in this case, the Long Term Evolution Positioning Protocol, LPP.

[0053] The location server 118 can communicate with the neighboring gNB-2 114 and the neighboring gNB-3 116 using a suitable protocol to allow for the gNBs 114 and 116 to be used in positioning. For example, the NR Positioning Protocol a, NRPPA, can be used.

[0054] Figure 2is a block diagram of an example architecture 200. The architecture 200 includes a UE 210 in communication with a next generation radio access network (NG-RAN) 212. In this example, the NG-RAN includes base stations gNB 214 and next generation evolved NodeB (ng-eNB) 216. The NG-RAN 212 (e.g., the base stations 214, 216 of the NG-RAN) communicates with the UE 210 via Uu interface(s) 218 for the ng-eNB and 220 for the gNB, respectively. The base stations of the NG-RAN 212 can communicate with each other via an Xn interface 222. The base stations of the NG-RAN 212 (e.g., the base stations 214, 216 of the NG-RAN) can communicate with a core network via a next generation control plane interface (NG-C) 226, which in this example includes an access and mobility function (AMF) 224. The AMF 224 communicates with a location management function (LMF) 228 via an NL1 interface 230. The LMF 228 can communicate with a secure user plane location (SUPL) location platform (SLP) 232 (an entity that provides user plane location services). The LMF 228 can communicate with an evolved serving mobile location center (E-SMLC) 234, which can allow the LMF 228 to access information from different networks (e.g., from an evolved universal mobile telecommunications system terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) in this example). This can support using E-UTRAN based positioning methods to obtain information for positioning.

[0055] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus 300, in accordance with some example embodiments. The apparatus 300 includes a processor 310 and a memory 312.

[0056] Figure 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 400. The method 400 can be performed by the apparatus 300. For example, in some examples, the memory 312 can store instructions that, when executed by the processor 310, cause the processor to perform the method 400.

[0057] At step 410 of the method 400, the apparatus 300 (e.g., at the processor 310) receives a request from a base station (which in some examples can be a gNB, or a 6G, or a higher level base station) to allow the base station to enter an energy saving mode.

[0058] At step 412, the apparatus 300 receives (e.g., at the processor 310) a network function request. This step can occur before or after step 410. The network function request can be a request for a network function to be performed. In some examples, performing the network function can require resources (e.g., transmission and / or reception resources) of one or more base stations. Performing the network function can require resources of multiple base stations. Additionally or alternatively, performing the network function request can require resources of one or more base stations that are not currently serving a device involved in the request. The network function request can be a location service request. The location service request can be a request for location information associated with a device (such as a user equipment, an environmental IoT device, or another capability level device). The device for which the location service request is requested to locate can be the source of the request, or another entity can make the request (such as, for example, an AMF). Fulfilling the network function request can require resources of one or more base stations (e.g., in the case that the request is a location service request, locating the device can require one or more base stations to transmit or receive reference signals, such as positioning reference signals), and thus there can be a competing interest between ensuring that the base stations maintain full capabilities to fulfill one or more types of network function requests and allowing the base stations to enter lower capability modes to conserve energy.

[0059] At step 414, the apparatus 300 determines (e.g., using the processor 310) whether to allow the base station to enter an energy saving mode. The apparatus 300 can decide between denying the base station request to enter an energy saving mode and allowing the base station to enter an energy saving mode of one or more energy saving modes, where the energy saving mode can preserve the base station’s capability to fulfill network function requests.

[0060] The one or more energy saving modes can include a first energy saving mode. When operating in the first energy saving mode, the base station can have a lower power consumption than when operating in a normal operating mode. The base station can also provide a reduced capability when operating in the first energy saving mode than when operating in the normal operating mode. For example, when operating in the first energy saving mode, the base station can use a configuration that provides a reduced capability while reducing power consumption. The one or more energy saving modes can include a plurality of energy saving modes, where different energy saving modes preserve different base station capabilities. The one or more energy saving modes can also include a second energy saving mode. When operating in the second energy saving mode, the base station can also have a lower power consumption and can provide a reduced capability than when operating in the normal operating mode, but the base station can provide an increased capability and can have a higher power consumption than when operating in the first energy saving mode. For example, when operating in the second energy saving mode, the base station can use a configuration that provides a reduced capability and a lower power consumption than the normal operating mode, and provides an increased capability and a higher power consumption than the first energy saving mode.

[0061] The apparatus 300 can determine whether to allow the base station to operate in the energy saving mode based at least in part on a priority associated with the network function request. During or prior to step 414, the apparatus 300 can thus obtain an indication of the priority associated with the network request. For example, if a high priority is associated with the network function request, then based at least in part on the high priority, the request to enter the energy saving mode can not be allowed. If a priority other than the high priority is associated with the network function request, then based at least in part on the priority, the base station can be allowed to enter the energy saving mode. In some examples, based at least in part on a priority associated with the request being a low priority, the base station can be allowed to enter the first energy saving mode.

[0062] If one or more energy saving modes include the second energy saving mode, then in some examples, based at least in part on an intermediate priority associated with the network function request, the base station can be allowed to enter the second energy saving mode.

[0063] The determination of step 414 can additionally or alternatively be made based at least in part on an indication of the network function request or a determination of whether the network function request can be satisfied when the base station is not available to enter the energy saving mode. For example, the determination of step 414 can be based at least in part on an indication of a time required to perform the network function when the base station is not available, and / or a time required to perform the network function when the base station is in the first energy saving mode when the base station is not available to perform the network function and one or more alternative base stations are capable of performing the network function.

[0064] In some examples, the network function request is a location service request, and the determination of step 414 can be based at least in part on an indication of whether the target device can be located and / or the location service request can be satisfied when the base station is not available to assist in locating the target device / subject of the location service request. The availability of the requesting base station can affect the time taken to locate the target device and / or satisfy the location service request, and the determination of step 414 can additionally or alternatively be based on a time required to locate the target device or satisfy the location service request when the requesting base station is not available. These determinations can optionally take into account an indication of whether an alternative base station is available to replace the (energy saving mode request) base station. For example, the requesting base station can be allowed to enter the energy saving mode if the target device can be located without the requesting base station being available to assist, or if the target device can be located while satisfying accuracy requirements (which can be defined in or inferred from the location service request) without the requesting base station being available to assist.

[0065] The determination at step 414 can be based at least in part on an indication of whether one or more active replacement base stations are available to replace the requesting base station to satisfy the network function request when the requesting base station is in the power saving mode. For example, the decision not to allow the requesting base station to enter the power saving mode can be based at least in part on one or more active replacement base stations not being available to replace the requesting base station to satisfy the network function request when the requesting base station is in the power saving mode.

[0066] At step 416, the apparatus 300 has determined (i.e., at step 414) not to allow the base station to enter the power saving mode and denies the request to allow the base station to use the power saving mode. In some examples, the apparatus 300 indicates to the base station not to enter the power saving mode and does not transmit another request to enter the power saving mode for a first base station-specific duration. By providing a duration during which another request cannot be transmitted, repeated requests can be avoided, thereby reducing unnecessary / redundant signaling between the apparatus 300 and the requesting base station. Reducing unnecessary signaling can conserve network power.

[0067] As the request to enter the power saving mode has been denied, the network function request will not be affected by the base station entering the power saving mode. The network function can be performed.

[0068] In some example embodiments, the first base station-specific duration can be determined based at least in part on parameters of a discontinuous transmission (DTX) and / or a DRX cycle of the device to be located (where the network function request is a location service request for the device to be located). For example, the duration can be based at least in part on a DTX and / or DRX active state cycle of the UE (or other device) to be located.

[0069] Additionally or alternatively, the first base station-specific duration can be determined based at least in part on a time required to satisfy the network function request.

[0070] At step 418, the apparatus 300 can initiate the network function in response to the network function request.

[0071] At step 420, the apparatus 300 has determined (i.e., at step 414) to allow the base station to enter the first power saving mode and the apparatus 300 provides an indication of a base station-specific duration to the base station during which the base station can use the first power saving mode (i.e., a second base station-specific duration) to the base station.

[0072] At step 422, the apparatus 300 sends a message responsive to the network function request, denying the network function request. The message can indicate a duration (a second base station specific duration) for which the base station can use the first energy saving mode. Indicating a duration for which the base station can be in the energy saving mode can indicate to the network function requestor that the network function is unavailable for a period of time, thereby reducing the risk of sending another unnecessary network function request when the network function is unavailable (due to the base station being in the energy saving mode).

[0073] As mentioned above, in some example embodiments, the one or more energy saving modes optionally can include a second energy saving mode. At step 424, the apparatus 300 has determined (i.e., at step 414) that the base station is permitted to enter the second energy saving mode, and the apparatus 300 provides an indication to the base station of a base station specific duration (i.e., a third base station specific duration) for which the base station can use the second energy saving mode.

[0074] In some example embodiments, in the second energy saving mode, the base station can retain sufficient capability to satisfy the network function request (or to assist in satisfying the network function request). For example, in the case that the network function request is a location service request, in the second energy saving mode, the base station can retain sufficient capability to locate the target device (or to assist in locating the target device).

[0075] In some example embodiments, step 424 is followed by step 426 in which the apparatus 300 initiates the network function responsive to the network function request. For example, if the network function request is a location service request, a location procedure can be initiated at step 426.

[0076] By having the apparatus receive the network function request and the energy saving mode request, the apparatus can improve network energy saving while satisfying network function requirements (such as location requirements). The procedure can be applicable to various use cases and situations, and can be simply implemented.

[0077] Priority

[0078] As mentioned above, the determination at step 414 can be based at least in part on a priority level associated with the network function request.

[0079] A particular priority level can be associated with the network function request at least in part due to some attributes associated with a device that is a subject of the request. For example, if the network function request is a location service request, the priority can be based at least in part on some attributes associated with the device to be located.

[0080] Additionally or alternatively, a particular priority level can be associated with the network function request at least in part due to some attributes associated with an entity that makes the network function request.

[0081] Additionally or alternatively, a particular priority level can be associated with a network function request at least in part due to some other attribute associated with the request.

[0082] The priority can be indicated to the apparatus 300 explicitly or implicitly.

[0083] In some examples, the network function request is a location service request, and the priority level associated with the location service request can be based on a category, class, or mobility profile of a device that is the subject of the location service request. For example, the priority can be based at least in part on a device class (e.g., from a reduced functionality environmental IoT device to a fully functional user device). The priority can be based at least in part on a mobility profile, (e.g., “stationary” for effectively stationary devices, or “pedestrian,” which can include devices moving at 3 km / h, or “mobile” devices, which can include devices moving at higher speeds, such as devices incorporated in or carried by cars, trains, etc.). Devices can also be classified based on applications (e.g., industrial, mission critical, or neither), and the priority level can be based at least in part on this classification.

[0084] In one example, stationary UEs and low-cost environmental IoT devices can generally be associated with a low priority. Mission critical and industrial IoT devices that can have high accuracy requirements (e.g., < 0.2 meters) can be associated with a high priority. Devices with pedestrian speeds (e.g., 3 km / h) can have lower accuracy requirements (e.g., an outdoor positioning accuracy requirement can be ~ 10 meters), and can generally be associated with an intermediate priority.

[0085] Energy saving mode features

[0086] One or more energy saving modes can be implemented in several ways. The use of different energy saving modes can affect the capabilities of the base station in different ways, and the energy saving mode can additionally or alternatively affect the capabilities of the base station for different durations of time.

[0087] In some examples, the first energy saving mode is a mode in which the base station provides reduced capabilities compared to the normal mode of operation and consumes less power than the normal mode of operation. The base station can provide reduced capabilities by changing parameters of its operation or by stopping providing some capabilities altogether. For example, the capabilities can be reduced by stopping transmitting and / or receiving. In some examples, the capabilities can be reduced by reducing the probing bandwidth or transmit power, reducing the number of active antenna ports, and / or by using a smaller set of time slots for transmission and / or reception. In some examples, the first energy saving mode corresponds to a configuration of the base station, and using the first energy saving mode includes using the configuration. The first energy saving mode can correspond to a different configuration of the base station than the configuration used in the normal mode of operation.

[0088] In some example embodiments, the “normal” mode of operation can be considered to be a mode of operation in which the base station operates using all available resources / capabilities.

[0089] In some examples, the first energy saving mode is a mode in which the base station is not available for downlink transmission or uplink reception. In the first energy saving mode, the base station can effectively be in a sleep mode and can not have any active transmission or reception capabilities. The base station can enter this energy saving mode for different durations of time. For example, the base station can enter a deep sleep, a light sleep, or a micro sleep.

[0090] In some examples, the second energy saving mode is also a base station that provides reduced capabilities compared to the normal mode of operation and consumes less power than the normal mode of operation. The second energy saving mode can effectively be an intermediate mode between the normal mode of operation and the first energy saving mode, so the base station operating in the second energy saving mode can provide more capabilities / resources than the first energy saving mode but have a higher power consumption than the first energy saving mode. In some examples, the second energy saving mode corresponds to a configuration of the base station, and using the second energy saving mode includes using the configuration. The second energy saving mode can correspond to a different configuration of the base station than the configuration used in the normal mode of operation and different than the configuration used in the first mode of operation.

[0091] The second mode of operation can be a mode in which the base station is available for transmission / reception but has reduced resources / capabilities compared to the normal mode of operation. In some examples, the capabilities can be reduced by reducing the probing bandwidth or transmit power used, reducing the number of active antenna ports, and / or by using a smaller set of time slots for transmission and / or reception.

[0092] In some embodiments, the first energy saving mode corresponds to a sleep state in which transmission / reception is inactive / unavailable for the duration of the mode, while the second energy saving mode corresponds to a mode in which the base station has reduced capabilities but is still available for transmission and reception.

[0093] Figure 5 is a message sequence chart illustrating the message sequence 500. The message sequence 500 includes messages between a UE 510, a gNB 512, an LMF 514, and an AMF 516. In this example, the base station requesting to use the power saving mode is the gNB 512, but the method can be applied to other base stations.

[0094] The message sequence 500 is an example message sequence in which a device (in this case the LMF 514) can determine whether a base station is permitted to use a power saving mode. In some examples, aspects of the method can be performed by other network nodes. For example, in some examples an AMF or a location management controller (LMC) can additionally or alternatively perform some of the functions of the LMF described in connection with the following method. For example, the AMF or LMC can make the determination of step 534.

[0095] In this example, the network function request is a location service request, but aspects of this example can be applied to other network functions.

[0096] At step 520, the LMF 514 can use a suitable procedure to acquire information required for positioning measurements from the gNB 512.

[0097] At step 522, the LMF 514 can request information about the positioning capabilities of the UE 510, for example using an LPP capabilities transfer procedure.

[0098] At step 524, the UE 510 sends a location service request (which can include relevant additional parameters). The location service request can be sent via the AMF 516. For example, the UE 510 can request a position fix (e.g. for the delivery of positioning or assistance data), which can be sent to the LMF 514, for example via the AMF 516.

[0099] At step 526, the AMF 516 can determine the need for a position fix for the UE 510 (for some use cases) and generate a location service request, where step 526 can be performed in addition to or instead of step 524.

[0100] At steps 524 and / or 526, the location service request relates to the location of the UE 510, but the location service request can relate to the location of another device category, such as the location of an environmental IoT device.

[0101] At step 528, the AMF 516 for the UE 510 sends the location service request to the LMF 514.

[0102] At step 530, the gNB 512 determines to enter the NES mode for power saving. In one example, the gNB 512 can make this decision based on whether the power loss of the gNB 512 at the slot level and / or symbol level meets a condition or trigger. Different power loss levels can reflect different resource block (RB) utilization / time occupancy / Tx-Rx direction of different symbols in a slot.

[0103] In some examples, the NES mode can include deep sleep, light sleep, and micro sleep states in time, frequency, spatial, and / or power domains, and / or any one or more of the techniques, and any combination of the above.

[0104] At step 532, the gNB 512 sends a request to the LMF to provide assistance in deciding whether to activate the NES mode.

[0105] At step 534, the LMF 514 determines whether to allow NES mode activation for the gNB 512. The LMF 514 can decide when and how long the gNB 512 can use the NES mode. The LMF 514, having received a location service request and a NES mode request, can make a decision balancing the benefits (sometimes competing) of satisfying the positioning request and providing network power saving.

[0106] The method 500 represents a first case. In this case, the LMF 514 denies the NES mode activation in response to the request from the gNB 512. The response includes / indicates a gNB-specific timer T value. The timer T is a timer during which the requested gNB is not allowed to activate any NES mode. Without this timer information, the gNB 512 can send frequent activation requests, causing redundant signaling with the AMF 514, and thus consuming more network power. Thus, the AMF 514 can take the NES balancing into account and configure a gNB-specific timer T value for the next NES mode request.

[0107] In some example cases, the gNB-specific timer T value can be decided based on a target UE’s DTX and / or DRX active state period, or a minimum time required to satisfy a network function request (e.g., to locate a target device), etc.

[0108] In some example embodiments, the decision to deny the NES mode activation is based on a priority associated with the positioning request. The request can be denied, for example, based at least in part on the positioning request being a high priority request.

[0109] At step 536, the LMF 514 sends the denial (including the timer T).

[0110] At step 538, the NES mode request has been rejected, so the gNB 512 will not enter NES mode (at least for time T), and the gNB 512 can be available for positioning (at least for time T), so the positioning procedure can occur (e.g., using standard measurements and positioning procedures).

[0111] Figure 6 FIG. 6 is a message sequence chart illustrating a message sequence 600. The message sequence 600 includes messages between the UE 510, the gNB 512, the LMF 514, and the AMF 516. The message sequence 600 corresponds to the second case where the sequence 500 diverges at step 534 / 634. Thus, the above description of steps 520-532 applies to the message sequence 600.

[0112] The method 600 represents the second case. In this case, at step 634, the LMF 514 decides to configure partial NES mode activation for the gNB 512. The partial NES mode activation can for example include the use of adaptive techniques which can include, but are not limited to, techniques using adaptive operation of the gNB 512 in time domain, frequency domain, spatial domain, or power domain, or any combination, to reduce power consumption.

[0113] In some example embodiments, the LMF 514 can configure partial NES mode which changes the characteristics and / or periodicity of the positioning reference signals to improve energy saving while ensuring that the required UE positioning requirements are met. For example, configurable parameters can include (but are not limited to) s_f: probing bandwidth (which impacts achievable time measurement accuracy); s_a: active antenna elements (which impacts achievable angular measurement accuracy); s_p: transmit power (which impacts achievable signal quality); s_t: periodicity (which impacts measurement accuracy), and any combination of these parameters.

[0114] The decision to configure partial NES mode can be based at least in part on a priority associated with the positioning request. For example, the decision to configure partial NES mode can be based at least in part on an intermediate priority associated with the positioning request.

[0115] At step 636, the LMF 514 sends instructions to the gNB 512 to use partial NES mode. The LMF 514 can configure the partial NES mode radio resources determined above and indicate the NES mode timer T NES to the gNB 512 via a suitable message, such as a NRPPa message. After the specified NES mode timer T NES expires, the gNB 512 can transition back to active state and the procedure can restart from step 530.

[0116] At step 638, the gNB 512 is at least partially active (even during T NES), so the measurement and positioning procedure can continue in response to the location service request. The standard measurement and positioning procedure can thus proceed.

[0117] Figure 7 FIG. 7 is a message sequence chart illustrating a message sequence 700. The message sequence 700 includes messages between the UE 510, the gNB 512, the LMF 514, and the AMF 516. The message sequence 700 corresponds to a third case, which deviates from the sequence 500 at step 534 / 734. Thus, the above description of steps 520-532 applies to the message sequence 700.

[0118] The method 700 represents the third case. In this case, at step 734, the LMF 514 decides to configure full NES mode activation for the gNB 512 timer T NES. In some examples, the configuration can specify deep sleep, light sleep, or micro sleep states, or a combination of sleep states. In some examples, the gNB 512 cannot transmit or receive in full NES mode.

[0119] The decision to configure full NES mode activation can be based at least in part on a priority associated with the location request. For example, the decision to configure full NES mode activation can be based at least in part on a low priority associated with the location request.

[0120] At step 736, the LMF 514 sends a reject message to the requesting AMF 516 in response to the location service request. In some examples, the reject message can include other information, such as a NES timer T NES value. The value can be used to determine when a next location service request can be sent (as sending repeated location service requests when location service is unavailable can impose significant signaling overhead).

[0121] If step 524 is performed, then step 740 can be performed. If the location service request was initiated by an entity other than the AMF 516 (e.g., in this case, by the UE 510), the AMF 516 can return a reject response to the original requesting entity (e.g., the UE 510). In some examples, the response can include other useful or necessary information. For example, the response can also include a value for the timer T NES, or the response can include instructions and / or information related to the positioning UE 510 not using the air interface. For example, instructions to use a non-terrestrial network or built-in sensors can be included.

[0122] In some examples, when making the decision of step 534, 63, 4, or 734, the LMF 514 can first query whether there is one or more active state alternative gNBs that can replace the requested gNB 512 for the timer T NES in order to locate the target UE 510. If there is no additional alternative gNB that satisfies the UE 510 positioning requirements, the method 500 or 600 (without using NES mode, or using partial NES mode) can be the preferred option. Alternatively, the method 700 (using full NES mode) can be preferred to maximize energy saving.

[0123] In some examples, the priority of positioning can be based on UE category, class, mobility profile, etc. In an example, stationary UEs and low-cost environmental IoT devices can generally be classified as having low priority positioning requirements. Conversely, mission-critical and industrial IoT devices can have requirements for high accuracy (i.e., < 0.2 m), and thus can generally be classified as having high priority positioning requirements. Further, devices with pedestrian speeds (e.g., 3 km / h) can have positioning requirements of ~10 m (e.g., for outdoor scenarios), and thus can generally be classified as having medium priority positioning requirements, and thus can provide an opportunity to adjust resources accordingly.

[0124] For completeness, Figure 8 Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of components of one or more example embodiments previously described (hereinafter collectively referred to as processing system 800). The processing system 800 may, for example, be provided by a device referred to in the following claims.

[0125] The processing system 800 can have a processor 802, memory 804 tightly coupled to the processor and consisting of random access memory (RAM) 814 and read-only memory (ROM) 812, and optionally user input 810 and display 818. The processing system 800 can include one or more network / device interfaces 808 for connecting to a network / device, e.g., a modem, which can be wired or wireless. The network / device interface 808 can also operate as a connection to other devices, such as devices / apparatuses that are not network-side apparatuses. Thus, direct connections between devices / apparatuses without network involvement are possible.

[0126] The processor 802 is connected to each of the other components in order to control its own operation.

[0127] The memory 804 can include non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The ROM 812 of the memory 804 stores (inter alia) an operating system 815 and can store software applications 816. The RAM 814 of the memory 804 is used by the processor 802 for the temporary storage of data. The operating system 815 can contain code which, when executed by a processor, implements aspects of the above-described method 400, as well as aspects of the message flow sequences 500, 600, and 700. Note that in the case of small devices / apparatuses, the memory can be most suitable for small size usage, i.e. it is not always that a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD) is used.

[0128] The processor 802 can take any suitable form. For example, it can be a microcontroller, a number of microcontrollers, a processor, or a number of processors.

[0129] The processing system 800 can be a standalone computer, a server, a console, or its own network. The processing system 800 and the required structural components can all be inside a device / apparatus, such as an IoT device / apparatus, i.e. embedded to very small size.

[0130] In some example embodiments, the processing system 800 can also be associated with external software applications. These applications can be applications stored on a remote server device / apparatus and can be run partly or completely on the remote server device / apparatus. These applications can be referred to as cloud-hosted applications. The processing system 800 can communicate with the remote server device / apparatus in order to utilize the software applications stored there.

[0131] Figure 9 A tangible medium storing computer readable code in the form of a removable memory unit 910 is shown, which, when run by a computer, can execute a method according to the above-described example embodiments. The removable memory unit 910 can be a memory stick, e.g. a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory stick, having an internal memory 930 storing the computer readable code. The internal memory 930 can be accessed by a computer system via a connector 920. Of course, other forms of tangible storage media can be used, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The tangible medium can be any device / apparatus capable of storing data / information, wherein the data / information can be exchanged between devices / apparatuses / networks.

[0132] Embodiments of the application can be implemented in software, hardware, application logic or a combination of software, hardware and application logic. The software, application logic and / or hardware can reside on memory, a computer, or any computer medium. In an example embodiment, the application logic, software or an instruction set is maintained on any one of various conventional computer-readable media. In the context of this document, a "computer-readable medium" can be any non-transitory medium that can contain, store, communicate, propagate or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), and Blu-Ray® disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers.

[0133] In relevant contexts, references to "computer-readable medium", "computer program product", "tangibly embodied on a computer readable medium" etc., or "processor" or "processing circuitry" etc. should be understood to encompass not only computers having differing architectures such as single / multi-processor architectures and sequencers / parallel architectures, but also specialized circuits such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), application-specific circuits (ASIC), signal processing devices / apparatus and other devices / apparatus. References to computer program, instructions, code etc. should be understood to encompass software for a programmable processor or firmware such as, for example, the programmable content of a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or programmation logic for an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and / or configuration settings for a programmable logic device etc.

[0134] If desired, the various functions discussed in this document can be performed in a different order and / or concurrently with each other. Furthermore, if desired, one or more of the above-described functions can be optional or can be combined. Similarly, it should be understood that, Figure 4 , Figure 6 , and Figure 7 the flow diagrams and signal diagrams in FIGS. 1-10 are examples only, where various operations can be omitted, reordered, and / or combined.

[0135] It is to be understood that the above-described example embodiments are merely illustrative and not limiting of the scope of the application. Other variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description, which serves to illustrate the exemplary embodiments.

[0136] Moreover, the disclosure of this patent document is to be considered in enablement of any novel features or combinations of features disclosed herein that fully or partly solve the problems concretely or implicitly taught by this document. Further, any applications based on the disclosure of this patent document in the parent of this application or any applications derived by division or continuation of the parent of this application may not be further limited to the specific novel subject matter recited herein for purposes of the particular application in which that application is being filed and which application is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

[0137] Although various aspects of the application are set forth in the independent claims, other aspects of the application include other combinations of features from the described example embodiments and / or dependent claims with the features of the independent claims, and not just the combinations explicitly set forth in the claims.

[0138] It is also noted herein that while the above describes example embodiments, these descriptions should not be viewed in a limiting sense. Rather, there are several variations and modifications which have been and can be made, and equivalents employed, without departing from the scope of the present application as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for communication, comprising: Components used to receive network function requests; A component for receiving a request from a base station allowing the base station to use an energy-saving mode; A component for determining whether the base station is allowed to use one or more energy-saving modes, wherein the one or more energy-saving modes include at least a first energy-saving mode; A component for responding to a request to deny permission for the base station to use an energy-saving mode in response to determining that the base station is not permitted to use an energy-saving mode among the one or more energy-saving modes; A component for providing an indication to the base station for a second base station-specific duration in response to determining that the base station is permitted to use the first power-saving mode, wherein the base station is permitted to use the first power-saving mode during the second base station-specific duration; as well as A component for rejecting a network function request for a specific duration of a second base station in response to an instruction provided to the base station.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the request to deny permission for the base station to use the power-saving mode comprises: A rejection message is provided to the base station, wherein the rejection message includes an indication of a specific duration for a first base station, wherein the base station will not use the power-saving mode or send another request to use the power-saving mode during the specific duration for the first base station.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: Components for determining a specific duration of the first base station based at least in part on at least one or more of the following: The discontinuous transmission DTX activity status cycle of the target device; The target device's discontinuous reception DRX activity state cycle; and The shortest time required to fulfill the network function request.

4. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein rejecting the network function request comprises: A network function request rejection message is sent, the network function request rejection message indicating a specific duration for the second base station.

5. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the use of the first energy-saving mode by the base station includes: When the first energy-saving mode is in use, a configuration that provides reduced capacity and consumes less power compared to the normal operating mode is used, or Use a configuration that does not provide downlink transmission capability or uplink reception capability.

6. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more energy-saving modes further include a second energy-saving mode, and wherein the apparatus further includes: A component for providing a third base station-specific duration to the base station in response to determining that the base station is permitted to use the second power-saving mode, wherein the base station is permitted to use the second power-saving mode during the third base station-specific duration.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the use of the second energy-saving mode by the base station includes: When the second energy-saving mode is in use, use the following configuration: The configuration provides reduced capacity compared to the normal operating mode and increased capacity compared to the first energy-saving mode; The configuration consumes less power compared to the normal operating mode, but consumes more power compared to the first energy-saving mode. The configuration has reduced transmission and / or reception resources; and The configuration includes any one or more of the following: A smaller set of antenna ports than in normal operating mode; Smaller detection bandwidth than normal operating mode; Lower transmission power than normal operating mode; A smaller set of time slots for transmission and / or reception than in normal operating mode.

8. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: Components for determining a specific duration of the second base station based at least in part on one or more of the following: The time required to perform the network function when the base station is unavailable; When the base station is in the first energy-saving mode, when the base station is unavailable to perform network functions and one or more alternative base stations are able to perform the network functions, the time required to perform the network functions; as well as The network function is used to locate the target device.

9. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: The component for obtaining an indication of the priority associated with the network function request, wherein the component for determining whether the base station is allowed to use an energy-saving mode among one or more energy-saving modes is configured to: determine whether the base station is allowed to use an energy-saving mode among one or more energy-saving modes based at least in part on the priority; in: The component for determining whether to allow the base station to use one or more power-saving modes is configured to: at least in part respond to an indication for obtaining a priority associated with the network function request, the component obtains an indication of high priority associated with the network function request, and determines that the base station is not allowed to use one or more power-saving modes; or The component for determining whether to allow the base station to use one of one or more power-saving modes is configured to: at least in part respond to an indication for obtaining a priority associated with the network function request, the component obtains an indication of low priority associated with the network function request, and determines that the base station is allowed to use the first power-saving mode.

10. A method for communication, comprising: Receive network function requests; Receive a request from the base station to allow the base station to use power-saving mode; Determine whether to allow the base station to use one or more power-saving modes, wherein the one or more power-saving modes include at least a first power-saving mode; In response to determining that the base station is not allowed to use the energy-saving mode among the one or more energy-saving modes, the request to allow the base station to use the energy-saving mode is rejected; In response to determining that the base station is permitted to use the first power-saving mode, an indication is provided to the base station for a second base station-specific duration, wherein the base station is permitted to use the first power-saving mode during the second base station-specific duration; as well as In response to an instruction to provide the base station with a specific duration for the second base station, the network function request for the specific duration of the second base station is rejected.

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