Method and apparatus for energy-based UE redirection in wireless communication system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate. A method for saving energy in a network is provided. The method comprises: determining that a capacity of a first network node should be reduced based on energy information associated with the first network node; based on the determination, selecting a second network node; and redirecting the UE from the first network node to the second network node.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application is based on UK Patent Application No. 2316928.7 filed with the UK Intellectual Property Office on 3 November 2023 and UK Patent Application No. 2413465.2 filed with the UK Intellectual Property Office on 12 September 2024, and claims priority to it pursuant to 35 U.SC § 119(a), the disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This disclosure relates to one or more technologies based on energy redirection user equipment (UE). More specifically, this disclosure relates to technologies in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and 5th Generation (5G) New Radio (NR) networks. Background Technology

[0003] 5G mobile communication technology defines a wide frequency band, enabling high transmission rates and new services. It can be implemented not only in the "sub-6GHz" band, such as 3.5GHz, but also in the "above 6GHz" band, known as millimeter waves, which include 28GHz and 39GHz. Furthermore, 6G mobile communication technology (referred to as "Beyond 5G") is being considered in terahertz bands (e.g., the 95GHz to 3THz band) to achieve transmission rates up to 50 times faster than 5G and ultra-low latency one-tenth that of 5G.

[0004] At the outset of 5G mobile communication technology development, to support services and meet performance requirements related to enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), and massive machine-type communication (mMTC), the following standardization work has been carried out: beamforming and massive MIMO for mitigating radio wave path loss and increasing radio wave transmission distance in millimeter waves; digitization (e.g., multiple subcarrier spacing configurations) to support efficient utilization of millimeter wave resources and dynamic operation of time slot formats; initial access technologies to support multi-beam transmission and broadband access; definition and operation of BWP (bandwidth portion); new channel coding schemes such as LDPC (low-density parity-check) codes for large data transmissions and polar codes for high-reliability transmission of control information; L2 preprocessing techniques; and network slicing for providing dedicated networks for specific services.

[0005] Currently, regarding the services supported by 5G mobile communication technology, discussions are underway regarding improvements and performance enhancements to the initial 5G mobile communication technology. Physical layer standardization for the technology is also in place, including technologies such as V2X (vehicle-to-everything) for assisting autonomous vehicle driving decisions based on vehicle location and status information transmitted by vehicles, NR-U (New Unlicensed Radio) designed to ensure system operation complies with various regulatory requirements in unlicensed frequency bands, NR UE power saving, non-terrestrial networks (NTN) (which are direct satellite communications for UEs used to provide coverage in areas where communication with terrestrial networks is not possible), and positioning technologies.

[0006] Furthermore, the air interface architecture / protocol has been standardized technically, including Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) for supporting new services through interoperability and convergence with other industries; IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) for providing nodes for network service area extension by supporting wireless backhaul and access links in an integrated manner; mobility enhancements including conditional handover and DAPS (Dual Active Stack) handover; and two-step random access (two-step RACH for NR) for simplifying the random access process. In the system architecture / service domain, standardization efforts are also ongoing in the following areas: 5G baseline architectures for combining Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) technologies (e.g., service-based architectures or service-based interfaces), and mobile edge computing (MEC) for UE location-based reception services.

[0007] With the commercialization of 5G mobile communication systems, the number of connected devices will increase exponentially, necessitating enhanced functionality and performance of 5G mobile communication systems and integrated operation of connected devices. To this end, new research is planned related to the following projects: effectively supporting extended reality (XR) such as AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality), and MR (Mixed Reality); 5G performance improvements and complexity reduction through the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML); AI service support; metaverse service support; and drone communication.

[0008] Furthermore, this development of 5G mobile communication systems will not only serve as the foundation for developing new waveforms for providing coverage in the terahertz band of 6G mobile communication technology, multi-antenna transmission technologies (such as full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, and massive MIMO), metamaterial-based lenses and antennas for improving terahertz band signal coverage, high-dimensional spatial multiplexing technologies using OAM (orbital angular momentum), and RIS (reconfigurable smart surfaces), but also as the foundation for improving the spectral efficiency of 6G mobile communication technology and enhancing system networks through full-duplex technologies, AI-based communication technologies (by leveraging satellites and AI (artificial intelligence) in the design phase to achieve system optimization and built-in end-to-end AI support), and next-generation distributed computing technologies (by utilizing ultra-high-performance communication and computing resources to enable services at complexity levels exceeding the operational capabilities of UEs). Summary of the Invention

[0009] [Technical Issues]

[0010] This disclosure relates to wireless communication systems, and more specifically, to UE redirection in wireless communication systems.

[0011] [Solution to the problem]

[0012] The purpose of certain examples of this disclosure is to at least partially address, resolve, and / or mitigate at least one of the problems and / or disadvantages associated with related technologies, such as at least one of the problems and / or disadvantages described herein. The purpose of certain examples of this disclosure is to provide at least one advantage over related technologies, such as at least one advantage described herein.

[0013] The invention is defined in the independent claims. Advantageous features are defined in the dependent claims. Embodiments or examples disclosed in the specification and / or drawings that fall outside the scope of the claims should be understood as examples for understanding the invention.

[0014] According to an aspect of this disclosure, a method performed by a network entity in a communication system includes: determining whether to reduce the capacity of an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) entity based on energy-related information of the AMF entity; if it is determined that the capacity of the AMF entity should be reduced, determining whether to redirect the at least one User Equipment (UE) to another AMF entity based on subscription information of at least one User Equipment (UE) for the AMF entity; and if it is determined that the at least one UE should be redirected to the other AMF entity, triggering a process for redirecting the at least one UE to the other AMF entity.

[0015] According to an aspect of this disclosure, a method performed by a next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN) in a communication system includes: receiving from an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) entity of the NG-RAN a rerouting non-access stratum (NAS) request message for redirecting at least one user equipment (UE) from a first AMF entity to a second AMF entity, the rerouting NAS request message including a NAS message received from the at least one UE; selecting the second AMF entity as the AMF entity for redirection based on receiving the rerouting NAS request message; and sending the NAS message to the second AMF entity.

[0016] According to an aspect of this disclosure, a network entity in a communication system includes: a transceiver; and a controller connected to the transceiver, the controller being configured to: determine whether to reduce the capacity of the AMF entity based on energy-related information of the AMF entity; if it is determined that the capacity of the AMF entity should be reduced, determine whether to redirect the at least one user equipment (UE) to another AMF entity based on subscription information of at least one user equipment (UE) for the AMF entity; and if it is determined that the at least one UE should be redirected to the other AMF entity, trigger a process of redirecting the at least one UE to the other AMF entity.

[0017] According to an aspect of this disclosure, a next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN) in a communication system includes: a transceiver; and a controller connected to the transceiver, the controller being configured to: receive from an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) entity of the NG-RAN a rerouting non-access stratum (NAS) request message for redirecting at least one user equipment (UE) from a first AMF entity to a second AMF entity, the rerouting NAS request message including a NAS message received from the at least one UE; select the second AMF entity as the AMF entity for redirection based on receiving the rerouting NAS request message; and send the NAS message to the second AMF entity.

[0018] Other aspects, advantages and distinctive features of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, together with the accompanying drawings, discloses various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0019] [Beneficial effects of the invention]

[0020] According to embodiments of this disclosure, wireless communication can be performed efficiently. In particular, UE redirection can be performed efficiently. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 A method for saving energy in a network according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; and Figure 2 This is a block diagram of network entities that can be used according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0022] In all the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that the same reference numerals are used to describe the same or similar elements, features and structures. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The various acronyms, abbreviations, and definitions used in this disclosure are defined at the end of this specification.

[0024] The following documents may be referenced in this disclosure: [1] 3GPP SP-231192: New SID on 5GS Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving Enhancement [2] 3GPP TS 24.501 V18.4.0 Energy efficiency research 3GPP SA2 is currently studying the energy efficiency of the range and objectives defined in [1].

[0025] The following Working Task (WT) comes from [1] and describes some of the objectives of this study.

[0026] Task #3: Research 5GS enhancements (e.g., adjusting NF energy usage from the core network (CN) perspective, energy-saving decisions, and NF selection to utilize NF energy states) to achieve network energy savings, including 5GC (NF) and NG-RAN interaction and analysis. This research does not exclude the possibility of impacting UEs, such as in the scenarios defined by SA1 EnergyServ in TR 22.882.

[0027] As can be seen from the above, one of the aspects to be studied is related to energy conservation.

[0028] The above information is presented as background information only to aid in understanding this disclosure. No determination or assertion is made regarding whether any of the above can be used as prior art in relation to this disclosure.

[0029] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, is provided to aid in a comprehensive understanding of the various embodiments of this disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to aid understanding, but these are merely exemplary. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the various embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Furthermore, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of well-known functions and structures may be omitted.

[0030] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to their bibliographical meaning, but are used solely by the inventors to achieve a clear and consistent understanding of this disclosure. Therefore, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of this disclosure is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0031] It should be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural indicators unless the context clearly specifies otherwise. Thus, for example, referring to “component surface” includes referring to one or more such surfaces.

[0032] Identical or similar components may be designated with the same or similar reference numerals, although they may be shown in different figures.

[0033] For the sake of clarity and brevity, and to avoid obscuring the subject matter of this disclosure, detailed descriptions of techniques, structures, functions, operations, or processes known in the art may be omitted.

[0034] The terms and words used herein are not limited to their bibliographical or standard meanings, but are intended only for a clear and consistent understanding of this disclosure.

[0035] Throughout this specification and claims, the terms “comprise,” “include,” and “contain,” as well as variations thereof (e.g., “comprising” and “comprises”), mean “including but not limited to” and are not intended to exclude other features, elements, components, integrals, steps, processes, operations, functions, characteristics, properties, and / or groups thereof.

[0036] Throughout the specification and claims of this application, the general form of the language “X for Y” (where Y is some action, process, operation, function, activity or step, and X is some means for performing that action, process, operation, function, activity or step) includes means X that are specifically (but not necessarily exclusively) adapted, configured or arranged to perform Y.

[0037] Features, elements, components, integrals, steps, processes, operations, functions, characteristics, properties and / or groups thereof described or disclosed in connection with a particular aspect, implementation, example or claim shall be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, implementation, example or claim described herein, unless incompatible therewith.

[0038] Those skilled in the art will understand that the techniques described herein can be used in any suitable order and / or combination.

[0039] Some examples of this disclosure provide one or more energy redirection-based UE technologies, such as in a 3GPP 5G NR network. However, those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure is not limited to these examples and can be applied to any suitable system or standard, such as one or more existing and / or future generation wireless communication systems or standards, including any existing or future versions of the same standard specification, such as 3GPP 5G, 5G-advanced, or 6th generation (6G).

[0040] The functions of the various network entities and other features disclosed herein can be applied to corresponding or equivalent entities or features in the same or any other suitable communication system or standard. Corresponding or equivalent entities or features can be considered as entities or features performing the same or similar roles, functions, or purposes within the network.

[0041] A specific network entity can be implemented as a network element on dedicated hardware, a software example running on dedicated hardware, and / or a virtualization function exemplified on an appropriate platform (e.g., on cloud infrastructure).

[0042] Those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure is not limited to the specific examples disclosed herein. For example: The technologies disclosed in this article are not limited to 3GPP 5G.

[0043] One or more entities in the examples disclosed herein can be replaced by one or more alternative entities that perform equivalent or corresponding functions, procedures, or operations.

[0044] One or more messages in the examples disclosed herein can be replaced by one or more information carriers that transmit equivalent or corresponding information, such as alternative messages, signals, or other types of messages.

[0045] One or more other elements or entities may be added to the examples disclosed herein.

[0046] In some examples, one or more non-essential elements or entities may be omitted.

[0047] The functionality, process, or operation of a specific entity in one example can be divided among two or more separate entities in an alternative example.

[0048] The functionality, process, or operation of two or more separate entities in one example can be performed by a single entity in an alternative example.

[0049] The information carried by a particular message in one example can be carried by two or more separate messages in alternative examples.

[0050] The information carried by two or more separate messages in one example can be carried by a single message in an alternative example.

[0051] In alternative examples, the order of operations performed and / or the order of messages sent can be modified, if possible.

[0052] Some examples of this disclosure may be provided in the form of an apparatus / device / network entity configured to perform one or more defined network functions and / or methods thereof. Some examples of this disclosure may be provided in the form of a system (e.g., a network or wireless communication system) including one or more such apparatus / device / network entities and / or methods thereof.

[0053] Currently, there is no solution to redirect a UE to a target network or target network function (NF) when the source network or source NF wants to reduce its capacity due to energy constraints.

[0054] Some examples of this disclosure provide one or more techniques for energy redirection-based UEs.

[0055] Some examples of this disclosure provide a method for saving energy in a network, the method comprising: determining, based on energy information associated with a first network node, that the capacity of the first network node should be reduced; selecting a second network node based on the determination; and redirecting a UE from the first network node to the second network node.

[0056] In embodiments of this disclosure, energy information may include information based on the energy usage level of the first network node.

[0057] In embodiments of this disclosure, the determination is based on a comparison between energy usage levels and a threshold.

[0058] In embodiments of this disclosure, the first network node may be a first access and mobility management function (AMF), and the second network node may be a second AMF different from the first AMF; the first network node may be a first session management function (SMF), and the second network node may be a second SMF different from the first SMF; or the first network node may be a first user plane function (UPF), and the second network node may be a second UPF different from the first UPF.

[0059] In embodiments of this disclosure, the first network node may be a node of a first core network (CN), and the second network node is a node of a second CN that is different from the first CN.

[0060] In embodiments of this disclosure, the determination, selection, and / or redirection may be performed by one or more of the following: a first network node, a third network node different from the first and second network nodes, a radio access network (RAN) node, a mobility management entity (MME), an access and mobility management function (AMF), and a session management function (SMF).

[0061] In embodiments of this disclosure, redirection can be performed based on Non-Access Stratum (NAS) messages.

[0062] In embodiments of this disclosure, the UE to be redirected can be selected based on the UE's subscription information.

[0063] In embodiments of this disclosure, selection can be performed based on energy information associated with the second network node.

[0064] In embodiments of this disclosure, the method may further include receiving an indication from the UE that the UE supports energy-based redirection.

[0065] In embodiments of this disclosure, the method may further include sending an indication to the UE that the network supports energy-based redirection.

[0066] Certain examples of this disclosure provide network nodes configured to perform methods according to any of the examples, aspects, implementations, and / or claims disclosed herein.

[0067] Certain examples of this disclosure provide a network (or wireless communication system) that includes network nodes according to any example, aspect, implementation and / or claim disclosed herein.

[0068] Some examples of this disclosure provide computer programs that include instructions that, when executed by a computer or processor, cause the computer or processor to perform a method according to any example, aspect, implementation, and / or claim disclosed herein.

[0069] Some examples of this disclosure provide a computer or processor-readable data carrier on which a computer program according to any example, aspect, implementation and / or claim disclosed herein is stored.

[0070] The various examples will now be described in more detail.

[0071] The following sections describe (1) the action of redirecting the UE between AMFs using NAS messages, (2) the action of redirecting the UE between AMFs via interaction with the RAN, (3) the action of redirecting the UE between CNs due to energy, (4) the action of redirecting the UE between SMFs due to energy, and (5) the RAN's consideration of energy for the selection of AMF / MME.

[0072] Those skilled in the art will understand that the techniques described in these sections can be used in any suitable order and / or combination.

[0073] The following section describes the network behavior when the network determines to reduce capacity on certain NFs, and how to achieve capacity reduction and thus energy saving by moving UEs to other NFs or the target network. Thus, the actions of the NFs are due to energy constraints.

[0074] 1. Redirecting UE actions between Access and Mobility Management Functions (AMF) using Non-Access Stratum (NAS) messages.

[0075] In embodiments of this disclosure, an AMF may determine that its capacity (or the number of UEs it serves) is reduced due to energy constraints. For example, the AMF may make this determination based on local energy usage levels (e.g., exceeding a certain threshold) and / or based on operation and maintenance procedures, and / or based on explicit instructions from another NF.

[0076] When this occurs, the AMF can be configured to redirect at least one UE to another AMF, where the decision of which UE to redirect can be determined based on subscription information. Thus, new subscription information can be defined such that it indicates whether a UE can be redirected based on the energy level in the current NF serving the UE, where the NF can be an AMF, a Session Management Function (SMF), or any other suitable NF. In this way, the subscription information can be sent to at least the AMF, SMF, or any other suitable NF.

[0077] Once the AMF determines that the UE should be redirected, for example based on any technology disclosed herein, the AMF may use any suitable redirection mechanism for the UE, such as the following: The AMF sends a Configuration Update Command (CUC) message, which includes the necessary parameters that will cause the UE to re-register from idle mode. During the registration process, the 5G Globally Unique Temporary Identifier (GUTI) is not included, which will result in the same AMF not being selected because there is no temporary ID (i.e., 5G-GUTI) pointing to that specific AMF.

[0078] For example, the AMF should indicate "Registration Request" in the Registration Request bit of the Configuration Update Indication Element (IE) within the CUC message. In some examples, the message should not contain any other parameters.

[0079] When the UE performs registration again, the UE NAS will not provide the lower layer with the 5G-Short (S)-Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI) or the globally unique AMF ID (GUAMI) of the registration.

[0080] In embodiments of this disclosure, the AMF should reject NAS messages from the UE and include an appropriate reason value indicating that re-registration is required due to energy constraints in the network.

[0081] Then, the UE should register again, and the UE NAS should not provide 5G-S-TMSI or registered GUAMI to lower layers.

[0082] Those skilled in the art will understand that the techniques described herein can be applied to a UE in connected mode, and / or a UE that is sending NAS messages from connected mode or from idle mode, and / or a UE in 5G Mobility Management (5GMM)-connected mode with Radio Resource Control (RRC) inactivity indication.

[0083] 2. Redirecting UE actions between AMFs via interaction with the RAN

[0084] In embodiments of this disclosure, the AMF can determine that its capacity (and / or the number of UEs it serves) is reduced due to energy constraints. For example, the AMF can make this determination based on local energy usage levels (e.g., exceeding a certain threshold) and / or based on operation and maintenance procedures, and / or based on explicit instructions from another NF.

[0085] When this occurs, the AMF can be configured to redirect at least one UE to another AMF, where the decision of which UE to redirect can be determined based on subscription information. Thus, new subscription information can be defined such that it indicates whether a UE can be redirected based on the energy level in the current NF serving the UE, where the NF can be an AMF, SMF, or any other suitable NF. In this way, the subscription information can be sent to at least the AMF, SMF, or any other suitable NF.

[0086] Once the AMF determines that the UE should be redirected, for example based on any technology disclosed herein, the AMF may use any suitable redirection mechanism for the UE, such as the following: The AMF should trigger the rerouting process on the NG-AP interface by sending a Rerouting NAS Request to the NG-RAN (see 3GPP TS 38.413). The AMF should include the NAS message received from the UE. The AMF may indicate that the reason is due to energy constraints.

[0087] Then, NG-RAN should select another AMF and, optionally, route NAS messages to the new AMF based on an indication of energy constraints from the source AMF.

[0088] When a NAS message is rerouted to another AMF, NG-RAN can indicate that this rerouting is due to energy constraints in the source AMF.

[0089] Those skilled in the art will understand that the techniques described herein can be applied to S1 mode, i.e., Evolved Packet System (EPS). For example, based on similar S1 Application Protocol (S1AP) messages defined in 3GPP TS 36.413, the Mobility Management Entity (MME) can use the same rerouting mechanism.

[0090] Thus, due to energy constraints, the MME can also reroute NAS messages to the target MME. Therefore, the various techniques disclosed herein can also be applied to EPS in which similar or equivalent messages and / or IEs can be used.

[0091] 3. Due to energy redirection of the UE's actions in the CN.

[0092] In embodiments of this disclosure, the AMF can determine that its capacity (and / or the number of UEs it serves) is reduced due to energy constraints. For example, the AMF can make this determination based on local energy usage levels (e.g., exceeding a certain threshold) and / or based on operation and maintenance procedures, and / or based on explicit instructions from another NF.

[0093] When this occurs, the AMF can be configured to redirect at least one UE to another core network, such as the Evolved Packet Core (EPC). The AMF can use any suitable mechanism to redirect a UE to the EPC, where the trigger for doing so can be based on the energy usage level in the 5GS, and the AMF is configured to redirect the UE to the EPC, where the AMF can be aware that the energy usage level of the EPC is acceptable. How the AMF makes this determination may be beyond the scope of discussion.

[0094] In embodiments of this disclosure, the AMF may redirect the UE to the EPC based on an indication that the UE supports energy efficiency or based on UE support for Cellular Internet of Things (CIoT) optimization.

[0095] The UE can indicate in an existing IE or a new IE that it supports energy efficiency or that it supports energy efficiency-based redirection to a target CN.

[0096] The network can also notify the UE that it supports redirecting the UE to a target CN based on energy efficiency. The network can do this for UEs with subscription information so that the UE can be redirected based on energy considerations. In this way, any suitable subscription information can be defined for this purpose, which can be provided to the AMF (e.g., from the Unified Data Management (UDM)), and the AMF can determine, for example, which UE to redirect to the EPC based on the subscription information.

[0097] In embodiments of this disclosure, in order to perform the actual redirection, the AMF can behave as follows: When the UE sends any NAS message, the AMF can respond with a NAS rejection message, including the required 5GMM reason value #31 (requesting redirection to EPC), or can use the new IE to indicate a redirection to EPC due to energy constraints.

[0098] NAS messages from the UE can be any suitable NAS message, such as registration requests, service requests, or control plane service requests.

[0099] In EPC, the UE can use Attach Request, Tracking Area Update Request message, Service Request, or Control Plane Service Request.

[0100] Due to energy constraints, the AMF can redirect the UE by using registration denial or service denial, and by including 5GMM reason value #31 (request redirection to EPC), or a new reason value.

[0101] In EPC, MME can use attach rejection, tracking area update rejection, or service rejection.

[0102] AMF can also send a deregistration request message to the UE, including 5GMM reason value #31 (requiring redirection to EPC) or a new reason value.

[0103] In EPC, MME can use the separation request for the same purpose.

[0104] Although some of the messages above are reused, the trigger for doing so is now energy-dependent. Thus, when energy needs to be reduced in the network (or AMF), the AMF can function as described above.

[0105] Those skilled in the art will understand that the techniques described herein can be applied to EPS, where MME can use a similar approach (with appropriate or corresponding or equivalent NAS messages) to redirect UE to 5GC. The same techniques can also be used in newer systems (e.g., 6G), enabling 6G NF to redirect UE to 5G or 4G (4G).

[0106] 4. Due to the redirection of energy between SMFs, the UE's actions...

[0107] Redirecting a UE from an SMF can also mean that the SMF will stop serving the UE.

[0108] Due to energy constraints, an SMF can determine to reduce its capacity (and / or the number of UEs it serves). For example, an SMF can make this determination based on local energy usage levels (e.g., exceeding a certain threshold), and / or based on operation and maintenance procedures, and / or based on explicit instructions from another NF.

[0109] The UE can indicate in an existing IE or a new IE that it supports energy efficiency or that it supports energy efficiency-based redirection to a target CN.

[0110] The network can also notify the UE that it supports redirecting the UE to a target CN based on energy efficiency. The network can do this for UEs with subscription information so that the UE can be redirected based on energy considerations. Thus, any suitable subscription information can be defined for this purpose, which can be provided to the SMF (e.g., from the UDM), and based on this subscription information, the SMF can determine which UE should be deactivated.

[0111] When this occurs, the SMF can be configured to redirect at least one UE to another SMF, and / or can determine to stop serving the UE in question, for which the SMF may behave, for example, as follows: SMF can release a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session (and send a PDU session release command message) and indicate any existing 5G Session Management (5GSM) cause value, or can define a new value to indicate that the cause is due to energy.

[0112] The SMF can send a PDU session modification command message and indicate a new 5GSM cause value to indicate that the cause is due to energy, or the SMF can use the existing #39 (request reactivation).

[0113] In embodiments of this disclosure, when the UE receives any of the messages listed above, the UE may behave as follows: The UE may attempt to establish another PDU session and indicate that the establishment is due to energy constraints, i.e., the session is being used to replace another session due to energy limitations. The UE may provide this indication in a NAS message that is a mobility management message (e.g., an uplink (UL) NAS transport message), and / or in any session management message (e.g., a PDU session establishment request message), and / or may provide this indication from the UE using any suitable IE.

[0114] The SMF can notify the AMF that it needs to reduce capacity due to energy. The AMF can be configured to reduce the number of UEs using a specific SMF, such as based on local policies, and / or based on indications from the SMF, and / or based on Operation, Administration and Maintenance (OAM).

[0115] In embodiments of this disclosure, to reduce the number of UEs using the SMF, the AMF should update the allowed network slice selection auxiliary information (NSSAI) for each UE that has a single NSSAI (S-NSSAI) provided by the SMF in question. The AMF may send a new allowed NSSAI (e.g., using any NAS message) such that the S-NSSAI corresponding to the SMF (which is energy-constrained) is not part of the updated (or new) allowed NSSAI. The AMF may indicate that the S-NSSAI is rejected or simply excluded from the allowed NSSAIs. The AMF may indicate that a slice is unavailable due to energy constraints (e.g., temporarily). In some examples, the AMF may perform this operation for specific UEs that support this functionality, for example, based on the ability to exchange between the UE and the network as described above. In some examples, the AMF may perform this operation for UEs subject to this situation, for example, based on the subscription information described above.

[0116] In embodiments of this disclosure, if the SMF determines that the User Plane Function (UPF) has energy constraints (e.g., the UPF cannot serve more UEs and / or existing UEs), the SMF may take the following actions: SMF can release a PDU session for at least one UE, where the PDU session is being served by the UPF in question.

[0117] SMF can indicate that a resource is unavailable in UPF.

[0118] In embodiments of this disclosure, the AMF may reject a request to establish a user plane to the UPF (e.g., based on an instruction from the SMF to the AMF) due to energy constraints. The AMF may indicate resource unavailability, where a new cause value may be used or an existing cause value may be used, such as #67 (insufficient resources for a specific slice and data network (DN), or #92 (insufficient user plane resources for a PDU session), or any other suitable cause value. The AMF or SMF may use a new or existing cause value in any NAS message. The NAS message may be new or existing.

[0119] 5. Energy should now be considered when selecting the RAN for AMF / MME.

[0120] In embodiments of this disclosure, the RAN (e.g., NG-RAN or RAN in an evolved UMTS terrestrial RAN (E-UTRAN)) can be configured to select CN nodes based on energy levels or energy capacity (and / or capacity that can be converted to energy) in the CN. The RAN can be configured to utilize the energy level or information used by each CN node.

[0121] The RAN may receive NAS messages from the UE, for example, during the RRC establishment process, where the RAN needs to send NAS messages to the selected CN. In some examples, the RAN's selection of a CN node should take into account the CN node's energy level. For example, multiple AMFs and / or multiple MMEs may serve an area, and the RAN needs to select one AMF or one MME. The RAN should make the selection by considering the CN's energy level. For example, if an AMF or MME is having a high energy level, the RAN may avoid selecting it, and the RAN may select another CN node. The RAN can be configured to select CN nodes such that the energy level usage among CN nodes is balanced (as much as possible). The RAN can use any suitable mechanism to learn the energy level of a CN node, such as based on messages from the CN to the RAN (where the message can be new or existing), and / or based on configuration in the RAN, and / or based on operation and maintenance.

[0122] In embodiments of this disclosure, the RAN may consider other factors, such as load level, when selecting CN nodes, but the RAN should also consider the energy level of the CN nodes described herein.

[0123] In embodiments of this disclosure, a CN node (using new and / or existing messages) may notify the RAN to stop or resume the selection of the CN node in question for energy reasons.

[0124] In embodiments of this disclosure, if a CN node has notified the RAN that the CN node is at a high energy level or has notified the RAN that the CN node should not be optionally selected due to energy constraints, then the RAN should not select the CN node.

[0125] In embodiments of this disclosure, if a CN node has notified the RAN that the CN node is at a low energy level or has notified the RAN that the CN node can be optionally selected because the energy constraints are acceptable, then the RAN can select the CN node.

[0126] Those skilled in the art will understand that the various techniques disclosed herein can be applied to any suitable system, such as 5G, 4G, 6G, etc. NAS messages in 5G or 4G may have different names, or IEs may be named differently, but these recommendations will still apply.

[0127] It should be understood that the boxes in each flowchart and the combination of flowcharts can be executed by one or more computer programs that include computer-executable instructions. The entirety of one or more computer programs can be stored on a single storage device, or one or more computer programs can be divided into different parts stored on multiple different storage devices.

[0128] Any function or operation described herein may be processed by a single processor or a combination of processors. This single processor or combination of processors is a circuit that performs the processing and includes circuits such as an application processor (AP, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a communication processor (CP, e.g., a modem), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU) (e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a Wi-Fi chip, a Bluetooth™ chip, a global positioning system (GPS) chip, a near field communication (NFC) chip, a connectivity chip, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a fingerprint sensor controller, a display driver integrated circuit (IC), an audio codec chip, a universal serial bus (USB) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system-on-a-chip (SoC), an IC, and other circuits.

[0129] Figure 1 A method for saving energy in a network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0130] Reference Figure 1 In the first operation 101, it is determined that the capacity of the first network node should be reduced based on energy information associated with the first network node (e.g., a node of the first AMF, SMF, or UPF, and / or the first CN). For example, the energy information may include information based on the energy usage level of the first network node. In some examples, this determination may be based on a comparison between the energy usage level and a threshold.

[0131] In the second operation 102, based on this determination, a second network node (e.g., a node of a second AMF, SMF, or UPF, and / or a node of a second CN) is selected. For example, this selection can be performed based on energy information associated with the second network node.

[0132] In the third operation 103, the UE is redirected from the first network node to the second network node. For example, the UE to be redirected can be selected based on the UE's subscription information. In some examples, the redirection can be performed based on the NAS message.

[0133] Operations 101, 102, and 103 can be performed by any suitable node and / or entity, such as the first network node and / or another network node / entity (e.g., the third network node, RAN, MME, AMF, SMF). In various examples, operations 101, 102, and 103 can be performed by the same node / entity or different nodes / entities.

[0134] Despite Figure 1 Not shown, but in some examples, the method may also include receiving an indication from the UE that the UE supports energy-based redirection, and / or sending an indication to the UE that the network supports energy-based redirection.

[0135] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of network entities that can be used according to embodiments of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that network entities can be implemented, for example, as network elements on dedicated hardware, software examples running on dedicated hardware, and / or virtualization functions exemplified on a suitable platform (e.g., on cloud infrastructure).

[0136] Reference Figure 2 Entity 200 includes a processor (or controller) 201, a transmitter 203, and a receiver 205. Receiver 205 is configured to receive one or more messages from one or more other network entities, as described above. Transmitter 203 is configured to transmit one or more messages to one or more other network entities, as described above. Processor 201 is configured to perform one or more operations, for example, according to the operations described above.

[0137] The techniques described herein can be implemented using any suitably configured apparatus and / or system. Such apparatus and / or system can be configured to perform methods according to any aspect, implementation, example, or claim disclosed herein. Such apparatus may include one or more elements, such as receivers, transmitters, transceivers, processors, controllers, modules, units, etc., each element configured to perform one or more corresponding process, operational, and / or method steps for implementing the techniques described herein. For example, operation / function of X can be performed by a module (or X module) configured to perform X. One or more elements can be implemented in hardware, software, or any combination of hardware and software.

[0138] It should be understood that the examples of this disclosure can be implemented in the form of hardware, software, or any combination of hardware and software. Any such software can be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage devices (e.g., storage devices such as read-only memory (ROM), whether or not they are erasable or rewritable), or in the form of memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM), memory chips, devices, or integrated circuits), or stored on optical or magnetically readable media (e.g., optical discs (CDs), digital multifunction discs (DVDs), magnetic disks, or magnetic tapes, etc.).

[0139] It will be understood that storage devices and storage media are embodiments of machine-readable storage devices adapted to store one or more programs comprising instructions that, when executed, implement certain examples of this disclosure. Thus, certain examples provide a program and / or a machine-readable storage device for storing such a program, the program comprising code for implementing a method, apparatus, or system according to any example, embodiment, aspect, and / or claim disclosed herein. Furthermore, such a program can be transmitted electronically via any medium, such as communication signals carried by a wired or wireless connection.

[0140] It should be understood that various embodiments of this disclosure as described in the claims and specification may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0141] Any such software can be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores one or more computer programs (software modules), the one or more computer programs including computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform the methods of this disclosure.

[0142] Any such software may be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile memory (such as a storage device like read-only memory (ROM), whether erasable or rewritable), or in the form of memory (such as random access memory (RAM), memory chips, devices, or integrated circuits), or on optical or magnetically readable media (such as optical discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), magnetic disks, or magnetic tapes). It will be understood that storage devices and storage media are various embodiments of non-transitory machine-readable storage suitable for storing one or more computer programs comprising instructions that, when executed, implement various embodiments of this disclosure. Thus, various embodiments provide programs and non-transitory machine-readable storage of such programs, the programs comprising code for implementing the means or methods as described in any one of the claims of this specification.

[0143] Although this disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method performed by a network entity in a communication system, the method comprising: Based on energy-related information of the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) entity, determine whether to reduce the capacity of the AMF entity; If it is determined that the capacity of the AMF entity should be reduced, it is determined whether to redirect the at least one UE to another AMF entity based on the subscription information of at least one user equipment (UE) for the AMF entity; as well as If it is determined that at least one UE should be redirected to the other AMF entity, the process of redirecting at least one UE to the other AMF entity is triggered.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the trigger is further configured as follows: Send a rerouting non-access stratum (NAS) request message to the next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN). in, The rerouting NAS request message includes a NAS message received from the at least one UE that is redirected to the other AMF entity.

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: The process of redirecting at least one UE via the rerouting NAS request message is based on the energy constraints of the AMF entity.

4. The method according to claim 1, in, The energy-related information of the AMF entity includes its energy consumption level.

5. A method performed by a next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN) in a communication system, the method comprising: The NG-RAN Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) entity receives a Rerouting Non-Access Stratum (NAS) Request message for redirecting at least one User Equipment (UE) from a first AMF entity to a second AMF entity, the Rerouting NAS Request message including a NAS message received from the at least one UE; Based on the received rerouting NAS request message, the second AMF entity is selected as the AMF entity for redirection; and The NAS message is sent to the second AMF entity.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the sending is further configured as follows: The redirection is indicated to be based on the energy constraints of the first AMF entity.

7. The method according to claim 5, in, The redirection is determined based on the energy-related information of the first AMF entity.

8. A network entity in a communication system, the network entity comprising: transceiver; as well as A controller, connected to the transceiver, is configured to: Based on energy-related information of the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) entity, determine whether to reduce the capacity of the AMF entity; If it is determined that the capacity of the AMF entity should be reduced, it is determined whether to redirect the at least one UE to another AMF entity based on the subscription information of at least one user equipment (UE) for the AMF entity; as well as If it is determined that at least one UE should be redirected to the other AMF entity, the process of redirecting at least one UE to the other AMF entity is triggered.

9. The network entity according to claim 8, wherein, The controller is also configured to: Send a rerouting non-access stratum (NAS) request message to the next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN). The rerouting NAS request message includes a NAS message received from the at least one UE that is redirected to the other AMF entity.

10. The network entity according to claim 9, wherein, The controller is also configured to: The process of redirecting at least one UE via the rerouting NAS request message is based on the energy constraints of the AMF entity.

11. The network entity according to claim 8, in, The energy-related information of the AMF entity includes its energy consumption level.

12. A next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN) in a communication system, the NG-RAN comprising: transceiver; as well as A controller, connected to the transceiver, is configured to: The NG-RAN Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) entity receives a Rerouting Non-Access Stratum (NAS) Request message for redirecting at least one User Equipment (UE) from a first AMF entity to a second AMF entity, the Rerouting NAS Request message including a NAS message received from the at least one UE; Based on the received rerouting NAS request message, the second AMF entity is selected as the AMF entity for redirection; and The NAS message is sent to the second AMF entity.

13. The NG-RAN according to claim 12, wherein, The controller is also configured to: The redirection is indicated to be based on the energy constraints of the first AMF entity.

14. The NG-RAN according to claim 12, in, The redirection is determined based on the energy-related information of the first AMF entity.

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