Method, network device, and terminal device

Abstract

To provide a method, a network device, and a medium for reducing unnecessary power / signaling consumption in discontinuous coverage.SOLUTION: In a communication system, a terminal device receives a first setting indicating at least one first period during which the terminal device is located within the coverage of a network, and performs at least one of performing a cell search, performing measurements for cell reselection, or monitoring for paging messages during the at least one first period.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of telecommunications, and more particularly, to methods, apparatuses, and media for communication.

Background Art

[0002] In conventional wireless communication, even when the terminal device is in the idle state, the terminal device needs to perform measurements and monitor paging messages. Regarding the core network (CN) device, the CN device is responsible for triggering the paging procedure of the terminal device and maintaining the registration state of the terminal device. In recent years, in order to provide wide-area coverage, non-terrestrial networks (NTN) have been proposed. NTN refers to a network or a segment of a network that uses an aircraft or spacecraft equipped with a transmitter relay node or a base station, or uses radio frequency (RF) resources provided by a satellite or an unmanned aerial system (UAS) platform.

[0003] Currently, it is agreed that NTN supports discontinuous coverage. When the terminal device is outside the coverage of the network, if the terminal device and the CN device perform normal operations (the terminal device performs measurements, monitors paging messages, and the CN device starts the paging procedure, etc.), undesirable power / signal consumption and unexpected registration state transitions occur.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Generally, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide solutions for communication. If there are embodiments that do not fall within the scope of the claims, they should be construed as useful examples for understanding the various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In a first embodiment, a method for communication is provided. The method for communication includes a terminal device receiving a first setting indicating at least one first period in which the terminal device is located within network coverage. The method further includes, within at least one first period, performing at least one of the following: performing a cell search, performing a measurement for cell reselection, or monitoring paging messages.

[0006] In a second embodiment, a communication method is provided. The method includes a CN device receiving a second setting indicating at least one second period in which a terminal device is located within network coverage. The method further includes clearing or disabling a Paging Proceed Factor (PPF) flag for a terminal device within at least one second period.

[0007] In a third embodiment, a communication method is provided. The method includes, in an access network device providing services to a terminal device, determining time information in which the terminal device is located within network coverage. The method further includes, based on the determined time information, transmitting to the terminal device a first setting indicating at least one first period to be used by the terminal device, and transmitting to the CN device a second setting indicating at least one second period to be used by the CN device.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, a terminal device is provided. The terminal device comprises a processor unit and a memory coupled to the processor unit in which instructions are stored. When an instruction is executed by the processor unit, it causes the device to perform the method according to the first aspect.

[0009] In a fifth aspect, a CN device is provided. The CN device comprises a processor unit and a memory coupled to the processor unit in which instructions are stored. When an instruction is executed by the processor unit, it causes the device to perform the method according to the second aspect.

[0010] In a sixth aspect, an access network device is provided. The access network device comprises a processor unit and a memory coupled to the processor unit in which instructions are stored. When an instruction is executed by the processor unit, it causes the device to perform the method according to the third aspect.

[0011] In the seventh aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided on which instructions are stored. When the instructions are executed on at least one processor, they cause at least one processor to perform the method according to the first aspect.

[0012] In the eighth aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided on which instructions are stored. When the instructions are executed on at least one processor, they cause at least one processor to perform the method according to the second aspect.

[0013] In the ninth aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided on which instructions are stored. When the instructions are executed on at least one processor, they cause at least one processor to perform the method according to the third aspect.

[0014] It should be understood that the summary portion of the invention is not intended to identify any important or essential features of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of this disclosure. Other features of this disclosure should be readily apparent through the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] The above and other purposes, features, and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent through a more detailed description of some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure in the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] This shows an example pattern of a conventional power saving mode (PSM). [Figure 2] This disclosure shows an exemplary communication environment in which exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented. [Figure 3] A signaling chart illustrating a communication process according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown. [Figure 4] Provide an example of at least one first period or at least one second period. [Figure 5] Another signaling chart illustrating the communication process according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown. [Figure 6] This shows an exemplary process for maintaining the relevant timers. [Figure 7] This shows an example of the correspondence between the first period and the actual coverage period. [Figure 8] The following are exemplary methods performed by a terminal device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] The following describes exemplary methods performed by a CN device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] The following describes exemplary methods performed by an access network device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] A schematic block diagram of an apparatus suitable for carrying out exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Throughout all drawings, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar elements. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] The principles of this disclosure will be described with reference to several exemplary embodiments. These embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and should be understood as helpful to those skilled in the art in understanding and implementing this disclosure, and should not be considered as limiting the scope of this disclosure. The embodiments described herein can be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0017] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used have the same meaning as those generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0018] References to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "an exemplary embodiment", etc. in this disclosure indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not all embodiments need to include such a particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Also, these expressions do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in relation to an embodiment, it is considered within the knowledge of those skilled in the art that such feature, structure, or characteristic may affect other embodiments related thereto, whether explicitly described or not.

[0019] In this specification, terms such as "first", "second", etc. may be used to describe various elements, but it should be understood that these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments, the first element can be referred to as the second element, and similarly, the second element can be referred to as the first element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one or more of the listed items, and all combinations thereof.

[0020] The terms used in this specification are for the sole purpose of describing particular embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Further, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "has", "having", "includes" and / or "including", when used in this specification, define the presence of the described features, elements, and / or components, etc., but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0021] In some examples, values, procedures, or devices are referred to as "optimal," "lowest," "highest," "minimum," "maximum," etc. It is understood that such descriptions are intended to indicate that a choice is available from among several functional alternatives, and that such a choice does not necessarily have to be superior, smaller, more expensive, or more preferable than the other choices.

[0022] As used herein, the term “communication network” refers to a network conforming to any appropriate communication standard, such as New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A (LTE-Advanced), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), and Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT). Furthermore, communication between terminal devices and network devices in a communication network may be performed by any appropriate generation of communication protocol. Communication protocols include, but are not limited to, first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth-generation (5G), 5.5G, 5G-Advanced Network, or sixth-generation (6G) communication protocols, and / or other protocols currently known or to be developed in the future. Embodiments of this disclosure may be applied to various communication systems. Given the rapid development of communications, it is natural that there will be future communication technologies and systems that embody this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure should not be considered to be limited to the aforementioned systems only.

[0023] As used herein, the term “terminal device” refers to any device having wireless or wired communication capabilities. Examples of terminal devices include user terminals (UEs), personal computers, desktops, mobile phones, cell phones, smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, tablets, wearable devices, IoT (Internet of Things) devices, ultra-high reliability low latency (URLLC) devices, IoE (Internet of Everything) devices, machine-type communication (MTC) devices, vehicle-mounted devices for V2X communication (where X means pedestrian, vehicle, or infrastructure / network), devices for IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul), spacecraft or aircraft in non-terrestrial networks (NTN) including HAP (High Altitude Platforms) and satellites, and XR (eXtended) including different types of reality such as augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and virtual reality (VR). Examples of "terminal devices" include, but are not limited to, Reality devices, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that do not require a human pilot, commonly known as drones, devices on high-speed trains (HSTs), imaging devices such as digital cameras, sensors, gaming devices, music storage and playback devices, or internet devices that enable wireless / wired internet access and browsing. "Terminal devices" can further have multicast / broadcast capabilities to support public safety, mission-critical, V2X applications, transparent IPv4 / IPv6 multicast distribution, IPTV, smart TV, wireless services, wireless software distribution, group communications, and IoT applications. They may also incorporate one or more subscriber identification modules (SIMs), as is known as multi-SIM. The term "terminal device" can be used interchangeably with UE, mobile station, subscriber equipment, mobile terminal, user terminal, or wireless device.

[0024] The term "core network device" / "CN device" refers to any device or entity that provides Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), User Plane Function (UPF), etc. For example, and not limited to, a CN device may be a Mobility Management Entity (MME), AMF, SMF, UPF, etc. In other embodiments, a CN device may be any other suitable device or entity.

[0025] As used herein, the term “access network device” refers to a device capable of providing or hosting a cell or coverage from which terminal devices can communicate. Examples of network devices include, but are not limited to, satellites, unmanned aerial system (UAS) platforms, Node B (NodeB or NB), Evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), Next Generation Node B (gNB), Transmit / Receive Point (TRP), Remote Radio Unit (RRU), Radio Head (RH), Remote Radio Head (RRH), IAB nodes, Low Power Nodes (femtonodes, piconodes, etc.), and Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS).

[0026] Terminal devices or network devices may have artificial intelligence (AL) or machine learning capabilities. Generally, this includes models that can be used to predict certain information by learning from a large amount of data collected for a specific function.

[0027] Terminal devices or network devices may operate in multiple frequency ranges, such as FR1 (410 MHz to 7125 MHz), FR2 (24.25 GHz to 71 GHz), frequency bands above 100 GHz, and terahertz (THz). Furthermore, they can operate in licensed / unlicensed / shared spectrums. In multi-radio dual connectivity (MR-DC) application scenarios, terminal devices may have multiple connections to network devices. Terminal devices or network devices can operate in full-duplex, flexible-duplex, and cross-division-duplex modes.

[0028] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented, for example, in test equipment such as signal generators, signal analyzers, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, test terminal devices, test network devices, and channel emulators.

[0029] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in accordance with any generation of communication protocols currently known or to be developed in the future. Examples of communication protocols include, but are not limited to, first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth-generation (5G) communication protocols, 5.5G, 5G-Advanced Network, or sixth-generation (6G) networks.

[0030] As used herein, the term “circuit” may mean a hardware circuit and / or a combination of a hardware circuit and software. For example, a circuit may be a combination of an analog hardware circuit and / or a digital hardware circuit and software / firmware. As a further example, a circuit may be any part of a software-equipped hardware processor, such as a digital signal processor, software, and memory, which work together to enable a device such as a terminal or network device to perform various functions. In yet another example, a circuit may be a hardware circuit and / or processor such as a microprocessor or a part of a microprocessor that requires software / firmware for operation, but where the software may not be present when not needed for operation. As used herein, the term “circuit” also encompasses a mere hardware circuit or processor, or a part of a hardware circuit or processor, and the implementation of its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware.

[0031] As mentioned above, NTN can provide broad network coverage. Currently, NTN may have different types of satellites (or UAS platforms). Table 1 shows examples of satellite types.

[0032] Table 1 Types of Satellite / UAS Platforms [Table 1]

[0033] Furthermore, NTN typically features the following elements: • One or more satellite gateways connecting NTN to the public data network. - GEO satellites are fed by one or more satellite gateways positioned across the coverage the satellites target (e.g., regional or continental coverage). It is assumed that UEs within a cell are serviced from only one satellite gateway. - Non-GEO satellites are serviced sequentially from one or more satellite gateways at a time. This system ensures continuity of service and feeder links between satellite gateways providing service sequentially, allowing sufficient time for mobility anchoring and handover. • Feeder link or wireless link between the satellite gateway and the satellite (or UAS platform) • Service link or wireless link between user equipment and satellite (or UAS platform) A satellite (or UAS platform) that can implement either a transparent payload or a regenerative (with onboard processing) payload. The satellite (or UAS platform) generates beams, typically multiple beams within a predetermined serving area limited to its field of view. The beam footprint is typically elliptical. The field of view of the satellite (or UAS platform) depends on the onboard antenna diagram and minimum elevation angle. - Transparent payload: Filtering, frequency conversion, and amplification of radio frequencies. Therefore, the waveform signal repeated by the payload does not change. - Regenerative payload: filtering, frequency conversion, and amplification of radio frequencies, as well as demodulation / decoding, switching and / or routing, coding / modulation. This is effectively equivalent to deploying all or part of base station functions (such as gNB) on a satellite (or UAS platform). Inter-Satellite Links (ISLs) are optional for satellite constellations. In this case, a regenerative payload is required on the satellites. ISLs may be operated on RF frequencies or optical bands. • The UE receives services from satellites (or UAS platforms) within the designated service area.

[0034] Currently, NTN is being developed to support IoT and enhanced machine-type communications (eMTC) scenarios. An example of IoT NTN is shown below. Scenario A: GEO-based non-terrestrial access network Scenario B: LEO-based non-terrestrial access network that generates controllable beams (altitude 1200km, 600km) Scenario C: A LEO-based non-terrestrial access network that generates a fixed beam whose footprint moves along with the satellite (altitude 1200km, 600km). Scenario D: MEO-based non-terrestrial access network that generates a fixed beam whose footprint moves along with the satellite (altitude 10,000 km).

[0035] As mentioned above, NTN has agreed to support discontinuous coverage. To date, both terminal devices and CN devices have generally failed to properly acquire coverage status for the network. As a result, CN devices do not realize that terminal devices are outside of coverage and continue to attempt to initiate the necessary paging procedures for the terminal devices. These paging failures due to discontinuous coverage are temporary and intermittent. However, because CN devices do not understand that the paging failures are due to discontinuous coverage, they transition the terminal devices to an unregistered state. In this case, if the terminal device wants to re-enter network coverage and communicate with the network, it must perform initial registration or PDU establishment procedures.

[0036] Regarding terminal devices, since terminal devices cannot recognize that they are outside the coverage area, measurement and monitoring of paging messages will continue.

[0037] To make it clear, discontinuous coverage scenarios are not handled properly, resulting in undesirable power / signal consumption and unexpected registration state transitions in terminal and CN devices.

[0038] Several mechanisms have been proposed to reduce undesirable power consumption / signaling overhead, but these mechanisms are not applicable to discontinuous coverage scenarios. For example, conventional mechanisms for reducing undesirable power consumption / signaling overhead include discontinuous reception (DRX), extended discontinuous reception (eDRX), PSM, and monitoring relaxation.

[0039] Please refer to Figure 1. Figure 1 shows an exemplary pattern 100 of a conventional PSM. In the conventional solution shown in Figure 1, if the UE can and wants to use a PSM, the UE must request an active time value, and may request a periodic TAU timer value for each attach and tracking area update (TAU) procedure. Furthermore, if the UE has not requested an active time value, it must not request a periodic TAU timer value. Therefore, if the UE has not requested an active time value, the network must not assign an active time value.

[0040] When the network assigns an active time value, the UE and MME start the active timer with the network-assigned active time value when transitioning from connected mode to idle mode. The UE must stop the active timer if it is running when the transition to connected mode occurs. When the active timer expires, the UE deactivates the access layer functions and enters the PSM. In the PSM, the UE stops all idle mode procedures due to the deactivation of the access layer functions, but any applicable non-access layer timers, such as periodic TAU timers, continue to run.

[0041] Furthermore, the UE must, where applicable, reactivate access layer functions and idle mode procedures before the periodic TAU timer for executing periodic TAU procedures expires. The UE may reactivate idle mode procedures and access layer functions at any time during PSM, for example, for mobile transmission. When the active timer for the UE expires, the MME recognizes that the UE has entered PSM and is unavailable for paging.

[0042] As is evident, conventional solutions assign fixed TAU timer values ​​and fixed active time values ​​without considering the network coverage state at all. Therefore, there is a need to propose a solution that can reduce undesirable power consumption / signaling overhead and avoid unexpected registration state transitions in discontinuous coverage scenarios.

[0043] To address the above and other potential problems, embodiments of the present disclosure provide an effective mechanism for dealing with discontinuous coverage scenarios. In this solution, terminal devices and CN devices can obtain information indicating network coverage. This information allows terminal devices and CN devices to reduce undesirable power consumption / signaling overhead and avoid unexpected registration state transitions.

[0044] The principles and exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] In the following, a satellite is used as an example of an access network device to illustrate some specific exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Note that the exemplary embodiments described with respect to a satellite are similarly applicable to other types of access network devices.

[0046] In the following explanation, the terms “period,” “window,” “cycle,” and “interval” may be used interchangeably.

[0047] The term "at least one first period" is adopted in the description of a terminal device. Within at least one first period, the terminal device is considered to be located within network coverage. Similarly, the term "at least one second period" is adopted in the description of a CN device. Within at least one second period, the CN device is considered to be located within network coverage.

[0048] Please note that in this disclosure, the terms "at least one first period" and "at least one second period" refer to the coverage status of the network and not necessarily to the actual coverage status of the network.

[0049] Furthermore, in some exemplary embodiments, “at least one first period” is the same as “at least one second period,” but in some other exemplary embodiments, “at least one first period” is different from “at least one second period.”

[0050] Furthermore, the terminal device may acquire "at least one first period" in various ways. In one exemplary embodiment, the terminal device acquires / collects information (ephemeris, constellation almanac, etc.) and locally calculates / derives at least one first period. In another exemplary embodiment, the terminal device 210 acquires at least one first period from settings (referred to as "first settings") transmitted from other network devices (access network devices, CN devices, etc.).

[0051] In addition, the procedure for a CN device to obtain "at least one second period" is similar to the procedure discussed for a terminal device to obtain "at least one first period". Specifically, the CN device may calculate / derive at least one second period locally, or it may obtain at least one second period from settings transmitted from other network devices (such as access network devices or terminal devices) (referred to as "second settings").

[0052] In this disclosure, the term "time information" is used when describing an access network device. "Time information" refers to information associated with the network coverage status. As an example of a specific embodiment, an access network device collects information associated with the coverage information of a neighboring access network device via a feeder link with a CN or an ISL with a neighboring access network device, and determines the time information based on the collected information and its own coverage information.

[0053] Note that in this disclosure, “Time Information,” “At least one First Period,” “At least one Second Period,” “First Setting,” and “Second Setting” may be represented / indicated by any appropriate method / parameter.

[0054] Furthermore, in this disclosure, “Time Information,” “At least one First Period,” and “At least one Second Period” may also be referred to as “Serving Time” / “Serving Window.”

[0055] Exemplary environment Figure 2 shows an exemplary communication environment 200 that can implement exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The communication environment 200 comprises a terminal device 210, an access network device 230-1 that provides services to the terminal device 210, and a further access network device 230-2. In the following text, access network devices 230-1 and 230-2 will be collectively referred to as access network device 230, or individually as network device 230. Furthermore, one or more ISLs may be established between access network device 230-1 and access network device 230-2.

[0056] Furthermore, either access network device 230-1 or 230-2 may provide one or more serving areas (sometimes referred to as "cells") to terminal device 210. In the specific example shown in Figure 2, access network device 230-1 provides serving area 235-1, and access network device 230-2 provides serving area 235-2. Hereafter, serving areas 235-1 and 235-2 will be collectively referred to as serving area 235, or individually as serving area 235.

[0057] If a terminal device is located within the serving area 235 of each access network device 230, the terminal device 210 may communicate with each access network device 230 via a service link or wireless link, etc. Communication from the terminal device 210 toward the access network device 230 is called uplink communication, and communication from the access network device 230 toward the terminal device 210 is called downlink communication.

[0058] Furthermore, in the specific example shown in Figure 2, both the terminal device 210 and the access network device 230 may move over time. During movement, the terminal device 210 may be located in a different serving area 235, and in some cases may be outside the network's coverage.

[0059] In the specific example shown in Figure 2, the terminal device 210 may be in different states (connected state, inactive state, idle state, etc.), and may be operated by power-saving mechanisms including, but not limited to, DRX, eDRX, PSM, and monitoring relaxation.

[0060] Furthermore, the communication environment 200 also includes CN225. Additionally, CN225 may include multiple CN devices (for example, CN devices 220 as shown in Figure 2). Access network devices 230-1 and 230-2 may be connected to CN devices 220 via feeder links or wireless links, etc.

[0061] Communications within the communication environment 200 may conform to any appropriate standard, including, but not limited to, Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Evolution, LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). Furthermore, communications may be performed in accordance with any generation of communication protocol currently known or to be developed in the future. Examples of communication protocols include, but are not limited to, first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth-generation (5G), 5.5G, 5G-Advanced Network, or sixth-generation (6G) communication protocols.

[0062] The number of access network devices, terminal devices, CN devices, CNs, and serving areas, and their connections, are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limitations. The communication environment 200 may include any suitable access network devices, terminal devices, CN devices, CNs, and serving areas suitable for carrying out embodiments of this disclosure. Although not shown, the communication environment 200 may include one or more additional network devices, such as ground stations and gateways.

[0063] Exemplary process The principles and implementation of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 shows a signaling chart illustrating a communication process 300 according to some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. For discussion purposes, process 300 will be described with reference to Figure 2. Process 300 may involve terminal equipment 210, CN equipment 220, and access network equipment 230.

[0064] In the specific example shown in Figure 3, the communication network is NTN, which supports discontinuous coverage. Furthermore, the access network device 230 is a satellite or UAS platform.

[0065] During operation, terminal device 210 receives a first setting indicating at least one first period in which terminal device 210 is located within network coverage. In one exemplary embodiment, terminal device 210 receives a first setting from access network device 230 (350-1). In another exemplary embodiment, terminal device 210 receives a first setting from CN device 220.

[0066] Alternatively, in some other exemplary embodiments, the terminal device 210 may collect information related to network coverage and then calculate / derive the first period itself. In this way, the terminal device 210 may obtain network coverage information.

[0067] Similarly, the CN device 220 may also receive a second setting indicating at least one second period in which the terminal device 210 is located within network coverage (350-2). In one exemplary embodiment, the CN device 220 receives a second setting from the access network device 230 (330-2). In another exemplary embodiment, the CN device 220 receives a second setting from the terminal device 210.

[0068] Alternatively, in some other exemplary embodiments, the CN device 220 may collect information related to network coverage and then calculate / derive the second period itself. In this way, the CN device 220 may obtain network coverage information.

[0069] As described above, the first and second settings may be transmitted by the access network device 230. Specifically, the access network device 230 may determine the time information in which the terminal device 210 is located within the network coverage (430). The access network device 230 then transmits the first setting to the terminal device 210, while transmitting the second setting to the CN device 220.

[0070] Furthermore, the access network device 230 may transmit the first and second settings at any appropriate occasion or in response to certain predefined events. In one exemplary embodiment, the access network device 230 transmits the first and second settings in response to a terminal device 210 transitioning from a connected state to an idle mode (such as an RRC idle state) (for example, the access network device 230 determines that the terminal device 210 transitions to an RRC idle state (340)). In another exemplary embodiment, the access network device 230 transmits the first and second settings when the terminal device is in a connected state (such as an RRC connected state). It should be understood that the transition from a connected state to an idle mode is given for illustrative purposes only and does not imply any limitation. In other exemplary embodiments, if other power-saving mechanisms are operating in the network, the access network device 230 may transmit the first and second settings in response to other appropriate state transitions. This disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0071] In some exemplary embodiments, the access network device 230 conditionally transmits the first and second settings. In one exemplary embodiment, the access network device 230 transmits the first and second settings only if it receives a first message from the terminal device 210 requesting the first settings. Alternatively, in another exemplary embodiment, the access network device 230 transmits the first and second settings regardless of whether the terminal device 210 requests the first settings.

[0072] Thus, the access network device 230 may notify both the terminal device 210 and the CN device 220 of network coverage information (i.e., serving time), thereby enabling the terminal device 210 and the CN device 220 to maintain consistency regarding the reachability of the terminal device 210.

[0073] Furthermore, in some exemplary embodiments, the access network device 230 determines time information based on information such as the speed of the terminal device 210, the direction of movement of the terminal device 210, the position of the terminal device 210, and the ephemeris / constellation almanac of itself and neighboring access network devices. Thus, the time information may be determined in a manner specific to the terminal device, and the accuracy of the determined time information is improved accordingly.

[0074] Furthermore, this function / feature may be optionally enabled or supported in the network. In some exemplary embodiments, the access network device 230 transmits an instruction (310) indicating that the access network device 230 supports the setting of the first configuration. This instruction may be used as capability information for the access network device 230, and may also be used as an instruction to enable this function / feature in the network.

[0075] Furthermore, the above instructions may be transmitted in any suitable manner. In one exemplary embodiment, the access network device 230 may transmit the instructions by broadcast in system information (SI).

[0076] In some exemplary embodiments, the terminal device 210 may also send a first message to the access network device 230 to request a first setting (320). Furthermore, in some exemplary embodiments, the terminal device 210 sends the first message only if it receives an instruction indicating that the access network device 230 supports setting the first setting. Thus, this function / feature may be implemented as an optional function / feature, and the terminal device 210 may decide whether to enable the function / feature.

[0077] Furthermore, the first message may include one or more service characteristics or user preferences. In one exemplary embodiment, the first message includes user preference information indicating the expected frequency for communicating with the network. In this way, the first configuration generated for the terminal device 210 can be made more rational.

[0078] As already stated, at least one first period, at least one second period, and the period corresponding to the time information do not necessarily represent the actual coverage state in the network.

[0079] Refer to Figure 4. Figure 4 shows an example of at least one first period (or at least one second period). In the specific example in Figure 4, three access network devices, such as access network device 230-1 (labeled "S1" in Figure 4), access network device 230-2 (labeled "S2" in Figure 4), and a further access network device (labeled "S3" in Figure 4), may provide a serving area within the network. Periods 410-1 and 410-2 correspond to serving periods provided by access network device 230-1, periods 420-1 and 420-2 correspond to serving periods provided by access network device 230-2, and periods 430-1 and 430-2 correspond to serving periods provided by the further access network device. Furthermore, access network device 230-1 provides services to terminal device 210.

[0080] Below, we will discuss the details of at least one first period with reference to Figure 4. In the specific example in Figure 4, periods 440-1 to 440-4 correspond to at least one first period.

[0081] In some exemplary embodiments, at least one first period may cover only a portion of the access network devices in the network. As shown in Figure 4, at least one first period relates only to access network device 230-1 (i.e., S1) and access network device 230-2 (i.e., S2).

[0082] Alternatively, it should be understood that in some exemplary embodiments, at least one first period is relevant only to a specific access network device (e.g., serving access network device 230-1).

[0083] In some exemplary embodiments, at least one first period is periodic. In this case, the at least one first period may be indicated by the period of the at least one first period and each of the periods of the at least one first period. Furthermore, either the period or the periods may be set as a default value. In this case, either the period or the periods may be omitted when indicating the at least one first period.

[0084] Alternatively, at least one first period is aperiodic. In this case, the at least one first period may be indicated by information of multiple serving times (e.g., T times, where T is greater than zero) within the next period.

[0085] In some exemplary embodiments, at least one of the first periods may be provided by either the current serving access network device (S1, etc.) or a neighboring access network device (S2, S3, etc.). Furthermore, each of the first periods may be indicated by a start time and an end time.

[0086] It should be understood that the above-described exemplary embodiments relating to at least one first period are provided for illustrative purposes only. In other exemplary embodiments, at least one first period may be any suitable mode (periodic or aperiodic) and may be represented / indicated by any suitable parameters.

[0087] At least one second period is similar to at least one first period. That is, the above description of the first period is also applicable to at least one second period. For the sake of brevity, identical or similar descriptions are omitted here.

[0088] It should be understood that the first and second periods should correspond to each other so that the operations on the terminal device 210 and the CN device are consistent. However, the first and second periods do not need to be exactly the same. As described above, at least one first period and at least one second period may be different. In one exemplary embodiment, at least one second period is longer than its corresponding first period.

[0089] Through the above process, network elements (including terminal device 210, CN device 220, and access network device 230) can acquire the coverage status in the network. Furthermore, the network elements can behave rationally with higher power efficiency.

[0090] In some exemplary embodiments, the terminal device 210 performs normal idle mode operation within at least one first period (360-1), while disabling normal idle mode operation beyond that at least one first period (360-2). One example of normal idle mode operation is performing a cell search. Another example of normal idle mode operation is performing measurements for cell reselection. A further example of idle mode operation is normal monitoring of paging messages. In one specific example, the terminal device 210 performs monitoring of paging messages. Monitoring of paging messages includes first monitoring downlink control information messages and, based on the monitoring results, proceeding with the reception of paging messages.

[0091] In addition to the examples above, normal idle mode operation may include, but is not limited to, the following: • Monitors updates to system information (SI) and updates the SI based on the monitoring results. • Performs sending and receiving of sidelink communication. • Announce and monitor sidelink discovery. • Performs V2X sidelink communication (transmission and reception). • Performs transmission and reception of NR sidelink communication. • Sending and receiving V2X sidelink communications. • Performs Mobile-Only Early Data Transmission (MO-EDT). • Performs Mobile Early Data Transmission (MO-EDT) for incoming mobile calls. • Perform the transmission using a reconfigured uplink resource (PUR).

[0092] Please understand that the examples above are not intended to cover all normal idle mode operations, but rather to provide an understanding of the operations that may be supported within at least one first period.

[0093] Furthermore, the above procedure may be performed in coordination with other mechanisms (such as DRX, eDRX, PSM, or monitoring relaxation). In one exemplary embodiment, terminal device 210 monitors paging messages using DRX and / or eDRX within at least one first period.

[0094] This avoids unnecessary operation of the terminal device 210 when it exceeds at least one period, and reduces power consumption in the terminal device 210.

[0095] With respect to the CN device 220 (MME, etc.), the CN device 220 may infer that the terminal device 210 is reachable within at least one second period (370-1), while it may also infer that the UE is unreachable beyond at least one second period (370-2).

[0096] In some exemplary embodiments, if the CN device 220 detects a paging failure within at least one second period (for example, if the CN device 220 fails to receive a response to a paging message from the terminal device 210), the CN device 220 sends a downlink data notification rejection message to notify the SGW of the paging failure.

[0097] Alternatively or additionally, in some exemplary embodiments, if the CN device 220 detects the expiration of a reachability timer (i.e., a timer corresponding to or similar to a periodic TAU timer), the CN device 220 infers that the UE is not reachable. Furthermore, the CN device 220 does not immediately remove the bearer of the terminal device 210. Instead, the CN device 220 clears its PPF flag and starts an implicit detach timer. If the implicit detach timer expires before the terminal device 210 makes contact with the network, the CN device 220 implicitly detaches the terminal device 210.

[0098] In some exemplary embodiments, after receiving the second setting, the CN device 220 directly informs the SGW that the terminal device 210 will be unreachable for a certain period. That is, the CN device 220 notifies the SGW of the coverage interruption along with the predicted pause time for downlink data. The predicted pause time may be determined based on at least one second period. Specifically, after receiving the second setting, the CN device 220 transmits first information to the SGW indicating a first available time for the terminal device 210 to receive downlink data, where the first available time is determined based on the second setting.

[0099] Alternatively or additionally, in some exemplary embodiments, the CN device 220 clears the PPF flag of the terminal device 210 for at least one second period. Alternatively, in some exemplary embodiments, the CN device 220 does not clear the PPF flag, but instead disables the PPF flag of the terminal device 210 for at least one second period. In some exemplary embodiments, the CN device 220 may start a timer (referred to as "Timer A"), and when the Timer expires, the CN device 220 may consider the terminal device 210 to be unreachable (i.e., out of coverage). Furthermore, when Timer A expires, the CN device 220 starts an implicit detach timer.

[0100] In some exemplary embodiments, if CN device 220 receives a downlink data notification from SGW for terminal device 210 beyond at least one second period, CN device 220 sends a rejection message to SGW for the downlink data notification. Furthermore, the rejection message indicates a second availability period for terminal device 210 to receive downlink data (e.g., indicated by a timer value), which is determined based on a second setting. For example, if CN device 220 receives a downlink data notification message from SGW beyond a second period, CN device 220 does not page terminal device 210 and sends a downlink data notification rejection message to SGW with / including a setting for Timer B (indicating a period during which terminal device 210 may become reachable again).

[0101] In this way, the CN device 220 may use the second period to distinguish between different unreachable situations (e.g., situations caused by discontinuous coverage, situations caused by other reasons (the terminal device may be powered off)). As a result, the CN device 220 may perform different actions based on the second period when it detects a paging failure or receives a downlink data notification. Furthermore, the terminal device 210 and the CN device 220 can maintain consistency regarding reachability between the terminal device 210 and the CN device 220, thereby avoiding unnecessary power consumption resulting from frequent initial registration when the terminal device 210 returns to coverage (i.e., implicit detach operations when the terminal device is out of coverage due to discontinuous serving are avoided).

[0102] It should be noted that operations on terminal device 210 and operations on CN device 220 should be consistent. For illustrative purposes only, a specific process will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 shows another signaling chart illustrating a communication process 500 according to some embodiments of this disclosure. For discussion purposes, process 500 will be described with reference to Figure 2. Process 500 may involve terminal device 210, CN device 220, and SGW (not shown in Figure 2).

[0103] During operation, the terminal device 210 and the CN device 220 maintain consistency regarding reachability between them (510). For example, the terminal device 210 has received at least one first period, and the CN device 220 has received at least one second period.

[0104] During the reachable period (i.e., within at least one first / second period), the terminal device 210 performs normal idle mode operation as described above (520). With respect to the CN device 220, the CN device 220 maintains the mobile reachable timer based on the second period. When the mobile reachable timer expires, the CN device 220 clears or disables the PPF of the terminal device 210 (530). If the mobile reachable timer has expired and the CN device 220 has received a downlink data notification message from the SGW (540), the CN device 220 responds to the SGW with a downlink data notification rejection message (550). If the mobile reachable timer has not expired, the terminal device 210 may be paged according to a common paging strategy.

[0105] During the unreachable period (i.e., beyond at least one first / second period), the terminal device 210 disables unnecessary idle mode operation (560). With respect to the CN device 220, the CN device 220 clears or disables the PPF flag for the unreachable period determined based on at least one second period (570). If the mobile reachable timer expires and the CN device 220 receives a downlink data notification message from the SGW (580), the CN device 220 responds to the SGW with a downlink data notification rejection message (590). Here, the downlink data notification rejection message may include a parameter indicating the period during which the terminal device 210 may become reachable again.

[0106] In wireless communication, network elements (including terminal devices 210, CN devices 220, and access network devices 230) may maintain one or more timers for controlling communications within the network. In some exemplary embodiments, the maintenance of the relevant timers may also be improved in accordance with reachability / coverage information (i.e., serving time).

[0107] In some exemplary embodiments, the terminal device 210 starts a first timer for controlling communication with the network, and further pauses the first timer for at least one first period. When the terminal device 210 is idle, the first timer may be associated with a TAU timer. Alternatively, when the terminal device 210 is connected, the first timer may be associated with an on-duration timer, a discontinuous receive / inactivity timer (drx-InactivityTimer), a discontinuous receive / retransmission timer (drx-RetransmissionTimer), or a discontinuous receive / short-cycle timer (drxShortCycleTimer).

[0108] An example of a specific embodiment for maintaining the associated timer will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 shows an exemplary process 600 for maintaining the associated timer. For discussion purposes, process 600 will be described with reference to Figure 4. The same reference numerals used in Figure 6 have the same physical meaning as those shown in Figure 4.

[0109] As shown in Figure 6, the terminal device 210 starts the first timer at time t1. In one exemplary embodiment, if the first timer is associated with a TAU timer, the terminal device 210 starts the first timer when it transitions from a connected state to an idle state.

[0110] Next, when terminal device 210 leaves network coverage (i.e., beyond the first period), terminal device 210 pauses the first timer. In the specific example in Figure 6, terminal device 210 pauses the first timer at times t2 and t4. Furthermore, when terminal device 210 returns to network coverage (i.e., within the first period), terminal device 210 restarts / continues the first timer. In the specific example in Figure 6, terminal device 210 restarts / continues the first timer at times t3 and t5.

[0111] Subsequently, at time t6, the first timer expires, and the terminal device may trigger a corresponding operation, such as starting the TAU procedure.

[0112] As already stated, operations on the terminal device must be consistent with operations on the network side. That is, if the timer maintenance procedure on the terminal device 210 is improved, the corresponding timers maintained by the access network device 230 and the CN device 220 must also be improved accordingly.

[0113] Specifically, in some exemplary embodiments, the CN device 220 starts a second timer for controlling communication with the terminal device 210 and pauses the second timer for at least one second period. Furthermore, in some exemplary embodiments, the second timer is associated with a TAU timer (such as a mobile reachability timer).

[0114] With respect to the access network device 230, in some exemplary embodiments, the access network device 230 starts a third timer for controlling communication with the terminal device 210 and pauses the third timer for at least one period corresponding to at least one first period. Also in some exemplary embodiments, the third timer is associated with an on-duration timer, a discontinuous receive-inactivity timer (drx-InactivityTimer), a discontinuous receive-retransmission timer (drx-RetransmissionTimer), or a discontinuous receive-short-cycle timer (drxShortCycleTimer).

[0115] The maintenance operations for the second and third timers are similar to those for the first timer. For brevity, identical or similar explanations are omitted here.

[0116] Furthermore, as described above, both the terminal device 210 and the access network device 230 may move over time, which could cause the determined time information / first setting / second setting to become inappropriate / invalid. According to some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the determined time information / first setting / second setting may be dynamically updated.

[0117] In some exemplary embodiments, the access network device 230 may determine time information and periodically transmit the first and second settings to the terminal device 210 and the CN device 220.

[0118] Alternatively, in some exemplary embodiments, the determined time information / first setting / second setting may be updated by some specific conditions.

[0119] In some exemplary embodiments, if terminal device 210 determines that the first setting is at least partially invalid, terminal device 210 sends a second message to access network device 230 that provides services to terminal device 210 to update the first setting.

[0120] The second message may be sent to the access network device at any appropriate opportunity. In one exemplary embodiment, when terminal device 210 returns to coverage, it initiates an access procedure (i.e., sends the second message) to update the first configuration. In another exemplary embodiment, terminal device 210 initiates updating the first configuration when terminal device 210 next accesses the network.

[0121] In some exemplary embodiments, when the access network device 230 receives a second message from the terminal device 210 to update the first setting, the access network device 230-1 determines the updated time information of the terminal device 210. The access network device 230-1 then transmits the updated first setting associated with the determined updated time information to the terminal device 210 and transmits the updated second setting associated with the determined updated time information to the CN device 220.

[0122] Furthermore, the terminal device 210 may determine that the first setting is at least partially invalid according to any appropriate criteria. In some exemplary embodiments, the terminal device 210 determines that the first setting is at least partially invalid if the distance traveled by the terminal device 210 during an evaluation period (referred to as "T_evaluate") exceeds a distance threshold (referred to as "D_ref"). As an example of a specific embodiment, the terminal device 210 infers that the first setting is no longer appropriate if it finds that the distance from a reference point is not greater than or less than D_ref, where the reference point is the location where the terminal device 210 receives the first setting. In an example of a specific embodiment, the terminal device 210 evaluates this change in distance at least every T_evaluate.

[0123] Alternatively, in some exemplary embodiments, if the period during which terminal device 210 fails to communicate with the network (referred to as "T_difference") within at least one first period exceeds a time threshold (referred to as "T_ref"), terminal device 210 determines that the first setting is at least partially invalid. In other words, if T_difference within a first period exceeds T_ref, terminal device 210 determines that the first setting is at least partially invalid.

[0124] Please refer to Figure 7. Figure 7 shows an example of the correspondence between the first period and the actual coverage period (700).

[0125] As shown in Figure 7, the first setting indicates that coverage will begin at time T1, while the actual measurement indicates that coverage will begin at time T2. In other words, actual coverage starts later than expected. The time difference is expressed as T_difference = T2 - T1, i.e., a time difference of 710, as shown in Figure 7. In this specific example, if T_difference = T2 - T1 > T_ref, the terminal device 210 determines that the first setting is at least partially invalid.

[0126] Furthermore, terminal device 210 may recognize that actual coverage starts later than expected, and may even determine a delay period (i.e., T_difference). Therefore, terminal device 210 may extend the first period by T_difference. In addition, T_difference information may also be reported to access network device 230 via a second message for updating the first setting, etc.

[0127] Continuing to refer to Figure 7, the first setting indicates that coverage ends at time T4, while the actual measurement indicates that coverage ends at time T3. In other words, the actual coverage starts first. As shown in Figure 7, the time difference is expressed as T_difference = T4 - T3, i.e., a time difference of 720. In this specific example, if T_difference = T4 - T3 > T_ref, the terminal device 210 determines that the first setting is at least partially invalid.

[0128] Furthermore, the parameters and criteria used by the terminal device to determine the validity of the first setting may be set by the access network device 230. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the access network device 230 sends a third message to the terminal device 210. The third message may include information indicating at least one of the distance threshold, evaluation period, and time threshold.

[0129] The above examples for determining whether the first setting is at least partially invalid are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limitations. In other exemplary embodiments, the terminal device 210 may apply any appropriate criteria to determine whether the first setting is at least partially invalid. This disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0130] Exemplary Method Figure 8 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method 800 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, method 800 can be carried out in a terminal device 210 as shown in Figure 2.

[0131] In block 810, the terminal device 210 receives a first setting that indicates at least one first period in which the terminal device 210 is located within the network coverage.

[0132] In block 820, the terminal device 210 performs at least one of the following within at least one first period: performing a cell search, performing a measurement for cell reselection, or monitoring paging messages.

[0133] In some exemplary embodiments, the terminal device 210 disables at least one of the following for at least one first period: performing a cell search, performing a measurement for cell reselection, or monitoring paging messages.

[0134] In some exemplary embodiments, the terminal device 210 receives an instruction from the access network device 230 indicating that the access network device 230, which provides services to the terminal device 210, supports the configuration of the first setting.

[0135] In some exemplary embodiments, the terminal device 210 sends a first message to the access network device 230 that provides services to the terminal device 210, requesting a first configuration.

[0136] In some exemplary embodiments, the first message includes user preference information indicating the expected frequency for communicating with the network.

[0137] In some exemplary embodiments, at least one first period is periodic, and the first setting represents the period of at least one first period, or one of the respective periods of at least one first period.

[0138] In some exemplary embodiments, the terminal device 210 starts a first timer for controlling communication with the network and pauses the first timer for at least one first period.

[0139] In some exemplary embodiments, the first timer is associated with one of the following: a tracking area update timer (TAU timer), an on-duration timer (onDurationTimer), a discontinuous receive / inactivity timer (drx-InactivityTimer), a discontinuous receive / retransmission timer (drx-RetransmissionTimer), or a discontinuous receive / short-cycle timer (drxShortCycleTimer).

[0140] In some exemplary embodiments, terminal device 210 determines that the first setting is at least partially invalid and sends a second message to access network device 230, which provides services to terminal device 210, to update the first setting.

[0141] In some exemplary embodiments, the terminal device 210 determines that the first setting is at least partially invalid if the distance traveled by the terminal device 210 during the evaluation period exceeds a distance threshold.

[0142] In some exemplary embodiments, if the period during which the terminal device 210 fails to communicate with the network within at least one first period exceeds a time threshold, the terminal device 210 determines that the first setting is at least partially invalid.

[0143] In some exemplary embodiments, terminal device 210 receives a third message from access network device 230. The third message includes information indicating at least one of a distance threshold, an evaluation period, or a time threshold.

[0144] Figure 9 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method 900 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, method 900 can be carried out in a CN apparatus 220 as shown in Figure 2.

[0145] In block 910, the CN device 220 receives a second setting indicating at least one second period in which the terminal device 210 is located within the network coverage.

[0146] In block 920, the CN device 220 clears or disables the paging progress element flag for the terminal device 210 within at least one second period.

[0147] In some exemplary embodiments, at least one second period is a periodic resource, and the second setting represents the period of at least one second period, or one of the respective periods of at least one second period.

[0148] In some embodiments, after receiving the second setting, the CN device 220 transmits first information to the SGW indicating a first available time for the terminal device 210 to receive downlink data, based on the second setting.

[0149] In some exemplary embodiments, if the CN device 220 receives a downlink data notification for the terminal device 210 from the serving gateway for at least one second period, the CN device 220 sends a rejection message to the SGW for the downlink data notification. The rejection message indicates a second availability time for the terminal device 210 to receive downlink data. The second availability time is determined based on a second setting.

[0150] In some exemplary embodiments, the CN device 220 starts a second timer for controlling communication with the terminal device 210 and pauses the second timer for at least one second period.

[0151] In some exemplary embodiments, the second timer is associated with a tracking area update timer (TAU timer).

[0152] Figure 10 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method 1000 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, method 1000 can be implemented in an access network device 230 as shown in Figure 2.

[0153] In block 1010, the access network device 230, which provides services to the terminal device, determines the time information of the location of the terminal device 210 within the network coverage.

[0154] In block 1020, the access network device 230 transmits a first setting to the terminal device 210 indicating at least one first period to be used by the terminal device 210, based on the determined time information, and transmits a second setting to the CN device 220 indicating at least one second period to be used by the CN device 220.

[0155] In some exemplary embodiments, the access network device 230 transmits an instruction to the terminal device 210 indicating that the access network device 230 supports the setting of the first configuration.

[0156] In some exemplary embodiments, the access network device 230 receives a first message from the terminal device 210 requesting a first configuration.

[0157] In some exemplary embodiments, the first message includes user preference information indicating an expected period for communicating with the network. The access network device 230 determines time information based on the user preference information.

[0158] In some exemplary embodiments, the access network device 230 receives a second message from the terminal device 210 to update the first setting, determines the updated time information of the terminal device 210, transmits the updated first setting associated with the determined updated time information to the terminal device 210, and transmits the updated second setting associated with the determined updated time information to the CN device 220.

[0159] In some exemplary embodiments, the access network device 230 transmits a third message to the terminal device 210 containing information that the terminal device 210 uses to determine the validity of a first setting. This information includes at least one of a distance threshold, an evaluation period, or a time threshold.

[0160] In some exemplary embodiments, the access network device 230 transmits a first setting and a second setting in response to the terminal device 210 transitioning from a connected state to an idle state.

[0161] In some exemplary embodiments, the access network device 230 starts a third timer for controlling communication with the terminal device 210 and pauses the third timer for at least one period corresponding to at least one first period.

[0162] In some exemplary embodiments, the third timer is associated with one of the following: an on-duration timer, a discontinuous receive-inactivity timer (drx-InactivityTimer), a discontinuous receive-retransmission timer (drx-RetransmissionTimer), or a discontinuous receive-short-cycle timer (drxShortCycleTimer).

[0163] Exemplary device In some exemplary embodiments, the terminal device 210 receives a first setting indicating at least one first period in which the terminal device 210 is located within network coverage, and includes circuitry configured to perform at least one of the following within at least one first period: perform a cell search, perform measurements for cell reselection, or monitor paging messages.

[0164] In some exemplary embodiments, the circuit is further configured to disable at least one of the following for at least one more period: performing a cell search, performing a measurement for cell reselection, or monitoring paging messages.

[0165] In some exemplary embodiments, the circuit is further configured to receive instructions from the access network device 230 indicating that the access network device 230, which provides services to the terminal device 210, supports the configuration of the first setting.

[0166] In some exemplary embodiments, the circuit is further configured to send a first message to an access network device 230 that provides services to the terminal device 210, requesting a first setting.

[0167] In some exemplary embodiments, the first message includes user preference information indicating the expected frequency for communicating with the network.

[0168] In some exemplary embodiments, at least one first period is periodic, and the first setting represents the period of at least one first period, or one of the respective periods of at least one first period.

[0169] In some exemplary embodiments, the circuit is further configured to start a first timer for controlling communication with a network and to pause the first timer for at least one first period.

[0170] In some exemplary embodiments, the first timer is associated with one of the following: a tracking area update timer (TAU timer), an on-duration timer (onDurationTimer), a discontinuous receive / inactivity timer (drx-InactivityTimer), a discontinuous receive / retransmission timer (drx-RetransmissionTimer), or a discontinuous receive / short-cycle timer (drxShortCycleTimer).

[0171] In some exemplary embodiments, the circuit is further configured to determine that the first setting is at least partially invalid and to send a second message to the access network device 230 that provides services to the terminal device 210 for updating the first setting.

[0172] In some exemplary embodiments, the circuit is further configured to determine that the first setting is at least partially invalid if the distance traveled by the terminal device 210 during the evaluation period exceeds a distance threshold.

[0173] In some exemplary embodiments, the circuit is further configured to determine that the first setting is at least partially invalid if, within one first period of at least one first period, the period during which the terminal device 210 fails to communicate with the network exceeds a time threshold.

[0174] In some exemplary embodiments, the circuit is further configured to receive a third message from an access network device 230. The third message includes information indicating at least one of a distance threshold, an evaluation period, or a time threshold.

[0175] In some exemplary embodiments, the CN device 220 receives a second setting indicating at least one second period in which the terminal device 210 is located within network coverage, and includes circuitry configured to clear or disable a paging progress element flag for the terminal device 210 within at least one second period.

[0176] In some exemplary embodiments, at least one second period is a periodic resource, and the second setting represents the period of at least one second period, or one of the respective periods of at least one second period.

[0177] In some exemplary embodiments, the circuit is further configured to, after receiving a second setting, transmit first information to the serving gateway indicating a first available time for the terminal device 210 to receive downlink data, based on the second setting.

[0178] In some exemplary embodiments, the circuit is further configured to send a rejection message to the serving gateway for a downlink data notification to the terminal device 210 if it receives a downlink data notification from the serving gateway beyond at least one second period. The rejection message indicates a second availability time for the terminal device 210 to receive downlink data, which is determined based on a second setting.

[0179] In some exemplary embodiments, the circuit is further configured to start a second timer for controlling communication with the terminal device 210 and to pause the second timer for at least one second period.

[0180] In some exemplary embodiments, the second timer is associated with a tracking area update timer (TAU timer).

[0181] In some exemplary embodiments, an access network device 230 providing services to a terminal device includes a circuit configured to determine time information in which the terminal device is located within network coverage, and based on the determined time information, to send a first setting to the terminal device 210 indicating at least one first period to be used by the terminal device 210, and to send a second setting to the CN device 220 indicating at least one second period to be used by the CN device 220.

[0182] In some exemplary embodiments, the circuit is further configured to send an instruction to the terminal device 210 indicating that the access network device 230 supports the setting of the first configuration.

[0183] In some exemplary embodiments, the circuit is further configured to receive a first message from a terminal device 210 to request a first setting.

[0184] In some exemplary embodiments, the first message includes user preference information indicating an expected period for communicating with the network. The circuit is further configured to determine time information based on the user preference information.

[0185] In some exemplary embodiments, the circuit is further configured to receive a second message from terminal device 210 to update a first setting, determine the updated time information of terminal device 210, send the updated first setting associated with the determined updated time information to terminal device 210, and send the updated second setting associated with the determined updated time information to CN device 220.

[0186] In some exemplary embodiments, the circuit is further configured to send a third message to the terminal device 210 containing information that the terminal device 210 uses to determine the validity of the first setting. This information includes at least one of a distance threshold, an evaluation period, or a time threshold.

[0187] In some exemplary embodiments, the circuit is further configured to transmit a first setting and a second setting in response to the terminal device 210 transitioning from a connected state to an idle state.

[0188] In some exemplary embodiments, the circuit is further configured to start a third timer for controlling communication with the terminal device 210 and to pause the third timer for at least one period corresponding to at least one first period.

[0189] In some exemplary embodiments, the third timer is associated with one of the following: an on-duration timer, a discontinuous receive-inactivity timer (drx-InactivityTimer), a discontinuous receive-retransmission timer (drx-RetransmissionTimer), or a discontinuous receive-short-cycle timer (drxShortCycleTimer).

[0190] Figure 11 is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus 1100 suitable for carrying out embodiments of the present disclosure. Apparatus 1100 can be considered a further exemplary embodiment of the terminal device 210, access network device 230, and CN device 220 shown in Figure 2. Thus, apparatus 1100 can be implemented in, or at least as part of, the terminal device 210, access network device 230, and CN device 220.

[0191] As shown in the figure, the device 1100 comprises a processor 1110, a memory 1120 coupled to the processor 1110, a suitable transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX) 1140 coupled to the processor 1110, and a communication interface coupled to the TX / RX 1140. The memory 1120 stores at least a portion of the program 1130. The TX / RX 1140 is for bidirectional communication. The TX / RX 1140 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication, although in practice the access node described herein may have multiple antennas. The communication interface may represent any interface required for communication with other network elements, for example, an X2 interface for bidirectional communication between eNBs, an S1 interface for communication between a mobility management entity (MME) / serving gateway (S-GW) and an eNB, an Un interface for communication between an eNB and a relay node (RN), or a Uu interface for communication between an eNB and a terminal device.

[0192] Program 1130 is deemed to include program instructions, and when the program is executed by the associated processor 1110, it enables the device 1100 to operate according to embodiments of the disclosure, as discussed herein with reference to Figures 2 to 10. Embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented by computer software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware that can be executed by the processor 1110 of the device 1100. The processor 1110 may be configured to implement various embodiments of the disclosure. Alternatively, a combination of the processor 1110 and memory 1120 may constitute processing means 1150 suitable for implementing each embodiment of the disclosure.

[0193] Memory 1120 may be of any type suitable for the local technical network and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology (e.g., computer-readable non-temporary storage media, semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory, etc.). Although only one memory 1120 is shown in device 1100, device 1100 may have multiple physically different memory modules. Processor 1110 may be of any type suitable for the local technical network and may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: general-purpose computers, dedicated computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), and processors based on multi-core processor configurations. Device 1100 may have multiple processors, for example, application-specific integrated circuit chips that are time-dependent to a clock synchronized with the main processor.

[0194] Typically, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some embodiments may be implemented by hardware, while others may be implemented by firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Various embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or any other pictorial representation, and it will be understood that the blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented by, for example, hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or any combination thereof, but are not limited thereto.

[0195] This disclosure further provides at least one computer program product stored in tangible form on a computer-readable non-temporary storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as instructions contained within a program module. These instructions are executed on a device on a target real or virtual processor, performing the processes or methods described above with reference to Figures 2 and 4-18. Typically, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that perform a specific task or implement a specific abstract data type. In various embodiments, the functionality of program modules may be combined or divided among program modules as needed. The machine-executable instructions of a program module may be executed within a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, the program module may reside on either a local or remote storage medium.

[0196] Program code for performing the methods of this disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. This program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a dedicated computer, or other programmable data processing device, and when the program code is executed by the processor or controller, the functions / operations defined in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams are performed. The program code may run entirely on the machine, partially on the machine, as a standalone software package, partially on the machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0197] The program code described above may be implemented on a machine-readable medium, which may be any tangible medium containing or storing a program used by an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, or a program used in conjunction with such a system or device. The machine-readable medium may be a machine-readable signal medium or a machine-readable storage medium. The machine-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatus, or devices, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of machine-readable storage media include electrical connections comprising one or more wires, portable computer diskettes, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fibers, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0198] While the operations have been described in a specific order, it should not be understood that, in order to obtain the desired results, these operations must be performed in a specific order or sequence, or that all of the operations shown must be performed. In some situations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, the above discussion includes some specific implementation details, which should be interpreted not as limitations on the scope of this disclosure, but as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Some features described in the context of individual embodiments may be implemented in combination in one embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of one embodiment may be implemented separately or in any suitable secondary combination in multiple embodiments.

[0199] While this disclosure has been described using terminology specific to structural features and / or methodological behavior, it should be understood that this disclosure, as defined by the attached claims, is not necessarily limited to the specific features or behaviors described above. Rather, the specific features and behaviors described above are disclosed as exemplary forms for implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A method performed by a network device, Receiving a first setting related to the period from a terminal device that is assumed to be unreachable within the said period, If the first setting is invalid, a message is received to update the period, including, method.

2. This further includes adjusting the mobile reachability timer according to the aforementioned period, The method according to claim 1.

3. This further includes sending a second setting indicating the pause time for downlink data, The aforementioned pause time is determined based on the aforementioned period. The method according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned network device is a Mobility Management Entity (MME). The method according to claim 1.

5. A method performed by a terminal device, Transmitting a first setting related to a period to a network device, where it is assumed that the terminal device is unreachable within the period, If the first setting is invalid, send a message to update the period, including, method.

6. Further including receiving a second period related to Extended Discontinuous Reception (eDRX), The second period is determined based on time information related to the period. The method according to claim 5.

7. Based on the aforementioned period, the pause time for downlink data is determined. The method according to claim 5.

8. Network device, A means for receiving a first setting related to a period from a terminal device that is assumed to be unreachable within the said period, If the first setting is invalid, means for receiving a message to update the period, Equipped with, Network device.

9. The system further comprises means for adjusting the mobile reachability timer according to the aforementioned period. The network device according to claim 8.

10. The system further includes means for transmitting a second setting indicating a pause time for downlink data, The aforementioned pause time is determined based on the aforementioned period. The network device according to claim 8.

11. A terminal device, Means for transmitting a first setting related to a period to a network device, wherein the terminal device is assumed to be unreachable within the period, If the first setting is invalid, means for sending a message to update the period, Equipped with, Terminal device.

12. The system further comprises means for receiving a second period related to Extended Discontinuous Reception (eDRX), The second period is determined based on time information related to the period. The terminal device according to claim 11.

13. Based on the aforementioned period, the pause time for downlink data is determined. The terminal device according to claim 11.

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