System information block request method, UE, network device and communication system

By having the UE receive and send configuration information in the 5G network to trigger the energy-saving cell to send SIB1, the problem of idle cells being unable to access the network is solved, thus achieving energy saving and improved user experience.

CN120935840APending Publication Date: 2025-11-11CHINA TELECOM CORP LTD TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION CENTER +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202410564540.6
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-05-08
Publication Date
2025-11-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In 5G networks, when an idle cell enters power-saving mode, the UE cannot obtain the configuration information for the wake-up signal from the SSB sent by the idle cell, thus making it unable to access the idle cell.

Method used

The UE receives configuration information from the energy-saving cell, including uplink wake-up signal configuration information or SIB1 request configuration information, and sends request information to the energy-saving cell to trigger the energy-saving cell to send SIB1 or enter the active state.

Benefits of technology

This enables UEs to quickly access energy-efficient cells, obtain good network services, achieve energy savings, and improve user experience and data transmission efficiency.

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Abstract

Provided are a method for requesting a system information block, a UE, a network device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a computer program product, the method for requesting a system information block comprising: receiving configuration information of an energy-saving cell, the configuration information comprising uplink wake-up signal configuration information or system information block SIB1 request configuration information; and sending first information to the energy-saving cell or the first cell according to the configuration information so as to request the energy-saving cell to send the SIB1 or enter an activated state. According to the method and the device, the UE can acquire the configuration information required for sending the wake-up signal to the energy-saving cell, the energy-saving cell can be triggered to be converted into a normal cell, and the SIB1 is started to be sent, so that the UE can quickly access the energy-saving cell, good network service can be obtained, and the use experience of a user is improved while energy is saved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method for requesting system information blocks, a UE, a network device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a computer program product. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, 5G networks have been deployed on a large scale. 5G networks require more antennas, greater bandwidth, and more frequency bands to handle high data rate services and applications. 5G networks consume a significant amount of energy, necessitating energy-saving solutions that are crucial for environmental sustainability, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and saving operating costs. Energy costs in mobile networks constitute a large proportion of operators' total costs. A significant portion of mobile network energy consumption comes from the radio access network (RAN), which can be divided into two parts: 1. Energy consumption during data transmission or reception; 2. Energy consumption required to maintain the necessary operation of RAN equipment when data transmission or reception is not in progress. Currently, idle cells enter energy-saving mode to conserve energy, broadcasting only SSBs (Synchronization Signal Blocks) without transmitting or receiving other data. Therefore, idle cells can be detected by UEs, but UEs cannot access them. If a UE needs to access an idle cell, the idle cell needs to leave the power-saving mode. Since the information carried by the SSB sent by the idle cell is fixed, the UE cannot obtain the configuration information for sending a wake-up signal from the SSB sent by the idle cell and therefore cannot access the idle cell. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure provides a method for requesting system information blocks, a UE, a network device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a computer program product.

[0004] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a method for requesting a System Information Block (SIB1) is provided, applied to a User Equipment (UE), comprising: receiving configuration information of an energy-saving cell, wherein the configuration information includes uplink wake-up signal configuration information or System Information Block (SIB1) request configuration information; and sending first information to the energy-saving cell or a first cell according to the configuration information, for requesting the energy-saving cell to send SIB1 or enter an active state.

[0005] In some implementations, receiving the configuration information of the energy-saving cell includes receiving the configuration information sent by the first cell.

[0006] In some implementations, receiving the configuration information sent by the first cell includes receiving an SIB1 message or a SystemInformation message sent by the first cell, wherein the SIB1 message or the SystemInformation message carries the configuration information.

[0007] In some implementations, the uplink wake-up signal configuration information includes at least one of the following: the cell identifier of the energy-saving cell, a first resource for waking up or activating the energy-saving cell, and the period for sending the first information; wherein the first resource includes at least one of the following: RA preamble and PRACH opportunity.

[0008] In some implementations, the SIB1 request configuration information includes at least one of the following: the cell identifier of the energy-saving cell, a second resource for requesting SIB1, a triggering condition for requesting SIB1, and an identifier of the cell supporting on-demand SIB1; wherein the second resource includes at least one of the following: RA preamble, PRACH opportunity, and uplink grant.

[0009] In some implementations, a second message sent by the energy-saving cell or the first cell is received, wherein the second message includes an acknowledgment message or a rejection message, the rejection message being used to instruct the energy-saving cell not to send SIB1.

[0010] In some implementations, the confirmation information includes at least one of the following: confirmation of SIB1 transmission indication, energy-saving cell identifier, SIB1 transmission cycle, SIB1 transmission time, and SIB1 transmission frequency information.

[0011] In some implementations, a random access response (RAR), message Msg2, or message Msg4 sent by the energy-saving cell or the first cell is received, wherein the second information is carried in the RAR, the Msg2, or the Msg4.

[0012] In some implementations, the first information includes a random access (RA) preamble or an SIB1 request; the first cell includes an anchor cell or a second cell; wherein the second cell is a cell that periodically sends SIB1.

[0013] In some implementations, the SIB1 request information includes the cell identifier or physical cell identifier (PCI) of the energy-saving cell from which the UE requests to send the SIB1 request; wherein the SIB1 request information is carried via Msg3 or RRC messages.

[0014] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a method for requesting a System Information Block (SIB1) is provided, applied to a network device, comprising: sending configuration information of an energy-saving cell to a UE, wherein the configuration information includes uplink wake-up signal configuration information or system information block (SIB1) request configuration information; and receiving first information sent by the UE through the energy-saving cell or a first cell, wherein the first information is information generated by the UE based on the configuration information, used to request the energy-saving cell to send SIB1 or enter an active state.

[0015] In some implementations, sending the configuration information of the energy-saving cell to the UE includes sending the configuration information to the UE through the first cell.

[0016] In some implementations, sending the configuration information to the UE through the first cell includes sending an SIB1 message or a SystemInformation message to the UE through the first cell, wherein the SIB1 message or SystemInformation message carries the configuration information.

[0017] In some implementations, the energy-saving cell sends the configuration information to the first cell.

[0018] In some implementations, a second message is sent to the UE via the energy-saving cell or the anchor cell, wherein the second message includes an acknowledgment message or a rejection message, and the rejection message is used to instruct the energy-saving cell not to send SIB1.

[0019] In some implementations, the first cell sends an SIB request indication message or a wake-up indication message to the energy-saving cell, receives the second information sent by the energy-saving cell, and sends it to the UE.

[0020] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a UE is provided, comprising: a first receiving module, configured to receive configuration information of an energy-saving cell, wherein the configuration information includes uplink wake-up signal configuration information or system information block (SIB1) request configuration information; and a first sending module, configured to send first information to the energy-saving cell or a first cell according to the configuration information, for requesting the energy-saving cell to send SIB1 or enter an active state.

[0021] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a UE is provided, comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to perform the method described above based on instructions stored in the memory.

[0022] According to a fifth aspect of this disclosure, a network device is provided, comprising: a second transmitting module, configured to transmit configuration information of an energy-saving cell to a UE, wherein the configuration information includes uplink wake-up signal configuration information or system information block (SIB1) request configuration information; and a second receiving module, configured to receive first information transmitted by the UE through the energy-saving cell or a first cell, wherein the first information is information generated by the UE based on the configuration information, used to request the energy-saving cell to transmit SIB1 or enter an active state.

[0023] According to a sixth aspect of this disclosure, a network device is provided, comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to perform the method described above based on instructions stored in the memory.

[0024] According to a seventh aspect of this disclosure, a communication system is provided, comprising: a UE as described above, and a network device as described above.

[0025] According to an eighth aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores computer instructions which are executed by a processor using the method described above.

[0026] According to a ninth aspect of this disclosure, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product storing computer instructions, the instructions being executed by a processor using the method described above.

[0027] The system information block request method, UE, network device, communication system, storage medium, and computer program product disclosed herein enable the UE to obtain the configuration information required to send a wake-up signal to the energy-saving cell, trigger the energy-saving cell to become a normal cell and start sending SIB1, so that the UE can quickly access the energy-saving cell and obtain good network service, thereby improving the user experience while achieving energy saving. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the more detailed description of the embodiments thereof in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the embodiments of this disclosure and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of this disclosure to explain the disclosure and do not constitute a limitation thereof. The above and other objects and advantages of this disclosure will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments and the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding technical features or components will be represented by the same or corresponding reference numerals.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating some embodiments of the system information block request method according to this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a first application illustration of some embodiments of the system information block request method according to this disclosure;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a second application illustration of some embodiments of the system information block request method according to this disclosure;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a third application illustration of some embodiments of the system information block request method according to this disclosure;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a fourth application diagram illustrating some embodiments of the system information block request method according to this disclosure;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a fifth application illustration of some embodiments of the system information block request method according to this disclosure;

[0035] Figure 7 This is a sixth application diagram illustrating some embodiments of the system information block request method according to this disclosure;

[0036] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating some other embodiments of the system information block request method according to this disclosure;

[0037] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of modules in some embodiments of the UE according to this disclosure;

[0038] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of modules in some other embodiments of the UE according to this disclosure;

[0039] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of modules in some embodiments of the network device according to the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of modules in some other embodiments of a network device according to the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. For clarity and brevity, not all features of the embodiments are described in the specification. However, it should be understood that many implementation-specific settings must be made in carrying out the embodiments to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as complying with constraints related to the device and business, and these constraints may vary depending on the implementation. Furthermore, it should be understood that while development work can be very complex and time-consuming, such development work is merely a routine task for those skilled in the art who benefit from the present disclosure.

[0042] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0043] Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the embodiments of this disclosure are only used to distinguish different steps, devices, or modules, and do not represent any specific technical meaning, nor do they indicate a necessary logical order between them.

[0044] It should also be understood that in the embodiments disclosed herein, "a plurality of" may refer to two or more, and "at least one" may refer to one, two or more.

[0045] It should also be understood that any component, data or structure mentioned in the embodiments of this disclosure can generally be understood as one or more unless expressly defined or given to the contrary in the context.

[0046] Furthermore, the term "and / or" in this disclosure is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this disclosure generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0047] It should also be understood that the description of the various embodiments in this disclosure emphasizes the differences between the various embodiments, and the similarities or similarities can be referred to each other. For the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail.

[0048] At the same time, it should be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the accompanying drawings are not drawn according to actual scale.

[0049] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure or its application or use.

[0050] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0051] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be discussed further in subsequent figures.

[0052] Furthermore, to avoid obscuring this disclosure with unnecessary detail, only processing steps and / or apparatus structures closely related to at least the solutions according to this disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings, while other details less relevant to this disclosure are omitted. It should also be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the drawings indicate similar items, and therefore once an item is defined in one drawing, it need not be discussed again in subsequent drawings.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating some embodiments of the system information block request method according to this disclosure. Figure 1 The system information block request method shown is applied to the UE. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the request method for the system information block includes steps S101 and S102.

[0054] Step S101: Receive configuration information of the energy-saving cell, wherein the configuration information includes uplink wake-up signal configuration information or system information block SIB1 request configuration information.

[0055] In some embodiments, the UE (User Equipment) can be various terminal devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, mobile internet devices, wearable devices, and in-vehicle devices. The network equipment can be network-side equipment for various 5G, 6G, and other networks.

[0056] To reduce the number of signals that are online for extended periods, NR (New Radio) systems package the PBCH (Physical Broadcast Channel) and synchronization signals into a single SSB (Synchronization Signal Block) for use during the UE's initial cell search process. The SSB includes the PSS (Primary Synchronization Signal), the SSS (Secondary Synchronization Signal), and the physical broadcast channel.

[0057] In scenarios involving in-band / inter-band carrier aggregation, the UE establishes and maintains an RRC (Radio Resource Control) connection with the network. An energy-saving cell is a cell in energy-saving mode; it only broadcasts SSBs and does not transmit or receive other data. Energy-saving cells can also be cells that do not transmit SIB1 (SIB1-less Cell), dormant cells, inactive cells, or sleeping cells.

[0058] The UE can receive configuration information for energy-saving cells sent by a first cell, which may include an anchor cell, a second cell, etc. The second cell may be a cell that periodically sends SIB1 messages, etc. The UE receives SIB1 messages or SystemInformation messages sent by the first cell, etc. The SIB1 messages or SystemInformation messages carry configuration information for energy-saving cells, including uplink wake-up signal configuration information, SIB1 request configuration information, etc. The SIB1 messages and SystemInformation messages are existing messages.

[0059] The uplink wake-up signal configuration information includes at least one of the following: the cell identifier of the energy-saving cell, the first resource used to wake up or activate the energy-saving cell, the period for sending the first information, etc.; the first resource includes at least one of the following: RA (Random Access) preamble, PRACH (Physical Random Access Channel) opportunity, etc.

[0060] The SIB1 request configuration information includes at least one of the following: the cell identifier of the energy-saving cell, the second resource used to request SIB1, the triggering condition for requesting SIB1, and the identifier of the cell that supports on-demand SIB1; the second resource includes at least one of the following: RA preamble, PRACH opportunity, uplink grant, etc.; the triggering condition for requesting SIB1 can be multiple triggering conditions.

[0061] Step S102: Send first information to the energy-saving cell or the first cell according to the configuration information of the energy-saving cell, in order to request the energy-saving cell to send SIB1 or enter the activation state.

[0062] In some embodiments, the UE may use various methods to generate and send first information based on the configuration information of the energy-saving cell, and trigger the energy-saving cell to send SIB1 by sending the first information, or trigger the energy-saving cell to leave the energy-saving mode, sleep mode, etc. and enter the active state.

[0063] The first information includes the Random Access (RA) preamble, SIB1 request information, etc.; the SIB1 request information includes the cell identifier or PCI (Physical Cell Identifier) ​​of the energy-saving cell from which the UE requests to send SIB1; the UE can carry the SIB1 request information by sending a Random Access Message Msg3 or an RRC message, etc.

[0064] The system information block request method disclosed herein enables a UE in an RRC idle state or an RRC inactive state to obtain uplink wake-up signal configuration information or SIB1 request configuration information, obtain the configuration information required to send a wake-up signal to an energy-saving cell, trigger the energy-saving cell to become a normal cell and start sending SIB1, so that the UE can quickly access the energy-saving cell and obtain good network service, achieving energy saving without affecting the user experience.

[0065] In some embodiments, the UE sends first information to the energy-saving cell or the first cell according to the uplink wake-up signal configuration information or the system information block SIB1 request configuration information, requesting the energy-saving cell to send SIB1 or enter the activation state (leave the energy-saving mode); the network side can know that a UE wants to access the energy-saving cell, and then decide whether to activate the energy-saving cell to provide network services for the UE, so as not to affect the user experience while saving energy.

[0066] By sending the first information through the first cell, the energy-saving cell does not need to send any information, including SSB, on the air interface; by sending uplink wake-up signal configuration information or SIB1 request configuration information to the base station corresponding to the first cell through the base station corresponding to the energy-saving cell, the UE can obtain the uplink wake-up signal configuration information in cross-base station scenarios, thus achieving the effect of waking up the energy-saving cell across base stations.

[0067] The UE receives the second information sent by the energy-saving cell or the first cell. The UE receives the RAR (RA Response), random access message Msg2 or Msg4, etc., sent by the energy-saving cell or the first cell. The second information is carried in the RAR, Msg2 or Msg4, etc.

[0068] The second information includes confirmation information or rejection information. Rejection information is used to instruct the energy-saving cell not to send SIB1. Confirmation information includes at least one of the following: confirmation of instruction to send SIB1, identification of the energy-saving cell, SIB1 transmission cycle, SIB1 transmission time, and frequency information for sending SIB1.

[0069] In some embodiments, the first base station corresponding to the energy-saving cell and the second base station corresponding to the anchor cell or the second cell are not the same base station. The first base station corresponding to the energy-saving cell can send uplink wake-up signal configuration information or SIB1 request configuration information to the second base station corresponding to the anchor cell or the second cell. The anchor cell or the second cell will send the received uplink wake-up signal configuration information or SIB1 request configuration information to the UE.

[0070] The UE can send first information to the anchor cell or the second cell, requesting the energy-saving cell to send SIB1 or enter an active state. The anchor cell or the second cell sends SIB request indication information or wake-up indication information to the energy-saving cell, which may include the first information. The energy-saving cell can use existing methods to generate confirmation information or rejection information based on the SIB request indication information or wake-up indication information and send it to the anchor cell or the second cell. The anchor cell or the second cell can use existing methods to generate second information based on the confirmation information or rejection information sent by the energy-saving cell and send the second information to the UE.

[0071] Figure 2 This is a first application illustration of some embodiments of the system information block request method according to this disclosure. An energy-saving cell and a first cell each correspond to the same base station, and the first cell corresponds to a single energy-saving cell. The first cell includes an anchor cell or a second cell, and the second cell is a cell that periodically transmits SIB1. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the request method for the system information block includes steps S201-S203.

[0072] In step S201, the UE receives the configuration information of the energy-saving cell sent by the first cell.

[0073] The UE receives an SIB1 message or a SystemInformation message sent by the first cell. The SIB1 message or SystemInformation message carries the configuration information of the energy-saving cell, which includes uplink wake-up signal configuration information or SIB1 request configuration information.

[0074] The uplink wake-up signal configuration information includes at least one of the following: the cell identifier of the energy-saving cell, the first resource used to wake up or activate the energy-saving cell, the period for sending the first information, etc.; the SIB1 request configuration information includes at least one of the following: the cell identifier of the energy-saving cell, the second resource used to request SIB1, the triggering condition for requesting SIB1, the identifier of the cell that supports on-demand SIB1, etc.

[0075] In step S202, the UE sends the first information to the energy-saving cell according to the configuration information, in order to request the energy-saving cell to send SIB1 or enter the activation state.

[0076] The UE can use existing methods to send first information to the energy-saving cell according to the configuration information. The first information includes the RA preamble or SIB1 request information, etc. The SIB1 request information includes the cell identifier or physical cell identifier (PCI) of the energy-saving cell to which the UE requests the SIB1. The UE can carry the SIB1 request information by sending Msg3 or RRC messages, etc.

[0077] In step S203, the UE receives the second information sent by the energy-saving cell.

[0078] The UE receives RAR, Msg2, or Msg4 from the energy-saving cell, which carries second information. The second information includes an acknowledgment message or a rejection message. The rejection message instructs the energy-saving cell not to transmit SIB1. The acknowledgment message includes at least one of the following: an indication to transmit SIB1, the identifier of the energy-saving cell, the transmission period of SIB1, the transmission time of SIB1, and the frequency information for transmitting SIB1. After receiving the second message, the energy-saving cell leaves the energy-saving mode and enters the active state to transmit SIB1.

[0079] Figure 3 This is a second application illustration of some embodiments of the system information block request method according to this disclosure. The energy-saving cell and the first cell correspond to two different base stations, and the first cell corresponds to a single energy-saving cell. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the request method for the system information block includes steps S301-S304.

[0080] In step S301, the first base station corresponding to the energy-saving cell sends the configuration information of the energy-saving cell to the second base station corresponding to the first cell. The configuration information of the energy-saving cell includes uplink wake-up signal configuration information or SIB1 request configuration information, etc.

[0081] In step S302, the UE receives the configuration information of the energy-saving cell sent by the first cell.

[0082] The UE receives an SIB1 message or a SystemInformation message sent by the first cell. The SIB1 message or SystemInformation message carries the configuration information of the energy-saving cell. The configuration information of the energy-saving cell includes the uplink wake-up signal configuration information or SIB1 request configuration information sent by the energy-saving cell to the first cell.

[0083] In step S303, the UE sends first information to the energy-saving cell according to the configuration information to request the energy-saving cell to send SIB1 or enter the active state. The first information includes the random access RA preamble or SIB1 request information, etc.

[0084] In step S304, the UE receives the second information sent by the energy-saving cell. The second information includes confirmation or rejection information, etc., and the rejection information is used to instruct the energy-saving cell not to send SIB1. After receiving the second message, the energy-saving cell leaves the energy-saving mode and enters the active state to send SIB1.

[0085] Figure 4This is a third application illustration of some embodiments of the system information block request method according to this disclosure. The energy-saving cell and the first cell each correspond to the same base station, and the first cell corresponds to multiple energy-saving cells. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the request method for the system information block includes steps S401-S403.

[0086] In step S401, the UE receives the configuration information of energy-saving cell 1 sent by the first cell.

[0087] The UE receives SIB1 messages or SystemInformation messages from the first cell. These messages carry configuration information for Energy Saving Cell 1. The configuration information for Energy Saving Cell 1 includes uplink wake-up signal configuration information or System Information Block (SIB1) request configuration information.

[0088] The uplink wake-up signal configuration information includes at least one of the following: the cell identifier of energy-saving cell 1, the first resource used to wake up or activate energy-saving cell 1, the period for sending the first information, etc.; the SIB1 request configuration information includes at least one of the following: the cell identifier of energy-saving cell 1, the second resource used to request SIB1, the triggering condition for requesting SIB1, the identifier of the cell that supports on-demand SIB1, etc.

[0089] In step S402, the UE sends first information to energy-saving cell 1 according to the configuration information to request energy-saving cell 1 to send SIB1 or enter the activation state.

[0090] The first information includes the random access RA preamble or SIB1 request information, etc.; the SIB1 request information includes the cell identifier or physical cell identifier (PCI) of the energy-saving cell 1 that the UE requests to send SIB1.

[0091] Step S403: Receive the second information sent by Energy Saving Community 1.

[0092] The second message includes either a confirmation message or a rejection message. The rejection message instructs Energy Saving Cell 1 not to send SIB1. The confirmation message includes at least one of the following: an instruction to send SIB1, the identifier of Energy Saving Cell 1, the SIB1 transmission cycle, the SIB1 transmission time, and the frequency information for sending SIB1. After receiving the second message, Energy Saving Cell 1 leaves Energy Saving Mode and enters Active Mode to send SIB1.

[0093] Figure 5 This is a fourth application illustration of some embodiments of the system information block request method according to this disclosure. The energy-saving cell and the first cell correspond to two different base stations, and the first cell corresponds to multiple energy-saving cells, including an anchor cell or a second cell. For example... Figure 5As shown, the request method for the system information block includes steps S501-S505.

[0094] In step S501, the first base station corresponding to energy-saving cell 1 sends the configuration information of energy-saving cell 1 to the second base station corresponding to the first cell. The configuration information of energy-saving cell 1 includes uplink wake-up signal configuration information or SIB1 request configuration information, etc.

[0095] In step S502, the UE receives the configuration information of the energy-saving cell sent by the first cell.

[0096] The UE receives an SIB1 message or a SystemInformation message sent by the first cell. The SIB1 message or SystemInformation message carries the configuration information of the energy-saving cell 1. The configuration information of the energy-saving cell 1 includes uplink wake-up signal configuration information or SIB1 request configuration information.

[0097] The uplink wake-up signal configuration information includes at least one of the following: the cell identifier of energy-saving cell 1, the first resource used to wake up or activate energy-saving cell 1, the period for sending the first information, etc.; the SIB1 request configuration information includes at least one of the following: the cell identifier of energy-saving cell 1, the second resource used to request SIB1, the triggering condition for requesting SIB1, the identifier of the cell that supports on-demand SIB1, etc.

[0098] In step S503, the UE sends first information to energy-saving cell 1 according to the configuration information to request energy-saving cell 1 to send SIB1 or enter the activation state.

[0099] The first information includes the random access RA preamble or SIB1 request information, etc.; the SIB1 request information includes the cell identifier or physical cell identifier (PCI) of the energy-saving cell 1 that the UE requests to send SIB1.

[0100] In step S504, the UE receives the second information sent by the energy-saving cell 1.

[0101] The second message includes either a confirmation message or a rejection message. The rejection message instructs Energy Saving Cell 1 not to send SIB1. The confirmation message includes at least one of the following: an instruction to send SIB1, the identifier of Energy Saving Cell 1, the SIB1 transmission cycle, the SIB1 transmission time, and the frequency information for sending SIB1. After receiving the second message, Energy Saving Cell 1 leaves Energy Saving Mode and enters Active Mode to send SIB1.

[0102] Figure 6 This is a fifth application illustration of some embodiments of the system information block request method according to this disclosure. The energy-saving cell and the first cell each correspond to the same base station, and the first cell corresponds to a single energy-saving cell. For example... Figure 6As shown, the request method for the system information block includes steps S601-S603.

[0103] Step S601: The UE receives the configuration information of the energy-saving cell sent by the first cell.

[0104] The UE receives an SIB1 message or a SystemInformation message sent by the first cell. The SIB1 message or SystemInformation message carries the configuration information of the energy-saving cell, which includes uplink wake-up signal configuration information or SIB1 request configuration information.

[0105] In step S602, the UE sends first information to the first cell according to the configuration information to request the energy-saving cell to send SIB1 or enter the activation state.

[0106] The UE can use existing methods to send first information to the first cell according to the configuration information. The first information includes the random access RA preamble or SIB1 request information, etc. The SIB1 request information includes the cell identifier or physical cell identifier (PCI) of the energy-saving cell to which the UE requests to send SIB1, etc. The UE can carry the SIB1 request information by sending Msg3 or RRC messages, etc.

[0107] In step S603, the UE receives the second information sent by the first cell.

[0108] The second information includes either confirmation or rejection information. Rejection information instructs the energy-saving cell not to transmit SIB1. The UE receives RAR, Msg2, or Msg4 from the energy-saving cell, which carries the second information. The confirmation information includes at least one of the following: confirmation of SIB1 transmission, the energy-saving cell's identifier, the SIB1 transmission period, the SIB1 transmission time, and the frequency information for SIB1 transmission. The base station controls the energy-saving cell to leave energy-saving mode, enabling it to enter an active state and transmit SIB1.

[0109] Figure 7 This is a sixth application illustration of some embodiments of the system information block request method according to this disclosure. The energy-saving cell and the first cell correspond to two different base stations, and the first cell corresponds to multiple energy-saving cells, including an anchor cell or a second cell. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the request method for the system information block includes steps S701-S705.

[0110] Step S701: The UE receives the configuration information of the energy-saving cell sent by the first cell.

[0111] The first base station corresponding to the energy-saving cell sends the configuration information of the energy-saving cell to the second base station corresponding to the first cell. The configuration information of the energy-saving cell includes uplink wake-up signal configuration information or SIB1 request configuration information, etc.

[0112] The UE receives an SIB1 message or a SystemInformation message sent by the first cell. The SIB1 message or SystemInformation message carries configuration information for the energy-saving cell. The configuration information for the energy-saving cell includes uplink wake-up signal configuration information or SIB1 request configuration information. The uplink wake-up signal configuration information includes at least one of the following: the cell identifier of the energy-saving cell, the first resource used to wake up or activate the energy-saving cell, and the period for sending the first information; the SIB1 request configuration information includes at least one of the following: the cell identifier of the energy-saving cell, the second resource used to request SIB1, the triggering condition for requesting SIB1, and the identifier of the cell supporting on-demand SIB1.

[0113] In step S702, the UE sends first information to the first cell according to the configuration information to request the energy-saving cell to send SIB1 or enter the activation state.

[0114] The UE can use existing methods to send first information to the first cell according to the configuration information. The first information includes the random access RA preamble or SIB1 request information, etc. The SIB1 request information includes the cell identifier or physical cell identifier (PCI) of the energy-saving cell to which the UE requests to send SIB1, etc. The UE can carry the SIB1 request information by sending Msg3 or RRC messages, etc.

[0115] In step S703, the second base station corresponding to the first cell sends a wake-up indication message or an SIB1 request indication message to the first base station corresponding to the energy-saving cell. The wake-up indication message or SIB1 request indication message may include the first information.

[0116] In step S704, the first base station corresponding to the energy-saving cell sends a response message to the second base station corresponding to the first cell. The response message includes an acknowledgment message or a rejection message.

[0117] In step S705, the UE receives second information sent by the first cell. The second information includes confirmation or rejection information sent by the energy-saving cell, with the rejection information instructing the energy-saving cell not to send SIB1.

[0118] The UE receives RAR, Msg2, or Msg4 from the first cell, which carries second information. The second information includes an acknowledgment or rejection message from the energy-saving cell. The rejection message instructs the energy-saving cell not to transmit SIB1. The acknowledgment message includes at least one of the following: an indication to transmit SIB1, the identifier of the energy-saving cell, the transmission period of SIB1, the transmission time of SIB1, and the frequency information for transmitting SIB1. After the energy-saving cell sends a response message, it leaves the energy-saving mode and enters the active state to transmit SIB1.

[0119] The system information block request method in the above embodiments enables a UE in an RRC idle state or an RRC inactive state to obtain uplink wake-up signal configuration information or SIB1 request configuration information, and obtain the configuration information required to send a wake-up signal to the energy-saving cell, so as to trigger the energy-saving cell to send SIB1 or wake up the energy-saving cell. It can trigger the energy-saving cell to become a normal cell and start sending SIB1, so that the UE can quickly access the energy-saving cell and obtain good network service. While achieving energy saving, it improves the user experience and can improve data transmission efficiency and quality.

[0120] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the system information block request method according to this disclosure, applied to a network device; such as Figure 8 As shown, the request method for the system information block includes steps S801 and S802.

[0121] Step S801: Send the configuration information of the energy-saving cell to the UE. The configuration information of the energy-saving cell includes uplink wake-up signal configuration information or SIB1 request configuration information.

[0122] Step S802: Receive first information sent by the UE through the energy-saving cell or the first cell, wherein the first information is generated by the UE according to the configuration information of the energy-saving cell, and is used to request the energy-saving cell to send SIB1 or enter the activation state.

[0123] In some embodiments, the network device sends configuration information of the energy-saving cell to the UE through the first cell, or sends configuration information of the energy-saving cell to the first cell through the energy-saving cell. For example, the network device sends an SIB1 message or a SystemInformation message to the UE through the first cell, wherein the SIB1 message or SystemInformation message carries the configuration information of the energy-saving cell.

[0124] The energy-saving cell or anchor cell sends a second message to the UE, which includes an acknowledgment message or a rejection message. The rejection message is used to instruct the energy-saving cell not to send SIB1. For example, the first cell sends an SIB request indication message or a wake-up indication message to the energy-saving cell. The first cell generates the second message based on the acknowledgment message or the rejection message returned by the energy-saving cell and sends it to the UE.

[0125] In some embodiments, such as Figure 9 As shown, this disclosure provides a UE 90, including a first receiving module 91 and a first transmitting module 92. The first receiving module 91 receives configuration information of an energy-saving cell, which includes uplink wake-up signal configuration information or system information block (SIB1) request configuration information, etc. The first transmitting module 92 sends first information to the energy-saving cell or a first cell according to the configuration information of the energy-saving cell, to request the energy-saving cell to send SIB1 or enter an active state.

[0126] The first receiving module 91 receives configuration information sent by the first cell. For example, the first receiving module 91 receives an SIB1 message or a SystemInformation message sent by the first cell, wherein the SIB1 message or SystemInformation message carries configuration information.

[0127] The first receiving module 91 receives the second information sent by the energy-saving cell or the first cell. The second information includes confirmation information or rejection information, etc. The rejection information is used to instruct the energy-saving cell not to send SIB1.

[0128] In some embodiments, such as Figure 10 As shown, this disclosure provides a UE, which may include a memory 94, a processor 95, a communication interface 96, and a bus 97. The memory 94 is used to store instructions, and the processor 95 is coupled to the memory 94. The processor 95 is configured to execute the request method for the system information block applied to the UE described above based on the instructions stored in the memory 94.

[0129] The memory 94 can be high-speed RAM, non-volatile memory, or a memory array. The memory 94 may also be divided into blocks, and these blocks can be combined into virtual volumes according to certain rules. The processor 95 can be a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the request method for system information blocks applied to a UE according to this disclosure.

[0130] In some embodiments, such as Figure 11As shown, this disclosure provides a network device 110, which includes a second transmitting module 1101 and a second receiving module 1102. The second transmitting module 1101 transmits configuration information of an energy-saving cell to the UE. This energy-saving cell configuration information includes uplink wake-up signal configuration information or System Information Block (SIB1) request configuration information. The second receiving module 1102 receives first information transmitted by the UE through the energy-saving cell or a first cell. This first information is generated by the UE based on the energy-saving cell's configuration information and is used to request the energy-saving cell to transmit SIB1 or enter an active state.

[0131] In some embodiments, the second sending module 1101 sends configuration information to the UE through the first cell, or the second sending module 1101 sends configuration information to the first cell through an energy-saving cell. For example, the second sending module 1101 sends an SIB1 message or a SystemInformation message to the UE through the first cell, wherein the SIB1 message or SystemInformation message carries configuration information.

[0132] The second sending module 1101 sends second information to the UE through an energy-saving cell or an anchor cell. The second information includes confirmation information or rejection information, with the rejection information instructing the energy-saving cell not to send SIB1. The second sending module 1101 also sends SIB request indication information or wake-up indication information to the energy-saving cell through a first cell. The first cell generates the second information based on the confirmation information or rejection information returned by the energy-saving cell and sends it to the UE.

[0133] In some embodiments, such as Figure 12 As shown, this disclosure provides a network device, which may include a memory 1104, a processor 1105, a communication interface 1106, and a bus 1107. The memory 1104 is used to store instructions, and the processor 1105 is coupled to the memory 1104. The processor 1105 is configured to execute the above-described request method for system information blocks applied to the network device based on the instructions stored in the memory 1104.

[0134] The memory 1104 can be a high-speed RAM, non-volatile memory, or a memory array. The memory 1104 may also be divided into blocks, and these blocks can be combined into virtual volumes according to certain rules. The processor 1105 can be a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the system information block request method of the network device of this disclosure.

[0135] In some embodiments, this disclosure provides a communication system, including a UE as described in any of the above embodiments and a network device as described in any of the above embodiments. The communication system can be a 5G or 6G communication system.

[0136] In some embodiments, this disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the methods as described in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0137] Computer-readable storage media may take the form of any combination of one or more readable media. A readable medium may be a readable signal medium or a readable storage medium. A readable storage medium may, for example, include, but is not limited to, electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatuses, or devices, or any combination thereof. More specific examples (not an exhaustive list) of readable storage media may include: electrical connections having one or more wires, portable disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fibers, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0138] Embodiments of this disclosure may also be computer program products, including computer program instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the steps in the methods according to various embodiments of this disclosure described in the "Exemplary Methods" section above.

[0139] The system information block request method, UE, network device, communication system, storage medium, and computer program product in the above embodiments enable the UE to obtain uplink wake-up signal configuration information or SIB1 request configuration information to send a wake-up signal. This can trigger the energy-saving cell to become a normal cell and start sending SIB1, so that the UE can quickly access the energy-saving cell and obtain good network services. While achieving energy saving, it improves the user experience and can improve data transmission efficiency and quality.

[0140] The basic principles of this disclosure have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, benefits, and effects mentioned in this disclosure are merely examples and not limitations, and should not be considered as essential features of each embodiment of this disclosure. Furthermore, the specific details disclosed above are for illustrative and facilitative purposes only, and are not limitations. These details do not limit the scope of this disclosure to the necessity of employing the aforementioned specific details for implementation.

[0141] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. For system embodiments, since they largely correspond to method embodiments, the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions in the method embodiments.

[0142] The block diagrams of devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems disclosed herein are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that they must be connected, arranged, or configured in the manner shown in the block diagrams. As those skilled in the art will recognize, these devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems can be connected, arranged, and configured in any manner. Words such as “comprising,” “including,” “having,” etc., are open-ended terms meaning “including but not limited to,” and are used interchangeably with them. The terms “or” and “and” as used herein refer to the terms “and / or,” and are used interchangeably with them unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “such as” as used herein refers to the phrase “such as but not limited to,” and is used interchangeably with it.

[0143] It should also be noted that in the apparatus, devices, and methods of this disclosure, the components or steps can be disassembled and / or recombined. These disassemblies and / or recombinations should be considered as equivalent solutions to this disclosure.

[0144] The above description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use this disclosure. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to be carried out within the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0145] The above description has been given for illustrative and descriptive purposes. Furthermore, this description is not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure to the forms disclosed herein. Although several exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments are illustrative only and do not limit the scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments can be combined, modified, or replaced without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for requesting system information blocks, applied to a user equipment (UE), comprising: Receive configuration information for the energy-saving community, wherein the configuration information includes uplink wake-up signal configuration information or system information block SIB1 request configuration information; The first information is sent to the energy-saving cell or the first cell according to the configuration information, in order to request the energy-saving cell to send SIB1 or enter the activation state.

2. The method as described in claim 1, wherein, The configuration information for receiving energy-saving cells includes: Receive the configuration information sent by the first cell.

3. The method as described in claim 2, wherein receiving the configuration information sent by the first cell includes: Receive an SIB1 message or a SystemInformation message sent by the first cell, wherein the SIB1 message or the SystemInformation message carries the configuration information.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The uplink wake-up signal configuration information includes at least one of the following: the cell identifier of the energy-saving cell, the first resource for waking up or activating the energy-saving cell, and the period for sending the first information; wherein, the first resource includes at least one of the following: RA preamble and PRACH opportunity.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, The SIB1 request configuration information includes at least one of the following: the cell identifier of the energy-saving cell, the second resource for requesting SIB1, the triggering condition for requesting SIB1, and the identifier of the cell supporting on-demand SIB1; wherein, the second resource includes at least one of the following: RA preamble, PRACH opportunity, and uplink grant.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: The system receives a second message sent by the energy-saving cell or the first cell, wherein the second message includes an acknowledgment message or a rejection message, and the rejection message is used to instruct the energy-saving cell not to send SIB1.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The confirmation information includes at least one of the following: confirmation of SIB1 transmission instruction, energy-saving cell identifier, SIB1 transmission cycle, SIB1 transmission time, and SIB1 transmission frequency information.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein, Receive a Random Access Response (RAR), message Msg2, or message Msg4 sent by the energy-saving cell or the first cell, wherein the second information is carried in the RAR, the Msg2, or the Msg4.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The first information includes the random access RA preamble or SIB1 request information; The first cell includes either an anchor cell or a second cell; wherein the second cell is a cell that periodically transmits SIB1.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The SIB1 request information includes the cell identifier or physical cell identifier (PCI) of the energy-saving cell from which the UE requests to send SIB1; wherein the SIB1 request information is carried through Msg3 or RRC messages.

11. A method for requesting system information blocks, applied to a network device, comprising: Send configuration information of the energy-saving cell to the UE, wherein the configuration information includes uplink wake-up signal configuration information or system information block SIB1 request configuration information; The first information sent by the UE is received through the energy-saving cell or the first cell, wherein the first information is information generated by the UE according to the configuration information, which is used to request the energy-saving cell to send SIB1 or enter the activation state.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The step of sending the configuration information of the energy-saving cell to the UE includes: The configuration information is sent to the UE through the first cell.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein sending the configuration information to the UE through the first cell includes: The first cell sends an SIB1 message or a SystemInformation message to the UE, wherein the SIB1 message or SystemInformation message carries the configuration information.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The energy-saving community sends the configuration information to the first community.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising: The second information is sent to the UE through the energy-saving cell or the anchor cell, wherein the second information includes confirmation information or rejection information, and the rejection information is used to instruct the energy-saving cell not to send SIB1.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: The first cell sends an SIB request indication or wake-up indication to the energy-saving cell, and generates the second information based on the confirmation information or rejection information returned by the energy-saving cell and sends it to the UE.

17. A UE, comprising: The first receiving module is used to receive configuration information of the energy-saving cell, wherein the configuration information includes uplink wake-up signal configuration information or system information block SIB1 request configuration information; The first sending module is used to send first information to the energy-saving cell or the first cell according to the configuration information, so as to request the energy-saving cell to send SIB1 or enter the activation state.

18. A UE, comprising: Memory; And a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10 based on instructions stored in the memory.

19. A network device, comprising: The second sending module is used to send configuration information of the energy-saving cell to the UE, wherein the configuration information includes uplink wake-up signal configuration information or system information block SIB1 request configuration information; The second receiving module is used to receive first information sent by the UE through the energy-saving cell or the first cell, wherein the first information is information generated by the UE according to the configuration information, used to request the energy-saving cell to send SIB1 or enter the activation state.

20. A network device, comprising: Memory; And a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 11 to 16 based on instructions stored in the memory.

21. A communication system, comprising: The UE as described in claim 17 or 18, and the network device as described in claim 19 or 20.

22. A computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that are executed by a processor according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

23. A computer program product storing computer instructions which are executed by a processor using the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 16.

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