Communication method, device, storage medium, and program product

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a communication method, a device, a storage medium, and a program product. The method comprises: not monitoring downlink information in a first state, the first state comprising an inactive state or a connected state. A first device is a device primarily performing an uplink service. By means of the present disclosure, energy saving of an IoT device primarily performing the uplink service is achieved.

Description

Communication method, device, storage medium and program product TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of wireless communication, and in particular to a communication method, device, storage medium and program product. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the application of internet of thing (IoT) technology in various industries, large-scale deployment of IoT devices driven by traditional battery power supply mode is limited by environmental, cost, energy saving and environmental protection factors, and cannot meet the needs in some scenarios.

[0003] In view of this, an IoT technology supporting environmental energy is proposed. The IoT device supporting environmental energy can be a device without battery or a device with limited energy storage capacity (such as a device using a capacitor). The IoT device can use the energy source existing in the environment (such as radio waves, light, motion, heat, energy provided by other devices emitting wireless signals or any other suitable energy source) to provide energy for itself to realize communication and data transmission.

[0004] SUMMARY

[0005] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, device, storage medium and program product to realize energy saving of the above industry service oriented IoT device.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, which is performed by a first device, and the method comprises: not listening to downlink information in a first state, the first state comprising an inactive state or a connected state, and the first device being an above industry service oriented device.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a information transmission method is provided, which is performed by a network device, and the method comprises: determining that a first device does not listen to downlink information in a first state, the first state comprising an inactive state or a connected state, and the first device being an above industry service oriented device.

[0008] According to a third aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a first device is provided, comprising: a processing module configured to not listen to downlink information in a first state, the first state comprising an inactive state or a connected state, and the first device being an above industry service oriented device.

[0009] According to a fourth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a network device is provided, comprising: a processing module configured to determine that a first device does not listen to downlink information in a first state, the first state comprising an inactive state or a connected state, and the first device being an above industry service oriented device.

[0010] According to a fifth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, comprising: one or more processors; one or more memories for storing computer programs; wherein the processor executes the computer programs to implement the steps of the method in any one of the first aspect and the second aspect.

[0011] According to a sixth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer readable storage medium is provided, having stored thereon a computer program, wherein the computer program is executed by a processor to implement the steps of the method in any one of the first aspect and the second aspect.

[0012] According to a seventh aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program, wherein the computer program is executed by a processor to implement the steps of the method in any one of the first aspect and the second aspect.

[0013] According to an eighth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided, comprising code, wherein the code is executed by a processor to implement the steps of the method in any one of the first aspect and the second aspect.

[0014] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure are beneficial to the energy saving of the above business-oriented devices.

[0015] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory, and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following describes the drawings required for the embodiment description. The following drawings are only some embodiments of the present disclosure, and do not specifically limit the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of an IoT device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIGS. 2A to 2D are an exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 3A is a first flow diagram of a communication method performed by a first device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 3B is a second flow diagram of a communication method performed by a first device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 3C is a third flow diagram of a communication method performed by a first device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 3D is a fourth flow diagram illustrating a method for performing communication at a first device side, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 4A is a first flow diagram illustrating a method for performing communication at a network device side, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 4B is a second flow diagram illustrating a method for performing communication at a network device side, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 4C is a third flow diagram illustrating a method for performing communication at a network device side, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 4D is a fourth flow diagram illustrating a method for performing communication at a network device side, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 5A is a fifth flow diagram illustrating a method for performing communication at a first device side, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 5B is a fifth flow diagram illustrating a method for performing communication at a network device side, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure of a communication device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure of a communication device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure of a chip, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, device, storage medium and program product.

[0034] In a first aspect, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method performed by a first device, the method comprising: not listening to downlink information in a first state, the first state comprising an inactive state or a connected state, the first device being a device mainly for uplink service.

[0035] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first device mainly for uplink service achieves the purpose of energy saving by not listening to downlink information in the first state, thereby enhancing system performance.

[0036] In some embodiments of the first aspect, not listening to downlink information in the first state comprises one of the following: not listening to paging in the inactive state; not listening to a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) in the connected state.

[0037] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in the first state, the first device does not listen to the downlink information, including at least one of: entering a mobile initiated connection only (MICO) mode in the inactive state; entering an uplink only service (UOS) mode or an uplink dominant service (UDS) mode in the connected state; entering an uplink out-of-sync state in the connected state; entering the inactive state or the idle state in the connected state.

[0038] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in the MICO mode, the first device does not listen to paging, and in at least one of the UOS mode, the UDS mode, the uplink out-of-sync state, the inactive state, and the idle state, the first device does not listen to PDCCH.

[0039] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in the inactive state, entering the MICO mode includes: receiving a first message, the first message being used to indicate that the first device enters the MICO mode in the inactive state; and entering the MICO mode in the inactive state according to the first message.

[0040] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first message is sent by a network device according to a second message, the second message being used to indicate that the first device prefers to enter the MICO mode.

[0041] In some embodiments of the first aspect, before entering the MICO mode, the method further includes: receiving a third message, the third message being used to trigger the first device to enter the inactive state from the connected state.

[0042] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the second message is used to indicate that the first device switches to a target cell, or the second message is a message sent by the first device after switching to the target cell.

[0043] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving a fourth message, the fourth message being used to indicate that the first device deactivates the MICO mode; and sending a fifth message according to the fourth message, the fifth message being used to request to establish a connection with the network device.

[0044] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in the connected state, entering the UOS mode or the UDS mode includes: receiving a sixth message, the sixth message being used to indicate that the first device enters the UOS mode or the UDS mode; and entering the UOS mode or the UDS mode in the connected state according to the sixth message.

[0045] In some embodiments of the first aspect, after entering the UOS mode or the UDS mode in the connected state, the method further comprises at least one of the following: deactivating discontinuous reception (DRX) parameters configured for the first device and continuously not monitoring downlink information; not monitoring downlink information in a plurality of first DRX active periods in succession, the first DRX active period being a DRX active period configured for the first device; not monitoring downlink information for a first time length, the first device not being configured with the DRX parameters.

[0046] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the method further comprises: sending a seventh message, the seventh message being used to indicate that the first device requests to delay for a second time length; receiving an eighth message, the eighth message being used to indicate that the network device allows the first device to delay for the second time length; and not monitoring downlink information for the second time length.

[0047] In some embodiments of the first aspect, uplink traffic of the first device reaches, and the method further comprises one of the following: monitoring downlink information, the first device not being configured with the DRX parameters; and activating the DRX parameters configured for the first device.

[0048] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the method further comprises: sending an eleventh message, the eleventh message being used to indicate that uplink traffic of the first device reaches; and receiving downlink information, the downlink information being sent by the network device according to the eleventh message.

[0049] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the method further comprises: receiving a twelfth message, the twelfth message being used to indicate that the first device deactivates the UOS mode or the UDS mode; and determining, according to the twelfth message, to deactivate the UOS mode or the UDS mode.

[0050] In some embodiments of the first aspect, entering an uplink out-of-sync state in the connected state comprises one of the following: entering the uplink out-of-sync state after completing the current uplink transmission in the connected state; and entering the uplink out-of-sync state after delaying a third time length after completing the current uplink transmission in the connected state.

[0051] In some embodiments of the first aspect, after entering the uplink out-of-sync state in the connected state, the method further comprises: sending a ninth message, the ninth message being used to indicate one of the following: the first device enters the uplink out-of-sync state after completing the current uplink transmission in the connected state; and the first device enters the uplink out-of-sync state after delaying the third time length after completing the current uplink transmission in the connected state.

[0052] In some embodiments of the first aspect, entering an inactive state or an idle state in the connected state comprises one of the following: entering the inactive state or the idle state after completing the current uplink transmission in the connected state; and entering the inactive state or the idle state after delaying a fourth time length after completing the current uplink transmission in the connected state.

[0053] With reference to some embodiments of the first aspect, after entering the inactive state or the idle state from the connected state, the method further includes: sending a tenth message, the tenth message being used to indicate at least one of the following: the first device enters the inactive state or the idle state after completing the uplink transmission in the connected state; or the first device enters the inactive state or the idle state after delaying for a fourth time duration after completing the uplink transmission in the connected state.

[0054] In a second aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, implemented by a network device, and the method includes: determining that a first device does not listen to downlink information in a first state, the first state including an inactive state or a connected state, and the first device being an industry service-oriented device.

[0055] With reference to some embodiments of the second aspect, the first device does not listen to the downlink information in the first state, including one of the following: not listening to paging in the inactive state; or not listening to PDCCH in the connected state.

[0056] With reference to some embodiments of the second aspect, the first device does not listen to the downlink information in the first state, including at least one of the following: the first device enters a MICO mode in the inactive state; the first device enters a UOS mode or a UDS mode in the connected state; the first device enters an uplink out-of-synchronization state in the connected state; or the first device enters the inactive state or the idle state in the connected state.

[0057] With reference to some embodiments of the second aspect, the first device does not listen to the paging in the MICO mode, and the first device does not listen to the PDCCH in at least one of the UOS mode, the UDS mode, the uplink out-of-synchronization state, the inactive state, and the idle state.

[0058] With reference to some embodiments of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending a first message, the first message being used to indicate that the first device enters the MICO mode in the inactive state.

[0059] With reference to some embodiments of the second aspect, the sending of the first message includes: receiving a second message, the second message being used to indicate that the first device prefers to enter the MICO mode; and sending the first message according to the second message.

[0060] With reference to some embodiments of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending a third message, the third message being used to trigger the first device to enter the inactive state from the connected state.

[0061] With reference to some embodiments of the second aspect, the second message is used to indicate that the first device switches to a target cell; or the second message is a message sent by the first device after switching to the target cell.

[0062] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the method further comprises: sending a fourth message, the fourth message being used to instruct the first device to deactivate the MICO mode; and receiving a fifth message, the fifth message being used to instruct the first device to request to resume the connection with the network device.

[0063] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the method further comprises: sending a sixth message, the sixth message being used to instruct the first device to enter the UOS mode or the UDS mode.

[0064] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the method further comprises at least one of the following: determining that the first device deactivates discontinuous reception (DRX) parameters configured for the first device, and continuously refrains from monitoring the downlink information; determining that the first device refrains from monitoring the downlink information in a plurality of first DRX active periods in succession, the first DRX active period being a DRX active period configured for the first device; and determining that the first device refrains from monitoring the downlink information for a first time duration, the first device not being configured with the DRX parameters.

[0065] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the method further comprises: receiving a seventh message, the seventh message being used to instruct the first device to request to delay for a second time duration; and sending an eighth message according to the seventh message, the eighth message being used to instruct to allow the first device to delay for the second time duration, the first device refraining from monitoring the downlink information for the second time duration.

[0066] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the method further comprises: receiving an eleventh message, the eleventh message being used to instruct that the uplink service of the first device is reached; and sending the downlink information according to the eleventh message.

[0067] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the method further comprises: sending a twelfth message, the twelfth message being used to instruct the first device to deactivate the UOS mode or the UDS mode.

[0068] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the method further comprises: receiving a ninth message, the ninth message being used to instruct at least one of the following: the first device to enter an uplink out-of-sync state after completing the current uplink transmission in the connected state; or the first device to delay for a third time duration and then enter the uplink out-of-sync state after completing the current uplink transmission in the connected state.

[0069] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the method further comprises: receiving a tenth message, the tenth message being used to instruct at least one of the following: the first device to enter a non-active state or an idle state after completing the current uplink transmission in the connected state; or the first device to delay for a fourth time duration and then enter the non-active state or the idle state after completing the current uplink transmission in the connected state.

[0070] In a third aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication device, comprising: a transceiver configured to not listen to downlink information in a first state, the first state comprising an inactive state or a connected state, and the first device being a device mainly for uplink service.

[0071] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the transceiver is configured to perform one of: not listening to paging in the inactive state; and not listening to PDCCH in the connected state.

[0072] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the communication device further comprises a processing module, and the processing module is further configured to perform at least one of: entering a MICO mode in the inactive state; entering a UOS mode or a UDS mode in the connected state; entering an uplink out-of-sync state in the connected state; and entering the inactive state or an idle state in the connected state.

[0073] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the first device does not listen to paging in the MICO mode, and the first device does not listen to PDCCH in at least one of the UOS mode, the UDS mode, the uplink out-of-sync state, the inactive state, and the idle state.

[0074] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the transceiver is further configured to: receive a first message, the first message being used to instruct the first device to enter the MICO mode in the inactive state; and the processing module is further configured to: enter the MICO mode in the inactive state according to the first message.

[0075] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the first message is sent by a network device according to a second message, and the second message is used to instruct the first device to prefer to enter the MICO mode.

[0076] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the transceiver is further configured to: receive a third message before entering the MICO mode in the inactive state, the third message being used to trigger the first device to enter the inactive state from the connected state.

[0077] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the second message is used to instruct the first device to switch to a target cell; or the second message is a message sent by the first device after switching to the target cell.

[0078] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the transceiver is configured to: receive a fourth message, the fourth message being used to instruct the first device to deactivate the MICO mode; and send a fifth message according to the fourth message, the fifth message being used to request to establish a connection with the network device.

[0079] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the transceiver is configured to receive a sixth message, the sixth message being used to instruct the first device to enter the UOS mode or the UDS mode; and the processor is further configured to enter the UOS mode or the UDS mode in the connected state according to the sixth message.

[0080] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the processor is further configured to deactivate the DRX parameter configured for the first device after entering the UOS mode or the UDS mode in the connected state; and / or the transceiver is further configured to perform at least one of the following: continuously not monitor the downlink information; not monitor the downlink information in a plurality of consecutive first DRX active periods, the first DRX active period being a DRX active period configured for the first device; and not monitor the downlink information for a first time duration, the first device not being configured with the DRX parameter.

[0081] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the transceiver is further configured to: send a seventh message, the seventh message being used to instruct the first device to request a second time duration for delay; receive an eighth message, the eighth message being used to instruct the network device to allow the first device to delay for the second time duration; and not monitor the downlink information for the second time duration.

[0082] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the uplink traffic of the first device reaches, the transceiver is further configured to monitor the downlink information, the first device not being configured with the DRX parameter; or the processor is further configured to activate the DRX parameter configured for the first device.

[0083] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the transceiver is further configured to: send an eleventh message, the eleventh message being used to instruct the uplink traffic of the first device to reach; and receive the downlink information, the downlink information being sent by the network device according to the eleventh message.

[0084] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the transceiver is further configured to receive a twelfth message, the twelfth message being used to instruct the first device to deactivate the UOS mode or the UDS mode; and the processor is further configured to determine to deactivate the UOS mode or the UDS mode according to the twelfth message.

[0085] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the processor is further configured to perform one of the following: enter the uplink out-of-sync state after completing the current uplink transmission in the connected state; and delay for a third time duration and then enter the uplink out-of-sync state after completing the current uplink transmission in the connected state.

[0086] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the transceiver module is further configured to, after the processing module enters the non-active state or the idle state in the connected state, send a tenth message, the tenth message being used to indicate at least one of the following: the first device enters the non-active state or the idle state after completing the uplink transmission in the connected state; or the first device enters the non-active state or the idle state after delaying for a fourth time duration after completing the uplink transmission in the connected state.

[0087] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the processing module is further configured to: enter a non-active state or an idle state after completing the uplink transmission in the connected state; or enter the non-active state or the idle state after delaying for a fourth time duration after completing the uplink transmission in the connected state.

[0088] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the transceiver module is further configured to, after the processing module enters the non-active state or the idle state in the connected state, send a tenth message, the tenth message being used to indicate at least one of the following: the first device enters the non-active state or the idle state after completing the uplink transmission in the connected state; or the first device enters the non-active state or the idle state after delaying for a fourth time duration after completing the uplink transmission in the connected state.

[0089] In a fourth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication device, comprising: a processing module configured to determine that a first device does not listen to downlink information in a first state, the first state comprising a non-active state or a connected state, and the first device being an industry-oriented device.

[0090] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the first device does not listen to the downlink information in the first state, comprising one of the following: the first device does not listen to paging in the non-active state; or the first device does not listen to PDCCH in the connected state.

[0091] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the first device does not listen to the downlink information in the first state, comprising at least one of the following: the first device enters a MICO mode in the non-active state; or the first device enters a UOS mode or a UDS mode in the connected state; or the first device enters an uplink out-of-sync state in the connected state; or the first device enters the non-active state or the idle state in the connected state.

[0092] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the first device does not listen to paging in the MICO mode, and the first device does not listen to PDCCH in at least one of the UOS mode, the UDS mode, the uplink out-of-sync state, the non-active state, and the idle state.

[0093] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the communication device further comprises a transceiver module; and the transceiver module is configured to: send a first message, the first message being used to indicate that the first device enters the MICO mode in the non-active state.

[0094] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the transceiver is further configured to receive a second message, the second message being used to indicate that the first device prefers to enter the MICO mode; and transmit the first message according to the second message.

[0095] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the transceiver is further configured to transmit a third message, the third message being used to trigger the first device to enter the inactive state from the connected state.

[0096] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the second message is used to indicate that the first device switches to a target cell; or the second message is a message transmitted by the first device after switching to the target cell.

[0097] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the transceiver is further configured to transmit a fourth message, the fourth message being used to instruct the first device to deactivate the MICO mode; and receive a fifth message, the fifth message being used to request the first device to resume the connection with the network device.

[0098] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the transceiver is further configured to transmit a sixth message, the sixth message being used to instruct the first device to enter the UOS mode or the UDS mode.

[0099] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the processing module is configured to perform at least one of the following: determine that the first device deactivates a discontinuous reception (DRX) parameter configured for the first device; and / or the transceiver is configured to perform at least one of the following: continuously stop monitoring the downlink information; determine that the first device stops monitoring the downlink information for a plurality of first DRX active periods, the first DRX active period being a DRX active period configured for the first device; and determine that the first device stops monitoring the downlink information for a first time duration, the first device not being configured with the DRX parameter.

[0100] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the transceiver is configured to receive a seventh message, the seventh message being used to indicate that the first device requests to delay for a second time duration; and transmit an eighth message according to the seventh message, the eighth message being used to indicate that the first device is allowed to delay for the second time duration, the first device not monitoring the downlink information for the second time duration.

[0101] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, when the uplink traffic of the first device reaches, the transceiver is further configured to receive an eleventh message, the eleventh message being used to indicate that the uplink traffic of the first device reaches; and transmit the downlink information according to the eleventh message.

[0102] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the transceiver is configured to transmit a twelfth message, the twelfth message being used to instruct the first device to deactivate the UOS mode or the UDS mode.

[0103] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the transceiver is configured to receive a ninth message, the ninth message being used to indicate at least one of the following: the first device enters an uplink out-of-sync state after completing the uplink transmission in the connected state; or the first device enters the uplink out-of-sync state after delaying for a third time duration after completing the uplink transmission in the connected state.

[0104] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the transceiver is further configured to receive twelfth information, the twelfth information being used to indicate at least one of the following: the first device enters an inactive state or an idle state after completing the uplink transmission in the connected state; or the first device enters the inactive state or the idle state after delaying for a fourth time duration after completing the uplink transmission in the connected state.

[0105] In the fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, including: one or more processors; one or more memories for storing computer programs; wherein the processor executes the computer programs to implement the steps of the method in any one of the first aspect, the second aspect, and possible implementation manners thereof.

[0106] In the sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium, having stored thereon a computer program, wherein the computer program is executed by a processor to implement the steps of the method in any one of the first aspect, the second aspect, and possible implementation manners thereof.

[0107] In the seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer program product, including a computer program, which is executed by a processor to implement the steps of the method in any one of the first aspect, the second aspect, and possible implementation manners thereof.

[0108] In the eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer program, including code, which is executed by a processor to implement the steps of the method in any one of the first aspect, the second aspect, and possible implementation manners thereof.

[0109] In the ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a chip or a chip system. The chip or the chip system includes processing circuitry configured to execute the steps of the method in any one of the first aspect, the second aspect, and possible implementation manners thereof.

[0110] It can be understood that the above communication apparatus, communication device, computer-readable storage medium, computer program product, and computer program are all used to execute the method proposed in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved thereby can refer to the beneficial effects in the corresponding method, which will not be described here again.

[0111] This disclosure provides a communication method, device, storage medium, and program product. In some embodiments, terms such as communication method, transmission method, and information processing method are interchangeable. Terms such as communication device, transmission device, and information processing device are interchangeable. Terms such as communication system, transmission system, and information processing system are interchangeable.

[0112] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless contradictory, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementations in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined. Moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. For example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. As another example, a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with optional implementations of other embodiments.

[0113] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0114] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0115] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0116] In the embodiments of this disclosure, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0117] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0118] In some embodiments, "at least one of A, B", "A and / or B", "in one case A, in another case B", "responsive to case A, responsive to case B" and the like, can be interpreted to include both cases, A and B, in some embodiments, A (A is performed regardless of B), in some embodiments, B (B is performed regardless of A), in some embodiments, selected from the group consisting of A and B (the selection between A and B is an option), in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are performed).

[0119] In some embodiments, "A or B" and the like, can be interpreted to include both cases, A and B, in some embodiments, A (A is performed regardless of B), in some embodiments, B (B is performed regardless of A), in some embodiments, selected from the group consisting of A and B (the selection between A and B is an option).

[0120] In some embodiments, the prefix words "first", "second" and the like in the disclosure do not limit the position, order, priority, number or content of the described objects, and the description of the described objects should be understood in the context of the claims or embodiments, and should not be construed as redundant limitations. For example, the described object is "field", and the ordinal words before "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not limit the position or order between "fields", and "first" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" modified by them are in the same message or not, nor do they limit the order of "first field" and "second field". For another example, the described object is "level", and the ordinal words before "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not limit the priority between "levels". For another example, the number of described objects is not limited by ordinal words, and can be one or more. For example, "first device", where the number of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefix words can be the same or different, for example, the described object is "device", and "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different; for another example, the described object is "information", and "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0121] In some embodiments, "including A", "containing A", "for indicating A", "carrying A" can be interpreted as directly carrying A, or indirectly indicating A.

[0122] In some embodiments, the terms "in response to", "in response to determining", "in the case of", "when", "when", "if", "if" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0123] In some embodiments, the terms "greater than", "greater than or equal to", "not less than", "more than", "more than or equal to", "not less than", "higher than", "higher than or equal to", "not lower than", "above", and the like can be replaced with each other, and the terms "less than", "less than or equal to", "not greater than", "fewer than", "fewer than or equal to", "not more than", "lower than", "lower than or equal to", "not higher than", "below", and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0124] In some embodiments, an apparatus and the like can be interpreted as an entity, and can also be interpreted as virtual, and the name thereof is not limited to the name recited in the embodiments, and the terms "apparatus", "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "subject", and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0125] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as a device (for example, an access network device, a core network device, and the like) included in the network.

[0126] In some embodiments, the terms “access network device (AN device),” “radio access network device (RAN device),” “base station (BS),” “radio base station,” “fixed station,” “access node,” “node,” “access point,” “transmission point (TP),” “reception point (RP),” “transmission / reception point (TRP),” “panel,” “antenna panel,” “antenna array,” “cell,” “macrocell,” “small cell,” “femtocell,” “picocell,” “sector,” “cell group,” “serving cell,” “carrier,” “component carrier,” “bandwidth part (BWP),” and the like can be used interchangeably.

[0127] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal," "terminal device," "user equipment (UE)," "user terminal," "mobile station (MS)," "mobile terminal (MT)," "subscriber station," "mobile unit," "subscriber unit," "wireless unit," "remote unit," "mobile device," "wireless device," "wireless communication device," "remote device," "mobile subscriber station," "access terminal," "mobile terminal," "wireless terminal," "remote terminal," "handset," "user agent," "mobile client," "client," and the like can be used interchangeably.

[0128] In some embodiments, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device can be replaced with a terminal. For example, the embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied to a structure in which communication between the access network device, the core network device, or the network device and the terminal is replaced with communication between a plurality of terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), or the like). In this case, the terminal can also be configured to have all or part of the functions of the access network device. In addition, the terms "uplink," "downlink," and the like can also be replaced with terms corresponding to the inter-terminal communication (e.g., "side"). For example, the uplink channel, the downlink channel, and the like can be replaced with the side channel, and the uplink, the downlink, and the like can be replaced with the sidelink. The sidelink can also be replaced with the sidelink.

[0129] In some embodiments, the terminal can be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device can also be configured to have all or part of the functions of the terminal.

[0130] In some embodiments, the data, information, and the like can be acquired in compliance with the laws and regulations of the country where the terminal is located.

[0131] In some embodiments, the data, information, and the like can be acquired after obtaining the consent of the user.

[0132] In addition, each element, each row, or each column in the table of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, and any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 1A, FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a network device 102. In an example, the network device 102 can include at least one of an access network device and a core network device.

[0134] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 includes at least one of a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, a car with communication function, a smart car, a Pad, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in smart city, a wireless terminal device in smart home, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0135] In some embodiments, the access network device, for example, a node or device that accesses a terminal to a wireless network, can include at least one of an evolved NodeB (eNB), a next generation eNB (ng-eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a NodeB (NB), a home NodeB (HNB), a home evolved NodeB (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an Open RAN, a Cloud RAN, a base station in other communication systems, an access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited to this.

[0136] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of the present disclosure can be applicable to an Open RAN architecture, at this time, the interfaces between or within the access network devices involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can become internal interfaces of the Open RAN, and the processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be realized through software or programs.

[0137] In some embodiments, the access network device can be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), wherein the CU can also be referred to as a control unit. The CU-DU structure can split the protocol layers of the access network device, and some of the protocol layers are controlled by the CU, and the rest or all of the protocol layers are distributed in the DU and controlled by the CU, but is not limited to this.

[0138] In some embodiments, the core network device can be one device including one or more network elements, or can be multiple devices or device groups including all or part of one or more network elements. The network element can be virtual or physical. The core network includes at least one of an evolved packet core (EPC) network, a 5G core (5GC) network, and a next generation core (NGC) network.

[0139] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiments of the present disclosure is for more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed by the embodiments of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art can know that, with the evolution of system architecture and the appearance of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed by the embodiments of the present disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0140] The embodiments of the present disclosure described below can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG. 1A or part of the subjects in the communication system 100, but are not limited thereto. The subjects shown in FIG. 1A are exemplary, the communication system 100 can include all or part of the subjects in FIG. 1A, or other subjects other than FIG. 1A, the number and form of each subject is arbitrary, each subject can be real or virtual, the connection relationship between each subject is exemplary, each subject can not be connected or can be connected, the connection can be in any way, can be direct connection or indirect connection, can be wired connection or wireless connection.

[0141] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to long term evolution (LTE), LTE-advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, international mobile telecommunications-advanced (IMT-advanced), 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), future radio access (FRA), new-radio access technology (RAT), new radio (NR), new radio access (NX), future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, ultra-wide band (UWB), Bluetooth (Bluetooth (registered trademark)), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) network, Device-to-Device (D2D) system, Machine to Machine (M2M) system, Internet of Things (IoT) system, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), system using other communication methods, next-generation system expanded based thereon, and the like. Further, a plurality of systems can be applied in combination (for example, combination of LTE or LTE-A and 5G, and the like).

[0142] In some embodiments, as the Internet of Things (IoT) technology is applied in various industries, large-scale deployment of IoT devices driven by traditional battery power is limited by environmental, cost, energy conservation, and other factors, and cannot meet the needs in some scenarios, which also has a negative impact on user experience. In some embodiments, due to the astronomical growth of the Internet of Things network, combined with the emergence of a large number of Internet of Things devices, this will push the network maintenance expenditure, including labor costs and battery costs, to a new level. And every year, billions of traditional batteries are discarded, only a small part can be effectively recycled, which has a harmful impact on the Earth's ecosystem. In some extreme environmental conditions, it can be very challenging to maintain the operation of the Internet of Things network and replace the battery. In view of this, battery-free Internet of Things (also known as passive Internet of Things) communication is proposed, which will improve network performance and sustainability and expand application scenarios. In addition, battery-free communication is more environmentally friendly and safer for children and the elderly. By removing the traditional battery, the device size and cost can be significantly reduced, paving the way for a variety of new applications.

[0143] In some embodiments, various low power wide area (LPWA) technologies such as machine type communication (MTC), narrow band Internet of Things (NB-IoT), reduced capability (RedCap) terminals, etc. have been developed to meet the growing needs of vertical industries. These LPWA technologies achieve low cost, low power consumption, and large-scale connectivity, which can meet the requirements of many applications. However, there are still situations that need to be addressed: 1. In some scenarios (such as in extreme environmental conditions (e.g. high pressure, extremely high / low temperature, humid environment, etc.), devices driven by traditional batteries are not suitable. 2. Maintenance-free devices (such as devices that do not need to replace traditional batteries) are needed. 3. Devices with ultra-low complexity, very small device size (e.g. mm level thickness), longer life cycle, etc. are needed. In order to meet the above unmet needs, energy-enabled Internet of Things is a promising technology.

[0144] In some embodiments, an energy-enabled Internet of Things device is an Internet of Things device powered by harvested energy. Such a physical network device is a battery-free device or a device with limited energy storage capability (e.g. the device uses a capacitor). The energy-enabled Internet of Things device can provide energy for itself by harvesting radio waves, light, motion, heat, or any other suitable power source to drive the physical network device to perform wireless communication or data transmission.

[0145] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned “IoT device supporting ambient energy” can be mutually replaced with the terms “passive device”, “passive IoT device”, “ambient energy-based device”, “ambient IoT (AIoT) device”, “IoT device”, and the like.

[0146] In some embodiments, FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of an IoT device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1B, the above-mentioned IoT device can be, but is not limited to, divided into the following three types:

[0147] Type A: without energy storage and without independent signal generation / amplification, and transmission based on backscattering.

[0148] Type B: with energy storage but without independent signal generation, and transmission based on backscattering. The energy stored by the IoT device can be used to amplify the backscattering signal.

[0149] Type C: with energy storage to have independent signal generation, and transmission using active radio frequency components.

[0150] In some embodiments, in the fields of smart home, medical health monitoring, environmental monitoring, intelligent transportation, and the like, IoT devices are mostly used to collect data, such as environmental data, health data, traffic flow, and the like, and send the collected data. It can be seen that, compared with downlink services, uplink services of such IoT devices are more, and therefore, such IoT devices can also be referred to as uplink service-oriented IoT devices, uplink service-oriented devices, and the like.

[0151] In some embodiments, since IoT devices have high energy saving requirements, in order to support IoT devices, MICO mode is introduced in NR. MICO is a new working mode introduced in 5G NR. In MICO mode, the IoT device can only initiate the establishment of a wireless connection when it needs to transmit data. If the IoT device enables this mode, it means that the network (such as the access and mobility management function (AMF)) will not perform paging on the IoT device in the core management (CM) idle state (CM-idle), thereby reducing the power consumption of the device. At this time, the IoT device in MICO mode will not respond to the network's paging and will not listen to the network's state, but only unidirectionally initiate a connection from the IoT device to the network.

[0152] In some embodiments, MICO is only used for UEs in radio resource control (RRC)-idle state (RRC-IDLE), but not for IoT devices in RRC-inactive state (RRC-inactive).

[0153] In some embodiments, in order to support IoT devices, RRC-inactive state is also introduced. When entering RRC-inactive, IoT devices will retain the context of the core network and will not be released. In addition, on the core network side, it is not known that the IoT device has entered RRC-inactive, that is, the RRC state of the IoT device is transparent to the core network. Then, under RRC-inactive, if there is reception or transmission of data, the IoT device needs to transition to RRC-connected state (RRC-connected), at this time, the IoT device only needs to establish the connection of the access network through the recovery process, and can receive and send data packets.

[0154] However, the above energy saving methods cannot be used at the same time, so that the energy saving gain of the IoT device is limited. And for the above industry-oriented IoT devices, how to save energy in RRC-connected is not considered at present. It can be seen that there is no suitable energy saving method to realize the energy saving of the above industry-oriented IoT devices.

[0155] Therefore, for the above industry-oriented IoT devices, how to realize energy saving is a problem to be solved.

[0156] In order to solve the above problems, the embodiments of the disclosure provide a communication method, device, storage medium and program product to realize the energy saving of the above industry-oriented devices.

[0157] In some embodiments, the first device can be an IoT device. In an example, the first device can be a terminal.

[0158] In some embodiments, the network device can be an access network device.

[0159] As shown in FIG. 2A, FIG. 2A is an exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The embodiments of the disclosure relate to a communication method, which is executed by the above communication system 100. The above communication method includes steps S2101 to S2105.

[0160] In step S2101, the first device sends message A.

[0161] In some embodiments, the first device is in RRC-connected.

[0162] In some embodiments, the network device receives message A. In some embodiments, the first device sends message A to the access network device, and the access network device forwards message A to the core network device (e.g., AMF) for the core network device to decide whether to allow the first device to enter the MICO mode, or message A can also be used for the core network device to decide whether to allow the first device to enter the MICO mode in RRC-inactive.

[0163] In some embodiments, message A is used to indicate the preference of the first device for the MICO mode. In an embodiment, message A is used to indicate that the first device prefers to enter the MICO mode. In this case, message A is the second message.

[0164] In some embodiments, the first device supports the MICO mode, in which case the first device prefers to enter the MICO mode. Then, message A can also be used to indicate that the first device supports the MICO mode. Or, message A can also be used to indicate the capability of the first device to support the MICO mode.

[0165] In some embodiments, the first device expects to enter the MICO mode, in which case the first device prefers to enter the MICO mode. Then, message A can also be used to indicate that the first device expects to enter the MICO mode.

[0166] In some embodiments, the first device requests to enter the MICO mode, in which case the first device prefers to enter the MICO mode. Then, message A can also be used to indicate that the first device requests to enter the MICO mode.

[0167] In some embodiments, the name of message A is not specifically limited, such as a configuration message, a request message, etc. In some embodiments, message A can carry capability information, indication information, expectation information, preference information, etc.

[0168] In some embodiments, message A can be RRC signaling. In an example, the RRC signaling can include terminal capability information (UE capability information), terminal assistance information (UE assistance information), etc.

[0169] In some embodiments, the first device is handed over from the source cell to the target cell due to movement of the first device, channel change, etc. In an embodiment, message A can be synchronized by the source cell to the target cell during the handover procedure if the first device has sent message A on the serving cell. In an example, after the first device sends message A on the serving cell, a long time interval (e.g., 10 seconds, 50 seconds, etc.) elapses before the first device sends a handover request on the serving cell or receives a handover instruction, in which case, the serving cell (i.e., the source cell) synchronizes message A to the target cell during the handover procedure so that the first device and the network device can reach a consensus on the preference of the first device on the target cell. In an embodiment, message A can also be sent by the first device to the target cell after the first device is handed over to the target cell. In this case, the source cell does not need to synchronize message A to the target cell during the handover procedure of the first device.

[0170] In some embodiments, the first device is handed over (e.g., requests a handover or receives a handover instruction) a short time (i.e., a first time duration, e.g., 10 milliseconds, 50 milliseconds, 1 second, 3 seconds, etc.) after sending message A to the serving cell (i.e., the source cell), in which case, message A can be sent by the first device to the target cell after the first device is handed over to the target cell. In an example, after the first device sends message A on the serving cell, an interval of 1 second elapses before the first device sends a handover request on the serving cell or receives a handover instruction. Since the interval between the time when the first device sends message A on the serving cell and the time when the handover occurs is short, the source cell can not be able to synchronize message A to the target cell, in which case, the second device can send message A on the target cell after being handed over to the target cell so that the first device and the network device can reach a consensus on the preference of the first device on the target cell.

[0171] In some embodiments, in the case where message A is sent by the first device to the target cell after the first device is handed over to the target cell, the first device can use message A to indicate that the first device is handed over to the target cell. In an example, message A can be a handover completion message, e.g., an RRCReconfigurationComplete message.

[0172] In some embodiments, in the case where message A is sent by the first device to the target cell after the first device is handed over to the target cell, the first device can use message A to indicate that the first device is handed over to the target cell. In an example, message A can be a handover completion message, e.g., an RRCReconfigurationComplete message.

[0173] In some embodiments, step S2101 can be omitted in the case where whether the first device prefers to enter the MICO mode is predefined or set by default.

[0174] In step S2102, the network device sends message B.

[0175] In some embodiments, the first device receives message B.

[0176] In some embodiments, the core network device (e.g., AMF) sends the first information to the first device through the access network device. In some embodiments, the core network device determines to allow the first device to enter the MICO mode or to enter the MICO mode in the RRC-inactive according to the second information, in which case, the core network device can send the first information to the access network device, which forwards the first information to the first device. In this way, the network device indicates to the first device to enter the MICO mode in the RRC-inactive.

[0177] In some embodiments, the first device receives message B. At this time, message A is the first message.

[0178] In some embodiments, message B is used to indicate the first device to enter the MICO mode in the RRC-inactive. In some embodiments, message B is used to indicate to allow the first device to enter the MICO mode in the RRC-inactive.

[0179] In some embodiments, the name of message B is not specifically limited, for example, message B can be a configuration message, a response message, an acknowledgement message, etc. In some embodiments, message B can carry configuration information, indication information, response information, acknowledgement information, etc.

[0180] In some embodiments, after the first device sends message A, the first device and the network device can default to allow the first device to enter the MICO mode in the RRC-inactive, in which case, the first device can enter the MICO mode in the RRC-inactive by itself. At this time, step S2102 can be omitted. In this way, the signaling overhead between the first device and the network device can be reduced.

[0181] In step S2103, the network device sends message C.

[0182] In some embodiments, the first device receives message C. At this time, message C is the third message.

[0183] In some embodiments, message C is used to indicate the first device to enter the RRC-inactive from the RRC-connected.

[0184] In some embodiments, the name of message C is not specifically limited, for example, message C can be an RRC connection release, an RRC connection suspend, etc.

[0185] In some embodiments, message C can be the same as message B, in which case, step S2102 can be performed simultaneously with step S2103, thus reducing the signaling overhead between the first device and the network device. In some embodiments, message B can be sent through other RRC signaling, in which case, step S2102 can be performed before step S2103.

[0186] In some embodiments, the network device can also implicitly indicate the first device to enter the MICO mode in RRC-inactive, e.g., through message C. Then, after the first device sends message A, if the first device receives message C, it can be considered that the network device indicates the first device to enter the MICO mode in RRC-inactive. In this case, step S2102 can be omitted. Thus, the signaling overhead between the first device and the network device can be reduced.

[0187] In some embodiments, step S2103 can be omitted, in which case, the first device can enter RRC-inactive from RRC-connected by itself. For example, the first device can enter RRC-inactive after the DRX active period expires.

[0188] In step S2104, the first device enters RRC-inactive.

[0189] In some embodiments, the first device enters RRC-inactive from RRC-connected according to message C.

[0190] In step S2105, the first device enters the MICO mode in RRC-inactive.

[0191] In some embodiments, the first device in RRC-inactive does not listen to paging.

[0192] In some embodiments, the first device in RRC-inactive enters the MICO mode according to message B.

[0193] In some embodiments, the first device in RRC-inactive enters the MICO mode according to the indication of message B. In other words, the first device can enter the MICO mode immediately after entering RRC-inactive.

[0194] In some embodiments, the first device in RRC-inactive does not listen to downlink information, e.g., paging, in the MICO mode. In an embodiment, “not listening to downlink information” can also be described as “canceling listening to downlink information”, “stopping listening to downlink information”, etc.

[0195] In some embodiments, after the network device sends message B or message C to the first device, the network device can also notify the core network side (such as AMF) to cache the downlink information of the first device. Alternatively, the network device can also notify the core network side that the first device is in the MICO mode.

[0196] In some embodiments, in the case that the first device is in the MICO mode, if the uplink information of the first device arrives at the network device where the context of the first device is saved, the network device can cache the downlink information of the first device and forward it to the first device after the first device establishes the RRC connection. Alternatively, the core network side can cache the downlink information of the first device and forward it to the first device through the core network after the first device establishes the RRC connection.

[0197] In some embodiments, in the case that the first device is in the MICO mode, if the uplink information of the first device arrives, the first device can leave the MICO mode, send the fourth information to the network device to request the establishment of the RRC connection with the network device, and send the uplink information to the network device after the RRC connection.

[0198] In some embodiments, the first device can also leave the MICO mode under the control of the network device. In this case, the first device can receive message D (such as the fourth message) from the network device, which is used to instruct the first device to leave or deactivate the MICO mode. The first device sends message E (such as the fifth message) to the network device according to message D to request the establishment of the RRC connection with the network device. In an embodiment, after the core network side (such as AMF) decides that the first device leaves the MICO mode, the core network side sends message D to the first device through the network device to instruct the first device to deactivate the MICO mode. In an embodiment, message D is in the downlink signaling. In an example, the downlink signaling can include downlink RRC dedicated signaling, media access control (MAC) control element (CE).

[0199] In some embodiments, after the first device leaves the MICO mode, the network device or the core network side sends the cached downlink information to the first device.

[0200] So far, the first device mainly for uplink information enters the MICO mode in the RRC-inactive state, realizes not listening to the paging, and thus reduces the power consumption of the device and achieves the purpose of energy saving.

[0201] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S2101 to S2105. For example, step S2101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S2102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S2104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S2105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, a combination of step S2101 and step S2102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, a combination of step S2101 and step S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, a combination of step S2102 and step S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, a combination of step S2103 and step S2104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, a combination of step S2103 and step S2105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, a combination of step S2101, step S2102, and step S2105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, a combination of step S2101 and steps S2103 to S2105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, a combination of steps S2102 to S2105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, a combination of steps S2101 to S2105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that one or more steps of steps S2101 to S2105 can constitute possible independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0202] In some embodiments, step S2101 is optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0203] In some embodiments, step S2102 is optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0204] In some embodiments, step S2103 is optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0205] As shown in FIG. 2B, FIG. 2B is another exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which is performed by the communication system 100 described above. The communication method described above includes steps S2201 to S2203.

[0206] In step S2201, the first device sends a message F.

[0207] In some embodiments, the first device is in RRC-connected.

[0208] In some embodiments, the network device receives message F.

[0209] In some embodiments, message F is used to indicate that the first device prefers to enter the UOS mode or the UDS mode.

[0210] In some embodiments, the first device supports the UOS mode or the UDS mode, in which case the first device prefers to enter the UOS mode or the UDS mode. Then, message F can also be used to indicate that the first device supports the UOS mode or the UDS mode. Alternatively, message F can also be used to indicate the capability of the first device to support the UOS mode or the UDS mode.

[0211] In some embodiments, the first device expects to enter the UOS mode or the UDS mode, in which case the first device prefers to enter the UOS mode or the UDS mode. Then, message F can also be used to indicate that the first device expects to enter the UOS mode or the UDS mode.

[0212] In some embodiments, the first device requests to enter the UOS mode or the UDS mode, in which case the first device prefers to enter the UOS mode or the UDS mode. Then, message F can also be used to indicate that the first device requests to enter the UOS mode or the UDS mode.

[0213] In some embodiments, the name of message F is not specifically limited, for example, a configuration message, a request message, etc. In some embodiments, message F can carry capability information, indication information, expectation information, preference information, etc.

[0214] The capability information, the indication information, the expectation information, the preference information, the request information, etc. can be carried in message F.

[0215] In some embodiments, message F is carried in RRC signaling. In an example, the RRC signaling can include UE capability information, UE assistance information, etc.

[0216] In some embodiments, step S2201 can be omitted in the case that whether the first device prefers to enter the UOS mode or the UDS mode is predefined or set by default.

[0217] In step S2202, the network device sends message G.

[0218] In some embodiments, the first device receives message G. At this time, message G is the sixth message.

[0219] In some embodiments, the message G is used to indicate that the first device is allowed to enter the UOS mode or the UDS mode in RRC-connected.

[0220] In some embodiments, the name of the message G is not limited, for example, the message G can be a configuration message, a response message, an acknowledgement message, etc.

[0221] In some embodiments, after the first device sends the message F, the first device and the network device can default to allow the first device to enter the UOS mode or the UDS mode in RRC-connected. At this time, the first device can enter the UOS mode or the UDS mode by itself after sending the message F. At this time, step S2202 can be omitted. In this way, the signaling overhead between the first device and the network device can be reduced.

[0222] In step S2203, the first device enters the UOS mode or the UDS mode in RRC-connected.

[0223] In some embodiments, the first device in RRC-connected does not listen to the PDCCH.

[0224] In some embodiments, the first device in RRC-connected enters the UOS mode or the UDS mode according to the message G.

[0225] In some embodiments, the first device in RRC-inactive enters the UOS mode or the UDS mode according to the indication of the message G. In other words, after receiving the message G, the first device can immediately enter the UOS mode or the UDS mode. At this time, the first device remains in RRC-connected.

[0226] In some embodiments, the first device in RRC-connected does not listen to the downlink information such as the PDCCH in the UOS mode or the UDS mode. In an embodiment, "not listening to the downlink information" can also be described as "canceling listening to the downlink information", "stopping listening to the downlink information", etc.

[0227] In some embodiments, after the first device enters the UOS mode or the UDS mode, the first device can continuously not listen to the downlink information, or can not listen to the downlink information for a period of time.

[0228] In some embodiments, in the case that the first device is configured with DRX parameters, the first device can deactivate the DRX parameters and continuously not listen to downlink information after entering the UOS mode or the UDS mode. In other words, the first device enters an always DRX non-active period after entering the UOS mode or the UDS mode. In some embodiments, in the case that the first device is not configured with DRX parameters, the first device continuously not listens to downlink information after entering the UOS mode or the UDS mode.

[0229] In some embodiments, in the case that the first device is configured with DRX parameters (including a first DRX active period), the first device can not listen to downlink information for n consecutive first DRX active periods after entering the UOS mode or the UDS mode, where n is a positive integer and can be predefined (e.g., as specified in a protocol) or configured by the network device. In other words, the first device does not listen to downlink information for a period of time (i.e., n consecutive DRX active periods) after entering the UOS mode or the UDS mode. In some embodiments, in the case that the first device is not configured with DRX parameters, the first device does not listen to downlink information for a period of time (i.e., a first time duration) after entering the UOS mode or the UDS mode. Here, the first time duration can be a time length of m seconds, m milliseconds, m microseconds, etc., where m is greater than 0. m can be predefined (e.g., as specified in a protocol) or configured by the network device.

[0230] In some embodiments, the first device can also apply for a time duration (i.e., a second time duration) for which the first device does not listen to downlink information from the network device. In an embodiment, the first device can send a message H (e.g., a seventh message) to the network device to request that the network device delay for the second time duration. Here, the second time duration can be a length of x DRX cycles or a preset time duration (e.g., x seconds, x milliseconds, x microseconds). Then, the network device sends a message I (e.g., an eighth message) to the first device to indicate that the network device allows the first device to delay for the second time duration. Thus, the first device does not listen to downlink information for the second time duration after entering the UOS mode or the UDS mode.

[0231] In some embodiments, in the case that the first device is configured with DRX parameters, the first device does not listen to downlink information for a length of x DRX cycles after entering the UOS mode or the UDS mode. In other words, the first device delays for a length of x DRX cycles before listening to downlink information. In some embodiments, in the case that the first device is not configured with DRX parameters, the first device does not listen to downlink information for a preset time duration after entering the UOS mode or the UDS mode. In other words, the first device delays for a preset time duration before listening to downlink information.

[0232] In some embodiments, when the first device is in the UOS mode or the UDS mode, if downlink information of the first device arrives at the network device storing the context of the first device, the network device can buffer the downlink information of the first device and forward it to the first device after the first device establishes the RRC connection. Alternatively, the core network side can buffer the downlink information of the first device and forward it to the first device by the core network after the first device establishes the RRC connection.

[0233] In some embodiments, when the first device is in the UOS mode or the UDS mode, if uplink information of the first device arrives, the first device can send a message J (e.g., the eleventh message) to the network device to indicate that the uplink information of the first device arrives, and then the first device starts to listen to the downlink information or activates the configured DRX parameters. The network device sends the downlink information to the first device after receiving the message J. Here, the downlink information can be the buffered downlink information or the downlink information associated with the uplink information. In an example, the message J can be a random access message, a service request message, uplink signaling sent through a configured cell group, etc.

[0234] In some embodiments, after the first device completes the uplink information, it can also return to the UOS mode or the UDS mode to continue not listening to the downlink information.

[0235] In some embodiments, the first device can also leave under the control of the network device. In this case, the first device can receive a message K (the twelfth message) from the network device, which is used to instruct the first device to leave or deactivate the UOS mode or the UDS mode. The first device leaves or deactivates the UOS mode or the UDS mode according to the message K. Then, the first device starts to listen to the downlink information or activates the configured DRX parameters.

[0236] In some embodiments, after the first device leaves the UOS mode or the UDS mode, the network device or the core network side can send the buffered downlink information to the first device.

[0237] So far, the first device with uplink information as the main purpose enters the UOS mode or the UDS mode under the RRC-connected mode to achieve not listening to the downlink information (e.g., the information in the PUCCH), thereby reducing the power consumption of the device and achieving the purpose of energy saving.

[0238] The communication method related to embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S2201 to S2203. For example, step S2201 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S2202 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S2203 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, a combination of step S2201 and step S2202 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, a combination of step S2201 and step S2203 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, a combination of step S2202 and step S2203 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, a combination of steps S2201 to S2203 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that one or more steps of steps S2201 to S2203 can constitute possible independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0239] In some embodiments, step S2201 is optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0240] In some embodiments, step S2202 is optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0241] As shown in FIG. 2C, FIG. 2C is another exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which is performed by the communication system 100 described above. The communication method described above includes steps S2301 to S2302.

[0242] In step S2301, the first device sends a first message L.

[0243] In some embodiments, the first device is in an RRC-connected state.

[0244] In some embodiments, the network device receives the message L. At this time, the message L is the ninth message.

[0245] In some embodiments, the message L is used to instruct the first device to enter an uplink out-of-sync state after completing the current uplink transmission. In some embodiments, the message L is used to instruct the first device to delay for a third time duration and then enter an uplink out-of-sync state after completing the current uplink transmission.

[0246] In some embodiments, the message L is carried in a MAC CE.

[0247] In some embodiments, in the case that the message L is used to instruct the first device to enter the uplink out-of-sync state after completing the current uplink transmission with a third time length, the message L comprises the third time length. Here, the third time length can be determined by the first device itself or can be predefined (e.g., specified by a protocol). In an example, the unit of the third time length can be seconds, microseconds, milliseconds, etc.

[0248] In step S2302, the first device enters the uplink out-of-sync state after completing the current uplink transmission in the connected state.

[0249] In some embodiments, the first device in the RRC-connected state does not listen to the PDCCH.

[0250] In some embodiments, after the first device sends the message L, if the first device is performing uplink transmission, the first device can enter the uplink out-of-sync state immediately after completing the current uplink transmission. In some embodiments, if the first device is not performing uplink transmission, the first device can enter the uplink out-of-sync state immediately.

[0251] In some embodiments, after the first device sends the message L, if the first device is performing uplink transmission, the first device can enter the uplink out-of-sync state after completing the current uplink transmission with a third time length. In some embodiments, if the first device is not performing uplink transmission, the first device can enter the uplink out-of-sync state with the third time length.

[0252] In some embodiments, after entering the uplink out-of-sync state, the first device can not send signals (e.g., sounding reference signals (SRS)) used to assist timing advance (TA) measurement. Accordingly, the network device does not need to perform measurement to maintain uplink synchronization.

[0253] So far, the first device mainly engaged in uplink service enters the uplink out-of-sync state in the RRC-connected state, so as to not listen to downlink information (e.g., information in the PDCCH), thereby reducing device power consumption and achieving the purpose of energy saving.

[0254] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can comprise at least one of steps S2301 to S2302. For example, step S2301 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S2302 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, the combination of steps S2301 to S2302 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that one or more steps of steps S2301 to S2302 can constitute a possible independent embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0255] As shown in FIG. 2D, FIG. 2D is another exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is performed by the communication system 100 described above. The communication method described above includes steps S2401-S2402.

[0256] In step S2401, the first device transmits a message M.

[0257] In some embodiments, the first device is in RRC-connected.

[0258] In some embodiments, the network device receives the message M. At this time, the message M is the tenth message.

[0259] In some embodiments, the message M is used to indicate that the first device enters RRC-inactive or RRC-idle after completing the current uplink transmission.

[0260] In some embodiments, the message M is carried in a MAC CE.

[0261] In step S2402, the first device enters RRC-inactive or RRC-idle after completing the current uplink transmission in the connected state.

[0262] In some embodiments, after the first device transmits the message M, if the first device is performing uplink transmission, the first device can enter RRC-inactive or RRC-idle immediately after completing the current uplink transmission. In some embodiments, if the first device is not performing uplink transmission, the first device can enter RRC-inactive or RRC-idle immediately.

[0263] In some embodiments, after the first device transmits the message M, if the first device is performing uplink transmission, the first device can enter RRC-inactive or RRC-idle after delaying a fourth time duration after completing the current uplink transmission. In some embodiments, if the first device is not performing uplink transmission, the first device can enter RRC-inactive or RRC-idle after delaying the fourth time duration.

[0264] In some embodiments, the message M can include the fourth time duration. Here, the fourth time duration can be determined by the first device itself, or can be predefined (such as specified by a protocol). In an example, the unit of the fourth time duration can be seconds, microseconds, milliseconds, etc.

[0265] In some embodiments, after the first device enters RRC-inactive or RRC-idle, the first device can not listen to paging. The network device also does not transmit downlink information to the first device.

[0266] So far, the above first device mainly for industry service, by entering RRC-inactive or RRC-idle under RRC-connected, realizes not listening to paging, thereby reducing device power consumption, and achieving the purpose of energy saving.

[0267] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S2401 to S2402. For example, step S2401 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S2402 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, a combination of steps S2401 to S2402 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that one or more steps of steps S2401 to S2402 constitute possible independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0268] In some embodiments, the name of information and the like is not limited to the name described in the embodiments, and the terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "code point", "bit", "data", "program", "chip", and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0269] In some embodiments, the terms such as "radio", "wireless", "radio access network (RAN)", "access network (AN)", "RAN-based" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0270] In some embodiments, the terms such as "component carrier (CC)", "cell", "frequency carrier", "carrier frequency" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0271] In some embodiments, the terms of wireless access scheme, waveform, and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0272] In some embodiments, the terms of "acquire", "obtain", "get", "receive", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive", and the like can be replaced with each other, which can be interpreted as receiving from other subjects, acquiring from protocols, acquiring from higher layers, obtaining by self-processing, implementing autonomously, and the like.

[0273] In some embodiments, the terms of "send", "transmit", "report", "issue", "collect", "collect", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive", and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0274] In some embodiments, the terms of "start", "restart", and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0275] In some embodiments, the terms of "passive device", "environmental Internet of Things device", "tag", "electronic tag", "Internet of Things device", and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0276] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (Boolean value) represented by true or false, or by comparison of numerical values (for example, comparison with a predetermined value), but not limited thereto.

[0277] As shown in FIG. 3A, FIG. 3A is a first flow diagram of a communication method performed by a first device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method performed by a first device, such as the terminal 101 in the communication system 100 described above. The communication method includes steps S3101 to S3105.

[0278] In step S3101, message A is sent.

[0279] The optional implementation of step S3101 can also refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 of FIG. 2A and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0280] In some embodiments, step S3101 can be omitted in the case where whether the first device prefers to enter the MICO mode is predefined or default set.

[0281] In step S3102, message B is received.

[0282] The optional implementation of step S3102 can also refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in FIG. 2A and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0283] In some embodiments, after the first device sends message A, the first device and the network device can default to allow the first device to enter the MICO mode under RRC-inactive, at this time, the first device can enter the MICO mode by itself after entering RRC-inactive. At this time, step S3102 can be omitted. In this way, the signaling overhead between the first device and the network device can be reduced.

[0284] In step S3103, message C is received.

[0285] The optional implementation of step S3103 can also refer to the optional implementation of step S2103 in FIG. 2A and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0286] In some embodiments, message B can be carried in message C, at this time, step S3102 and step S3103 are executed at the same time, in this way, the signaling overhead between the first device and the network device can be reduced. In some embodiments, message B can be sent through other RRC signaling, at this time, step S3102 needs to be executed before step S3103.

[0287] In some embodiments, the network device can also implicitly indicate the first device to enter the MICO mode under RRC-inactive, such as through message C. Then, after the first device sends message A, if the first device receives message C, it can be considered that the network device indicates the first device to enter the MICO mode under RRC-inactive. At this time, step S3102 can be omitted. In this way, the signaling overhead between the first device and the network device can be reduced.

[0288] In some embodiments, step S3103 can be omitted, at this time, the first device can enter RRC-inactive from RRC-connected by itself. For example, the first device can enter RRC-inactive after the DRX active period expires.

[0289] In step S3104, RRC-inactive is entered.

[0290] The optional implementation of step S3104 can also refer to the optional implementation of step S2104 in FIG. 2A and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0291] In step S3105, the MICO mode is entered under RRC-inactive.

[0292] The optional implementation of step S3105 can also refer to the optional implementation of step S2105 in FIG. 2A, and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0293] So far, the above first device mainly for industry service, by entering the MICO mode under RRC-inactive, realizes not listening to paging, thereby reducing the power consumption of the device, and achieving the purpose of energy saving.

[0294] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S3101 to S3105. For example, step S3101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S3102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S3103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S3104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S3105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, the combination of step S3101 and step S3102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, the combination of step S3101 and step S3103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, the combination of step S3102 and step S3103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, the combination of step S3103 and step S3104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, the combination of step S3103 and step S3105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, the combination of step S3101, step S3102, and step S3105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, the combination of step S3101 and steps S3103 to S3105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, the combination of steps S3102 to S3105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, the combination of steps S3101 to S3105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that one or more steps of steps S3101 to S3105 constitute possible independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0295] In some embodiments, step S3101 is optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0296] In some embodiments, step S3102 is optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0297] In some embodiments, step S3103 is optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0298] As shown in FIG. 3B, FIG. 3B is a second flow diagram illustrating a method for performing communication from a first device side, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for performing communication, which is performed by a first device, such as the terminal 101 in the communication system 100 described above. The method for performing communication includes steps S3201 to S3203.

[0299] In step S3201, the message F is sent.

[0300] The optional implementation of step S3201 can also refer to the optional implementation of step S2201 in FIG. 2B and other associated parts in the embodiment related to FIG. 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0301] In some embodiments, step S3201 can be omitted in the case that whether the first device prefers to enter the UOS mode or the UDS mode is predefined or set by default.

[0302] In step S3202, the message G is received.

[0303] The optional implementation of step S3202 can also refer to the optional implementation of step S2202 in FIG. 2B and other associated parts in the embodiment related to FIG. 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0304] In some embodiments, after the first device sends the message F, the first device and the network device can default to allow the first device to enter the UOS mode or the UDS mode in the RRC-connected mode. At this time, the first device can enter the UOS mode or the UDS mode by itself after sending the message F. At this time, step S3202 can be omitted. In this way, the signaling overhead between the first device and the network device can be reduced.

[0305] In step S3203, the UOS mode or the UDS mode is entered in the RRC-connected mode.

[0306] The optional implementation of step S3203 can also refer to the optional implementation of step S2203 in FIG. 2B and other associated parts in the embodiment related to FIG. 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0307] So far, the above first device mainly for business purposes enters the UOS mode or the UDS mode in the RRC-connected mode, so as to achieve not listening to the downlink information (such as the information in the PUCCH), thereby reducing the power consumption of the device and achieving the purpose of energy saving.

[0308] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S3201 to S3203. For example, step S3201 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S3202 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S3203 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, a combination of step S3201 and step S3202 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, a combination of step S3201 and step S3203 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, a combination of step S3202 and step S3203 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, a combination of steps S3201 to S3203 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that one or more of steps S3201 to S3203 constitute possible independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0309] In some embodiments, step S3201 is optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0310] In some embodiments, step S3202 is optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0311] As shown in FIG. 3C, FIG. 3C is a third flow diagram of a communication method performed by a first device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method performed by a first device, such as terminal 101 in the above communication system 100. The above communication method includes steps S3301 to S3302.

[0312] In step S3301, message L is sent.

[0313] The optional implementation of step S3301 can also refer to the optional implementation of step S2301 in FIG. 2C and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2C, which will not be described here.

[0314] In step S3302, after completing this uplink transmission, the uplink out-of-sync state is entered.

[0315] The optional implementation of step S3302 can also refer to the optional implementation of step S2302 in FIG. 2C and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2C, which will not be described here.

[0316] So far, the above industry service-oriented first device enters the uplink out-of-sync state under RRC-connected, realizes not listening to downlink information (such as information in PDCCH), thereby reducing device power consumption, and achieving the purpose of energy saving.

[0317] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S3301 to S3302. For example, step S3301 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S3302 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, a combination of steps S3301 to S3302 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that one or more steps of steps S3301 to S3302 constitute possible independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0318] As shown in FIG. 3D, FIG. 3D is a fourth flow diagram of a communication method performed by a first device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method performed by a first device, such as the terminal 101 in the communication system 100 described above. The communication method described above includes steps S3401 to S3402.

[0319] In step S3401, the message M is sent.

[0320] The optional implementation of step S3401 can also refer to the optional implementation of step S2401 in FIG. 2D and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2D, which will not be repeated here.

[0321] In step S3402, after completing the current uplink transmission, the fourth time delay is entered into RRC-inactive or RRC-idle.

[0322] The optional implementation of step S3402 can also refer to the optional implementation of step S2402 in FIG. 2D and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2D, which will not be repeated here.

[0323] So far, the above industry service-oriented first device enters RRC-inactive or RRC-idle under RRC-connected to achieve no listening to paging, thereby reducing device power consumption and achieving the purpose of energy saving.

[0324] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S3401 to S3402. For example, step S3401 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S3402 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, a combination of steps S3401 to S3402 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that one or more steps of steps S3401 to S3402 constitute possible independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0325] As shown in FIG. 4A, FIG. 4A is a first flow diagram of a method for performing communication on a network device side, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for performing communication, which is performed by the network device 102 in the communication system 100. The method for performing communication includes steps S4101-S4105.

[0326] In step S4101, the message A is received.

[0327] The optional implementation of step S4101 can also refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in FIG. 2A and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0328] In some embodiments, step S4101 can be omitted in the case that whether the first device prefers to enter the MICO mode is predefined or default.

[0329] In step S4102, the message B is sent.

[0330] The optional implementation of step S4102 can also refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in FIG. 2A and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0331] In some embodiments, after the first device sends the message A, the first device and the network device can default to allow the first device to enter the MICO mode in the RRC-inactive, and in this case, the first device can enter the MICO mode by itself after entering the RRC-inactive. In this case, step S4102 can be omitted. In this way, the signaling overhead between the first device and the network device can be reduced.

[0332] In step S4103, the message C is sent.

[0333] The optional implementation of step S4103 can also refer to the optional implementation of step S2103 in FIG. 2A and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0334] In some embodiments, the message B can be carried in the message C, and in this case, step S4102 and step S4103 are performed simultaneously, and in this way, the signaling overhead between the first device and the network device can be reduced. In some embodiments, the message B can be sent through other RRC signaling, and in this case, step S4102 needs to be performed before step S4103.

[0335] In some embodiments, the network device can also implicitly indicate the first device to enter MICO mode in RRC-inactive, such as indicated by message C. Then, after the first device sends message A, if the first device receives message C, it can be considered that the network device indicates the first device to enter MICO mode in RRC-inactive. At this time, step S4102 can be omitted. In this way, the signaling overhead between the first device and the network device can be reduced.

[0336] In some embodiments, step S4103 can be omitted, and at this time, the first device can enter RRC-inactive from RRC-connected by itself. For example, the first device can enter RRC-inactive after the DRX active period expires.

[0337] In step S4104, it is determined that the first device enters RRC-inactive.

[0338] The optional implementation of step S4104 can also refer to the optional implementation of step S2104 of FIG. 2A and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0339] In some embodiments, the first device enters RRC-inactive from RRC-connected according to message C. After sending message C, the network device determines that the first device enters RRC-inactive.

[0340] In step S4105, it is determined that the first device enters MICO mode in RRC-inactive.

[0341] The optional implementation of step S4105 can also refer to the optional implementation of step S2105 of FIG. 2A and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0342] In some embodiments, after sending message C, the network device determines that the first device enters RRC-inactive and enters MICO mode in RRC-inactive.

[0343] So far, the above first device mainly for industry services enters MICO mode in RRC-inactive to achieve not listening to paging, thereby reducing device power consumption and achieving the purpose of energy saving.

[0344] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S4101 to S4105. For example, step S4101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S4102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S4103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S4104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S4105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, a combination of step S4101 and step S4102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, a combination of step S4101 and step S4103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, a combination of step S4102 and step S4103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, a combination of step S4103 and step S4104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, a combination of step S4103 and step S4105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, a combination of step S4101, step S4102, and step S4105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, a combination of step S4101 and steps S4103 to S4105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, a combination of steps S4102 to S4105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, a combination of steps S4101 to S4105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that one or more steps of steps S4101 to S4105 can constitute possible independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0345] In some embodiments, step S4101 is optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0346] In some embodiments, step S4102 is optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0347] In some embodiments, step S4103 is optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0348] As shown in FIG. 4B, FIG. 4B is a second flow diagram of a communication method performed on the network device side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method performed by the network device 102 in the communication system 100 described above. The communication method described above includes steps S4201 to S4203.

[0349] In step S4201, message F is received.

[0350] The optional implementation of step S4201 can also refer to the optional implementation of step S2201 in FIG. 2B and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0351] In some embodiments, step S4201 can be omitted in the case that whether the first device prefers to enter the UOS mode or the UDS mode is predefined or default set.

[0352] In step S4202, the message G is sent.

[0353] The optional implementation of step S4202 can also refer to the optional implementation of step S2202 in FIG. 2B and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0354] In some embodiments, after the first device sends the message F, the first device and the network device can default to allow the first device to enter the UOS mode or the UDS mode in the RRC-connected mode. At this time, the first device can enter the UOS mode or the UDS mode by itself after sending the message F. At this time, step S4202 can be omitted. In this way, the signaling overhead between the first device and the network device can be reduced.

[0355] In step S4203, it is determined that the first device enters the UOS mode or the UDS mode in the RRC-connected mode.

[0356] The optional implementation of step S4203 can also refer to the optional implementation of step S2203 in FIG. 2B and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0357] In some embodiments, after the network device sends the message G, it is determined that the first device enters the UOS mode or the UDS mode in the RRC-connected mode.

[0358] So far, the above first device for industry service enters the UOS mode or the UDS mode in the RRC-connected mode, so as to not listen to the downlink information (such as the information in the PUCCH), thereby reducing the device power consumption and achieving the purpose of energy saving.

[0359] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S4201 to S4203. For example, step S4201 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S4202 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S4203 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, a combination of step S4201 and step S4202 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, a combination of step S4201 and step S4203 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, a combination of step S4202 and step S4203 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, a combination of steps S4201 to S4203 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that one or more of steps S4201 to S4203 constitute possible independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0360] In some embodiments, step S4201 is optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0361] In some embodiments, step S4202 is optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0362] As shown in FIG. 4C, FIG. 4C is a third flow diagram of a communication method performed by a network device side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method performed by the network device 102 in the communication system 100 described above. The communication method described above includes steps S4301 to S4302.

[0363] In step S4301, the message L is received.

[0364] The optional implementation of step S4301 can also refer to the optional implementation of step S2301 in FIG. 2C and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2C, which will not be described here.

[0365] In step S4302, it is determined that the first device enters an uplink out-of-sync state after completing this uplink transmission.

[0366] The optional implementation of step S4302 can also refer to the optional implementation of step S2302 in FIG. 2C and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2C, which will not be described here.

[0367] So far, the above industry service-oriented first device enters an uplink out-of-sync state under RRC-connected, realizes not listening to downlink information (such as information in PDCCH), thereby reducing device power consumption, and achieving the purpose of energy saving.

[0368] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S4301 to S4302. For example, step S4301 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S4302 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, a combination of steps S4301 to S4302 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that one or more steps of steps S4301 to S4302 constitute possible independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0369] As shown in FIG. 4D, FIG. 4D is a fourth flow diagram of a communication method performed at a network device side, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, performed by the network device 102 in the communication system 100 described above. The communication method described above includes steps S4401 to S4402.

[0370] In step S4401, a message M is received.

[0371] The optional implementation of step S4401 can also refer to the optional implementation of step S2401 in FIG. 2D and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2D, which will not be repeated here.

[0372] In step S4402, it is determined that the first device enters RRC-inactive or RRC-idle after completing the current uplink transmission with a delay of a fourth time length.

[0373] The optional implementation of step S4402 can also refer to the optional implementation of step S2402 in FIG. 2D and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2D, which will not be repeated here.

[0374] So far, the above industry service-oriented first device enters RRC-inactive or RRC-idle in RRC-connected to achieve not listening to paging, thereby reducing device power consumption and achieving the purpose of energy saving.

[0375] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S4401 to S4402. For example, step S4401 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S4402 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, a combination of steps S4401 to S4402 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that one or more steps of steps S4401 to S4402 constitute possible independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0376] As shown in FIG. 5A, FIG. 5A is a fifth flow diagram illustrating a method for performing communication from a first device side, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for performing communication, which is performed by a first device, such as the terminal 101 in the communication system 100 described above. The method for performing communication includes step S5101.

[0377] In step S5101, it is determined that the first device does not listen to downlink information in the first state.

[0378] The optional implementation of step S5101 can also refer to the optional implementation of step S2105 in FIG. 2A, the optional implementation of step S2203 in FIG. 2B, the optional implementation of step S2302 in FIG. 2C, the optional implementation of step S2402 in FIG. 2D, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C, and FIG. 2D, which will not be repeated here.

[0379] As shown in FIG. 5B, FIG. 5B is a fifth flow diagram illustrating a method for performing communication from a network device side, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for performing communication, which is performed by a network device, such as the network device 102 in the communication system 100 described above. The method for performing communication includes step S5201.

[0380] In step S5201, it is determined that the first device does not listen to downlink information in the first state.

[0381] The optional implementation of step S5201 can also refer to the optional implementation of step S2105 in FIG. 2A, the optional implementation of step S2203 in FIG. 2B, the optional implementation of step S2302 in FIG. 2C, the optional implementation of step S2402 in FIG. 2D, and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C, and FIG. 2D, which will not be repeated here.

[0382] In some embodiments, the above method can include the method described in the embodiments of the communication system side, the first device side, and the network device side, which will not be repeated here.

[0383] In the following, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure are exemplarily described through specific embodiments.

[0384] In some embodiments, in order to further improve the energy saving of the IOT device which mainly handles uplink service, the following solutions are provided:

[0385] Solution one: for the terminal in RRC-connected state, through RRC signaling, such as UAI (UE Assistance Information) message, the indication information is sent to the network side, which is used to indicate the network side that the UE supports MICO mode or the UE requests to enter MICO mode or the UE likes to enter MICO mode.

[0386] In some embodiments, the indication information is not sent to the target cell during the handover procedure. The terminal sends the indication information to the target cell through the handover completion message or other RRC signaling after the handover is completed.

[0387] In some embodiments, the indication information is sent to the target cell during the handover procedure. If the handover occurs within 1s (e.g., 1s) since the information is reported to the network side or a handover command is received, the terminal sends the indication information to the target cell through the handover completion message or other RRC signaling after the handover is completed.

[0388] In some embodiments, when the network side releases the terminal to enter RRC-inactive, the UE is indicated by RRCRelease signaling that it can enter MICO mode in RRC-inactive. Optionally, the base station informs the AMF to cache the UE's DL data or that the UE is in MICO mode at this time.

[0389] In some embodiments, when there is data reaching the anchor base station (i.e., the base station that saves the UE context), if the UE is in MICO state, the anchor base station caches the UE's downlink data and waits for the UE to resume RRC connection before sending the data to the UE, or caches the UE's downlink data through the AMF.

[0390] In some embodiments, the anchor base station can also notify the UE to deactivate the MICO mode. For example, based on DL RRC dedicated signaling or MAC CE.

[0391] Scheme 2: UE in RRC-connected state supports UL Only Service (UOS) or UL Dominant Service (UDS), and the UE indicates that it supports UL Only Service (UOS) through RRC dedicated signaling or MAC CE. In an embodiment, the UE stops listening to PDCCH after receiving confirmation from the network side.

[0392] In some embodiments, if DRX is configured, DRX is deactivated. Whether or not DRX is configured, always DRX non-active period is entered, i.e., PDCCH listening is stopped.

[0393] In some embodiments, if DRX is configured, PDCCH is not monitored for the next n DRX on durations. If DRX is not configured, PDCCH is not monitored for the next n ms. The n can be indicated by the UE or configured by the network side.

[0394] In some embodiments, the network side is informed by RRC dedicated signaling or MAC CE that the non-active period is delayed, and / or the length of the delay. The length can be the number of DRX cycles or the number of ms.

[0395] In some embodiments, when UL traffic arrives, the UE initiates RACH or SR or sends UL signaling through configured CG, and the UE starts PDCCH monitoring.

[0396] In some embodiments, if DRX is configured, DRX is activated locally. If DRX is not configured, the always-on state is entered.

[0397] In some embodiments, the base station can also inform the UE to deactivate the UOS) mode. For example, based on DL RRC dedicated signaling or MAC CE.

[0398] Scheme 3: UE in RRC-connected state, define a new MAC CE to indicate the network side to enter UL out-of-sync directly or after n ms after the current UL is sent. The UE does not send SRS and other signals to assist TA measurement. The base station does not need to measure to maintain UL synchronization; or, indicate the network side to enter idle or inactive state after n seconds after the current UL is sent.

[0399] The embodiments of the present disclosure also propose an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods, for example, an apparatus comprising units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. For another example, another apparatus is proposed, comprising units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the network device (such as an access network device) in any of the above methods.

[0400] It should be understood that the division of each unit or module in the above apparatus is only a logical function division, and all or part of them can be integrated into a physical entity or physically separated in actual implementation. In addition, the units or modules in the apparatus can be implemented in the form of processor calling software: for example, the apparatus includes a processor, the processor is connected with a memory, the memory stores instructions, and the processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to realize the functions of any of the above methods or the units or modules of the above apparatus, wherein the processor is a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is a memory in the apparatus or a memory outside the apparatus. Alternatively, the units or modules in the apparatus can be implemented in the form of hardware circuit, and the functions of part or all of the units or modules can be realized by the design of the hardware circuit. The above hardware circuit can be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the above hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and the functions of part or all of the units or modules are realized by the design of the logical relationship between the elements in the circuit; for another example, in another implementation, the above hardware circuit is a programmable logic device (PLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA) is taken as an example, which can include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits is configured by a configuration file, so as to realize the functions of part or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above apparatus can be all implemented in the form of processor calling software, or all implemented in the form of hardware circuit, or part implemented in the form of processor calling software and the remaining part implemented in the form of hardware circuit.

[0401] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capability. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction reading and running capability, such as a CPU, a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can also be understood as a microprocessor), a digital signal processor (DSP), or the like. In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through a logical relationship of hardware circuits, and the logical relationship of the hardware circuits is fixed or can be reconfigured. For example, the processor is an ASIC or a PLD implemented hardware circuit, such as an FPGA. In the reconfigurable hardware circuit, the processor loads a configuration document to implement the hardware circuit configuration. It can be understood that the processor loads instructions to implement the functions of the above part or all units or modules. In addition, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), and the like.

[0402] FIG. 6 is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6, the communication device 600 can include at least one of a processing module 601 or a transceiver module 602.

[0403] In some embodiments, the communication device 600 can be a first device. In some embodiments, the processing module 601 is configured to not listen to downlink information in a first state, the first state including an inactive state or a connected state, and the first device is an industry service oriented device. Optionally, the processing module 601 is configured to perform at least one of the other steps in any of the above methods, except for the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the first device, which will not be repeated here. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 602 can be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the first device in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0404] In some embodiments, the communication device 600 can be a network device. In some embodiments, the processing module 601 is configured to determine that the first device does not listen to downlink information in a first state, the first state comprising an inactive state or a connected state, and the first device being an industry-oriented device. Optionally, the processing module 601 is configured to perform at least one of the steps in any of the above methods other than the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the network device, which will not be repeated here. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 602 can be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in any of the above methods performed by the network device, which will not be repeated here.

[0405] In some embodiments, the transceiver module can include a sending module and / or a receiving module. The sending module and the receiving module can be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the transceiver module can be mutually replaced with the transceiver.

[0406] In some embodiments, the processing module can be one module or include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules perform all or part of the steps required to be performed by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module can be mutually replaced with the processor.

[0407] As shown in FIG. 7A, FIG. 7A is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device 71 can be a first device (such as a terminal, etc.), a network device (such as an access network device), a chip, a chip system, or a processor supporting the first device to implement any of the above methods, or a chip, a chip system, or a processor supporting the network device to implement any of the above methods. The communication device 71 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments, and specific implementation can be referred to the description in the above method embodiments.

[0408] As shown in FIG. 7A, the communication device 71 includes one or more processors 7101. The processor 7101 can be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor, etc., such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (such as a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU or a CU, etc.), execute programs, and process data of the programs.

[0409] In some embodiments, the communication device 71 further comprises one or more transceivers 7102. When the communication device 71 comprises one or more transceivers 7102, the transceiver 7102 performs at least one of the communication steps, such as transmitting and / or receiving in the above-described methods. The processor 7101 performs at least one of the other steps. In alternative embodiments, the transceiver can comprise a receiver and / or a transmitter, which can be separate or integrated together. Alternatively, the terms transceiver, transceiving unit, transceiver, transceiving circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc. can replace each other, the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc. can replace each other, and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc. can replace each other.

[0410] In some embodiments, the communication device 71 further comprises one or more memories 7103 for storing data. Alternatively, all or part of the memory 7103 can also be outside the communication device 71. In alternative embodiments, the communication device 71 can comprise one or more interface circuits 7104. Alternatively, the interface circuit 7104 is connected with the memory 7103, and the interface circuit 7104 can be used to receive data from the memory 7103 or other devices, and can be used to send data to the memory 7103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 7104 can read the data stored in the memory 7103 and send the data to the processor 7101.

[0411] The communication device 71 described in the above embodiments can be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 71 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 71 can not be limited by Figure 7A. The communication device can be a standalone device or can be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device can be: 1) a standalone integrated circuit (IC), or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a set of one or more ICs, which can optionally include storage components for storing data, programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, a terminal device, a smart terminal device, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handset, a mobile unit, a vehicle-mounted device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0412] As shown in Figure 7B, Figure 7B is a structure schematic diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For the case that the communication device 71 can be a chip or a chip system, the structure schematic diagram of the chip 72 shown in Figure 7B can be referred to, but is not limited thereto.

[0413] In some embodiments, the chip 72 can comprise one or more processors 7201.

[0414] In some embodiments, chip 72 also includes one or more interface circuits 7202. Optionally, the interface circuits, interface, transceiver pins, etc. can be replaced by one another. In some embodiments, chip 72 also includes one or more memories 7203 for storing data. Optionally, all or some of the memories 7203 can be external to chip 72. Optionally, interface circuits 7202 are connected to memories 7203, and interface circuits 7202 can be used to receive data from memories 7203 or other devices, and interface circuits 7202 can be used to send data to memories 7203 or other devices. For example, interface circuits 7202 can read data stored in memories 7203 and send the data to processor 7201.

[0415] In some embodiments, interface circuits 7202 perform at least one of the communication steps of sending and / or receiving in the above-described methods. Interface circuits 7202 performing the communication steps of sending and / or receiving in the above-described methods, for example, means that interface circuits 7202 perform data interaction between processor 7201, chip 72, memories 7203, or transceiver devices. In some embodiments, processor 7201 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0416] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a storage medium having stored instructions, which, when executed on a communication device 71, cause the communication device 71 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but is not limited to this, and it can also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium can be a non-transitory storage medium, but is not limited to this, and it can also be a transitory storage medium.

[0417] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a program product, which, when executed by a communication device 71, causes the communication device 71 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0418] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

[0419] Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the aspects of the present disclosure disclosed herein. It is intended that the embodiments of the present disclosure as claimed below encompass any and all variations, uses, or adaptations of the present disclosure and include what is presently described and / or claimed, as well as what is equivalent or is within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The specification and examples given herein are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the present disclosure are indicated by the following claims.

[0420] It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the precise construction that has been described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and that various modifications and changes can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, performed by a first device, the method comprising: not listening to downlink information in a first state, the first state comprising an inactive state or a connected state, the first device being a device that is mainly used for uplink service.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The not listening to downlink information in the first state comprises one of: not listening to paging in the inactive state; not listening to a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) in the connected state.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The not listening to downlink information in the first state comprises at least one of: entering a mode of connection initiated by a terminal only (MICO) in the inactive state; entering an uplink service only (UOS) mode or an uplink dominant service (UDS) mode in the connected state; entering an uplink out-of-sync state in the connected state; entering the inactive state or an idle state in the connected state.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving a first message, and entering the MICO mode in the inactive state according to the first message, wherein the first message is used to instruct the first device to enter the MICO mode in the inactive state.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The first message is sent by a network device according to a second message, and the second message is used to instruct the first device to prefer to enter the MICO mode.

6. The method of claim 4 or 5, wherein, Before the entering the MICO mode, the method further comprises: receiving a third message, wherein the third message is used to trigger the first device to enter the inactive state from the connected state.

7. The method of claim 5 or 6, wherein, The second message is used to instruct the first device to switch to a target cell, or the second message is a message sent by the first device after switching to the target cell.

8. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving a fourth message, wherein the fourth message is used to instruct the first device to deactivate the MICO mode; sending a fifth message according to the fourth message, wherein the fifth message is used to request to resume connection with the network device.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving a sixth message, and entering the UOS mode or the UDS mode in the connected state according to the sixth message, wherein the sixth message is used to instruct the first device to enter the UOS mode or the UDS mode.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, After the entering the UOS mode or the UDS mode in the connected state, the method further comprises at least one of: deactivating discontinuous reception (DRX) parameters configured for the first device, and continuously not listening to downlink information; not listening to downlink information in a plurality of first DRX active periods in succession, the first DRX active period being a DRX active period configured for the first device; not listening to downlink information in a first time period, the first device not being configured with DRX parameters.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein, The method further comprises: sending a seventh message, wherein the seventh message is used to request to delay a second time period; receiving an eighth message, wherein the eighth message is used to instruct the network device to allow the first device to delay the second time period; not listening to downlink information in the second time period.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The entering the uplink out-of-sync state in the connected state comprises at least one of: entering the uplink out-of-sync state after completing a current uplink transmission in the connected state; delaying a third time period after completing the current uplink transmission in the connected state, and then entering the uplink out-of-sync state.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The entering the inactive state or the idle state in the connected state comprises at least one of: entering the inactive state or the idle state after completing a current uplink transmission in the connected state; Delaying a fourth time length after completing the uplink transmission in the connected state to enter the inactive state or the idle state.

14. A communication method, performed by a network device, the method comprising: determining that a first device does not listen to downlink information in a first state, the first state comprising an inactive state or a connected state, the first device being an industry service-oriented device.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The determining that the first device does not listen to downlink information in the first state comprises one of: determining that the first device does not listen to paging in the inactive state; determining that the first device does not listen to a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) in the connected state.

16. The protocol according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, The first device does not listen to downlink information in the first state, comprising at least one of: The first device enters a mode of connection initiated only by a terminal (MICO) in the inactive state; The first device enters an uplink service only (UOS) mode or an uplink dominant service (UDS) mode in the connected state; The first device enters an uplink out-of-sync state in the connected state; The first device enters the inactive state or the idle state in the connected state.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein, The method further comprises: sending a first message, the first message being used to indicate that the first device enters the MICO mode in the inactive state.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein, The sending of the first message comprises: receiving a second message, the second message being used to indicate that the first device prefers to enter the MICO mode; According to the second message, the first message is sent.

19. The method of claim 17 or 18, wherein, The method further comprises: sending a third message, the third message being used to trigger the first device to enter the inactive state from the connected state.

20. The method of claim 18 or 19, wherein, The second message is used to indicate that the first device switches to a target cell; or, the second message is a message sent by the first device after switching to the target cell.

21. The method of any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein, The method further comprises: sending a fourth message, the fourth message being used to indicate that the first device deactivates the MICO mode; receiving a fifth message, the fifth message being used for the first device to request to resume connection with the network device.

22. The method of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein, The method further comprises: sending a sixth message, the sixth message being used to indicate that the first device enters the UOS mode or the UDS mode.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein, The method further comprises at least one of: determining that the first device deactivates a discontinuous reception (DRX) parameter configured for the first device, and continuously does not listen to downlink information; determining that the first device does not listen to downlink information in a plurality of first discontinuous reception (DRX) active periods in succession, the first DRX active period being a DRX active period configured for the first device; determining that the first device does not listen to downlink information in a first time length, the first device not being configured with a DRX parameter.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving a seventh message, the seventh message being used to indicate that the first device requests to delay a second time length; According to the seventh message, an eighth message is sent, the eighth message being used to indicate that the first device is allowed to delay the second time length, the first device not listening to downlink information in the second time length.

25. The method of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving a ninth message, the ninth message being used to indicate at least one of: the first device enters an uplink out-of-sync state after completing the uplink transmission in the connected state; The first device enters an uplink out-of-sync state after completing the uplink transmission in the connected state and delaying for a third time duration.

26. The method of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein, The method further includes: receiving a tenth message, the tenth message being used to indicate at least one of: The first device enters an inactive state or an idle state after completing the uplink transmission in the connected state. The first device enters an inactive state or an idle state after completing the uplink transmission in the connected state and delaying for a fourth time duration.

27. A communication device comprising: a processing module configured to not listen to downlink information in a first state, the first state including an inactive state or a connected state, the first device being a device with more uplink traffic than downlink traffic.

28. A communication device comprising: a processing module configured to determine that a first device does not listen to downlink information in a first state, the first state including an inactive state or a connected state, the first device being a device with more uplink traffic than downlink traffic.

29. A communication device comprising: one or more processors; one or more memories for storing a computer program; wherein the processors execute the computer program to implement the steps of the method of any one of claims 1 to 26.

30. A computer readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program, wherein, The computer program is executed by a communication device to implement the steps of the method of any one of claims 1 to 26.

31. A computer program product comprising a computer program which, when executed by a communication device, implements the steps of the method of any one of claims 1 to 26.

Images