Communication methods and communication devices

Abstract

A communication method and a communication apparatus are disclosed, relating to the field of communication technology. In this communication method, a terminal device requests data transmission via a power-saving mode from an access-side device. The access-side device sends a first response to the request to the terminal device. When the terminal device updates a first transmission configuration to a second transmission configuration based on the first response, the terminal device can then perform data transmission according to the second transmission configuration. Since the power consumption corresponding to the second transmission configuration is lower than that corresponding to the first transmission configuration, this reduces the power consumption of the terminal device while ensuring data transmission.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and more specifically, to a communication method and a communication device. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of communication technology, the processing power of terminal devices is constantly increasing. For example, terminal devices can not only support cutting-edge applications such as artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR), but also support more frequency bands and greater bandwidth. Consequently, the power consumption of terminal devices is increasing, posing a significant challenge to their long battery life.

[0003] Currently, methods to reduce the power consumption of terminal devices mainly include turning off data traffic and turning on airplane mode. However, these methods will prevent the terminal device from transmitting data. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and a communication device that can reduce the power consumption of terminal devices while ensuring data transmission.

[0005] Firstly, a communication method is provided, executed by a terminal device. The terminal device can be a terminal equipment, a module within the terminal equipment (such as a chip system), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal equipment's functions. The method includes: the terminal device sending a first request to an access-side device, the first request requesting data transmission via a power-saving method; and the terminal device updating the data transmission configuration from a first transmission configuration to a second transmission configuration based on a first response from the access-side device to the first request. The power consumption of the terminal device for data transmission according to the second transmission configuration is lower than the power consumption of the terminal device for data transmission according to the first transmission configuration.

[0006] In the above method, the terminal device requests data transmission via a power-saving mode from the access device. Based on the first response from the access device to this request, the terminal device updates the data transmission configuration from a first transmission configuration to a second transmission configuration, allowing the terminal device to transmit data according to the second transmission configuration. Since the power consumption corresponding to the second transmission configuration is lower than that corresponding to the first transmission configuration, this reduces the power consumption of the terminal device while ensuring data transmission.

[0007] In some implementations of the first aspect, the first request includes identification information of a first session, the data transmission includes the transmission of data for the first session, and updating the configuration of the data transmission from a first transmission configuration to a second transmission configuration includes: the terminal device updating the configuration of the first session from the first transmission configuration to the second transmission configuration. When the terminal device updates the configuration of the first session from the first transmission configuration to the second transmission configuration, the terminal device can transmit the data of the first session in a power-saving manner.

[0008] In some implementations of the first aspect, before sending the first request to the access-side device, the method further includes: the terminal device sending a session establishment request to the session management network element, the session establishment request being used to request the establishment of the first session as a session supporting data transmission in a power-saving mode; the terminal device receiving a session establishment response from the session management network element, the session establishment response being used to indicate acceptance of establishing the first session as a session supporting data transmission in a power-saving mode. Thus, the terminal device can obtain permission to transmit data in the first session in a power-saving mode through the above process, thereby supporting the terminal device to transmit data in the first session in a power-saving mode.

[0009] In some implementations of the first aspect, the data of the first session includes data of a first service, which has power-saving requirements. Thus, the terminal device can transmit the data of the first service in the first session using a power-saving method, thereby meeting the power-saving requirements of the first service.

[0010] In some implementations of the first aspect, sending a session establishment request to the session management network element includes: when the first service has power-saving requirements, the terminal device sends a session establishment request to the session management network element. Thus, establishing the first session as a session that supports data transmission via power-saving methods can meet the power-saving requirements of the first service.

[0011] In some implementations of the first aspect, the first request includes identification information of a first quality of service (QoS) flow, the data transmission includes the transmission of data of the first QoS flow, and updating the configuration of the data transmission from a first transmission configuration to a second transmission configuration includes: the terminal device updating the configuration of the first QoS flow from the first transmission configuration to the second transmission configuration. When the terminal device updates the configuration of the first QoS flow from the first transmission configuration to the second transmission configuration, the terminal device can transmit the data of the first QoS flow in a power-saving manner.

[0012] In some implementations of the first aspect, before sending the first request to the access-side device, the method further includes: the terminal device sending a second request to the session management network element, the second request being used to request the establishment of a first quality of service flow, the second request including filtering information used to determine or filter first data transmitted via power-saving mode, the first quality of service flow being used for the transmission of the first data; the terminal device receiving a second response from the session management network element, the second response being used to indicate acceptance of the establishment of the first quality of service flow. Thus, the terminal device can obtain permission to transmit data via the first quality of service flow via power-saving mode through the above process, thereby supporting the terminal device to transmit data via the first quality of service flow via power-saving mode.

[0013] In some implementations of the first aspect, before sending the first request to the access-side device, the method further includes: the terminal device obtaining permission to transmit data in a power-saving mode. Obtaining the corresponding permission before requesting to transmit data in a power-saving mode helps to ensure smooth data transmission in the subsequent power-saving mode, reducing the power consumption of the terminal device while guaranteeing data transmission.

[0014] In some implementations of the first aspect, obtaining the permission to transmit data in a power-saving manner includes: the terminal device sending a registration request to the mobility management network element, the registration request being used to request the permission; the terminal device receiving a registration acceptance from the mobility management network element, the registration acceptance indicating that the permission is granted to the terminal device. Through the above process, the terminal device can obtain permissions at the terminal device level, which can support the terminal device to transmit data on any session or quality of service stream in a power-saving manner.

[0015] Secondly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by an access-side device. The access-side device can be an access network device, a module within the access network device (such as a chip system), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access network device. The method includes: the access-side device receiving a first request from a terminal device, the first request requesting data transmission in a power-saving manner; and the access-side device sending a first response to the first request to the terminal device, the first response updating the data transmission configuration from a first transmission configuration to a second transmission configuration. Wherein, the power consumption of the terminal device for data transmission according to the second transmission configuration is lower than the power consumption of the terminal device for data transmission according to the first transmission configuration.

[0016] For a description of the beneficial effects of the second aspect, please refer to the description of the beneficial effects of the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0017] In some implementations of the second aspect, the first request includes identification information of the first session. Before the access-side device sends the first response to the terminal device, the method further includes: the access-side device receiving policy information corresponding to the first session, the policy information being used to determine the second transmission configuration, and the first response including the second transmission configuration.

[0018] Through the above process, the access-side device can determine the second transmission configuration corresponding to the first session based on the policy information corresponding to the first session, thereby supporting the terminal device to transmit the data of the first session in a power-saving manner according to the second transmission configuration.

[0019] In some implementations of the second aspect, the first request includes identification information of the first quality of service flow. Before the access-side device sends the first response to the terminal device, the method further includes: the access-side device receiving policy information corresponding to the first quality of service flow, the policy information being used to determine the second transmission configuration, and the first response including the second transmission configuration.

[0020] Through the above process, the access-side device can determine the second transmission configuration corresponding to the first quality of service flow based on the policy information corresponding to the first quality of service flow, thereby supporting the terminal device to transmit the data of the first quality of service flow in a power-saving manner according to the second transmission configuration.

[0021] In conjunction with either the first or second aspect, the first response includes information indicating a second transmission configuration. Thus, the terminal device can determine the second transmission configuration based on the first response.

[0022] In conjunction with either the first or second aspect, the first request includes at least one of the following information, which is used to determine the second transmission configuration: information indicating the available power of the terminal device, latency requirement information of the first service, or quality of service information of the first service; wherein the data transmission includes the transmission of data for the first service, and the first service has power-saving requirements. Thus, the access-side device can determine the second transmission configuration suitable for the terminal device based on the information included in the first request, thereby supporting the terminal device to transmit data in a power-saving manner.

[0023] In conjunction with either the first or second aspect, the first request includes information indicating a second transmission configuration, and the first response indicates that the terminal device is permitted to perform data transmission in a power-saving manner according to the second transmission configuration. Through this method, the access-side device does not need to determine the second transmission configuration, which reduces the processing power consumption of the access-side device. Furthermore, the UE can determine the corresponding second transmission configuration based on its own circumstances, thereby enabling data transmission to be completed under appropriate conditions for the UE.

[0024] Combining any one of the first and second aspects, the second transmission configuration includes a data transmission mechanism and corresponding parameter information. Thus, the terminal device can transmit data according to the aforementioned data transmission mechanism and the corresponding parameter information.

[0025] Combining any one of the first and second aspects, this data transmission mechanism includes discontinuous transmission, and the parameter information corresponding to the discontinuous transmission includes a period. Thus, the terminal device can perform data transmission in a discontinuous manner, thereby reducing the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0026] Combining any one of the first and second aspects, the data transmission mechanism includes: transmitting all data packets received within a first duration, wherein the parameter information corresponding to the data transmission mechanism includes the first duration. Thus, the terminal device can perform data transmission in the above manner, thereby reducing the power consumption of the terminal device while ensuring data transmission.

[0027] Combining any one of the first and second aspects, the data transmission mechanism includes: buffering received data packets until the amount of data in the buffered data packets is greater than or equal to a threshold, at which point the buffered data packets are sent together. The parameter information corresponding to this data transmission mechanism includes the threshold. Thus, the terminal device can perform data transmission in the above manner, thereby reducing the power consumption of the terminal device while ensuring data transmission.

[0028] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a session management network element or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the session management network element functions. The method includes: the session management network element receiving a session establishment request from a terminal device, the session establishment request requesting the establishment of a first session as a session supporting data transmission in a power-saving mode; the session management network element sending policy information or authorization indication information to an access-side device according to the session establishment request, the policy information or authorization indication information being used to determine a second transmission configuration, the second transmission configuration being used to update the transmission configuration of the first session, and the authorization indication information being used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to transmit data in the first session in a power-saving mode. Wherein, the power consumption of the terminal device for data transmission according to the second transmission configuration is lower than the power consumption of the terminal device for data transmission according to the first transmission configuration.

[0029] Using the above method, the session management network element receives a session establishment request from the terminal device. This session establishment request is used to request the establishment of a first session that supports data transmission in a power-saving manner. Based on the session establishment request, the session management network element sends corresponding policy information or authorization indication information to the access-side device. This helps the access-side device to support the terminal device in transmitting data in a power-saving manner based on the authorization indication information or policy information, thereby reducing the power consumption of the terminal device while ensuring data transmission.

[0030] In some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: the session management network element sending a session establishment response to the terminal device, the session establishment response indicating acceptance of establishing the first session as a session supporting data transmission in a power-saving mode. Thus, the terminal device can obtain permission to transmit data in the first session in a power-saving mode, thereby supporting the terminal device to transmit data for the first service in a power-saving mode.

[0031] In some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: determining whether the first session can be established as a session that supports data transmission in a power-saving manner. The session management network element grants the terminal device permission to transmit data in the first session in a power-saving manner, which helps to reduce the power consumption of the terminal device while ensuring the transmission of data in the first session.

[0032] In some implementations of the third aspect, determining whether to allow the establishment of the first session as a session supporting data transmission via power-saving mode includes: determining whether to allow the establishment of the first session as a session supporting data transmission via power-saving mode based on at least one of the following: local configuration information, network name of the first session, single network slice selection auxiliary information of the first session, and subscription information of the terminal device. The session management network element's determination of whether to allow the first session to support data transmission via power-saving mode based on at least one of the above information helps improve the relevance and accuracy of the session management network element's determination.

[0033] In some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: a session management network element determining policy information corresponding to the first session based on at least one of the following: a session management policy for the first session, subscription information of the terminal device, latency requirement information of the first service, or quality of service information of the first service. The first session is used for data transmission of the first service, and the first service has power-saving requirements. The session management policy for the first session can be determined by the policy management network element. The session management network element can determine policy information applicable to the first session for the terminal device based on the above information, so as to support the terminal device in transmitting data of the first session in a power-saving manner.

[0034] Fourthly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a session management network element or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the session management network element functions. The method includes: the session management network element receiving a second request from a terminal device, the second request requesting the establishment of a first quality of service flow, the second request including filtering information used to determine first data to be transmitted via a power-saving mode, the first quality of service flow being used for the transmission of the first data; the session management network element sending policy information or authorization indication information to an access-side device according to the second request, the policy information or authorization indication information being used to determine a second transmission configuration, the second transmission configuration being used by the terminal device to update the transmission configuration of the first quality of service flow, and the authorization indication information being used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to transmit the data of the first quality of service flow via a power-saving mode.

[0035] In the above method, the session management network element receives a second request from the terminal device. The second request is used to request the establishment of a first quality of service flow that supports data transmission in a power-saving manner. Based on the second request, the session management network element sends corresponding policy information or authorization indication information to the access-side device. This helps the access-side device to support the terminal device in transmitting data in a power-saving manner based on the authorization indication information or policy information, thereby reducing the power consumption of the terminal device while ensuring data transmission.

[0036] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, the method further includes: the session management network element sending a second response to the terminal device, the second response indicating acceptance of the establishment of the first quality of service flow, the second response including identification information of the first quality of service flow. Thus, the terminal device can obtain permission to transmit data of the first quality of service flow in a power-saving manner through the above process, thereby enabling the terminal device to transmit data of the first quality of service flow in a power-saving manner.

[0037] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, the method further includes: determining whether to allow the establishment of a first quality of service flow. The session management network element grants the terminal device permission to transmit data of the first quality of service flow in a power-saving manner, which helps to reduce the power consumption of the terminal device while ensuring the transmission of data of the first quality of service flow.

[0038] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, determining whether to allow the establishment of a first Quality of Service (QoS) flow includes: determining whether to allow the establishment of a first QoS flow based on at least one of the following: local configuration information, the network name of the first QoS flow, single network slice selection auxiliary information of the first QoS flow, or the subscription information of the terminal device. The session management network element's determination of whether to allow the establishment of a first QoS flow based on at least one of the above information helps improve the relevance and accuracy of the session management network element's determination.

[0039] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, the method further includes: the session management network element determining policy information corresponding to the first quality of service flow based on at least one of the following: a session management policy for the first quality of service flow, information indicating the available power of the terminal device, subscription information of the terminal device, latency requirement information of the first service, or quality of service information of the first service. Wherein, the first session is used for data transmission of the first service, and the first service has power-saving requirements. The session management network element can determine policy information applicable to the first quality of service flow for the terminal device based on the above information, so as to support the terminal device in transmitting data of the first quality of service flow in a power-saving manner.

[0040] Fifthly, a communication method is provided, which can be a session management network element or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a session management network element. The method includes: the session management network element receiving a first request from a terminal device, the first request being for requesting data transmission in a power-saving mode; the session management network element sending policy information or authorization indication information to an access-side device according to the first request, the policy information or authorization indication information being used to determine a second transmission configuration, the second transmission configuration being used to update the configuration of the data transmission, and the authorization indication information being used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to perform the data transmission in a power-saving mode.

[0041] In the above method, the session management network element receives the first request from the terminal device, and sends the corresponding policy information or authorization indication information to the access side device according to the first request. This can enable the access side device to support the terminal device to transmit data in a power-saving manner according to the authorization indication information or policy information, thereby reducing the power consumption of the terminal device while ensuring data transmission.

[0042] In some implementations of the fifth aspect, the first request includes identification information of the first session, the data transmission includes the transmission of data of the first session, and the session management network element sends policy information to the access-side device, including: the session management network element sending policy information corresponding to the first session to the access-side device. The second transmission configuration determined according to the policy information corresponding to the first session is used to update the first transmission configuration of the first session.

[0043] Through the above process, the access-side device can determine the second transmission configuration corresponding to the first session based on the policy information corresponding to the first session, thereby supporting the terminal device to transmit the data of the first session in a power-saving manner according to the second transmission configuration.

[0044] In some implementations of the fifth aspect, the method further includes: the session management network element determining whether to allow the establishment of the first session as a session that supports data transmission via power-saving methods. For details, please refer to the description of the beneficial effects of the corresponding implementation in the third aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0045] In some implementations of the fifth aspect, the method further includes: the session management network element determining, based on at least one of the following, that the first session can be established as a session supporting data transmission via power-saving methods: local configuration information, the network name of the first session, the slice information of the first session, or the subscription information of the terminal device. For details, please refer to the description of the beneficial effects of the corresponding aspect in the third aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0046] In some implementations of the fifth aspect, the method further includes: the session management network element determining the policy information corresponding to the first session based on at least one of the following: the session management policy of the first session, the subscription information of the terminal device, the latency requirement information of the first service, or the quality of service information of the first service. The session management network element can determine the policy information applicable to the first session of the terminal device based on the above information, so as to support the terminal device in transmitting data of the first session in a power-saving manner.

[0047] In conjunction with any one of the second, third, fourth, and fifth aspects, the policy information includes at least one of the following: information for instructing whether a degradation in service quality is allowed when the terminal device transmits data in a power-saving mode; information for instructing service quality parameters when the terminal device transmits data in a power-saving mode; information for instructing the degree of service quality degradation when the terminal device transmits data in a power-saving mode; and at least one identification information of the transmission configuration; or, instruction information, which instructs the access-side device to send notification information to the session management function when the terminal device transmits data in a power-saving mode, and the notification information instructs the terminal device to transmit data in a power-saving mode.

[0048] Sixthly, a communication method is provided, which can be a mobility management network element or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a mobility management network element. The method includes: the mobility management network element receiving a registration request from a terminal device, the registration request being used to request permission to transmit data in a power-saving mode; and the mobility management network element sending authorization indication information to an access-side device, the authorization indication information being used to instruct the terminal device to transmit data in a power-saving mode.

[0049] In the above method, the mobility management network element receives the registration request from the terminal device, and sends authorization instruction information to the access side device according to the registration request. This can enable the access side device to support the terminal device to transmit data in a power-saving manner according to the authorization instruction information, thereby reducing the power consumption of the terminal device while ensuring data transmission.

[0050] In some implementations of the sixth aspect, the method further includes: the mobility management network element sending a registration acceptance to the terminal device, the registration acceptance indicating that the terminal device is granted the permission. Through the above process, the terminal device can obtain terminal device-level permissions, which can support the terminal device in transmitting data on any session or quality of service stream in a power-saving manner.

[0051] In some implementations of the sixth aspect, the method further includes: the mobility management network element sending user type information of the terminal device to the access side device. Thus, the access side device can determine the corresponding second transmission configuration based on the user type information of the terminal device.

[0052] In a seventh aspect, a communication method is provided. This method can be a mobility management network element (MMI) or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the MMI functions. For ease of description, the following description uses a MMI as an example. The method includes: the MMI receiving a session establishment request from a terminal device, the session establishment request requesting the establishment of a first session as a session supporting data transmission via power-saving mode; the MMI determining a session management network element based on the session establishment request, the session management network element having the capability to establish the session as a session supporting data transmission via power-saving mode; and the MMI sending a session establishment request to the session management network element.

[0053] Using the above method, when the session establishment request is used to request the establishment of the first session as a session that supports data transmission in a power-saving manner, the session management network element selected by the mobility management network element has the capability to establish the session as a session that supports data transmission in a power-saving manner, which helps to successfully establish the first session.

[0054] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, which may be the aforementioned terminal device, and the communication device is used to perform the method described in the first aspect or any implementation thereof.

[0055] One possible implementation is that the communication device may include modules or units corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first aspect or any implementation of the first aspect. These modules or units may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0056] For example, the communication device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit.

[0057] Ninth aspect, a communication device is provided, which may be the access-side device described above, and the communication device is used to perform the method described in the second aspect or any implementation thereof.

[0058] One possible implementation is that the communication device includes modules or units corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second aspect or any implementation of the second aspect, wherein the modules or units are hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software implementations.

[0059] For example, the communication device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit.

[0060] In a tenth aspect, a communication device is provided, which may be a session management network element. The communication device is used to perform the method described in the third aspect or any implementation thereof, or to perform the method described in the fourth aspect or any implementation thereof, or to perform the method described in the fifth aspect or any implementation thereof.

[0061] One possible implementation is that the communication device may include modules or units corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described above, which may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0062] For example, the communication device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit.

[0063] Eleventhly, a communication device is provided, which may be the aforementioned mobility management network element. The communication device is used to perform the method described in the sixth aspect or any implementation thereof, or the communication device is used to perform the method described in the seventh aspect or any implementation thereof.

[0064] One possible implementation is that the communication device includes modules or units for performing the methods / operations / steps / actions described above. These modules or units can be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0065] For example, the communication device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit.

[0066] In a twelfth aspect, a communication device is provided, including a processor configured to cause the communication device to perform the above-described method by executing a computer program or instructions, or by means of logic circuitry.

[0067] In one possible implementation, the communication device also includes a memory for storing the computer program or instructions.

[0068] In one possible implementation, the communication device also includes a communication interface for inputting and / or outputting signals.

[0069] One possible implementation is that the communication device can also be a chip or a chip system.

[0070] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, including logic circuitry and an input / output interface, the input / output interface being used for inputting and / or outputting signals, and the logic circuitry being used for performing the methods described above.

[0071] One possible implementation is that the communication device can also be a chip or a chip system.

[0072] In a fourteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the above-described method to be performed.

[0073] In a fifteenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the above-described methods to be performed.

[0074] In a sixteenth aspect, a chip or chip system is provided, comprising: one or more processors for executing computer programs or instructions in the memory, such that the chip or chip system implements the above-described method.

[0075] In a seventeenth aspect, a chip is provided, which is installed in a communication device. The chip includes a processor and a communication interface. The processor reads and executes instructions through the communication interface, causing the communication device to perform the above-described method.

[0076] Eighteenthly, a communication system is provided, comprising a terminal device and an access-side device. The terminal device is configured to perform the method described in the first aspect or any implementation thereof, and the access-side device is configured to perform the method described in the second aspect or any implementation thereof.

[0077] Optionally, the communication system described above may also include a session management network element, which is used to execute the aforementioned methods related to the session management network element.

[0078] Optionally, the communication system described above may further include a mobility management network element, which is used to perform the aforementioned methods related to the mobility management network element.

[0079] For a description of the beneficial effects of any of the eighth to eighteenth aspects, please refer to the description of the beneficial effects of the first to seventh aspects, which will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0080] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system to which the embodiments of this application apply.

[0081] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a communication system applied to a network architecture.

[0082] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction process of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0083] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction process of another communication method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0084] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction process of another communication method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0085] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction process of another communication method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0086] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction process of another communication method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0087] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction process of another communication method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0088] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction process of another communication method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0089] Figure 10 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0090] Figure 11 This is a schematic block diagram of another communication device according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0091] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following points will be explained first.

[0092] 1. Unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. "At least one" means "one or more".

[0093] 2. Unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions in different embodiments of this application are consistent and can be referenced in each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0094] III. The various numerical designations used in this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. The magnitude of the serial numbers used in this application does not imply a sequential order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic. For example, the terms "first," "second," and other various terminology (if present) in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. Where appropriate, such data can be interchanged so that the embodiments described herein can be implemented in a sequence other than that illustrated or described herein.

[0095] Furthermore, any embodiment or design described in this application as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding.

[0096] IV. The terms “comprising” and “having” and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, for example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are expressly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not expressly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, product or device.

[0097] V. In this application, "for indicating" can be understood as "enabling", and "enabling" includes direct enabling and indirect enabling. When describing information for enabling A, it may include whether the information directly enables A or indirectly enables A, but it does not mean that the information necessarily carries A.

[0098] The information that enables the information is called the information to be enabled. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to enable the information to be enabled, such as, but not limited to, directly enabling the information to be enabled, such as the information to be enabled itself or its index. It can also be indirectly enabled by enabling other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be enabled. It can also enable only a part of the information to be enabled, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, enabling specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing enabling overhead to some extent. Simultaneously, common parts of various pieces of information can be identified and enabled uniformly to reduce the enabling overhead caused by individually enabling the same information.

[0099] In addition, "instruction" can include direct instruction, indirect instruction, explicit instruction, and implicit instruction. When describing a certain instruction information to indicate A, it can be understood that the instruction information carries A, directly indicates A, or indirectly indicates A.

[0100] In this application, the information indicated by the instruction information is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementations, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the information to be instructed by indicating other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also indicate only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent. Furthermore, the information to be instructed can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information pieces, and the sending period and / or timing of these sub-information pieces can be the same or different.

[0101] VI. The term "storage" or "preservation" in this application can refer to storage in one or more memory devices. These memory devices can be separately configured or integrated into an encoder, decoder, processor, or communication device. Alternatively, some memory devices can be separately configured, while others can be integrated into a decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and this is not limited.

[0102] VII. The arrows or boxes indicated by dashed lines in the schematic diagrams in the accompanying drawings of this application represent optional steps or optional modules.

[0103] 8. In the embodiments of this application, "send" and "receive" represent the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which may include direct transmission via the air interface or indirect transmission by other units or modules via the air interface. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which may include direct reception from YY via the air interface or indirect reception from YY by other units or modules via the air interface. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface. In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between network devices and terminal devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0104] The following sections describe the communication system, communication method, and communication device.

[0105] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system to which the embodiments of this application apply. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the communication system includes a terminal device and an access-side device. Optionally, the communication system may further include at least one of a session management network element, a policy management network element, or a mobility management network element.

[0106] The terminal device can be a terminal equipment, a module within a terminal equipment (such as a chip or chip system), or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the terminal equipment. Optionally, the terminal device can be installed in or used in conjunction with a terminal equipment. In this application, the chip system can be composed of chips or include chips and other discrete devices.

[0107] A terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities. It can be user equipment (UE), access terminal, subscriber unit, user station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent or user device, satellite phone, cellular phone, smartphone, wireless data card, wireless modem, machine-type communication equipment, cordless phone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA), customer-premises equipment (CPE), point-of-sale (POS) machine, handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle equipment, communication equipment mounted on high-altitude aircraft, wearable device, drone, robot, terminal in device-to-device (D2D) communication, terminal in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) connectivity, or virtual reality (VR) device. The term "terminal device" can refer to wireless terminals in various applications, including VR (virtual reality), AR (augmented reality), industrial control, self-driving, telemedicine / telehealth services, smart grids, transportation safety, smart cities, smart homes, and future communication networks. There are no restrictions on the specific type of terminal device. Furthermore, terminal devices can also be communication-enabled devices within future communication networks, and their form within those networks is not limited.

[0108] Access-side devices can be access network equipment, modules within access network equipment (such as chip systems), or logical nodes, modules, or software that implement all or part of the functions of access network equipment. Access network equipment, also known as access nodes, helps terminal devices achieve wireless network access. In one possible application scenario, access-side equipment can be a base station (BS), an evolved NodeB (eNB), an access point (AP), a transmitting and receiving point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), or a base station in a future mobile communication system. Additionally, access-side equipment can also be macro base stations, micro base stations, indoor stations, relay nodes, or donor nodes.

[0109] All or part of the functions of the access-side device in this application can also be implemented by software functions running on hardware, or by virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0110] In another possible scenario, multiple access-side devices collaborate to assist the terminal device in achieving wireless access, with each access-side device implementing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, the access-side devices can be a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), etc. The CU and DU can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radiohead (RRH).

[0111] In different communication systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0112] A session management network element is a network element that performs session management functions. Session management network elements may have different names in different communication networks. For example, a session management network element can be a session management function (SMF) defined in 5G, or it can be a network element defined in future communication networks; there is no limitation on this.

[0113] Policy management network elements are network elements that perform policy management functions. Policy management network elements may have different names in different communication networks. For example, a policy management network element may be a policy control function (PCF) defined in 5G, or it may be a network element defined in future communication networks. There is no limitation on this.

[0114] A mobility management network element is a network element that performs mobility management functions. Mobility management network elements may have different names in different communication networks. For example, a mobility management network element can be the access and mobility management function (AMF) defined in 5G, or it can be a network element defined for future communication networks; there is no limitation on this.

[0115] In the aforementioned communication system, the terminal device, access side device, mobility management network element, session management network element, and policy management network element can be applied to different network architectures. Taking the application of the terminal device, access side device, mobility management network element, session management network element, and policy management network element in a 5G network architecture as an example, please refer to... Figure 2 .

[0116] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a communication system applied to a network architecture. (As shown...) Figure 2As shown, the network architecture includes AMF, SMF, PCF, unified data repository (UDR), unified data management (UDM), application function (AF), user plane function (UPF), radio access network (AN), and data network (DN). The following mainly describes the functions of the network elements related to the embodiments of this application:

[0117] 1. AMF. The AMF is responsible for the following functions: mobility management, access authentication / authorization, receiving relevant signaling from access network devices (such as next generation (NG) 2 interface signaling), completing the user registration process, and forwarding session management (SM) signaling. Optionally, the AMF can also be used to transmit user policies between terminal devices and the PCF.

[0118] 2. SMF. SMF is mainly used for session management, Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation and management of terminal devices, selection of endpoints for manageable user plane functions, policy control and charging function interfaces, downlink data notification, and completion of processes related to the establishment, release and update of Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions.

[0119] 3. PCF. PCF is responsible for user policy management, including both mobility-related policies and PDU session-related policies, such as Quality of Service (QoS) policies.

[0120] 4. UDM. UDM mainly includes the following functions: unified data management, support for authentication trust letter processing in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) authentication and key negotiation mechanism, user identity processing, access authorization, registration and mobility management, contract management and SMS management, etc.

[0121] 5. UPF. As the interface with the data network, the UPF performs functions such as user plane data forwarding, session / flow-based billing and statistics, and bandwidth limiting. This includes packet routing and forwarding, as well as QoS processing for user plane data.

[0122] 6. (R)AN. (R)AN can manage radio resources and provide access services for terminal devices.

[0123] In the above description, the network element can be a network component in a hardware device, a software function running on dedicated hardware, or a virtualization function instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The network element can be divided into one or more services; furthermore, services that exist independently of network functions may also exist. Instances of the network element, instances of services included in the network element, or instances of services that exist independently of network functions can all be referred to as service instances.

[0124] Figure 2 In this context, Npcf, Nudr, Nudm, Naf, Namf, and Nsmf are the service interfaces provided by PCF, UDR, UDM, AF, AMF, and SMF, respectively, used to invoke the corresponding service operations. The UE communicates with the AMF through the NG1 interface (N1), the (R)AN communicates with the AMF through the NG2 interface (N2), the (R)AN communicates with the UPF through the NG3 interface (N3), the SMF communicates with the UPF through the NG4 interface (N4), and the UPF accesses the DN through the NG6 interface (N6).

[0125] Figure 2 The network structure shown is for illustrative purposes only. Figure 2 The network structure shown may also include other network elements, such as authentication server function (AUSF) and network element function (NEF).

[0126] Figure 1 In the communication system shown, the terminal device reduces power consumption while ensuring data transmission through interaction with other network elements. The interaction between the terminal device and other network elements is further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description uses the UE as the terminal device, the RAN as the access side device, the SMF as the session management network element, and the AMF as the mobility management network element as an example.

[0127] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the method includes:

[0128] Optionally, S301 and UE obtain permission to transmit data in a power-saving mode.

[0129] The granularity of the aforementioned permissions can be at the UE level, the session level (for example, the session may include a protocol data unit (PDU) session), or the quality of service flow (QoS flow) level. A session includes one or more QoS flows.

[0130] When the granularity of the above permissions is at the UE level, the UE can transmit data for any session or any QoS flow using power-saving methods. For example, the UE can obtain UE-level permissions for data transmission using power-saving methods from the AMF.

[0131] One possible implementation is that the UE sends a registration request to the AMF, requesting permission to transmit data in a power-saving mode; the AMF sends a registration acceptance to the UE, indicating that the permission is granted. See [link to details] for more information. Figure 9 The description.

[0132] When the granularity of the aforementioned permissions is at the session level, the UE can transmit data for a specific session using power-saving methods. For example, the UE can obtain session-level permissions for data transmission using power-saving methods from the SMF.

[0133] One possible implementation is that the UE requests the SMF to establish one or more sessions that support data transmission in a power-saving mode. When the SMF indicates acceptance to establish the aforementioned one or more sessions as sessions that support data transmission in a power-saving mode, the UE can subsequently request data transmission for those one or more sessions in a power-saving mode. See [link to details] for more information. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The description.

[0134] When the granularity of the aforementioned permissions is at the QoS flow level, the UE can transmit data for a specific QoS flow using a power-saving method. For example, the UE can obtain permission from the SMF to transmit data using a power-saving method at the QoS flow level.

[0135] One possible implementation is that the UE requests the SMF to establish one or more QoS flows that support data transmission via power saving. When the SMF indicates acceptance to establish the aforementioned one or more QoS flows as QoS flows that support data transmission via power saving, the UE can subsequently request data transmission via those one or more QoS flows using power saving. See [link to details] for more information. Figure 8 The description.

[0136] The aforementioned permissions can also be stored or configured in the RAN. Specifically, the SMF or AMF sends information to the RAN indicating that the UE is permitted to transmit data in a power-saving mode. The RAN determines, based on this information, that the UE has the permission to transmit data in a power-saving mode. Once the UE obtains this permission, it can request the RAN to transmit data in this mode, thereby reducing the power consumption of the terminal device while ensuring data transmission.

[0137] The aforementioned power-saving methods can be understood as ways to reduce the power consumption of terminal devices when transmitting data. For example, different transmission configurations correspond to different power consumption of terminal devices (power consumption can also be replaced by terms such as power consumption, energy consumption, or the amount of electricity consumed; for ease of description, power consumption will be used as an example below). If the power consumption of a terminal device transmitting data through the second transmission configuration is lower or less than the power consumption of the terminal device transmitting data through the first transmission configuration, then the second transmission configuration can be understood as a power-saving method.

[0138] The term "transmission configuration" can also be replaced with other terms, such as "data transmission configuration" or "data transmission strategy".

[0139] S302, the UE sends a first request to the RAN. Correspondingly, the RAN receives the first request. The first request is used to request data transmission via a power-saving mode.

[0140] For example, the UE may send a first request to the RAN if certain conditions are met, including: the UE's available or remaining battery power is less than or equal to a first threshold; or the first service has a power-saving requirement; or the UE's available or remaining battery power is less than or equal to the first threshold and the first service supports data transmission through a power-saving method.

[0141] The first service having power saving requirements can be understood as follows: (1) Before the UE sends the first request to the RAN, the UE uses the first transmission configuration to transmit the data of the first service and counts the power consumption. If the power consumption is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the UE determines that the first service has power saving requirements; (2) The UE obtains information used to indicate the QoS requirements of the first service, such as the throughput and / or latency required by the first service. The UE determines that the first service has power saving requirements based on the QoS requirements and the corresponding threshold. For example, if the throughput required by the first service is higher than the threshold A and the latency required by the first service is lower than the threshold B, the UE determines that the first service has power saving requirements.

[0142] Optionally, the UE can determine whether the first service supports data transmission via power-saving mode based on the identifier of the first service. For example, if the identifier of the first service indicates that the first service is a non-Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) voice service, and IMS voice service is a non-urgent service, which can support data transmission via power-saving mode, then when the UE's available or remaining power is less than or equal to a first threshold, the UE can send a first request to the RAN. The UE can obtain the identifier of the first service from the application layer.

[0143] As mentioned above, different transmission configurations correspond to different power consumption of the UE. Therefore, the first request is used to request data transmission in a power-saving manner, which can be understood as: the first request is used to request to change or adjust the data transmission configuration of the UE, or the first request is used to request to reduce the data transmission power consumption of the UE.

[0144] Before the UE sends the first request to the RAN, the UE's data transmission configuration is the first transmission configuration. The RAN can obtain information about the first transmission configuration, such as the UE indicating the first transmission configuration to the RAN before sending the first request, or the UE performing data transmission or information interaction with the RAN through the first transmission configuration before sending the first request, or the first transmission configuration being defined by the protocol, or the first request also including information indicating the first transmission configuration.

[0145] One possible example is that the first transmission configuration includes: the UE immediately sends each data packet to the RAN whenever it generates a data packet.

[0146] One possible implementation is that the first request includes information indicating a second transmission configuration. In this way, the UE can determine the corresponding second transmission configuration based on its own circumstances, thereby supporting data transmission under the appropriate conditions of the UE.

[0147] One possible implementation is that the first request includes at least one of the following information: information indicating the UE's available power (or remaining power), latency requirement information for the first service, or quality of service information for the first service. At least one of the above information can be used by the RAN to determine the second transmission configuration, as described below.

[0148] One possible implementation is that the second transmission configuration includes a data transmission mechanism and corresponding parameter information. In this way, the UE can perform data transmission according to the aforementioned data transmission mechanism and corresponding parameter information, which can reduce the power consumption of the terminal device while ensuring data transmission.

[0149] One possible implementation involves a data transmission mechanism including discontinuous transmission (DTX). The parameters for DTX include the period, i.e., the DTX cycle. In this way, the UE can perform DTX based on the corresponding period, thereby reducing the power consumption of the terminal device while ensuring data transmission.

[0150] One possible implementation is that the above data transmission mechanism includes sending all data packets received within a first duration together, and the parameter information corresponding to this data transmission mechanism includes the first duration.

[0151] One possible implementation is that the above data transmission mechanism includes: buffering the received data packets until the amount of data in the buffered data packets is greater than or equal to a threshold, at which point the buffered data packets are sent together. The parameter information corresponding to this data transmission mechanism includes the threshold.

[0152] One possible implementation is that the second transmission configuration includes identification information for the transmission configuration. Different transmission configurations include different data transmission mechanisms and corresponding parameter information for those mechanisms. See Table 1 for details. However, the content in Table 1 is only an example and not a final limitation.

[0153] Table 1

[0154] Transmission configuration identification information Data transmission mechanism Parameter information corresponding to the data transmission mechanism Logo 1 DTX 5ms Logo 2 DTX 6ms

[0155] As shown in Table 1, Identifier 1 indicates transmission configuration 1, which includes DTX and a period of 5ms; Identifier 2 indicates transmission configuration 2, which includes DTX and a period of 6ms.

[0156] Optionally, S303 and SMF send policy information or authorization indication information to the RAN. Correspondingly, the RAN receives the policy information or authorization indication information. The authorization indication information is used to indicate that the UE is allowed to transmit data in a power-saving mode, and the policy information is used to determine the second transmission configuration.

[0157] When the SMF sends authorization indication information to the RAN, the RAN makes its own decision on the first request, that is, it determines the specific content of the second transmission configuration. Alternatively, the RAN can also determine the second transmission configuration based on the authorization indication information. For example, if the authorization indication information indicates that the UE is allowed to transmit data in a power-saving mode, the RAN will determine the second transmission configuration accordingly.

[0158] When the SMF sends policy information to the RAN, the policy information is used both to instruct the UE to transmit data in a power-saving manner and to allow the RAN to make a decision on the first request. In other words, the RAN makes a decision on the first request based on the policy information, or the RAN determines the specific content of the second transmission configuration based on the policy information.

[0159] The SMF can send policy information or authorization indication information to the RAN before or after S302. When the SMF sends authorization indication information or policy message to the RAN after S302, the RAN can forward a first request to the SMF. The SMF determines the authorization indication information or policy information based on the first request and then sends the authorization indication information or policy information to the RAN. For details, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 7 The description.

[0160] The policy information sent by the SMF to the RAN can be at the UE level, session level, or QoS flow level. When the policy information is at the UE level, the RAN determines the transmission configuration for the UE to perform data transmission in a power-saving manner on any session or QoS flow. When the policy information is at the session level, the RAN determines the transmission configuration for the UE to perform data transmission in a power-saving manner on the session corresponding to the policy information. When the policy information is at the QoS flow level, the RAN determines the transmission configuration for the UE to perform data transmission in a power-saving manner on the QoS flow corresponding to the policy information.

[0161] When the policy information granularity is at the session level, the SMF sends policy information to the RAN, including: the policy information corresponding to sessions (without limiting the number of sessions) that support data transmission via power-saving methods. When the policy information granularity is at the QoS flow level, the SMF sends policy information to the RAN, including: the policy information corresponding to QoS flows (without limiting the number of QoS flows) that support data transmission via power-saving methods. The policy information for each session or QoS flow can be the same or different; this is not limited.

[0162] The granularity of the grant indication information sent by the SMF to the RAN can be UE-level, session-level, or QoS flow-level. When the grant indication information is UE-level, the RAN determines the transmission configuration when the UE transmits data for any session or QoS flow using power-saving mode. When the grant indication information is session-level, the RAN determines the transmission configuration when the UE transmits data for the session corresponding to the grant indication information using power-saving mode. When the grant indication information is QoS flow-level, the RAN determines the transmission configuration when the UE transmits data for the QoS flow corresponding to the grant indication information using power-saving mode.

[0163] When the granularity of the authorization indication information is at the session level, the SMF sends authorization indication information to the RAN, including: the authorization indication information corresponding to sessions (without limiting the number of sessions) that support data transmission via power-saving methods. When the granularity of the authorization indication information is at the QoS flow level, the SMF sends authorization indication information to the RAN, including: the authorization indication information corresponding to QoS flows (without limiting the number of QoS flows) that support data transmission via power-saving methods. The authorization indication information for each session or QoS flow can be the same.

[0164] One possible implementation is that the policy information includes at least one of the following:

[0165] User type information (which can be replaced with other terms) indicates whether QoS degradation is allowed when the UE transmits data in a power-saving mode. Specifically, user type information can indicate that the UE's user type is Type A, which indicates that QoS degradation is not allowed, meaning that when the UE transmits data in a power-saving mode, it should not affect the service experience or QoS. Alternatively, user type information can indicate that the UE's user type is Type B, which indicates that QoS degradation is allowed, meaning that when the UE transmits data in a power-saving mode, it is permissible to affect or reduce the service experience or QoS. Furthermore, QoS degradation can be understood as a change in metrics, such as a change in packet delay budget (PDB) from 1ms to 2ms, or a change in packet error rate (PER) from 10% to 20%.

[0166] At least one Quality of Service (QoS) profile (or other terms may be used) is required. The QoS profile indicates the QoS parameters when the UE transmits data in a power-saving manner. The QoS profile primarily includes one or more of the following parameters: a 5G QoS identifier (5QI) (one 5QI is associated with one or more parameters, such as PDB and PER); allocation and retention priority (ARP); and for guaranteed bit rate (GBR) QoS flows, it may also include: guaranteed flow bit rate (GFBR) for uplink and downlink; and maximum flow bit rate (MFBR) for uplink and downlink. Furthermore, different QoS profiles can correspond to different levels of QoS degradation.

[0167] QoS degradation level (or other terms may be used) indicates the extent to which QoS parameters decrease when the UE transmits data in a power-saving mode. A QoS degradation level of 0% indicates that the UE's user type is Type A, and a QoS degradation level other than 0% indicates that the UE's user type is Type B. Furthermore, the value can be understood as the absolute value or percentage decrease of the QoS parameter, such as the absolute value or percentage decrease of PDB or PER. Additionally, the value can be applied to all parameters associated with 5QI, or only some of the parameters associated with 5QI; there is no limitation on this.

[0168] At least one identification information for the transport configuration.

[0169] The instruction information is used to instruct the RAN to send a notification information to the SMF when the UE transmits data in a power-saving mode. The notification information is used to instruct the UE to transmit data in a power-saving mode.

[0170] Thus, the RAN can determine the corresponding second transmission configuration based on the above information, as detailed in S304.

[0171] For a description of how SMF determines policy information or authorization instructions, please refer to the following text.

[0172] S304. The RAN sends a first response to the UE based on the first request. Accordingly, the UE receives the first response.

[0173] The RAN can determine whether to allow the UE to transmit data in a power-saving mode in several ways. These are described in detail below:

[0174] Method 1: The RAN determines whether to allow the UE to transmit data in a power-saving mode based on whether the UE has the authority to do so.

[0175] For example, when it is determined that the UE has the authority to transmit data in a power-saving mode at the UE level, the RAN allows the UE to transmit data for any session or any QoS flow in a power-saving mode.

[0176] For example, when it is determined that the UE has the permission to transmit data in a power-saving mode at the session granularity, the RAN allows the UE to transmit data for a specific session in a power-saving mode.

[0177] For example, when it is determined that a UE has the authority to transmit data in a power-saving manner at the QoS flow granularity, the RAN allows the UE to transmit data for a specific QoS flow in a power-saving manner.

[0178] One possible implementation is that the first request includes at least one session identification information, and before the RAN sends the first response to the UE, the method further includes:

[0179] The RAN receives policy information or authorization indication information corresponding to each session in the at least one session.

[0180] Thus, the RAN determines that the UE has the authority to transmit data for at least one session in a power-saving manner, and thereby allows the UE to transmit data for at least one session in a power-saving manner.

[0181] One possible implementation is that the first request includes at least one QoS flow identification information, and before the RAN sends the first response to the UE, the method further includes:

[0182] The RAN receives policy information or authorization indication information corresponding to each QoS flow in the at least one QoS flow.

[0183] Thus, the RAN determines that the UE has the authority to transmit the data of at least one QoS flow in a power-saving manner, and thereby allows the UE to transmit the data of at least one QoS flow in a power-saving manner.

[0184] One possible implementation is that the first request does not include session or QoS flow identification information, and the RAN determines whether the UE has permission to transmit data in a power-saving mode at the UE level. Alternatively, the RAN can determine whether there exists a session or QoS flow within the UE's session or QoS flow that supports data transmission in a power-saving mode (denoted as the first session and the first QoS flow, respectively). If it exists, the RAN determines that the UE is allowed to transmit data in the first session or the first QoS flow in a power-saving mode, and the first response is applied to the first session or the first QoS flow. If it does not exist, the RAN determines that the UE is not allowed to transmit data in a power-saving mode. For ease of description, the following description assumes that there is a session or QoS flow within the UE's session or QoS flow that supports data transmission in a power-saving mode.

[0185] Method 2: The RAN determines whether to allow the UE to transmit data in a power-saving mode based on local configuration or load status.

[0186] For example, the RAN is configured with cell identifiers that allow the UE to transmit data in a power-saving mode. When the UE is located in a cell that allows the UE to transmit data in a power-saving mode, the RAN accepts the first request, thus allowing the UE to transmit data in a power-saving mode. Alternatively, if the RAN receives the first request while the RAN is under high load, the RAN will still accept the first request, thus allowing the UE to transmit data in a power-saving mode.

[0187] Optionally, the RAN can combine methods 1 and 2 above to determine whether the UE is allowed to transmit data in a power-saving mode. For example, when the first request includes the identification information of the first session, the RAN determines whether the UE is allowed to transmit data in a power-saving mode based on the policy information or authorization indication information corresponding to the first session and the fact that the UE is located in a cell that allows the UE to transmit data in a power-saving mode.

[0188] In the embodiments of this application, the transmission configuration used by the UE for data transmission in a power-saving manner can be determined by the UE (denoted as Case 1) or by the RAN (denoted as Case 2). Case 1 will be described first, followed by Case 2.

[0189] Scenario 1:

[0190] In this case, the first request includes information indicating the second transmission configuration, such as the first request including the second transmission configuration. For example, the UE determines the second transmission configuration and carries information indicating the second transmission configuration in the first request.

[0191] In one possible implementation, after the RAN determines, as described above, that the UE is allowed to transmit data in a power-saving mode, it can send a first response to the UE. This first response can be used to indicate that the UE is allowed to transmit data in a power-saving mode, or it can be used to indicate that the UE is allowed to transmit data using a second transmission configuration. That is, in this implementation, the RAN's determination that the UE is allowed to transmit data in a power-saving mode means that the UE is allowed to transmit data using the transmission configuration in the first request.

[0192] In another possible implementation, after the RAN determines that the UE is allowed to transmit data in a power-saving mode, it can further determine whether the UE is allowed to transmit data using a second transport configuration. In one example, if the first request includes information indicating the second transport configuration and identification information of the first session, it indicates that the UE requests to use the second transport configuration to transmit data for the first session. The RAN can determine whether to allow the UE to use the second transport configuration to transmit data for the first session based on the policy information corresponding to the first session. In another example, if the first request includes information indicating the second transport configuration and identification information of the first QoS flow, it indicates that the UE requests to use the second transport configuration to transmit data for the first QoS flow. The RAN can determine whether to allow the UE to use the second transport configuration to transmit data for the first QoS flow based on the policy information corresponding to the first QoS flow.

[0193] Optionally, the RAN can also determine whether to allow the UE to transmit data through the second transmission configuration based on the aforementioned local configuration and / or load status. If the first request includes at least one of the following information, the RAN can also combine that at least one piece of information to determine whether to allow the UE to transmit data through the second transmission configuration: information on the UE's available power, latency requirements of the first service, or QoS information of the first service.

[0194] If the RAN determines that the UE is allowed to transmit data through the second transmission configuration, the RAN may send a first response to the UE to indicate that the UE is allowed to transmit data in a power-saving mode, or to indicate that the UE is allowed to transmit data using the second transmission configuration.

[0195] If the RAN determines that the UE is not allowed to transmit data through the second transmission configuration, the RAN may send a first response to the UE to indicate that the UE is denied data transmission through the power-saving mode, or to indicate that the UE is allowed to transmit data through the power-saving mode, but the UE is denied data transmission through the second transmission configuration.

[0196] Furthermore, if the RAN determines that the UE is not allowed to transmit data through the second transmission configuration, the RAN can also determine a third transmission configuration, which differs from the second transmission configuration. The third transmission configuration can be determined by the RAN based on authorization indication information, policy information, local configuration, and / or the current load state; there are no restrictions on its determination.

[0197] Taking the RAN's determination of the third transport configuration based on policy information as an example, as described below:

[0198] The policy information includes user type information. The RAN determines the corresponding QoS profile based on the UE's user type (these QoS profiles are sent to the RAN by the SMF), and then determines the third transmission configuration based on these QoS profiles. For example, if the UE's user type is Type A, the RAN selects a QoS profile for the UE that does not degrade the service experience or QoS (the QoS corresponding to this QoS profile will not be lower than the QoS of the UE transmitting data according to the first transmission configuration), and determines the third transmission configuration based on these QoS profiles. As another example, if the UE's user type is Type B, the RAN can select a QoS profile for the UE that can degrade the service experience or QoS (the QoS corresponding to this QoS profile can be lower than the QoS of the UE transmitting data according to the first transmission configuration), and determines the third transmission configuration based on these QoS profiles. In this way, it can support meeting the UE's QoS requirements while reducing UE power consumption.

[0199] For example, the user type information indicates that the user type of the UE is Type A. The RAN determines the third transmission configuration from the QoS profile of the current application based on Type A. If the upper limit of the DTX period corresponding to the QoS profile of the current application is 5ms, then the third transmission configuration includes DTX and the period of DTX is 5ms.

[0200] For example, the user type information indicates that the user type of the UE is Type B. The RAN determines to select a new QoS profile based on Type B and determines the third transmission configuration from the QoS profile. If the upper limit of the DTX period corresponding to the QoS profile is 8ms, then the third transmission configuration includes DTX and the period of DTX is 8ms.

[0201] The policy information includes at least one QoS profile. The RAN selects one QoS profile from the at least one QoS profile and determines the third transmission configuration based on the QoS profile. For example, if the upper limit of the DTX period corresponding to the QoS profile is 6ms, then the third transmission configuration includes DTX and the DTX period is 6ms.

[0202] The policy information includes user type information and at least one QoS profile. The user type information indicates that the user type of the UE is Type B. The RAN selects a QoS profile corresponding to Type B from the at least one QoS profile and determines the third transmission configuration based on the QoS profile. For example, if the upper limit of the DTX period corresponding to the QoS profile is 8ms, then the third transmission configuration includes DTX and the period of DTX is 8ms.

[0203] Optionally, the RAN selects one QoS profile from the at least one QoS profile based on the current load, and determines the third transmission configuration based on that QoS profile. For example, if the RAN is currently under high load, and the QoS profile selected by the RAN corresponds to a DTX period of 10ms, then the third transmission configuration includes DTX and a DTX period of 10ms.

[0204] The policy information includes the QoS degradation level. If the QoS degradation level is 0%, the RAN determines the UE's user type as Type A based on the QoS degradation level of 0%. Based on Type A, the RAN determines the third transmission configuration from the QoS profile of the current application. For example, if the upper limit of the DTX period corresponding to the QoS profile of the current application is 5ms, then the third transmission configuration includes DTX and the DTX period is 5ms.

[0205] Optionally, if the first request includes at least one of the following pieces of information, the RAN may determine the third transmission configuration based on that at least one piece of information.

[0206] For example, the first request includes information indicating the UE's available battery power, such as the UE's available battery power being 20%. The policy information includes user type information, which indicates that the UE's user type is Type A. The RAN determines the QoS profile to select for the current application based on Type A. The upper limit of the DTX period corresponding to this QoS profile is 5ms. Since the UE's available battery power is 20%, the RAN determines that the third transmission configuration includes DTX and the DTX period is 5ms (which can support the UE to complete data transmission with 20% battery power).

[0207] For example, the first request includes latency requirement information for the first service, such as a latency requirement of 3ms. The policy information includes at least one QoS profile. The RAN determines the corresponding QoS profile from the at least one QoS profile based on the latency requirement of the first service, and determines the third transmission configuration based on the QoS profile. For example, if the upper limit of the DTX period corresponding to the QoS profile for the latency requirement of the first service is 6ms, the third transmission configuration includes DTX and the DTX period is 6ms (which can meet the latency requirement of the first service).

[0208] For example, the first request includes QoS information of the first service, such as the QoS information of the first service indicating that the PDB is 100ms, and the policy information includes at least one QoS profile. The RAN determines the corresponding QoS profile from at least one QoS profile based on the QoS information of the first service, and determines the third transmission configuration based on the QoS profile. For example, if the latency requirement of the first service is 3ms, the upper limit of the DTX period corresponding to the QoS profile is 6ms, and the third transmission configuration includes DTX and the period of DTX is 6ms (which can meet the QoS requirement of the first service).

[0209] Optionally, the RAN may also determine a third transmission configuration based on local configuration and / or current load status and information included in the first request. For example, the first request includes information indicating the UE's available battery power, such as the UE's available battery power being 20% ​​and the RAN being in a high load state. The RAN determines the corresponding third transmission configuration accordingly, such as the third transmission configuration including DTX and a DTX period of 6ms (which can support the UE to complete data transmission with 20% battery power).

[0210] Optionally, the RAN can determine the third transmission configuration based on its local configuration and / or load status; that is, the RAN does not determine the third transmission configuration based on the information included in the first request. This allows the RAN to determine the third transmission configuration according to its own circumstances.

[0211] Optionally, the RAN may also determine a third transmission configuration based on the information included in the first request. For example, the first request includes information indicating the UE's available battery power, such as 20% available battery power. The RAN determines the third transmission configuration from the currently applied QoS profile, where the upper limit of the DTX period corresponding to the QoS profile is 5ms. Since the UE's available battery power is 20%, the RAN determines the third transmission configuration to include DTX and a DTX period of 5ms (which can support the UE to complete data transmission with 20% battery power).

[0212] One possible implementation is that the first response includes information indicating a third transmission configuration. In this way, the UE determines the third transmission configuration and uses it to transmit data in a power-saving manner.

[0213] In summary, in scenario 1, the RAN may allow the UE to use the second transmission configuration or may not allow the UE to use the second transmission configuration, and may indicate a third transmission configuration to the UE, without limitation.

[0214] Scenario 2:

[0215] In this case, the RAN can determine the second transmission configuration. For a detailed description, please refer to the description of the RAN determining the third transmission configuration in Case 1.

[0216] One possible implementation is that the first response includes information indicating a second transmission configuration. Thus, the UE determines the second transmission configuration based on the first response and can use the second transmission configuration to transmit data in a power-saving manner. The second transmission configuration is determined by the RAN.

[0217] S305, the UE updates the data transmission configuration from the first transmission configuration to the second transmission configuration based on the first response.

[0218] When a UE requests to transmit data for a specific session (including one or more sessions) in a power-saving manner on a specific session (i.e., the first request includes the identification information of the one or more sessions), the UE updates the transmission configuration of the specific session from the first transmission configuration to the second transmission configuration according to the first response. When the specific session includes multiple sessions, the second transmission configuration indicated by the first response can be applied to all multiple sessions, or the first response includes multiple second transmission configurations, each of which is applied to the corresponding session.

[0219] When a UE requests data transmission for a specific QoS flow (including one or more QoS flows) via power-saving mode (i.e., the first request includes the identification information of the one or more QoS flows), the UE updates the transmission configuration of the specific QoS flow from the first transmission configuration to the second transmission configuration according to the first response. When the specific QoS flow includes multiple QoS flows, the second transmission configuration indicated by the first response can be applied to all multiple QoS flows, or the first response includes multiple second transmission configurations, each of which is applied to its corresponding QoS flow.

[0220] One possible implementation is that the first request includes identification information of at least one session, the at least one session includes a first session, the data transmission includes the transmission of data of the first session, and the UE updates the first transmission configuration to a second transmission configuration according to the first response, including:

[0221] The UE updates the first transport configuration of the first session to the second transport configuration.

[0222] When the UE updates the transmission configuration of the first session from the first transmission configuration to the second transmission configuration, the UE can transmit the data of the first session in a power-saving manner.

[0223] One possible implementation is that the first request includes identification information of at least one QoS flow, the at least one QoS flow includes a first QoS flow, the data transmission includes the transmission of data of the first QoS flow, and the UE updates the configuration of the data transmission from a first transmission configuration to a second transmission configuration according to the first response, including:

[0224] The UE updates the transmission configuration of the first QoS flow from the first transmission configuration to the second transmission configuration.

[0225] When the UE updates the transmission configuration of the first QoS flow from the first transmission configuration to the second transmission configuration, the UE can transmit the data of the first QoS flow in a power-saving manner.

[0226] In summary, the UE requests the RAN to perform data transmission in a power-saving mode. The RAN sends a first response to the UE. When the UE updates its first transmission configuration to a second transmission configuration based on the first response, the UE can then perform data transmission according to the second transmission configuration. Since the power consumption of the second transmission configuration is lower than that of the first transmission configuration, this reduces the UE's power consumption while ensuring data transmission.

[0227] The following text combines Figure 4 and Figure 5 right Figure 3 The method shown is illustrated with an example of how the UE obtains permission to transmit data in a power-saving mode.

[0228] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the method includes:

[0229] Optionally, in S401, the UE determines that the first service has a power-saving requirement. For details, please refer to the relevant description in S302.

[0230] S402, the UE sends a session establishment request to the SMF. Correspondingly, the SMF receives the session establishment request. The session establishment request is used to request that the first session be established as a session that supports data transmission via power-saving methods.

[0231] The session establishment request itself is used to request the establishment of the first session as a session that supports data transmission in a power-saving manner, such as a power-saving session establishment request. Alternatively, the session establishment request includes first indication information, which indicates that the first session should be established as a session that supports data transmission in a power-saving manner, such as power-saving session indication information.

[0232] One possible implementation is that the first session is used for the transmission of the first service, which has power-saving transmission requirements. In this way, the UE can transmit the data of the first service in a power-saving manner during the first session, while still meeting the power-saving requirements of the first service.

[0233] One possible example is that the first session is a first PDU session. The first PDU session includes at least one QoS flow. When the first PDU session is a session that supports data transmission in a power-saving manner, the QoS flows included in the first PDU session also support data transmission in a power-saving manner.

[0234] One possible implementation is that the session establishment request includes at least one of the following: latency requirement information of the first service and QoS information of the first service. The SMF determines the policy information of the first session based on the latency requirement information and / or QoS information of the first service.

[0235] One possible implementation is that the UE sends a session establishment request to the SMF when the first service has power-saving requirements. In this way, the power-saving requirements of the first service can be met.

[0236] Optionally, the session establishment response includes identification information for the first session. SMF establishes the first session based on this identification information. In this way, SMF does not need to configure the identification information for the first session.

[0237] S403 and SMF send policy information or authorization instruction information to the RAN. Correspondingly, the RAN receives the policy information or authorization instruction information.

[0238] Both authorization indication information and policy information can be applied to the first session. For example, authorization indication information is used to indicate that the UE is allowed to transmit data in the first session in a power-saving mode. For example, policy information is used to indicate that the UE is allowed to transmit data in the first session in a power-saving mode, and the configuration of the UE transmitting data in the first session in a power-saving mode needs to be determined according to the policy information.

[0239] When a UE requests to establish multiple sessions that support data transmission via power-saving methods, the SMF sets corresponding authorization indication information or policy information for each session, as shown in Tables 2 and 3. The contents of Tables 2 and 3 are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended as final limitations.

[0240] Table 2

[0241] conversation Strategy Information Session 1 Strategy Information 1 Session 2 Strategy Information 2 Session 3 Strategy Information 3

[0242] As shown in Table 2, SMF configures policy information 1 for session 1, policy information 2 for session 2, and policy information 3 for session 3. Policy information 1, policy information 2, and policy information 3 can be the same or different from each other; there is no restriction on this.

[0243] Table 3

[0244] conversation Authorization Instruction Information Session 1 Authorization Instruction Information 1 Session 2 Authorization Instruction Message 2 Session 3 Authorization Instruction Message 3

[0245] As shown in Table 3, SMF configures authorization instruction information 1 for session 1, authorization instruction information 2 for session 2, and authorization instruction information 3 for session 3. Authorization instruction information 1, authorization instruction information 2, and authorization instruction information 3 can be the same as or different from each other; this is not limited.

[0246] One possible implementation method further includes: the SMF determining whether the first session can be established as a session that supports data transmission via power-saving mode. This allows the SMF to grant the UE permission to transmit data in the first session via power-saving mode, helping to reduce UE power consumption while ensuring data transmission in the first session.

[0247] One possible implementation method further includes: the SMF determining, based on at least one of the following: local configuration information, the data network name (DNN) of the first session, the single networkslice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) of the first session, and the subscription information of the UE, that the first session can be established as a session that supports data transmission in a power-saving manner.

[0248] For example, the SMF's local configuration information includes information indicating that the first session is allowed to support data transmission in a power-saving mode. The SMF determines whether the first session is allowed to support data transmission in a power-saving mode based on this information. In this way, the SMF does not need to interact with other network elements to obtain the information used to determine whether the first session is allowed to support data transmission in a power-saving mode, thereby reducing the SMF's signaling interaction overhead.

[0249] For example, the SMF is configured with a DNN or S-NSSAI that allows the UE to transmit data in a power-saving mode. When the DNN or S-NSSAI of the first session corresponds to the aforementioned DNN or S-NSSAI, the SMF determines that the first session is allowed to support data transmission in a power-saving mode. This helps improve the relevance and accuracy of the SMF's judgment.

[0250] For example, when the UE's subscription information includes a subscription for the UE to perform data transmission in a power-saving mode, the SMF determines that the first session is allowed to support data transmission in a power-saving mode. In this way, the SMF can respond to the UE's subscription to determine whether the first session is allowed to support data transmission in a power-saving mode, thereby reducing the complexity of the SMF in determining whether the first session is allowed to support data transmission in a power-saving mode. For example, it does not need to determine whether the first session is allowed to support data transmission in a power-saving mode based on local configuration information or the first session's DNN.

[0251] The above example illustrates how the SMF determines that the first session can support data transmission in a power-saving manner based on one of the aforementioned pieces of information. However, the scenario is not limited to the SMF determining that the first session can support data transmission in a power-saving manner based on two or more of the aforementioned pieces of information. For example, if the SMF is configured with a DNN or S-NSSAI that allows the UE to transmit data in a power-saving manner, and the UE's subscription information includes a subscription for the UE to transmit data in a power-saving manner, then when the DNN or S-NSSAI of the first session corresponds to the aforementioned DNN or S-NSSAI, the SMF determines that the first session can support data transmission in a power-saving manner.

[0252] One possible implementation method further includes: the SMF determining the policy information corresponding to the first session based on at least one of the SM policy of the first session, the UE's subscription information, the latency requirement information of the first service, and the QoS information of the first service. The SM policy corresponding to the first session is determined by the PCF.

[0253] For example, if the SM policy of the first session includes one or more QoS policies for data transmission in a power-saving manner, then the SMF selects one QoS policy from these policies as the policy information for the first session. This supports dynamic session management; that is, when the SMF needs to determine the policy information corresponding to the first session, the SMF requests to obtain the SM policy for the first session; when the SMF does not need to determine the policy information corresponding to the first session, the SMF does not request to obtain the SM policy for the first session.

[0254] For example, if the UE's subscription information indicates that the UE's user type is Type A, the SMF will select a QoS policy from one or more QoS policies configured locally on the SMF that will not degrade the service quality when the UE transmits data in a power-saving manner, based on Type A, and configure the policy information corresponding to the first session according to this QoS policy. In this way, the UE's QoS requirements can be matched.

[0255] For example, the SMF configures the policy information for the first session from one or more QoS policies configured locally by the SMF based on the latency requirements or QoS information of the first service. This reduces UE power consumption while meeting the latency requirements or QoS requirements of the first service.

[0256] S404, SMF sends a session establishment response to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the session establishment response. The session establishment response indicates acceptance of establishing the first session as a session that supports data transmission via power-saving methods.

[0257] The session establishment response itself indicates acceptance of establishing the first session as a session that supports data transmission via power saving. That is, the UE can determine from the session establishment response that the SMF accepts establishing the first session as a session that supports data transmission via power saving. Alternatively, the session establishment response indicates acceptance of session establishment, or the session establishment response includes second indication information indicating that the SMF accepts establishing the first session as a session that supports data transmission via power saving. That is, the UE determines from the second indication information in the session establishment response that the SMF accepts establishing the first session as a session that supports data transmission via power saving.

[0258] The session establishment outcome can be one of the following: accept the session establishment, meaning accept the establishment of the first session as a session that supports data transmission via power-saving mode; accept the session establishment, but refuse to establish the first session as a session that supports data transmission via power-saving mode; or refuse to establish the session establishment, meaning refuse to establish the first session. Different outcomes can be selected in specific implementations. For ease of description, this application uses the session establishment outcome of accepting the session establishment, i.e., accepting the establishment of the first session as a session that supports data transmission via power-saving mode, as an example.

[0259] Optionally, the session establishment response includes identification information for the first session.

[0260] Optionally, the session establishment response may also include identification information for at least one QoS flow of the first session.

[0261] Using the above method, the terminal device can obtain the permission to transmit data in the first session in a power-saving mode, thereby enabling the terminal device to transmit data in the first session in a power-saving mode.

[0262] Figure 4 This description uses the example of a UE requesting permission to transmit data for the first session using a power-saving method. The following text will combine... Figure 5 The scenario in which a UE requests permission to transmit data for the first QoS flow using a power-saving method is described.

[0263] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the method includes:

[0264] Optionally, in S501, the UE determines that the first service has power-saving requirements. See S401 for details.

[0265] S502, the UE sends a second request to the SMF. Correspondingly, the SMF receives the second request. The second request is used to request the establishment of a first QoS flow. The second request includes filtering information (the triplet information of the data packet), which is used to determine or filter first data transmitted via power-saving mode. The first QoS flow is used for the transmission of the first data. The data of the first service includes the first data. Alternatively, the second request is used to request the establishment of the first QoS flow as a QoS flow that supports data transmission via power-saving mode.

[0266] The second request itself is used to request the establishment of the first QoS flow as a QoS flow that supports data transmission via power saving, such as a power-saving QoS flow establishment request. Alternatively, the second request includes third indication information, which is used to indicate that the first QoS flow should be established as a QoS flow that supports data transmission via power saving, such as a power-saving QoS flow indication information.

[0267] One possible implementation is that the first QoS flow is used for the transmission of a first service, which has power-saving requirements. In this way, the UE can request that the first QoS flow used for transmitting the first service be established as a QoS flow that supports data transmission in a power-saving manner.

[0268] One possible implementation is that the second request includes at least one of the following: latency requirement information of the first service, or quality of service information of the first service. The SMF can determine the policy information corresponding to the first QoS flow based on the above information.

[0269] S503 and SMF send policy information or authorization instruction information to the RAN. Correspondingly, the RAN receives the policy information or authorization instruction information.

[0270] Both authorization indication information and policy information can be applied to the first QoS flow. For example, authorization indication information is used to indicate that the UE is allowed to transmit data in the first QoS flow using a power-saving mode. For example, policy information is used to indicate that the UE is allowed to transmit data in the first QoS flow using a power-saving mode, and the transmission configuration when the UE transmits data in the first QoS flow using a power-saving mode needs to be determined based on this policy information.

[0271] When a UE requests the establishment of multiple QoS flows that support data transmission via power-saving methods, the SMF sets corresponding authorization indication information or policy information for each QoS flow, as shown in Tables 4 and 5. The contents of Tables 4 and 5 are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended as final limitations.

[0272] Table 4

[0273] QoS flow Strategy Information QoS flow1 Strategy Information 1 QoS flow2 Strategy Information 2 QoS flow3 Strategy Information 3

[0274] As shown in Table 4, SMF configures policy information 1 for QoS flow1, policy information 2 for QoS flow2, and policy information 3 for QoS flow3. Policy information 1, policy information 2, and policy information 3 can be the same or different from each other; there is no restriction on this.

[0275] Table 5

[0276] QoS flow Strategy Information QoS flow1 Authorization Instruction Information 1 QoS flow2 Authorization Instruction Message 2 QoS flow3 Authorization Instruction Message 3

[0277] As shown in Table 5, SMF configures authorization indication information 1 for QoS flow1, authorization indication information 2 for QoS flow2, and authorization indication information 3 for QoS flow3.

[0278] One possible implementation method further includes: the SMF determining whether the establishment of a first QoS flow is permitted. This allows the SMF to grant the UE permission to transmit data for the first QoS flow in a power-saving manner, helping to reduce UE power consumption while ensuring the transmission of the first QoS flow data.

[0279] One possible implementation method further includes: the SMF determining, based on at least one of the local configuration information, the DNN of the first QoS flow, the S-NSSAI of the first QoS flow, and the UE's subscription information, that the establishment of the first QoS flow is permitted.

[0280] For example, the SMF's local configuration information includes information indicating whether the establishment of a first QoS flow is permitted. The SMF determines whether the establishment of the first QoS flow is permitted based on this information. In this way, the SMF does not need to obtain the information used to determine whether the establishment of the first QoS flow is permitted by interacting with other network elements, thereby reducing the signaling interaction overhead of the SMF.

[0281] For example, if the SMF is configured to allow data transmission via a power-saving DNN or S-NSSAI, and the DNN or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first QoS flow matches the aforementioned DNN or S-NSSAI (when the DNN or S-NSSAI of the session to which the first QoS flow belongs matches the aforementioned DNN or S-NSSAI, it means that the DNN or S-NSSAI of all QoS flows included in that session also matches that DNN or S-NSSAI), the SMF determines that the establishment of the first QoS flow is permitted. This helps improve the relevance and accuracy of the SMF's judgment.

[0282] For example, when the UE's subscription information includes a subscription for the UE to transmit data in a power-saving mode, the SMF determines to allow the establishment of the first QoS flow. In this way, the SMF can respond to the UE's subscription to allow the first session to support data transmission in a power-saving mode, thereby reducing the complexity of the SMF in determining whether to allow the first session to support data transmission in a power-saving mode.

[0283] The above example illustrates how the SMF determines whether to allow the establishment of the first QoS flow based on one of the aforementioned pieces of information. However, the scenario is not limited to the SMF determining whether to allow the establishment of the first QoS flow based on two or more of the aforementioned pieces of information. For example, if the SMF is configured with a DNN or S-NSSAI that allows data transmission in a power-saving mode, and the UE's subscription information includes the UE's subscription for data transmission in a power-saving mode, then when the DNN or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first QoS flow corresponds to the aforementioned DNN or S-NSSAI, the SMF determines that the establishment of the first QoS flow is allowed.

[0284] One possible implementation further includes: the SMF determining the policy information corresponding to the first QoS flow based on at least one of the following: the SM policy of the first QoS flow, the UE's subscription information, information indicating the UE's available power, the latency requirement information of the first service, and the QoS information of the first service. The SM policy corresponding to the first session is determined by the PCF.

[0285] For example, if the SM policy of the first QoS flow includes one or more QoS policies for data transmission in a power-saving manner, then the SMF selects one QoS policy from these policies as the policy information for the first QoS flow. When the SMF determines the policy information corresponding to the first QoS flow based on the SM policy of the first QoS flow, this supports dynamic QoS flow management. That is, when the SMF needs to determine the policy information corresponding to the first QoS flow, it can request to obtain the SM policy of the first QoS flow; when the SMF does not need to determine the policy information corresponding to the first QoS flow, it can choose not to request to obtain the SM policy of the first session.

[0286] For example, if the UE subscription information indicates that the UE's user type is Type A, the SMF will configure the policy information for the first QoS flow from one or more QoS policies configured locally by the SMF based on the UE's user type being Type A. In this way, the QoS requirements of the UE can be matched.

[0287] For example, the SMF configures the policy information for the first QoS flow from one or more QoS policies configured locally by the SMF based on the latency requirements or QoS information of the first service. This reduces UE power consumption while meeting the latency requirements or QoS requirements of the first service.

[0288] For example, the SMF configures the policy information for a first QoS flow from one or more QoS policies locally configured within the SMF, based on information indicating the UE's available power. In this way, the SMF can configure the corresponding policy information for the first QoS flow according to the UE's available power, thereby enabling the UE to complete data transmission with that available power.

[0289] S504 and SMF send a second response to the UE. The UE then receives the second response. This second response indicates acceptance of establishing the first QoS flow.

[0290] The second response itself is used to indicate acceptance of establishing the first QoS flow, meaning the UE can determine from the second response that the SMF accepts establishing the first QoS flow as a QoS flow that supports data transmission via power saving. Alternatively, the second response indicates acceptance of QoS flow establishment, or the second response includes fourth indication information indicating that the SMF accepts establishing the first QoS flow as a QoS flow that supports data transmission via power saving, meaning the UE determines from the fourth indication information in the second response that the SMF accepts establishing the first QoS flow as a QoS flow that supports data transmission via power saving.

[0291] The outcome of QoS flow establishment can be one of the following: accepting QoS flow establishment, i.e., accepting the establishment of the first QoS flow as a QoS flow that supports data transmission via power saving; accepting QoS flow establishment but rejecting the establishment of the first QoS flow as a QoS flow that supports data transmission via power saving; or rejecting QoS flow establishment, i.e., rejecting the establishment of the first QoS flow. Different outcomes can be selected in specific implementations. For ease of description, this application embodiment uses the example of accepting session establishment, i.e., accepting the establishment of the first QoS flow as a QoS flow that supports data transmission via power saving.

[0292] Using the above method, the terminal device obtains permission to transmit the data of the first QoS flow in a power-saving mode, thereby enabling the terminal device to transmit the data of the first QoS flow in a power-saving mode.

[0293] The following text combines Figures 6 to 9 The above method will be further described.

[0294] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction process of another communication method provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 6 This description uses a PDU session as an example, where the SMF sends policy information to the RAN before the UE sends the first request to the RAN. Figure 6 As shown, the method includes:

[0295] S601, the UE sends a PDU session establishment request to the AMF. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the PDU session establishment request. The PDU session establishment request is used to request the establishment of the first session.

[0296] One possible example is that the PDU session establishment request includes a fifth indication message, which indicates that the UE requests the transmission of data for the first session in a power-saving manner, or that the fifth indication message indicates that the first session should be established as a session that supports data transmission in a power-saving manner.

[0297] One possible example is that the PDU session establishment request may also include at least one of the following: information indicating the UE's current battery level, latency requirements for the first service, and QoS information for the first service. This at least one piece of information can be used by the SMF to determine the policy information corresponding to the first session.

[0298] Optionally, the PDU session establishment request may also include identification information for the first session.

[0299] S602, AMF determines SMF. For example, AMF requests the network repository function (NRF) to discover an SMF that supports power-saving features; NRF sends the specific SMF's identifier and address information to AMF. The SMF supporting power-saving features has the ability to establish the first session as a session that supports data transmission via power-saving methods.

[0300] S603, AMF sends a PDU session creation context request to SMF. Correspondingly, SMF receives the PDU session creation context request. The PDU session creation context request is used to request the establishment of a context for managing the first session. Specifically, the PDU session creation context request includes a PDU session establishment request.

[0301] Optionally, S604, SMF, and UDM exchange UE subscription information. For example, SMF requests UE subscription information from UDM, and UDM sends UE subscription information to SMF.

[0302] Optionally, the UE's subscription information includes the UE's user type information.

[0303] Optionally, the UE's subscription information may also include subscriptions for the UE to transmit data using power-saving methods.

[0304] S605, SMF sends a PDU session creation context response to AMF. Correspondingly, AMF receives the PDU session creation context response. The PDU session creation context response includes identification information used to manage the context of the first session.

[0305] Optionally, S606 and SMF determine the PCF. For example, the SMF requests the NRF to discover a PCF that supports power-saving features; the NRF sends the specific PCF's identifier and address information to the SMF. Among them, the PCF that supports power-saving features has the ability to formulate policies and charging control rules (PCC rules) for charging processing when the UE transmits data in a power-saving mode.

[0306] Optionally, the SM strategy for the first interaction between S607, SMF and PCF.

[0307] For example, the SMF sends information to the PCF requesting the SM policy for the first session. This information includes power-saving indication information (instructing the UE to request data transmission in a power-saving manner) (this power-saving indication information is determined based on the fifth indication information). The PCF sends the SM policy for the first session to the SMF based on the power-saving indication information and the UE's subscription information (including the UE's subscription to data transmission in a power-saving manner). The SM policy for the first session can be understood as the PCC rule for the first session. The PCC rule for the first session is used for policy control of the first session and for billing processing when the UE transmits data in a power-saving manner during the first session.

[0308] S608, SMF and UPF interact to establish N4 session. For example, SMF sends a request to UPF to establish N4 session, and UPF sends a response to SMF to indicate that N4 session is established. N4 session is used to carry the first session.

[0309] When the SMF and UPF establish an N4 session, the SMF needs to identify a UPF that supports data transmission in a power-saving mode. For example, the SMF requests the NRF to discover a UPF that supports data transmission in a power-saving mode; the NRF sends the identifier and address information of the specific UPF to the SMF.

[0310] S609, SMF sends N1N2 message to AMF. Correspondingly, AMF receives N1N2 message. N1N2 message includes N1 SM container (including sixth indication information, which indicates that the UE is allowed to transmit data of the first session in a power-saving mode, or the sixth indication information indicates that the first session is accepted as a session that supports data transmission in a power-saving mode) and N2 SM information (including QoS profiles (applied to the first session) and policy information (when the policy information includes QoS profiles, the QoS profiles can be used to support the UE to transmit data in a power-saving mode, and the QoS profiles included in the policy information and the QoS profiles applied to the first session can be the same or different).

[0311] For a description of how the SMF determines the sixth indication information and the policy information corresponding to the first session, please refer to S403. For example, the SMF can determine the sixth indication information based on the SMF's local configuration information and / or the UE's subscription information; the SMF can determine the policy information corresponding to the first session based on at least one of the following: latency requirement information of the first service, QoS information of the first service, or policy information corresponding to the first session.

[0312] S610, AMF sends an N2 PDU session request to RAN (the N2 PDU session request is obtained by AMF processing the N1N2 message). Correspondingly, RAN receives the N2 PDU session request. The N2 PDU session request includes non-access stratum (NAS) messages (including the N1 SM container) and N2 SM information (including the identification information and policy information of the first session).

[0313] Optionally, the N2 SM information may also include one or more QFI and / or QoS profiles for the first session.

[0314] S611, the RAN sends a PDU session establishment response to the UE (the PDU session establishment response is information obtained by the RAN after processing the aforementioned NAS message, or the PDU session establishment response is the aforementioned NAS message). Correspondingly, the UE receives the PDU session establishment response. The PDU session establishment response indicates acceptance of establishing the first session as a session supporting data transmission via power-saving methods. The PDU session establishment response includes identification information for the first session and a sixth indication information.

[0315] Optionally, the PDU session establishment response may also include one or more QFIs for the first session.

[0316] Through steps S601 to S611, the UE obtains the permission to transmit data in the first session using a power-saving mode.

[0317] S612, the UE sends a first request to the RAN. Correspondingly, the RAN receives the first request. The first request includes the identification information of the first session. See S302 for details.

[0318] S613, the RAN sends a first response to the UE. The UE receives the first response accordingly. See S304 for a detailed description.

[0319] S614. The UE updates the first transmission configuration to the second transmission configuration based on the first response. See S305 for details.

[0320] Optionally, the S615 and RAN send notification information to the SMF. The SMF then receives the notification information.

[0321] When the policy information sent by the SMF to the RAN includes indication information, the RAN sends a notification information to the SMF based on the indication information.

[0322] Optionally, the S616, SMF and UPF interaction N4 session can be modified.

[0323] When the SMF determines, based on the notification information, that the UE is transmitting data in a power-saving mode, the SMF sends information to the UPF requesting a change to the N4 session, so that the UPF can modify the charging rules for the first service. Specifically, the SMF can send the UPF new charging rules for the first session, which are determined by the SMF based on the UE's user type information, the second transport configuration, and the QoS profile executed by the RAN for the UE.

[0324] Using the above method, the UE obtains permission to perform data transmission for the first session in a power-saving mode. After obtaining this permission, the UE requests the RAN to perform data transmission for the first session in a power-saving mode. The RAN sends a first response to the UE. Based on the first response, the UE updates the first transmission configuration of the first session to the second transmission configuration and performs data transmission for the first session in a power-saving mode according to the second transmission configuration, thereby enabling reduced power consumption while ensuring data transmission.

[0325] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction process of another communication method provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 7 Taking the example of the SMF sending policy information to the RAN after the UE sends the first request to the RAN. Figure 7 As shown, the method includes:

[0326] S701, the UE sends a PDU session establishment request to the AMF. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the PDU session establishment request. See S601 for details.

[0327] S702, AMF determines SMF. See S602 for details.

[0328] S703, AMF sends a PDU session creation context request to SMF. Correspondingly, SMF receives the PDU session creation context request. See S603 for details.

[0329] Optional, S704, SMF and UDM interaction UE subscription information. See S604 for details.

[0330] S705: The SMF sends a PDU session creation context response to the AMF. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the PDU session creation context response. See S605 for details.

[0331] Optionally, S706 and SMF determine PCF. See S606 for details.

[0332] Optionally, S707, SMF, and PCF interact with each other regarding the SM policy for the first session. For example, SMF sends information to PCF requesting the SM policy for the first session, and PCF sends the SM policy for the first session to SMF.

[0333] S708, SMF and UPF interact to establish N4 session. See S608 for details.

[0334] S709, SMF sends N1N2 messages to AMF. Correspondingly, AMF receives N1N2 messages. N1N2 messages include N1 SM container (including sixth indication information) and N2 SM information (including QoS profiles (applied to the first session)).

[0335] S710, AMF sends an N2 PDU session request to RAN (the N2 PDU session request is information obtained by AMF after processing the N1N2 message). Correspondingly, RAN receives the N2 PDU session request. The N2 PDU session request includes a NAS message (including the N1 SM container) and N2 SM information (including the identification information of the first session).

[0336] Optionally, the N2 SM information may also include one or more QFI and QoS profiles for the first session.

[0337] S711, the RAN sends a PDU session establishment response to the UE (the PDU session establishment response is information obtained by the RAN after processing the aforementioned NAS message, or the PDU session establishment response is a NAS message). Correspondingly, the UE receives the PDU session establishment response. The PDU session establishment response indicates acceptance of establishing the first session as a session supporting data transmission via power-saving methods. The PDU session establishment response includes identification information for the first session and a sixth indication information.

[0338] Optionally, the PDU session establishment response may also include one or more QFIs for the first session.

[0339] S712, the UE sends a first request to the SMF. Correspondingly, the SMF receives the first request. For example, the UE sends a first request to the RAN, and the RAN sends a first request to the SMF. The first request includes identification information for the first session.

[0340] When the UE's available battery power is less than the battery threshold (e.g., 20%) and the UE is transmitting data for the first service, the UE sends a first request to the SMF. The first request can be carried in a service request (SR) message or in a session modification request (e.g., a PDU session modification (PSM)) message.

[0341] Optionally, the SM policy association can be modified in the first session of interaction between S713, SMF, and PCF.

[0342] The SMF (Service Provider Function) determines whether to allow the first session to support data transmission in a power-saving mode based on the SMF's local configuration information, the identifier of the first session, the UE's subscription information, and the first session's DNN or S-NSSAI. If it determines that the first session is allowed to support data transmission in a power-saving mode, it triggers the PSM (Power Simplification Management) procedure, thus allowing the first session to support data transmission in a power-saving mode. Therefore, the SMF obtains the new SM policy for the first session from the PCF (PC Policy Function), i.e., obtains the new PCCrule for the first session. This new SM policy is used for policy control of the first session and for billing processing when the UE transmits data in a power-saving mode during the first session.

[0343] S714, SMF sends N1N2 messages to AMF. Correspondingly, AMF receives N1N2 messages. N1N2 messages include N1 SM container (including identification information of the first session) and N2 SM information (including QoS profiles and policy information).

[0344] For a description of how SMF determines policy information, please refer to the description in S609, which will not be repeated here.

[0345] S715, AMF sends an N2 message to RAN (the N2 message is the message obtained by AMF processing the N1N2 message). Correspondingly, RAN receives the N2 message. The N2 message includes the N1 SM container and the N2 SM information.

[0346] S716, RAN sends a first response to UE. Correspondingly, UE receives the first response.

[0347] When the first request is carried on an SR message, the first response is carried on a service accept message. When the first request is carried on a PSM message, the first response is carried on a PDU session modification response message. Additionally, the first response includes an identification message for the first session. Optionally, the first response may also include one or more QFIs for the first session.

[0348] S717. The UE updates the first transmission configuration to the second transmission configuration based on the first response. See S614 for details.

[0349] Optionally, S718 and RAN send notification information to SMF. Correspondingly, SMF receives the notification information. See S615 for details.

[0350] Optionally, S719, SMF, and UPF can be used to modify the N4 session. See S616 for details.

[0351] Using the above method, the UE obtains permission to transmit data for the first session in a power-saving mode. After obtaining this permission, the UE requests the RAN to transmit data for the first session in a power-saving mode. The RAN sends a first response to the UE, and the UE updates the first transmission configuration of the first session to the second transmission configuration according to the first response, and transmits data for the first session in a power-saving mode according to the second transmission configuration, thereby enabling the UE to reduce power consumption while ensuring data transmission.

[0352] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This description uses a conversation as an example; the following text will combine... Figure 8 The QoS flow is described using QoS flow as an example.

[0353] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction process of another communication method provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 8 This example illustrates how the SMF sends policy information to the RAN before the UE sends its first request to the RAN. Figure 8 As shown, the method includes:

[0354] S801, the UE sends a PDU session modification request to the SMF. Correspondingly, the SMF receives the PDU session modification request.

[0355] When a UE needs to transmit data in a power-saving mode, for example, when the UE's available battery power is less than a power threshold (e.g., 20%) and the UE is performing its first service transmission, the UE requests the SMF to establish a QoS flow that supports data transmission in a power-saving mode via a PDU session modification request. In other words, the PDU session modification request is used to request the establishment of the first QoS flow. Alternatively, when the UE's available battery power is less than the power threshold, it can trigger the UE to initiate a PDU session modification procedure to allow the UE to obtain permission to transmit data in a power-saving mode.

[0356] The first QoS flow can be a newly created QoS flow or a QoS flow obtained by modifying an existing QoS flow. The existing QoS flow does not support data transmission through power saving. That is, before S801, the UE and SMF have already conducted signaling exchanges to establish a QoS flow.

[0357] The PDU session modification request includes a seventh indication message, which instructs the UE to request the establishment of a first QoS flow, or in other words, the first QoS flow is used to carry data packets transmitted in a power-saving manner.

[0358] Optionally, the PDU session modification request includes filtering information used to determine or filter the first data, and the first QoS flow is used for the transmission of the first data. The first service includes the first data.

[0359] S802 and SMF establish the first QoS flow.

[0360] SMF performs other processes for PDU session modification through interactions with other network elements in order to establish the first QoS flow.

[0361] S803 and SMF send policy information to the RAN. Correspondingly, the RAN receives the policy information. The policy information is carried within N1 and N2SM information.

[0362] For a description of how SMF determines policy information, please refer to the description in S503, which will not be repeated here.

[0363] S804, SMF sends a PDU session modification acceptance to UE. Correspondingly, UE receives the PDU session modification acceptance.

[0364] The PDU session modification accepts identification information including the first QoS flow. The identifier of the first QoS flow is determined by the SMF. Furthermore, the identification information of the first QoS flow can be jointly identified by the PDU session identifier to which the first QoS flow belongs and the QFI. In this way, the UE can transmit the data of the first QoS flow in a power-saving manner, thereby reducing the UE's power consumption.

[0365] Optionally, the PDU session modification acceptance includes an eighth indication message, which indicates that the first QoS flow has been successfully established, or the eighth indication message indicates that the UE is allowed to transmit data of the first QoS flow in a power-saving manner.

[0366] Through the above process, the UE can obtain permission to transmit data for a specific QoS flow using a power-saving method.

[0367] Figures 6 to 8 This example uses the SMF sending policy information to the RAN, but the content can also be applied to scenarios where the SMF sends authorization indication information to the RAN. For example, the SMF determines the authorization indication information based on the SM policy and other information of the first session, etc., which will not be elaborated further.

[0368] The following text combines Figure 9 The scenario of UE obtaining data transmission from AMF in a power-saving manner is described.

[0369] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the method includes:

[0370] S901, the UE sends a registration request to the AMF. The AMF then receives the registration request.

[0371] For example, when a UE needs to transmit data in a power-saving mode, such as when the UE's available battery power (or remaining battery power) is less than a battery threshold (e.g., 20%), and the UE is transmitting data for the first service, the UE requests permission from the AMF to transmit data in a power-saving mode through a registration request. That is, when the UE's available battery power is less than the battery threshold, it can trigger the UE to initiate a registration process to allow the UE to obtain permission to transmit data in a power-saving mode. In this implementation, the registration process described in S901 is a non-first-time registration process; that is, before S901, the UE has already performed at least one registration process and successfully registered with the network to transmit data for the first service.

[0372] Optionally, when the UE supports data transmission in a power-saving mode, the registration request sent to the AMF can be used to request permission to transmit data in a power-saving mode, and this registration is not limited to the initial registration. Additionally, the registration request may include information for requesting data transmission in a power-saving mode, such as the ninth indication information described below.

[0373] Optionally, the registration request includes the UE's capability information, which indicates that the UE supports data transmission in a power-saving manner, or that the UE has the ability to adjust the transmission configuration for data transmission.

[0374] In S901, the UE sends a registration request to the AMF through the RAN. For example, the UE sends a registration request to the RAN, and the RAN selects an AMF based on the Globally Unique Temporary Identity (GUTI) and sends a registration request to the selected AMF. For a detailed description, please refer to existing standards; further details will not be provided here.

[0375] One possible example is that the registration request includes a ninth instruction message that instructs the UE to request data transmission in a power-saving mode, or that the ninth instruction message instructs the UE to request permission to transmit data in a power-saving mode, which applies to the UE, or that the permission applies to any session or quality of service stream of the UE.

[0376] S902 and AMF perform authentication for the UE. For a detailed description, please refer to the existing standards, which will not be repeated here.

[0377] S903, AMF performs Nudm_UE context management (UECM)_registration operation with UDM.

[0378] The AMF registers with the UDM via S903 in order to obtain the UE's context information. This can be found in existing standards and will not be elaborated further.

[0379] S904, AMF executes Nudm_Subscriber Data Management (SDM)_Get operation to UDM.

[0380] Through S904, the AMF obtains UE mobility management-related subscription information from the UDM via the Nudm_SDM_GET message, and the UDM sends the UE mobility management-related subscription to the AMF based on the Nudm_DM_GET message.

[0381] The AMF determines whether to grant the aforementioned permissions to the UE based on the acquired UE mobility management-related subscriptions. For example, if the UE's subscription information includes a subscription that supports data transmission via power-saving methods, the AMF determines to grant the aforementioned permissions to the UE. Accordingly, the AMF determines the authorization instruction information.

[0382] S905 and AMF send authorization instruction information to the RAN. Correspondingly, the RAN receives the authorization instruction information.

[0383] Optionally, S906 and AMF send the UE's user type information to the RAN. Correspondingly, the RAN receives the UE's user type information. The UE's user type information indicates the user type to which the UE belongs.

[0384] S907, AMF sends a registration accept message to the UE. The UE then receives the registration accept message.

[0385] For example, the AMF sends a registration acceptance message to the RAN, and the RAN sends a registration acceptance message to the UE. The registration acceptance message grants the UE the aforementioned permissions.

[0386] Optionally, registration acceptance includes a tenth indication message, which indicates that the UE is allowed to transmit data in a power-saving mode.

[0387] In S907, the AMF sends a registration acceptance message to the UE via the RAN. For example, the AMF sends a registration acceptance message to the RAN, and the RAN sends a registration acceptance message to the UE.

[0388] Through the above process, the UE obtains permission to transmit data in a power-saving manner, thereby enabling the reduction of terminal device power consumption while ensuring data transmission.

[0389] exist Figure 9 In the method shown, after the UE obtains the permission to transmit data in a power-saving mode, the UE can request the RAN to transmit data in a power-saving mode. For details, please refer to the above description, which will not be repeated here.

[0390] Finally, the device embodiments of this application will be described.

[0391] To achieve the functions provided in this application, the terminal device or storage function may include hardware structure and / or software modules, implementing the above functions in the form of hardware structure, software module, or hardware structure plus software module. Whether a particular function is executed in the form of hardware structure, software module, or hardware structure plus software module depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0392] Figure 10This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application. The communication device includes a processing circuit 1010 and a transceiver circuit 1020, which can be interconnected or coupled, for example, interconnected via a bus 1030. The communication device can be a terminal device, an access-side device, a session management network element, or a mobility management network element.

[0393] Optionally, the communication device may also include a memory 1040. The memory 1040 includes, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), which is used for related instructions and data.

[0394] The processing circuit 1010 can be all or part of the processing circuitry in one or more processors, or it can be one or more processors. The processor can be a central processing unit (CPU). If the processing circuit 1010 is a CPU, the CPU can be a single-core CPU or a multi-core CPU. The processing circuit 1010 can be a signal processor, a chip, or other integrated circuit capable of implementing the methods of this application, or a portion of the circuitry within the aforementioned processor, chip, or integrated circuit that performs processing functions. Additionally, the transceiver circuit 1020 can be a transceiver, or an input / output interface. An input / output interface is used for inputting or outputting signals or data and can also be referred to as an input / output circuit.

[0395] When the communication device is a terminal device, for example, the processing circuit 1010 is used to perform the following operations: sending a first request; receiving a first response, etc.

[0396] When the communication device is an access-side device, for example, the processing circuit 1010 is used to perform the following operations: receiving a first request; sending a first response, etc.

[0397] When the communication device is a session management network element, for example, the processing circuit 1010 is used to perform the following operations: determine policy information or authorization instruction information; send policy information or authorization instruction information, etc.

[0398] When the communication device is a mobility management network element, for example, the processing circuit 1010 is used to perform the following operations: receiving a registration request; sending authorization instruction information, etc.

[0399] When the communication device is a terminal device, access-side device, session management network element, or mobility management network element, it will be responsible for executing the methods or steps related to the terminal device, access-side device, session management network element, or mobility management network element in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0400] When the communication device is a terminal device, access side device, session management network element, or mobility management network element, the transceiver circuit 1020 can be a transceiver.

[0401] When the communication device is a chip used in a terminal device, access side device, session management network element, or mobility management network element, the transceiver circuit 1020 can be an input / output circuit.

[0402] The above description is merely exemplary. For details, please refer to the content shown in the above method embodiments.

[0403] Figure 10 The implementation of each operation can also be found by referring to... Figures 3 to 9 The corresponding description of the method embodiments shown.

[0404] Figure 11 This is a schematic block diagram of another communication device according to an embodiment of this application. The communication device can be a terminal device, an access-side device, a session management network element, or a mobility management network element, used to implement the methods involved in the above embodiments.

[0405] The communication device includes a transceiver unit 1110 and a processing unit 1120. The transceiver unit 1110 may include a sending unit and a receiving unit. The sending unit is used to perform the sending action of the communication device, and the receiving unit is used to perform the receiving action of the communication device. For ease of description, the sending unit and the receiving unit are combined into one transceiver unit in this embodiment. This will be explained uniformly here and will not be repeated later.

[0406] When the communication device is a terminal device, for example, the transceiver unit 1110 is used to send a first request; receive a first response; and the processing unit 1120 is used to update the first transmission configuration to a second transmission configuration.

[0407] When the communication device is an access-side device, for example, the transceiver unit 1110 is used to: receive a first request and send a first response; the processing unit 1120 is used to determine the first response, etc.

[0408] When the communication device is a session management network element, for example, the transceiver unit 1110 is used to send policy information or authorization instruction information; the processing unit 1120 is used to determine the policy information or authorization instruction information.

[0409] When the communication device is a mobile management network element, for example, the transceiver unit 1110 is used to: receive a registration request and send a registration acceptance; the processing unit 1120 is used to determine authorization instruction information, etc.

[0410] When the communication device is a terminal device, access-side device, session management network element, or mobility management network element, it will be responsible for executing one or more of the methods or steps related to the terminal device, access-side device, session management network element, or mobility management network element in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0411] Optionally, the communication device further includes a storage unit 1130 for storing programs or code for executing the aforementioned methods.

[0412] Figure 11 The transceiver unit in the middle can correspond to Figure 10 The transceiver circuit in the middle, Figure 11 The processing unit in can correspond to Figure 10 The processing circuitry within.

[0413] Figure 10 and Figure 11 The illustrated device embodiment is used to implement Figures 3 to 9 The content described. Figure 10 and Figure 11 The specific execution steps and methods of the device shown can be found in the content described in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0414] This application also provides a chip, including a processor, for calling and executing instructions stored in a memory, causing a communication device on which the chip is installed to perform the methods described in the examples above. The memory may be integrated within the chip or located externally.

[0415] This application also provides another chip, including: an input interface, an output interface, and a processing circuit, wherein the input interface, the output interface, and the processor are connected through an internal connection path, and the processing circuit is used to execute code in memory. When the code is executed, the processing circuit is used to execute the methods in the above examples.

[0416] Optionally, the chip also includes a memory for storing computer programs or code. The input and output interfaces can be independent of each other, or they can be integrated into a single input / output interface.

[0417] The processing circuitry can be all or part of the processing circuitry in one or more processors, or one or more processors.

[0418] This application also provides a processor for coupling with a memory for performing the methods and functions of a network device or terminal device involved in any of the above embodiments.

[0419] In another embodiment of this application, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a computer, enables the implementation of the methods described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0420] This application also provides a computer program that, when run on a computer, enables the implementation of the methods described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0421] In another embodiment of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program that, when executed by a computer, implements the methods described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0422] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, the processor can be a central processing unit (CPU), but it can also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0423] It should also be understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of random access memory (RAM) are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous linked DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0424] The above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware, firmware, or any other combination thereof. When implemented using software, the above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or computer programs are loaded or 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, 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 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 includes one or more sets of available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium. A semiconductor medium can be a solid-state drive.

[0425] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0426] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here. In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for example, the division of units is merely a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0427] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs. Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. If the above functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory, random access memory, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0428] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Send a first request to the access-side device, the first request being used to request data transmission in a power-saving mode; Based on the first response from the access-side device to the first request, the data transmission configuration is updated from the first transmission configuration to the second transmission configuration; Wherein, the power consumption of the terminal device when performing data transmission according to the second transmission configuration is lower than the power consumption of the terminal device when performing data transmission according to the first transmission configuration.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first request includes identification information of a first session, the data transmission includes the transmission of data from the first session, and updating the data transmission configuration from a first transmission configuration to a second transmission configuration includes: Update the configuration of the first session from the first transport configuration to the second transport configuration.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Before sending the first request to the access-side device, the method further includes: Send a session establishment request to the session management network element, the session establishment request being used to request that the first session be established as a session that supports data transmission in a power-saving manner; Receive a session establishment response from the session management network element, the session establishment response being used to indicate acceptance of establishing the first session as a session that supports data transmission in a power-saving manner.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The data in the first session includes data from the first service, which has a power-saving requirement.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, Sending a session establishment request to the session management network element includes: When the first service has a power-saving requirement, the session establishment request is sent to the session management network element.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first request includes identification information of the quality of service flow, and updating the first transport configuration to the second transport configuration includes: Update the configuration of the first quality of service flow from the first transport configuration to the second transport configuration.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, Before sending the first request to the access-side device, the method further includes: A second request is sent to the session management network element. The second request is used to request the establishment of the first quality of service flow. The second request includes filtering information, which is used to determine the first data. The first quality of service flow is used for the transmission of the first data. Receive a second response from the session management network element, the second response indicating acceptance of the establishment of the first quality of service flow.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, Before sending the first request to the access-side device, the method further includes: Obtain permission to transmit data in a power-saving mode.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The permission to transmit data in a power-saving mode includes: Send a registration request to the mobility management network element, wherein the registration request is used to request the permission; The terminal device receives a registration acceptance from the mobility management network element, the registration acceptance indicating that the terminal device is granted the permission.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive a first request from the terminal device, the first request being used to request data transmission in a power-saving mode; According to the first request, a first response to the first request is sent to the terminal device, wherein the first response is used to update the data transmission configuration from a first transmission configuration to a second transmission configuration; Wherein, the power consumption of the terminal device when performing data transmission according to the second transmission configuration is lower than the power consumption of the terminal device when performing data transmission according to the first transmission configuration.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first request includes identification information of a first session, the data transmission includes the transmission of data from the first session, and before sending a first response to the first request to the terminal device, the method further includes: Obtain the policy information corresponding to the first session. The policy information is used to determine the second transmission configuration. The first response includes the second transmission configuration.

12. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first request includes identification information of a first quality of service flow, the data transmission includes the transmission of data of the first quality of service flow, and before sending a first response to the first request to the terminal device, the method further includes: The system receives policy information corresponding to the first quality of service flow, the policy information being used to determine the second transmission configuration, and the first response includes the second transmission configuration.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The strategy information includes at least one of the following: Information used to indicate whether a decrease in service quality is allowed when the terminal device transmits data in a power-saving mode. Information used to indicate the quality of service parameters when the terminal device transmits data in a power-saving manner; Information used to indicate the degree of service quality degradation when the terminal device transmits data in a power-saving manner; At least one identification information for the transmission configuration; or, The instruction information is used to instruct the access-side device to send a notification information to the session management network element when the terminal device transmits data in a power-saving mode. The notification information is used to instruct the terminal device to transmit data in a power-saving mode.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The first response includes information indicating the second transmission configuration.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first request includes at least one of the following pieces of information, which is used to determine the second transmission configuration: Information used to indicate the available power of the terminal device, latency requirement information of the first service, or quality of service information of the first service; The data transmission includes the transmission of data for the first service, which has power-saving requirements.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The first request includes information for instructing the second transmission configuration, and the first response indicates that the terminal device is permitted to perform the data transmission according to the second transmission configuration.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that, The second transmission configuration includes a data transmission mechanism and parameter information corresponding to the data transmission mechanism.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The data transmission mechanism includes discontinuous transmission, and the parameter information corresponding to the discontinuous transmission includes a period.

19. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The data transmission mechanism includes: sending all data packets received within a first time duration together, wherein the parameter information corresponding to the data transmission mechanism includes the first time duration; or, The data transmission mechanism includes: caching received data packets until the amount of data in the cached data packets is greater than or equal to a threshold, and then sending the cached data packets together. The parameter information corresponding to the data transmission mechanism includes the threshold.

20. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive a session establishment request from a terminal device, the session establishment request being used to request that the first session be established as a session that supports data transmission in a power-saving manner; Based on the session establishment request, policy information or authorization indication information is sent to the access side device. The policy information or authorization indication information is used to determine the second transmission configuration. The second transmission configuration is used to update the first transmission configuration of the first session. The authorization indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to transmit data of the first session in a power-saving mode. Wherein, the power consumption of the terminal device when performing data transmission according to the second transmission configuration is lower than the power consumption of the terminal device when performing data transmission according to the first transmission configuration.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The method further includes: A session establishment response is sent to the terminal device, the session establishment response indicating acceptance of establishing the first session as a session that supports data transmission in a power-saving manner.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that, The method further includes: It is determined that the first session can be established as a session that supports data transmission in a power-saving manner.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The determination that the first session can be established as a session that supports data transmission in a power-saving manner includes: The first session is allowed to be established as a session that supports data transmission in a power-saving manner based on at least one of the following: Local configuration information, network name of the first session, single network slice selection assistance information of the first session, or subscription information of the terminal device.

24. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that, The method further includes: The policy information corresponding to the first session is determined based on at least one of the following: the session management policy of the first session, the subscription information of the terminal device, the latency requirement information of the first service, or the service quality information of the first service. The first session is used for the transmission of data for the first service, which has a power-saving requirement.

25. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 24, characterized in that, The strategy information includes at least one of the following: Information used to indicate whether a decrease in service quality is allowed when the terminal device transmits data in a power-saving mode. Information used to indicate the quality of service parameters when the terminal device transmits data in a power-saving manner; Information used to indicate the degree of service quality degradation when the terminal device transmits data in a power-saving manner; At least one identification information for the transmission configuration; or, The instruction information is used to instruct the access-side device to send a notification information to the session management network element when the terminal device transmits data in a power-saving mode. The notification information is used to instruct the terminal device to transmit data in a power-saving mode.

26. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a processor, the processor being configured to cause the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 25 by executing a computer program or instructions, or by using logic circuitry.

27. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes units for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 25.

28. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 25 to be performed.

29. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 25 to be performed.

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