Method of communication apparatus, method of user equipment (UE), communication apparatus and ue

Abstract

An aspect of this disclosure includes a method of a communication apparatus. The method includes sending information related to an energy saving service level.

Description

METHOD OF COMMUNICATION APPARATUS, METHOD OF USER EQUIPMENT (UE), COMMUNICATION APPARATUS AND UE

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method of a communication apparatus, a method of a User Equipment (UE), a communication apparatus and a UE and etc.

[0002] With the development of mobile network, 5G are expected to accommodate more and more services, e.g., Augmented Reality (AR), Extended Reality (XR), which will cause higher energy / power consumption at the device side. For example, AR and XR etc may be called as immersive service, or AR and XR etc may be included in the immersive service. However, considering the service experience, the weight of all kinds of AR and / or XR glasses (e.g., UE(s) for the immersive service) need to be strictly controlled to be very light, wearing these glasses will not bring extra burden to the users. Only in this way, can the users be willing to order new devices and services.

[0003] NPL 1: [1] 3GPP TR 21.905: "Vocabulary for 3GPP Specifications". V18.0.0 (2024-03) NPL 2: [2] 3GPP TS 23.501: "System architecture for the 5G System (5GS)". V19.0.0 (2024-06) NPL 3: [3] 3GPP TS 23.502: "Procedures for the 5G System (5GS)". V19.0.0 (2024-06) NPL 4: [4] 3GPP TS 23.003: "Numbering, addressing and identification". V18.6.0 (2024-06) NPL 5: [5] 3GPP TS 23.032: "Universal Geographical Area Description (GAD)". V18.1.0 (2023-09) NPL 6: [6] IETF RFC 5580: "Carrying Location Objects in RADIUS and Diameter". (2009-08) https: / / www.rfc-editor.org / rfc / rfc5580 NPL 7: [7] IETF RFC 7577: "Definition of Managed Objects for Battery Monitoring". (2015-07) https: / / www.rfc-editor.org / rfc / rfc7577 NPL 8: [8] 3GPP TS 37.340: "Multi-connectivity Stage 2". V18.1.0 (2024-03)

[0004] To achieve providing immersive service experience, the 5G system is required to provide a long-time high data rate data transmission with low energy / power consumption on the device. Considering the end-to-end energy efficiency, the energy consumption of the overall 5G system also needs to be optimized.

[0005] To achieve energy efficiency, the operator will need to introduce the concept of energy as a service, and to provide different levels of energy saving service for subscribers. For the users, when subscribe specific applications services (e.g., AR, XR), they will have the opportunities to choose the energy saving level based on their requirement.

[0006] However, there is no mechanism in the current 5G system for the concept of energy as a service and / or the energy saving service.

[0007] The disclosure has a method of a communication apparatus comprising sending information related to an energy saving service level.

[0008] The disclosure has a method of a communication apparatus comprising receiving information related to an energy saving service level.

[0009] The disclosure has a method of a User Equipment (UE) comprising sending information related to a capability for an energy saving service.

[0010] The disclosure has a method of a communication apparatus comprising receiving information related to a capability for an energy saving service.

[0011] The disclosure has a method of a communication apparatus comprising receiving information related to an energy saving service; and sending a UE Route Selection Policy (URSP) rule including the information.

[0012] The disclosure has a communication apparatus comprising means for sending information related to an energy saving service level.

[0013] The disclosure has a communication apparatus comprising means for receiving information related to an energy saving service level.

[0014] The disclosure has a User Equipment (UE) comprising means for sending information related to a capability for an energy saving service.

[0015] The disclosure has a communication apparatus comprising means for receiving information related to a capability for an energy saving service.

[0016] The disclosure has a communication apparatus comprising means for receiving information related to an energy saving service; and means for sending a UE Route Selection Policy (URSP) rule including the information.

[0017] Fig. 1 is an example signaling diagram of this disclosure.Fig. 2 is an example signaling diagram of this disclosure.Fig. 3 is an example signaling diagram of this disclosure.Fig. 4 is an example signaling diagram of this disclosure.Fig. 5 is an example signaling diagram of this disclosure.Fig. 6 is an example signaling diagram of this disclosure.Fig. 7 is an example signaling diagram of this disclosure.Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating a system overview.Fig. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a UE.Fig. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an (R)AN node.Fig. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an AMF.Fig. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an SMF.Fig. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a UPF.Fig. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a PCF.Fig. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an NWDAF.Fig. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a UDM.Fig. 17 is a block diagram illustrating an AUSF.Fig. 18 is a block diagram illustrating an AAnF.Fig. 19 is a block diagram illustrating an NRF.Fig. 20 is a block diagram illustrating an NEF.Fig. 21 is a block diagram illustrating a UDR.Fig. 22 is a block diagram illustrating an OAM.Fig. 23 is a block diagram illustrating an AF.

[0018] <Abbreviations> 　　For the purposes of the present document, the abbreviations given in 3GPP TR 21.905 [1] and the following apply. An abbreviation defined in the present document takes precedence over the definition of the same abbreviation, if any, in 3GPP TR 21.905 [1]. 4G-GUTI　　4G Globally Unique Temporary UE Identity 5GC　　5G Core Network 5GLAN　　5G Local Area Network 5G HE AV　　5G Home Environment Authentication Vector 5G SE AV　　5G Serving Environment Authentication Vector 5GS　　5G System 5G-AN　　5G Access Network 5G-AN PDB　　5G Access Network Packet Delay Budget 5G-EIR　　5G-Equipment Identity Register 5G-GUTI　　5G Globally Unique Temporary Identifier 5G-BRG　　5G Broadband Residential Gateway 5G-CRG　　5G Cable Residential Gateway 5G GM　　5G Grand Master 5G-RG　　5G Residential Gateway 5G-S-TMSI　　5G S-Temporary Mobile Subscription Identifier 5G VN　　5G Virtual Network 5QI　　5G QoS Identifier AAnF　　AKMA Anchor Function ABBA　　Anti-Bidding down Between Architectures AF　　Application Function A-KID　　AKMA Key Identifier AKMA　　Authentication and Key Management for Applications AMF　　Access and Mobility Management Function AMF-G　　Geographically selected Access and Mobility Management Function AMF-NG　　Non-Geographically selected Access and Mobility Management Function ANDSF　　Access Network Discovery and Selection Function AP　　Authentication Proxy AR　　Augmented Reality ARFCN　　Absolute radio-frequency channel number AS　　Access Stratum ASN　　Abstract Syntax Notation A-TID　　AKMA Temporary UE Identifier ATSSS　　Access Traffic Steering, Switching, Splitting ATSSS-LL　　ATSSS Low-Layer AuC　　Authentication Centre AUSF　　Authentication Server Function AUTN　　Authentication token BCCH　　Broadcast Control Channel BMCA　　Best Master Clock Algorithm BSF　　Binding Support Function CAG　　Closed Access Group CAPIF　　Common API Framework for 3GPP northbound APIs CDR　　Charging Data Record CHF　　Charging Function CN PDB　　Core Network Packet Delay Budget CP　　Control Plane CSG　　Closed Subscriber Group DAPS　　Dual Active Protocol Stacks DL　　Downlink DN　　Data Network DNAI　　DN Access Identifier DNN　　Data Network Name DRX　　Discontinuous Reception DSATSSS　　Dual Steer Access Traffic Steering, Switching, Splitting DSATSSS-LL　　Dual Steer Access Traffic Steering, Switching, Splitting- Low-Layer DSMA　　Dual Steer Multi Access DS-TT　　Device-side TSN translator ePDG　　evolved Packet Data Gateway EBI　　EPS Bearer Identity ECGI　　E-UTRAN Cell Global Identifier EPS　　Evolved Packet System EUI　　Extended Unique Identifier FAR　　Forwarding Action Rule FN-BRG　　Fixed Network Broadband RG FN-CRG　　Fixed Network Cable RG FN-RG　　Fixed Network RG FQDN　　Fully Qualified Domain Name GCI　　Global Cable Identifier GEO　　Geostationary Earth Orbit GFBR　　Guaranteed Flow Bit Rate GMLC　　Gateway Mobile Location Centre G-PDU　　GTP encapsulated user Plane Data Unit GPS　　Global Positioning System GPSI　　Generic Public Subscription Identifier GSO　　Geosynchronous Orbit GUAMI　　Globally Unique AMF Identifier GUTI　　Globally Unique Temporary UE Identity HPLMN　　Home Public Land Mobile Network HR　　Home Routed (roaming) HSS　　Home Subscriber Server IAB　　Integrated access and backhaul IEC　　International Electrotechnical Commission IMEI / TAC　　IMEI Type Allocation Code IMSI　　International Mobile Subscriber Identity IPsec　　Internet Protocol Security IPUPS　　Inter PLMN UP Security I-SMF　　Intermediate SMF ISO　　International Organization for Standardization I-UPF　　Intermediate UPF KAF　　AKMA Application Key KAKMA　　AKMA Anchor Key LADN　　Local Area Data Network LBO　　Local Break Out (roaming) LCS　　Location Service LEO　　Low Earth Orbit LMF　　Location Management Function LoA　　Level of Automation LPP　　LTE Positioning Protocol LRF　　Location Retrieval Function MA　　Multi Access MCC　　Mobile country code MCX　　Mission Critical Service MDBV　　Maximum Data Burst Volume ME　　Mobile Equipment MFBR　　Maximum Flow Bit Rate MICO　　Mobile Initiated Connection Only MINT　　Minimization of service interruption MITM　　Man In the Middle MME　　Mobility Management Entity MN　　Master Node MNC　　Mobile Network Code MNO　　Mobile Network Operator MOCN　　Multiple Operator Core Network MPS　　Multimedia Priority Service MPTCP　　Multi-Path TCP Protocol MR　　Mixed Reality MT　　Mobile Termination, Mobile Terminating, Mobile terminated N3IWF　　Non-3GPP InterWorking Function N3GPP　　Non-3GPP access N5CW　　Non-5G-Capable over WLAN NAI　　Network Access Identifier NAS　　Non-Access-Stratum NCGI　　NR Cell Global Identity NCI　　NR Cell Identity NEF　　Network Exposure Function NF　　Network Function NGAP　　Next Generation Application Protocol NGSO　　Non-Geosynchronous Orbit NID　　Network identifier NMEA　　National Marine Electronics Association NPN　　Non-Public Network NR　　New Radio NSAG　　Network Slice Access Stratum Group NRF　　Network Repository Function NSAC　　Network Slice Admission Control NSACF　　Network Slice Admission Control Function NSI ID　　Network Slice Instance Identifier NSSAA　　Network Slice-Specific Authentication and Authorization NSSAAF　　Network Slice-Specific Authentication and Authorization Function NSSAI　　Network Slice Selection Assistance Information NSSF　　Network Slice Selection Function NSSP　　Network Slice Selection Policy NSSRG　　Network Slice Simultaneous Registration Group NW-TT　　Network-side TSN translator NWDAF　　Network Data Analytics Function OAM　　Operations, Administration, and Maintenance PCF　　Policy Control Function PCO　　Protocol Configuration Options PCRF　　Policy and Charging Rules Function PDB　　Packet Delay Budget PDR　　Packet Detection Rule PDU　　Protocol Data Unit PEI　　Permanent Equipment Identifier PER　　Packet Error Rate PFD　　Packet Flow Description PLMN　　Public Land Mobile Network PNI-NPN　　Public Network Integrated Non-Public Network PPD　　Paging Policy Differentiation PPF　　Paging Proceed Flag PPI　　Paging Policy Indicator ProSe　　Proximity based Services PSA　　PDU Session Anchor PTP　　Precision Time Protocol QFI　　QoS Flow Identifier QoE　　Quality of Experience RACS　　Radio Capabilities Signalling optimisation (R)AN　　(Radio) Access Network RAT　　Radio Access Technology RFID　　Radio Frequency Identification RG　　Residential Gateway RID　　Routing Indicator RIM　　Remote Interference Management RQA　　Reflective QoS Attribute RQI　　Reflective QoS Indication RRC　　Radio Resource Control RSC　　Relay Service Code RSD　　Route Selection Descriptor RSN　　Redundancy Sequence Number RSRP　　Reference Signal Received Power RSRQ　　Reference Signal Received Quality RTT　　Round-Trip Time RVAS　　Roaming Value Added Service SA NR　　Standalone New Radio SBA　　Service Based Architecture SBI　　Service Based Interface SCP　　Service Communication Proxy SD　　Slice Differentiator SEAF　　Security Anchor Functionality SENSE　　Signal Level Enhanced Network Selection SEPP　　Security Edge Protection Proxy SGW　　Serving Gateway SIB　　System Information Block SINR　　Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio SLA　　Service Level Agreement SMF　　Session Management Function SMS　　Short Message Service SMSF　　Short Message Service Function SN　　Sequence Number SN　　Secondary Node SN name　　Serving Network Name. SNPN　　Stand-alone Non-Public Network S-NSSAI　　Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information SOR　　Steering of Roaming SSC　　Session and Service Continuity SSCMSP　　Session and Service Continuity Mode Selection Policy SST　　Slice / Service Type SUCI　　Subscription Concealed Identifier SUPI　　Subscription Permanent Identifier SV　　Software Version TAI　　Tracking Area Identity TAU　　Tracking Area Update TEID　　Tunnel Endpoint Identifier TMGI　　Temporary Mobile Group Identity TMSI　　Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity TNAN　　Trusted Non-3GPP Access Network TNAP　　Trusted Non-3GPP Access Point TNGF　　Trusted Non-3GPP Gateway Function TNL　　Transport Network Layer TNLA　　Transport Network Layer Association TSC　　Time Sensitive Communication TSCAI　　TSC Assistance Information TSN　　Time Sensitive Networking TSN GM　　TSN Grand Master TSP　　Traffic Steering Policy TT　　TSN Translator TWIF　　Trusted WLAN Interworking Function UCMF　　UE radio Capability Management Function UCU　　UE Configuration Update UDM　　Unified Data Management UDR　　Unified Data Repository UDSF　　Unstructured Data Storage Function UE　　User Equipment UL　　Uplink UL CL　　Uplink Classifier UPF　　User Plane Function UPSI　　UE Policy Section Identifier URLLC　　Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication URRP-AMF　　UE Reachability Request Parameter for AMF URSP　　UE Route Selection Policy USIM　　User Services Identity Module VID　　VLAN Identifier VLAN　　Virtual Local Area Network VPLMN　　Visited Public Land Mobile Network VR　　Virtual Reality W-5GAN　　Wireline 5G Access Network W-5GBAN　　Wireline BBF Access Network W-5GCAN　　Wireline 5G Cable Access Network W-AGF　　Wireline Access Gateway Function WPT　　Wireless Power Transfer

[0019] <Definitions> 　　For the purposes of the present document, the terms and definitions given in 3GPP TR 21.905 [1] and the following apply. A term defined in the present document takes precedence over the definition of the same term, if any, in 3GPP TR 21.905 [1].

[0020] <General> 　　Those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the Aspects of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0021] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the Aspect illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0022] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or entities or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an Aspect", "in another Aspect" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same Aspect.

[0023] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.

[0024] In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which may be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 　　As used herein, information is associated with data and knowledge, as data is meaningful information and represents the values attributed to parameters. Further knowledge signifies understanding of an abstract or concrete concept. Note that this example system is simplified to facilitate description of the disclosed subject matter and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Other devices, systems, and configurations may be used to implement the Aspects disclosed herein in addition to, or instead of, a system, and all such Aspects are contemplated as within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0025] Each of Aspects and elements included in the each of Aspects described below may be implemented independently or in combination with any other. These Aspects include novel characteristics different from one another. Accordingly, these Aspects contribute to achieving objects or solving problems different from one another and contribute to obtaining advantages different from one another.

[0026] While the present disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to example embodiments and / or example aspects thereof, the present disclosure is not limited to these example embodiments and / or example aspects. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. And each embodiment and / or aspect can be appropriately combined with other embodiments and / or aspects.

[0027] In addition, in this disclosure, the drawing(s) is associated with one or more embodiments, or one or more aspects.

[0028] Any lists described in following aspects include at least one parameter or multiple parameters.

[0029] An example object of this disclosure is to provide a method and apparatus that can solve the above-mentioned problem. 　　A method of a communication apparatus according to example aspect of this disclosure includes sending information related to an energy saving service level.

[0030] A method of a communication apparatus according to example aspect of this disclosure includes receiving information related to an energy saving service level.

[0031] A method of a User Equipment (UE) according to example aspect of this disclosure includes sending information related to a capability for an energy saving service.

[0032] A method of a communication apparatus according to example aspect of this disclosure includes receiving information related to a capability for an energy saving service.

[0033] A method of a communication apparatus according to example aspect of this disclosure includes receiving information related to an energy saving service. The method includes sending a UE Route Selection Policy (URSP) rule including the information.

[0034] A communication apparatus according to example aspect of this disclosure includes at least one memory, and at least one hardware processor coupled to the at least one memory. The at least one hardware processor is configured to send information related to an energy saving service level.

[0035] A communication apparatus according to example aspect of this disclosure includes at least one memory, and at least one hardware processor coupled to the at least one memory. The at least one hardware processor is configured to receive information related to an energy saving service level.

[0036] A User Equipment (UE) according to example aspect of this disclosure includes at least one memory, and at least one hardware processor coupled to the at least one memory. The at least one hardware processor is configured to send information related to a capability for an energy saving service.

[0037] A communication apparatus according to example aspect of this disclosure includes at least one memory, and at least one hardware processor coupled to the at least one memory. The at least one hardware processor is configured to receive information related to a capability for an energy saving service.

[0038] A communication apparatus according to example aspect of this disclosure includes at least one memory, and at least one hardware processor coupled to the at least one memory. The at least one hardware processor is configured to receive information related to an energy saving service. The at least one hardware processor is configured to send a UE Route Selection Policy (URSP) rule including the information.

[0039] <First Aspect> 　　In order to provide the above-mentioned concept of energy as a service and / or new energy saving services for the UE, for example the 3GPP system may need to support at least one of the following functions: 　　- UE energy saving service level subscription provision and update by AF 　　- UE energy saving service level subscription and registration 　　- UE energy saving service level subscription usage control via URSP rules

[0040] A UE may be subscribed for one or both of the below energy saving service levels: 　　- energy saving service level A (high price subscription): the network maintains high service experience (e.g., low latency, high throughput) in low battery. 　　- energy saving service level B (low price subscription): the network provides high service experience in high battery, reduced service experience in low battery (e.g. performs QoS degrading).

[0041] For example, in a case where the subscriber or the user wants to use the service (e.g., the immersive service) based on the energy service level A, the subscriber or the user may need to subscribe the energy service level A and to pay higher price than the price for the energy service level B.

[0042] For example, in a case where the subscriber or the user wants to use the service (e.g., the immersive service) based on the energy service level B, the subscriber or the user may need to subscribe the energy service level B and to pay lower price than the price for the energy service level A.

[0043] The above-mentioned energy saving service level is one example, hence other energy saving service level may be defined. For example, there may be one, or three or more energy saving service levels for different user experience(s) considering the price and the energy consumption.

[0044] The First Aspect includes mechanisms to support the UE subscription for energy saving services and its provision to the 3GPP system and the UE.

[0045] <First example of the First Aspect> 　　The First example of the First Aspect in Fig. 1 includes a mechanism to provide and to update an energy saving service subscription information for the UE 3. The subscription may be created and controlled by the operator via the OAM 8 or alternatively, for UE(s) 3 owned by external service provider, the subscription for energy saving service levels may be provided and updated by an AF 201 (as demonstrated in Fig. 1).

[0046] The detailed processes of the First example of the First Aspect are described below, with reference to Fig. 1.

[0047] Step 1. The AF 201 may decide to create / update the UE energy saving service level subscriptions. For example, the UE 3 may be subscribed for one or both of the below energy saving service subscription levels: 　　- energy saving service level A (high price subscription): the network maintains high service experience (e.g., low latency, high throughput) in low battery. 　　- energy saving service level B (low price subscription): the network provides high service experience in high battery, reduced service experience in low battery (e.g. performs QoS degrading).

[0048] The AF 201 may decide to create / update the energy saving service level subscriptions (e.g., energy saving service level A and energy saving service level B) for the UE 3.

[0049] Step 2. The AF 201 sends Nnef_EnergySavingSubscription Create / Update Request message to the NEF 79 in which message the AF 201 may include at least one of the following parameters: 　　- AF ID - Application Function identity, this identity uniquely identifies an application function (e.g., the AF 201) which is sending this request. This application identity is checked by NEF 79 or by UDM 75 to verify the authenticity of the AF 201, e.g. NEF 79 or UDM 75 stores a list of valid AF IDs. When the UDM 75 or NEF 79 receives the AF ID, the UDM 75 or NEF 79 verifies the AF ID by comparing it with the stored AF IDs. If the AF ID is matched with one of the stored AF IDs, then it is a valid AF ID, otherwise it is not valid. In a case where the AF ID is not valid then the NEF 79 or UDM 75 will ignore or reject the message from the AF 201. For example, in a case where the AF ID is valid then the NEF 79 or UDM 75 may proceed step 3. 　　- UE ID - the UE 3's identity subject to the energy saving service subscription. It may be a single UE or multiple UEs. For example, the UE ID indicates the single UE or multiple UEs. The UE 3's identity may take a form of Generic Public Subscription Identifier (GPSI), MSISDN or SUPI or IMEI as defined in 3GPP TS 23.003 [4]. 　　- energy saving service subscription - one or both of the below energy saving service subscription levels or any other notation for energy saving service subscription that can be referred by at least one of the below definitions for energy saving service subscription: 　　　　-- energy saving service level A (high price subscription): the network maintains high service experience (e.g., low latency, high throughput) in low battery. 　　　　-- energy saving service level B (low price subscription): the network provides high service experience in high battery, reduced service experience in low battery (e.g. performs QoS degrading). 　　　　-- For example, the energy saving service subscription may indicate at least one of the energy saving service level A and energy saving service level B. The energy saving service subscription may indicate at least one of the energy saving service level A and energy saving service level B for the UE 3. At least one of the energy saving service level A and energy saving service level B may be called as energy saving subscription levels. 　　- time - it may be an optional parameter. If provided, it defines the time (time of the day, or week or year) when the provided energy saving service subscription(s) to the UE are valid. It may apply to one of the energy saving subscription levels or to both of them. 　　- location - it may be an optional parameter. If provided, it defines the location where the service saving service subscriptions for a UE are valid. It may apply to one of the energy saving subscription levels or to both of them. The location can be a geographical location or any other definition for location. For example, location can be a list of Tracking Area Identity (TAI), a list of NR Cell Global Identity (NCGI) as defined in the 3GPP TS 23.003 [4], a list of NR Cell Identity (NCI) as defined in the 3GPP TS 23.003 [4], a list of E-UTRAN Cell Global Identifier (ECGI) as defined in the 3GPP TS 23.003 [4], a list of Global Cable Identifier (GCI) as defined in the 3GPP TS 23.003 [4], a general City name, zip-code, formed with GPS location or a location expressed with civic and geospatial location formats as defined in IETF RFC 5580 [6]. The location information may be a single location information or multiple location information.

[0050] In case that the AF 201 provides the location parameter with non-3GPP expression (e.g., GPS location or a location with or based on IETF RFC 5580 [6]), the NEF 79 may convert it to the 3GPP parameter such as TAI, NCGI or NCI. The location conversion information may be stored in the UDM 75 in which case the NEF 79 interacts with the UDM 75 when converting the non-3gpp expression for location to 3GPP expression for location.

[0051] At least one of the parameters included in the Nnef_EnergySavingSubscription Create / Update Request message may be called as energy saving service subscription parameters, energy saving service subscription information, information related to energy saving service subscription etc.

[0052] At least one of the parameters in step 2 or 5 may be expressed as information related to the energy saving service level.

[0053] Step 3. The NEF 79 may interact with the UDM 75 to check whether the AF 201 is authorized for the requested service.

[0054] For example, the NEF 79 may verify the AF ID by comparing it with the stored AF IDs. If the AF ID is matched with one of the stored AF IDs, then it is a valid AF ID, otherwise it is not valid. In a case where the AF ID is not valid then the NEF 79 may ignore or reject the message from the AF 201. For example, in a case where the AF ID is valid then the NEF 79 may proceed step 4.

[0055] For example, the NEF 79 may verify, by interacting with the UDM 75, the AF ID. For example, the NEF 79 may send the AF ID to the UDM 75. The UDM 75 may verify the received AF ID by comparing it with the stored AF IDs. If the AF ID is matched with one of the stored AF IDs, then it is a valid AF ID, otherwise it is not valid. In a case where the AF ID is not valid then the UDM 75 may notify to the NEF 79 that the AF ID is not valid. In a case where the NEF 79 receives, from the UDM 75, the notification that the AF ID is not valid, the NEF 79 may ignore or reject the message from the AF 201. For example, in a case where the AF ID is valid then the UDM 75 may notify to the NEF 79 that the AF ID is valid. In a case where the NEF 79 receives, from the UDM 75, the notification that the AF ID is valid, the NEF 79 may proceed step 4.

[0056] Step 4. The NEF 79 confirms the energy saving service subscription parameters provisioned by the AF 201 by sending the Nnef_EnergySavingSubscription Create / Update Response message to the AF 201.

[0057] Step 5. The NEF 79 forwards the UE ID and the energy saving service subscription information provided by the AF 201 to the UDM 75 with or by performing the Nudm_EnergySavingSubcription Create / Update service operation.

[0058] For example, the NEF 79 may send, to the UDM 75, the Nudm_EnergySavingSubcription Create / Update message including the received parameter(s) from the AF 201.

[0059] Step 6. The UDM 75 creates or updates the energy saving service subscription levels for the UE (or UE(s) indicated by the UE ID) within the UE subscription information.

[0060] For example, the UDM 75 may create or update the energy saving service subscription levels for the UE (e.g., the UE 3 indicated by the UE ID) based on the energy saving service subscription parameters.

[0061] For example, the UDM 75 may create, as the UE subscription for the UE 3, at least one of the energy saving service level A and energy saving service level B.

[0062] For example, the UDM 75 may update the UE subscription for the UE 3 by adding at least one of the energy saving service level A and energy saving service level B to the UE subscription.

[0063] By the above-mentioned creating or updating, at least one of the energy saving service level A and energy saving service level B may be configured to the UE 3 or the UE 3 may be subscribed to at least one of the energy saving service level A and energy saving service level B. By the above-mentioned configuring or subscribing, the UE 3 may or is able to perform process(es) related to or for at least one of the energy saving service level A and energy saving service level B.

[0064] For example, by the above-mentioned configuring or subscribing, the UE 3 may or is able to receive service(s) related to or for at least one of the energy saving service level A and energy saving service level B.

[0065] For example, by the above-mentioned configuring or subscribing, the UE 3 may or is able to receive service(s) which is operated in at least one of the energy saving service level A and energy saving service level B.

[0066] For example, by the above-mentioned configuring or subscribing, the UE 3 may or is able to establish PDU Session(s) for service(s) which is operated in at least one of the energy saving service level A and energy saving service level B.

[0067] For example, by the above-mentioned configuring or subscribing, the UE 3 may or is able to establish PDU Session(s) related to or for at least one of the energy saving service level A and energy saving service level B.

[0068] <Variant 1 of First example of the First Aspect> 　　In one example, the energy saving service subscription, e.g. energy saving service level A and / or energy saving service level B may be provided by the operator via the OAM 8 and further updated by the operator itself or by the AF 201 as per Fig. 1. In this disclosure, the expression "A and / or B" may mean "at least one of A and B".

[0069] <Variant 2 of First example of the First Aspect> 　　In one example, the energy saving service subscription for a UE 3 is provided per access type e.g., 3GPP access and non-3GPP access by the AF 201 in step 2 and in step 5 from the NEF 79 to the UDM 75. The UDM 75 maintains the energy saving service subscription for a UE 3 for each access type. The UDM 75 further provides the energy saving service subscription for a UE 3 related to 3GPP access during the registration procedure of the UE 3 over 3GPP access as defined below or during other signalling between the UE 3 and a node (for example, AMF 70) in the 5GS NAS procedure. The UE 3 maintains the energy saving service subscription for a UE 3 for 3GPP access and the energy saving service subscription for a UE 3 for non-3GPP access separately. The UE 3 applies to the energy saving service subscription for a UE 3 for each access when UE 3 is accessing the access type.

[0070] Similarly, The AMF 70 maintains the energy saving service subscription for a UE 3 for 3GPP access and the energy saving service subscription for a UE 3 for non-3GPP access separately in the UE contexts in case the AMF 70 is commonly used (shared) for both 3GPP access and non-3GPP access.

[0071] The UDM 75 may provide the energy saving service subscription for a UE 3 related to non-3GPP access during the registration procedure of the UE 3 over non-3GPP access.

[0072] <Second example of the First Aspect> 　　The Second example of the First Aspect in Fig. 2 includes a mechanism for UE registration for energy saving services. At UE registration, the UE 3 indicates its capability for energy saving services and the network grants the UE 3 with the energy saving service levels that it is subscribed to, e.g. energy saving service level A and / or energy saving service level B. The network may also indicate in the Registration Accept message the time validity or location validity per each energy saving service level or per both of them, if any.

[0073] The detailed processes of the Second example of the First Aspect are described below, with reference to Fig. 2.

[0074] Step 1. The UDM 75 holds the UE 3's subscriptions for energy saving services, for example: 　　- energy saving service level A (high price subscription): the network maintains high service experience (e.g., low latency, high throughput) in low battery and; 　　- energy saving service level B (low price subscription): the network provides high service experience in high battery, reduced service experience in low battery (e.g. performs QoS degrading).

[0075] For example, the UDM 75 may hold the UE subscription for the UE 3 including the energy saving service level A and energy saving service level B.

[0076] For example, by performing the process(es) in Fig. 1, the UDM 75 may create, update or hold the UE subscription for the UE 3 including the energy saving service level A and energy saving service level B.

[0077] Step 2. The UE 3 initiates the UE registration procedure (e.g., the Registration procedure). First, the UE 3 creates the RRC connection with the RAN 5 by sending RRC Connection Setup Request message or RRC Setup Request or a message for establishing the RRC connection or any other RRC message to the RAN 5. The RRC Connection Setup Request message or RRC Setup Request or a message for establishing the RRC connection or any other RRC message may include at least one of the following parameters: 　　- energy saving service capability - The UE 3 includes the energy saving service capability parameter in the RRC Connection Setup Request message or RRC Setup Request message or a message for establishing the RRC connection or any other RRC message from the UE 3 to the RAN 5 when the UE 3 has at least one of capability and subscription for energy saving services, e.g. for energy saving service level A and / or energy saving service level B. 　　- For example, the energy saving service capability may indicate whether the UE 3 has capability for energy saving service(s), e.g. for the energy saving service level A and / or energy saving service level B. 　　- For example, the energy saving service capability may indicate whether the UE 3 has subscription for energy saving service(s), e.g. for the energy saving service level A and / or energy saving service level B. 　　- For example, the energy saving service capability may indicate whether the UE 3 has subscription for PDU Session(s) or service(s) related to the energy saving service level A and / or energy saving service level B. 　　- For example, the energy saving service capability may indicate whether the UE 3 has subscription for PDU Session(s) or service(s) which is operated in the energy saving service level A and / or energy saving service level B. 　　- For example, the energy saving service capability may indicate whether the UE 3 has capability for PDU Session(s) or service(s) related to the energy saving service level A and / or energy saving service level B. 　　- For example, the energy saving service capability may indicate whether the UE 3 has capability for PDU Session(s) or service(s) which is operated in the energy saving service level A and / or energy saving service level B. 　　- The energy saving service capability may be expressed as information related to subscription for the energy saving service (e.g., the energy saving service level A and / or energy saving service level B). 　　- The energy saving service capability may be expressed as information related to capability for the energy saving service (e.g., the energy saving service level A and / or energy saving service level B).

[0078] For example, the RRC Connection Setup Request message or RRC Setup Request message or a message for establishing the RRC connection or any other RRC message may include the energy saving service capability.

[0079] The energy saving service capability may be called as energy saving service capability parameter.

[0080] Step 3. The RAN 5 confirms the RRC connection establishment by returning or by sending, to the UE 3, the RRC Connection Setup message or RRC Setup message or a message for establishing the RRC connection or any other RRC message from the RAN 5 to the UE 3.

[0081] Step 4. The RRC connection establishment is completed by sending, from the UE 3 to RAN 5, the RRC Connection Setup Complete message or RRC Setup Complete message or a message for establishing the RRC connection or any other RRC message from the UE 3 to the RAN 5. This message carries the Registration Request message from the UE 3 to the AMF 70. The UE 3 includes the energy saving service capability parameter in both messages, e.g., in the RRC Connection Setup Complete message to the RAN 5 (or RRC Setup Complete message or a message for establishing the RRC connection or any other RRC message from the UE 3 to the RAN 5) and in the Registration Request message (or any other NAS message) to the AMF 70.

[0082] For example, the RRC Connection Setup Complete message or RRC Setup Complete message or a message for establishing the RRC connection or any other RRC message from the UE 3 to the RAN 5 may include the energy saving service capability parameter.

[0083] For example, the Registration Request message or any other NAS message from the UE 3 to the AMF 70 or any node(s) may include the energy saving service capability parameter.

[0084] Step 5. If the energy saving service capability parameter was included in the RRC connection request message or RRC Connection Setup Complete message from the UE 3 (or the message in step 2 or 4), the RAN 5 makes use of this parameter in the AMF selection i.e. the RAN 5 selects an AMF node e.g. AMF 70 which is energy saving services capable.

[0085] For example, the RAN 5 may select the AMF (e.g., AMF 70) which has the energy saving service capability in a case where the RAN 5 receives the energy saving service capability from the UE 3.

[0086] For example, the RAN 5 may have information for selecting the AMF which has the energy saving service capability.

[0087] For example, the RAN 5 may have information indicating which AMF has the energy saving service capability. Using this information, the RAN 5 may select the AMF which has the energy saving service capability.

[0088] The AMF which has the energy saving service capability may be an AMF which understand at least one of the energy saving service level A and energy saving service level B.

[0089] The AMF which has the energy saving service capability may be an AMF which is able to perform process(es) related to at least one of the energy saving service level A and energy saving service level B.

[0090] The AMF which has the energy saving service capability may be an AMF which is able to perform process(es) for at least one of the energy saving service level A and energy saving service level B.

[0091] Step 6. After AMF selection (e.g., after selection of the AMF 70), the RAN 5 forwards the Registration Request message from UE 3 to the AMF 70 within the UE Initial message. The Registration Request message contains the energy saving service capability parameter. The RAN 5 may also pass the energy saving capability parameter in an NGAP Message e.g. Initial UE message to the AMF 70. 　　For example, the RAN 5 may send, to the AMF 70, a message (e.g., the UE Initial message or Initial UE message) which includes the Registration Request message.

[0092] Step 7. The AMF 70 continues the UE registration procedure by sending a Nudm_UECM_Registration Request message to the UDM 75. The AMF 70 may include in the message to the UDM 75 the energy saving service capability parameter, if received from the UE 3 within the Registration Request message. In one example, the AMF 70 may not send the energy saving service capability parameter to the UDM 75.

[0093] For example, in a case where the AMF 70 receives the energy saving service capability parameter, the AMF 70 may send the energy saving service capability parameter to the UDM 75.

[0094] For example, in a case where the AMF 70 does not receive the energy saving service capability parameter, the AMF 70 may not send the energy saving service capability parameter to the UDM 75.

[0095] Step 8. The UDM 75 checks whether the UE 3 is energy saving service capable as per the energy saving service capability parameter provided by the UE 3 and also the UDM 75 checks whether the UE 3 has a valid subscription for energy saving services.

[0096] For example, the UDM 75 may check whether the UE 3 is energy saving service capable based on the energy saving service capability parameter.

[0097] For example, the UDM 75 may determine that the UE 3 is energy saving service capable in a case where the energy saving service capability parameter indicates that the UE 3 has at least one of capability and subscription for energy saving services, e.g. for energy saving service level A and / or energy saving service level B.

[0098] For example, the UDM 75 may check whether the UE 3 has a valid subscription for energy saving services based on the UE subscription for the UE 3.

[0099] For example, the UDM 75 may determine that the UE 3 has a valid subscription for energy saving services in a case where the UE subscription for the UE 3 includes the energy saving service level A and energy saving service level B.

[0100] For example, the UDM 75 may not perform the checking whether the UE 3 is energy saving service capable. In this case, the UDM 75 may proceed step 9 without the checking. 　　For example, the UDM 75 may not perform the checking whether the UE 3 has a valid subscription for energy saving services. In this case, the UDM 75 may proceed step 9 without the checking.

[0101] Step 9. If the UE 3 is energy saving services capable (e.g., in a case where the UDM 75 determines that the UE 3 is energy saving service capable) and if the UE 3 has subscription for energy saving services, e.g. for energy saving service level A and / or for energy saving service level B (e.g., in a case where the UDM 75 determines that the UE 3 has a valid subscription for energy saving services), the UDM 75 returns Nudm_UECM_Registration Response message in which the UDM 75 includes at least one of the following parameters: 　　- energy saving service subscription - one or both of the below energy saving service subscription levels or any other notation for energy saving service subscription that can be referred by the below definitions for energy saving service subscription: 　　　　-- energy saving service level A (high price subscription): the network maintains high service experience (e.g., low latency, high throughput) in low battery. 　　　　-- energy saving service level B (low price subscription): the network provides high service experience in high battery, reduced service experience in low battery (e.g. performs QoS degrading). 　　- time - it may be an optional parameter. If provided, it defines the time (time of the day, or week or year) when the provided energy saving service subscription(s) to the UE are valid. It may apply to one of the energy saving subscription levels or to both of them. 　　- location - it may be an optional parameter. If provided, it defines the location where the service saving service subscriptions for a UE are valid. It may apply to one of the energy saving subscription levels or to both of them. The location can be a geographical location or any other definition for location. For example, location can be a list of Tracking Area Identity (TAI), a list of NR Cell Global Identity (NCGI) as defined in the 3GPP TS 23.003 [4], a list of NR Cell Identity (NCI) as defined in the 3GPP TS 23.003 [4], a list of E-UTRAN Cell Global Identifier (ECGI) as defined in the 3GPP TS 23.003 [4], a list of Global Cable Identifier (GCI) as defined in the 3GPP TS 23.003 [4], a general City name, zip-code, formed with GPS location or a location expressed with civic and geospatial location formats as defined in IETF RFC 5580 [6]. The location information may be a single location information or multiple location information. 　　- service level threshold - this is the UE battery level, in percentage of the whole UE battery energy for example, which is defined by the operator or by the service provider per energy saving service level, for example, for: 　　　　-- energy saving service level A (high price subscription): the network maintains high service experience (e.g., low latency, high throughput) when the UE battery drops below the service level threshold. 　　　　-- energy saving service level B (low price subscription): the network provides high service experience in high battery, reduced service experience when the UE battery drops below the service level threshold. (e.g. performs QoS degrading).

[0102] The energy saving service subscription may indicate that the UE 3 is subscribed to the energy saving service level A and / or energy saving service level B.

[0103] The energy saving service subscription may indicate that the UE 3 is subscribed to the energy saving service.

[0104] The energy saving service subscription may indicate whether the UE 3 is subscribed to the energy saving service level A and / or energy saving service level B.

[0105] The energy saving service subscription may indicate whether the UE 3 is subscribed to the energy saving service.

[0106] In case the UDM 75 receives the energy saving service capability of the UE 3 from the AMF 70, the UDM 75 may send at least one of above parameters to the AMF 70.

[0107] In case the UDM 75 doesn't receive the energy saving service capability of the UE 3 from the AMF 70, the UDM 75 may not send all above parameters to the AMF 70.

[0108] In case the UDM 75 doesn't receive the energy saving service capability of the UE 3 from the AMF 70, the UDM 75 may send at least one of above parameters to the AMF 70.

[0109] For example, in a case where the UDM 75 does not perform the checking in step 8, the UDM 75 may send at least one of above parameters to the AMF 70.

[0110] For example, in a case where the UDM 75 does not perform the checking in step 8, the UDM 75 may not send at least one of above parameters to the AMF 70.

[0111] Step 10. The AMF 70 confirms the UE registration procedure with or by sending the Registration Accept message in which the AMF 70 includes the energy saving service level(s) granted by the UDM 75, e.g. energy saving service level A and / or energy saving service level B parameters, the time, the location and the energy saving service level A, time, location and service level threshold parameters as provided by the UDM 75. The time, location and the service level threshold parameters can be per energy saving service level or same of all service levels.

[0112] For example, the AMF 70 may send, to the UE 3, a message (e.g., the Registration Accept message) which includes at least one of parameter(s) received from the UDM 75.

[0113] Step 11. In a case where the UE 3 receives the message transmitted in step 10, the UE 3 is allowed to initiate energy saving service A and / or B (or energy saving service level A and / or energy saving service level B or service(s) related to energy saving service level A and / or energy saving service level B). For example, the UE 3 may be allowed to initiate energy saving service A and / or B at the time and in location as defined by the time and location parameters, if any. If a service level threshold provided for energy saving service is level B, the UE 3 may trigger PDU session modification procedure (e.g., PDU session modification procedure for the reduced service experience) when the UE 3's battery goes below the provided service level threshold.

[0114] For example, in a case where the UE 3 receives the energy saving service level A, the UE 3 may perform process(es) for maintaining high service experience (e.g., low latency, high throughput) in low battery.

[0115] For example, in a case where the UE 3 receives the energy saving service level B, the UE 3 may perform process(es) for high service experience (e.g., low latency, high throughput) in high battery and reduced service experience in low battery.

[0116] When the UE 3 receives the Registration Accept message in step 11, the UE 3 sends Registration Complete message to the AMF 70.

[0117] At least one of the parameters in step 9 or 10 may be called as information related to the energy saving service (e.g., the energy saving service level A and / or energy saving service level B).

[0118] In a case where the UE 3 receives the message transmitted in step 10, the UE 3 is allowed to initiate PDU Session establishment for PDU Session(s) for or related to the energy saving service level A and / or the energy saving service level B.

[0119] In a case where the UE 3 receives the message transmitted in step 10, the UE 3 is allowed to initiate PDU Session establishment for PDU Session(s) which is operated in the energy saving service level A and / or the energy saving service level B.

[0120] In a case where the UE 3 receives the message transmitted in step 10, the UE 3 is allowed to initiate service(s) for or related to the energy saving service level A and / or the energy saving service level B.

[0121] In a case where the UE 3 receives the message transmitted in step 10, the UE 3 is allowed to initiate service(s) which is operated in the energy saving service level A and / or the energy saving service level B.

[0122] <Variant 1 of Second example of the First Aspect> 　　In one example, if the energy saving service subscription information for the UE 3 in the UDM 75 in Fig. 2 is updated or changed by the network operator via OAM 8 or by the Service Provider, e.g. AF 201 via the NEF 79, the new or updated or changed energy saving service subscription information, i.e. the energy saving service level A and / or energy saving service level B parameters, the time, the location and service level threshold parameters are indicated by the UDM 75 to the AMF 70 within the Nudm_SDM_Notification message as per 3GPP TS 23.502 [3], Section 5.2.3.3.3 or within any other message on the UDM 75 to AMF 70 interface. Then the AMF 70 updates the UE 3 with the new or updated or changed energy saving service level A and / or energy saving service level B parameters, the time, the location and the service level threshold parameters via the UE Configuration Update message as part of the UE Configuration Update procedure as per 3GPP TS 23.502 [3]. Section 4.2.4.3 or via any other message. If the UE 3 is not in connected mode, the AMF 70 may first page the UE 3 and after the UE 3 connects with the network, the AMF 70 triggers the UE Configuration Update procedure to update the UE 3 with the new or updated or changed energy saving service subscription information. Alternatively, the AMF 70 may wait for the UE 3 to connect to the network, for example for periodic location update or due to incoming or outgoing service request and then deliver the new or updated or changed energy saving service subscription information to the UE 3 in the Registration Accept message or in the UE Configuration Update message as part the UE Configuration Update procedure or in any other message from the UE 3 and AMF 70.

[0123] <Third Example of the First Aspect> 　　The Third example of the First Aspect in Fig. 3 includes a mechanism for the energy saving service levels subscription update and energy saving service levels usage control via the URSP rules. The UDM 75 holds the UE subscriptions for energy saving services. When certain UE energy saving service levels are updated (by the OAM 8 or by the AF 201), the UDM 75 notifies the PCF 73 with the updated energy saving service levels which are further updated in the UE 3.

[0124] The detailed processes of the Third example of the First Aspect are described below, with reference to Fig. 3.

[0125] Step 1. The UDM 75 holds the UE 3 subscriptions for energy saving services, for example: 　　- energy saving service level A (high price subscription): the network maintains high service experience (e.g., low latency, high throughput) in low battery and; 　　- energy saving service level B (low price subscription): the network provides high service experience in high battery, reduced service experience in low battery (e.g. performs QoS degrading).

[0126] Step 1 may be the same as step 1 in Fig. 2.

[0127] When certain UE 3's energy saving service levels are updated (by the OAM or by the AF 201), the UDM 75 notifies the PCF 73 with the updated energy saving service levels.

[0128] In a case where certain UE 3's energy saving service level(s) is updated (by the OAM or by the AF 201), the UDM 75 may proceed step 2 for notifying the PCF 73 with the updated energy saving service levels.

[0129] Step 2. The UDM 75 triggers Nudr_DM_Notify message to the PCF 73 in which the UDM 75 includes at least one of the following parameters: 　　- energy saving service subscription - one or both of the below energy saving service subscription levels or any other notation for energy saving service subscription that can be referred by the below definitions for energy saving service subscription: 　　　　-- energy saving service level A (high price subscription): the network maintains high service experience (e.g., low latency, high throughput) in low battery. 　　　　-- energy saving service level B (low price subscription): the network provides high service experience in high battery, reduced service experience in low battery (e.g. performs QoS degrading). 　　- time - an optional parameter. If provided, it defines the time (time of the day, or week or year) when the provided energy saving service subscription(s) to the UE are valid. It may apply to one of the energy saving subscription levels or to both of them. 　　- location - an optional parameter. If provided, it defines the location where the service saving service subscriptions for a UE are valid. It may apply to one of the energy saving subscription levels or to both of them. The location can be a geographical location or any other definition for location. For example, location can be a list of Tracking Area Identity (TAI), a list of NR Cell Global Identity (NCGI) as defined in the 3GPP TS 23.003 [4], a list of NR Cell Identity (NCI) as defined in the 3GPP TS 23.003 [4], a list of E-UTRAN Cell Global Identifier (ECGI) as defined in the 3GPP TS 23.003 [4], a list of Global Cable Identifier (GCI) as defined in the 3GPP TS 23.003 [4], a general City name, zip-code, formed with GPS location or a location expressed with civic and geospatial location formats as defined in IETF RFC 5580 [6]. The location information may be a single location information or multiple location information. 　　- service level threshold - this is the UE battery level, in percentage of the whole UE battery energy for example, which is defined by the operator or by the service provider per energy saving service level, for example for: 　　　　-- energy saving service level A (high price subscription): the network maintains high service experience (e.g., low latency, high throughput) when the UE battery drops below the service level threshold. 　　　　-- energy saving service level B (low price subscription): the network provides high service experience in high battery, reduced service experience when the UE battery drops below the service level threshold. (e.g. performs QoS degrading).

[0130] The Nudr_DM_Notify message may include parameter(s) which is listed above.

[0131] The Nudr_DM_Notify message may include new or updated or changed parameter(s) which is listed above.

[0132] In this disclosure, parameter(s) with the same name among aspects and / or examples may have the same definition.

[0133] Step 3. The PCF 73 updates the URSP rules for the UE 3 with the updated energy saving service levels which can be different for different applications, i.e. the URSP rules may control and enforce the UE 3's entitlement for energy saving service levels per application granularity. For example, the PCF 73 may set the URSP rules for the UE 3 so that AR application in the UE 3 is allowed only on energy saving service level A (high price subscription), meaning the network maintains high service experience (e.g., low latency, high throughput) when the UE 3's battery drops below the service level threshold while the XR application in the UE 3 is allowed only on energy saving service level B (low price subscription) meaning the network provides high service experience in high battery, reduced service experience when the UE 3's battery drops below the service level threshold.(e.g. performs QoS degrading).

[0134] For example, the URSP rules may include the updated energy saving service levels.

[0135] For example, the URSP rules may include the parameter(s) described in step 2.

[0136] For example, the URSP rules may define the parameter(s) described in step 2 per application.

[0137] For example, the updated URSP rules may define the parameter(s) described in step 2 per application.

[0138] For example, the URSP rules or the updated URSP rules may indicate which application(s) in the UE 3 is related to the energy saving service level A and / or energy saving service level B.

[0139] Step 4. After updating the UE 3's URSP rules to reflect the updated energy saving service subscription for the UE 3 for example update to energy saving service levels, time, location and service level threshold, the PCF 73 triggers the UE Policy update procedure as per 3GPP TS 23.502 [3], section 4.2.4.3. The updated energy saving service aware URSP rules (e.g., the updated URSP rules, the URSP rules reflecting the updated energy saving service subscription or the URSP rules including the parameter(s) described in step 2) are delivered to the UE 3 with the UE Configuration Update message with the UE Policy update procedure.

[0140] For example, the PCF 73 may send the URSP rules to the UE 3.

[0141] For example, the PCF 73 may send the URSP rules which is updated in step 3 to the UE 3.

[0142] Step 5. The UE 3 applies the energy saving service aware URSP rules at service request per application granularity.

[0143] For example, the UE 3 may apply or use the received URSP rules for the service request. 　　For example, the UE 3 may apply or use the received URSP rules for the service request per application granularity.

[0144] According to at least one of disclosure(s) in First Aspect, it can solve at least one of the above-mentioned problem(s).

[0145] For example, at least one of disclosure(s) in First Aspect can solve the problem that there is no mechanism in the current 5G system for the concept of energy as a service and / or the energy saving service.

[0146] For example, according to at least one of disclosure(s) in First Aspect, it provides mechanism(s) or procedure(s) for at least one of UE energy saving service level subscription provision and update by AF, UE energy saving service level subscription and registration, and UE energy saving service level subscription usage control via URSP rules etc. Therefore, it can solve at least one of the above-mentioned problem(s).

[0147] For example, according to at least one of disclosure(s) in First Aspect, it provides mechanism(s) or procedure(s) for at least one of UE energy saving service level subscription provision and update by AF, UE energy saving service level subscription and registration, and UE energy saving service level subscription usage control via URSP rules etc, in order to provide the above-mentioned concept of energy as a service and / or new energy saving services for the UE. Therefore, it can solve at least one of the above-mentioned problem(s).

[0148] For example, according to at least one of disclosure(s) in First Aspect, it provides mechanism(s) or procedure(s) for the 3GPP system to support at least one of UE energy saving service level subscription provision and update by AF, UE energy saving service level subscription and registration, and UE energy saving service level subscription usage control via URSP rules etc, in order to provide the above-mentioned concept of energy as a service and / or new energy saving services for the UE. Therefore, it can solve at least one of the above-mentioned problem(s).

[0149] <Second Aspect> <First example of the Second Aspect> 　　The First example of the Second Aspect in Fig. 4 includes a mechanism for energy saving service preference indication by the UE 3 and energy saving service control triggered by the UE 3 when the UE's battery drops below the threshold for the energy saving service level in use.

[0150] The detailed processes of the First example of the Second Aspect are described below with reference to Fig. 4.

[0151] Step 1. The UE 3 has been registered and granted with energy saving service levels A and B per application basis.

[0152] For example, the UE 3 may have the energy saving service level A and / or energy saving service level B based on the process(es) in Fig. 2 or 3.

[0153] For example, by performing step 11 in Fig. 2 or step 5 in Fig. 3, the UE 3 may have the energy saving service level A and / or energy saving service level B.

[0154] For example, by performing step 11 in Fig. 2 or step 5 in Fig. 3, the UE 3 may be granted with the energy saving service level A and / or energy saving service level B.

[0155] For example, by performing step 11 in Fig. 2 or step 5 in Fig. 3, the UE 3 may be granted to use the energy saving service level A and / or energy saving service level B.

[0156] For example, by performing step 11 in Fig. 2 or step 5 in Fig. 3, the UE 3 may be granted to use service(s) for or related to the energy saving service level A and / or energy saving service level B.

[0157] For example, by performing step 11 in Fig. 2 or step 5 in Fig. 3, the UE 3 may be granted to use service(s) which is operated in the energy saving service level A and / or energy saving service level B.

[0158] For example, by performing step 11 in Fig. 2 or step 5 in Fig. 3, the UE 3 may be granted to establish PDU Session(s) for or related to the energy saving service level A and / or energy saving service level B.

[0159] For example, by performing step 11 in Fig. 2 or step 5 in Fig. 3, the UE 3 may be granted to establish PDU Session(s) which is operated in the energy saving service level A and / or energy saving service level B.

[0160] Service(s) for or related to the energy saving service level A and / or energy saving service level B may be called as service(s) which is operated in the energy saving service level A and / or energy saving service level B.

[0161] PDU Session(s) for or related to the energy saving service level A and / or energy saving service level B may be called as PDU Session(s) which is operated in the energy saving service level A and / or energy saving service level B.

[0162] Step 2. The UE 3 triggers PDU Session Establishment Request (or PDU Session Establishment procedure) for service(s) related to the energy saving service level A and / or energy saving service level B (e.g., AR service initiated by an AR application in the UE 3). The UE 3 may send a PDU Session Establishment Request message for the PDU Session Establishment Request. The UE 3 may send a PDU Session Establishment Request message during PDU Session Establishment procedure. The PDU Session Establishment Request message from the UE 3 includes at least one of the following new parameters: 　　- energy saving service level B preference - it indicates the UE's preference for energy saving service level B meaning a low-price subscription where the network provides high service experience in high battery, reduced service experience when the UE battery drops below the service level threshold. (e.g. performs QoS degrading). For example, this parameter may indicate that the UE 3 prefers the energy saving service level B than the energy saving service level A. For example, this parameter may indicate that the UE 3 request to establish the PDU Session on the energy saving service level B or to establish the PDU Session which is operated in the energy saving service level B. For example, this parameter may indicate that the UE 3 request to establish service(s) for or related to the energy saving service level B or to establish service(s) which is operated in the energy saving service level B. For example, "the UE 3 prefers the energy saving service level B than the energy saving service level A" may be expressed as "the UE 3 prefers the energy saving service level B rather than the energy saving service level A" or "the UE 3 prefers the energy saving service level B over the energy saving service level A" or "the UE 3 prefers the energy saving service level B to the energy saving service level A". 　　- Service type = AR service (e.g., Service type which is set to AR service) - a new service type referring to an application of extended reality (AR) type. This parameter is needed so that the network e.g. PCF 73, can verify whether the UE 3 enforces correctly the URSP rules, meaning the energy saving service level B requested by the UE 3 would be allowed only if the UE 3 URSP rules allow this service level for the AR application in the UE 3. For example, the Service type may be set to the service(s) related to the energy saving service level A and / or energy saving service level B. For example, the Service type may indicate a type of service(s) which the UE 3 requests. For example, the Service type may indicate a type of service(s) which the UE 3 requests and corresponds to the energy saving service level B preference.

[0163] For example, in a case where the message in step 2 includes the energy saving service level B preference and Service type which is set to AR service, it indicates that the UE 3 request to establish PDU Session(s) which is for the AR service and which is related to the energy saving service level B.

[0164] For example, in a case where the message in step 2 includes the energy saving service level B preference and Service type, which is set to AR service, it indicates that the UE 3 request to establish PDU Session(s) for the AR service which is related to the energy saving service level B.

[0165] For example, in a case where the message in step 2 includes the energy saving service level B preference and Service type, which is set to AR service, it indicates that the UE 3 request to establish PDU Session(s) for the AR service which is operated in the energy saving service level B.

[0166] For example, in a case where the message in step 2 includes the energy saving service level B preference and Service type, which is set to AR service, it indicates that the UE 3 request to establish the AR service which is operated in the energy saving service level B.

[0167] For example, in a case where the message in step 2 includes the energy saving service level B preference and Service type, which is set to AR service, it indicates that the UE 3 request the AR service which is operated in the energy saving service level B.

[0168] The PDU Session Establishment Request message from the UE 3 is carried to the AMF 70 via the UL NAS Transport message which also includes an energy saving service capability parameter. The energy saving service capability parameter indicate the UE 3 is energy saving services capable and this indication may be used by the AMF 70 to select a SMF (e.g., SMF 71) which supports the energy saving services. Definition of the energy saving service capability in First Aspect may be applied to Second aspect.

[0169] For example, the AMF 70 may select the SMF (e.g., SMF 71) which has the energy saving service capability in a case where the AMF 70 receives the energy saving service capability from the UE 3.

[0170] For example, the AMF 70 may have information for selecting the SMF which has the energy saving service capability.

[0171] For example, the AMF 70 may have information indicating which SMF has the energy saving service capability. Using this information, the AMF 70 may select the SMF which has the energy saving service capability.

[0172] The SMF which has the energy saving service capability may be an SMF which understand at least one of the energy saving service level A and energy saving service level B.

[0173] The SMF which has the energy saving service capability may be an SMF which is able to perform process(es) related to at least one of the energy saving service level A and energy saving service level B.

[0174] The SMF which has the energy saving service capability may be an SMF which is able to perform process(es) for at least one of the energy saving service level A and energy saving service level B.

[0175] For example, the UE 3 may perform the PDU Session Establishment procedure for at least one of the energy saving service level A and energy saving service level B by performing step 2.

[0176] For example, by including the energy saving service level B preference in the message of step 2, the UE 3 may perform the PDU Session Establishment procedure to establish the PDU Session which is operated in the energy saving service level B.

[0177] For example, by including the energy saving service level A preference in the message of step 2, the UE 3 may perform the PDU Session Establishment procedure to establish the PDU Session which is operated in the energy saving service level A.

[0178] For example, in a case where the message in step 2 includes the energy saving service level A preference and Service type which is set to AR service, it indicates that the UE 3 request to establish PDU Session(s) for the AR service which is related to the energy saving service level A.

[0179] For example, in a case where the message in step 2 includes the energy saving service level A preference and Service type which is set to AR service, it indicates that the UE 3 request to establish PDU Session(s) for the AR service which is operated in the energy saving service level A.

[0180] For example, in a case where the message in step 2 includes the energy saving service level A preference and Service type, which is set to AR service, it indicates that the UE 3 request to establish the AR service which is operated in the energy saving service level A.

[0181] For example, in a case where the message in step 2 includes the energy saving service level A preference and Service type, which is set to AR service, it indicates that the UE 3 request the AR service which is operated in the energy saving service level A.

[0182] Step 3. The AMF 70 forwards the PDU Session Establishment Request message to the SMF 71 within the Nsmf PDU Session CreateSMContext Request message.

[0183] For example, the AMF 70 may send, to the SMF 71, the Nsmf PDU Session CreateSMContext Request message including the PDU Session Establishment Request message.

[0184] For example, the AMF 70 may send, to the SMF 71, the Nsmf PDU Session CreateSMContext Request message including the PDU Session Establishment Request message which is received from the UE 3.

[0185] Step 4. The SMF 71 interacts with the PCF 73 and provides the service type parameter which is set to AR (or AR service) and the energy saving service level B preference parameter received from the UE 3 with or by using the PDU Session Establishment Request message to the PCF 73.

[0186] The PCF 73 verifies with or by using the stored URSP rules for UE 3 whether the UE 3's URSP rules allow for the AR application using the energy saving service level B for the PDU Session establishment. This in fact is the URSP enforcement by the UE 3 verification by the PCF 73. The parameter energy saving service level preference is also used as one of the criteria by the SMF 71 to select the UPF handling an energy saving service level B preference or energy saving service level B.

[0187] For example, upon reception the message in step 3, in a case where the PCF 73 verifies that the URSP rules for the UE 3 define or indicate that the energy saving service level B is available for or is configured for the AR service or AR application (or the service(s) or application indicated by the Service type), the PCF 73 may proceed step 5. In addition or alternatively, upon reception the message in step 3, in a case where the PCF 73 verifies that the URSP rules for the UE 3 define or indicate that the energy saving service level B is available for or is configured for the AR service or AR application (or the service(s) or application indicated by the Service type), the PCF 73 may notify that the verification is completed successfully to at least one of the SMF 71 and the UPF 72. Then the related node(s) (e.g., the SMF 71, UPF 72, PCF 73 etc) may proceed step 5.

[0188] Step 5. The PDU Session Establishment procedure for AR service on energy saving service level B continues as per 3GPP TS 23.502 [3], section 4.3.2.2.

[0189] For example, in a case where the verification in step 4 completes, the PDU Session Establishment procedure continues as per 3GPP TS 23.502 [3], section 4.3.2.2.

[0190] Step 6. After the PDU Session is established, it is confirmed by the SMF 71 with the PDU Session Establishment Accept message which is delivered to the UE 3 via N1 SM container within the N2 message. The SMF 71 may also include the service level threshold parameter for the energy saving service level B which is the UE battery level, in percentage of the whole UE's battery energy for example, which is defined by the operator or by the service provider per energy saving service level B.

[0191] For example, the SMF 71 may send, to the UE 3, the PDU Session Establishment Accept message or any other message including the service level threshold parameter.

[0192] Step 7. If the UE 3's battery drops below the service level threshold for the service level B (provided to the UE during the registration or PDU Session establishment. For example, provided in step 10 in Fig. 2 or provided in step 6 in Fig. 4), the UE 3 triggers PDU Session modification, e.g. performs QoS degrading as per the requirement of the energy saving service level B subscription.

[0193] For example, in case where the UE 3's battery (e.g., the current UE 3's battery) drops below the service level threshold for the service level B, the UE 3 may perform PDU Session modification procedure for QoS degrading or the UE 3 may proceed step 8.

[0194] For example, in case where the UE 3's battery (e.g., the current UE 3's battery) does not drop below the service level threshold for the service level B or is above the service level threshold for the service level B, the UE 3 may not perform the PDU Session modification procedure for QoS degrading. In this case, high service experience may be maintained.

[0195] Step 8. The UE 3 triggers the PDU Session Modification procedure for the purpose of degrading the service (e.g., QoS) and saving on energy so that the ongoing AR service can last longer. The UE 3 may trigger the PDU Session Modification procedure by sending the PDU Session Modification message or PDU Session Establishment Modification message. The PDU Session Modification message or PDU Session Establishment Modification message is carried to the AMF 70 by a UL NAS Transport message. The PDU Session Modification message or PDU Session Establishment Modification message may include a parameter called UE battery below service level threshold for example, to indicate the network that the ongoing service is allowed to degrade so that the battery can last longer.

[0196] For example, based on the UE battery below service level threshold, the network (the RAN 5, AMF 70, SMF 71, UPF 72, PCF 73, UDM 75 etc.) may perform process(es) for degrading QoS of the ongoing service or ongoing PDU Session which is related to or operating in the energy saving service level B. For example, the network (the RAN 5, AMF 70, SMF 71, UPF 72, PCF 73, UDM 75 etc.) may perform process(es) regarding for example, cell-DTX, UE-DRX, LP-WUS, for degrading QoS of the ongoing service or ongoing PDU Session which is related to or operating in the energy saving service level B.

[0197] For example, instead of the energy saving service level B preference, the UE 3 may send energy saving service level A preference. The energy saving service level A preference is a parameter indicating that the UE 3 prefers the energy saving service level A than or to the energy saving service level B. For example, the energy saving service level A preference may indicate that the UE 3 request to establish the PDU Session on the energy saving service level A or to establish the PDU Session which is operated in the energy saving service level A.

[0198] In this case, steps 4 and 5 are performed for the energy saving service level A. In addition, in this case, the SMF 71 may send the PDU Session Establishment Accept message which does not include the service level threshold (e.g., the service level threshold for the energy saving service level A) to the UE 3 in step 6. Further, in this case, the UE 3 does not perform steps 7 and 8.

[0199] Alternatively, the SMF 71 may send the PDU Session Establishment Accept message which includes the service level threshold (e.g., the service level threshold for the energy saving service level A) to the UE 3 in step 6.

[0200] For example, instead of the energy saving service level B preference, the UE 3 may send the preference for the energy saving service level(s) in case where the one or more energy saving service levels are configured for the UE 3. For example, the preference for the energy saving service level(s) may indicate that the UE 3 request to establish the PDU Session on the preferred energy saving service level(s) or to establish the PDU Session which is operated in the preferred energy saving service level(s). For example, the preference for the energy saving service level(s) may indicate that the UE 3 request service(s) which is related to the preferred energy saving service level(s) or service(s) which is operated in the preferred energy saving service level(s).

[0201] For example, the UE 3 may perform the PDU Session Establishment procedure to establish a PDU Session which is operated in the energy saving service level A and / or the energy saving service level B.

[0202] For example, the UE 3 may perform the PDU Session Establishment procedure to establish a PDU Session which is operated in the energy saving service level A and / or the energy saving service level B, by performing at least one of steps 1, 2, and 5 to 8 in Fig. 4.

[0203] For example, the AMF 70 may perform the PDU Session Establishment procedure to establish a PDU Session which is operated in the energy saving service level A and / or the energy saving service level B.

[0204] For example, the AMF 70 may perform the PDU Session Establishment procedure to establish a PDU Session which is operated in the energy saving service level A and / or the energy saving service level B, by performing at least one of steps 1 to 3, 5 and 8 in Fig. 4.

[0205] For example, the SMF 71 may perform the PDU Session Establishment procedure to establish a PDU Session which is operated in the energy saving service level A and / or the energy saving service level B.

[0206] For example, the SMF 71 may perform the PDU Session Establishment procedure to establish a PDU Session which is operated in the energy saving service level A and / or the energy saving service level B, by performing at least one of steps 1 and 3 to 6 in Fig. 4.

[0207] For example, the UPF 72 may perform the PDU Session Establishment procedure to establish a PDU Session which is operated in the energy saving service level A and / or the energy saving service level B.

[0208] For example, the UPF 72 may perform the PDU Session Establishment procedure to establish a PDU Session which is operated in the energy saving service level A and / or the energy saving service level B, by performing at least one of steps 1, 4 and 5 in Fig. 4.

[0209] For example, the PCF 73 may perform the PDU Session Establishment procedure to establish a PDU Session which is operated in the energy saving service level A and / or the energy saving service level B.

[0210] For example, the PCF 73 may perform the PDU Session Establishment procedure to establish a PDU Session which is operated in the energy saving service level A and / or the energy saving service level B, by performing at least one of steps 1, 4 and 5 in Fig. 4.

[0211] For example, the UDM 75 may perform the PDU Session Establishment procedure to establish a PDU Session which is operated in the energy saving service level A and / or the energy saving service level B.

[0212] For example, the UDM 75 may perform the PDU Session Establishment procedure to establish a PDU Session which is operated in the energy saving service level A and / or the energy saving service level B, by performing at least one of steps 1 and 5 in Fig. 4.

[0213] For example, the UE 3 may perform the PDU Session Modification procedure in a case where a battery of the UE drops below a predetermined threshold.

[0214] For example, the UE 3 may perform the PDU Session Modification procedure in a case where a battery of the UE drops below a predetermined threshold, by performing at least one of step 7 and 8 in Fig. 4.

[0215] <Second example of the Second Aspect> 　　The Second example of the Second Aspect in Fig. 5 includes a mechanism for energy saving service preference indication by the UE and energy saving service control triggered by the network when the UE battery drops below the threshold for the energy saving service level in use.

[0216] The detailed processes of the Second example of the Second Aspect are described below with the reference to Fig. 5.

[0217] Step 1. The UE 3 has been registered and granted with energy saving service levels A and / or B per application basis. For example, the AR application in the UE 3 is granted energy saving service level B meaning a low-price subscription where the network provides high service experience in high battery, reduced service experience when the UE battery drops below the service level threshold. (e.g. performs QoS degrading).

[0218] This step 1 may be the same as step 1 in Fig. 4.

[0219] Step 2. The UE 3 triggers PDU Session establishment procedure (as per 3GPP TS 23.502 [3], section 4.3.2.2) for service (e.g., AR service) by sending the PDU Session Establishment request message including a preference for energy saving service level B. The UE 3 regularly provides its battery level to the service provider, e.g., AF 201 via the application-level signalling. It is assumed that the 3GPP system is subscribed with the AF 201 for notification when the UE's battery level drops below the threshold for the energy saving service level B. The threshold for the energy saving service level B may be set / configured by the operator and provided to the AF 201 when the network (e.g., 3GPP system) subscribes for the notification service.

[0220] In one example, the UE 3 sends the PDU Session Establishment request message including preference for energy saving service level A. For example, instead of the preference for energy saving service level B, the UE 3 may send the PDU Session Establishment request message including a preference for energy saving service level A.

[0221] For example, in this step 2, steps 2 to 6 in Fig. 4 may be performed for establishing the PDU Session for the energy saving service level A and / or energy saving service level B.

[0222] For example, in this step 2, the PDU Session for the energy saving service level A and / or energy saving service level B may be established in the same manner as Fig. 4.

[0223] Step 3. The AF 201 monitors the UE 3's battery during the AR service (or during the service related to the PDU Session established in step 2). When the UE 3's battery level drops below the service level threshold for the service level B (provided by the 3GPP system to the AF 201 at the notification subscription), the AF 201 triggers notification to the 3GPP system to indicate that the UE 3's battery level has dropped below the service level threshold. The service level threshold may be expressed in percentage of the whole battery level, for example.

[0224] For example, the AF 201 may send the notification indicating that the UE 3's battery level has dropped below the service level threshold to the 3GPP system including the SMF 71.

[0225] Step 4. When the SMF 71 is notified that the UE battery level has dropped below the service level threshold, the SMF 71 takes an appropriate action for energy saving in UE 3 taking the energy saving service level into account.

[0226] For example, if the UE 3 indicates its preference to the energy saving service level B, the SMF 71 triggers PDU Session Modification procedure to degrade to QoS and data throughput to save UE battery life and makes the ongoing AR service last longer. The SMF 71 may also inform the RAN 5 the UE's preference of the energy saving service level B via the AMF 70 by N2 message. The N2 message may be N2 UE Energy Saving Service Level Notification message or other existing NGAP messages.

[0227] For example, the SMF 71 may perform process(es) for saving UE battery life and making the ongoing AR service last longer. For example, the SMF 71 may perform process(es) for stopping the PDU Session other than the PDU Session which is related to the ongoing AR service (e.g., the PDU Session(s) other than the PDU Session which is operated in the energy saving service level B). By this stopping, the UE 3's battery life is prolonged or saved and the ongoing AR service lasts longer.

[0228] For example, in the same manner as Fig. 7, the SMF 71 may send to the RAN 5, via the AMF 70, a notification indicating that the UE 3's battery level has dropped below the service level threshold. In this case, the RAN 5 and UE 3 may perform process(es) for saving UE battery life and making the ongoing AR service last longer. For example, the UE 3 may display information related to UE battery status. For example, the UE 3 may display information to indicate the UE battery status or to indicate that the UE battery is low for the user. The displayed information may prompt the user of the UE 3 to terminate the application, for example. For example, the UE 3 and the network (the RAN 5, AMF 70, SMF 71 etc) may perform process(es) regarding for example, cell-DTX, UE-DRX, LP-WUS, for saving the UE battery. For example, the UE 3 and the network (the RAN 5, AMF 70, SMF 71 etc) may perform process(es) regarding for example, cell-DTX, UE-DRX, LP-WUS towards PDU session(s) and / or application(s) in the UE 3 which is operating at the energy saving service level B, for saving the UE battery.

[0229] For example, the energy saving process(es) or action(s) in Variants of Fourth example of the Second Aspect may applied to this second example.

[0230] In another example, if the UE 3 indicates its preference to the energy saving service level A, the SMF 71 may inform that the UE battery has dropped below the service level threshold to both the UE 3 and RAN 5 for taking actions for saving UE battery life without QoS down grade. N2 message may be used to inform from SMF 71 to RAN 5 via AMF 70. The N2 message may be N2 UE Energy Saving Service Level Notification message or other existing NGAP messages. This another example may be related to the Fourth example of the Second Aspect or Fig. 7.

[0231] Another example related to Steps 3 and 4 is disclosed by the Third example of the Second Aspect or Fig. 6.

[0232] In another example, when the UE 3 has a multi-access PDU session over 3GPP and non-3GPP access, following Fig. 5 and the corresponding Step 4, the SMF 71 may decide to deactivate the user plane resources on one of the accesses (e.g., 3GPP access and non-3GPP access) and perform, to the corresponding RAN access (e.g., RAN 5), N1N2MessageTransfer service operation, for indicating Energy Saving Service Level B. Alternatively, the SMF 71 may send a message in the service operation. In this service operation, PDU Session ID, N2 SM Information etc are sent or received. The PDU Session ID, N2 SM Information etc are included in the message in the service operation. The N2 SM Information may include at least N2 Resource Release Request. The N2 Resource Release Request may include at least one of PDU Session ID and Energy Saving Service Level B. The RAN 5 here may be 3GPP RAN or trusted or untrusted non-3GPP access. Based on this message, the RAN 5 may release the corresponding radio resources related to the PDU Session information (see also the Fourth example of the Second aspect and Variant 1 of Fourth example of the Second Aspect). The AS layer in the UE 3 indicates it (e.g., the releasing the corresponding radio resources) to the NAS layer. The rest of the steps are as in Section 4.3.7. in TS 23.502 [3].

[0233] For example, the process(es) in Fig. 5 may be applied to the energy saving service level A.

[0234] For example, the AF 201 may monitor the UE battery level for the service on the energy saving service level A. In a case where the UE battery level drops below the threshold for the energy saving service level A, the AF 201 may send, to the SMF 71, the notification indicating that the UE 3's battery level has dropped below the threshold. Then the SMF 71 may perform step 1 in Fig. 7.

[0235] <Variant 1 of the Second example of the Second Aspect> 　　In one example, in Step 4 or after Step 4 if the battery level drops below a certain threshold (e.g., battery limit is 20%) of the energy saving service level B, then the UE 3 sends this current battery status (e.g., the current battery level) by using an existing or a new information element in an existing NAS message to the AMF 70. The AMF 70 sends the battery status to the at least one of the SMFs 71 which are associated with the UE 3 at the AMF 70 for the PDU sessions in an existing Information element or a new information element in an existing message between the AMF 70 and SMF 71 or in a new message between the AMF 70 or the SMF 71. Then the SMF 71 executes Step 4 as defined in the above Aspect.

[0236] In one example, the SMF 71 or the AMF 70 may initiate user plane deactivation procedure or the PDU session release procedure for the PDU session which is neither associated with energy saving service level A nor with energy saving service level B. For example, if the battery level is below the threshold, the SMF 71 or the AMF 70 may initiate user plane deactivation procedure or the PDU session release procedure for the PDU session which is neither associated with energy saving service level A nor with energy saving service level B.

[0237] The UE 3 may not initiate PDU session establishment procedure for the application which is neither associated with energy saving service level A nor energy saving service level B when the battery status reached a certain threshold e.g., 20% (e.g., when the battery level is below the threshold). During this scenario, when the UE 3 tries to establish the PDU session of this type (e.g., the PDU session which is neither associated with energy saving service level A nor energy saving service level B), the SMF 71 rejects the PDU session establishment by sending PDU session reject message with an existing 5GSM cause or a new 5GSM cause indicating activation as lower threshold not allowed.

[0238] If the PDU session of this type (e.g., the PDU session which is neither associated with energy saving service level A nor energy saving service level B) is already established, the AMF 70 rejects the user plane activation request e.g. by sending Service Reject message with cause indicating user plane activation as lower threshold not allowed in response of service request message requesting the AMF 70 to establish the user plane for the PDU session.

[0239] <Third example of the Second Aspect> 　　The Third example of the Second Aspect in Fig. 6 includes a mechanism for a subscription with the AF for UE battery level monitoring and notification to the network when the UE battery level drops below the reporting criteria.

[0240] In this example, the energy saving service level B is mainly described as UE 3's preferred action for energy saving in the UE 3.

[0241] This process includes two parts, the Service subscription procedure for UE battery monitoring part (Steps 1 to 7) and the Service Notification procedure for UE battery monitoring part (Steps 8 to 9).

[0242] Although Fig. 6 illustrates steps with sequence, the Service subscription procedure for UE battery monitoring part (Steps 1 to 7) and the Service Notification procedure for UE battery monitoring part (Steps 8 to 9) may be executed independently.

[0243] For example, the Service Notification procedure for UE battery monitoring part (Steps 8 to 9) may not be executed unless the reporting criteria is met.

[0244] The detailed processes of the Third example of the Second Aspect are described below with reference to Fig. 6.

[0245] Service subscription procedure for UE battery monitoring 　　Step 1. PDU Session establishment for energy saving service level B as per steps 1-4 in Fig. 4.

[0246] Step 2. In case that the SMF 71 receives the energy saving service level B preference from the AMF 70 in step 2 in Fig. 4, the SMF 71 initiates a subscription request to the AF 201 for UE 3's battery monitoring and notification.

[0247] Step 3. The SMF 71 sends Nnef_EventExposure_Subscribe message to the NEF 79 in which the SMF 71 include at least one of the following parameters: 　　- UE ID - the UE 3's identity subject to the energy saving service subscription. The UE 3's identity may take a form of MSISDN or SUPI or IMEI as defined in 3GPP TS 23.003 [4]. 　　- UE battery level - this parameter indicates that the SMF 71 asks the AF 201 to monitor the UE 3's battery level. This parameter may indicate that the SMF 71 asks the AF 201 to monitor the battery level of the UE indicated by the UE ID. 　　- reporting criteria - it indicates the criteria for when the AF 201 notifies the SMF 71 about the UE battery status. For example, the reporting criteria can be expressed with a threshold value in percentage of the maximum battery level. If the battery reporting criteria is 20%, it means that AF 201 may notify or report the battery level when it drops below 20 % or when it reaches 20% downwards.

[0248] The UE battery status may include the UE's battery level.

[0249] Step 4. The NEF 79 confirms the subscription request from the SMF 71 by returning or sending the Nnef_EventExposure_Subscribe Response message.

[0250] Upon reception of the Nnef_EventExposure_Subscribe Response message from the NEF 79, the SMF 71 continues the PDU Session Establishment procedure taking Step 5 and Step 6 in Fig. 4.

[0251] Upon reception of the Nnef_EventExposure_Subscribe Response message from the NEF 79, the SMF 71 continues the PDU Session Establishment procedure by performing at least one of Step 5 and Step 6 in Fig. 4.

[0252] Step 5. The NEF 79 forwards the subscription request received from the SMF 71 to the AF 201 with or by using the Naf_EventExposure_Subscribe message along with the parameters (e.g., at least one of the UE ID, UE battery level and reporting criteria) received from the SMF 71. The NEF 79 may interact beforehand with the UDM 75 to convert the UE's 3GPP identity (e.g., the UE ID in 3GPP) to a UE external identity, for example GPSI (Generic Public Subscription Identifier).

[0253] For example, the NEF 79 may send, to the AF 201, the Naf_EventExposure_Subscribe message or a message which includes at least one of the UE ID, UE battery level and reporting criteria.

[0254] Step 6. The AF 201 confirms the request for subscription from NEF 79 with or by sending the Naf_EventExposure_Subscribe Response message.

[0255] Step 7. The UE 3's battery is monitored and when the reporting criteria is met, e.g. UE battery level drops below the reporting criteria or reaches the reporting criteria, the AF 201 sends notification to the network (e.g., the NEF 79 or the SMF 71).

[0256] For example, in a case where the reporting criteria is met, e.g., UE battery level drops below the reporting criteria or reaches the reporting criteria, the AF 201 may perform step 8.

[0257] Service Notification procedure for UE battery monitoring

[0258] Step 8. The AF 201 sends Naf_EventExposure_Notify message in which the AF 201 includes at least one of the following parameters: 　　- UE ID - the UE 3's identity subject to the energy saving service subscription. The UE 3's identity may take a form of Generic Public Subscription Identifier (GPSI) or MSISDN. 　　- UE battery status - The UE battery status parameter may indicate True / False meaning the reporting criteria is met or not met or may indicate the UE battery level in percentage of UE max battery level. The UE battery status may indicate whether the UE battery is low, is below service level threshold. The UE battery status may be expressed by percentage of battery left out of full battery capacity. The battery status may have a battery capacity information expressed by a WH (Watt Hour). The UE battery status may be expressed by Managed Objects. For example, the Managed Objects may be defined in RFC 7577 [7].

[0259] Step 9. The NEF 79 forwards the notification from the AF 201 in Naf_EventExposure_Notify message along with the received parameters from the AF 201. The NEF 79 may interact beforehand with the UDM 75 to convert the UE 3 GPSI (Generic Public Subscription Identifier) to a 3GPP identity.

[0260] For example, the NEF 79 may send, to the SMF 71, the Naf_EventExposure_Notify message or a message including at least one of the UE ID and UE battery status.

[0261] Upon reception of the Naf_EventExposure_Notify message from the NEF 79, the SMF 71 may take appropriate action, for example, Step 4 in Fig. 5.

[0262] For example, the process(es) in Fig. 6 may be applied to the energy saving service level A.

[0263] For example, the PDU Session is established for the energy saving service level A (e.g., the PDU Session is established for the service(s) which is operated in the energy saving service level A). In a case where the SMF 71 receives the energy saving service level A preference from the AMF 70, the SMF 71 may initiate a subscription request to the AF 201 for UE 3's battery monitoring and notification. The SMF 71 may send Nnef_EventExposure_Subscribe message to the NEF 79 including at least one of the parameters described in step 3. After that, steps 4 to 9 may be performed in the same manner as Fig. 6.

[0264] <Fourth example of the Second Aspect> 　　The Fourth example of the Second Aspect in Fig. 7 includes a mechanism for a subscription with the AF for UE battery level monitoring and notification to the network when the UE battery level drops below the reporting criteria energy saving service level A. 　　The detailed processes of the Fourth example of the Second Aspect are described below with reference to Fig. 7.

[0265] Step 1. The SMF 71 concludes or is notified that the UE 3's battery has dropped below the service level threshold.

[0266] In one example, the SMF 71 receives the Naf_EventExposure_Notify message in Step 9 in Fig. 6.

[0267] In one another example, the SMF 71 receives a message from the RAN 5 via AMF 70.

[0268] In one another example, the SMF 71 receives a message from the OAM 8 or the NWDAF 74.

[0269] In one example, the SMF 71 receives the notification in Steps 3 and 4 in Fig. 5.

[0270] For example, the message, which is received by the SMF 71, may indicate that the UE 3's battery or the UE 3's battery level has dropped below the service level threshold (e.g., the service level threshold for the energy saving service level A).

[0271] Step 2. The SMF 71 sends the PDU Session Modification Command message to the AMF 70 in the N1 SM container within the Namf_Communication_N1N2Message Transfer message. At least one of the following new parameters may be included in both, in the PDU Session Modification Command message embedded in the N1 SM container and in the N2 SM information. 　　- energy saving service level A - it indicates that the network maintains high service experience (e.g., low latency, high throughput) in low battery, i.e. the high service experience to be maintained even when the UE battery drops below the service level threshold. This parameter may indicate that the PDU Session (e.g., the PDU Session which is indicated by the PDU Session ID) related to the energy saving service level A is needed to be maintained. This parameter may indicate that the PDU Session (e.g., the PDU Session which is indicated by the PDU Session ID) which is operated in the energy saving service level A is needed to be maintained. This parameter may indicate that service(s) (e.g., service(s) indicated by the Service type or service(s) indicated by the Application ID) related to the energy saving service level A is needed to be maintained. This parameter may indicate that service(s) (e.g., service(s) indicated by the Service type or service(s) indicated by the Application ID) which is operated in the energy saving service level A is needed to be maintained. This parameter may indicate that the high service experience (e.g., low latency, high throughput) is needed to be maintained in the service(s) (e.g., service(s) indicated by the Service type or service(s) indicated by the Application ID or service(s) related to the PDU session which is indicated by the PDU Session ID) in low battery even when the UE battery drops below the service level threshold. 　　- In one example, instead of energy saving service level B, it may be an energy saving service level A or another energy saving service level. 　　- UE battery status - Refer to Step 8 in Fig. 6. This parameter may indicate that a level of a battery of the UE 3 drops below a predetermined threshold. 　　- Application ID - it indicates that which application is running over the PDU Session. For example, this parameter may indicate an identifier for an application in the UE 3 regarding the PDU Session related to the energy saving service level A or the PDU Session which is operated in the energy saving service level A. For example, this parameter may indicate an identifier for an application in the UE 3 related to service(s) which is related to the energy saving service level A or service(s) which is operated in the energy saving service level A. 　　- Service type - it indicates a type of the application (e.g., the application in the UE 3). For example, AR, VR with glass. 　　- Pre-emption indication - it indicates that other PDU Sessions that are active and associated with the UE 3 may be modified, e.g. applying degraded QoS or suspended or released in order to save on battery left in the UE 3.

[0272] For example, after step 1, the SMF 71 may send the Namf_Communication_N1N2Message Transfer message to the AMF 70. The Namf_Communication_N1N2Message Transfer message may include at least one of PDU Session ID and N2 SM information. The N2 SM information may include at least one of the PDU Session ID, energy saving service level B, UE battery status, Application ID, Service type, Pre-emption indication and N1 SM container. The N1 SM container may include the PDU Session Modification Command message. The PDU Session Modification Command message may include at least one of the energy saving service level B, UE battery status, Application ID, Service type and Pre-emption indication.

[0273] At least one of the energy saving service level B, UE battery status, Application ID, Service type and Pre-emption indication may be included in either the PDU Session Modification Command message or the N2 SM information.

[0274] Step 3. The AMF 70 forwards the PDU Session Modification Command message to the RAN 5 within N2 message along with the new parameters received from the SMF 71.

[0275] For example, N2 message may be N2 PDU Session Request message or other existing NGAP messages. The N2 message includes new parameters as listed in Step 2.

[0276] For example, the AMF 70 may send, to the RAN 5, the received parameters from the SMF 71.

[0277] Step 4. The RAN 5 delivers the PDU Session Modification Command message to the UE 3 in a RRC signalling. The PDU Session Modification Command message includes the new parameters as listed in Step 2.

[0278] For example, the RAN 5 may send, to the UE 3, a RRC message or a RRC signalling including the PDU Session Modification Command message. The PDU Session Modification Command message may include the received parameters from the AMF 70.

[0279] Upon reception of the PDU Session Modification Command message, the UE 3 may send the PDU Session Modification Command Acknowledge message to the SMF 71 via the RAN 5 and the AMF 70.

[0280] Step 5. The RAN 5 and UE 3 perform various energy saving actions so that the network maintains high service experience (e.g., low latency, high throughput) in low UE battery taking new parameters as listed in Step 2 into account. For example, the RAN 5 and UE 3 may perform various energy saving actions so that the network maintains high service experience (e.g., low latency, high throughput). For example, the UE 3 may display information related to UE battery status. For example, the UE 3 may display information to indicate the UE battery status or to indicate that the UE battery is low for the user. The displayed information may prompt the user of the UE 3 to terminate the application, for example.

[0281] For example, the RAN 5 and UE 3 may perform process(es) for stopping or terminating the PDU Session(s) other than the PDU Session related to the energy saving service level A and / or the energy saving service level B in order to save the UE battery. For example, the RAN 5 and UE 3 may perform process(es) for stopping or terminating application(s) in the UE 3 other than the application related to the energy saving service level A and / or the energy saving service level B in order to save the UE battery. For example, the UE 3 and RAN 5 may perform saving the UE battery by maintaining PDU session(s) and / or application(s) in the UE 3 operating at the energy saving service level A and / or the energy saving service level B, and by stopping PDU session(s) and application(s) in the UE 3 not operating at the energy saving service level A and / or the energy saving service level B.

[0282] For example, at step 5, the UE 3 and the network (the RAN 5, AMF 70, SMF 71 etc) may perform process(es) regarding for example, cell-DTX, UE-DRX, LP-WUS, for saving the UE battery.

[0283] For example, at step 5, the UE 3 and the network (the RAN 5, AMF 70, SMF 71 etc) may perform process(es) regarding for example, cell-DTX, UE-DRX, LP-WUS towards PDU session(s) and / or application(s) (or service(s)) in the UE 3 which is not operating at the energy saving service level A and / or the energy saving service level B, for saving the UE battery.

[0284] For example, the SMF 71 may perform process(es) for saving UE battery life and making the ongoing AR service last longer. For example, the SMF 71 may perform process(es) for stopping the PDU Session other than the PDU Session which is related to the ongoing AR service (e.g., the PDU Session(s) other than the PDU Session which is operated in the energy saving service level A). By this stopping, the UE 3's battery life is prolonged or saved and the ongoing AR service lasts longer.

[0285] The above-mentioned action(s) or process(es) for the energy saving, or action(s) or process(es) in variants of this example for the energy saving may be called as action(s) or process(es) for maintaining the high service experience described in low battery. The above-mentioned action(s) or process(es) for the energy saving, or action(s) or process(es) in variants of this example for the energy saving may be called as action(s) or process(es) for maintaining the high service experience in low battery situation.

[0286] For example, in a case where the UE 3 receives the message of step 4, the UE 3 may request above-mentioned action(s) or process(es) for the energy saving.

[0287] For example, in a case where the UE 3 receives the message of step 4, the UE 3 may request to the network (e.g., the RAN 5, AMF 70, SMF 71 etc) the above-mentioned action(s) or process(es) for the energy saving. In this case, based on the request, the network (e.g., the RAN 5, AMF 70, SMF 71 etc) may perform the above-mentioned action(s) or process(es) for the energy saving.

[0288] <Variant 1 of Fourth example of the Second Aspect> 　　In Step 5, the RAN 5 may trigger energy saving actions initiated by the UE 3. In this case, the UE 3 may send new RRC message or existing RRC message anytime to the RAN 5 including new parameters as listed in Step 2.

[0289] <Variant 2 of Fourth example of the Second Aspect> 　　In one example, the network reserves cell(s) to handle the UE 3 which has battery power level below some threshold e.g., battery level at or below 20% and the UE 3 has PDU session established with subscription energy saving service level A. In this case the RAN 5 may handover or redirect the UE 3 to one of the reserved cells. The UE 3 with PDU session established with the subscription energy saving service level A can camp on this cell in idle mode, and other UE may not camp on this cell. This cell is usually on lower frequency band. When all PDU Session with the subscription energy saving service level A is released then the UE 3 moves out of this cell.

[0290] <Variant 3 of Fourth example of the Second Aspect> 　　In one example, after the RAN 5 receive new RRC message or existing RRC message from UE 3 including new parameters as listed in Step 2, the RAN 5 may forward the parameters to the SMF 71 via AMF 70 by N2 message. The N2 message may be N2 UE Energy Saving Service Level Notification message or other existing NGAP messages. The N2 message includes new parameters as listed in Step 2. After receiving the parameters from the RAN 5, the SMF 71 may perform process(es) of step 2.

[0291] <Variant 4 of Fourth example of the Second Aspect> 　　In one example, after step 3 when the RAN 5 receives the N2 message, indicating the UE 3's energy saving service level B and UE battery status, the RAN 5 may be triggered to release Carrier Aggregation cells. Hence, the RAN 5 may send a new IE in the RRC Reconfiguration message, CarrierAggregation-SecCellsReleasePreference. This message indicates a preference to trigger release of all secondary cells, without having to individually release cells.

[0292] In another example, the UE 3 is connected to two RANs - 5 and 5' (Multi-Radio Dual Connectivity - MRDC), where one is the Master node RAN 5 and the other is the secondary node RAN 5'. After step 3, when the Master node RAN 5 receives the N2 message, indicating the UE 3's energy saving service level B and UE battery status, the RAN 5 may be triggered to release some or all the cells associated with the secondary cell group (SCG) on RAN 5' and UE 3. Hence, the RAN 5 may inform RAN 5' that all or some of its cells should be released. The signaling may include indication energySaving-ServiceLev-B. In the following step, the RAN 5 may send a new information element in the RRC Reconfiguration message to UE 3, energySaving-ServiceLev-B-SCG-ToRelease. This information element may include another information element to indicate either specific cells to release energySaving-ServiceLev-B-CellToRelease or preference to release the entire SCG by setting energySaving-ServiceLev-B scg-ReleasePreference to ReleasePreferred.

[0293] It is noted that the RRCReconfiguration message to UE 3 may also be sent from RAN 5' after RAN 5' has received the message from RAN 5 that all or some of its cells to UE 3 should be released. All the other steps (e.g., data forwarding from RAN 5' to RAN 5, path switch and UE context release in RAN 5') are according to 3GPP TS 37.340 [8], section 10.4.

[0294] For example, the RAN 5 may perform process(es) for releasing Carrier Aggregation cell(s), for saving UE battery. For example, the RAN 5 may perform process(es) for releasing Carrier Aggregation cell(s) so that the high service experience can be maintained and saving UE battery is achieved. For example, the RAN 5 may perform process(es) for releasing Carrier Aggregation cell(s) which does not contribute keeping the high service experience, for saving UE battery.

[0295] For example, the RAN 5 may perform process(es) for releasing at least one of cells in SCG, for saving UE battery. For example, the RAN 5 may perform process(es) for releasing at least one of cells in SCG so that the high service experience can be maintained and saving UE battery is achieved. For example, the RAN 5 may perform process(es) for releasing at least one of cells in SCG which does not contribute keeping the high service experience, for saving UE battery.

[0296] The energy saving service level A may be called as service level A. The energy saving service level B may be called as service level B.

[0297] According to at least one of disclosure(s) in Second Aspect, it can solve at least one of the above-mentioned problem(s).

[0298] For example, at least one of disclosure(s) in Second Aspect can solve the problem that there is no mechanism in the current 5G system for the concept of energy as a service and / or the energy saving service.

[0299] For example, according to at least one of disclosure(s) in Second Aspect, it provides mechanism(s) or procedure(s) for at least one of UE energy saving service level preference and control by UE centric control or by network centric control, UE battery monitoring by AF and notification when drops below a threshold for the service level B, and UE battery monitoring by AF and notification when drops below threshold for service level A etc. Therefore, it can solve at least one of the above-mentioned problem(s).

[0300] For example, according to at least one of disclosure(s) in Second Aspect, it provides mechanism(s) or procedure(s) for at least one of UE energy saving service level preference and control by UE centric control or by network centric control, UE battery monitoring by AF and notification when drops below a threshold for the service level B, and UE battery monitoring by AF and notification when drops below threshold for service level A etc, in order to control the above-mentioned concept of energy as a service and / or new energy saving services and control the UE preference. Therefore, it can solve at least one of the above-mentioned problem(s).

[0301] For example, according to at least one of disclosure(s) in Second Aspect, it provides mechanism(s) or procedure(s) for the 3GPP system to support at least one of UE energy saving service level preference and control by UE centric control or by network centric control, UE battery monitoring by AF and notification when drops below a threshold for the service level B, and UE battery monitoring by AF and notification when drops below threshold for service level A etc, in order to control the above-mentioned concept of energy as a service and / or new energy saving services and control the UE preference. Therefore, it can solve at least one of the above-mentioned problem(s).

[0302] <System overview> 　　Fig. 8 schematically illustrates a telecommunication system 1 for a mobile (cellular or wireless) to which the above aspects are applicable.

[0303] The telecommunication system 1 represents a system overview in which an end-to-end communication is possible. For example, UE 3 (or user equipment, 'mobile device' 3) communicates with other UEs 3 or service servers in the data network 20 via respective (R)AN nodes 5 and a core network 7.

[0304] The (R)AN node 5 supports any radio accesses including a 5G radio access technology (RAT), an E-UTRA radio access technology, a beyond 5G RAT, a 6G RAT and non-3GPP RAT including wireless local area network (WLAN) technology as defined by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

[0305] The (R)AN node 5 may split into a Radio Unit (RU), Distributed Unit (DU) and Centralized Unit (CU). In some aspects, each of the units may be connected to each other and structure the (R)AN node 5 by adopting an architecture as defined by the Open RAN (O-RAN) Alliance, where the units above are referred to as O-RU, O-DU and O-CU respectively.

[0306] The (R)AN node 5 may be split into control plane function and user plane function. Further, multiple user plane functions can be allocated to support a communication. In some aspects, user traffic may be distributed to multiple user plane functions and user traffic over each user plane functions are aggregated in both the UE 3 and the (R)AN node 5. This split architecture may be called as 'dual connectivity' or 'Multi connectivity'.

[0307] The (R)AN node 5 can also support a communication using the satellite access. In some aspects, the (R)AN node 5 may support a satellite access and a terrestrial access.

[0308] In addition, the (R)AN node 5 can also be referred as an access node for a non-wireless access. The non-wireless access includes a fixed line access as defined by the Broadband Forum (BBF) and an optical access as defined by the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN).

[0309] The core network 7 may include logical nodes (or 'functions') for supporting a communication in the telecommunication system 1. For example, the core network 7 may be 5G Core Network (5GC) that includes, amongst other functions, control plane functions and user plane functions. Each function in logical nodes can be considered as a network function. The network function may be provided to another node by adapting the Service Based Architecture (SBA).

[0310] A Network Function can be deployed as distributed, redundant, stateless, and scalable that provides the services from several locations and several execution instances in each location by adapting the network virtualization technology as defined by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute, Network Functions Virtualization (ETSI NFV).

[0311] The core network 7 may support the Non-Public Network (NPN). The NPN may be a Stand-alone Non-Public Network (SNPN) or a Public Network Integrated NPN (PNI-NPN).

[0312] As is well known, a UE 3 may enter and leave the areas (i.e. radio cells) served by the (R)AN node 5 as the UE 3 is moving around in the geographical area covered by the telecommunication system 1. In order to keep track of the UE 3 and to facilitate movement between the different (R)AN nodes 5, the core network 7 comprises at least one access and mobility management function (AMF) 70. The AMF 70 is in communication with the (R)AN node 5 coupled to the core network 7. In some core networks, a mobility management entity (MME) or a mobility management node for beyond 5G or a mobility management node for 6G may be used instead of the AMF 70.

[0313] The core network 7 also includes, amongst others, a Session Management Function (SMF) 71, a User Plane Function (UPF) 72, a Policy Control Function (PCF) 73, a Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) 74, a Unified Data Management (UDM) 75, a Authentication Server Function (AUSF) 76 and an AKMA Anchor Function (AAnF) 77. When the UE 3 is roaming to a visited Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN), a home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN) of the UE 3 provides the UDM 75 and at least some of the functionalities of the SMF 71, UPF 72, PCF 73 and AAnF 77 for the roaming-out UE 3.

[0314] The OAM 8 includes, amongst others, Operational functions, Administrational functions and Maintenance related functions. The OAM 8 has interfaces with RAN 5, logical nodes in the core network 7 in a PLMN. In addition, the OAM 8 has interfaces to the AF 201 and other entities that are located in the data network 20.

[0315] When the UE 3 is roaming to a visited Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN), a home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN) of the UE 3 provides the UDM 75 and at least some of the functionalities of the SMF 71, UPF 72, PCF 73 and AAnF 77 for the roaming-out UE 3.

[0316] The UE 3 and a respective serving (R)AN node 5 are connected via an appropriate air interface (for example the so-called "Uu" interface and / or the like). Neighboring (R)AN node 5 are connected to each other via an appropriate (R)AN node 5 to (R)AN node interface (such as the so-called "Xn" interface and / or the like). Each (R)AN node 5 is also connected to nodes in the core network 7 (such as the so-called core network nodes) via an appropriate interface (such as the so-called "N2" / "N3" interface(s) and / or the like). From the core network 7, connection to a data network 20 is also provided. The data network 20 can be an internet, a public network, an external network, a private network or an internal network of the PLMN. In case that the data network 20 is provided by a PLMN operator or Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) service may be provided by that data network 20. The UE 3 can be connected to the data network 20 using IPv4, IPv6, IPv4v6, Ethernet or unstructured data type. The data network may include an Application Function (AF) 201.

[0317] The "Uu" interface may include a Control plane of Uu interface and User plane of Uu interface.

[0318] The User plane of Uu interface is responsible to convey user traffic between the UE 3 and a serving (R)AN node 5. The User plane of Uu interface may have a layered structure with SDAP, PDCP, RLC and MAC sublayer over the physical connection (i.e. PHY sublayer).

[0319] The Control plane of Uu interface is responsible to establish, modify and release a connection between the UE 3 and a serving (R)AN node 5. The Control plane of Uu interface may have a layered structure with RRC, PDCP, RLC and MAC sublayers over the physical connection.

[0320] For example, the following messages are communicated over the RRC layer to support AS signaling. 　　- RRC Setup Request message: This message is sent from the UE 3 to the (R)AN node 5. In addition to the parameters that are disclosed by Aspects in this disclosure, following parameters may be included together in the RRC Setup Request message. 　　　　-- establishmentCause and ue-Identity. The ue-Identity may have a value of ng-5G-S-TMSI-Part1 or randomValue. 　　- RRC Setup message: This message is sent from the (R)AN node 5 to the UE 3. In addition to the parameters that are disclosed by Aspects in this disclosure, following parameters may be included together in the RRC Setup message. 　　　　-- masterCellGroup and radioBearerConfig 　　- RRC setup complete message: This message is sent from the UE 3 to the (R)AN node 5. In addition to the parameters that are disclosed by Aspects in this disclosure, following parameters may be included together in the RRC setup complete message. 　　　　-- guami-Type, iab-NodeIndication, idleMeasAvailable, ue-MeasurementsAvailable, mobilityState, ng-5G-S-TMSI-Part2, registeredAMF, selectedPLMN-Identity, s-NSSAI-List , onboardingRequest

[0321] The UE 3 and the AMF 70 are connected via an appropriate interface (for example the so-called N1 interface and / or the like). The N1 interface is responsible to provide a communication between the UE 3 and the AMF 70 to support NAS signaling. The N1 interface may be established over a 3GPP access and over a non-3GPP access. For example, the following messages are communicated over the N1 interface. 　　- registration request message: This message is sent from the UE 3 to the AMF 70. In addition to the parameters that are disclosed by Aspects in this disclosure, following parameters may be included together in the registration request message. 　　　　-- 5GS registration type, ngKSI, 5GS mobile identity, Non-current native NAS key set identifier, 5GMM capability, UE security capability, Requested NSSAI, Last visited registered TAI, S1 UE network capability, Uplink data status, PDU session status, MICO indication, UE status, Additional GUTI, Allowed PDU session status, UE's usage setting, Requested DRX parameters, EPS NAS message container, LADN indication, Payload container type, Payload container, Network slicing indication, 5GS update type, Mobile station classmark 2, Supported codecs, NAS message container, EPS bearer context status, Requested extended DRX parameters, T3324 value, UE radio capability ID, Requested mapped NSSAI, Additional information requested, Requested WUS assistance information, N5GC indication and Requested NB-N1 mode DRX parameters. 　　- registration accept message: This message is sent from the AMF 70 to the UE 3. In addition to the parameters that are disclosed by Aspects in this disclosure, following parameters may be included together in the registration accept message. 　　　　-- 5GS registration result, 5G-GUTI, Equivalent PLMNs, TAI list, Allowed NSSAI, Rejected NSSAI, Configured NSSAI, 5GS network feature support, PDU session status, PDU session reactivation result, PDU session reactivation result error cause, LADN information, MICO indication, Network slicing indication, Service area list, T3512 value, Non-3GPP de-registration timer value, T3502 value, Emergency number list, Extended emergency number list, SOR transparent container, EAP message, NSSAI inclusion mode, Operator-defined access category definitions, Negotiated DRX parameters, Non-3GPP NW policies, EPS bearer context status, Negotiated extended DRX parameters, T3447 value, T3448 value, T3324 value, UE radio capability ID, UE radio capability ID deletion indication, Pending NSSAI, Ciphering key data, CAG information list, Truncated 5G-S-TMSI configuration, Negotiated WUS assistance information, Negotiated NB-N1 mode DRX parameters and Extended rejected NSSAI. 　　- Registration Complete message: This message is sent from the UE 3 to the AMF 70. In addition to the parameters that are disclosed by Aspects in this disclosure, following parameters may be included together in the Registration Complete message. 　　　　-- SOR transparent container. 　　- Authentication Request message: This message is sent from the AMF 70 to the UE 3. In addition to the parameters that are disclosed by Aspects in this disclosure, following parameters may be included together in the Authentication Request message. 　　　　-- ngKSI, ABBA, Authentication parameter RAND (5G authentication challenge), Authentication parameter AUTN (5G authentication challenge) and EAP message. 　　- Authentication Response message: This message is sent from the UE 3 to the AMF 70. In addition to the parameters that are disclosed by Aspects in this disclosure, following parameters may be populated together in the Authentication Response message. 　　　　-- Authentication response message identity, Authentication response parameter and EAP message. 　　- Authentication Result message: This message is sent from the AMF 70 to the UE 3. In addition to the parameters that are disclosed by Aspects in this disclosure, following parameters may be populated together in the Authentication Result message. 　　　　-- ngKSI, EAP message and ABBA. 　　- Authentication Failure message: This message is sent from the UE 3 to the AMF 70. In addition to the parameters that are disclosed by Aspects in this disclosure, following parameters may be populated together in the Authentication Failure message. 　　　　-- Authentication failure message identity, 5GMM cause and Authentication failure parameter. 　　- Authentication Reject message: This message is sent from the AMF 70 to the UE 3. In addition to the parameters that are disclosed by Aspects in this disclosure, following parameters may be populated together in the Authentication Reject message. 　　　　-- EAP message. 　　- Service Request message: This message is sent from the UE 3 to the AMF 70. In addition to the parameters that are disclosed by Aspects in this disclosure, following parameters may be populated together in the Service Request message. 　　　　-- ngKSI, Service type, 5G-S-TMSI, Uplink data status, PDU session status, Allowed PDU session status, NAS message container. 　　- Service Accept message: This message is sent from the AMF 70 to the UE 3. In addition to the parameters that are disclosed by Aspects in this disclosure, following parameters may be populated together in the Service Accept message. 　　　　-- PDU session status, PDU session reactivation result, PDU session reactivation result error cause, EAP message and T3448 value. 　　- Service Reject message: This message is sent from the AMF 70 to the UE 3. In addition to the parameters that are disclosed by Aspects in this disclosure, following parameters may be populated together in the Service Reject message. 　　　　-- 5GMM cause, PDU session status, T3346 value, EAP message, T3448 value and CAG information list. 　　- Configuration Update Command message: This message is sent from the AMF 70 to the UE 3. In addition to the parameters that are disclosed by Aspects in this disclosure, following parameters may be populated together in the Configuration Update Command message. 　　　　-- Configuration update indication,5G-GUTI, TAI list, Allowed NSSAI, Service area list, Full name for network, Short name for network, Local time zone, Universal time and local time zone, Network daylight saving time, LADN information, MICO indication, Network slicing indication, Configured NSSAI, Rejected NSSAI, Operator-defined access category definitions, SMS indication, T3447 value, CAG information list, UE radio capability ID, UE radio capability ID deletion indication, 5GS registration result, Truncated 5G-S-TMSI configuration, Additional configuration indication and Extended rejected NSSAI. 　　- Configuration Update Complete message: This message is sent from the UE 3 to the AMF 70. In addition to the parameters that are disclosed by Aspects in this disclosure, following parameters may be populated together in the Configuration Update Complete message. 　　　　-- Configuration update complete message identity.

[0322] <User equipment (UE)> 　　Fig. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of the UE 3 (mobile device 3). As shown, the UE 3 includes a transceiver circuit 31 which is operable to transmit signals to and to receive signals from the connected node(s) via one or more antennas 32. Further, the UE 3 may include a user interface 34 for inputting information from outside or outputting information to outside. Although not necessarily shown in the Figure, the UE 3 may have all the usual functionality of a conventional mobile device and this may be provided by any one or any combination of hardware, software and firmware, as appropriate. Software may be pre-installed in the memory and / or may be downloaded via the telecommunication network or from a removable data storage device (RMD), for example. A controller 33 controls the operation of the UE 3 in accordance with software stored in a memory 36. The software includes, among other things, an operating system 361 and a communications control module 362 having at least a transceiver control module 3621. The communications control module 362 (using its transceiver control module 3621) is responsible for handling (generating / sending / receiving) signalling and uplink / downlink data packets between the UE 3 and other nodes, such as the (R)AN node 5 and the AMF 70. Such signalling may include, for example, appropriately formatted signalling messages (e.g. a registration request message and associated response messages) relating to access and mobility management procedures (for the UE 3). The controller 33 interworks with one or more Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) 35. If there are multiple USIMs 35 equipped, the controller 33 may activate only one USIM 35 or may activate multiple USIMs 35 at the same time.

[0323] The UE 3 may, for example, support the Non-Public Network (NPN). The NPN may be a Stand-alone Non-Public Network (SNPN) or a Public Network Integrated NPN (PNI-NPN).

[0324] The UE 3 may, for example, be an item of equipment for production or manufacture and / or an item of energy related machinery (for example equipment or machinery such as: boilers; engines; turbines; solar panels; wind turbines; hydroelectric generators; thermal power generators; nuclear electricity generators; batteries; nuclear systems and / or associated equipment; heavy electrical machinery; pumps including vacuum pumps; compressors; fans; blowers; oil hydraulic equipment; pneumatic equipment; metal working machinery; manipulators; robots and / or their application systems; tools; molds or dies; rolls; conveying equipment; elevating equipment; materials handling equipment; textile machinery; sewing machines; printing and / or related machinery; paper converting machinery; chemical machinery; mining and / or construction machinery and / or related equipment; machinery and / or implements for agriculture, forestry and / or fisheries; safety and / or environment preservation equipment; tractors; precision bearings; chains; gears; power transmission equipment; lubricating equipment; valves; pipe fittings; and / or application systems for any of the previously mentioned equipment or machinery etc.).

[0325] The UE 3 may, for example, be an item of transport equipment (for example transport equipment such as: rolling stocks; motor vehicles; motor cycles; bicycles; trains; buses; carts; rickshaws; ships and other watercraft; aircraft; rockets; satellites; drones; balloons etc.).

[0326] The UE 3 may, for example, be an item of information and communication equipment (for example information and communication equipment such as: electronic computer and related equipment; communication and related equipment; electronic components etc.).

[0327] The UE 3 may, for example, be a refrigerating machine, a refrigerating machine applied product, an item of trade and / or service industry equipment, a vending machine, an automatic service machine, an office machine or equipment, a consumer electronic and electronic appliance (for example a consumer electronic appliance such as: audio equipment; video equipment; a loud speaker; a radio; a television; a microwave oven; a rice cooker; a coffee machine; a dishwasher; a washing machine; a dryer; an electronic fan or related appliance; a cleaner etc.).

[0328] The UE 3 may, for example, be an electrical application system or equipment (for example an electrical application system or equipment such as: an x-ray system; a particle accelerator; radio isotope equipment; sonic equipment; electromagnetic application equipment; electronic power application equipment etc.).

[0329] The UE 3 may, for example, be an electronic lamp, a luminaire, a measuring instrument, an analyzer, a tester, or a surveying or sensing instrument (for example a surveying or sensing instrument such as: a smoke alarm; a human alarm sensor; a motion sensor; a wireless tag etc.), a watch or clock, a laboratory instrument, optical apparatus, medical equipment and / or system, a weapon, an item of cutlery, a hand tool, or the like.

[0330] The UE 3 may, for example, be a wireless-equipped personal digital assistant or related equipment (such as a wireless card or module designed for attachment to or for insertion into another electronic device (for example a personal computer, electrical measuring machine)).

[0331] The UE 3 may be a device or a part of a system that provides applications, services, and solutions described below, as to "internet of things (IoT)", using a variety of wired and / or wireless communication technologies.

[0332] Internet of Things devices (or "things") may be equipped with appropriate electronics, software, sensors, network connectivity, and / or the like, which enable these devices to collect and exchange data with each other and with other communication devices. IoT devices may comprise automated equipment that follow software instructions stored in an internal memory. IoT devices may operate without requiring human supervision or interaction. IoT devices might also remain stationary and / or inactive for a long period of time. IoT devices may be implemented as a part of a (generally) stationary apparatus. IoT devices may also be embedded in non-stationary apparatus (e.g. vehicles) or attached to animals or persons to be monitored / tracked.

[0333] It will be appreciated that IoT technology can be implemented on any communication devices that can connect to a communications network for sending / receiving data, regardless of whether such communication devices are controlled by human input or software instructions stored in memory.

[0334] It will be appreciated that IoT devices are sometimes also referred to as Machine-Type Communication (MTC) devices or Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication devices or Narrow Band-IoT UE (NB-IoT UE). It will be appreciated that a UE 3 may support one or more IoT or MTC applications.

[0335] The UE 3 may be a smart phone or a wearable device (e.g. smart glasses, a smart watch, a smart ring, or a hearable device). For a wearable device, the UE 3 may be a reduced capability device (RedCap).

[0336] The UE 3 may be a car, or a connected car, or an autonomous car, or a vehicle device, or a motorcycle or V2X (Vehicle to Everything) communication module (e.g. Vehicle to Vehicle communication module, Vehicle to Infrastructure communication module, Vehicle to People communication module and Vehicle to Network communication module).

[0337] <(R)AN node> 　　Fig. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of an exemplary (R)AN node 5, for example a base station ('eNB' in LTE, 'gNB' in 5G, a base station for 5G beyond, a base station for 6G). As shown, the (R)AN node 5 includes a transceiver circuit 51 which is operable to transmit signals to and to receive signals from connected UE(s) 3 via one or more antennas 52 and to transmit signals to and to receive signals from other network nodes (either directly or indirectly) via a network interface 53. A controller 54 controls the operation of the (R)AN node 5 in accordance with software stored in a memory 55. Software may be pre-installed in the memory and / or may be downloaded via the telecommunication network or from a removable data storage device (RMD), for example. The software includes, among other things, an operating system 551 and a communications control module 552 having at least a transceiver control module 5521.

[0338] The communications control module 552 (using its transceiver control sub-module) is responsible for handling (generating / sending / receiving) signalling between the (R)AN node 5 and other nodes, such as the UE 3, another (R)AN node 5, the AMF 70 and the UPF 72 (e.g. directly or indirectly). The signalling may include, for example, appropriately formatted signalling messages relating to a radio connection and a connection with the core network 7 (for a particular UE 3), and in particular, relating to connection establishment and maintenance (e.g. RRC connection establishment and other RRC messages), NG Application Protocol (NGAP) messages (i.e. messages by N2 reference point) and Xn application protocol (XnAP) messages (i.e. messages by Xn reference point), etc. Such signalling may also include, for example, broadcast information (e.g. Master Information and System information) in a sending case.

[0339] The controller 54 is also configured (by software or hardware) to handle related tasks such as, when implemented, UE mobility estimate and / or moving trajectory estimation.

[0340] The (R)AN node 5 may support the Non-Public Network (NPN). The NPN may be a Stand-alone Non-Public Network (SNPN) or a Public Network Integrated NPN (PNI-NPN).

[0341] The (R)AN node 5 may be expressed as a RAN node, RAN, (R)AN etc.

[0342] <AMF> 　　Fig. 11 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of the AMF 70. As shown, the apparatus includes a transceiver circuit 701 which is operable to transmit signals to and to receive signals from other nodes (including the UE 3) via a network interface 702. A controller 703 controls the operation of the AMF 70 in accordance with software stored in a memory 704. Software may be pre-installed in the memory 704 and / or may be downloaded via the telecommunication network or from a removable data storage device (RMD), for example. The software includes, among other things, an operating system 7041 and a communications control module 7042 having at least a transceiver control module 70421. The communications control module 7042 (using its transceiver control module 70421) is responsible for handling (generating / sending / receiving) signalling between the AMF 70 and other nodes, such as the UE 3 (e.g. via the (R)AN node 5) and other core network nodes (including core network nodes in the HPLMN of the UE 3) when the UE 3 is roaming-in. Such signalling may include, for example, appropriately formatted signalling messages (e.g. a registration request message and associated response messages) relating to access and mobility management procedures (for the UE 3).

[0343] The AMF 70 may support the Non-Public Network (NPN). The NPN may be a Stand-alone Non-Public Network (SNPN) or a Public Network Integrated NPN (PNI-NPN).

[0344] <SMF> 　　Fig. 12 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of the SMF 71. As shown, the apparatus includes a transceiver circuit 711 which is operable to transmit signals to and to receive signals from other nodes (including the AMF 70) via a network interface 712. A controller 713 controls the operation of the SMF 71 in accordance with software stored in a memory 714. Software may be pre-installed in the memory 714 and / or may be downloaded via the telecommunication network or from a removable data storage device (e.g. a removable memory device (RMD)), for example. The software includes, among other things, an operating system 7141 and a communications control module 7142 having at least a transceiver control module 71421. The communications control module 7142 (using its transceiver control module 71421) is responsible for handling (generating / sending / receiving) signalling between the SMF 71 and other nodes, such as the AMF 70 and other core network nodes (including core network nodes in the HPLMN of the UE 3 (e.g., the Network Relay UE 300 and the UE 3)) when the UE 3 is roaming-in. Such signalling may include, for example, appropriately formatted signalling messages (e.g. a HTTP restful methods based on the service based interfaces) relating to policy management procedures (for the UE 3).

[0345] The SMF 71 may support the Non-Public Network (NPN). The NPN may be a Stand-alone Non-Public Network (SNPN) or a Public Network Integrated NPN (PNI-NPN).

[0346] <UPF> 　　Fig. 13 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of the UPF 72. As shown, the apparatus includes a transceiver circuit 721 which is operable to transmit signals to and to receive signals from other nodes (including the SMF 71) via a network interface 722. A controller 723 controls the operation of the UPF 72 in accordance with software stored in a memory 724. Software may be pre-installed in the memory 724 and / or may be downloaded via the telecommunication network or from a removable data storage device (e.g. a removable memory device (RMD)), for example. The software includes, among other things, an operating system 7241 and a communications control module 7242 having at least a transceiver control module 72421. The communications control module 7242 (using its transceiver control module 72421) is responsible for handling (generating / sending / receiving) signalling between the UPF 72 and other nodes, such as the SMF 71 and other core network nodes (including core network nodes in the HPLMN of the UE 3 (e.g., the Network Relay UE 300 and the UE 3)) when the UE 3 is roaming-in. Such signalling may include, for example, appropriately formatted signalling messages (e.g. a HTTP restful methods based on the service based interfaces) relating to policy management procedures (for the UE 3).

[0347] The UPF 72 may support the Non-Public Network (NPN). The NPN may be a Stand-alone Non-Public Network (SNPN) or a Public Network Integrated NPN (PNI-NPN).

[0348] <PCF> 　　Fig. 14 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of the PCF 73. As shown, the apparatus includes a transceiver circuit 731 which is operable to transmit signals to and to receive signals from other nodes (including the AMF 70) via a network interface 732. A controller 733 controls the operation of the PCF 73 in accordance with software stored in a memory 734. Software may be pre-installed in the memory 734 and / or may be downloaded via the telecommunication network or from a removable data storage device (e.g. a removable memory device (RMD)), for example. The software includes, among other things, an operating system 7341 and a communications control module 7342 having at least a transceiver control module 73421. The communications control module 7342 (using its transceiver control module 73421) is responsible for handling (generating / sending / receiving) signalling between the PCF 73 and other nodes, such as the AMF 70 and other core network nodes (including core network nodes in the HPLMN of the UE 3 (e.g., the Network Relay UE 300 and the UE 3)) when the UE 3 is roaming-in. Such signalling may include, for example, appropriately formatted signalling messages (e.g. a HTTP restful methods based on the service based interfaces) relating to policy management procedures (for the UE 3).

[0349] The PCF 73 may support the Non-Public Network (NPN). The NPN may be a Stand-alone Non-Public Network (SNPN) or a Public Network Integrated NPN (PNI-NPN).

[0350] <NWDAF> 　　Fig. 15 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of the NWDAF 74. As shown, the apparatus includes a transceiver circuit 741 which is operable to transmit signals to and to receive signals from other nodes (including the AMF 70 and the UDM 75) via a network interface 742. A controller 743 controls the operation of the NWDAF 74 in accordance with software stored in a memory 744. Software may be pre-installed in the memory 744 and / or may be downloaded via the telecommunication network or from a removable data storage device (e.g. a removable memory device (RMD)), for example. The software includes, among other things, an operating system 7441 and a communications control module 7442 having at least a transceiver control module 74421. The communications control module 7442 (using its transceiver control module 74421) is responsible for handling (generating / sending / receiving) signalling between the NWDAF 74 and other nodes, such as the AMF 70 and other core network nodes (including core network nodes in the HPLMN of the UE 3) when the UE 3 is roaming-in. Such signalling may include, for example, appropriately formatted signalling messages (e.g. a HTTP restful methods based on the service based interfaces) relating to policy management procedures (for the UE 3).

[0351] The NWDAF 74 may support the Non-Public Network (NPN). The NPN may be a Stand-alone Non-Public Network (SNPN) or a Public Network Integrated NPN (PNI-NPN).

[0352] <UDM> 　　Fig. 16 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of the UDM 75. As shown, the apparatus includes a transceiver circuit 751 which is operable to transmit signals to and to receive signals from other nodes (including the AMF 70) via a network interface 752. A controller 753 controls the operation of the UDM 75 in accordance with software stored in a memory 754. Software may be pre-installed in the memory 754 and / or may be downloaded via the telecommunication network or from a removable data storage device (RMD), for example. The software includes, among other things, an operating system 7541 and a communications control module 7542 having at least a transceiver control module 75421. The communications control module 7542 (using its transceiver control module 75421) is responsible for handling (generating / sending / receiving) signalling between the UDM 75 and other nodes, such as the AMF 70 and other core network nodes (including core network nodes in the VPLMN of the UE 3 (e.g., the Network Relay UE 300 and the UE 3)) when the UE 3 is roaming-out. Such signalling may include, for example, appropriately formatted signalling messages (e.g. a HTTP restful methods based on the service based interfaces) relating to mobility management procedures (for the UE 3).

[0353] The UDM 75 may support the Non-Public Network (NPN). The NPN may be a Stand-alone Non-Public Network (SNPN) or a Public Network Integrated NPN (PNI-NPN).

[0354] <AUSF> 　　Fig. 17 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of the AUSF 76. As shown, the apparatus includes a transceiver circuit 761 which is operable to transmit signals to and to receive signals from other nodes (including the AMF 70) via a network interface 762. A controller 763 controls the operation of the AUSF 76 in accordance with software stored in a memory 764. Software may be pre-installed in the memory 764 and / or may be downloaded via the telecommunication network or from a removable data storage device (RMD), for example. The software includes, among other things, an operating system 7641 and a communications control module 7642 having at least a transceiver control module 76421. The communications control module 7642 (using its transceiver control module 76421) is responsible for handling (generating / sending / receiving) signalling between the AUSF 76 and other nodes, such as the AMF 70 and other core network nodes (including core network nodes in the VPLMN of the UE 3) when the UE 3 is roaming-out. Such signalling may include, for example, appropriately formatted signalling messages (e.g. a HTTP restful methods based on the service based interfaces) relating to mobility management procedures (for the UE 3).

[0355] The AUSF 76 may support the Non-Public Network (NPN). The NPN may be a Stand-alone Non-Public Network (SNPN) or a Public Network Integrated NPN (PNI-NPN).

[0356] <AAnF> 　　Fig. 18 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of the AAnF 77. As shown, the apparatus includes a transceiver circuit 771 which is operable to transmit signals to and to receive signals from other nodes (including the AMF 70) via a network interface 772. A controller 773 controls the operation of the AAnF 77 in accordance with the software stored in a memory 774. The Software may be pre-installed in the memory 774 and / or may be downloaded via the telecommunication network or from a removable data storage device (e.g. a removable memory device (RMD)), for example. The software includes, among other things, an operating system 7741 and a communications control module 7742 having at least a transceiver control module 77421. The communications control module 7742 (using its transceiver control module 77421) is responsible for handling (generating / sending / receiving) signalling between the AAnF 77 and other nodes, such as the AMF 70 and other core network nodes (including core network nodes in the HPLMN of the UE 3) when the UE 3 is roaming-in. Such signalling may include, for example, appropriately formatted signalling messages (e.g. a HTTP restful methods based on the service based interfaces) relating to network data analytics function procedures (for the UE 3).

[0357] The AAnF 77 may support the Non-Public Network (NPN). The NPN may be a Stand-alone Non-Public Network (SNPN) or a Public Network Integrated NPN (PNI-NPN).

[0358] <NRF> 　　Fig. 19 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of the NRF 78. As shown, the apparatus includes a transceiver circuit 781 which is operable to transmit signals to and to receive signals from other nodes (including the AMF 70) via a network interface 782. A controller 783 controls the operation of the NRF 78 in accordance with the software stored in a memory 784. The Software may be pre-installed in the memory 784 and / or may be downloaded via the telecommunication network or from a removable data storage device (e.g. a removable memory device (RMD)), for example. The software includes, among other things, an operating system 7841 and a communications control module 7842 having at least a transceiver control module 78421. The communications control module 7842 (using its transceiver control module 78421) is responsible for handling (generating / sending / receiving) signalling between the NRF 78 and other nodes, such as the AMF 70 and other core network nodes (including core network nodes in the HPLMN of the UE 3) when the UE 3 is roaming-in. Such signalling may include, for example, appropriately formatted signalling messages (e.g. a HTTP restful methods based on the service based interfaces) relating to network data analytics function procedures (for the UE 3).

[0359] The NRF 78 may support the Non-Public Network (NPN). The NPN may be a Stand-alone Non-Public Network (SNPN) or a Public Network Integrated NPN (PNI-NPN).

[0360] <NEF> 　　Fig. 20 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of the NEF 79. As shown, the apparatus includes a transceiver circuit 791 which is operable to transmit signals to and to receive signals from other nodes (including the AMF 70) via a network interface 792. A controller 793 controls the operation of the NEF 79 in accordance with the software stored in a memory 794. The Software may be pre-installed in the memory 794 and / or may be downloaded via the telecommunication network or from a removable data storage device (e.g. a removable memory device (RMD)), for example. The software includes, among other things, an operating system 7941 and a communications control module 7942 having at least a transceiver control module 79421. The communications control module 7942 (using its transceiver control module 79421) is responsible for handling (generating / sending / receiving) signalling between the NEF 79 and other nodes, such as the AMF 70 and other core network nodes (including core network nodes in the HPLMN of the UE 3) when the UE 3 is roaming-in. Such signalling may include, for example, appropriately formatted signalling messages (e.g. a HTTP restful methods based on the service based interfaces) relating to network data analytics function procedures (for the UE 3).

[0361] The NEF 79 may support the Non-Public Network (NPN). The NPN may be a Stand-alone Non-Public Network (SNPN) or a Public Network Integrated NPN (PNI-NPN).

[0362] <UDR> 　　Fig. 21 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of the UDR 80. As shown, the apparatus includes a transceiver circuit 801 which is operable to transmit signals to and to receive signals from other nodes (including the AMF 70) via a network interface 802. A controller 803 controls the operation of the UDR 80 in accordance with the software stored in a memory 804. The Software may be pre-installed in the memory 804 and / or may be downloaded via the telecommunication network or from a removable data storage device (e.g. a removable memory device (RMD)), for example. The software includes, among other things, an operating system 8041 and a communications control module 8042 having at least a transceiver control module 80421. The communications control module 8042 (using its transceiver control module 80421) is responsible for handling (generating / sending / receiving) signalling between the UDR 80 and other nodes, such as the AMF 70 and other core network nodes (including core network nodes in the HPLMN of the UE 3) when the UE 3 is roaming-in. Such signalling may include, for example, appropriately formatted signalling messages (e.g. a HTTP restful methods based on the service based interfaces) relating to network data analytics function procedures (for the UE 3).

[0363] The UDR 80 may support the Non-Public Network (NPN). The NPN may be a Stand-alone Non-Public Network (SNPN) or a Public Network Integrated NPN (PNI-NPN).

[0364] <OAM> 　　Fig. 22 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of the OAM 8. As shown, the apparatus includes a transceiver circuit 811 which is operable to transmit signals to and to receive signals from other nodes via a network interface 8012. A controller 813 controls the operation of the OAM 8 in accordance with software stored in a memory 814. Software may be pre-installed in the memory 814 and / or may be downloaded via the telecommunication network or from a removable data storage device (e.g. a removable memory device (RMD)), for example. The software includes, among other things, an operating system 8141 and a communications control module 8142 having at least a transceiver control module 81421. The communications control module 8142 (using its transceiver control module 81421) is responsible for handling (generating / sending / receiving) signalling between the OAM 8 and other nodes. Such signalling may include, for example, appropriately formatted signalling messages (e.g. a HTTP restful methods based on the service based interfaces) relating to policy management procedures (for the UE 3).

[0365] The OAM 8 may support the Non-Public Network (NPN). The NPN may be a Stand-alone Non-Public Network (SNPN) or a Public Network Integrated NPN (PNI-NPN).

[0366] <AF> 　　Fig. 23 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of the AF 201. As shown, the apparatus includes a transceiver circuit 2011 which is operable to transmit signals to and to receive signals from other nodes (including the UE 3 (e.g., the Network Relay UE 300 and the UE 3)) via a network interface 2012. A controller 2013 controls the operation of the AF 201 in accordance with software stored in a memory 2014. Software may be pre-installed in the memory 2014 and / or may be downloaded via the telecommunication network or from a removable data storage device (e.g. a removable memory device (RMD)), for example. The software includes, among other things, an operating system 20141 and a communications control module 20142 having at least a transceiver control module 201421. The communications control module 20142 (using its transceiver control module 201421) is responsible for handling (generating / sending / receiving) signalling between the AF 201 and other nodes, such as the UE 3 and other core network nodes (including core network nodes in the HPLMN of the UE 3) when the UE 3 is roaming-in. Such signalling may include, for example, appropriately formatted signalling messages (e.g. a HTTP restful methods based on the service based interfaces) relating to policy management procedures (for the UE 3).

[0367] The AF 201 may support the Non-Public Network (NPN). The NPN may be a Stand-alone Non-Public Network (SNPN) or a Public Network Integrated NPN (PNI-NPN).

[0368] <Modifications and Alternatives> 　　Detailed aspects have been described above. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, a number of modifications and alternatives can be made to the above aspects whilst still benefiting from the disclosures embodied therein. By way of illustration only a number of these alternatives and modifications will now be described.

[0369] In the above description, the UE 3 and the network apparatus are described for ease of understanding as having a number of discrete modules (such as the communication control modules). Whilst these modules may be provided in this way for certain applications, for example where an existing system has been modified to implement the disclosure, in other applications, for example in systems designed with the inventive features in mind from the outset, these modules may be built into the overall operating system or code and so these modules may not be discernible as discrete entities. These modules may also be implemented in software, hardware, firmware or a mix of these.

[0370] Each controller may comprise any suitable form of processing circuitry including (but not limited to), for example: one or more hardware implemented computer processors; microprocessors; central processing units (CPUs); arithmetic logic units (ALUs); input / output (IO) circuits; internal memories / caches (program and / or data); processing registers; communication buses (e.g. control, data and / or address buses); direct memory access (DMA) functions, hardware or software implemented counters, pointers and / or timers; and / or the like.

[0371] In the above aspects, a number of software modules were described. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the software modules may be provided in compiled or un-compiled form and may be supplied to the UE 3 and the network apparatus as a signal over a computer network, or on a recording medium. Further, the functionality performed by part or all of this software may be performed using one or more dedicated hardware circuits. However, the use of software modules is preferred as it facilitates the updating of the UE 3 and the network apparatus in order to update their functionalities.

[0372] In the above aspects, a 3GPP radio communications (radio access) technology is used. However, any other radio communications technology (e.g. WLAN, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, Bluetooth, etc.) and other fix line communications technology (e.g. BBF Access, Cable Access, optical access, etc.) may also be used in accordance with the above aspects.

[0373] Items of user equipment might include, for example, communication devices such as mobile telephones, smartphones, user equipment, personal digital assistants, laptop / tablet computers, web browsers, e-book readers and / or the like. Such mobile (or even generally stationary) devices are typically operated by a user, although it is also possible to connect so-called 'Internet of Things' (IoT) devices and similar machine-type communication (MTC) devices to the network. For simplicity, the present application refers to mobile devices (or UEs) in the description but it will be appreciated that the technology described can be implemented on any communication devices (mobile and / or generally stationary) that can connect to a communications network for sending / receiving data, regardless of whether such communication devices are controlled by human input or software instructions stored in memory.

[0374] Various other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and will not be described in further detail here.

[0375] As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the present disclosure may be embodied as a method, and system. Accordingly, the present disclosure may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, a software embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects.

[0376] It will be understood that each block of the block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors, or any other such configuration.

[0377] The methods or algorithms described in connection with the examples disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. A storage medium may be coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC.

[0378] The previous description of the disclosed examples is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to these examples will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other examples without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0379] While the disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary Aspects thereof, the disclosure is not limited to these Aspects. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by this document. For example, the Aspects above are not limited to 5GS, and the Aspects are also applicable to communication system other than 5GS (e.g., 6G system, 5G beyond system).

[0380] <Supplementary notes> 　　The whole or part of the example Aspects disclosed above can be described as, but not limited to, the following supplementary notes. 　　<First Supplementary notes> 　　(Supplementary note A1) 　　A method of a communication apparatus comprising: 　　sending information related to an energy saving service level. 　　(Supplementary note A2) 　　The method according to supplementary note A1, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is an Application Function (AF). 　　(Supplementary note A3) 　　The method according to supplementary note A1, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is a Network Exposure Function (NEF). 　　(Supplementary note A4) 　　A method of a communication apparatus comprising: 　　receiving information related to an energy saving service level. 　　(Supplementary note A5) 　　The method according to supplementary note A4, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is a Network Exposure Function (NEF). 　　(Supplementary note A6) 　　The method according to supplementary note A4, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is a Unified Data Management (UDM). 　　(Supplementary note A7) 　　A method of a User Equipment (UE) comprising: 　　sending information related to a capability for an energy saving service. 　　(Supplementary note A8) 　　The method according to supplementary note A7, further comprising: 　　receiving information related to the energy saving service. 　　(Supplementary note A9) 　　A method of a communication apparatus comprising: 　　receiving information related to a capability for an energy saving service. 　　(Supplementary note A10) 　　The method according to supplementary note A9, further comprising: 　　sending information related to the energy saving service. 　　(Supplementary note A11) 　　The method according to supplementary note A9 or A10, further comprising: 　　sending the information related to the capability for the energy saving service. 　　(Supplementary note A12) 　　The method according to any one of supplementary notes A9 to A11, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF). 　　(Supplementary note A13) 　　The method according to supplementary note A9 or A10, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is a Unified Data Management (UDM). 　　(Supplementary note A14) 　　The method according to supplementary note A9 or A11, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is a Radio Access Network (RAN) node. 　　(Supplementary note A15) 　　A method of a communication apparatus comprising: 　　receiving information related to an energy saving service; and 　　sending a UE Route Selection Policy (URSP) rule including the information. 　　(Supplementary note A16) 　　The method according to supplementary note A15, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is a Policy Control Function (PCF). 　　(Supplementary note A17) 　　A communication apparatus comprising: 　　means for sending information related to an energy saving service level. 　　(Supplementary note A18) 　　The communication apparatus according to supplementary note A17, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is an Application Function (AF). 　　(Supplementary note A19) 　　The communication apparatus according to supplementary note A17, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is a Network Exposure Function (NEF). 　　(Supplementary note A20) 　　A communication apparatus comprising: 　　means for receiving information related to an energy saving service level. 　　(Supplementary note A21) 　　The communication apparatus according to supplementary note A20, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is a Network Exposure Function (NEF). 　　(Supplementary note A22) 　　The communication apparatus according to supplementary note A20, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is a Unified Data Management (UDM). 　　(Supplementary note A23) 　　A User Equipment (UE) comprising: 　　means for sending information related to a capability for an energy saving service. 　　(Supplementary note A24) 　　The UE according to supplementary note A23, further comprising: 　　means for receiving information related to the energy saving service. 　　(Supplementary note A25) 　　A communication apparatus comprising: 　　means for receiving information related to a capability for an energy saving service. 　　(Supplementary note A26) 　　The communication apparatus according to supplementary note A25, further comprising: 　　means for sending information related to the energy saving service. 　　(Supplementary note A27) 　　The communication apparatus according to supplementary note A25 or A26, further comprising: 　　means for sending the information related to the capability for the energy saving service. 　　(Supplementary note A28) 　　The communication apparatus according to any one of supplementary notes A25 to A27, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF). 　　(Supplementary note A29) 　　The communication apparatus according to supplementary note A25 or A26, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is a Unified Data Management (UDM). 　　(Supplementary note A30) 　　The communication apparatus according to supplementary note A25 or A27, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is a Radio Access Network (RAN) node. 　　(Supplementary note A31) 　　A communication apparatus comprising: 　　means for receiving information related to an energy saving service; and 　　means for sending a UE Route Selection Policy (URSP) rule including the information. 　　(Supplementary note A32) 　　The communication apparatus according to supplementary note A31, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is a Policy Control Function (PCF). <Second Supplementary notes> 　　(Supplementary note B1) 　　A method of a User Equipment (UE) comprising: 　　performing a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) Session Establishment procedure to establish a PDU Session which is operated in a predetermined energy saving service level. 　　(Supplementary note B2) 　　The method according to supplementary note B1, further comprising: 　　performing a PDU Session Modification procedure for the PDU Session in a case where a level of a battery of the UE drops below a predetermined threshold. 　　(Supplementary note B3) 　　The method according to supplementary note B1, further comprising: 　　sending information related to a battery of the UE. 　　(Supplementary note B4) 　　A method of a communication apparatus comprising: 　　performing a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) Session Establishment procedure to establish a PDU Session which is operated in a predetermined energy saving service level. 　　(Supplementary note B5) 　　The method according to supplementary note B4, further comprising: 　　performing a process for degrading Quality of Service (QoS) for the PDU Session in a case where a level of a battery of a User Equipment (UE) drops below a predetermined threshold. 　　(Supplementary note B6) 　　The method according to supplementary note B4 or B5, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), a Session Management Function (SMF), a User Plane Function (UPF), a Policy Control Function (PCF) or a Unified Data Management (UDM). 　　(Supplementary note B7) 　　A method of a communication apparatus comprising: 　　receiving information related to a battery of a User Equipment (UE); and 　　sending information indicating that a level of the battery drops below a predetermined threshold. 　　(Supplementary note B8) 　　The method according to supplementary note B7, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is an Application Function (AF). 　　(Supplementary note B9) 　　A method of a communication apparatus comprising: 　　sending information indicating that a level of a battery of a User Equipment (UE) drops below a predetermined threshold and information indicating that high service experience is needed to be maintained. 　　(Supplementary note B10) 　　The method according to supplementary note B9, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is a Session Management Function (SMF), an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) or a Radio Access Network (RAN) node. 　　(Supplementary note B11) 　　A method of a communication apparatus comprising: 　　receiving information indicating that a level of a battery of a User Equipment (UE) drops below a predetermined threshold and information indicating that high service experience is needed to be maintained in a case where the level drops below the predetermined threshold; and 　　performing a process for maintaining the high service experience in a case where the level drops below the predetermined threshold. 　　(Supplementary note B12) 　　The method according to supplementary note B11, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is a Radio Access Network (RAN) node. 　　(Supplementary note B13) 　　A User Equipment (UE) comprising: 　　means for performing a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) Session Establishment procedure to establish a PDU Session which is operated in a predetermined energy saving service level. 　　(Supplementary note B14) 　　The UE according to supplementary note B13, further comprising: 　　means for performing a PDU Session Modification procedure for the PDU Session in a case where a level of a battery of the UE drops below a predetermined threshold. 　　(Supplementary note B15) 　　The UE according to supplementary note B13, further comprising: 　　means for sending information related to a battery of the UE. 　　(Supplementary note B16) 　　A communication apparatus comprising: 　　means for performing a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) Session Establishment procedure to establish a PDU Session which is operated in a predetermined energy saving service level. 　　(Supplementary note B17) 　　The communication apparatus according to supplementary note B16, further comprising: 　　means for performing a process for degrading Quality of Service (QoS) for the PDU Session in a case where a level of a battery of a User Equipment (UE) drops below a predetermined threshold. 　　(Supplementary note B18) 　　The communication apparatus according to supplementary note B16 or B17, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), a Session Management Function (SMF), a User Plane Function (UPF), a Policy Control Function (PCF) or a Unified Data Management (UDM). 　　(Supplementary note B19) 　　A communication apparatus comprising: 　　means for receiving information related to a battery of a User Equipment (UE); and 　　means for sending information indicating that a level of the battery drops below a predetermined threshold. 　　(Supplementary note B20) 　　The communication apparatus according to supplementary note B19, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is an Application Function (AF). 　　(Supplementary note B21) 　　A communication apparatus comprising: 　　means for sending information indicating that a level of a battery of a User Equipment (UE) drops below a predetermined threshold and information indicating that high service experience is needed to be maintained. 　　(Supplementary note B22) 　　The communication apparatus according to supplementary note B21, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is a Session Management Function (SMF), an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) or a Radio Access Network (RAN) node. 　　(Supplementary note B23) 　　A communication apparatus comprising: 　　means for receiving information indicating that a level of a battery of a User Equipment (UE) drops below a predetermined threshold and information indicating that high service experience is needed to be maintained in a case where the level drops below the predetermined threshold; and 　　means for performing a process for maintaining the high service experience in a case where the level drops below the predetermined threshold. 　　(Supplementary note B24) 　　The communication apparatus according to supplementary note B23, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is a Radio Access Network (RAN) node.

[0381] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Indian Patent Application No. 202411056003, filed on July 23, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

[0382] 20　　DATA NETWORK 3　　USER EQUIPMENT(UE) 31　　TRANSCEIVER CIRCUIT 32　　ANTENNA 33　　CONTROLLER 34　　USER INTERFACE 35　　USIM 36　　MEMORY 361　　OPERATING SYSTEM 362　　COMMUNICATIONS CONTROL MODULE 3621　　TRANSCEIVER CONTROL MODULE 5　　RADIO ACCESS NETWORK (RAN) 51　　TRANSCEIVER CIRCUIT 52　　ANTENNA 53　　NETWORK INTERFACE 54　　CONTROLLER 55　　MEMORY 551　　OPERATING SYSTEM 552　　COMMUNICATIONS CONTROL MODULE 5521　　TRANSCEIVER CONTROL MODULE 7　　CORE NETWORK 70　　ACCESS AND MOBILITY MANAGEMENT FUNCTION (AMF) 701　　TRANSCEIVER CIRCUIT 702　　NETWORK INTERFACE 703　　CONTROLLER 704　　MEMORY 7041　　OPERATING SYSTEM 7042　　COMMUNICATIONS CONTROL MODULE 70421　　TRANSCEIVER CONTROL MODULE 71　　SESSION MANAGEMENT FUNCTION (SMF) 711　　TRANSCEIVER CIRCUIT 712　　NETWORK INTERFACE 713　　CONTROLLER 714　　MEMORY 7141　　OPERATING SYSTEM 7142　　COMMUNICATIONS CONTROL MODULE 71421　　TRANSCEIVER CONTROL MODULE 72　　USER PLANE FUNCTION (UPF) 721　　TRANSCEIVER CIRCUIT 722　　NETWORK INTERFACE 723　　CONTROLLER 724　　MEMORY 7241　　OPERATING SYSTEM 7242　　COMMUNICATIONS CONTROL MODULE 72421　　TRANSCEIVER CONTROL MODULE 73　　POLICY CONTROL FUNCTION (PCF) 731　　TRANSCEIVER CIRCUIT 732　　NETWORK INTERFACE 733　　CONTROLLER 734　　MEMORY 7341　　OPERATING SYSTEM 7342　　COMMUNICATIONS CONTROL MODULE 73421　　TRANSCEIVER CONTROL MODULE 74　　NETWORK DATA ANALYTICS FUNCTION (NWDAF) 741　　TRANSCEIVER CIRCUIT 742　　NETWORK INTERFACE 743　　CONTROLLER 744　　MEMORY 7441　　OPERATING SYSTEM 7442　　COMMUNICATIONS CONTROL MODULE 74421　　TRANSCEIVER CONTROL MODULE 75　　UNIFIED DATA MANAGEMENT (UDM) 751　　TRANSCEIVER CIRCUIT 752　　NETWORK INTERFACE 753　　CONTROLLER 754　　MEMORY 7541　　OPERATING SYSTEM 7542　　COMMUNICATIONS CONTROL MODULE 75421　　TRANSCEIVER CONTROL MODULE 76　　AUTHENTICATION SERVER FUNCTION (AUSF) 761　　TRANSCEIVER CIRCUIT 762　　NETWORK INTERFACE 763　　CONTROLLER 764　　MEMORY 7641　　OPERATING SYSTEM 7642　　COMMUNICATIONS CONTROL MODULE 76421　　TRANSCEIVER CONTROL MODULE 77　　AKMA ANCHOR FUNCTION (AAnF) 771　　TRANSCEIVER CIRCUIT 772　　NETWORK INTERFACE 773　　CONTROLLER 774　　MEMORY 7741　　OPERATING SYSTEM 7742　　COMMUNICATIONS CONTROL MODULE 77421　　TRANSCEIVER CONTROL MODULE 78　　NETWORK REPOSITORY FUNCTION (NRF) 781　　TRANSCEIVER CIRCUIT 782　　NETWORK INTERFACE 783　　CONTROLLER 784　　MEMORY 7841　　OPERATING SYSTEM 7842　　COMMUNICATIONS CONTROL MODULE 78421　　TRANSCEIVER CONTROL MODULE 79　　NETWORK EXPOSURE FUNCTION (NEF) 791　　TRANSCEIVER CIRCUIT 792　　NETWORK INTERFACE 793　　CONTROLLER 794　　MEMORY 7941　　OPERATING SYSTEM 7942　　COMMUNICATIONS CONTROL MODULE 79421　　TRANSCEIVER CONTROL MODULE 80　　UNIFIED DATA REPOSITORY (UDR) 801　　TRANSCEIVER CIRCUIT 802　　NETWORK INTERFACE 803　　CONTROLLER 804　　MEMORY 8041　　OPERATING SYSTEM 8042　　COMMUNICATIONS CONTROL MODULE 80421　　TRANSCEIVER CONTROL MODULE 8　　OPERATIONS, ADMINISTRATION, AND MAINTENANCE (OAM) 811　　TRANSCEIVER CIRCUIT 812　　NETWORK INTERFACE 813　　CONTROLLER 814　　MEMORY 8141　　OPERATING SYSTEM 8142　　COMMUNICATIONS CONTROL MODULE 81421　　TRANSCEIVER CONTROL MODULE 201　　APPLICATION FUNCTION (AF) 2011　　TRANSCEIVER CIRCUIT 2012　　NETWORK INTERFACE 2013　　CONTROLLER 2014　　MEMORY 20141　　OPERATING SYSTEM 20142　　COMMUNICATIONS CONTROL MODULE 201421　　TRANSCEIVER CONTROL MODULE

Claims

1. A method of a communication apparatus comprising: 　　sending information related to an energy saving service level.

2. The method according to claim 1, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is an Application Function (AF).

3. The method according to claim 1, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is a Network Exposure Function (NEF).

4. A method of a communication apparatus comprising: 　　receiving information related to an energy saving service level.

5. The method according to claim 4, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is a Network Exposure Function (NEF).

6. The method according to claim 4, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is a Unified Data Management (UDM).

7. A method of a User Equipment (UE) comprising: 　　sending information related to a capability for an energy saving service.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: 　　receiving information related to the energy saving service.

9. A method of a communication apparatus comprising: 　　receiving information related to a capability for an energy saving service.

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: 　　sending information related to the energy saving service.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising: 　　sending the information related to the capability for the energy saving service.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

13. The method according to claim 9 or 10, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is a Unified Data Management (UDM).

14. The method according to claim 9 or 11, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is a Radio Access Network (RAN) node.

15. A method of a communication apparatus comprising: 　　receiving information related to an energy saving service; and 　　sending a UE Route Selection Policy (URSP) rule including the information.

16. The method according to claim 15, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is a Policy Control Function (PCF).

17. A communication apparatus comprising: 　　means for sending information related to an energy saving service level.

18. The communication apparatus according to claim 17, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is an Application Function (AF).

19. The communication apparatus according to claim 17, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is a Network Exposure Function (NEF).

20. A communication apparatus comprising: 　　means for receiving information related to an energy saving service level.

21. The communication apparatus according to claim 20, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is a Network Exposure Function (NEF).

22. The communication apparatus according to claim 20, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is a Unified Data Management (UDM).

23. A User Equipment (UE) comprising: 　　means for sending information related to a capability for an energy saving service.

24. The UE according to claim 23, further comprising: 　　means for receiving information related to the energy saving service.

25. A communication apparatus comprising: 　　means for receiving information related to a capability for an energy saving service.

26. The communication apparatus according to claim 25, further comprising: 　　means for sending information related to the energy saving service.

27. The communication apparatus according to claim 25 or 26, further comprising: 　　means for sending the information related to the capability for the energy saving service.

28. The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 25 to 27, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

29. The communication apparatus according to claim 25 or 26, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is a Unified Data Management (UDM).

30. The communication apparatus according to claim 25 or 27, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is a Radio Access Network (RAN) node.

31. A communication apparatus comprising: 　　means for receiving information related to an energy saving service; and 　　means for sending a UE Route Selection Policy (URSP) rule including the information.

32. The communication apparatus according to claim 31, 　　wherein the communication apparatus is a Policy Control Function (PCF).

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