Network energy saving

Abstract

Disclosure relates to the activation of a network energy saving (NES) mode at a base station. Apparatus (e.g. Location management function – LMF) comprises means for receiving a network function request (e.g. a location service request from the AMF), and a request from a base station (gNB) to allow the base station (gNB) to use an energy saving mode. The apparatus (LMF) determines whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of one or more energy saving modes, wherein the energy saving modes comprise a first energy saving mode. In determining to not allow the base station to use one of the energy saving mode (fig.5), the LMF rejects the request to allow gNB to use an energy saving mode. In response to determining to allow gNB to use the first energy saving mode (fig.6), the LMF provides to the gNB an indication of a second base station specific duration, during which the gNB is permitted to use the first energy saving mode. In response to providing the base station the indication of a second base station specific duration, the LMF rejects the network function request for the second base station specific duration.

Description

Field Example embodiments may relate to apparatuses and / or methods for network energy saving. Background There remains an interest in reducing the energy consumption of network devices and infrastructure while providing important network services. Summary The scope of protection sought for various embodiments of the invention is set out by the independent claims. The embodiments and features, if any, described in this specification that do not fall under the scope of the independent claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various embodiments of the invention. A first aspect provides an apparatus comprising: means for receiving a network function request; means for receiving a request from a base station to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode; means for determining whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of one or more energy saving modes, wherein the one or more energy saving modes comprise at least a first energy saving mode; means for, responsive to determining to not allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of the one or more energy saving modes, rejecting the request to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode; means for, responsive to determining to allow the base station to use the first energy saving mode, providing to the base station an indication of a second base station specific duration, wherein the requesting base station is permitted to use the first energy saving mode during the second base station specific duration; and means for, responsive to providing to the base station a second base station specific duration, rejecting the network function request for the second base station specific duration. In some example embodiments, rejecting the request to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode comprises providing a denial message to the base station, wherein the denial message comprises an indication of a first base station specific duration, wherein the base station is not to use the energy saving mode or send another request to use the energy saving mode during the first base station specific duration. In some example embodiments the apparatus further comprises means for determining the first base station specific duration based at least in part on one or more of at least the following: discontinuous transmission, DTX, active state cycles of a target device; discontinuous reception, DRX, active state cycles of a target device; and a minimum time required to fulfil the network function request. In some example embodiments, rejecting the network function request comprises sending a network function request reject message indicating the second base station specific duration. In some example embodiments, use of the first energy saving mode by the base station comprises, while the energy saving mode is in use, using a configuration that provides reduced capabilities and consumes less power compared to a normal mode of operation. In some example embodiments, use of the first energy saving mode by the base station comprises, while the energy saving mode is in use, using a configuration that does not provide downlink transmission capabilities or uplink reception capabilities. In some example embodiments, the one or more energy saving modes further comprise a second energy saving mode, and the apparatus further comprises: means for, responsive to determining to allow the base station to use the second energy saving mode, providing to the base station a third base station specific duration, wherein the base station is permitted to use the second energy saving mode during the third base station specific duration. In some example embodiments, use of the second energy saving mode by the base station comprises, while the energy saving mode is in use, using a configuration that: provides reduced capabilities compared to a normal mode of operation and provides increased capabilities compared to the first energy saving mode; and consumes less power compared to a normal mode of operation and consumes more power compared to the first energy saving mode. In some example embodiments, use of the second energy saving mode by the base station comprises, while the energy saving mode is in use, using a configuration having reduced transmission and / or reception resources. In some example embodiments, use of the second energy saving mode by the base station comprises, while the energy saving mode is in use, using a configuration comprising any one or more of the following: a smaller set of antenna ports than a normal mode of operation; a smaller sounding bandwidth than a normal mode of operation; a lower transmit power than a normal mode of operation; and a smaller set of time slots for transmission and / or reception than a normal mode of operation. In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for determining the second base station specific duration based at least in part on one or more of at least the following: a time required to carry out a network function when the base station is not available to carry out the network function; and a time required to carry out a network function when the base station is not available to carry out the network function and one or more substitute base stations are available to carry out the network function while the base station is in the first energy saving mode. In some example embodiments, the network function is localizing a target device. In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: means for obtaining an indication of a priority associated with the network function request, wherein the means for determining whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of one or more energy saving modes is configured to determine whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of one or more energy saving modes based at least in part on the priority. In some example embodiments, the means for determining whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of one or more energy saving modes is configured to, responsive at least in part to the means for obtaining an indication of a priority associated with the network function request obtaining an indication that a high priority is associated with the network function request, determine to not allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of the one or more energy saving modes. In some example embodiments, the means for determining whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of one or more energy saving modes is configured to, responsive at least in part to the means for obtaining an indication of a priority associated with the network function request obtaining an indication that a low priority is associated with the network function request, determine to allow the base station to use the first energy saving mode. In some example embodiments, the means for determining whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of one or more energy saving modes is configured to, responsive at least in part to the means for obtaining an indication of a priority associated with the network function request obtaining an indication that an intermediate priority is associated with the network function request, determine to allow the base station to use the second energy saving mode. In some example embodiments, wherein the network function request is a location service request, and wherein the means for obtaining an indication of a priority associated with a network function request comprises means for determining the priority based on at least one of any one or more of the following: an indication of an application of the device that the location service request is requesting a position measurement of; an indication of the capabilities of the device that the location service request is requesting a position measurement of; an indication of a mobility profile of the device that the location service request is requesting a position measurement of; an indication of a speed of the device that the location service request is requesting a position measurement of; and an indication of a location of the device that the location service request is requesting a position measurement of. In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: means for obtaining an indication of whether one or more active alternative base stations to the requesting base station are available to substitute for the requesting base station in fulfilling the network function request during the second base station specific duration; and the means for determining whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of one or more energy saving modes is configured to determine not to not allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of the one or more energy saving modes at least partially in response the apparatus obtaining an indication that one or more active alternative base stations to the requesting base station are not available to substitute for the requesting base station in fulfilling the network function request during the second base station specific duration. In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for sending an indication to the base station to change one or more of at least the following characteristics of positioning reference signals: sounding bandwidth; a number of active antenna elements; a transmit power; and a period. In some example embodiments, the network function request is a location service request. A second aspect provides a method comprising: receiving a network function request; receiving a request from a base station to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode; determining whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of one or more energy saving modes, wherein the one or more energy saving modes comprise at least a first energy saving mode; responsive to determining to not allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of the one or more energy saving modes, rejecting the request to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode; responsive to determining to allow the base station to use the first energy saving mode, providing to the base station an indication of a second base station specific duration, wherein the base station is permitted to use the first energy saving mode during the second base station specific duration; and responsive to providing to the base station an indication of a second base station specific duration, rejecting the network function request for the second base station specific duration. In some example embodiments, rejecting the request to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode comprises providing a denial message to the base station, wherein the denial message comprises an indication of a first base station specific duration, wherein the base station is not to use the energy saving mode or send another request to use the energy saving mode during the first base station specific duration. In some example embodiments the method further comprises determining the first base station specific duration based at least in part on one or more of at least the following: discontinuous transmission, DTX, active state cycles of a target device; discontinuous reception, DRX, active state cycles of a target device; and a minimum time required to fulfil the network function request. In some example embodiments, rejecting the network function request comprises sending a network function request reject message indicating the second base station specific duration. In some example embodiments, use of the first energy saving mode by the base station comprises, while the energy saving mode is in use, using a configuration that provides reduced capabilities and consumes less power compared to a normal mode of operation. In some example embodiments, use of the first energy saving mode by the base station comprises, while the energy saving mode is in use, using a configuration that does not provide downlink transmission capabilities or uplink reception capabilities. In some example embodiments, the one or more energy saving modes further comprise a second energy saving mode, and the method comprises: responsive to determining to allow the base station to use the second energy saving mode, providing to the base station a third base station specific duration, wherein the base station is permitted to use the second energy saving mode during the third base station specific duration. In some example embodiments, use of the second energy saving mode by the base station comprises, while the energy saving mode is in use, using a configuration that: provides reduced capabilities compared to a normal mode of operation and provides increased capabilities compared to the first energy saving mode; and consumes less power compared to a normal mode of operation and consumes more power compared to the first energy saving mode. In some example embodiments, use of the second energy saving mode by the base station comprises, while the energy saving mode is in use, using a configuration having reduced transmission and / or reception resources. In some example embodiments, use of the second energy saving mode by the base station comprises, while the energy saving mode is in use, using a configuration comprising any one or more of the following: a smaller set of antenna ports than a normal mode of operation; a smaller sounding bandwidth than a normal mode of operation; a lower transmit power than a normal mode of operation; and a smaller set of time slots for transmission and / or reception than a normal mode of operation. In some example embodiments, the method further comprises determining the second base station specific duration based at least in part on one or more of at least the following: a time required to carry out a network function when the base station is not available to carry out the network function; and a time required to carry out a network function when the base station is not available to carry out the network function and one or more substitute base stations are available to carry out the network function while the base station is in the first energy saving mode. In some example embodiments, the network function is localizing a target device. In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: obtaining an indication of a priority associated with the network function request, wherein determining whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of one or more energy saving modes comprises determining whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of one or more energy saving modes based at least in part on the priority. In some example embodiments, determining whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of one or more energy saving modes comprises, responsive at least in part to the obtaining of an indication of a priority associated with the network function request obtaining an indication that a high priority is associated with the network function request, determining to not allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of the one or more energy saving modes. In some example embodiments, determining whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of one or more energy saving modes comprises, responsive at least in part to the obtaining of an indication of a priority associated with the network function request obtaining an indication that a low priority is associated with the network function request, determining to allow the base station to use the first energy saving mode. In some example embodiments, determining whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of one or more energy saving modes comprises, responsive at least in part to the obtaining of an indication of a priority associated with the network function request obtaining an indication that an intermediate priority is associated with the network function request, determining to allow the base station to use the second energy saving mode. In some example embodiments, the network function request is a location service request, and obtaining an indication of a priority associated with a network function request comprises determining the priority based on at least one of any one or more of the following: an indication of an application of the device that the location service request is requesting a position measurement of; an indication of the capabilities of the device that the location service request is requesting a position measurement of; an indication of a mobility profile of the device that the location service request is requesting a position measurement of; an indication of a speed of the device that the location service request is requesting a position measurement of; and an indication of a location of the device that the location service request is requesting a position measurement of. In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: obtaining an indication of whether one or more active alternative base stations to the requesting base station are available to substitute for the requesting base station in fulfilling the network function request during the second base station specific duration; and wherein determining whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of the one or more energy saving modes comprises determining not to not allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of the one or more energy saving modes at least partially in response to obtaining an indication that one or more active alternative base stations to the requesting base station are not available to substitute for the requesting base station in fulfilling the network function request during the second base station specific duration. In some example embodiments, the method further comprises sending an indication to the base station to change one or more of at least the following characteristics of positioning reference signals: a sounding bandwidth; a number of active antenna elements; a transmit power; and a period. In some example embodiments, the network function request is a location service request. A third aspect of provides a computer program comprising a set of instructions which, when executed on an apparatus, is configured to cause the apparatus to carry out a method comprising: receiving a network function request; receiving a request from a base station to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode; determining whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of one or more energy saving modes, wherein the one or more energy saving modes comprise at least a first energy saving mode; responsive to determining to not allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of the one or more energy saving modes, rejecting the request to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode; responsive to determining to allow the base station to use the first energy saving mode, providing to the base station an indication of a second base station specific duration, wherein the base station is permitted to use the first energy saving mode during the second base station specific duration; and responsive to providing to the base station an indication of a second base station specific duration, rejecting the network function request for the second base station specific duration. In some example embodiments, the third aspect may include any other feature mentioned with respect to the method of the second aspect. A fourth aspect of the invention provides a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-readable code, which, when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to perform a method, comprising: receiving a network function request; receiving a request from a base station to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode; determining whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of one or more energy saving modes, wherein the one or more energy saving modes comprise at least a first energy saving mode; responsive to determining to not allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of the one or more energy saving modes, rejecting the request to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode; responsive to determining to allow the base station to use the first energy saving mode, providing to the base station an indication of a second base station specific duration, wherein the base station is permitted to use the first energy saving mode during the second base station specific duration; and responsive to providing to the base station an indication of a second base station specific duration, rejecting the network function request for the second base station specific duration. The fourth aspect may include any other feature mentioned with respect to the method of the second aspect. A fifth aspect of the invention provides an apparatus, the apparatus having at least one processor and at least one memory having computer-readable code stored thereon which when executed controls the at least one processor to: receive a network function request; receive a request from a base station to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode; determine whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of one or more energy saving modes, wherein the one or more energy saving modes comprise at least a first energy saving mode; responsive to determining to not allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of the one or more energy saving modes, reject the request to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode; responsive to determining to allow the base station to use the first energy saving mode, provide to the base station an indication of a second base station specific duration, wherein the base station is permitted to use the first energy saving mode during the second base station specific duration; and, responsive to providing to the base station an indication of a second base station specific duration, reject the network function request for the second base station specific duration. The fifth aspect may include any other feature mentioned with respect to the method of the second aspect. Brief Description of the Drawings Example embodiments will now be described by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example system; FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example architecture; FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example apparatus; FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method; FIGS. 5-7 are a message sequence diagrams illustrating example methods; and FIG. 8 is a block diagram of components of a system in accordance with an example embodiment; and FIG. 9 shows an example of tangible media for storing computer-readable code which when run by a computer may perform methods according to example embodiments described above. Detailed Description Increasing network energy efficiency may increase environmental sustainability, for example by reducing environmental impact (e.g., from greenhouse gas emissions produced in power generation). Further, increasing network energy efficiency may also provide operational cost savings. Future cellular systems are becoming pervasive across industries and geographical areas and are handling more advanced services and supporting applications requiring very high data rates, such as extended reality (XR) etc. Networks are becoming denser, using more antennas, larger system bandwidth, and more frequency bands. There is an interest in keeping the environmental impact of networks, such as future 5G networks, 6G networks, and beyond, under control, and there is therefore an interest in developing novel solutions to improve network energy savings. One energy saving technique is discontinuous reception (DRX). In some implementations of DRX, a device (e.g., a user equipment, UE) may cycle between a lower power idle state in which it is unable to receive from the network, and an active state in which it is able to receive from the network. UEs periodically wake up once per DRX cycle, which may dominate the power consumption of the UEs in periods with no signalling or data traffic. If UEs are able to wake up only when they are triggered, e.g., paging, power consumption could be dramatically reduced. This can be achieved by using a wake-up signal to trigger the main UE radio and a separate ultra-low power consumption receiver which has the ability to monitor wake-up signal. The main radio works for data transmission and reception, which can be turned off or set to deep sleep unless it is turned on. Similar techniques may be applied to a base station, such as a next-generation NodeB (gNB). For example, some techniques may allow a UE to send an uplink wake-up signal to request transitioning of a cell from a no or reduced transmission / reception activity mode to an active transmission or reception mode for a channel or signal. This technique may for example be applied to gNBs which are in one or more Radio Resource Control (RRC) states with UEs. The UE wake up signal (WUS), sent by the UE to 'wake up' the base station / gNB, may be used to trigger the sending of a synchronization signal block (SSB), and / or a system information block (SIB). With the support of the WUS, the base station (e.g., gNB), might be inactive (e.g., it may not transmit and / or receive signals / channels, or it may only transmit and / or receive limited signals). A gNB may become active for transmitting and / or receiving a channel / signal upon reception of an uplink signal from the UE. An inactive or lower power mode of a gNB may be referred to as a network energy saving (NES) mode. For example, the 3GPP standards document TR 38.864 describes several time, frequency, spatial, and power techniques for providing network energy savings, and example NES mode configurations employing these techniques. Networks may provide support for different positioning technologies to enable regulatory as well as commercial use cases aiming at high-accuracy positioning for various industries or verticals, while supporting the corresponding requirements. Some use cases may comprise Internet of Things (loT) devices. To this end, new positioning techniques may enhance current specifications, but may also introduce novel measurements and mechanisms. New positioning techniques may be designed to meet strict localization requirements. Localization requirements may vary based on a device use case and / or device circumstances. For example, localization requirements (e.g., positioning accuracy) may be stricter for indoor use than outdoor use, and / or for devices that are in motion. Devices with industrial use cases may have stricter localization requirements than devices with general commercial use cases, and both industrial and general commercial devices may have stricter requirements than non-commercial and non-industrial devices. Radio Access Technologies (RATs) such as 5G New Radio (NR) may support positioning techniques. In order to realize RAT-dependent positioning techniques, a positioning reference signal may be transmitted and received over cellular interfaces. Some widely accepted positioning methods are devised by utilizing the framework of differential techniques, e.g., multilateration, where offsets (or errors) are mitigated by the difference of measurements of multiple (at least three) reference points. In contrast, in the energy consumption models, sleep modes are defined, wherein gNBs are fully or partially switched off for energy savings, and thus may not be available to process the reference signal over the cellular interfaces. In some NES methods, the gNB may transition from an active transmission / reception state to a no or reduced transmission / reception state, e.g., based on cell load level to improve energy savings. However, some standard localization techniques require multiple (e.g., at least three) reference points (e.g., multilateration), wherein the throughput and / or load level may not be important. Moreover, the UE may be unable to directly transmit a WUS to assisting / neighbor gNB(s) (e.g., prospective gNBs for positioning) because the UE is only in the RRC-connected state with the serving gNB. To this end, the goal of attaining precise positioning measurements and the goal of obtaining energy savings may contradict one another. Attaining precise positioning measurements may restrict NES mode activations, and increasing energy savings may restrict positioning measurement precision. A network node, such as a location management function (LMF) may therefore intervene to decide on when and for how long a gNB may enter the NES mode. The intervention of the LMF may ensure better balances between the contradicting metrics, e.g., network power savings and user positioning requirements for various types of devices (e.g., Reduced Capacity (RedCap), loT, and UE), and thus, proactively avoid having a large impact. A network-controlled procedure to decide on activations of NES mode for gNB(s) may therefore be desirable. In some examples, a network node (such as an LMF) may decide on when and for how long a gNB may use the NES mode (e.g., an LMF may decide when a gNB may transition from an active transmission / reception mode to a no or reduced transmission / reception mode, while maintaining a balance between contradicting metrics e.g., network power savings and user requirements). Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example model system 100. Model system 100 comprises a UE 110 being served by a serving gNB-1 112. Model system 100 includes two further gNBs, neighbour gNB-2 114 and neighbour gNB-3 116. Model system 100 includes location server 118. In example model system 100, UE 110 is in communication with location server 118 via serving gNB-1 112, and location server 118 has configured UE 110 for positioning using a suitable protocol (in this case Long Term Evolution Positioning Protocol, LPP). Location server 118 may communicate with neighbour gNB-2 114 and neighbour gNB-3 116 using a suitable protocol to allow gNBs 114 and 116 to be used in positioning. NR positioning protocol a (NRPPA) may be used for example. Figure 2 is a block diagram of an example architecture 200. Architecture 200 comprises UE 210 in communication with next generation radio access network (NG-RAN) 212. In this example NG-RAN comprises base stations gNB 214 and next generation evolved node B (ng-eNB) 216. NG-RAN 212 (e.g., the base stations 214, 216 of NG-RAN) communicates with UE 210 via the Uu interface(s), respectively the LTE-Uu interface 218 for ng-eNB and the NR-Uu interface 220 for gNB. Base stations of NG-RAN 212 may communicate with one another via Xn interface 222. NG-RAN 212 (e.g., base stations 214, 216 of NG-RAN) may communicate with a core network, which in this example comprises access and mobility function (AMF) 224, via the next generation control plane interface (NG-C) 226. AMF 224 is in communication with a location management function (LMF) 228 via the NL1 interface 230. LMF 228 may be in communication with Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) Location Platform (SLP) 232, an entity providing user-plane location services. LMF 228 may be in communication with Evolved Serving Mobile Location Center (E-SMLC) 234, which may allow LMF 228 to access information from a different network (e.g., from Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System Terrestrial Radio Access Network, E-UTRAN, in this example). This may support obtaining information for positioning using E-UTRAN based positioning methods. Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating apparatus 300 in accordance with some example embodiments. Apparatus 300 comprises processor 310, and memory 312. Figure 4 is a flow diagram illustrating method 400. Method 400 may be carried out be apparatus 300. For example, in some examples memory 312 may store instructions which, when executed by processor 310, cause the processor to carry out method 400. At step 410 of method 400, apparatus 300 receives (for example, at processor 310) a request from a base station (which may in some examples be a gNB, or a 6G or beyond base station) to allow that base station to enter an energy saving mode. At step 412, apparatus 300 receives (for example, at processor 310) a network function request. This step may take place before or after step 410. The network function request may be a request for a network function to be carried out. In some examples, carrying out the network function may require the resources of one or more base stations (e.g., transmit and / or receive resources). Carrying out the network function may require the resources of multiple base stations. Additionally, or alternatively, carrying out the network function request may require the resources of one or more base stations that are not currently serving a device to which the request relates. The network function request may be a location service request. The location service request may be a request for location information associated with a device, such as a user equipment, ambient loT device, or a device of another level of capability. The device that the location service request is a request to localize may be the source of the request, or another entity may make the request (such as an AMF for example). Fulfilling the network function request may require the resources of one or more base stations (e.g., where the request is a location service request, locating the device may require that one or more base stations transmit or receive a reference signal such as a positioning reference signal), and there may therefore be competing interests between ensuring that base stations maintain full capabilities to fulfil one or more types of network function request and allowing base stations to enter a lower capability mode to save energy. At step 414, apparatus 300 determines (for example, using processor 310) whether to allow the base station to enter an energy saving mode. Apparatus 300 may decide between refusing the base station request to enter an energy saving mode, which may preserve the base stations capabilities for fulfilling a network function request and allowing the base station to enter an energy saving mode of one or more energy saving modes. The one or more energy saving modes may comprise a first energy saving mode. When operating in the first energy saving mode, the base station may have a lower power consumption compared to when operating in a normal mode of operation. When operating in the first energy saving mode the base station may also provide reduced capabilities compared to when operating in a normal mode of operation. For example, when operating in the first energy saving mode, a base station may use a configuration that provides reduced capabilities while lowering power consumption. The one or more energy saving modes may comprise a plurality of energy saving modes, with the different energy saving modes preserving different base station capabilities. The one or more energy saving modes may further comprise a second energy saving mode. When operating in the second energy saving mode, the base station may also have a lower power consumption and may provide reduced capabilities compared to when operating in a normal mode of operation but may provide increased capabilities compared to when operating in the first energy saving mode, and may have a higher power consumption compared to the first energy saving mode. For example, when operating in the second energy saving mode, a base station may use a configuration that provides reduced capabilities and lower power consumption compared to a normal mode of operation, and increased capabilities and higher power consumption compared to the first energy saving mode. Apparatus 300 may determine whether to allow the base station to operate in an energy saving mode at least partially based on a priority associated with the network function request. During or preceding step 414 apparatus 300 may therefore obtain an indication of a priority associated with a network request. For example, if a high priority is associated with the network function request, the request to enter an energy saving mode may not be allowed based at least in part on the high priority. If priority other than a high priority is associated with the network function request, the base station may be allowed to enter an energy saving mode based at least in part on the priority. In some examples, the base station may be allowed to the first energy saving mode based at least in part on a priority associated with the request being a low priority. If the one or more energy saving modes comprise the second energy saving mode, then in some examples the base station may be allowed to enter the second energy saving mode based at least in part on an intermediate priority being associated with the network function request. The determination of step 414 may additionally or alternatively be made based at least in part on an indication or determination of whether the network function request can be fulfilled, when the base station that is requesting to enter an energy saving mode is unavailable. For example, the determination of step 414 may be based at least in part on an indication of a a time required to carry out the network function when the base station is not available to carry out the network function, and / or a time required to carry out the network function when the base station is not available to carry out the network function and one or more substitute base stations are available to carry out the network function while the base station is in the first energy saving mode. In some examples, the network function request is a location service request, and the determination of step 414 may be based at least in part on an indication of whether a target device can be localized and / or the location service request can be fulfilled when the (energy saving mode requesting) base station is not available to assist in localizing the target device / the subject of the location service request. The availability of the of the requesting base station may affect the time taken to localize a target device and / or fulfil the location service request, and the determination of step 414 may additionally or alternatively be based on a time required to localize the target device or fulfil the location service request while the requesting base station is not available. These determinations may optionally take into account an indication of whether alternative base stations are available to substitute for the (energy saving mode requesting) base station. For example, if the target device could be localized while the requesting base station is not available to assist, or if the target device could be localized while satisfying an accuracy requirement (which may be defined in or inferred from the location service request) while the requesting base station is not available to assist, then the requesting base station may be permitted to enter the energy saving mode. The determination at step 414 may be based at least in part on an indication of whether alternative base stations to the requesting base station are available to substitute for the requesting base station in fulfilling network function request while the requesting base station is in an energy saving mode. For example, a decision not to allow the requesting base station to enter an energy saving mode may be based at least partially on one or more active alternative base stations being unavailable to substitute for the requesting base station in fulfilling the network function request while the requesting base station is in an energy saving mode. At step 416, apparatus 300 has determined (i.e., at step 414) not to allow the base station to enter an energy saving mode and rejects the request to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode. In some examples apparatus 300 indicates to the base station that it is not to enter an energy saving mode, and that it is not to send another request to enter the energy saving mode for a first base station specific duration. By providing a duration during which further requests cannot be sent, repeated requests may be avoided, reducing unnecessary / redundant signalling between apparatus 300 and the requesting base station. Reducing unnecessary signalling may save network power. As the request to enter the energy saving mode has been refused, the network function request will not be affected by the base station entering the energy saving mode. The network function can be carried out. In some example embodiments the first base station specific duration may be determined based at least in part on the parameters and of a discontinuous transmission (DTX) and / or DRX cycle of the device to be localized (where the network function request is a location service request, requesting that the device be localised). For example, the duration may be based at least in part on DTX and / or DRX active state cycles of a UE (or other device) to be localized. Additionally or alternatively, the first base station specific duration may be determined based at least in part on a time required to fulfil the network function request. At step 418, the apparatus 300 may, in response to the network function request, initiate the network function. At step 420, apparatus 300 has determined (i.e., at step 414) to allow the base station to enter the first energy saving mode, and apparatus 300 provides to the base station an indication of a duration specific to the base station during which it may use the first energy saving mode (i.e., a second base station specific duration). At step 422, apparatus 300 sends a message responding to the network function request, rejecting the network function request. This message may indicate the duration during which the base station may use the first energy saving mode (the second base station specific duration). Indicating the duration during which the base station may be in the energy saving mode may indicate to a network function requestor that a network function is unavailable for a period, reducing the risk that further unnecessary network function requests are sent while the network function is unavailable (due to a base station being in an energy saving mode). As discussed above, in some example embodiments, the one or more energy saving modes may optionally include a second energy saving mode. At step 424, apparatus 300 has determined (i.e., at step 414) to allow the base station to enter the second energy saving mode, and apparatus 300 provides to the base station an indication of a duration specific to the base station during which it may use the second energy saving mode (i.e., a third base station specific duration). In some example embodiments, in the second energy saving mode the base station may retain sufficient capabilities to fulfil network function requests (or assist in fulfilling network function requests). For example. Where the network function request is a location service request, in the second energy saving mode the base station may retain sufficient capabilities to localize target devices (or assist in localizing target devices). In some example embodiments, step 424 is followed by step 426, in which the apparatus 300, in response to the network function request, initiates the network function. For example, if the network function request is a location service request, a positioning procedure may be initiated at step 426. By having an apparatus receive network function requests and energy saving mode requests, the apparatus can improve network energy saving while meeting network function requirements, such as positioning requirements. The procedure may be applicable to a wide variety of use cases and scenarios, and may be implemented simply. Priority As discussed above, the determination at step 414 may be at based at least in part on a priority level associated with the network function request. A particular priority level may be associated with the network function request at least in part due to some property associated with a device that is the subject of the request. For example, if the network function request is a location service request, the priority may be based at least in part on some property associated with the device to be localized. Additionally or alternatively, a particular priority level may be associated with the network function request at least in part due to some property associated with the entity that is making the network function request. Additionally or alternatively, a particular priority level may be associated with the network function request at least in part due to some other property associated with the request. A priority may be indicated to apparatus 300 explicitly or implicitly. In some examples, the network function request is a location service request, and the priority level associated with the location service request may be based on a class, category, or mobility profile of the device that is the subject of the location service request. For example, priority may be based at least in part on device category (e.g., ranging from Ambient loT devices with reduced capabilities to UEs with full capabilities). Priority may be based at least in part on a mobility profile, (e.g., "stationary" for effectively stationary devices, or "pedestrian", which may include devices moving at 3km / h, or "mobile" devices, which may include devices moving at higher speeds, such as devices incorporated into or aboard automobiles, trains, etc.). Devices may also be classified based on application (e.g., industrial, mission-critical, or neither), and a priority level may be based on at least in part on this classification. In one example, stationary UEs and low-cost ambient loT devices, could generally be associated with a low priority. Mission-critical and Industrial loT devices that may have high accuracy requirements (e.g., <0.2 m) may be associated with a high priority. Devices having a pedestrian speed (e.g., 3km / h) may have lower accuracy requirements (e.g., the accuracy requirements for outdoor positioning may be ~10m) and could generally be associated with an intermediate priority. Energy Saving Mode Characteristics One or more energy saving modes can be implemented in several ways. The use of different energy saving modes may affect the capabilities of a base station in different ways, and energy saving modes may additionally or alternatively affect base station capabilities for different durations. In some examples, the first energy saving mode is a mode in which a base station provides reduced capabilities compared to a normal mode of operation and consumes less power than a normal mode of operation. A base station may provide reduced capabilities by changing the parameters of its operation or ceasing to provide some capabilities altogether. For example, capabilities may be reduced by ceasing to transmit and / or receive. In some examples, capabilities may be reduced by reducing a sounding bandwidth or transmit power used, reducing a number of active antenna ports, and / or by using a smaller set of time slots for transmission and / or reception. In some examples, the first energy saving mode corresponds to a configuration of the base station, and using the first energy saving mode comprises using that configuration. The first energy saving mode may correspond to a base station configuration that is different from a configuration used in a normal mode of operation. In some example embodiments a "normal" mode of operation may be considered a mode of operation in which a base station operates using all available reso u rces / ca pa bi I ities. In some examples, the first energy saving mode is a mode in which a base station is not available for downlink transmission or uplink reception. In the first energy saving mode, the base station may effectively be in a sleep mode and may not have any active transmission or reception capabilities. The base station may enter this energy saving mode for different durations. For example, the base station may enter a deepsleep, a light-sleep, or a micro-sleep. In some examples, the second energy saving mode is also a base station provides reduced capabilities compared to a normal mode of operation and consumes less power than a normal mode of operation. The second energy saving mode may effectively be an intermediate mode between a normal mode of operation and the first energy saving mode, so a base station operating in the second energy saving mode may provide more capabilities / resources than the first energy saving mode, but have a higher power consumption than the first energy saving mode. In some examples, the second energy saving mode corresponds to a configuration of the base station, and using the second energy saving mode comprises using that configuration. The second energy saving mode may correspond to a base station configuration that is different from a configuration used in a normal mode of operation, and that is different from a configuration used in the first mode of operation. The second mode of operation may be a mode in which the base station is available for transmission / reception, but with reduced resources / capabilities compared to a normal mode of operation. Some examples, capabilities may be reduced by reducing a sounding bandwidth or transmit power used, reducing a number of active antenna ports, and / or by using a smaller set of time slots for transmission and / or reception. In some embodiments, the first energy saving mode corresponds to a sleep state in which transmission / reception not active / unavailable (for the duration of the mode), while the second energy saving mode corresponds to a mode in which a base station has reduced capabilities, but is still available for transmission and reception. Figure 5 is a message sequence diagram illustrating message sequence 500. Message sequence 500 comprises messages between UE 510, gNB 512, LMF 514, and AMF 516. In this instance, the base station requesting to use an energy saving mode is gNB 512, but this method is applicable to other base stations. Message sequence 500 is an example message sequence in which an apparatus (in this case LMF 514) may determine whether a base station is permitted to use an energy saving mode. In some examples, aspects of this method may be carried out by other network nodes. For example, in some examples an AMF or a location management controller (LMC) may additionally or alternatively perform some of the functions of the LMF described in connection with the below method. For example, an AMF or LMC may make the determination of step 534. In this example the network function request is a location service request, but aspects of this example are applicable to other network functions. At step 520, LMF 514 may use a suitable procedure to obtain from gNB 512 information required for positioning measurements. At step 522, LMF 514 may request information regarding the positioning capabilities of UE 510, for example using LPP Capability Transfer procedures. At step 524, UE 510 sends a location service request (which may include related additional parameters). The location service request may be sent via AMF 516. For example, UE 510 may request localization (e.g., for positioning or the delivery of assistance data), which may for example be sent to LMF 514 via AMF 516. At step 526, which may be carried out in addition to or instead of step 524, AMF 516 may determine a need for localization of UE 510 (for some use case) and generate a location service request. At step 524 and / or 526, the location service request concerns the location of UE 510, but the location service request may relate to the location of another category of device, such as an ambient loT device. At step 528, AMF 516 for UE 510 sends the location service request to LMF 514. At step 530, gNB 512 determines to enter a NES mode, to save energy. In one example, gNB 512 may make this determination based on whether a power consumption of gNB 512 on a slot-level and / or a symbol-level meets a condition or trigger. Different power consumption levels may reflect different resource block (RB) utilization / time-occupancy / Tx-Rx direction of different symbols in a slot. In some examples, a NES mode may include any one or more of Deep-, Light, and Micro -sleep states and / or techniques in time, frequency, spatial, and / or power domains, and any combination of the aforementioned. At step 532, gNB 512 sends a request to the LMF to provide assistance in deciding whether to activate the NES mode. At step 534, LMF 514 determines whether to allow NES mode activation for gNB 512. LMF 514 may decide when and for how long gNB 512 may use a NES mode. LMF 514, having received the location service request and the NES mode request, may make a decision that balances the (sometimes competing) interests of satisfying positioning requests and providing network power savings. Method 500 represents a first case. In this case, LMF 514 denies NES mode activation in response to the request from gNB 512. The response includes / indicates a gNB-specific timer T value. Timer T is a timer during which the requesting gNB is not allowed to activate any NES mode. Without this Timer information, gNB 512 may send frequent activation requests, leading to redundant signalling with AMF 514, and thus, consume more network power. Thus, AMF 514 may take into account NES trade-offs and configure the gNB-specific timer T value for the next NES mode request. In some example cases, the gNB-specific timer T value may be decided based on DTX and / or DRX active state cycles of target UE, or a minimum time required to fulfil the network function request (e.g., by localizing a target device), etc. In some example embodiments, the decision to deny NES mode activation is based on a priority associated with the positioning request. The request may for example be denied based at least in part on the positioning request being a high-priority request. At step 536, LMF 514 sends the denial (including the timer T). At step 538, the NES mode request has been denied, so gNB 512 will not enter a NES mode (for at least time T), and gNB 512 may be available for positioning (for at least timeT), so positioning procedures may take place (e.g., using standard measurement and positioning procedures). Figure 6 is a message sequence diagram illustrating message sequence 600. Message sequence 600 comprises messages between UE 510, gNB 512, LMF 514, and AMF 516. Message sequence 600 corresponds to a second case, which diverges from sequence 500 at step 534 / 634. The above description of steps 520 - 532 therefore applies to message sequence 600. Method 600 represents a second case. In this case, at step 634, LMF 514 decides to configure partial NES mode activations for timer T_NES for gNB 512. Partial NES mode activation may for example include using adaption techniques, which may include, but are not limited to, using techniques to adapt operation of gNB 512 in the time, frequency, spatial, or power domains, or any combination, to reduce power consumption. In some example embodiments, LMF 514 may configure a partial NES mode that changes characteristics and / or periodicity of positioning reference signals to improve energy saving while ensuring the required UE positioning requirements are met. For example, the configurable parameters may comprise (but are not limited to), s_f: sounding bandwidth, which impacts achievable time measurement accuracy, s a: active antenna elements, which impact achievable angular measurement accuracy, s_p: transmit power, which impacts achievable signal quality, s_t: the periodicity which impacts measurement precision, and any combination of these. The decision to configure a partial NES mode may be based at least in part on a priority associated with the positioning request. For example, the decision to configure a partial NES mode may be based at least in parton an intermediate priority being associated with the positioning request. At step 636, LMF 514 sends an instruction to gNB 512 to use a partial NES mode. LMF 514 may configure the above determined partial NES mode radio resources, and indicate the NES mode timer T_NES to gNB 512 via a suitable message (such as an NRPPa message). After the expiry of specified NES mode timer T_NES, gNB 512 may transition back to the active state, and the process may resume from step 530. At step 638, gNB 512 is at least partially active (even during T_NES), so measurement and positioning procedures may proceed in response to the location service request. Standard measurement and positioning procedures may therefore take place. Figure 7 is a message sequence diagram illustrating message sequence 700. Message sequence 700 comprises messages between UE 510, gNB 512, LMF 514, and AMF 516. Message sequence 700 corresponds to a third case, which diverges from sequence 500 at step 534 / 734. The above description of steps 520 - 532 therefore applies to message sequence 700. Method 700 represents a third case. In this case, at step 734, LMF 514 decides to configure a full NES mode activation for timer T_NES for gNB 512. In some examples the configuration may specify a Deep-, Light-, or Micro-sleep state, or a combination of sleep states. In some examples gNB 512 is unable to transmit or receive in full NES mode. The decision to configure a full NES mode activation may be based at least in part on a priority associated with the positioning request. For example, the decision to configure a full NES mode activation may be based at least in part on a low priority being associated with the positioning request. At step 736, LMF 514 sends a denial message in response to the location service request to the requesting AMF 516. In some examples this denial message may include other information, such as the NES timer TJMES value. This value may be used to determine when the next location service request may be sent (as sending repeated location service requests while location service is unavailable may impose a significant signalling overhead). Step 740 may be performed if step 524 was performed. If the location service request originated at an entity other than AMF 516 (e.g., at UE 510 in this case), AMF 516 may return the denial response to the original requesting entity (e.g., UE 510). In some examples this response may include other useful or necessary information. For example, the response may also include the value of the timer T_NES, or the response may include instructions and / or information relevant to localizing UE 510 without using the air interface. For example, instructions to use a non-terrestrial network or in-built sensors may be included. In some examples, when making the decision of steps 534, 634, or 734, LMF 514 may first inquire if there are one or more active-state alternative gNBs, which can substitute for requesting gNB 512 for timer T_NES in order to localize target UE 510. If there is no additional substitute gNB satisfying UE 510 positioning requirements, method 500 or 600 (not using a NES mode, or using a partial NES mode) may be a preferrable option. Alternatively, method 700 (using a full NES mode) may be preferrable to maximize the energy savings. In some examples, the priority of positioning can be based on the UE class, category, mobility profile, etc. In an example, stationary UEs and low-cost ambient loT devices, can be, in general, categorized as having the low-priority positioning requirements. In contrast, mission critical and Industrial loT devices may have requirements for high accuracy, i.e., <0.2 m, so can be, in general, categorized as having high priority for positioning. Furthermore, devices with pedestrian speed (e.g., 3km / h) may have positioning requirements (e.g., for outdoor scenarios) of ~10m, and may be, in general, categorized as having medium priority for positioning, and so may provide opportunity to accordingly adapt resources. For completeness, FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of components of one or more of the example embodiments described previously, which hereafter are referred to generically as a processing system 800. The processing system 800 may, for example, be comprised by the device referred to in the claims below. The processing system 800 may have a processor 802, a memory 804 closely coupled to the processor and comprised of a Random Access Memory (RAM) 814 and a Read Only Memory (ROM) 812, and, optionally, a user input 810 and a display 818. The processing system 800 may comprise one or more network / apparatus interfaces 808 for connection to a network / apparatus, e.g., a modem which may be wired or wireless. The network / apparatus interface 808 may also operate as a connection to other apparatus such as device / apparatus which is not network side apparatus. Thus, direct connection between devices / apparatus without network participation is possible. The processor 802 is connected to each of the other components in order to control operation thereof. The memory 804 may comprise a non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD). The ROM 812 of the memory 804 stores, amongst other things, an operating system 815 and may store software applications 816. The RAM 814 of the memory 804 is used by the processor 802 for the temporary storage of data. The operating system 815 may contain code which, when executed by the processor implements aspects of the method 400 described above, along with aspects of the message flow sequences 500, 600, and 700. Note that in the case of small device / apparatus the memory can be most suitable for small size usage i.e., not always a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD) is used. The processor 802 may take any suitable form. For instance, it may be a microcontroller, a plurality of microcontrollers, a processor, or a plurality of processors. The processing system 800 may be a standalone computer, a server, a console, or a network thereof. The processing system 800 and needed structural parts may be all inside device / apparatus such as loT device / apparatus i.e., embedded to very small size. In some example embodiments, the processing system 800 may also be associated with external software applications. These may be applications stored on a remote server device / apparatus and may run partly or exclusively on the remote server device / apparatus. These applications may be termed cloud-hosted applications. The processing system 800 may be in communication with the remote server device / apparatus in order to utilize the software application stored there. FIG. 9 shows a tangible media, in the form of a removable memory unit 910, storing computer-readable code which when run by a computer may perform methods according to example embodiments described above. The removable memory unit 910 may be a memory stick, e.g., a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory stick, having internal memory 930 storing the computer-readable code. The internal memory 930 may be accessed by a computer system via a connector 920. Of course, other forms of tangible storage media may be used, as will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skilled in the art. Tangible media can be any device / apparatus capable of storing data / information which data / information can be exchanged between devices / apparatus / network. Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in software, hardware, application logic or a combination of software, hardware and application logic. The software, application logic and / or hardware may reside on memory, or any computer media. In an example embodiment, the application logic, software or an instruction set is maintained on any one of various conventional computer-readable media. In the context of this document, a "memory" or "computer-readable medium" may be any non-transitory media or means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate or transport the instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer. Reference to, where relevant, "computer-readable medium", "computer program product", "tangibly embodied computer program" etc., or a "processor" or "processing circuitry" etc. should be understood to encompass not only computers having differing architectures such as single / multi-processor architectures and sequencers / parallel architectures, but also specialised circuits such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), signal processing devices / apparatus and other devices / apparatus. References to computer program, instructions, code etc. should be understood to express software for a programmable processor firmware such as the programmable content of a hardware device / apparatus as instructions for a processor or configured or configuration settings for a fixed function device / apparatus, gate array, programmable logic device / apparatus, etc. If desired, the different functions discussed herein may be performed in a different order and / or concurrently with each other. Furthermore, if desired, one or more of the above-described functions may be optional or may be combined. Similarly, it will also be appreciated that the flow and signalling diagrams of Figures 4, 6, and 7 are examples only and that various operations depicted therein may be omitted, reordered and / or combined. It will be appreciated that the above-described example embodiments are purely illustrative and are not limiting on the scope of the invention. Other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reading the present specification. Moreover, the disclosure of the present application should be understood to include any novel features or any novel combination of features either explicitly or implicitly disclosed herein or any generalization thereof and during the prosecution of the present application or of any application derived therefrom, new claims may be formulated to cover any such features and / or combination of such features. Although various aspects of the invention are set out in the independent claims, other aspects of the invention comprise other combinations of features from the described example embodiments and / or the dependent claims with the features of the independent claims, and not solely the combinations explicitly set out in the claims. It is also noted herein that while the above describes various examples, these descriptions should not be viewed in a limiting sense. Rather, there are several variations and modifications which may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:means for receiving a network function request;means for receiving a request from a base station to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode;means for determining whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of one or more energy saving modes, wherein the one or more energy saving modes comprise at least a first energy saving mode;means for, responsive to determining to not allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of the one or more energy saving modes, rejecting the request to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode;means for, responsive to determining to allow the base station to use the first energy saving mode, providing to the base station an indication of a second base station specific duration, wherein the base station is permitted to use the first energy saving mode during the second base station specific duration; andmeans for, responsive to providing to the base station the indication of a second base station specific duration, rejecting the network function request for the second base station specific duration.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein rejecting the request to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode comprises:providing a denial message to the base station, wherein the denial message comprises an indication of a first base station specific duration, wherein the base station is not to use the energy saving mode or send another request to use the energy saving mode during the first base station specific duration.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising means for determining the first base station specific duration based at least in part on one or more of at least the following:discontinuous transmission, DTX, active state cycles of a target device;discontinuous reception, DRX, active state cycles of a target device; and a minimum time required to fulfil the network function request.

4. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein rejecting the network function request comprises sending a network function request reject message indicating the second base station specific duration.

5. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein use of the first energy savingmode by the base station comprises, while the energy saving mode is in use, using a configuration that provides reduced capabilities and consumes less power compared to a normal mode of operation.

6. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein, use of the first energy saving mode by the base station comprises, while the energy saving mode is in use, using a configuration that does not provide downlink transmission capabilities or uplink reception capabilities.

7. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more energy saving modes further comprise a second energy saving mode, and wherein the apparatus further comprises:Means for, responsive to determining to allow the base station to use the second energy saving mode, providing to the base station an indication of a third base station specific duration, wherein the base station is permitted to use the second energy saving mode during the third base station specific duration.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein use of the second energy saving mode by the base station comprises, while the energy saving mode is in use, using a configuration that:provides reduced capabilities compared to a normal mode of operation and provides increased capabilities compared to the first energy saving mode; and consumes less power compared to a normal mode of operation and consumes more power compared to the first energy saving mode.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 or 8, wherein use of the second energy saving mode by the base station comprises, while the energy saving mode is in use, using a configuration having reduced transmission and / or reception resources.

10. The apparatus of any of claims 7-9, wherein use of the second energy saving mode by the base station comprises, while the energy saving mode is in use, using a configuration comprising any one or more of the following:a smaller set of antenna ports than a normal mode of operation;a smaller sounding bandwidth than a normal mode of operation;a lower transmit power than a normal mode of operation; anda smaller set of time slots for transmission and / or reception than a normal mode of operation.

11. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising means fordetermining the second base station specific duration based at least in part on one or more of at least the following:a time required to carry out a network function when the base station is not available to carry out the network function; anda time required to carry out a network function when the base station is not available to carry out the network function and one or more substitute base stations are available to carry out the network function while the base station is in the first energy saving mode.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the network function is localizing a target device.

13. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising:means for obtaining an indication of a priority associated with the network function request, wherein the means for determining whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of one or more energy saving modes is configured to determine whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of one or more energy saving modes based at least in part on the priority.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein:the means for determining whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of one or more energy saving modes is configured to, responsive at least in part to the means for obtaining an indication of a priority associated with the network function request obtaining an indication that a high priority is associated with the network function request, determine to not allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of the one or more energy saving modes.

15. The apparatus of claim 13 or 14, wherein:the means for determining whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of one or more energy saving modes is configured to, responsive at least in part to the means for obtaining an indication of a priority associated with the network function request obtaining an indication that a low priority is associated with the network function request, determine to allow the base station to use the first energy saving mode.

16. The apparatus of any of claims 13 - 15 when dependent on any of claims 7 - 10, wherein:the means for determining whether to allow the base station to use anenergy saving mode of one or more energy saving modes is configured to, responsive at least in part to the means for obtaining an indication of a priority associated with the network function request obtaining an indication that an intermediate priority is associated with the network function request, determine to allow the base station to use the second energy saving mode.

17. The apparatus of any of claims 13 - 16, wherein the network function request is a location service request, and wherein the means for obtaining an indication of a priority associated with a network function request comprises means for determining the priority based on at least one of any one or more of the following:an indication of an application of the device that the location service request is requesting a position measurement of;an indication of the capabilities of the device that the location service request is requesting a position measurement of;an indication of a mobility profile of the device that the location service request is requesting a position measurement of;an indication of a speed of the device that the location service request is requesting a position measurement of; andan indication of a location of the device that the location service request is requesting a position measurement of.

18. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus further comprises:means for obtaining an indication of whether one or more active alternative base stations to the requesting base station are available to substitute for the requesting base station in fulfilling the network function request during the second base station specific duration; andwherein the means for determining whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of one or more energy saving modes is configured to determine not to not allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of the one or more energy saving modes at least partially in response the apparatus obtaining an indication that one or more active alternative base stations to the requesting base station are not available to substitute for the requesting base station in fulfilling the network function request during the second base station specific duration.

19. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising means for sending an indication to the base station to change one or more of at least the followingcharacteristics of positioning reference signals:a sounding bandwidth;a number of active antenna elements;a transmit power; anda period.

20. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the network function request is a location service request.

21. A method comprising:receiving a network function request;receiving a request from a base station to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode;determining whether to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of one or more energy saving modes, wherein the one or more energy saving modes comprise at least a first energy saving mode;responsive to determining to not allow the base station to use an energy saving mode of the one or more energy saving modes, rejecting the request to allow the base station to use an energy saving mode;responsive to determining to allow the base station to use the first energy saving mode, providing to the base station an indication of a second base station specific duration, wherein the base station is permitted to use the first energy saving mode during the second base station specific duration; and responsive to providing to the base station an indication of a second base station specific duration, rejecting the network function request for the second base station specific duration.33

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