Discontinuous reception method, device, and readable storage medium

Abstract

Embodiments of this application relating to the field of communication technology provide a discontinuous reception method, device, and readable storage medium. The discontinuous reception method is applied to a terminal device. The method includes the steps of: acquiring first information and the operating state of a C-DRX associated timer, wherein the first information indicates the cell DTX state of a serving cell of the terminal device, and the C-DRX associated timer is configured to determine whether the terminal device enters a C-DRX active period; and performing a first action when the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell is in an inactive period state, the first action being used to instruct the terminal device to enter a C-DRX sleep period or to change the operating state of the C-DRX associated timer. The cell DTX state is taken into consideration in relation to whether the terminal device enters a C-DRX sleep period, thereby avoiding invalid monitoring of the PDCCH performed by the terminal device when the cell DTX state is in an inactive period state, and reducing energy consumption.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202310166649.X, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on February 16, 2023, entitled "Discontinuous Reception Method, Device, and Readable Storage Medium", and incorporates it herein by reference in its entirety. Embodiments of this application relate to the field of communication technologies, and in particular, to discontinuous reception methods, devices, and readable storage media.

Background Art

[0002] With the development of mobile communication and terminal technologies, the diversity of terminal device types and service types has increased, leading to a continuous increase in network energy consumption and terminal energy consumption in mobile communication. How to reduce energy consumption is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0003] Currently, cell discontinuous transmission (DTX) technology enables network devices to periodically perform downlink transmissions to terminal devices within a specified time period and stop downlink transmissions during other time periods, thereby achieving network energy savings. Connected discontinuous reception (C-DRX) technology enables terminal devices to periodically enter the sleep mode. While in the sleep mode, the terminal device does not monitor the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), and while in the wake-up state, the terminal device monitors the PDCCH, thus achieving terminal energy savings.

[0004] In a scenario where cell DTX is active and the terminal device is configured with C-DRX, the terminal device still performs unnecessary monitoring of the PDCCH, resulting in high energy consumption of the terminal device. [Overview of the project]

[0005] This application provides a discontinuous receiving method, device, and readable storage medium for reducing the energy consumption of terminal devices.

[0006] According to a first aspect, the application provides a discontinuous reception method applicable to a terminal device. The method includes the steps of: acquiring first information and the operating state of a C-DRX associated timer, wherein the first information indicates the cell DTX state of a serving cell of the terminal device, and the C-DRX associated timer is configured to determine whether the terminal device enters a C-DRX active period; and performing a first action when the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell is in an inactive period state, the first action being used to instruct the terminal device to enter a C-DRX sleep period or to change the operating state of the C-DRX associated timer.

[0007] In the aforementioned method, whether a terminal device enters the C-DRX sleep period requires considering the cell DTX state. When the cell DTX state is inactive, the operating state of the C-DRX-related timers is changed to allow the terminal device to enter the C-DRX sleep period, or to decide to allow the terminal device to enter the C-DRX sleep period, in order to avoid unnecessary actions by the terminal device monitoring the PDCCH, thereby reducing terminal energy consumption.

[0008] In one possible design, the first operation includes one of the following: the terminal device enters a C-DRX sleep period; the terminal device skips monitoring the scheduling information of the PDCCH; the first operating C-DRX timer is stopped; the second operating C-DRX timer is paused; and when the C-DRX hybrid auto-retransmission request round-trip time timer is stopped, the first operation includes skipping starting or restarting the C-DRX retransmission timer.

[0009] In the aforementioned method, the terminal device directly enters the C-DRX sleep period, or directly skips monitoring the PDCCH scheduling information. This can reduce energy consumption and has a simple implementation. The terminal device stops the operation of the first C-DRX timer while it is running, or pauses the operation of the second C-DRX timer while it is running, or skips starting or restarting the C-DRX retransmission timer. In C-DRX technology, the operating state of the C-DRX-related timers is changed, while the decision mechanism remains unchanged, and energy consumption is reduced, so that the terminal device is guaranteed to decide whether to enter the C-DRX sleep period based on the operating state of the C-DRX-related timers.

[0010] In one possible design, the first action is to stop the first operating C-DRX timer. The method further includes the step of starting or restarting the first C-DRX timer when the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell has changed from an inactive state to an active state.

[0011] In the aforementioned method, in a scenario where the first C-DRX timer is stopped because the DTX state of the serving cell of the terminal device is in an inactive period state, or the DTX state of the serving cell is not in an active period state, or the cell DTX-on period timer has stopped operating, the first C-DRX timer can be started or restarted when the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell has changed from an inactive period state to an active period state, or when the cell DTX-on period timer is operating. Thus, the time over which the terminal device monitors the scheduling information of the PDCCH is extended, ensuring data transmission and improving quality of service.

[0012] In one possible design, the first action is to pause a second C-DRX timer that is in operation. The method further includes the step of causing the paused second C-DRX timer to resume operation when the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell has changed from an inactive state to an active state.

[0013] In the aforementioned method, in a scenario where the second C-DRX timer has stopped operating because the DTX state of the serving cell of the terminal device is in an inactive period state, or the DTX state of the serving cell is not in an active period state, or the cell DTX-on period timer has stopped operating, the second C-DRX timer can continue operating when the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell has changed from an inactive period state to an active period state, or when the cell DTX-on period timer is operating. Thus, the time that the terminal device has to monitor the scheduling information of the PDCCH is extended, ensuring data transmission and improving quality of service.

[0014] In one possible design, the first C-DRX timer includes at least one of the following: a C-DRX on-period timer, a C-DRX non-activity timer, or a C-DRX retransmission timer.

[0015] In one possible design, the second C-DRX timer is either a C-DRX inactivity timer or a C-DRX retransmission timer.

[0016] In one possible design, the first operation is to skip starting or restarting the C-DRX retransmission timer when the C-DRX hybrid auto retransmission request round-trip time timer has stopped. The method further includes the step of starting or restarting the C-DRX retransmission timer when the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell has changed from an inactive period state to an active period state.

[0017] In the aforementioned method, in scenarios where the C-DRX retransmission timer has not been started or restarted because the DTX state of the serving cell of the terminal device is in an inactive period state, or the DTX state of the serving cell is not in an active period state, or the cell DTX on period timer has stopped operating, the C-DRX retransmission timer can be started or restarted when the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell has changed from an inactive period state to an active period state, or when the cell DTX on period timer is operating. Thus, the time that the terminal device has to monitor the scheduling information of the PDCCH is extended, ensuring data transmission and improving quality of service.

[0018] In one possible design, the step of obtaining first information includes determining, based on cell DTX configuration information, whether the cell DTX on-period timer is operating, and / or whether the serving cell's DTX is in an inactive period, and / or whether the serving cell's DTX is in an active period, and obtaining first information.

[0019] In one possible design, the first piece of information indicates that the serving cell's DTX state is in an inactive state, either because the serving cell's cell DTX on-time timer is stopped, or the serving cell's cell DTX is in an inactive period, or the serving cell's cell DTX is not in an active period. Alternatively, the first piece of information indicates that the serving cell's DTX state is in an active period, either because the serving cell's cell DTX on-time timer is running, or the serving cell's cell DTX is in an active period, or the serving cell's cell DTX is not in an inactive period.

[0020] In one possible design, the method further includes the step of determining whether a terminal device enters a C-DRX sleep period based on the operating state of a C-DRX-related timer when the first information indicates that the DTX state of a serving cell is in an active period state.

[0021] In the aforementioned method, when the first piece of information indicates that the serving cell's DTX state is in the active period state, the network device performs a downlink transmission in the serving cell. During this period, if a terminal device monitors the PDCCH, the action taken by the terminal device to monitor the PDCCH is a valid action. Based on the serving cell's DTX state and the operating status of the C-DRX-related timers, the terminal device decides whether to enter a C-DRX sleep period to reduce terminal energy consumption.

[0022] According to a second aspect, the application provides a discontinuous reception method applicable to a network device. The method includes the steps of: obtaining first information and the operating state of a C-DRX associated timer corresponding to a terminal device, wherein the first information indicates the cell DTX state of a serving cell of the terminal device, and the C-DRX associated timer corresponding to the terminal device is configured to determine whether the terminal device enters a C-DRX active period; and performing a first action when the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell is in an inactive period state, wherein the first action is used to instruct the terminal device to enter a C-DRX sleep period or to change the operating state of a C-DRX associated timer corresponding to the terminal device.

[0023] In one possible design, the first operation includes one of the following: the terminal device enters a C-DRX sleep period; the terminal device skips monitoring scheduling information for the physical downlink control channel PDCCH; the terminal device stops an active first C-DRX timer; the terminal device pauses an active second C-DRX timer; and, when the C-DRX hybrid auto-retransmission request round-trip time timer for the terminal device stops, skips starting or restarting the C-DRX retransmission timer for the terminal device.

[0024] In one possible design, the first operation is to stop a first operating C-DRX timer corresponding to a terminal device. The method further includes the step of starting or restarting the first C-DRX timer corresponding to a terminal device when first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell has changed from an inactive state to an active state.

[0025] In one possible design, the first operation is to pause the second C-DRX timer that is operating for the terminal device. The method further includes the step of resuming the operation of the paused second C-DRX timer corresponding to the terminal device when the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell has changed from the inactive period state to the active period state.

[0026] In one possible design, the first C-DRX timer includes at least one of a C-DRX on-period timer, a C-DRX inactivity timer, or a C-DRX retransmission timer.

[0027] In one possible design, the second C-DRX timer is a C-DRX inactivity timer or a C-DRX retransmission timer.

[0028] In one possible design, the first operation is to skip starting or restarting the C-DRX retransmission timer corresponding to the terminal device when the C-DRX hybrid automatic repeat request round-trip timer corresponding to the terminal device stops. The method further includes the step of starting or restarting the C-DRX retransmission timer corresponding to the terminal device when the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell has changed from the inactive period state to the active period state.

[0029] In one possible design, the step of obtaining the first information includes determining whether the cell DTX on-period timer of the serving cell is operating based on the cell DTX configuration information, and / or determining whether the DTX of the serving cell is in the inactive period, and / or determining whether the DTX of the serving cell is in the active period, to obtain the first information.

[0030] In one possible design, the first information indicates that the cell DTX on-period timer of the serving cell has stopped operating, or the cell DTX of the serving cell is in an inactive period, or the cell DTX of the serving cell is not in an active period, and the DTX state of the serving cell is in an inactive period state. Alternatively, the first information indicates that the cell DTX on-period timer of the serving cell is operating, or the cell DTX of the serving cell is in an active period, or the cell DTX of the serving cell is not in an inactive period, and the DTX state of the serving cell is in an active period state.

[0031] In one possible design, when the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell is in an active period state, the method further includes determining whether the terminal device enters a C-DRX sleep period based on the operating state of the C-DRX related timer corresponding to the terminal device.

[0032] According to a third aspect, this application provides a terminal device. The terminal device includes an acquisition module configured to acquire the first information and the operating state of the C-DRX related timer, where the first information indicates the cell DTX state of the serving cell of the terminal device, and the C-DRX related timer is configured to determine whether the terminal device enters a C-DRX active period; and a processing module configured to perform a first operation when the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell is in an inactive period state, where the first operation is used to instruct the terminal device to enter a C-DRX sleep period or to change the operating state of the C-DRX related timer.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the first action includes one of the following: the terminal device enters a C-DRX sleep period; the terminal device skips monitoring the scheduling information of the PDCCH; the terminal device stops the first operating C-DRX timer; the terminal device pauses the second operating C-DRX timer; and when the C-DRX hybrid auto-retransmission request round-trip time timer stops, the terminal device skips starting or restarting the C-DRX retransmission timer.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the first action is to stop the first operating C-DRX timer. The processing module is further configured to start or restart the first C-DRX timer when the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell has changed from an inactive state to an active state.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the first action is to temporarily suspend the operating second C-DRX timer. The processing module is further configured to allow the suspended second C-DRX timer to resume operation when the first information indicates that the serving cell's DTX state has changed from an inactive state to an active state.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the first C-DRX timer includes at least one of the following: a C-DRX on-period timer, a C-DRX non-activity timer, or a C-DRX retransmission timer.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the second C-DRX timer is either a C-DRX inactivity timer or a C-DRX retransmission timer.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the first action is to skip starting or restarting the C-DRX retransmission timer when the C-DRX hybrid auto retransmission request round-trip time timer has stopped. The processing module is further configured to start or restart the C-DRX retransmission timer when the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell has changed from an inactive period state to an active period state.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the acquisition module is configured to acquire first information by determining, based on cell DTX configuration information, whether the cell DTX on-period timer is operating, and / or whether the serving cell's DTX is in an inactive period, and / or whether the serving cell's DTX is in an active period.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the first piece of information indicates that the serving cell's DTX state is in an inactive state, either because the serving cell's cell DTX on-time timer is stopped, or the serving cell's cell DTX is in an inactive period, or the serving cell's cell DTX is not in an active period. Alternatively, the first piece of information indicates that the serving cell's DTX state is in an active period, either because the serving cell's cell DTX on-time timer is running, or the serving cell's cell DTX is in an active period, or the serving cell's cell DTX is not in an inactive period.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to determine whether a terminal device enters a C-DRX sleep period based on the operating state of a C-DRX-related timer when the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell is in an active period state.

[0042] According to a fourth aspect, the application provides a network device, the network device including: an acquisition module configured to acquire first information and the operating state of a C-DRX associated timer corresponding to a terminal device, wherein the first information indicates the cell DTX state of a serving cell of the terminal device, and the C-DRX associated timer corresponding to the terminal device is configured to determine whether the terminal device enters a C-DRX active period; and a processing module configured to perform a first action when the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell is in an inactive period state, wherein the first action is used to instruct the terminal device to enter a C-DRX sleep period or to change the operating state of a C-DRX associated timer corresponding to the terminal device.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the first action includes one of the following: the terminal device enters a C-DRX sleep period; the terminal device skips monitoring scheduling information for the physical downlink control channel PDCCH; the first active C-DRX timer corresponding to the terminal device is stopped; the second active C-DRX timer corresponding to the terminal device is paused; and when the C-DRX hybrid auto-retransmission request round-trip time timer corresponding to the terminal device is stopped, the first action includes skipping starting or restarting the C-DRX retransmission timer corresponding to the terminal device.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the first action is to stop the first operating C-DRX timer corresponding to the terminal device. The processing module is further configured to start or restart the first C-DRX timer corresponding to the terminal device when the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell has changed from an inactive state to an active state.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the first action is to pause the second C-DRX timer, which is currently running and corresponds to the terminal device. The processing module is further configured to allow the paused second C-DRX timer, corresponding to the terminal device, to resume operation when the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell has changed from an inactive state to an active state.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the first C-DRX timer includes at least one of the following: a C-DRX on-period timer, a C-DRX non-activity timer, or a C-DRX retransmission timer.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the second C-DRX timer is either a C-DRX inactivity timer or a C-DRX retransmission timer.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the first action is to skip starting or restarting the C-DRX retransmission timer corresponding to the terminal device when the C-DRX hybrid auto retransmission request round-trip time timer corresponding to the terminal device has stopped. The processing module is further configured to start or restart the C-DRX retransmission timer corresponding to the terminal device when the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell has changed from an inactive state to an active state.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the acquisition module is configured to acquire first information by determining, based on cell DTX configuration information, whether the serving cell's cell DTX on-period timer is operating, and / or whether the serving cell's DTX is in an inactive period, and / or whether the serving cell's DTX is in an active period.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the first piece of information indicates that the serving cell's DTX state is in an inactive state, either because the serving cell's cell DTX on-time timer is stopped, or the serving cell's cell DTX is in an inactive period, or the serving cell's cell DTX is not in an active period. Alternatively, the first piece of information indicates that the serving cell's DTX state is in an active period, either because the serving cell's cell DTX on-time timer is running, or the serving cell's cell DTX is in an active period, or the serving cell's cell DTX is not in an inactive period.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to determine whether a terminal device enters a C-DRX sleep period based on the operating state of the C-DRX-related timer corresponding to the terminal device when the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell is in an active period state.

[0052] According to a fifth embodiment, a communication device is provided. The communication device may be a terminal device in the method embodiment described above, or a chip located within the terminal device. The communication device includes a communication interface and a processor, and optionally further includes memory. The memory is configured to store a computer program or instructions. The processor is coupled to the memory and the communication interface. When the processor executes a computer program or instructions, the communication device is enabled to perform the method performed by the terminal device in the method embodiment described above.

[0053] According to the sixth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device may be a network device in the method embodiment described above, or a chip located within the network device. The communication device includes a communication interface and a processor, and optionally further includes memory. The memory is configured to store a computer program or instructions. The processor is coupled to the memory and the communication interface. When the processor executes a computer program or instructions, the communication device is enabled to perform the method performed by the network device in the method embodiment described above.

[0054] According to the seventh aspect, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product includes computer program code. When the computer program code is executed, the method performed by a terminal device in the aforementioned aspect is performed.

[0055] According to the eighth aspect, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product includes computer program code. When the computer program code is executed, a method is performed that is executed by a network device in the aforementioned aspects.

[0056] According to the ninth aspect, the application provides a chip system, the chip system including a processor configured to implement the functions of a terminal device in the method of the preceding aspects. In one possible design, the chip system further includes memory configured to store program instructions and / or data. The chip system may include a chip, or it may include a chip and another discrete component.

[0057] According to a tenth aspect, the application provides a chip system, which includes a processor configured to implement the functions of a network device in the method of the preceding aspects. In one possible design, the chip system further includes memory configured to store program instructions and / or data. The chip system may include a chip, or it may include a chip and another discrete component.

[0058] According to the eleventh aspect, the application provides a computer-readable storage medium that stores a computer program. When the computer program is executed, a method is implemented that is performed by a terminal device in the aforementioned aspects.

[0059] According to the twelfth aspect, the application provides a computer-readable storage medium that stores a computer program. When the computer program is executed, a method is employed in the aforementioned aspect that is executed by a network device.

[0060] According to the 13th aspect, this application provides a communication system, the system including a terminal device and a network device. The terminal device is configured to implement the functions of the terminal device in the method of the first aspect, and the network device is configured to implement the functions of the network device in the method of the second aspect. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0061] [Figure 1] This is a diagram of the architecture of a wireless communication system according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 2] This is a diagram of a cell DTX cycle configuration according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 3] This is a message flowchart for configuring cell DTX configuration information according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 4] This is a diagram of a C-DRX cycle configuration according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 5] This is a message flowchart for configuring C-DRX configuration information according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating the principle of a C-DRX on-time timer according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating the principle of a C-DRX non-activity timer according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 8] This is a diagram illustrating the principle of a C-DRX hybrid automatic retransmission request round-trip time timer and a C-DRX retransmission timer according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart of a discontinuous reception method according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 10] This is another flowchart of a discontinuous reception method according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 11A] Figures 11A and 11B are a set of diagrams relating to a C-DRX on-time timer according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 11B] Figures 11A and 11B are a set of diagrams relating to a C-DRX on-time timer according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 12A] Figures 12A and 12B are a set of diagrams relating to a C-DRX non-activity timer according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 12B] Figures 12A and 12B are a set of diagrams relating to a C-DRX non-activity timer according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 13A] Figures 13A-13C are a set of diagrams relating to a C-DRX retransmission timer according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 13B] Figures 13A-13C are a set of diagrams relating to a C-DRX retransmission timer according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 13C] Figures 13A-13C are a set of diagrams relating to a C-DRX retransmission timer according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 14] This is a diagram showing the configuration of a terminal device according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 15] This is a diagram showing the configuration of a network device according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 16] This is a diagram of another configuration of a terminal device according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 17] This is a diagram of another configuration of a network device according to one embodiment of this application. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0062] To further clarify the purpose, technical solution, and advantages of this application, this application will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Specific descriptions of operation and function in the method embodiments may also apply to apparatus embodiments or system embodiments.

[0063] As shown in Figure 1, the discontinuous reception method provided in the embodiment of this application may be applied to a wireless communication system. The wireless communication system may include a terminal device 101 and a network device 102.

[0064] It should be understood that the aforementioned wireless communication systems apply to both low-frequency (sub 6G) and high-frequency (above 6G) scenarios. The application scenarios for wireless communication systems include, but are not limited to, existing communication systems such as fifth-generation (5G) systems, new radio (NR) communication systems, or future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN) systems.

[0065] The aforementioned terminal device 101 may be user equipment (UE), terminal, access terminal, terminal unit, terminal station, mobile station (MS), remote station, remote terminal, mobile terminal, wireless communication device, terminal agent, or terminal device. Alternatively, terminal device 101 may be a communication chip with a communication module, a vehicle with communication functions, or an in-vehicle device (e.g., an in-vehicle communication device or in-vehicle communication chip). Terminal device 101 may have wireless transceiver functionality and may communicate (e.g., wirelessly) with one or more network devices in one or more communication systems and accept network services provided by network devices. Network devices here include, but are not limited to, network device 102 shown in the figure.

[0066] The terminal device 101 may be a mobile phone, cordless phone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA) device, handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle device, wearable device, terminal equipment in a future 5G network, or terminal equipment in a further advanced PLMN network.

[0067] The terminal device 101 may specifically include a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver functionality, a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical care, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, or a wireless terminal in a smart home.

[0068] Furthermore, the terminal device 101 may be located on land, including indoor or outdoor devices, or handheld or vehicle-mounted devices; the terminal device 101 may be located on water (e.g., on a ship); or the terminal device 101 may be located in the air (e.g., on an aircraft, balloon, or satellite).

[0069] Network device 102 may be an access network device (or referred to as an access website). An access network device is a device that provides network access functionality, such as a radio access network (RAN) base station. Specifically, network device 102 may include a base station (BS), or may include a base station and a radio resource management device configured to control the base station. Network device 102 may further include a relay device, an access point, a base station or NR base station in a 5G network, and a base station in a future advanced PLMN network. Network device 102 may be a wearable device or an in-vehicle device. Alternatively, network device 102 may be a communication chip with a communication module.

[0070] For example, network device 102 includes, but is not limited to, a base station (gNodeB, gNB) in 5G, an evolved node B (evolved NodeB, eNB) in a long-term evolution (LTE) system, a radio network controller (RNC), a radio controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) system, a base station controller (BSC), a home base station (e.g., home evolved NodeB or home NodeB, HNB), a baseband unit (BBU), a transmission reception point (TRP), a transmission point (TP), a mobile switching center, or a base transceiver station (BTS) in a global system for mobile communications (GSM) or code division multiple access (CDMA) network, or a node base station (node ​​base) in a wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) network. It may be a station (NB), or an evolved NB (eNB or eNodeB) in LTE, or a base station device in a future 5G network or an access network device in a future evolved PLMN network, or a wearable device or an in-vehicle device.

[0071] In some deployments, a network device may include a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The network device may further include an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU implements some of the network device's functions, while the DU implements some of the network device's functions. For example, the CU is responsible for handling non-real-time protocols and services, implementing the functions of the radio resource control (RRC) layer and the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer. The DU is responsible for handling physical layer protocols and real-time services, implementing the functions of the radio link control (RLC) layer, the media access control (MAC) layer, and the physical (PHY) layer. The AAU implements some physical layer processing functions, radio frequency processing, and functions related to the active antenna. Information in the RRC layer is ultimately converted to information in the PHY layer, or converted from information in the PHY layer. Therefore, in this architecture, higher-layer signaling, such as RRC layer signaling, can be considered as being transmitted by the DU or by both the DU and AAU. It can be understood that a network device may be a device comprising one or more of CU nodes, DU nodes, and AAU nodes. Furthermore, a CU may be classified as a network device within an access network (RAN), or a CU may be classified as a network device within a core network (CN). This is not limited to the present invention.

[0072] Furthermore, the network device 102 may be connected to a core network (CN) device. The core network device may be configured to provide core network services for connecting the network device 102 and the terminal device 101. The core network device may correspond to different devices in different systems. For example, in 3G, the core network device may correspond to a serving GPRS support node (SGSN) and / or a gateway GPRS support node (GGSN). In 4G, the core network device may correspond to a mobility management entity (MME) and / or a serving gateway (S-GW). In 5G, the core network device may correspond to an access and mobility management function (AMF), a session management function (SMF), or a user plane function (UPF).

[0073] For the sake of clarity, the embodiments of this application use an example in which the terminal device is a UE and the network device is a base station.

[0074] To facilitate understanding of this application, the concepts presented here will be explained first.

[0075] 1. Cell DTX, Cell DTX cycle, Inactive period, Active period, Cell DTX configuration information, and Cell DTX On-Period Timer

[0076] Cell DTX (or cell dtx) technology enables network devices to perform downlink transmissions to terminal devices during specified time periods and cease downlink transmissions during other time periods, thereby achieving network energy savings. Downlink transmissions may include downlink service transmissions. Optionally, downlink transmissions may further include periodic signals, such as a synchronization signal block (SSB) or a channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS).

[0077] For example, Figure 2 shows a cell DTX cycle configuration according to one embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 2, a cell DTX cycle is configured for a cell. There are two cell DTX states: an active period state (cell DTX on, cell dtx on, or active period) and an inactive period state (cell DTX off, cell dtx off, or inactive period). When the cell DTX is in the active period, for example, during the time period from t0 to t1 in Figure 2, the network device can perform downlink transmissions. When the cell DTX is in the inactive period, for example, during the time period from t1 to t2 in Figure 2, the network device shuts down downlink transmissions. It can be understood that a longer inactive period indicates that the network device can achieve better energy savings, but correspondingly, the service transmission delay of terminal devices within the cell increases.

[0078] A serving cell of a terminal device can send cell DTX configuration information to the terminal device. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the following steps are included.

[0079] S301: The base station transmits cell DTX configuration information to the UE.

[0080] The cell DTX configuration information includes the cell DTX period, a time domain offset at the start of the active or inactive period, and the duration of the active or inactive period. Optionally, the duration may be indicated by a timer, such as a cell DTX-on-DurationTimer. The timer operates at the start of each periodic active period and stops at the start of each periodic inactive period. The timer indicates the duration. Whether the cell DTX is in an active or inactive state is determined by starting the timer and determining when the timer has expired, which is more efficient and convenient for implementation. The timer name is not limited to this application.

[0081] Optionally, the cell DTX configuration information may further include signals and / or signaling that are not transmitted by network devices when the cell DTX is inactive.

[0082] Optionally, cell DTX configuration information can be carried within radio resource control (RRC) messages.

[0083] Correspondingly, the UE receives cell DTX configuration information transmitted by the base station. The cell DTX configuration information can become effective immediately during configuration, or it can become effective after the terminal device receives the corresponding activation signaling.

[0084] Based on the cell DTX configuration information, the UE can determine the start time when the cell DTX is periodically active or inactive, and a cell DTX on-period timer is started at the start of each periodic active state and / or determines the end time of each periodic active state and / or determines the duration of each periodic active state (cell DTX on-period).

[0085] 2. C-DRX, C-DRX cycle, sleep period, active period, C-DRX configuration information, C-DRX related timers

[0086] C-DRX technology allows terminal devices to enter sleep mode for a specified period of time and not monitor PDCCH. Power savings are achieved by waking up from sleep mode and entering wake-up mode when monitoring is required.

[0087] For example, Figure 4 is a diagram of a C-DRX cycle configuration according to one embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 4, a C-DRX cycle is configured for the UE. There are two C-DRX states of the UE: an active period and a sleep period. When the UE is in the C-DRX active period, for example, during the time period from t0 to t1 in Figure 4, the UE monitors the PDCCH. When the UE is in the C-DRX sleep period, for example, during the time period from t1 to t2 in Figure 4, the UE does not monitor the PDCCH. It can be understood that a longer C-DRX sleep period indicates that the terminal device can achieve better energy saving effects, but correspondingly, the service transmission delay of the terminal device increases.

[0088] The serving cell of a terminal device can send C-DRX configuration information to the terminal device. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the following steps are included.

[0089] S501: The base station transmits C-DRX configuration information to the UE.

[0090] C-DRX configuration information includes the C-DRX period, the time domain offset and duration of the periodic C-DRX wake-up period, and C-DRX-related timers. Optionally, the duration of the periodic wake-up period may be indicated in the form of a timer, such as a C-DRX on-duration timer (drx-onDurationTimer). The timer operates at the start of the periodic C-DRX active period by default and stops operating at the start of the periodic C-DRX sleep period by default.

[0091] Optionally, C-DRX-related timers include, but are not limited to, a C-DRX on-duration timer (drx-onDurationTimer), a C-DRX inactivity timer (drx-InactivityTimer), or a C-DRX retransmission timer (drx-RetransmissionTimer). The C-DRX-related timers are configured to determine whether a terminal device enters a C-DRX active period or a C-DRX sleep period. A terminal device enters a C-DRX active period when at least one of the aforementioned C-DRX-related timers is operating. A terminal device enters a C-DRX sleep period when all of the aforementioned C-DRX-related timers have stopped operating.

[0092] Optionally, C-DRX-related timers may also include a C-DRX Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request Round Trip Time Timer (C-DRX HARQ-RTT Timer or drx-HARQ-RTT-Timer). HARQ stands for Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request, and RTT stands for Round Trip Time. The drx-HARQ-RTT-Timer does not affect whether a terminal device enters an active or inactive period.

[0093] For the start, restart, and stop conditions of the C-DRX-related timers, please refer to Table 1. Note that the names of the C-DRX-related timers are not limited to those specified in this application.

[0094] Optionally, C-DRX configuration information can be carried within the RRC message.

[0095] Correspondingly, the UE can receive C-DRX configuration information transmitted by the base station and, based on the C-DRX configuration information, decide whether to enter the C-DRX active period or the C-DRX sleep period. [Table 1]

[0096] 3. C-DRX On-Duration Timer (drx-onDurationTimer)

[0097] For example, Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the principle of a C-DRX on-period timer according to one embodiment of this application, and shows a C-DRX cycle. As shown in Figure 6, in a C-DRX cycle, the C-DRX on-period timer is started at time t0, and the C-DRX on-period timer expires at time t1, at which point the C-DRX on-period timer stops operating.

[0098] 4. C-DRX Inactivity Timer (drx-InactivityTimer)

[0099] Once a UE is scheduled to receive or transmit data within a slot, it is highly likely that the UE will continue to be scheduled within subsequent slots. Therefore, the principle of the C-DRX inactivity timer is as follows: When a UE enters the C-DRX active period based on the C-DRX on-period timer, and the UE performs an initial uplink or downlink data transmission, the C-DRX inactivity timer is started or restarted so that the UE remains active while the C-DRX inactivity timer is operating until the timer expires.

[0100] For example, Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the principle of a C-DRX inactivity timer according to one embodiment of this application, showing a C-DRX cycle. As shown in Figure 7, in a C-DRX cycle, the C-DRX on-period timer is operating for a time period from t0 to t1, and the UE is in a periodic C-DRX active period. At time t2, the UE is scheduled by the base station to perform an initial data transmission, and the base station and UE start the C-DRX inactivity timer. At time t3, the UE is scheduled by the base station to perform an initial data transmission again, and if the operating C-DRX inactivity timer has not expired, the base station and UE restart the C-DRX inactivity timer. Similarly, at time t4, the UE is scheduled by the base station to perform an initial data transmission again, and the base station and UE restart the C-DRX inactivity timer. At time t5, the C-DRX inactivity timer expires, and the C-DRX inactivity timer stops operating. In Figure 7, during the time period from t0 to t5, the UE remains in the C-DRX active period.

[0101] 5. C-DRX Hybrid Automatic Retransmission Request Round-Trip Timer (drx-HARQ-RTT-Timer) and C-DRX Retransmission Timer (drx-RetransmissionTimer)

[0102] The principle of the drx-HARQ-RTT-Timer is as follows: When data transmission (or data transmission) occurs, the drx-HARQ-RTT-Timer of the HARQ process corresponding to the data transmission is started. Data transmission includes one of the following: initial uplink transmission, initial downlink transmission, uplink retransmission, or downlink retransmission. If decoding of the transport block (TB) of the HARQ process fails, according to the retransmission mechanism, the UE can assume that retransmission will occur at least after "HARQ RTT". Therefore, when the drx-HARQ-RTT-Timer is operating, the UE does not need to monitor the PDCCH. When the drx-HARQ-RTT-Timer expires, the C-DRX retransmission timer is started, and the UE monitors the PDCCH used for HARQ retransmission.

[0103] For example, Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the principle of a C-DRX hybrid automatic retransmission request round-trip time timer and a C-DRX retransmission timer according to one embodiment of this application, showing a C-DRX cycle. As shown in Figure 8, in a C-DRX cycle, the C-DRX on-period timer is operating for a time period from t0 to t1, and the UE is in a periodic C-DRX active period. At time t2, the UE is scheduled by the base station to perform an initial downlink data transmission, and the base station and UE activate the drx-HARQ-RTT-Timer and the C-DRX inactivity timer. While the C-DRX inactivity timer is operating, the UE is in a C-DRX active period. The operation of the drx-HARQ-RTT-Timer does not affect the C-DRX state. At time t1, the C-DRX on-period timer has expired, the C-DRX inactivity timer is not operating, and the UE enters a C-DRX sleep period. At time t3, the drx-HARQ-RTT-Timer expires and stops operating, and it is determined that the received data cannot be successfully decoded using the corresponding HARQ process. Therefore, the C-DRX retransmission timer is started. While the C-DRX retransmission timer is operating, the UE must be in the C-DRX active period. That is, during the time period from t3 to t5, the UE is in the C-DRX active period. At time t5, the C-DRX retransmission timer expires and stops operating, and the UE enters the C-DRX sleep period.

[0104] In related technologies, in scenarios where C-DRX is configured for accessed terminal devices within a cell enabling cell DTX technology, the cell DTX cycle may not be aligned with the C-DRX cycle. As a result, the time for network devices to transmit data is not aligned with the time for terminal devices to transmit data, causing terminal devices to perform the unnecessary action of monitoring the PDCCH, leading to high energy consumption. Even when the cell DTX cycle is aligned with the C-DRX cycle, the C-DRX state of terminal devices is further affected by C-DRX-related timers such as the C-DRX on-period timer, C-DRX inactivity timer, or C-DRX retransmission timer. Therefore, terminal devices still perform the unnecessary action of monitoring the PDCCH, resulting in wasted terminal energy.

[0105] Embodiments of this application provide a discontinuous reception method. Whether a terminal device enters the C-DRX active period or the C-DRX sleep period requires consideration of the cell DTX state. When the cell DTX state is in an inactive state, the network device shuts down transmission, so to avoid unnecessary actions by the terminal device to monitor the PDCCH, the operating state of the C-DRX-related timers is changed to cause the terminal device to enter the C-DRX sleep period, or to cause the terminal device to decide to enter the C-DRX sleep period, thereby avoiding wasted terminal energy.

[0106] The technical solutions of this application will be described in detail below by using specific embodiments.

[0107] In embodiments of this application, unless otherwise noted, the same or similar parts of embodiments refer to one another. In the various embodiments and implementations / methods / implementation methods in the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise noted or unless a logical inconsistency arises, terminology and / or descriptions are consistent and may refer to one another between different embodiments and between implementations / methods / implementation methods in the various embodiments. Technical features in different embodiments and implementations / methods / implementation methods in the various embodiments may be combined based on their internal logical relationships to form new embodiments, implementations, methods, or implementation methods. The foregoing description is an implementation of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Steps in each embodiment may be performed only partially (for example, a terminal device may not perform the steps performed by the terminal device in the above embodiments). The order in which different steps are performed may be changed. Embodiments described in this specification may be combined with other embodiments, and steps in different embodiments in this specification may also be combined.

[0108] As used in this specification, “embodiments” means that certain features, structures, or characteristics described with reference to those embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. Words used in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor are they exclusive, independent, or optional embodiments of other embodiments.

[0109] In embodiments of this application, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” and “fourth,” etc. (if any) are intended to distinguish between similar subjects and do not necessarily indicate a specific order or sequence.

[0110] In embodiments of this application, “includes” can indicate an inclusion relationship or an equivalent relationship. For example, if A includes B, A may include other content in addition to B, or A and B may contain the same content.

[0111] Unless otherwise specified, “ / ” in the description of this application represents an “or” relationship between related subjects. For example, A / B may represent A or B. In this application, “and / or” describes only related relationships between related subjects and indicates that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may represent three cases: only A exists, both A and B exist, and only B exists, where A and B may be singular or plural. Also, in the description of this application, “plural” means two or more unless otherwise specified. “At least one of the following items (pieces)” or similar expressions mean any combination of those items, including any single item (piece) or any combination of multiple items (pieces). For example, at least one item (piece) of a, b, or c may represent a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c, where a, b, and c may be singular or plural. Furthermore, in order to clearly describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, terms such as “first” and “second” are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish between the same or similar items that provide essentially the same function or purpose. As a person skilled in the art will understand, terms such as “first” and “second” do not limit the quantity or order of execution, nor do terms such as “first” and “second” indicate a clear distinction.

[0112] In embodiments of this application, the terms "of," "corresponding," and "corresponding" are sometimes used interchangeably. It should be noted that, unless otherwise emphasized, they all express the same meaning.

[0113] In embodiments of this application, terms such as “example” and “for example” are used to indicate that an example, illustration, or explanation is being given. None of the embodiments or design solutions described as “example” in this application should be described as having more advantages than other embodiments or design methods. More precisely, the term “example” is intended to present a concept in a specific way.

[0114] Figure 9 is a flowchart of a discontinuous reception method according to one embodiment of this application. The discontinuous reception method provided in this embodiment can be performed by a terminal device. As shown in Figure 9, the discontinuous reception method provided in this embodiment includes the following steps.

[0115] S901: The first piece of information and the operating status of the C-DRX-related timer are obtained. The first piece of information indicates the cell DTX status of the serving cell of the terminal device, and the C-DRX-related timer is configured to determine whether the terminal device enters the C-DRX active period.

[0116] The cell DTX state includes an active period state and an inactive period state. For further details, please refer to the preceding description in this application. Details will not be explained again here.

[0117] C-DRX-related timers include, but are not limited to, C-DRX on-time timers, C-DRX non-activity timers, or C-DRX retransmission timers. For further details, please refer to the above description in this application. Details will not be described again here.

[0118] Optionally, obtaining the first piece of information is possible. This may include determining whether the cell DTX on-period timer is operating based on the cell DTX configuration information, and / or determining whether the serving cell's DTX is in an inactive period, and / or determining whether the serving cell's DTX is in an active period, and obtaining the first information.

[0119] For information regarding the cell DTX configuration and the cell DTX on-time timer, please refer to the above description in this application. Further details will not be provided here.

[0120] Optionally, the first piece of information indicates that the serving cell's cell DTX on-time timer has stopped working, or the serving cell's cell DTX is in an inactive period, or the serving cell's cell DTX is not in an active period, and the serving cell's DTX state is in an inactive period state.

[0121] The first piece of information indicates that the serving cell's cell DTX on-period timer is running, or the serving cell's cell DTX is in the active period, or the serving cell's cell DTX is not in the inactive period, and the serving cell's DTX state is in the active period state.

[0122] S902: When the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell is in an inactive period state, the first action is performed, which is used to instruct the terminal device to enter a C-DRX sleep period or to change the operating state of the C-DRX related timers.

[0123] Specifically, when the first piece of information indicates that the serving cell's DTX state is in an inactive period state, the network device shuts down downlink transmissions in the serving cell. During this period, if a terminal device monitors the PDCCH, no action is required by the terminal device to monitor the PDCCH. Therefore, the terminal device should perform the first action.

[0124] In one implementation, the first action instructs the terminal device to enter the C-DRX sleep period. The terminal device enters the C-DRX sleep period directly, resulting in reduced energy consumption, and this has a simple implementation.

[0125] In another implementation, the terminal device changes the operating state of the C-DRX-related timer. Based on the operating state of the C-DRX-related timer, the terminal device decides to enter the C-DRX sleep period. In this implementation, the operating state of the C-DRX-related timer is changed, and as a result, it is ensured that the terminal device's decision mechanism in the C-DRX technology remains unchanged, thereby reducing energy consumption.

[0126] It is understood that the discontinuous reception method provided in this embodiment requires that the cell DTX state be taken into consideration when determining whether the terminal device enters the C-DRX sleep period. When the cell DTX state is inactive, the operating state of the C-DRX-related timers is changed to allow the terminal device to enter the C-DRX sleep period, or to decide to enter the C-DRX sleep period, in order to avoid unnecessary actions by the terminal device to monitor the PDCCH, thereby reducing terminal energy consumption.

[0127] Optionally, the discontinuous reception method provided in this embodiment further: This includes determining whether a terminal device enters a C-DRX sleep period based on the operating state of a C-DRX-related timer when the first information indicates that the DTX state of a serving cell is in an active period state.

[0128] In this implementation, when the first piece of information indicates that the serving cell's DTX state is in the active period state, the network device performs a downlink transmission on the serving cell. During this period, if a terminal device monitors the PDCCH, the action taken by the terminal device to monitor the PDCCH is a valid action. Therefore, the terminal device decides whether to enter the C-DRX sleep period or the C-DRX active period based on the operating state of the C-DRX-related timers.

[0129] Since the DTX status of the serving cell is taken into consideration, unnecessary actions by terminal devices to monitor the PDCCH can be avoided, thereby reducing terminal energy consumption.

[0130] Optionally, the first action is: The terminal device enters the C-DRX sleep period. The terminal device skips monitoring the PDCCH scheduling information. Stop the first C-DRX timer that is currently running. To pause the second C-DRX timer that is currently running, and When the C-DRX hybrid automatic retransmission request round-trip time timer stops, skip starting or restarting the C-DRX retransmission timer. It includes one of the following.

[0131] The first action, instructing the terminal device to enter a C-DRX sleep period, may include the terminal device entering a C-DRX sleep period or the terminal device skipping monitoring PDCCH scheduling information, and the terminal device directly entering a C-DRX sleep period or the terminal device directly skipping monitoring PDCCH scheduling information. This can reduce energy consumption and has a simple implementation. Optionally, the terminal device skipping monitoring PDCCH scheduling information may include the terminal device temporarily suspending monitoring PDCCH scheduling information or the terminal device stopping monitoring PDCCH scheduling information.

[0132] The first operation, used to change the operating state of a C-DRX-related timer, may include stopping a first C-DRX timer that is in operation, or pausing a second C-DRX timer that is in operation, or skipping starting or restarting a C-DRX retransmission timer when the C-DRX hybrid automatic retransmission request round-trip time timer has stopped.

[0133] The first or second C-DRX timer is the currently operating C-DRX timer. When at least one C-DRX-related timer is operating, the terminal device is in the C-DRX active period. In other words, the terminal device is currently in the C-DRX active period and monitors the scheduling information of the PDCCH. However, at this moment, the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell is in an inactive period state. As a result, no action by the terminal device to monitor the PDCCH is necessary. Therefore, the operation of the first C-DRX timer is stopped, or the operation of the second C-DRX timer is paused, and as a result, the terminal device can decide to enter the C-DRX sleep period based on the current operating state of the first or second C-DRX timer, thereby reducing energy consumption.

[0134] The difference between "stopped" and "paused" is that, after the first C-DRX timer has been stopped, it can be started or restarted. For example, if the first C-DRX timer has a duration of 2 slots, and when the first C-DRX timer is stopped, 1 slot of duration remains. The first C-DRX timer can then be started or restarted and expire after a duration of 2 slots. As for a second C-DRX timer that has been paused, the second C-DRX timer can be started or restarted, or the paused second C-DRX timer can continue to operate. For example, if the second C-DRX timer has a duration of 2 slots, and when the second C-DRX timer is paused, 1 slot of duration remains. The paused second C-DRX timer can then continue to operate, and after a duration of 1 slot, the second C-DRX timer that has continued to operate will expire.

[0135] According to the principle of the drx-HARQ-RTT-Timer, if the drx-HARQ-RTT-Timer stops, the C-DRX retransmission timer needs to be started, the terminal device enters the C-DRX active period, and monitors the scheduling information of the PDCCH. However, at this point, the first piece of information indicates that the serving cell's DTX state is in an inactive state. As a result, the action of monitoring the PDCCH by the terminal device is unnecessary. Therefore, the terminal energy consumption is reduced by not starting or restarting the C-DRX retransmission timer.

[0136] Optionally, the first C-DRX timer includes a C-DRX timer that is started periodically and / or a C-DRX timer that is not started periodically.

[0137] In this implementation, the C-DRX timer can be started periodically or aperiodicly and can stop operating when the DTX state of the serving cell is in an inactive state, thereby reducing terminal energy consumption.

[0138] Optionally, the first C-DRX timer includes at least one of the following: a C-DRX on-period timer, a C-DRX inactivity timer, or a C-DRX retransmission timer.

[0139] Optionally, a second C-DRX timer is included, which is not a C-DRX timer that is started periodically.

[0140] In this implementation, since the periodically started C-DRX timers have a fixed time for starting or stopping execution, the operation of C-DRX timers that are not periodically started can be paused when the DTX state of the serving cell is in an inactive period state, and then the operation of the paused second C-DRX timer can be resumed.

[0141] Optionally, the second C-DRX timer is either a C-DRX inactivity timer or a C-DRX retransmission timer.

[0142] Optionally, the first action is to stop the first C-DRX timer that is currently running. The discontinuous reception method further, This may include starting or restarting a first C-DRX timer when the first information indicates that the DTX state of a serving cell has changed from an inactive state to an active state.

[0143] Specifically, when the C-DRX-related timer is operating, the terminal device is in the C-DRX active period and monitors the scheduling information of the PDCCH. In a scenario where the first C-DRX timer is stopped because the DTX state of the terminal device's serving cell is inactive, or the DTX state of the serving cell is not active, or the cell DTX-on period timer has stopped operating, the first C-DRX timer can be started or restarted when the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell has changed from the inactive period to the active period, or when the cell DTX-on period timer is operating. Thus, the time during which the terminal device monitors the scheduling information of the PDCCH is extended, ensuring data transmission and improving quality of service.

[0144] Optionally, the first action is to temporarily pause the second C-DRX timer while it is running. This discontinuous reception method further, This may include allowing a suspended second C-DRX timer to continue operating when the first piece of information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell has changed from an inactive state to an active state.

[0145] Specifically, in a scenario where the second C-DRX timer has stopped operating because the DTX state of the serving cell of the terminal device is in an inactive period state, or the DTX state of the serving cell is not in an active period state, or the cell DTX-on period timer has stopped operating, the second C-DRX timer can be started, restarted, or continue operating when the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell has changed from an inactive period state to an active period state, or when the cell DTX-on period timer is operating. Thus, the time that the terminal device has to monitor the scheduling information of the PDCCH is extended, ensuring data transmission and improving quality of service.

[0146] Optionally, the first action is to skip starting or restarting the C-DRX retransmission timer when the C-DRX hybrid auto-retransmission request round-trip time timer has stopped. Further actions may include: The C-DRX retransmission timer is started or restarted when the first piece of information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell has changed from an inactive state to an active state.

[0147] In this implementation, in scenarios where the C-DRX retransmission timer has not been started or restarted because the DTX state of the serving cell of the terminal device is in an inactive period state, or the DTX state of the serving cell is not in an active period state, or the cell DTX on period timer has stopped operating, the C-DRX retransmission timer can be started or restarted when the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell has changed from an inactive period state to an active period state, or when the cell DTX on period timer is operating. Thus, the time that the terminal device has to monitor the scheduling information of the PDCCH is extended, ensuring data transmission and improving quality of service.

[0148] Figure 10 is another flowchart of a discontinuous reception method according to one embodiment of this application. The discontinuous reception method provided in this embodiment can be performed by a network device. The difference between this embodiment and the embodiment shown in Figure 9 is that in this embodiment, for each terminal device in a serving cell, the network device configures C-DRX configuration information for that terminal device, and the terminal device corresponds to a C-DRX-related timer. The operating states of the timers related to C-DRX and corresponding to different terminal devices in a serving cell may differ at the same time. For each connected terminal device in a serving cell, the network device needs to determine the C-DRX state of that terminal device, specifically whether the terminal device is entering or is in a C-DRX active / C-DRX sleep period, in order to determine whether it can transmit PDCCH scheduling information to that terminal. In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the terminal device is configured with C-DRX configuration information by the network device and corresponds to a C-DRX-related timer. The technical solutions and effects of the discontinuous reception method provided in this embodiment are the same as those of the discontinuous reception method provided in the embodiment shown in Figure 9.

[0149] As shown in Figure 10, the discontinuous reception method provided in this embodiment includes the following steps.

[0150] S1001: The first piece of information and the operating status of the C-DRX-related timer corresponding to the terminal device are obtained. The first piece of information indicates the cell DTX status of the serving cell of the terminal device, and the C-DRX-related timer corresponding to the terminal device is configured to determine whether the terminal device enters the C-DRX active period.

[0151] S1002: When the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell is in an inactive period state, the first action is performed, which is used to instruct the terminal device to enter a C-DRX sleep period or to change the operating state of the C-DRX-related timers corresponding to the terminal device.

[0152] Optionally, the first action is: The terminal device enters the C-DRX sleep period. The terminal device skips monitoring the PDCCH scheduling information. To stop the first C-DRX timer that is running and is corresponding to the terminal device, To pause the second C-DRX timer that is running and is associated with the terminal device, and When the round-trip time timer for C-DRX hybrid automatic retransmission requests corresponding to the terminal device stops, skip starting or restarting the C-DRX retransmission timer corresponding to the terminal device. It includes one of the following.

[0153] Optionally, the first action is to stop the first C-DRX timer that is running and corresponds to the terminal device. This method further, This includes starting or restarting a first C-DRX timer corresponding to a terminal device when the first information indicates that the DTX state of a serving cell has changed from an inactive state to an active state.

[0154] Optionally, the first action is to pause the second C-DRX timer, which is currently running and corresponds to the terminal device. This method further, This includes allowing a suspended second C-DRX timer corresponding to a terminal device to continue operating when the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell has changed from an inactive state to an active state.

[0155] Optionally, the first C-DRX timer includes at least one of the following: a C-DRX on-period timer, a C-DRX inactivity timer, or a C-DRX retransmission timer.

[0156] Optionally, the second C-DRX timer is either a C-DRX inactivity timer or a C-DRX retransmission timer.

[0157] Optionally, the first action is to skip starting or restarting the C-DRX retransmission timer corresponding to the terminal device when the C-DRX hybrid auto retransmission request round-trip time timer corresponding to the terminal device has stopped. This method further, This includes starting or restarting the C-DRX retransmission timer corresponding to the terminal device when the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell has changed from an inactive state to an active state.

[0158] Optionally, obtaining the first piece of information is possible. This includes determining whether the serving cell's cell DTX on-period timer is operating based on the cell DTX configuration information, and / or determining whether the serving cell's DTX is in an inactive period, and / or determining whether the serving cell's DTX is in an active period, and obtaining the first information.

[0159] Optionally, the first piece of information indicates that the serving cell's DTX state is in an inactive state, either because the serving cell's cell DTX on-time timer is stopped, or the serving cell's cell DTX is in an inactive period, or the serving cell's cell DTX is not in an active period. Alternatively, the first piece of information indicates that the serving cell's DTX state is in an active period, either because the serving cell's cell DTX on-time timer is running, or the serving cell's cell DTX is in an active period, or the serving cell's cell DTX is not in an inactive period.

[0160] In one possible design, the method further, The system includes determining whether a terminal device enters a C-DRX sleep period based on the operating state of the C-DRX-related timers corresponding to the terminal device, when the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell is in an active period state.

[0161] Based on the embodiments shown in Figures 9 and 10, another embodiment of this application provides a discontinuous reception method relating to a C-DRX on-duration timer (drx-onDurationTimer). The discontinuous reception method provided in this embodiment may be performed by a terminal device or a network device.

[0162] The discontinuous reception method provided in this embodiment is The system acquires the first piece of information and the operating status of the C-DRX on-period timer. The first piece of information indicates the cell DTX status of the serving cell of the terminal device, and the C-DRX on-period timer is configured to determine whether the terminal device enters the C-DRX active period. When the first information indicates that the serving cell's DTX state is in an inactive period state, a first action is performed, which is used to instruct the terminal device to enter a C-DRX sleep period or to change the operating state of the C-DRX on period timer. When the first piece of information indicates that the serving cell's DTX state is in the active period state, the system determines whether the terminal device enters the C-DRX sleep period based on the operating state of the C-DRX on period timer. This could include the following.

[0163] For example, Figures 11A and 11B are a set of diagrams relating to a C-DRX on-period timer according to one embodiment of this application, illustrating a C-DRX cycle. In the serving cell's cell DTX cycle, during the time period from t0' to t1', the serving cell's DTX state is a periodic active period state. In the terminal device's C-DRX cycle, during the time period from t0 to t1, the C-DRX on-period timer is operating, and the UE is in a periodic C-DRX active period. Assume that the C-DRX inactivity timer or C-DRX retransmission timer is not operating.

[0164] During the time period from t0' to t1', the serving cell's DTX state is in the active state, and whether the terminal device enters the C-DRX sleep period is determined based on the operating state of the C-DRX on-period timer. Specifically, during the time period from t0 to t1', the serving cell's cell DTX on-period timer is operating, or the serving cell's cell DTX is in the active period, or the serving cell's cell DTX is not in the inactive period. In addition, the C-DRX on-period timer is operating, the terminal device is in the C-DRX active period, or the terminal device is monitoring the PDCCH scheduling information.

[0165] At time t1', the serving cell's cell DTX on duration timer has stopped working, or the serving cell's cell DTX is in an inactive period, or the serving cell's cell DTX is not in an active period, and the first operation is performed.

[0166] In one example, as shown in Figure 11A, the first action instructs the terminal device to enter the C-DRX sleep period. Optionally, the terminal device enters the C-DRX sleep period. Optionally, the terminal device skips monitoring the PDCCH scheduling information. In this scenario, the C-DRX on-period timer continues to operate until time t1, at which point the C-DRX on-period timer expires and stops operating.

[0167] In another example, as shown in Figure 11B, the first operation is used to change the operating state of the C-DRX on-period timer and to stop the operating C-DRX on-period timer. Specifically, at time t1', the C-DRX on-period timer stops operating. Based on the operating state of the C-DRX on-period timer, the terminal device can enter a C-DRX sleep period or skip monitoring the PDCCH scheduling information.

[0168] This embodiment relates to a C-DRX on-period timer. By considering the cell DTX state and the operating state of the C-DRX on-period timer, it is possible to determine whether the terminal enters the C-DRX sleep period, thereby avoiding unnecessary actions by the terminal device to monitor the PDCCH, and thereby reducing terminal energy consumption.

[0169] Based on the embodiments shown in Figures 9 and 10, another further embodiment of this application provides a discontinuous reception method relating to a C-DRX inactivity timer (drx-InactivityTimer). The discontinuous reception method provided in this embodiment may be performed by a terminal device or a network device.

[0170] The discontinuous reception method provided in this embodiment is The system obtains the first piece of information and the operating status of the C-DRX inactivity timer. The first piece of information indicates the cell DTX status of the serving cell of the terminal device, and the C-DRX inactivity timer is configured to determine whether the terminal device enters the C-DRX active period. When the first information indicates that the serving cell's DTX state is in an inactive period state, the first action is performed, which is used to instruct the terminal device to enter a C-DRX sleep period or to change the operating state of the C-DRX inactivity timer. When the first piece of information indicates that the serving cell's DTX state is in the active period state, the system determines whether the terminal device enters the C-DRX sleep period based on the operating state of the C-DRX inactivity timer. This could include the following.

[0171] For example, Figures 12A and 12B are a set of diagrams relating to a C-DRX inactivity timer according to one embodiment of this application, showing one or two C-DRX cycles. In the serving cell's cell DTX cycle, during the time period from t0' to t1', the serving cell's DTX state is in a periodic active period state, and at time t6', the serving cell's DTX state changes from an inactivity period state to an active period state. In the terminal device's C-DRX cycle, during the time period from t0 to t1, the C-DRX on-period timer is operating, and the UE is in a periodic C-DRX active period. At time t2, the UE is scheduled by the base station to perform an initial data transmission, and the C-DRX inactivity timer is started. Assume that the C-DRX retransmission timer is not operating.

[0172] During the time period from t0' to t1', the serving cell's DTX state is in the active state, and whether the terminal device enters the C-DRX sleep period is determined based on the operating state of the C-DRX inactivity timer. Specifically, during the time period from t2 to t1', the serving cell's cell DTX on-period timer is operating, or the serving cell's cell DTX is in the active period, or the serving cell's cell DTX is not in the inactivity period. In addition, the C-DRX inactivity timer is operating, the terminal device is in the C-DRX active period, or the terminal device is monitoring the PDCCH scheduling information.

[0173] At time t1', the serving cell's cell DTX on duration timer has stopped working, or the serving cell's cell DTX is in an inactive period, or the serving cell's cell DTX is not in an active period, and the first operation is performed.

[0174] In one example, as shown in Figure 12A, the first action instructs the terminal device to enter the C-DRX sleep period. Optionally, the terminal device enters the C-DRX sleep period. Optionally, the terminal device skips monitoring the PDCCH scheduling information. In this scenario, the C-DRX inactivity timer continues to operate until time t3, at which point the C-DRX inactivity timer expires and stops operating.

[0175] In another example, as shown in Figure 12B, the first operation is used to change the operating state of the C-DRX inactive timer.

[0176] Optionally, in one implementation, the C-DRX inactivity timer stops at time t1'. Based on the operating state of the C-DRX inactivity timer, the terminal device can enter a C-DRX sleep period or skip monitoring the PDCCH scheduling information. Then, at time t6', when the serving cell's DTX state changes from an inactive period state to an active period state or when the cell DTX on period timer operates, the C-DRX inactivity timer is started or restarted. See reference numeral 1201.

[0177] Optionally, in one implementation, the C-DRX inactivity timer is paused at time t1'. The terminal device can enter a C-DRX sleep period or skip monitoring the PDCCH scheduling information based on the operating state of the C-DRX inactivity timer. Then, at time t6', the DTX state of the serving cell changes from an inactive period state to an active period state, or the cell DTX on period timer starts. Optionally, in one implementation, the C-DRX inactivity timer is started or restarted. See reference numeral 1201. Optionally, in one implementation, the C-DRX inactivity timer that was paused at time t1' continues to operate. See reference numeral 1202.

[0178] This embodiment relates to a C-DRX inactivity timer. By considering the cell DTX state and the operating state of the C-DRX inactivity timer to determine whether the terminal enters a C-DRX sleep period, unnecessary actions by the terminal device to monitor the PDCCH can be avoided, thereby reducing terminal energy consumption.

[0179] Based on the embodiments shown in Figures 9 and 10, yet another embodiment of this application provides a discontinuous reception method relating to a C-DRX hybrid automatic retransmission request round-trip time timer (drx-HARQ-RTT-Timer) and a C-DRX retransmission timer (drx-RetransmissionTimer). The discontinuous reception method provided in this embodiment may be performed by a terminal device or a network device.

[0180] The discontinuous reception method provided in this embodiment is The system obtains the first piece of information and the operating status of the C-DRX retransmission timer. The first piece of information indicates the cell DTX status of the serving cell of the terminal device, and the C-DRX retransmission timer is configured to determine whether the terminal device enters the C-DRX active period. When the first information indicates that the serving cell's DTX state is in an inactive period state, a first action is performed, which is used to instruct the terminal device to enter a C-DRX sleep period or to change the operating state of the C-DRX retransmission timer. When the first piece of information indicates that the serving cell's DTX state is in the active period state, the system determines whether the terminal device enters the C-DRX sleep period based on the operating state of the C-DRX retransmission timer. This could include the following.

[0181] For example, Figures 13A–13C are a set of diagrams relating to a C-DRX retransmission timer according to one embodiment of this application, showing one or two C-DRX cycles. In the serving cell's cell DTX cycle, during the time period from t0' to t1', the serving cell's DTX state is in a periodic active period state, and at time t6', the serving cell's DTX state changes from an inactive period state to an active period state. In the terminal device's C-DRX cycle, during the time period from t0 to t1, the C-DRX on-period timer is operating, and the UE is in a periodic C-DRX active period. Assume that the C-DRX inactive timer is not operating.

[0182] As shown in Figure 13A, at time t2, the UE is scheduled by the base station to transmit downlink data, and the drx-HARQ-RTT-Timer is started. At time t3, the drx-HARQ-RTT-Timer expires and stops operating, and the C-DRX retransmission timer needs to be started. In this case, the serving cell's cell DTX on-period timer has stopped operating, or the serving cell's cell DTX is in an inactive period, or the serving cell's cell DTX is not in an active period, so the C-DRX retransmission timer is not started or restarted.

[0183] Subsequently, at time t6', the C-DRX retransmission timer is started or restarted when the DTX state of the serving cell changes from an inactive period state to an active period state or when the cell DTX on period timer is activated.

[0184] As shown in Figures 13B and 13C, the C-DRX retransmission timer is started at time t2. During the time period from t0' to t1', the DTX state of the serving cell is in the active period state, and whether the terminal device enters the C-DRX sleep period is determined based on the operating state of the C-DRX retransmission timer. Specifically, during the time period from t2 to t1', the serving cell's cell DTX on period timer is operating, or the serving cell's cell DTX is in the active period, or the serving cell's cell DTX is not in the inactive period. In addition, the C-DRX retransmission timer is operating, the terminal device is in the C-DRX active period, or the terminal device is monitoring the PDCCH scheduling information.

[0185] At time t1', the serving cell's cell DTX on duration timer has stopped working, or the serving cell's cell DTX is in an inactive period, or the serving cell's cell DTX is not in an active period, and the first operation is performed.

[0186] In one example, as shown in Figure 13B, the first action instructs the terminal device to enter the C-DRX sleep period. Optionally, the terminal device enters the C-DRX sleep period. Optionally, the terminal device skips monitoring the PDCCH scheduling information. In this scenario, the C-DRX retransmission timer continues to operate until time t3, at which point the C-DRX retransmission timer expires and stops operating.

[0187] In another example, as shown in Figure 13C, the first operation is used to change the operating state of the C-DRX retransmission timer.

[0188] Optionally, in one implementation, the C-DRX retransmission timer stops at time t1'. Based on the operating status of the C-DRX retransmission timer, the terminal device can enter a C-DRX sleep period or skip monitoring the PDCCH scheduling information. Then, at time t6', when the DTX state of the serving cell changes from an inactive period state to an active period state or when the cell DTX on period timer operates, the C-DRX retransmission timer is started or restarted. See reference numeral 1301.

[0189] Optionally, in one implementation, the C-DRX retransmission timer is paused at time t1'. The terminal device can enter a C-DRX sleep period or skip monitoring the PDCCH scheduling information based on the operating status of the C-DRX retransmission timer. Then, at time t6', the DTX state of the serving cell changes from an inactive period state to an active period state, or the cell DTX on period timer starts. Optionally, in one implementation, the C-DRX retransmission timer is started or restarted. See reference numeral 1301. Optionally, in one implementation, the C-DRX retransmission timer that was paused at time t1' continues to operate. See reference numeral 1302.

[0190] This embodiment relates to a C-DRX retransmission timer. By considering the cell DTX state and the operating state of the C-DRX retransmission timer to determine whether the terminal enters a C-DRX sleep period, unnecessary actions by the terminal device to monitor the PDCCH can be avoided, thereby reducing terminal energy consumption.

[0191] It can be understood that, in order to implement the functions described above, the communication device includes corresponding hardware and / or software modules for performing those functions. The communication device may include terminal devices and network devices. Combined with the algorithmic steps in the examples described in the embodiments disclosed in this specification, this application can be implemented by hardware or by a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether the functions are performed by hardware or by hardware driven by computer software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. A person skilled in the art may implement the functions described with reference to the embodiments in different ways for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of this application.

[0192] In embodiments of this application, terminal devices and network devices may be divided into functional modules based on the method examples described above. For example, each functional module may be obtained through division based on each corresponding function, or two or more functions may be integrated into one module. In embodiments of this application, the module division is merely an example and is simply a logical functional division. Other methods of division may be used in actual implementations. The names of the modules in embodiments of this application are also examples. In actual implementations, the names of the modules are not limited.

[0193] For example, Figure 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of a terminal device according to one embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 14, the terminal device is An acquisition module 1401 is configured to acquire first information and the operating status of a timer associated with a discontinuous receive connection C-DRX, wherein the first information indicates the cell discontinuous transmit DTX status of the serving cell of the terminal device, and the C-DRX associated timer is configured to determine whether the terminal device enters a C-DRX active period. A processing module 1402 is configured to perform a first action when first information indicates that the DTX state of a serving cell is in an inactive period state, the first action being used to instruct a terminal device to enter a C-DRX sleep period or to change the operating state of a C-DRX-related timer, and the processing module is configured to perform a first action when first information indicates that the DTX state of a serving cell is in an inactive period state, the first action being used to instruct a terminal device to enter a C-DRX sleep period or to change the operating state of a C-DRX-related timer, It may include.

[0194] Optionally, the first action is: The terminal device enters the C-DRX sleep period. The terminal device skips monitoring the scheduling information of the physical downlink control channel PDCCH. Stop the first C-DRX timer that is currently running. To pause the second C-DRX timer that is currently running, and When the C-DRX hybrid automatic retransmission request round-trip time timer stops, skip starting or restarting the C-DRX retransmission timer. It includes one of the following.

[0195] Optionally, the first action is to stop the first C-DRX timer that is currently running. Processing module 1402 further, The system is configured to start or restart the first C-DRX timer when the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell has changed from an inactive state to an active state.

[0196] Optionally, the first action is to pause the second C-DRX timer that is currently running. Processing module 1402 further, The system is configured to allow a suspended second C-DRX timer to resume operation when the first piece of information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell has changed from an inactive state to an active state.

[0197] Optionally, the first C-DRX timer includes at least one of the following: a C-DRX on-period timer, a C-DRX inactivity timer, or a C-DRX retransmission timer.

[0198] Optionally, the second C-DRX timer is either a C-DRX inactivity timer or a C-DRX retransmission timer.

[0199] Optionally, the first action is to skip starting or restarting the C-DRX retransmission timer when the C-DRX hybrid automatic retransmission request round-trip time timer has stopped. Processing module 1402 further, The C-DRX retransmission timer is configured to start or restart when the first piece of information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell has changed from an inactive state to an active state.

[0200] Optionally, acquisition module 1401 is, Based on the cell DTX configuration information, the system is configured to determine whether the cell DTX on-period timer is operating, and / or whether the serving cell's DTX is in an inactive period, and / or whether the serving cell's DTX is in an active period, and to obtain the first information.

[0201] Optionally, the first piece of information indicates that the serving cell's DTX state is in an inactive state, either because the serving cell's cell DTX on-time timer is stopped, or the serving cell's cell DTX is in an inactive period, or the serving cell's cell DTX is not in an active period. Alternatively, the first piece of information indicates that the serving cell's DTX state is in an active period, either because the serving cell's cell DTX on-time timer is running, or the serving cell's cell DTX is in an active period, or the serving cell's cell DTX is not in an inactive period.

[0202] Optionally, processing module 1402 further: When the first piece of information indicates that the serving cell's DTX state is in the active period state, the system is configured to determine whether the terminal device enters the C-DRX sleep period based on the operating state of the C-DRX-related timers.

[0203] The terminal device provided in this embodiment is configured to perform the discontinuous receiving method provided in the method embodiment of this application. The technical principles and technical effects are the same and will not be described again in detail here.

[0204] For example, Figure 15 is a diagram showing the configuration of a network device according to one embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 15, the network device is An acquisition module 1501 is configured to acquire first information and the operating status of a discontinuous receive connection C-DRX related timer corresponding to a terminal device, wherein the first information indicates the cell discontinuous transmit DTX status of the serving cell of the terminal device, and the C-DRX related timer corresponding to the terminal device is configured to determine whether the terminal device enters a C-DRX active period. A processing module 1502 configured to perform a first action when first information indicates that the DTX state of a serving cell is in an inactive period state, the first action being used to instruct a terminal device to enter a C-DRX sleep period or to change the operating state of a C-DRX-related timer corresponding to the terminal device, and It may include.

[0205] Optionally, the first action is: The terminal device enters the C-DRX sleep period. The terminal device skips monitoring the scheduling information of the physical downlink control channel PDCCH. To stop the first C-DRX timer that is running and is corresponding to the terminal device, To pause the second C-DRX timer that is running and is associated with the terminal device, and When the round-trip time timer for C-DRX hybrid automatic retransmission requests corresponding to the terminal device stops, skip starting or restarting the C-DRX retransmission timer corresponding to the terminal device. It includes one of the following.

[0206] Optionally, the first action is to stop the first C-DRX timer that is running and corresponds to the terminal device. Processing module 1502 further, The system is configured to start or restart a first C-DRX timer corresponding to a terminal device when the first information indicates that the DTX state of a serving cell has changed from an inactive state to an active state.

[0207] Optionally, the first action is to pause the second C-DRX timer that is running and corresponds to the terminal device. Processing module 1502 further, The system is configured to allow a suspended second C-DRX timer corresponding to a terminal device to continue operating when the first piece of information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell has changed from an inactive state to an active state.

[0208] Optionally, the first C-DRX timer includes at least one of the following: a C-DRX on-period timer, a C-DRX inactivity timer, or a C-DRX retransmission timer.

[0209] Optionally, the second C-DRX timer is either a C-DRX inactivity timer or a C-DRX retransmission timer.

[0210] Optionally, the first action is to skip starting or restarting the C-DRX retransmission timer corresponding to the terminal device when the C-DRX hybrid auto retransmission request round-trip time timer corresponding to the terminal device has stopped. The processing module 1502 is further configured to start or restart the C-DRX retransmission timer corresponding to the terminal device when the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell has changed from an inactive period state to an active period state.

[0211] Optionally, acquisition module 1501 is, Based on the cell DTX configuration information, the system is configured to determine whether the serving cell's cell DTX on-period timer is operating, and / or whether the serving cell's DTX is in an inactive period, and / or whether the serving cell's DTX is in an active period, and to obtain the first information.

[0212] Optionally, the first piece of information indicates that the serving cell's DTX state is in an inactive state, either because the serving cell's cell DTX on-time timer is stopped, or the serving cell's cell DTX is in an inactive period, or the serving cell's cell DTX is not in an active period. Alternatively, the first piece of information indicates that the serving cell's DTX state is in an active period, either because the serving cell's cell DTX on-time timer is running, or the serving cell's cell DTX is in an active period, or the serving cell's cell DTX is not in an inactive period.

[0213] Optionally, processing module 1502 further: When the first piece of information indicates that the serving cell's DTX state is in the active period state, the system is configured to determine whether the terminal device enters the C-DRX sleep period based on the operating state of the C-DRX-related timer corresponding to the terminal device.

[0214] The network device provided in this embodiment is configured to perform the discontinuous reception method provided in the method embodiment of this application. The technical principles and technical effects are similar and will not be described again in detail here.

[0215] When the communication device is a terminal device, Figure 16 shows another configuration of a terminal device according to one embodiment of this application. For ease of understanding and illustration, Figure 16 uses the example where the terminal device is a mobile phone. The terminal device shown in Figure 16 includes a processor, memory, radio frequency circuitry, an antenna, and an input / output device. The processor is mainly configured to process communication protocols and communication data, control the terminal device, execute software programs, process data for software programs, and similar functions. The memory is mainly configured to store software programs and data. The radio frequency circuitry is mainly configured to perform conversions between baseband signals and radio frequency signals and to process radio frequency signals. The antenna is mainly configured to receive and transmit radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. An input / output device, such as a touchscreen, display, or keyboard, is mainly configured to receive data entered by the user and output data to the user. Note that some types of terminal devices may not have an input / output device.

[0216] When data needs to be transmitted, the processor performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted, then outputs the baseband signal to a radio frequency circuit. The radio frequency circuit then performs radio frequency processing on the baseband signal and transmits the radio frequency signal externally in the form of electromagnetic waves via an antenna. When data is transmitted to a terminal device, the radio frequency circuit receives the radio frequency signal via an antenna, converts the radio frequency signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor. The processor converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data. For ease of explanation, Figure 16 shows only one memory and one processor. Actual terminal device products may have one or more processors and one or more memories. Memory may also be referred to as a storage medium or storage device. Memory may be located independently of the processor or may be integrated with the processor. This is not limited to the embodiments of this application.

[0217] In embodiments of this application, an antenna and radio frequency circuit having transceiver functionality may be considered a transceiver unit of a terminal device (the transceiver unit may be a single functional unit capable of implementing both transmitting and receiving functions, or it may include two functional units: a receiving unit capable of implementing receiving functions and a transmitting unit capable of implementing transmitting functions), and a processor having processing functions may be considered a processing unit of a terminal device. As shown in Figure 16, the terminal device includes a transceiver unit 2310 and a processing unit 2320. The transceiver unit may also be referred to as a transceiver, transceiver machine, or transceiver device. The processing unit may also be referred to as a processor, processing board, processing module, or processing device. Optionally, a component within the transceiver unit 2310 configured to implement receiving functions may be considered a receiving unit, and a component within the transceiver unit 2310 configured to implement transmitting functions may be considered a transmitting unit. In other words, the transceiver unit 2310 includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. A transceiver unit is sometimes referred to as a transceiver machine, transceiver, or transceiver circuit. A receiving unit is sometimes referred to as a receiving machine, receiver, or receiving circuit. A transmitting unit is sometimes referred to as a transmitting machine, transmitter, or transmitting circuit.

[0218] It should be understood that the transceiver unit 2310 is configured to perform the transmission and reception operations of the terminal device in the method embodiment described above, and the processing unit 2320 is configured to perform operations other than the transmission and reception operations of the terminal device in the method embodiment described above.

[0219] If the communication device is a chip-type device or circuit, it may include a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit may be an input / output circuit and / or a communication interface. The processing unit is an integrated processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit.

[0220] If the apparatus in this embodiment of the application is a network device, the apparatus may be shown in Figure 17. The apparatus may include one or more radio frequency units, such as a remote radio unit (RRU) 2410, and one or more baseband units (BBUs) (which may also be called digital units (DUs)) 2420. The RRU 2410 may be referred to as a transceiver module. The transceiver module may include a transmit module and a receive module, or the transceiver module may be a single module that can implement transmit and receive functions. Optionally, the transceiver module may also be referred to as a transceiver machine, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, and may include at least one antenna 2411 and a radio frequency unit 2412. The RRU 2410 is mainly configured to receive and transmit radio frequency signals and to perform conversion between radio frequency signals and baseband signals. The BBU 2420 is mainly configured to perform baseband processing, control base stations, and similar functions. The RRU2410 and BBU2420 may be physically located together, or they may be physically separated, i.e., they may be distributed base stations.

[0221] The BBU2420 is the control center of the base station, sometimes referred to as the processing module, and is primarily configured to implement baseband processing functions such as channel coding, multiplexing, modulation, and spread spectrum. For example, the BBU (processing module) may be configured to control the base station to perform the operating procedures for the network devices in the method embodiments described above.

[0222] In one example, the BBU2420 may include one or more boards. Multiple boards may jointly support a radio access network of a single access standard (e.g., an LTE network), or they may separately support radio access networks of different access standards (e.g., an LTE network, a 5G network, or other networks). The BBU2420 further includes memory 2421 and a processor 2422. Memory 2421 is configured to store necessary instructions and data. Processor 2422 is configured to control a base station to perform necessary actions, for example, to control a base station to perform operating procedures for a network device in the method embodiment described above. Memory 2421 and processor 2422 may serve one or more boards. In other words, memory and a processor may be located on each board. Alternatively, multiple boards may share the same memory and the same processor. In addition, necessary circuitry may be located on each board.

[0223] One embodiment of this application further provides a communication system, which may include terminal devices and network devices. Optionally, the terminal devices and network devices within the communication system may perform a discontinuous reception method provided in the method embodiments of this application.

[0224] One embodiment of this application further provides a computer-readable storage medium that stores a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer may perform the procedures relating to a terminal device or network device in any one of the method embodiments described above.

[0225] One embodiment of this application further provides a computer program product configured to store a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer may perform the procedures relating to a terminal device or network device in any one of the method embodiments described above.

[0226] One embodiment of this application further provides a chip or chip system, the chip may include a processor, which may be configured to invoke a program or instructions in memory to perform a procedure relating to a terminal device or network device in any one of the method embodiments described above. The chip system may include the chip and may further include other components, such as memory or transceivers.

[0227] One embodiment of this application further provides a circuit which may be coupled to a memory and may be configured to perform a procedure relating to a terminal device or network device in any one of the method embodiments described above. The chip system may include a chip which may further include other components such as memory or transceivers.

[0228] It should be understood that the processor referred to in the embodiments of this application may be a CPU, or other general-purpose processor, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or the processor may be any conventional processor.

[0229] It can be understood that the memories referred to in embodiments of this application may be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory may 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. Volatile memory may be random access memory (RAM) used as an external cache. Rather than being an exhaustive description, numerous forms of RAM can be used, such as static random access memory (static RAM, SRAM), dynamic random access memory (dynamic RAM, DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (synchronous DRAM, SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (double data rate SDRAM, DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (enhanced SDRAM, ESDRAM), synchlink dynamic random access memory (synchlink DRAM, SLDRAM), and direct rambus dynamic random access memory (direct rambus RAM, DR RAM).

[0230] Furthermore, when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) is integrated into the processor.

[0231] It should be noted that the memories described in this specification are intended to include, but are not limited to, these memories and any other preferred types of memories.

[0232] It should be understood that the sequence numbers of the processes described above do not imply execution sequences in the various embodiments of this application. The execution sequences of the processes should be determined according to the function and internal logic of the processes and should not be construed as limitations on the implementation processes of the embodiments of this application.

[0233] As a person skilled in the art will recognize, in combination with the examples described in the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the modules and algorithmic steps may be implemented by electronic hardware or by a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether the functions are performed by hardware or by software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. A person skilled in the art may implement the described functions in different ways for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of this application.

[0234] For the sake of convenience and conciseness, as will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art, please refer to the corresponding processes in the method embodiments described above for detailed operating processes of the systems, apparatus, and modules described above. Details will not be described again here.

[0235] In some embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed discontinuous receiving methods and apparatus may be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely examples. For example, modularization is merely logical functionalization, and other divisions may be used in actual implementations. For example, multiple modules or components may be coupled or integrated into other systems, or some mechanisms may be ignored or not performed. Also, the illustrated or described coupling, direct coupling, or communication connection may be implemented by using some interface. Indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be implemented in electronic, mechanical, or other forms.

[0236] Modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and components shown as modules may or may not be physical modules; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected based on actual requirements to achieve the objectives of the solution of the embodiment.

[0237] In addition, the functional modules in the embodiments of this application may be integrated into a single processing module, or each module may exist physically independently, or two or more modules may be integrated into a single module.

[0238] When functions are implemented in the form of software function modules and sold or used as independent products, those functions may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium. Based on such understanding, the technical solutions of this application, or a contributing part of them, or a portion of the technical solutions, may be implemented in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored on a storage medium and includes several instructions for instructing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the method in the embodiments of this application. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. Examples are provided below, but are not limited to: Computer-readable media may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), universal serial bus flash disk, removable hard disk, or other optical disc storage, disk storage media, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other media that can be used to transport or store expected program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer.

[0239] The network architectures and service scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are intended to further clarify the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architectures and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application will also be applicable to similar technical problems.

[0240] The above description is merely a specific implementation of this application and does not limit the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application. Any modification or substitution that is readily conceivable to a person skilled in the art within the scope of the art disclosed in the embodiments of this application falls within the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application. Accordingly, the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application should be subject to the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A discontinuous reception method applicable to terminal devices, The steps include: acquiring first information and the operating status of a discontinuous receive connection C-DRX related timer, wherein the first information indicates the cell discontinuous transmission DTX status of the serving cell of the terminal device, and the C-DRX related timer is configured to determine whether the terminal device enters a C-DRX active period; The step of performing a first action when the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell is in an inactive period state, the first action being used to instruct the terminal device to enter a C-DRX sleep period or to change the operating state of the C-DRX-related timer, A method of having.

2. The first operation described above is: The terminal device enters the C-DRX sleep period. The terminal device skips monitoring the scheduling information of the physical downlink control channel PDCCH. To stop the first C-DRX timer that is currently running, To temporarily pause the second C-DRX timer that is currently running, and When the C-DRX hybrid automatic retransmission request round-trip time timer stops, skip starting or restarting the C-DRX retransmission timer. The method according to claim 1, comprising any one of the above.

3. The first operation is to stop the first C-DRX timer while it is in operation, and this method further, When the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell has changed from the inactive state to the active state, the first C-DRX timer is started or restarted. The method according to claim 2, having the following characteristics.

4. The first operation is to temporarily suspend the second C-DRX timer while it is in operation, and this method further, When the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell has changed from the inactive state to the active state, the second C-DRX timer, which was temporarily suspended, is made to continue operating. The method according to claim 2, having the following characteristics.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first C-DRX timer comprises at least one of a C-DRX on-period timer, a C-DRX non-activity timer, or a C-DRX retransmission timer.

6. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the second C-DRX timer is a C-DRX non-activity timer or a C-DRX retransmission timer.

7. The first operation described above is to skip starting or restarting the C-DRX retransmission timer when the C-DRX hybrid automatic retransmission request round-trip time timer has stopped, and this method further, When the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell has changed from the inactive state to the active state, the C-DRX retransmission timer is started or restarted. The method according to claim 2, having the following characteristics.

8. The step of acquiring the first information is: Based on the cell DTX configuration information, determine whether the cell DTX on-period timer is operating, and / or whether the DTX of the serving cell is in an inactive period, and / or whether the DTX of the serving cell is in an active period, and obtain the first information. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising:

9. The first information indicates that the cell DTX on-time timer of the serving cell has stopped operating, or the cell DTX of the serving cell is in the inactive period, or the cell DTX of the serving cell is not in the active period, and the DTX state of the serving cell is in the inactive period state, or The first information indicates that the cell DTX on-period timer of the serving cell is operating, or the cell DTX of the serving cell is in the active period, or the cell DTX of the serving cell is not in the inactive period, and the DTX state of the serving cell is in the active period state. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. This method further, When the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell is the active period state, a step of determining whether the terminal device enters the C-DRX sleep period based on the operating state of the C-DRX related timer, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising:

11. A discontinuous reception method applied to a network device, The steps include obtaining first information and the operating status of a discontinuous receive connection C-DRX related timer corresponding to a terminal device, wherein the first information indicates the cell discontinuous transmission DTX state of the serving cell of the terminal device, and the C-DRX related timer corresponding to the terminal device is configured to determine whether the terminal device enters a C-DRX active period. The step of performing a first operation when the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell is in an inactive period state, the first operation being used to instruct the terminal device to enter a C-DRX sleep period or to change the operating state of the C-DRX associated timer corresponding to the terminal device, A method of having.

12. The first operation described above is: The terminal device enters the C-DRX sleep period. The terminal device skips monitoring the scheduling information of the physical downlink control channel PDCCH. To stop the operating first C-DRX timer corresponding to the terminal device, To temporarily suspend the operating second C-DRX timer corresponding to the terminal device, and When the C-DRX hybrid automatic retransmission request round-trip time timer corresponding to the terminal device stops, skip starting or skip restarting the C-DRX retransmission timer corresponding to the terminal device. The method according to claim 11, comprising any one of the above.

13. The first operation is to stop the first C-DRX timer that is in operation and corresponds to the terminal device, and this method further, When the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell has changed from the inactive state to the active state, the first C-DRX timer corresponding to the terminal device is started or restarted. The method according to claim 12, having the following characteristics.

14. The first operation is to temporarily suspend the second C-DRX timer that is in operation and corresponds to the terminal device, and this method further, When the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell has changed from the inactive state to the active state, the step of causing the suspended second C-DRX timer corresponding to the terminal device to continue operating, The method according to claim 12, having the following characteristics.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the first C-DRX timer comprises at least one of a C-DRX on-period timer, a C-DRX non-activity timer, or a C-DRX retransmission timer.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the second C-DRX timer is a C-DRX non-activity timer or a C-DRX retransmission timer.

17. The first operation is to skip starting or restarting the C-DRX retransmission timer corresponding to the terminal device when the C-DRX hybrid automatic retransmission request round-trip time timer corresponding to the terminal device stops, and this method further, When the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell has changed from the inactive state to the active state, the step of starting or restarting the C-DRX retransmission timer corresponding to the terminal device, The method according to claim 12, having the following characteristics.

18. The step of acquiring the first information is: Based on the cell DTX configuration information, determine whether the cell DTX on-period timer of the serving cell is operating, and / or whether the DTX of the serving cell is in an inactive period, and / or whether the DTX of the serving cell is in an active period, and obtain the first information. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, comprising:

19. The first information indicates that the cell DTX on-time timer of the serving cell has stopped operating, or the cell DTX of the serving cell is in the inactive period, or the cell DTX of the serving cell is not in the active period, and the DTX state of the serving cell is in the inactive period state, or The first information indicates that the cell DTX on-period timer of the serving cell is operating, or the cell DTX of the serving cell is in the active period, or the cell DTX of the serving cell is not in the inactive period, and the DTX state of the serving cell is in the active period state. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 18.

20. This method further, When the first information indicates that the DTX state of the serving cell is the active period state, a step of determining whether the terminal device enters the C-DRX sleep period based on the operating state of the C-DRX related timer corresponding to the terminal device, The method according to any one of claims 11 to 19, comprising:

21. A communication device having a module configured to perform the method described in any one of claims 1 to 10 or 11 to 20.

22. A communication device having a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is configured to receive a signal from another communication device other than the communication device and send the signal to the processor, or to transmit a signal from the processor to another communication device other than the communication device, and the processor is configured to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or 11 to 20 by using logic circuits or by executing code instructions.

23. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, wherein when the computer program is executed, the method described in any one of claims 1 to 10 or 11 to 20 is performed.

24. A computer program product having computer program code, wherein when the computer program code is executed, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or 11 to 20 is performed.

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