Communication method and device

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method and device, which are helpful for improving the efficiency and accuracy of network energy saving. The method comprises the following steps: a first management node receives first configuration information from a second management node, wherein the first configuration information comprises a first permission list and / or a second permission list of a first network element; wherein the network element corresponding to the first permission list is allowed to request the energy cost of the first network element, and the first network element is allowed to send the energy cost of the first network element to the network element corresponding to the second permission list; and the first management node configures a first permission list and / or a second permission list for the first network element according to the first configuration information.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI / ML) technology has become increasingly popular in recent years and has been widely applied in various fields, such as intelligent use cases of radio access networks (RAN), management data analytics services (MDAS), and network data analytics services.

[0003] In AI / ML network energy-saving scenarios involving intelligent use cases in RAN, base stations can optimize network energy saving through interactive energy cost (EC). Therefore, how to configure base station interactive EC becomes a problem worthy of research. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus, offering a configuration scheme for network element interaction (EC), which helps improve the efficiency and accuracy of network energy saving.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a communication method applied to a first management node, comprising: receiving first configuration information from a second management node, the first configuration information including a first allowed list and / or a second allowed list of a first network element; wherein, the network element corresponding to the first allowed list is allowed to request the energy cost of the first network element, and the first network element is allowed to send the energy cost of the first network element to the network element corresponding to the second allowed list; and configuring the first allowed list and / or the second allowed list for the first network element according to the first configuration information.

[0006] In the above scheme, the energy cost of the first network element can be used to perform network energy saving. By designing the communication interaction between management nodes and configuring the network element list, the efficiency and accuracy of network energy saving can be improved. Configuring the network element list that allows the first network element to request ECs can reduce the number of requesting network elements, thereby reducing network management configuration; configuring the network element list that allows the first network element to send ECs can control the requesting party to reduce failed requests.

[0007] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving second configuration information from the second management node, the second configuration information including at least one list of mapping rules; wherein each of the at least one list of mapping rules includes one or more mapping rules, the mapping rules indicating the mapping relationship between energy consumption and energy cost; and configuring the at least one list of mapping rules for the first network element according to the second configuration information. By designing mapping rules, it is convenient to measure the mapping from energy consumption to energy cost, and interactive energy cost can reduce communication overhead.

[0008] In one possible design, the second configuration information further includes region information, which indicates the first region to which the at least one mapping rule list applies; configuring the at least one mapping rule list for the first network element according to the second configuration information includes: configuring the at least one mapping rule list for the network element corresponding to the first region according to the second configuration information; wherein, the first network element, the network element corresponding to the first allowed list, and the network element corresponding to the second allowed list are included in the network element corresponding to the first region. By designing region information, the same mapping rules can be uniformly configured for the first network element, the first network element list, and the second network element list, which helps to improve the efficiency and accuracy of network energy saving. Optionally, the region information includes one or more of the following: the scope of a geographical region, a base station identifier list, a cell identifier list, and a network slice identifier list.

[0009] In one possible design, when the second configuration information includes multiple mapping rule lists, the first configuration information further includes a third allowed list. The third allowed list includes the identifier of at least one of the multiple mapping rule lists. The third allowed list is applied to the network element corresponding to the first allowed list. The method further includes: configuring the third allowed list for the first network element and the network element corresponding to the first allowed list based on the first configuration information. In this design, configuring available mapping rules separately for the list of network elements whose ECs are allowed to request the first network element helps improve network energy-saving optimization.

[0010] In one possible design, when the second configuration information includes multiple mapping rule lists, the first configuration information further includes a fourth allowable list. The fourth allowable list includes identification information for at least one of the multiple mapping rule lists. The fourth allowable list is applied to the network element corresponding to the second allowable list. The method further includes configuring the fourth allowable list for the first network element and the network element corresponding to the second allowable list based on the first configuration information. In this design, configuring available mapping rules separately for the list of network elements that allow the first network element to send EC (Electronic Control System) helps improve network energy-saving optimization.

[0011] Secondly, this application provides a communication method applied to a first network element, comprising: obtaining a first allowed list and / or a second allowed list configured by a first management node; wherein, the network element corresponding to the first allowed list is allowed to request the energy cost of the first network element, and the first network element is allowed to send the energy cost to the network element corresponding to the second allowed list; receiving a first request message from a second network element, the first request message being used to request the energy cost of the first network element, the second network element belonging to the network element corresponding to the first allowed list; and / or, sending the energy cost of the first network element to a third network element, the third network element belonging to the network element corresponding to the second allowed list.

[0012] In one possible design, the method further includes: obtaining a list of mapping rules configured by the first management node, the list of mapping rules including one or more mapping rules indicating the mapping relationship between energy consumption and energy cost; the list of mapping rules is used to determine the energy cost of the first network element.

[0013] In one possible design, the method further includes: obtaining a plurality of mapping rule lists and a third allow list configured by the first management node; wherein each of the plurality of mapping rule lists includes one or more mapping rules, the mapping rules indicating the mapping relationship between energy consumption and energy cost, the third allow list includes the identifier of at least one mapping rule list in the plurality of mapping rule lists, and the third allow list is applied to the network element corresponding to the first allow list.

[0014] In one possible design, the first request message includes an identifier of a first mapping rule list among the plurality of mapping rule lists, the identifier of the first mapping rule list being included in the third allowed list; the method further includes: sending a first response message to the second network element, the first response message including the energy cost of the first network element, the energy cost of the first network element being determined based on the energy consumption of the first network element and the first mapping rule list.

[0015] In one possible design, the method further includes: obtaining a plurality of mapping rule lists and a fourth allow list configured by the first management node; wherein each of the plurality of mapping rule lists includes one or more mapping rules, the mapping rules indicating the mapping relationship between energy consumption and energy cost, the fourth allow list includes the identifier of at least one mapping rule list in the plurality of mapping rule lists, and the fourth allow list is applied to the network element corresponding to the second allow list.

[0016] In one possible design, sending the energy cost of the first network element to the third network element corresponding to the second allowed list includes: receiving a second request message from the third network element, the second request message being used to request the energy cost of the first network element; sending a second response message to the third network element, the second response message including the energy cost of the first network element and the identifier of the second mapping rule list in the plurality of mapping rule lists; wherein, the identifier of the second mapping rule list is included in the fourth allowed list, and the energy cost of the first network element is determined based on the energy consumption of the first network element and the rules of the second mapping list.

[0017] Thirdly, this application provides a communication method applied to a first network element, comprising: receiving a first request message from a second network element, the first request message being used to request the energy cost of the first network element, the first request message including an identifier of a first mapping rule list, the first mapping rule list including one or more mapping rules, the mapping rules indicating a mapping relationship between energy consumption and energy cost; and sending a first response message to the second network element, the first response message including the energy cost of the first network element, the energy cost of the first network element being determined based on the energy consumption of the first network element and the first mapping rule list.

[0018] In the above design, the EC requester specifies the mapping rules to the EC reporter. That is, the EC requester carries the identifier of the mapping rule list in the message requesting the EC. This enables both parties to use the same mapping rules to determine the EC, which is applied to the network energy-saving optimization of the EC requester, thus improving efficiency and accuracy.

[0019] In one possible design, the method further includes: obtaining a first allowed list configured by the first management node; wherein the network elements corresponding to the first allowed list are allowed to request the energy cost of the first network element, and the network elements corresponding to the first allowed list include the second network element. This design, by configuring a list of network elements that allow ECs to request the first network element, can reduce the number of requesting network elements, thereby reducing network management configuration.

[0020] In one possible design, the method further includes: obtaining multiple mapping rule lists and a third allowed list configured by the first management node; wherein the third allowed list includes the identifier of at least one mapping rule list from the multiple mapping rule lists, the third allowed list is applied to the network element corresponding to the first allowed list, the multiple mapping rule lists include the first mapping rule list, and the third allowed list includes the identifier of the first mapping rule list. In this design, configuring available mapping rules separately for the list of network elements whose ECs are allowed to request the first network element helps improve network energy-saving optimization.

[0021] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving a second request message from a third network element, the second request message being used to request the energy cost of the first network element; sending a second response message to the third network element, the second response message including the energy cost of the first network element and an identifier of a second mapping rule list; wherein, the energy cost of the first network element is determined based on the energy consumption of the first network element and the second mapping rule list. In the above design, the EC reporting party carries the identifier of the mapping rule list in the message reporting EC to the EC requesting party, enabling both parties to use the same mapping rules to determine EC, which is applied to the network energy-saving optimization of the EC requesting party, thus improving efficiency and accuracy.

[0022] In one possible design, the method further includes: obtaining a second permitted list configured by the first management node; wherein the first network element is permitted to send energy cost information to network elements corresponding to the second permitted list, and the network elements corresponding to the second permitted list include the third network element. In this design, configuring a list of network elements that allow the first network element to send EC (Energy Cost Information) can control the requester to reduce failed requests.

[0023] In one possible design, the method further includes: obtaining multiple mapping rule lists and a fourth allowed list configured by the first management node; wherein the fourth allowed list includes the identifier of at least one mapping rule list from the multiple mapping rule lists, the fourth allowed list is applied to the network element corresponding to the second allowed list, the multiple mapping rule lists include the second mapping rule list, and the fourth allowed list includes the identifier of the second mapping rule list. In this design, configuring available mapping rules separately for the list of network elements that allow the first network element to send EC (Electronic Control Point) helps improve network energy-saving optimization.

[0024] Fourthly, this application provides a communication device, which may be a first management node, a device, module, or chip within the first management node, or a device compatible with the first management node. In one design, the communication device may include modules corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first aspect. These modules may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software. In another design, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module, the communication module including a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. Optionally, the processing module may also be described as a processing unit.

[0025] The communication module is configured to receive first configuration information from the second management node, the first configuration information including a first allowed list and / or a second allowed list of the first network element; wherein, the network element corresponding to the first allowed list is allowed to request the energy cost of the first network element, and the first network element is allowed to send the energy cost of the first network element to the network element corresponding to the second allowed list.

[0026] The processing module is configured to configure the first allowed list and / or the second allowed list for the first network element based on the first configuration information.

[0027] In one possible design, the communication module is further configured to receive second configuration information from the second management node, the second configuration information including at least one mapping rule list; wherein each mapping rule list includes one or more mapping rules, the mapping rules indicating the mapping relationship between energy consumption and energy cost; the processing module is further configured to configure the at least one mapping rule list for the first network element according to the second configuration information.

[0028] In one possible design, the second configuration information further includes region information, which indicates a first region to which the at least one mapping rule list applies; configuring the at least one mapping rule list for the first network element according to the second configuration information includes: configuring the at least one mapping rule list for the network element corresponding to the first region according to the second configuration information; wherein, the first network element, the network element corresponding to the first allowed list, and the network element corresponding to the second allowed list are included in the network element corresponding to the first region. Optionally, the region information includes one or more of the following: the geographical area, a base station identifier list, a cell identifier list, and a network slice identifier list.

[0029] In one possible design, when the second configuration information includes multiple mapping rule lists, the first configuration information further includes a third allow list. The third allow list includes the identifier of at least one of the multiple mapping rule lists. The third allow list is applied to the network element corresponding to the first allow list. The processing module is also used to configure the third allow list for the first network element and the network element corresponding to the first allow list according to the first configuration information.

[0030] In one possible design, when the second configuration information includes multiple mapping rule lists, the first configuration information further includes a fourth allow list. The fourth allow list includes identification information of at least one mapping rule list among the multiple mapping rule lists. The fourth allow list is applied to the network element corresponding to the second allow list. The processing module is also used to configure the fourth allow list for the first network element and the network element corresponding to the second allow list according to the first configuration information.

[0031] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device, which may be a first network element, a device, module, or chip within the first network element, or a device compatible with the first network element. In one design, the communication device may include modules corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second aspect. These modules may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software. In another design, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module, the communication module including a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. Optionally, the processing module may also be described as a processing unit.

[0032] The communication module is used to obtain a first allowed list and / or a second allowed list configured by the first management node; wherein, the network element corresponding to the first allowed list is allowed to request the energy cost of the first network element, and the first network element is allowed to send the energy cost to the network element corresponding to the second allowed list.

[0033] The communication module is further configured to receive a first request message from a second network element, the first request message being used to request the energy cost of the first network element, the second network element being a network element corresponding to the first allowed list; and / or, the communication module is further configured to send the energy cost of the first network element to a third network element under the control of the processing module, the third network element being a network element corresponding to the second allowed list.

[0034] In one possible design, the communication module is further configured to obtain a list of mapping rules configured by the first management node, the list of mapping rules including one or more mapping rules indicating the mapping relationship between energy consumption and energy cost; the list of mapping rules is used to determine the energy cost of the first network element.

[0035] In one possible design, the communication module is further configured to acquire multiple mapping rule lists and a third allow list configured by the first management node; wherein each of the multiple mapping rule lists includes one or more mapping rules, the mapping rules indicating the mapping relationship between energy consumption and energy cost, and the third allow list includes the identifier of at least one mapping rule list in the multiple mapping rule lists, and the third allow list is applied to the network element corresponding to the first allow list.

[0036] In one possible design, the first request message includes an identifier of a first mapping rule list among the plurality of mapping rule lists, the identifier of the first mapping rule list being included in the third allowed list; the communication module is further configured to send a first response message to the second network element under the control of the processing module, the first response message including the energy cost of the first network element, the energy cost of the first network element being determined based on the energy consumption of the first network element and the first mapping rule list.

[0037] In one possible design, the communication module is further configured to obtain a plurality of mapping rule lists and a fourth allow list configured by the first management node; wherein each of the plurality of mapping rule lists includes one or more mapping rules, the mapping rules indicating the mapping relationship between energy consumption and energy cost, and the fourth allow list includes the identifier of at least one mapping rule list among the plurality of mapping rule lists, and the fourth allow list is applied to the network element corresponding to the second allow list.

[0038] In one possible design, the communication module is further configured to receive a second request message from the third network element, the second request message being used to request the energy cost of the first network element; and, under the control of the processing module, to send a second response message to the third network element, the second response message including the energy cost of the first network element and an identifier of a second mapping rule list in the plurality of mapping rule lists; wherein, the identifier of the second mapping rule list is included in the fourth allowed list, and the energy cost of the first network element is determined based on the energy consumption of the first network element and the rules of the second mapping list.

[0039] Sixthly, this application provides a communication device, which can be a second network element, a device, module, or chip within the second network element, or a device compatible with the second network element. In one design, the communication device may include modules corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the third aspect. These modules can be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software. In another design, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module, the communication module including a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. Optionally, the processing module may also be described as a processing unit.

[0040] The communication module is configured to receive a first request message from a second network element, the first request message being used to request the energy cost of the first network element. The first request message includes an identifier of a first mapping rule list, the first mapping rule list including one or more mapping rules, the mapping rules indicating the mapping relationship between energy consumption and energy cost. The communication module is also configured to send a first response message to the second network element under the control of the processing module. The first response message includes the energy cost of the first network element, the energy cost of the first network element being determined based on the energy consumption of the first network element and the first mapping rule list.

[0041] In one possible design, the communication module is further configured to obtain a first allowed list configured by the first management node; wherein the network element corresponding to the first allowed list is allowed to request the energy cost of the first network element, and the network element corresponding to the first allowed list includes the second network element.

[0042] In one possible design, the communication module is further configured to obtain multiple mapping rule lists and a third allowed list configured by the first management node; wherein the third allowed list includes the identifier of at least one mapping rule list in the multiple mapping rule lists, the third allowed list is applied to the network element corresponding to the first allowed list, the multiple mapping rule lists include the first mapping rule list, and the third allowed list includes the identifier of the first mapping rule list.

[0043] In one possible design, the communication module is further configured to receive a second request message from a third network element, the second request message being used to request the energy cost of the first network element; the communication module is further configured to send a second response message to the third network element under the control of the processing module, the second response message including the energy cost of the first network element and an identifier of a second mapping rule list; wherein, the energy cost of the first network element is determined based on the energy consumption of the first network element and the second mapping rule list.

[0044] In one possible design, the method further includes: obtaining a second permitted list configured by the first management node; wherein the first network element is permitted to send energy cost information to network elements corresponding to the second permitted list, and the network elements corresponding to the second permitted list include the third network element. In this design, configuring a list of network elements that allow the first network element to send EC (Energy Cost Information) can control the requester to reduce failed requests.

[0045] In one possible design, the communication module is further configured to obtain multiple mapping rule lists and a fourth allow list configured by the first management node; wherein the fourth allow list includes the identifier of at least one mapping rule list in the multiple mapping rule lists, the fourth allow list is applied to the network element corresponding to the second allow list, the multiple mapping rule lists include the second mapping rule list, and the fourth allow list includes the identifier of the second mapping rule list.

[0046] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a communication device including at least one processor and a memory; the memory is used to store computer programs or instructions, and when the device is running, the at least one processor executes the computer programs or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the methods as described in the first aspect or the various designs of the first aspect above, or to perform the methods as described in the second aspect or the various designs of the second aspect above, or to perform the methods as described in the third aspect or the various designs of the third aspect above.

[0047] Eighthly, this application provides another communication device, comprising: a logic circuit and an input / output interface; wherein the input / output interface can be understood as an interface circuit, and the logic circuit can be used to run code instructions to execute the methods of the first aspect or the various designs of the first aspect, or to execute the methods of the second aspect or the various designs of the second aspect, or to execute the methods of the third aspect or the various designs of the third aspect.

[0048] Ninthly, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform a method as described in the first aspect or the various designs of the first aspect, or to perform a method as described in the second aspect or the various designs of the second aspect, or to perform a method as described in the third aspect or the various designs of the third aspect.

[0049] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described in the first aspect or the various designs of the first aspect, or to perform the methods described in the second aspect or the various designs of the second aspect, or to perform the methods described in the third aspect or the various designs of the third aspect.

[0050] Eleventhly, this application provides a chip system including a processor and potentially a memory, for implementing the methods described in the first aspect or various designs of the first aspect, or performing the methods described in the second aspect or various designs of the second aspect, or performing the methods described in the third aspect or various designs of the third aspect. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0051] In a twelfth aspect, this application provides a communication system comprising a first management node, a second management node, and a first network element. The communication system is used to execute the methods described in the first aspect or the various designs of the first aspect, or to execute the methods described in the second aspect or the various designs of the second aspect, or to execute the methods described in the third aspect or the various designs of the third aspect.

[0052] For the technical effects that can be achieved in the second to twelfth aspects mentioned above, please refer to the description of the technical effects that can be achieved by the corresponding design scheme in the first aspect mentioned above. This application will not repeat them here. Attached Figure Description

[0053] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an MnF entity provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the service-oriented management architecture provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0055] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the AI / ML architecture provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0056] Figures 4 to 7 A flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 8 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0058] Figure 9 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0059] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0060] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0061] The at least one item mentioned in the embodiments of this application refers to one or more items. Multiple items refers to two or more items. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship. For example, "AI / ML" in the embodiments of this application can be replaced with "AI or ML". The terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of this application can be used interchangeably. The terms "according to" and "based on" in the embodiments of this application can be used interchangeably. Furthermore, it should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe objects in the embodiments of this application, these objects should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish the objects from each other.

[0062] The terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, used in the following description of embodiments of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include other steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices. It should be noted that in embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any method or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in embodiments of this application should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other methods or designs. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner.

[0063] The embodiments of this application can be applied to various mobile communication systems, such as: New Radio (NR) systems, Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, Advanced Long Term Evolution (LTE-A) systems, Future Communication systems, and other communication systems. The embodiments of this application are not limited to these. Exemplarily, the various embodiments in this application can be used in the NR network management architecture. The NR network management architecture may include management functions (MnFs). An MnF is a management entity defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), and its externally visible behavior and interfaces are defined as management services (MnSs). In a service-providing management architecture, an MnF can act as an MnS producer or an MnS consumer. An MnS producer of an MnF may produce MnS that can be consumed by multiple MnS consumers. An MnF can consume multiple management services from one or more management service producers. Figure 1 As shown, the MnS provided by MnF can be used to provide services to other MnFs (such as MnF#A). In this case, MnF can act as an MnS producer, and MnF#A can act as an MnS consumer. Furthermore, MnF can also obtain services provided by other MnFs (denoted as MnF#B, which may be the same as or different from MnF#A). Figure 1 The MnF shown can also act as a consumer of MnS, while MnF#B acts as a producer of MnS. In other words, the same MnF can act as both a consumer and a producer of MnS.

[0064] It should be understood that Figure 1 The circles or arcs shown can represent service interfaces.

[0065] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a service-oriented management architecture applicable to embodiments of this application. The service-oriented management architecture includes a business support system (BSS), a cross-domain management function (CD-MnF) unit, a domain management function (Domain-MnF), and a net element (NE). Figure 2 Taking two domain management functional units and four network elements as an example.

[0066] Specifically, if the MnS is provided by the cross-domain management functional unit, then the cross-domain management functional unit is the MnS producer, and the service support system is the MnS consumer. If the MnS is provided by the domain management functional unit, then the domain management functional unit is the MnS producer, and the cross-domain management functional unit is the MnS consumer. If the MnS is provided by the network element, then the network element is the MnS producer, and the domain management functional unit is the MnS consumer. It should be understood that the MnS producer and MnS consumer can also be deployed in the same entity, such as in the service support system, the cross-domain management functional unit, the domain management functional unit, or the network element.

[0067] In this embodiment, the cross-domain management function unit can be used to manage one or more domain management function units. The domain management function unit can be used to manage one or more network elements. Each unit is briefly described below.

[0068] 1) A business support system (BSS) is a system oriented towards communication services, used to provide functions such as billing, settlement, accounting, customer service, sales, network monitoring, communication service lifecycle management, and service intent translation, as well as MnS (Management Service). The BSS can be an operator's operating system or a vertical industry operating system (verticalOT system).

[0069] 2) Cross-domain management function unit, also known as network management function (NMF), can be a network management system (NMS), a network function management service consumer (NFMS_C), an MnS producer, an MnS consumer, or a management data analytics (MDA) consumer, etc. This cross-domain management function unit can provide one or more of the following management functions or MnS functions: network lifecycle management, network deployment, network fault management, network performance management, network configuration management, network assurance, network optimization functions, and translation of network intents from communication service providers (intent-CSPs).

[0070] It is understood that the "intent" in the embodiments of this application can be understood as the expectation of the intent producer (such as a network element) and the system in which the intent producer resides (such as a network or sub-network), which may include requirements, goals, or constraints. The translation of intent refers to the process of determining the strategy for the intent. For example, a strategy can be used to indicate conditions that do not meet the intent. For instance, when the intent is energy saving, strategy A could be: when power consumption exceeds a first threshold, power consumption is abnormal (i.e., not energy-efficient); strategy B could be: when power consumption exceeds a second threshold, power consumption is abnormal (i.e., not energy-efficient). It is understood that even for the same intent, different strategies may determine different solutions that satisfy the intent.

[0071] The network referred to in the aforementioned management functions or MnS can include one or more network elements or sub-networks, or it can be a network slice. That is to say, the network management function unit can be a network slice management function (NSMF) unit, a management data analytical function (MDAF) unit, a self-organization network function (SON Function) unit, or an intent driven management service (intent driven MnS) unit.

[0072] Optionally, in certain deployment scenarios, the cross-domain management function unit can also provide sub-network lifecycle management, sub-network deployment, sub-network fault management, sub-network performance management, sub-network configuration management, sub-network assurance, sub-network optimization functions, and translation of network intents (intent-CSP) of sub-network service producers or network intents (intent from communication service consumer, intent-CSC) of sub-network service consumers. Here, a sub-network consists of multiple smaller sub-networks, which can be network slice sub-networks.

[0073] 3) Domain management function unit, which can be a network element management entity such as NMF, element management system (EMS), network function management service provider (NFMS_P), make before break automation engine (MAE), MnS producer, MnS consumer, or MDA producer.

[0074] The domain management function unit can provide one or more of the following management functions or MnS: subnetwork or network element lifecycle management, subnetwork or network element deployment, subnetwork or network element fault management, subnetwork or network element performance management, subnetwork or network element assurance, subnetwork or network element optimization functions, and translation of subnetwork or network element intents from network operators (intent-NOP). Here, a subnetwork includes one or more network elements. A subnetwork can also include other subnetworks, meaning one or more subnetworks can form a larger subnetwork.

[0075] Optionally, the subnet here can also be a network slice subnet. The domain management system can be a network slice subnet management function (NSSMF) unit, a domain management data analytical function (domain MDAF) unit, a domain self-organization network function (SON Function), a domain intent management function unit, etc.

[0076] The domain management functional units can be classified as follows:

[0077] Based on network type, networks can be categorized into: Radio Access Network (RAN) Domain Management Function (RAN Domain MnF), Core Network Domain Management Function (CN Domain MnF), and Transport Network Domain Management Function (TN Domain MnF). It's important to note that a Domain Management Function can also be a domain network management system, capable of managing one or more of the access network, core network, or transport network. The transport network, in particular, provides signal transmission and conversion services and forms the foundation for switching networks, data networks, and support networks.

[0078] According to administrative regions, they can be divided into: regional management functional units of a certain region, such as regional management functional units of city A, regional management functional units of city B, etc.

[0079] 4) Network elements are entities that provide network services, including core network elements, wireless access network elements, or transmission network elements. For example, Figure 2 In the architecture shown, the domain management function unit may include a radio access network domain management function unit, a core network element domain management function unit, or a transport network domain management function unit. The radio access network domain management function unit can be used to manage radio access network elements, the core network element domain management function unit can be used to manage core network elements, and the transport network domain management function unit can be used to manage transport network elements.

[0080] For example, core network elements may include, but are not limited to: access and mobility management function (AMF) network elements, session management function (SMF) network elements, policy control function (PCF) network elements, network data analytical function (NWDAF) network elements, network repository function (NRF) network elements, and gateways, etc.

[0081] Wireless access network elements may include, but are not limited to: various base stations (such as next-generation node B (gNB), evolved node B (eNB) etc.), central unit control panel (CUCP), central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), central unit user panel (CUUP), etc.

[0082] It should be understood that the network functions in the embodiments of this application are also referred to as network elements or entities, etc.

[0083] Among them, network elements can provide one or more of the following management functions or MnS: network element lifecycle management, network element deployment, network element fault management, network element performance management, network element assurance, network element optimization functions, and network element intent translation, etc.

[0084] AI / ML and related applications are being increasingly adopted across various industries, such as intelligent use cases for RAN, Management Data Analytics Service (MDAS), and network data analytics services. Figure 3 The diagram shown is a schematic of an AI / ML architecture applicable to embodiments of this application. In the AI / ML architecture, the MnS producer is an AI / ML MnS producer, the MnS consumer is an AI / ML MnS consumer, and the MnS interface is either an AI / ML training MnS interface or an AI / ML MnS interface. Figure 3 Take AI / ML training of the MnS interface as an example.

[0085] The intelligent use cases for RAN can include load balancing (LB), mobility optimization (MO), and energy saving (ES). It can be understood that load balancing (LB) can be mobility load balancing (MLB); mobility optimization (MO) can be mobility robustness optimization (MRO); and energy saving (ES) can be network energy saving (NES). Optionally, in scenarios where the base station adopts a distributed architecture, MLB can be replaced with DMLB, MRO can be replaced with DMRO, and ES can be replaced with DES, where "D" indicates distributed.

[0086] MDAS is a management service with MDA capabilities. MDAS producers can output analytical reports to MDAS consumers in various scenarios, such as coverage issue analysis, fault event analysis, or mobility management analysis. The machine learning (ML) model used to obtain the analytical reports may differ depending on the scenario. MDA has the ability to process and analyze raw data related to network and service events and states, providing analytical reports to enable necessary operations for network and service management.

[0087] Network data analysis services can be NWDAF.

[0088] AI / ML technology involves AI / ML management service (MnS) producers and AI / ML MnS consumers. AI / ML MnS producers can provide AI / ML models to authorized AI / ML MnS consumers. These AI / ML MnS producers can also be called AI / ML model MnS producers, AI / ML model training MnS producers, or other similar names. Similarly, the AI / ML MnS consumers involved in the embodiments of this application can also be called AI / ML model MnS consumers, AI / ML model training MnS consumers, or other similar names.

[0089] by Figure 2 For example, if the AI / ML MnS is provided by the cross-domain management functional unit, then the cross-domain management functional unit is the AI / ML MnS producer, and the business support system is the AI / ML MnS consumer. If the AI / ML MnS is provided by the domain management functional unit, then the domain management functional unit is the AI / ML MnS producer, and the cross-domain management functional unit is the AI / ML MnS consumer. If the AI / ML MnS is provided by the network element, then the network element is the AI / ML MnS producer, and the domain management functional unit is the AI / ML MnS consumer. It should be understood that the AI / ML MnS producer and the AI / ML MnS consumer can also be deployed in the same entity, such as in the business support system, the cross-domain management functional unit, the domain management functional unit, or the network element.

[0090] This application primarily relates to AL / ML network energy-saving technology, where base stations achieve network energy saving through the exchange of energy cost ECs. Currently, base stations obtain the mapping rules between energy consumption and energy cost from the operation, administration, and maintenance (OAM) equipment. These mapping rules are configured for the entire network; that is, OAM applies a set of mapping rules to all base stations in the network. Any base station can map its measured current actual energy consumption to an energy cost EC according to these rules, and then base stations can exchange the aforementioned ECs to achieve network energy saving. For example, an AI / ML model for network energy saving can be trained in OAM. When inferring the AI / ML model on the base station side, the base station receives ECs from other base stations as input to the AI / ML model, and the output of the AI / ML model can be network energy-saving information. For instance, if base station 1 uses the ECs of base stations 2 and 3 as input to the AI / ML model, the output of the AI / ML model indicates network energy-saving information, including load migration from base station 1 to base station 2. For example, training and inference of an AI / ML model for network energy saving can be performed at the base station. During training, the base station receives ECs from other base stations as input to the AI / ML model, and the output can be network energy saving information. For instance, if base station 1 uses the ECs of base stations 2 and 3 as input to the AI / ML model, the output of the AI / ML model indicates network energy saving information, including load migration from base station 1 to base station 2.

[0091] Currently, a mapping rule is designed for the entire network, mapping the energy consumption of base stations with different energy consumption granularities (levels) to the energy cost of the same granularity. For example, energy consumption with a granularity of 10 kWh to 100 kWh and energy consumption with a granularity of 1 kWh to 10 kWh are both mapped to energy costs (values ​​from 1 to 10). In one possible implementation, energy consumption "10 kWh" can be mapped to energy cost "1". When a base station receives an energy cost of "1" from another base station, it can determine to migrate the load to that other base station. However, for other base stations with energy consumption granularities of 1 kWh to 10 kWh, the actual energy consumption of the other base station is the upper limit of 10 kWh, which is not suitable as a target for load migration. Such a design would reduce energy-saving efficiency and accuracy when applied to network energy saving.

[0092] Based on this, the embodiments of this application provide several schemes for configuring base station interactive EC to improve the efficiency and accuracy of network energy saving.

[0093] Taking a first management node representing a domain management functional unit and a second management node representing a cross-domain management functional unit as an example, the second management node can instruct the first management node to configure EC-related information for network elements, so as to facilitate EC interaction between network elements. It is understood that network elements include the aforementioned base stations, meaning that the method provided in the embodiments of this application below can be applied to scenarios where base stations interact with each other via EC.

[0094] like Figure 4 This illustrates a communication method, which includes the following steps.

[0095] S401, the second management node sends first configuration information to the first management node, the first configuration information including the first allowed list of the first network element.

[0096] In this context, the network element corresponding to the first permitted list is allowed to request the energy cost of the first network element; that is, the first permitted list of the first network element corresponds to the network elements allowed to request the energy cost of the first network element. Optionally, the first permitted list can also be replaced by a list of network elements described as allowed to request energy cost (EC). In this embodiment, the first permitted list of the first network element is a list of network elements allowed to request the energy cost of the first network element. Optionally, the second management node can determine the first permitted list of the first network element based on the energy consumption granularity (level) corresponding to the network element. For example, the first network element and the network elements corresponding to the first permitted list belong to the same energy consumption granularity.

[0097] The first allowed list corresponds to one or more network elements, which are network elements that are allowed to request the energy cost of the first network element, or can be described as having the authority to request the energy cost of the first network element.

[0098] For example, in one possible implementation, the first permitted list includes identification information of network elements that are permitted to request energy costs from the first network element. Taking a base station as an example: the first permitted list is a base station identifier list, which includes the identifiers of one or more base stations, indicating that the one or more base stations are permitted to request energy costs from the first network element. In another possible implementation, the first permitted list is a cell identifier list, which includes the identifiers of one or more cells, indicating that base stations managed by the one or more cells are permitted to request energy costs from the first network element; or, the first permitted list is a frequency list, which includes one or more frequency points (frequency information), indicating that base stations operating on the one or more frequency points are permitted to request energy costs from the first network element.

[0099] Optionally, the first configuration information may include region information, which indicates the range of network elements to which the first allowed list applies. For example, the region information may include one or more of the following:

[0100] (1) The geographical area, for example, the latitude and longitude information of the geographical area. Among them, the network elements deployed on the geographical area include the first network element and the network elements corresponding to the first allowed list.

[0101] (2) The identifier of the first network element and the information used to indicate the first permitted list. For example, the first permitted list may be the aforementioned base station identifier list, cell identifier list, or frequency list. The information used to indicate the first permitted list may be a flag bit, such as a flag bit valued at 1, indicating that the network element range to which the first permitted list applies includes the network elements in the first permitted list.

[0102] Optionally, the second management node can also configure a set of mapping rules, such as a mapping rule list, to the first management node through the first configuration information. This mapping rule list includes one or more mapping rules used to indicate the mapping relationship between the energy consumption and energy cost (EC) of a network element. It is understood that this mapping rule list applies to both the first network element and the network elements corresponding to the first allowed list; that is, the second management node configures the same mapping rules for both the first network element and the network elements corresponding to the first allowed list.

[0103] S402, the first management node configures the first allowed list for the network element according to the first configuration information.

[0104] The first management node can configure the first allowed list for the first network element. For example, the first management node can forward the first allowed list in the first configuration information to the first network element. Optionally, the first management node can also configure the first allowed list for the network element corresponding to the first allowed list. For example, the first management node can forward the first allowed list in the first configuration information to the network element corresponding to the first allowed list. Optionally, if the first configuration information described in S401 includes area information, and the area information indicates the network element range to which the first allowed list applies, then the first management node can configure the first allowed list for the network elements within the network element range to which the first allowed list applies.

[0105] For example, Figure 4 S402 in the diagram illustrates that the first management node can forward the first allowed list in the first configuration information to the first network element.

[0106] In one possible implementation, as described in S401, if the first configuration information includes a mapping rule list, the first management node can also configure the mapping rule list to the first network element and the network elements corresponding to the first allowed list. For example, the first management node can forward the mapping rule list to the first network element and the network elements corresponding to the first allowed list. If the first configuration information includes area information, the first management node can forward the mapping rule list to network elements within the network element range to which the first allowed list applies. In another possible implementation, the same mapping rules are pre-configured in the first network element and the network elements corresponding to the first allowed list; this implementation eliminates the need for the second management node to add the mapping rule list to the first configuration information.

[0107] It is understood that, as described above, the first management node is a domain management functional unit, and this step S402 can be implemented by a single domain vendor. That is, the information interaction between the first management node and the base station is part of the implementation, and this application embodiment does not limit its implementation method. This step S402 can also be a standardized implementation, that is, the information interaction between the first management node and the base station can be transmitted through a newly defined interface message. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0108] S403, the second network element sends a first request message to the first network element.

[0109] The first request message is used to request the energy cost of the first network element. The second network element belongs to the network element corresponding to the first allowed list. For example, the first request message may be a data collection request message, which carries a field indicating the energy cost to be collected.

[0110] In one possible implementation, the first network element determines whether the second network element that sent the first request message is included in the network element corresponding to the first allowable list based on the identification information in the first allowable list. If it is, the first network element returns a response message carrying energy costs, i.e., executes S404; otherwise, the first network element does not perform any operation.

[0111] In one possible implementation, the second network element determines whether it is included in the network element corresponding to the first allowed list based on the identification information in the first allowed list, and if it is determined that the second network element is included in the network element corresponding to the first allowed list, it sends a first request message to the first network element.

[0112] S404, the first network element sends a first response message to the second network element.

[0113] The first response message is used to respond to the first request message, and the first response message includes the energy cost of the first network element.

[0114] In one optional implementation, the first network element maps its measured energy consumption to energy cost according to a pre-configured set of mapping rules, and sends this mapping rule list to the second network element via a first response message. In another optional implementation, the second management node adds a mapping rule list to the first configuration information. The first management node configures this mapping rule list to the network elements (including the first and second network elements). The first network element can then map its measured energy consumption to energy cost according to the mapping rule list configured by the first management node, and send this mapping rule list to the second network element via a first response message. It is understood that the first and second network elements apply the same set of mapping rules.

[0115] For ease of implementation, let's take an example where the network element corresponding to the first allowed list includes base station 1, and the first network element is base station 2: The first configuration information includes a set of mapping rules (mapping rule list) denoted as fn1. Base station 1 can request the energy cost EC of base station 2 from base station 2, and base station 1 can use fn1 to receive EC from base station 2. Let's take an example where the network element corresponding to the first allowed list includes base station 2, and the first network element is base station 3: The first configuration information includes a set of mapping rules (mapping rule list) denoted as fn2. Base station 2 can request the energy cost EC of base station 3 from base station 3, and base station 2 can use fn2 to receive EC from base station 3. Let's take an example where the network element corresponding to the first allowed list includes base station 3, and the first network element is base station 4: The first configuration information includes a set of mapping rules (mapping rule list) denoted as fn3. Base station 3 can request the energy cost EC of base station 4 from base station 4, and base station 4 uses fn3 to receive EC from base station 3.

[0116] The above method, which configures a first allowed list of energy costs for individual network elements by the management node, can be applied to network energy-saving scenarios to specify target base stations suitable for load migration, thereby improving network energy-saving efficiency and accuracy.

[0117] like Figure 5 This illustrates a communication method, which includes the following steps.

[0118] S501, the second management node sends first configuration information to the first management node, the first configuration information including the second allowed list of the first network element.

[0119] Specifically, the first network element is permitted to send its energy cost to the network elements corresponding to the second permitted list, or it can be described as the second permitted list corresponding to the network elements that allow the first network element to report its energy cost. It is understood that the number of network elements corresponding to the second permitted list is one or more; that is, the second permitted list included in the first configuration information corresponds to one or more network elements, and the second configuration information is used to indicate that the first network element is permitted to send its energy cost to the aforementioned one or more network elements. Optionally, the second permitted list can also be referred to as a list of network elements permitted to report energy costs (EC).

[0120] Optionally, the second management node can determine the second allowed list of the first network element based on the energy consumption granularity (level) corresponding to the network element. For example, the network elements corresponding to the first network element and the second allowed list belong to the same energy consumption granularity.

[0121] For example, in one possible implementation, the second allowable list includes identification information of network elements that allow the first network element to report energy costs. Taking a base station as an example: the first allowable list is a base station identifier list, and the second allowable list includes the identifiers of one or more base stations, indicating that the first network element is allowed to send energy costs to the one or more base stations. In another possible implementation, the second allowable list is a cell identifier list, including the identifiers of one or more cells, indicating that the first network element is allowed to send its energy costs to the base stations managed by the one or more cells; or, the second allowable list is a frequency list, including one or more frequency points (frequency information), indicating that the first network element is allowed to send its energy costs to the base stations operating on the one or more frequency points.

[0122] Optionally, the first configuration information may include region information, which indicates the range of network elements to which the second allowed list applies. For example, the region information may include one or more of the following:

[0123] (1) The geographical area, such as the latitude and longitude information of the geographical area. Among them, the network elements deployed in the geographical area include the first network element and the network elements corresponding to the second allowed list.

[0124] (2) The identifier of the first network element and information for indicating the second permitted list. For example, the second permitted list may be the aforementioned base station identifier list, cell identifier list, or frequency list. The information for indicating the second permitted list may be a flag bit, such as a flag bit valued at 1, indicating that the network element range to which the second permitted list applies includes the network elements in the second permitted list.

[0125] Optionally, the second management node can also configure a set of mapping rules, such as a mapping rule list, to the first management node through the first configuration information. This mapping rule list includes one or more mapping rules used to indicate the mapping relationship between the energy consumption and energy cost (EC) of a network element. It is understood that this mapping rule list applies to the network elements corresponding to the first network element and the second allowed list; that is, the second management node configures the same mapping rules for the network elements corresponding to the first network element and the second allowed list.

[0126] S502, the first management node configures the second allowed list for the network element according to the first configuration information.

[0127] The first management node can configure the second allow list for the first network element. For example, the first management node can forward the second allow list from the first configuration information to the first network element. Optionally, the first management node can also configure the second allow list for the network element corresponding to the second allow list. For example, the first management node can forward the second allow list from the first configuration information to the network element corresponding to the second allow list. Optionally, if the first configuration information described in S501 includes area information, and the area information indicates the network element range to which the second allow list applies, then the first management node can configure the second allow list for the network elements within the network element range to which the second allow list applies.

[0128] For example, Figure 5 S502 in the diagram shows that the first management node can forward the second allowed list in the first configuration information to the first network element.

[0129] In one possible implementation, as described in S501, if the first configuration information includes a mapping rule list, the first management node can also configure the mapping rule list to the network elements corresponding to the first network element and the second allowed list. For example, the first management node can forward the mapping rule list to the network elements corresponding to the first network element and the second allowed list. If the first configuration information includes area information, the first management node can forward the mapping rule list to network elements within the network element range to which the second allowed list applies. In another possible implementation, the same mapping rules are pre-configured in the first network element and the network elements corresponding to the second allowed list; this implementation does not require the second management node to add a mapping rule list to the first configuration information.

[0130] It is understood that, as described above, the first management node is a domain management functional unit, and this step S502 can be implemented by a single domain vendor. That is, the information interaction between the first management node and the base station is part of the implementation, and this application embodiment does not limit its implementation method. This step S502 can also be a standardized implementation, that is, the information interaction between the first management node and the base station can be transmitted through a newly defined interface message. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0131] S503, the first network element receives the second request message from the third network element.

[0132] The second request message is used to request the energy cost of the first network element, and the third network element belongs to the network element corresponding to the second allowed list. For example, the second request message may be a data collection request message, which carries a field indicating the required data collection: energy cost.

[0133] In one possible implementation, the first network element determines whether the third network element that sent the second request message is included in the network element corresponding to the second allowable list based on the identification information in the second allowable list. If it is, the first network element returns a response message carrying energy costs, i.e., executes S504; otherwise, the first network element does not perform any operation.

[0134] In one possible implementation, the third network element can determine whether it is included in the network element corresponding to the second allowed list based on the identification information in the second allowed list, and if it is determined that the third network element is included in the network element corresponding to the second allowed list, it sends a second request message to the first network element.

[0135] S504, the first network element sends a second response message to the third network element.

[0136] The second response message is used to respond to the second request message, and the second response message includes the energy cost of the first network element.

[0137] In one optional implementation, the first network element maps its measured energy consumption to energy cost according to a pre-configured set of mapping rules, and sends this mapping rule list to the third network element via a second response message. In another optional implementation, the second management node adds a mapping rule list to the first configuration information, and the first management node configures this list to the network elements (including the first and third network elements). The first network element can then map its measured energy consumption to energy cost according to the mapping rule list configured by the first management node, and send this mapping rule list to the third network element via a second response message. It is understood that the first and third network elements apply the same set of mapping rules.

[0138] For ease of implementation, let's take an example where the network element corresponding to the second permitted list includes base station 1, and the first network element is base station 2, meaning base station 2 is a base station allowed to send ECs to base station 1. The first configuration information includes a set of mapping rules (mapping rule list) denoted as fn2. Base station 1 can request energy cost ECs from base station 2, and base station 1 can use fn2 to receive ECs from base station 2. Similarly, let's take an example where the network element corresponding to the second permitted list includes base station 2, and the first network element is base station 3, meaning base station 3 is a base station allowed to send ECs to base station 2. The first configuration information includes a set of mapping rules (mapping rule list) denoted as fn3. Base station 2 can request energy cost ECs from base station 3, and base station 2 can use fn3 to receive ECs from base station 3. Taking the network element corresponding to the first allowed list as base station 3, and the first network element as base station 4, that is, base station 4 is a base station that is allowed to send EC to base station 3 as an example: the first configuration information includes a set of mapping rules (mapping rule list) denoted as fn4. Base station 3 can request energy cost EC from base station 4, and base station 4 uses fn4 to receive EC from base station 3.

[0139] The above method allows the management node to configure a second allowable list that permits individual network elements to report energy costs. When applied to network energy-saving scenarios, this can enable the designation of target base stations suitable for load migration, thereby improving network energy-saving efficiency and accuracy.

[0140] In addition, the above Figure 4 and Figure 5 The described method can be implemented independently, meaning the first configuration information can include a first allowed list or a second allowed list, and correspondingly, the first management node configures the first allowed list or the second allowed list for the first network element; or the above can be combined. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The described methods are implemented in combination, meaning that the first configuration information may include a first allowed list and a second allowed list, and correspondingly, the first management node configures the first allowed list and the second allowed list for the first network element. This application's embodiments do not limit this.

[0141] like Figure 6 This diagram illustrates a communication method, which mainly includes the following steps.

[0142] S601, the second management node sends the second configuration information to the first management node.

[0143] The second configuration information includes at least one list of mapping rules. Each of the at least one list of mapping rules includes one or more mapping rules, which indicate the mapping relationship between energy consumption and energy cost. In one possible implementation, a value of energy consumption corresponds to a value of energy cost; or a range of energy consumption corresponds to a value of energy cost. Alternatively, multiple energy consumption values ​​can be understood as corresponding to a value of energy cost, where the difference between these multiple energy consumption values ​​is less than a set threshold, meaning the values ​​of the multiple energy consumption values ​​are close.

[0144] Optionally, to differentiate between different mapping rule lists, an identifier can be set for each mapping rule list. The second management node may also include the identifier of each mapping rule list in at least one of the mapping rule lists in the second configuration information. Furthermore, it is understood that when the second management node indicates a mapping rule list to the first management node through the second configuration information, the second configuration information may only include that mapping rule list and not its identifier.

[0145] Optionally, the second management node may also indicate the network element range to which the aforementioned at least one mapping rule list applies, such as by including region information in the second configuration information, which indicates the first region to which the at least one mapping rule list applies. Optionally, applying at least one mapping rule list to the first region can also be understood as applying at least one mapping rule list to the network element corresponding to the first region. For example, the region information may include one or more of the following:

[0146] (1) The scope of the geographical area, for example, the latitude and longitude information of the geographical area. Here, the geographical area can be understood as the aforementioned first area, and the network elements corresponding to the first area include network elements (such as base stations) deployed in the geographical area, and at least one mapping rule list can be applied to the network elements deployed in the geographical area.

[0147] (2) Base station identifier list. The base station identifier list includes the identifiers of one or more base stations. The network element corresponding to the first area includes one or more base stations corresponding to the base station identifier list. At least one mapping rule list can be applied to one or more base stations corresponding to the base station identifier list.

[0148] (3) Cell Identifier List. The cell identifier list includes the identifiers of one or more cells. The network elements corresponding to the first area include the base stations managed by one or more cells corresponding to the cell identifier list. At least one mapping rule list can be applied to the base stations managed by the aforementioned one or more cells.

[0149] (4) Network slice identifier list. The network slice identifier list includes the identifiers of one or more network slices. The network elements corresponding to the first region include the base stations corresponding to the aforementioned one or more network slices. At least one mapping rule list can be applied to the base stations corresponding to the aforementioned one or more network slices.

[0150] S602, the first management node configures at least one mapping rule list for the first network element according to the second configuration information.

[0151] Optionally, if the second configuration information includes the identifier of each mapping rule list in at least one mapping rule list, the first management node may also configure the identifier of each mapping rule list in at least one mapping rule list for the first network element.

[0152] Optionally, if the second configuration information includes region information, which is used to indicate the first region to which at least one mapping rule applies, it can be understood that the first network element belongs to the network element corresponding to the first region. For example, when the first region corresponds to multiple network elements, the first network element is any one of the multiple network elements corresponding to the first region. That is, it can be understood that the first management node uniformly configures the aforementioned at least one mapping rule list for all network elements corresponding to the first region according to the first region indicated by the region information.

[0153] It is understood that, as described above, the first management node is a domain management functional unit, and this step S602 can be implemented by a single domain vendor. That is, the information interaction between the first management node and the base station is part of the implementation, and this application embodiment does not limit its implementation method. This step S602 can also be a standardized implementation, that is, the information interaction between the first management node and the base station can be transmitted through a newly defined interface message. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0154] S603, the second management node sends first configuration information to the first management node, the first configuration information including the first allowed list of the first network element.

[0155] In this embodiment, the network element corresponding to the first permitted list is allowed to request the energy cost of the first network element. This step can be understood with reference to the description in S401, and will not be repeated here. Optionally, when the second configuration information includes regional information, the network element corresponding to the first permitted list can be included in the network elements corresponding to the first region indicated by the regional information. That is, it can be understood that the second management node selects a portion of the network elements from the network elements corresponding to the first region to form the first permitted list of the first network element.

[0156] Optionally, if the second configuration information includes multiple mapping rule lists, the second management node may also include a third allow list in the first configuration information. The third allow list includes the identifier of at least one mapping rule list among the multiple mapping rule lists. The third allow list is applied to the network element corresponding to the first allow list. That is, the network element corresponding to the first allow list can use the mapping rule list indicated by a certain identifier in the third allow list to request energy costs from the first network element.

[0157] S604, the first management node configures the first allowed list for the first network element according to the first configuration information.

[0158] This step can be implemented with reference to S402, and will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0159] Alternatively, as described in S603, if the first configuration information also includes a third allowed list, the first management node can configure a third allowed list for the first network element and the network element corresponding to the first allowed list based on the first configuration information.

[0160] It is understood that, as described above, the first management node is a domain management functional unit, and this step S604 can be implemented by a single domain vendor. That is, the information interaction between the first management node and the base station is part of the implementation, and this application embodiment does not limit its implementation method. This step S604 can also be a standardized implementation, that is, the information interaction between the first management node and the base station can be transmitted through a newly defined interface message. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0161] S605, the second network element sends a first request message to the first network element.

[0162] In this context, the first request message is used to request the energy cost of the first network element, and the second network element belongs to the network element corresponding to the first allowed list. For example, the first request message may be a data collection request message, which carries a field indicating the required data collection: energy cost.

[0163] In the first possible implementation, if the first management node uniformly configures a mapping rule list for the network elements corresponding to the first region, and the network elements corresponding to the first network element and the first allowed list are included in the network elements corresponding to the first region, then the mapping rule lists obtained by the first network element and the network elements corresponding to the first allowed list are the same, such as the first mapping rule list. The identifier of the first mapping list may not be included in the first request message.

[0164] In the second possible implementation, if the first management node uniformly configures multiple mapping rule lists and identifiers for each mapping rule list for the network elements corresponding to the first region, and the network elements corresponding to the first allowed list are included in the network elements corresponding to the first region, then the second network element can independently determine from the multiple mapping rule lists to apply the first mapping rule list to realize the mapping between energy consumption and energy cost; furthermore, the second network element can include the identifier of the first mapping list in the first request message to indicate that it requests the first network element to return the energy cost of the first network element according to the first mapping list.

[0165] In a third possible implementation, if the first management node configures a first allowable list for the first network element and configures a third allowable list for the first network element and the network element corresponding to the first allowable list, then the second network element can carry the identifier of a mapping rule list (such as denoted as the first mapping rule list) included in the third allowable list in the first request message, so as to indicate that it requests the first network element to provide feedback on the energy cost of the first network element according to the first mapping list.

[0166] S606, the first network element sends a first response message to the second network element.

[0167] The first response message includes the energy cost of the first network element.

[0168] Corresponding to the first possible implementation described in S605, if both the first network element and the network element corresponding to the first allowed list obtain a mapping rule list that is the first mapping rule list, the first network element can determine the energy cost of the first network element based on the measured energy consumption of the first network element and the first mapping rule list, and only the energy cost of the first network element is included in the first response message, without including the identifier of the first mapping rule list.

[0169] Corresponding to the second possible implementation described in S605, when the first network element and the network element corresponding to the first allowed list obtain multiple mapping rule lists and identifiers of each mapping rule list, the first network element can determine the first mapping rule list based on the identifier of the first mapping rule list included in the first request message; and map the measured energy consumption of the first network element to the energy cost of the first network element according to the first mapping rule list. It is understood that in this case, the energy cost of the first network element is determined based on the energy consumption of the first network element and the first mapping rule list indicated in the first request message.

[0170] Corresponding to the third possible implementation described in S605, when multiple mapping rule lists, a first permission list, and a third permission list are obtained on the side of the first network element and the network element corresponding to the first permission list, the first network element can determine the first mapping rule list based on the identifier of the first mapping rule list included in the first request message; and map the measured energy consumption of the first network element to the energy cost of the first network element according to the first mapping rule list. It is understood that in this case, the energy cost of the first network element is determined based on the energy consumption of the first network element and the first mapping rule list indicated in the first request message.

[0171] In another possible implementation, the first management node can also configure a mapping rule list applied to the first network element separately. When the first request message includes an identifier of the first mapping rule list, the first network element can determine whether the mapping rule list applied to it includes the first mapping rule list. If it is determined that the mapping rule list applied to it includes the first mapping rule list, the first network element performs the operation as described above: the first network element maps the measured energy consumption of the first network element to the energy cost of the second network element according to the first mapping rule list, and sends a first response message including the energy cost of the first network element. It can be understood that the first network element's determination of whether the mapping rule list applied to it includes the first mapping rule list can also be understood as: the first network element determining whether the first mapping rule list is a valid mapping rule list.

[0172] Correspondingly, the second network element can also save network energy based on the energy cost of the first network element when it receives the energy cost of the first network element included in the first response message.

[0173] For ease of implementation, the first network element is taken as base station 2, the network elements corresponding to the first allowed list include base station 1, and the identifier of the first mapping rule list fn1 included in the third allowed list is denoted as ID1. Then, base station 1 can send a first request message to base station 2, which includes ID1. Base station 2 determines whether the mapping rule list fn1 indicated by ID1 is included in the mapping rule list configured separately for base station 2. If so, it verifies that the mapping rule list fn1 indicated by ID1 is a valid mapping rule. Then, base station 2 can map the measured energy consumption of base station 2 to the energy cost of base station 2 according to fn1. Finally, base station 2 sends a first response message to base station 1, which includes the aforementioned energy cost of base station 2.

[0174] The above method involves the management node configuring a first allowed list and mapping rules for individual network elements to request energy costs. When applied to network energy-saving scenarios, this method can specify target base stations suitable for load migration, thereby improving network energy-saving efficiency and accuracy.

[0175] like Figure 7 This diagram illustrates a communication method, which mainly includes the following steps.

[0176] S701, the second management node sends the second configuration information to the first management node.

[0177] The second configuration information includes at least one list of mapping rules. Optionally, the second management node may also include an identifier for each mapping rule list in the second configuration information. Furthermore, the second management node may optionally indicate the network element range to which the at least one mapping rule list applies, such as by including area information in the second configuration information, which indicates a first area to which the at least one mapping rule list applies. This step can be implemented with reference to the description in S601, and will not be elaborated upon in this embodiment.

[0178] S702, the first management node configures at least one mapping rule list for the first network element according to the second configuration information.

[0179] Optionally, if the second configuration information includes the identifier of each mapping rule list in at least one mapping rule list, the first management node may also configure the identifier of each mapping rule list in at least one mapping rule list for the first network element.

[0180] Optionally, if the second configuration information includes region information, which is used to indicate the first region to which at least one mapping rule applies, it can be understood that the first network element belongs to the network element corresponding to the first region. For example, when the first region corresponds to multiple network elements, the first network element is any one of the multiple network elements corresponding to the first region. That is, it can be understood that the first management node uniformly configures the aforementioned at least one mapping rule list for all network elements corresponding to the first region according to the first region indicated by the region information.

[0181] It is understood that, as described above, the first management node is a domain management functional unit, and this step S702 can be implemented by a single domain vendor. That is, the information interaction between the first management node and the base station is part of the implementation, and this application embodiment does not limit its implementation method. This step S702 can also be a standardized implementation, that is, the information interaction between the first management node and the base station can be transmitted through a newly defined interface message. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0182] S703, the second management node sends first configuration information to the first management node, the first configuration information including the second allowed list of the first network element.

[0183] In this process, the first network element is allowed to send energy costs to the network elements corresponding to the second allowed list. This step can be understood with reference to the description in S501, and will not be repeated in this embodiment.

[0184] Optionally, if the second configuration information includes area information, the network elements corresponding to the second allowed list can be included in the network elements corresponding to the first area indicated by the area information. That is, it can be understood that the second management node selects some network elements from the network elements corresponding to the first area to form the second allowed list of the first network elements.

[0185] Optionally, if the second configuration information includes multiple mapping rule lists, the second management node may also include a fourth allow list in the first configuration information. This fourth allow list includes the identifier of at least one mapping rule list from the multiple mapping rule lists. The fourth allow list is applied to the network element corresponding to the second allow list; that is, the first network element can use the mapping rule list indicated by a certain identifier in the fourth allow list to send energy costs to the network element corresponding to the second allow list. It is understood that the identifiers included in the fourth allow list may be partially the same as, completely different from, or entirely the same as the identifiers included in the aforementioned third allow list. This embodiment of the application does not impose such limitations.

[0186] S704, the first management node configures the second allowed list for the first network element according to the first configuration information.

[0187] This step can be implemented with reference to S502, and will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0188] Alternatively, as described in S703, if the first configuration information also includes a fourth allowable list, the first management node can configure the fourth allowable list for the network elements corresponding to the first network element and the second allowable list based on the first configuration information.

[0189] It is understood that, as described above, the first management node is a domain management functional unit, and this step S704 can be implemented by a single domain vendor. That is, the information interaction between the first management node and the base station is part of the implementation, and this application embodiment does not limit its implementation method. This step S704 can also be a standardized implementation, that is, the information interaction between the first management node and the base station can be transmitted through a newly defined interface message. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0190] S705, the third network element sends a second request message to the first network element.

[0191] In this embodiment, the second request message is used to request the energy cost of the first network element, and the third network element belongs to the network element corresponding to the second allowed list. This step can be implemented with reference to S503, and will not be described in detail in this application embodiment. For example, the second request message can be a data collection request message, which carries a field indicating the energy cost to be collected. In S706, the first network element sends a second response message to the third network element.

[0192] The second response message includes the energy cost of the first network element.

[0193] In a first possible implementation, if the first management node uniformly configures a mapping rule list for the network elements corresponding to the first region, and the network elements corresponding to the first network element and the second allowed list are included in the network elements corresponding to the first region, then the mapping rule lists obtained by the first network element and the network elements corresponding to the second allowed list are the same, such as both being the second mapping rule list. Based on this, the first network element can determine its energy cost based on the measured energy consumption of the first network element and the second mapping rule list, and the second response message only includes the energy cost of the first network element, without needing to include the identifier of the second mapping rule list.

[0194] In the second possible implementation, if the first management node uniformly configures multiple mapping rule lists and identifiers for each mapping rule list for the network elements corresponding to the first region, and the network elements corresponding to the first network element and the second allowed list are included in the network elements corresponding to the first region, then the first network element can independently determine from the multiple mapping rule lists to apply the second mapping rule list to realize the mapping between energy consumption and energy cost; furthermore, the first network element can map the measured energy consumption of the first network element to the energy cost of the first network element according to the second mapping rule list, and include the energy cost of the first network element and the identifier of the second mapping rule list in the second response message.

[0195] In a third possible implementation, if the first management node configures a second allowable list for the first network element, and the first management node configures a fourth allowable list for the first network element and the network element corresponding to the second allowable list, then the first network element can select an identifier of a mapping rule list (such as denoted as the second mapping rule list) from the fourth allowable list to determine the application of the second mapping rule list to realize the mapping between energy consumption and energy cost; then, the first network element can map the measured energy consumption of the first network element to the energy cost of the first network element according to the second mapping rule list, and include the energy cost of the first network element and the identifier of the second mapping rule list in the second response message.

[0196] Accordingly, upon receiving the second response message, the third network element can determine, based on the identifier of the second mapping rule list included in the second response message, that the energy cost of the first network element is determined based on the energy consumption of the first network element and the second mapping rule list. Optionally, the first management node can also configure a mapping rule list applied to the third network element separately. When the second response message includes the identifier of the second mapping rule list, the third network element can determine whether the mapping rule list applied to the third network element includes the second mapping rule list. If it is determined that the mapping rule list applied to the third network element includes the second mapping rule list, network energy saving is performed based on the energy cost of the first network element. It can be understood that the third network element's determination of whether the mapping rule list applied to the third network element includes the second mapping rule list can also be understood as: the third network element determining whether the second mapping rule list is a valid mapping rule list.

[0197] For ease of implementation, the first network element is designated as base station 2, the network elements corresponding to the second allowed list include base station 1, and the identifier of the second mapping rule list fn2 included in the fourth allowed list is denoted as ID2. Base station 1 can then send a second request message to base station 2, and base station 2 can send a second response message to base station 1. This second response message carries the energy cost of base station 2 and ID2. Base station 1 determines whether the mapping rule list fn2 indicated by ID2 is included in the mapping rule list configured specifically for base station 1. If so, it verifies that the mapping rule list fn2 indicated by ID2 is a valid mapping rule. Base station 1 can then perform network energy saving based on the energy cost of base station 2. Optionally, base station 1 can also send feedback information about the validity of the mapping rule to base station 2.

[0198] The above method involves the management node configuring a second allowable list and mapping rules that allow individual network elements to report energy costs. When applied to network energy-saving scenarios, this can enable the specification of target base stations suitable for load migration, thereby improving network energy-saving efficiency and accuracy.

[0199] In addition, the above Figure 6 and Figure 7 The described method can be implemented independently, meaning the first configuration information can include a first allowed list or a second allowed list, and correspondingly, the first management node configures the first allowed list or the second allowed list for the first network element; or the above can be combined. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The described methods are implemented in combination, meaning that the first configuration information may include a first allowed list and a second allowed list, and correspondingly, the first management node configures the first allowed list and the second allowed list for the first network element. This application's embodiments do not limit this.

[0200] Based on the same concept, see [link / reference] Figure 8This application provides a communication device 800, which includes a processing module 801 and a communication module 802. The communication device 800 can be a management node (such as a first management node or a second management node), or it can be a communication device applied to or used in conjunction with a management node to implement a communication method executed on the management node side; alternatively, the communication device 800 can be a network element (such as a first network element, a second network element, or a third network element), or it can be a communication device applied to or used in conjunction with a network element to implement a communication method executed on the network element side.

[0201] The communication module can also be called a transceiver module, transceiver, transceiver unit, or transceiver device. The processing module can also be called a processor, processing board, processing unit, or processing device. Optionally, the communication module is used to perform the sending and receiving operations on the management node side or network element side in the above method. The device in the communication module that implements the receiving function can be regarded as a receiving unit, and the device in the communication module that implements the sending function can be regarded as a sending unit. That is, the communication module includes a receiving unit and a sending unit.

[0202] When the communication device 800 is applied to a management node, the processing module 801 can be used to implement... Figures 4 to 7 The communication module 802 can be used to implement the processing functions of the management node in the illustrated embodiment. Figures 4 to 7 The sending and receiving functions of the management node in the illustrated embodiment.

[0203] When the communication device 800 is applied to a network element, the processing module 801 can be used to implement... Figures 4 to 7 The processing functions of the network element described in the illustrated embodiment can be implemented by the communication module 802. Figures 4 to 7 The transmitting and receiving functions of the network element described in the illustrated embodiment.

[0204] Furthermore, it should be noted that the aforementioned communication module and / or processing module can be implemented through virtual modules. For example, the processing module can be implemented through software functional units or virtual devices, and the communication module can be implemented through software functions or virtual devices. Alternatively, the processing module or communication module can also be implemented through physical devices. For example, if the communication device is implemented using a chip / chip circuit, the communication module can be an input / output circuit and / or a communication interface, performing input operations (corresponding to the aforementioned receiving operation) and output operations (corresponding to the aforementioned sending operation); the processing module is an integrated processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit.

[0205] The module division in this embodiment is illustrative and represents only one logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional modules in each embodiment of this application can be integrated into a single processor, exist as separate physical entities, or be integrated into a single module. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules.

[0206] Based on the same technical concept, embodiments of this application also provide a communication device 900. For example, the communication device 900 may be a chip or a chip system. Optionally, in embodiments of this application, the chip system may be composed of chips, or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0207] The communication device 900 can be used to implement the function of any network element in the communication system described in the foregoing embodiments. The communication device 900 may include at least one processor 910 coupled to a memory. Optionally, the memory may be located within the communication device, integrated with the processor, or located outside the communication device. For example, the communication device 900 may also include at least one memory 920. The memory 920 stores computer programs, computer programs or instructions, and / or data necessary for implementing any of the above embodiments; the processor 910 may execute the computer program stored in the memory 920 to complete the methods in any of the above embodiments.

[0208] The communication device 900 may also include a communication interface 930, through which the communication device 900 can interact with other devices. For example, the communication interface 930 may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, pin, or other type of communication interface. When the communication device 900 is a chip-based device or circuit, the communication interface 930 may also be an input / output circuit, capable of inputting information (or receiving information) and outputting information (or sending information). The processor may be an integrated processor, microprocessor, integrated circuit, or logic circuit, and the processor can determine the output information based on the input information.

[0209] The coupling in this embodiment is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, used for information exchange between devices, units, or modules. The processor 910 may operate in conjunction with the memory 920 and the communication interface 930. This embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the processor 910, the memory 920, and the communication interface 930.

[0210] Optional, see Figure 9The processor 910, the memory 920, and the communication interface 930 are interconnected via a bus 940. The bus 940 can be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 9 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0211] In the embodiments of this application, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components, capable of implementing or executing the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.

[0212] In the embodiments of this application, the memory can be non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), or it can be volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM). Memory is any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures, and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory in the embodiments of this application can also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing storage functions, used to store program instructions and / or data.

[0213] In one possible implementation, the communication device 900 can be applied to a management node (such as a first management node or a second management node). Specifically, the communication device 900 can be a management node itself, or it can be any device capable of supporting a management node and implementing the functions of the management node in any of the above embodiments. The memory 920 stores computer programs (or instructions) and / or data that implement the functions of the management node in any of the above embodiments. The processor 910 can execute the computer program stored in the memory 920 to complete the methods executed by the management node in any of the above embodiments. Applied to a management node, the communication interface in the communication device 900 can be used to interact with network elements, sending information to or receiving information from network elements.

[0214] In another possible implementation, the communication device 900 can be applied to a network element. Specifically, the communication device 900 can be a network element itself, or it can be a device capable of supporting a network element and implementing the functions of the network element in any of the above embodiments. The memory 920 stores computer programs (or instructions) and / or data that implement the functions of the network element in any of the above embodiments. The processor 910 can execute the computer program stored in the memory 920 to complete the method executed by the network element in any of the above embodiments. Applied to a network element, the communication interface in the communication device 900 can be used to interact with a management node, sending information to or receiving information from the management node.

[0215] Since the communication device 900 provided in this embodiment can be applied to a management node to complete the method executed by the management node, or applied to a network element to complete the method executed by the network element, the technical effects it can achieve can be referred to the above method examples, and will not be repeated here.

[0216] Based on the above embodiments, this application provides a communication system including a management node and a network element, wherein the management node and the first network element can achieve... Figures 4 to 7 The method provided in the illustrated embodiments.

[0217] The technical solutions provided in this application can be implemented in whole or in part through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, they can be implemented in whole or in part as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a first network element, a management node, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media, etc.

[0218] In the embodiments of this application, provided there is no logical contradiction, the embodiments may reference each other. For example, the methods and / or terms between method embodiments may reference each other, the functions and / or terms between device embodiments may reference each other, and the functions and / or terms between device embodiments and method embodiments may reference each other.

[0219] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the embodiments of this application without departing from the scope of the embodiments of this application. Therefore, if these modifications and variations to the embodiments of this application fall within the scope of the claims of the embodiments of this application and their equivalents, the embodiments of this application are also intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to the first management node, including: The system receives first configuration information from a second management node. The first configuration information includes a first allowed list and / or a second allowed list for a first network element. The network element corresponding to the first allowed list is allowed to request the energy cost of the first network element, and the first network element is allowed to send the energy cost of the first network element to the network element corresponding to the second allowed list. Based on the first configuration information, configure the first allowed list and / or the second allowed list for the first network element.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The system receives second configuration information from the second management node, the second configuration information including at least one mapping rule list; wherein each mapping rule list includes one or more mapping rules, the mapping rules indicating the mapping relationship between energy consumption and energy cost; Based on the second configuration information, configure at least one mapping rule list for the first network element.

3. The method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The second configuration information also includes region information, which indicates the first region to which the at least one mapping rule list is applied; The step of configuring the at least one mapping rule list for the first network element according to the second configuration information includes: Based on the second configuration information, at least one mapping rule list is configured for the network element corresponding to the first region; wherein, the first network element, the network element corresponding to the first allowed list, and the network element corresponding to the second allowed list are included in the network element corresponding to the first region.

4. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The regional information includes one or more of the following: the geographical area, a list of base station identifiers, a list of cell identifiers, and a list of network slice identifiers.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, When the second configuration information includes multiple mapping rule lists, the first configuration information further includes a third allowed list, the third allowed list including the identifier of at least one of the multiple mapping rule lists, the third allowed list being applied to the network element corresponding to the first allowed list, and the method further includes: Based on the first configuration information, configure the third allow list for the first network element and the network element corresponding to the first allow list.

6. The method according to any one of claims 2-5, characterized in that, When the second configuration information includes multiple mapping rule lists, the first configuration information further includes a fourth allow list, the fourth allow list including identification information of at least one mapping rule list from the multiple mapping rule lists, the fourth allow list being applied to the network element corresponding to the second allow list, and the method further includes: Based on the first configuration information, configure the fourth allow list for the network elements corresponding to the first network element and the second allow list.

7. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to the first network element, including: Obtain the first allowed list and / or the second allowed list configured by the first management node; wherein, the network element corresponding to the first allowed list is allowed to request the energy cost of the first network element, and the first network element is allowed to send the energy cost to the network element corresponding to the second allowed list; Receive a first request message from a second network element, the first request message being used to request the energy cost of the first network element, the second network element being a network element corresponding to the first allowed list; and / or, The energy cost of the first network element is sent to the third network element, wherein the third network element belongs to the network element corresponding to the second allowed list.

8. The method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes: Obtain a list of mapping rules configured on the first management node. The list of mapping rules includes one or more mapping rules, which indicate the mapping relationship between energy consumption and energy cost. The list of mapping rules is used to determine the energy cost of the first network element.

9. The method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes: Obtain multiple mapping rule lists and a third allow list configured by the first management node; wherein, each mapping rule list includes one or more mapping rules, the mapping rules indicating the mapping relationship between energy consumption and energy cost, and the third allow list includes the identifier of at least one mapping rule list in the multiple mapping rule lists, and the third allow list is applied to the network element corresponding to the first allow list.

10. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The first request message includes an identifier of a first mapping rule list among the plurality of mapping rule lists, and the identifier of the first mapping rule list is included in the third allowed list; the method further includes: Send a first response message to the second network element. The first response message includes the energy cost of the first network element, which is determined based on the energy consumption of the first network element and the first mapping rule list.

11. The method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes: Obtain multiple mapping rule lists and a fourth allow list configured by the first management node; wherein, each mapping rule list in the multiple mapping rule lists includes one or more mapping rules, the mapping rules indicating the mapping relationship between energy consumption and energy cost, and the fourth allow list includes the identifier of at least one mapping rule list in the multiple mapping rule lists, and the fourth allow list is applied to the network element corresponding to the second allow list.

12. The method as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The step of sending the energy cost of the first network element to the third network element corresponding to the second allowed list includes: Receive a second request message from the third network element, the second request message being used to request the energy cost of the first network element; A second response message is sent to the third network element. The second response message includes the energy cost of the first network element and the identifier of the second mapping rule list in the plurality of mapping rule lists. The identifier of the second mapping rule list is included in the fourth allowed list. The energy cost of the first network element is determined based on the energy consumption of the first network element and the rules of the second mapping list.

13. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to the first network element, including: Receive a first request message from a second network element. The first request message is used to request the energy cost of the first network element. The first request message includes an identifier of a first mapping rule list. The first mapping rule list includes one or more mapping rules, which indicate the mapping relationship between energy consumption and energy cost. Send a first response message to the second network element. The first response message includes the energy cost of the first network element, which is determined based on the energy consumption of the first network element and the first mapping rule list.

14. The method as described in claim 13, characterized in that, Also includes: Obtain the first allowed list configured by the first management node; wherein, the network element corresponding to the first allowed list is allowed to request the energy cost of the first network element, and the network element corresponding to the first allowed list includes the second network element.

15. The method as described in claim 14, characterized in that, Also includes: Obtain multiple mapping rule lists and a third allowed list configured by the first management node; wherein, the third allowed list includes the identifier of at least one mapping rule list in the multiple mapping rule lists, the third allowed list is applied to the network element corresponding to the first allowed list, the multiple mapping rule lists include the first mapping rule list, and the third allowed list includes the identifier of the first mapping rule list.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13-15, characterized in that, Also includes: Receive a second request message from a third network element, the second request message being used to request the energy cost of the first network element; A second response message is sent to the third network element. The second response message includes the energy cost of the first network element and the identifier of the second mapping rule list. The energy cost of the first network element is determined based on the energy consumption of the first network element and the second mapping rule list.

17. The method as described in claim 16, characterized in that, Also includes: Obtain the second allowed list configured by the first management node; wherein the first network element is allowed to send energy costs to the network element corresponding to the second allowed list, and the network element corresponding to the second allowed list includes the third network element.

18. The method as described in claim 17, characterized in that, Also includes: Obtain multiple mapping rule lists and a fourth allow list configured by the first management node; wherein, the fourth allow list includes the identifier of at least one mapping rule list in the multiple mapping rule lists, the fourth allow list is applied to the network element corresponding to the second allow list, the multiple mapping rule lists include the second mapping rule list, and the fourth allow list includes the identifier of the second mapping rule list.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-6, or a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 7-12, or a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 13-18.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor coupled to a memory, the processor being configured to invoke computer program instructions stored in the memory to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1-6, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 7-12, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 13-18.

21. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-18.

22. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes computer execution instructions, which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-18.

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