Communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a communication method, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a program product. The method comprises: receiving first information sent by a network node, wherein the first information is used for indicating whether a terminal supports the capability of network energy saving (NES) paging. In the method of the present disclosure, an access network device may obtain the capability of a terminal by means of a network node, and may thus select a suitable paging mode on the basis of the capability of the terminal, thereby facilitating an improvement in the accuracy of paging.

Description

Communication methods, communication equipment, communication systems, storage media and software products Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product. Background Technology

[0002] Network Energy Saving (NES) aims to achieve energy savings and reduce power consumption on the network side. For example, energy saving can be achieved based on methods such as Discontinuous Reception (DRX). NES can also optimize or enhance the paging methods of network devices, such as NES paging or NES paging enhancement, to obtain network energy-saving gains.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] In NES scenarios, the network side needs to choose the appropriate paging method.

[0005] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by an access network device, the method comprising:

[0007] The terminal receives first information sent by a network node, the first information being used to indicate whether the terminal supports the network energy-saving NES paging capability.

[0008] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a network node, the method comprising:

[0009] Send first information to the access network device, the first information being used to indicate whether the terminal supports the network energy-saving NES paging capability.

[0010] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a terminal, the method comprising:

[0011] When in Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected state, the terminal sends a second message to the access network device; or when in RRC idle state, the terminal sends a fourth message to the network node. The second message or the fourth message is used to indicate whether the terminal supports the network energy-saving NES paging capability. The second message is used by the access network device to send a third message to the network node.

[0012] Wherein, after the network node obtains the third or fourth information, it sends the first information to the access network device when the terminal is in the RRC idle state. The first information is used to indicate whether the terminal supports the network energy-saving NES paging capability.

[0013] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, wherein the communication device is used to perform the method described in the first aspect, or the second aspect, or the third aspect.

[0014] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system, including an access network device, a network node, and a terminal, wherein...

[0015] The access network device is configured to implement the method as described in the first aspect;

[0016] The network node is configured to implement the method as described in the second aspect;

[0017] The terminal is configured to implement the method described in the third aspect.

[0018] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions, wherein...

[0019] When the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the method as described in the first aspect, or the second aspect, or the third aspect.

[0020] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product, wherein,

[0021] When the program product is executed by a communication device, the communication device performs the method as described in the first aspect, or the second aspect, or the third aspect.

[0022] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the access network device can obtain the terminal's capabilities from the network node, thereby selecting an appropriate paging method based on the terminal's capabilities, which facilitates the improvement of paging accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0024] Figure 1A is an exemplary schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figures 1B to 1D are schematic diagrams of PF or PO provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figures 2A to 2C are exemplary interactive schematic diagrams of the method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figures 3A and 3B are exemplary flowcharts of a method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 4C is a schematic diagram of the structure of a device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0033] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product.

[0034] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by an access network device, the method comprising:

[0035] Receive the first information sent by the network node. The first information is used to indicate whether the terminal supports the network energy-saving NES paging capability.

[0036] In the above embodiments, the access network device can obtain the terminal's capabilities from the network node, thereby selecting an appropriate paging method based on the terminal's capabilities, which facilitates the improvement of paging accuracy.

[0037] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal is in the Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle state, and the network node is the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0038] In the above embodiments, the access network device can obtain the terminal's capabilities from the AMF, and thus select an appropriate paging method based on the terminal's capabilities.

[0039] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, receiving the first information sent by the network node includes:

[0040] Receive the first paging message sent by AMF, the first paging message including first information.

[0041] In the above embodiments, the AMF can initiate paging based on service data triggers, thereby informing the access network equipment of the terminal's capabilities.

[0042] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0043] The second information sent by the receiving terminal when it is in RRC connection state;

[0044] Based on the second information, a third information is sent to the AMF; wherein the second or third information is used to indicate whether the terminal supports the ability of network energy-saving NES paging.

[0045] In the above embodiments, the access network device can obtain the terminal's capabilities when the terminal is in the RRC connected state and report them to the AMF. The AMF can store the terminal's capabilities in a timely manner. When the terminal switches to the idle state, the access network device obtains the capabilities from the AMF, thereby selecting an appropriate paging method based on the terminal's capabilities.

[0046] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second information is sent via MSG5 or terminal capability information.

[0047] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the third information is sent via one of the following:

[0048] Initial terminal message;

[0049] Terminal context suspension request;

[0050] RRC inactive state transition report.

[0051] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0052] Therefore, the terminal is in an RRC inactive state, and the network node is an anchor base station, where the anchor base station stores the terminal context.

[0053] In the above embodiments, the access network device can obtain the terminal's capabilities from the anchor base station to improve the accuracy of paging.

[0054] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, receiving the first information sent by the network node includes:

[0055] The system receives a second paging message sent by the anchor base station, the second paging message including the first information.

[0056] In the above embodiments, the access network device can obtain the terminal's capabilities through paging from the anchor base station, thereby effectively utilizing the terminal's capabilities for paging.

[0057] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0058] Based on the first information, determine the paging frame (PF) and / or paging occasion (PO) corresponding to the terminal's capabilities;

[0059] A third paging message is sent to the terminal based on the PF and / or PO.

[0060] In the above embodiments, after the access network device learns the capabilities of the terminal, it can use an appropriate paging method to paging, so that the terminal with the corresponding capabilities can listen to the paging from an appropriate location, thereby improving the accuracy of paging.

[0061] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal supports NES paging capability, where PF is an enhanced PF and / or PO is an enhanced PO.

[0062] In the above embodiments, terminals that support NES paging capabilities can be paging in the enhanced PF, thereby gaining network energy-saving benefits.

[0063] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the enhanced PF is determined based on the cell's default paging cycle.

[0064] In the above embodiments, determining the PF based on the cell's default paging cycle can reduce the impact on the PF when the terminal supports a smaller DRX cycle in the original method, extend the time the network can sleep, and thus improve the network's energy-saving effect.

[0065] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the enhanced PF is determined in the following manner:

[0066] PF=(SFN+PF_offset)mod T1=(T1 div N)*(UE_ID mod N);

[0067] Wherein, SFN is the system frame number, PF_offset is the offset of the PF, T1 is the cell default paging period, N is the number of PFs in the discontinuous reception DRX period, UE_ID is the terminal identifier, mod represents the modulo operation, and div represents the integer division operation.

[0068] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the Paging Early Indication (PEI) corresponding to NES paging satisfies at least one of the following:

[0069] PEI is used for one DRX cycle;

[0070] The number of POs associated with PEI has increased to a value greater than the first value.

[0071] In the above embodiments, the PEI corresponding to NES paging is enhanced to improve the flexibility of network indication.

[0072] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a network node, the method comprising:

[0073] Send first information to the access network device. The first information is used to indicate whether the terminal supports the network energy-saving NES paging capability.

[0074] In the above embodiments, network nodes can send the terminal's capabilities to access network devices, so that access network devices can select appropriate paging methods based on the terminal's capabilities, thereby improving paging accuracy.

[0075] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal is in the Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle state, and the network node is the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0076] In conjunction with embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, sending first information to the access network device includes:

[0077] Send a first paging message to the access network device. The first paging message includes first information.

[0078] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0079] The terminal receives third information sent by the access network device, which is sent by the access network device based on the second information. The second information is sent when the terminal is in RRC connection state. The second or third information is used to indicate whether the terminal supports the network energy-saving NES paging capability.

[0080] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second information is sent via MSG5 or terminal capability information.

[0081] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the third information is sent via one of the following:

[0082] Initial terminal message;

[0083] Terminal context suspension request;

[0084] RRC inactive state transition report.

[0085] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0086] The terminal receives a fourth message, which indicates whether the terminal supports the network energy-saving NES paging capability.

[0087] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the fourth information is sent via a registration request message.

[0088] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal is in an RRC inactive state, and the network node is an anchor base station, wherein the anchor base station stores the terminal context.

[0089] In conjunction with embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, sending first information to the access network device includes:

[0090] A second paging message is sent to the access network equipment, the second paging message including the first information.

[0091] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, when the network node is an anchor base station, the method further includes:

[0092] Determine the paging frame PF and / or paging timing PO corresponding to the terminal's capabilities;

[0093] A fourth paging message is sent to the terminal based on PF and / or PO.

[0094] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal supports NES paging capability, where PF is an enhanced PF and / or PO is an enhanced PO.

[0095] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the enhanced PF is determined based on the cell's default paging cycle.

[0096] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the enhanced PF is determined in the following manner:

[0097] PF=(SFN+PF_offset)mod T1=(T1 div N)*(UE_ID mod N);

[0098] Wherein, SFN is the system frame number, PF_offset is the offset of the PF, T1 is the cell default paging period, N is the number of PFs in the discontinuous reception DRX period, UE_ID is the terminal identifier, mod represents the modulo operation, and div represents the integer division operation.

[0099] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the paging advance indication (PEI) corresponding to NES paging satisfies at least one of the following:

[0100] PEI is used for one DRX cycle;

[0101] The number of POs associated with PEI has increased to a value greater than the first value.

[0102] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a terminal, the method comprising:

[0103] When in RRC connected state, the terminal sends a second message to the access network device; or when in RRC idle state, the terminal sends a fourth message to the network node. The second or fourth message is used to indicate whether the terminal supports the network energy-saving NES paging capability. The second message is used by the access network device to send a third message to the network node.

[0104] After obtaining the third or fourth information, the network node sends the first information to the access network device when the terminal is in the RRC idle state. The first information is used to indicate whether the terminal supports the network energy-saving NES paging capability.

[0105] In the above embodiments, the access network device can select an appropriate paging method based on the terminal's capabilities, and the corresponding terminal can listen for paging at an appropriate location, thereby improving the accuracy of paging.

[0106] In conjunction with embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the network node is an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0107] In conjunction with embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the second information is sent via MSG5 or terminal capability information.

[0108] In conjunction with embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the third information is sent via one of the following:

[0109] Initial terminal message;

[0110] Terminal context suspension request;

[0111] RRC inactive state transition report.

[0112] In conjunction with the embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the fourth information is sent via a registration request message.

[0113] In conjunction with the embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0114] In the PF and / or PO corresponding to the terminal's capabilities, receive a third paging message sent by the access network device; and / or,

[0115] The network node is an anchor base station, which receives the fourth paging message sent by the anchor base station at the PF and / or PO corresponding to the terminal's capabilities.

[0116] In conjunction with the embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal supports NES paging capability, where PF is an enhanced PF and / or PO is an enhanced PO.

[0117] In conjunction with the embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the enhanced PF is determined based on the cell's default paging cycle.

[0118] In conjunction with the embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the enhanced PF is determined in the following manner:

[0119] PF=(SFN+PF_offset)mod T1=(T1 div N)*(UE_ID mod N);

[0120] Wherein, SFN is the system frame number, PF_offset is the offset of the PF, T1 is the cell default paging period, N is the number of PFs in the discontinuous reception DRX period, UE_ID is the terminal identifier, mod represents the modulo operation, and div represents the integer division operation.

[0121] In conjunction with embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the paging advance indication (PEI) corresponding to NES paging satisfies at least one of the following:

[0122] PEI is used for one DRX cycle;

[0123] The number of POs associated with PEI has increased to a value greater than the first value.

[0124] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, wherein the communication device is used to perform the method described in the first aspect, or the second aspect, or the third aspect.

[0125] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system, including an access network device, a network node, and a terminal, wherein...

[0126] The access network device is configured to implement the method as described in the first aspect;

[0127] The network node is configured to implement the method as described in the second aspect;

[0128] The terminal is configured to implement the method described in the third aspect.

[0129] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions, wherein...

[0130] When the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the method as described in the first aspect, or the second aspect, or the third aspect.

[0131] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product, wherein,

[0132] When the program product is executed by a communication device, the communication device performs the method as described in the first aspect, or the second aspect, or the third aspect.

[0133] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in alternative implementations of the first and second aspects.

[0134] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described according to optional implementations of the first and second aspects above.

[0135] It is understood that the aforementioned terminals, network devices, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0136] 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 otherwise specified, 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 implementation methods 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, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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.

[0140] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0141] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0142] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: In some embodiments, A (executes A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (executes B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, both A and B are executed. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0143] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execution of A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execution of B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0144] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0145] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0146] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0147] 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,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0148] In some embodiments, the apparatus and device may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. In some cases, they may also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "body", etc.

[0149] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network, such as access network devices, core network devices, etc.

[0150] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," and "fixed station" may also be understood as "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0151] 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", and "client" can be interchanged with each other.

[0152] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, and uplink link, downlink, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0153] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0154] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0155] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0156] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0157] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0158] As shown in Figure 1A, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101, an access network device 102, and a network node 103.

[0159] In some embodiments, terminal 101 includes, for example, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0160] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may be a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: an evolved Node B (eNB), a next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), a next-generation Node B (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved node B (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, and an access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system, but is not limited thereto.

[0161] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0162] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0163] In some embodiments, network node 103 may be an anchor base station, or network node 103 may be a node or network element in the core network equipment.

[0164] In some embodiments, a core network device may be a single device comprising one or more network elements, or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each comprising all or part of one or more network elements. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), or a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0165] In some embodiments, core network equipment includes network elements with specific functions, such as Access Management Function (AMF) and Service Management Function (SMF).

[0166] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0167] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1A, or to a part thereof, but are not limited thereto.

[0168] The entities shown in Figure 1A are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the entities in Figure 1A, or it may include other entities outside of Figure 1A. The number and form of each entity are arbitrary. The connection relationship between the entities is illustrative. The entities may not be connected to each other or may be connected in any way. The connection may be direct or indirect, wired or wireless.

[0169] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, 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), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication processing methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0170] In some implementations, 5G can meet users' demands for speed, latency, high-speed mobility, energy efficiency, and the diverse and complex communication needs of future services. The main application scenarios of 5G include Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC), and Massive Machine-Type Communication (mMTC). eMBB, targeting users' access to multimedia content, services, and data, is experiencing rapid demand growth. eMBB may be deployed in different scenarios, such as indoors, urban areas, and rural areas, with significant differences in capabilities and requirements, requiring detailed analysis based on specific deployment scenarios. Typical applications of URLLC include industrial automation, power automation, remote medical operations (surgery), and traffic safety assurance. Typical characteristics of mMTC include high connection density, small data volume, latency-insensitive services, low module cost, and long module lifespan.

[0171] In some implementations, 5G base stations consume four times the energy of LTE base stations, making network energy saving an important means of reducing the cost of operating 5G systems.

[0172] In some implementations, Release 16 (R16) introduces a Wake-Up Signal (WUS) to enable power saving for RRC_CONNECTED terminals in connected Radio Resource Control (RRC) mode. An offset is defined before the on-duration of Connected DRX (C-DRX) in the terminal's connected mode to define the duration of WUS transmission. During this transmission period, WUS, i.e., Downlink Control Information (DCI) 2-6, is transmitted, scrambled with Power Saving RNTI (PS-RNTI), to indicate whether the terminal should wake up to listen to the PDCCH during the subsequent C-DRX on-duration.

[0173] In some implementations, R17 introduces paging WUS to power-up terminals in RRC idle or inactive states (RRC_IDLE / INACTIVE). Paging WUS is sent at a certain time before the PO (Point of Purchase), and PEI (Paging Information Indicator) is used to indicate whether the terminal is listening for paging scheduling information at that PO. The PEI is DCI 2-7, scrambled via PEI-RNTI.

[0174] In some implementations, in Release 18 (R18), to reduce network power consumption, the network can enter Network Energy Saving mode (NES mode), where cells periodically perform discontinuous transmission (cell DTX) and / or discontinuous reception (cell DRX) at certain intervals. However, during cell DTX or cell DRX, the Master Information Block (MIB), System Information Block (SIB), paging, and RACH can be transmitted and received.

[0175] Several NES functions include: SSB-less SCell, cell DTX / DRX, antenna port adaptation, and Physical Downlink Shared channel (PDSCH) transmission power adaptation.

[0176] In some implementations, a terminal only needs to listen to one PO (Point of Purchase) within a DRX cycle. A PF is a radio frame that contains the start positions of one or more POs. The determination of the PF and PO can be as follows:

[0177] PF is obtained using the following formula: (SFN + PF_offset) mod T = (T div N) * (UE_ID mod N);

[0178] PO is obtained using the following formula: i_s = floor(UE_ID / N) mod Ns;

[0179] Wherein, SFN is the system frame number, T is the DRX cycle obtained according to the minimum principle, that is, T = min(default DRX, RAN DRX, UE specific DRX); N is the number of paging frames in the DRX cycle; Ns is the number of POs in the PF; PF_offset determines the offset of the PF; UE_ID is the terminal identifier, UE_ID = 5G short temporary mobile station identifier (5G-S-TMSI) mod 1024.

[0180] The parameters related to PF and PO can be configured in SIB1. The configuration can be found in the following Information Element (IE):

[0181] In some implementations, such as the legacy paging method shown in Figure 1B, from the perspective of a cell, there are multiple PFs within a DRX cycle, and each PF contains multiple POs. Paging messages can be scheduled on the network side of each PO using a beam sweeping method. In Figure 1B, based on configured parameters such as N = T / 4 and Ns = 4, the formula PF = (SFN + PF) is used to calculate the paging message. offset )mod T=(T div N)*(UE ID mod N) = {0, 4, 8, 12…T-4}, PO is

[0182] In some implementations, within a network energy conservation study item (SI), NES paging may include the scenario shown in Figure 1C, where cascaded POs are performed in NES paging. The enhancement method of cascaded POs aims to send all POs from all PFs within a DRX cycle together, thereby allowing the network to enter sleep mode for a longer period, thus gaining network energy conservation benefits.

[0183] As shown in Table 1-1, configuring appropriate parameters can reduce the number of power windows (PFs) within a single DRX cycle, thus achieving network energy savings. Simultaneously, to compensate for the reduced network paging capacity, the number of power points (POs) within each PF can be increased. Here, rf32 represents a radio frame with a duration of 320ms; the rest can be referenced from this description.

[0184] Table 1-1

[0185] In some implementations, cells supporting paging optimization (such as NES paging) also support conventional terminals, or legacy UEs, to camp and receive paging messages; that is, legacy UEs are not barred. Based on the network-side NW configuration, legacy UEs and R19 UEs can coexist on the same PF or PO. However, legacy UEs can only listen for paging messages on traditional PFs and POs (see Figure 1B). For terminals in R19 that support paging optimization (such as NES paging), they can listen for paging messages only at the PFs and POs configured in R19 (see Figure 1C), and do not need to listen for paging messages at traditional PFs and POs. NES paging can be based on the goal of minimizing signaling overhead, for example, Ns = 8 or other larger values.

[0186] For NES cells or network devices, the time-domain location for paging differs depending on the paging method. If the network cannot distinguish the terminal type or capability—for example, whether the terminal is a legacy UE or one that supports NES paging—it will be unable to correctly place the terminal's paging on the appropriate PF and / or PO. Furthermore, considering the aforementioned method for determining the PF and as shown in Figure 1D, if the terminal supports a smaller DRX period, the calculated T will be smaller, reducing the network's sleep time and resulting in poor NES energy-saving performance.

[0187] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2A, the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0188] In step S2101, terminal 101 sends second information to access network device 102.

[0189] In some embodiments, when terminal 101 is in RRC connection state, it sends second information to access network device 102.

[0190] In some embodiments, the second information is used to indicate whether the terminal supports NES paging support.

[0191] Optionally, NES paging refers to an enhancement of paging in NES scenarios. In this paging method, the PO and / or PF are concentrated as much as possible in the time domain. For example, in a DRX cycle, the number of PFs should be configured as few as possible (e.g., one). For example, the cascaded PO method shown in Figure 1C has one PF, and multiple POs are concentrated in one PF, allowing the network side to have more sleep periods, thereby achieving network energy saving gains. Among them, the PF in NES paging can be called enhanced PF or NES PF, and the PO can be called enhanced PO or NES PO.

[0192] In contrast to the traditional (legacy) paging method shown in Figure 1B, the enhanced PF or enhanced PO may partially overlap with the legacy PF or PO in the legacy paging method, or they may not overlap and may be independent of each other.

[0193] Optionally, the terminal's support for NES paging can mean that the terminal can listen for paging on the PF and / or PO in NES paging, such as listening for paging on the enhanced PF and / or enhanced PO in Figure 1C. This capability can be replaced by: the terminal supporting the ability to listen for paging on the PF and / or PO in R19, or the terminal supporting NES, or the terminal supporting a certain network power saving feature.

[0194] Optionally, the terminal does not support NES paging capabilities, but can correspond to the capabilities of legacy UEs, such as when the terminal listens for paging on legacy PF and PO as shown in Figure 1B.

[0195] In some embodiments, the second information can be sent via an RRC message.

[0196] Optionally, the second information is sent via UECapabilityInformation. Terminal 101 sends UECapabilityInformation to access network device 102, carrying the aforementioned second information.

[0197] Optionally, the second information is sent via MSG5. MSG5 can be an RRC connection establishment complete message, an RRC recovery complete message, an RRC reconfiguration complete message, or an RRC reestablishment complete message. In different access scenarios, terminal 101 can send the corresponding MSG5 to access network device 102, carrying the aforementioned second information.

[0198] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 receives the second information described above.

[0199] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", and "field" can be used interchangeably.

[0200] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0201] In step S2102, the access network device 102 sends third information to the network node 103 (such as AMF).

[0202] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may send third information to the AMF based on the second information, or after receiving the second information and learning about the terminal's capabilities, to report the terminal's capabilities to the AMF.

[0203] In some embodiments, the third information is used to indicate whether the terminal supports the network energy-saving NES paging support indicator.

[0204] In some embodiments, network node 103 may be an AMF.

[0205] In some embodiments, the AMF receives third information from the access network device 102, namely, the third information is a message from RAN to AMF.

[0206] In some embodiments, the third information is sent via one of the following:

[0207] Initial UE message;

[0208] UE CONTEXT SUSPEND REQUEST;

[0209] RRC Inactive Transition Report.

[0210] For example, the AMF obtains the terminal's capabilities based on the initial terminal message reported by the access network device 102, or based on the terminal context suspension request reported by the access network device 102, or based on the RRC inactive state transition report reported by the access network device 102.

[0211] In some embodiments, steps S2101 to S2102 are optionally replaced, for example, by step S2103.

[0212] In some embodiments, “get,” “obtain,” “receive,” “transmit,” “bidirectional transmission,” and “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation, among other meanings.

[0213] In step S2103, terminal 101 sends fourth information to network node 103 (e.g., AMF).

[0214] In some embodiments, the fourth information is used to indicate whether the terminal supports the network energy-saving NES paging support indicator.

[0215] In some embodiments, the AMF receives the fourth information described above to obtain the capabilities of the terminal.

[0216] In some embodiments, the fourth information is sent via a registration request message.

[0217] For example, when registering or re-registering with a network, terminal 101 sends a registration request message to the AMF, which carries fourth information. After receiving the fourth information, the AMF can store the capabilities of the terminal.

[0218] In step S2104, network node 103 (e.g., AMF) sends first information to access network device 102.

[0219] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate whether the terminal supports the network energy-saving NES paging support indicator.

[0220] In some embodiments, after the AMF acquires the capabilities of the terminal, such as after acquiring the capabilities of the terminal based on step S2102 or S2103, it sends first information to the access network device 102.

[0221] In some embodiments, during this step, terminal 101 may be in an RRC idle state, or may be in an existing RRC connected state and then switch to an RRC idle state.

[0222] In some embodiments, when the service data or downlink (DL) data corresponding to the terminal arrives at the core network CN and triggers the CN to initiate a paging for the terminal, the AMF can send the terminal's capabilities to the access network device 102.

[0223] In some embodiments, the AMF sends a first paging message to the access network device 102, the first paging message including or carrying the aforementioned first information.

[0224] Optionally, the first paging message is a Next Generation (NG) PAGING message.

[0225] Optionally, when the terminal supports NES paging capabilities, the AMF can carry the terminal's capabilities through NG PAGING messages.

[0226] Optionally, if the terminal does not support NES paging capability, the NG PAGING message may omit this capability of the terminal.

[0227] In some embodiments, in a paging scenario where the terminal is in an RRC idle state, the access network device 102 obtains the terminal's capabilities from the core network side.

[0228] In step S2105, access network device 102 determines PF and / or PO.

[0229] In some embodiments, after learning about the capabilities of the terminal based on the first information, the access network device 102 may determine or identify the appropriate PF and / or PO for the terminal based on the terminal's capabilities, such as determining the PF and / or PO corresponding to the terminal's capabilities.

[0230] In some embodiments, if the terminal does not support NES paging capability, for example, the NG PAGING message carries first information indicating that the terminal does not support NES paging capability, or the NG PAGING message does not carry information related to the terminal supporting NES paging capability, the access network device 102 can determine that the PF is a legacy PF and the PO is a legacy PO, as shown in the illustration of FIG1B.

[0231] In this embodiment, the determination method of PF and PO can be referred to the description of the previous embodiment. For example, PF is obtained by the following formula: (SFN+PF_offset)mod T=(T div N)*(UE_ID mod N); where SFN is the system frame number, T is the DRX cycle obtained according to the minimum principle, that is, T=min(default DRX, RAN DRX, UE specific DRX); N is the number of paging frames in the DRX cycle; Ns is the number of PO in PF; PF_offset determines the offset of PF; UE_ID is the terminal identifier, UE_ID=5G-S-TMSImod1024.

[0232] In some embodiments, if the terminal supports NES paging capability, for example, if the NG PAGING message carries first information indicating that the terminal supports NES paging capability, the access network device 102 can determine that the PF is an enhanced PF and / or the PO is an enhanced PO, as illustrated in FIG1C. Here, the enhanced PF can also be called an NES PF, and the enhanced PO can also be called an NES PO.

[0233] In this embodiment, the enhanced PF is determined based on the cell's default paging cycle. For example, the enhanced PF is determined in the following way:

[0234] PF = (SFN + PF_offset) mod T1 = (T1 div N) * (UE_ID mod N); where SFN is the system frame number, PF_offset is the offset of PF, T1 is the cell default paging period, N is the number of PFs in the discontinuous reception DRX period, UE_ID is the terminal identifier, mod represents the modulo operation, and div represents the integer division operation.

[0235] 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), or by a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0236] In step S2106, the access network device 102 sends a third paging message to the terminal 101.

[0237] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 initiates a paging of a terminal in the RRC idle state based on a third paging message.

[0238] In some embodiments, for terminals with different capabilities, the access network device 102 initiates paging at the corresponding location:

[0239] For example, if the terminal supports NES paging capability, the access network device 102 sends a third paging message on the enhanced PF and / or enhanced PO, and the terminal 101 listens for paging on the corresponding enhanced PF and / or enhanced PO.

[0240] For example, if the terminal does not support NES paging capability, the access network device 102 sends a third paging message on the legacy PF and legacy PO, and the terminal 101 listens for paging on the corresponding legacy PF and legacy PO.

[0241] In some embodiments, NES paging can coexist with other paging features. For example, NES paging and PEI can coexist; in an NES paging scenario, PEI can be enhanced to achieve better network energy efficiency.

[0242] In some embodiments, the Paging Advance Indication (PEI) corresponding to NES paging satisfies at least one of the following:

[0243] PEI is used for one DRX cycle, meaning that the PEI for NES paging is for one DRX cycle.

[0244] The number of POs associated with PEI has increased to a value greater than the first value.

[0245] The first value can refer to the number of POs associated with the PEI in legacy paging. In NES paging, the number of POs associated with the PEI can be expanded to a larger number, for example, the number of POs associated with the PEI in NES paging is 16 or 32, etc.

[0246] Optionally, New Radio in Unlicensed Spectrum (NR-U) cells, i.e. cells using unlicensed spectrum, do not support NES paging functionality.

[0247] In some embodiments, terms such as “moment,” “point in time,” “time,” and “time location” can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as “duration,” “segment,” “time window,” “window,” and “time.”

[0248] In some embodiments, the terms “radio”, “wireless”, “radio access network (RAN)”, “access network (AN)”, and “RAN-based” can be used interchangeably.

[0249] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain," "preset," "default," "set," "indicated," "a certain," "any," and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A," "preset A," "default A," "set A," "indicated A," "a certain A," "any A," and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0250] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2106. For example, step S2104 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, steps S2103 to S2104 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, and steps S2101 to S2102 and S2104 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0251] In some embodiments, steps S2101 to S2102 and S2103 are parallel schemes, and one of them can be selected to be performed in different embodiments, or one or more of these steps can be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0252] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0253] In this embodiment, for terminals in the RRC idle state, the access network device can learn about the terminal's capabilities through information provided by the AMF, thereby determining how to perform paging on the appropriate PF and / or PO for that terminal, improving paging efficiency and accuracy. Furthermore, the enhanced PF in NES paging can be determined based on the cell paging cycle, further achieving network energy saving. In this embodiment, while achieving network energy saving, both terminals supporting NES paging capabilities and legacy terminals can accurately receive paging messages.

[0254] Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2B, the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0255] In step S2201, network node 103 (such as anchor base station) obtains the fifth information from AMF or terminal 101.

[0256] In some embodiments, the fifth piece of information is used to indicate whether the terminal supports NES paging support.

[0257] In some embodiments, the anchor gNB is a base station that stores the terminal context.

[0258] In some embodiments, the anchor base station can obtain the capabilities of the terminal from the terminal. For example, the terminal reports second information to the anchor base station, which can be referred to the description of step S2101 in FIG2A.

[0259] In some embodiments, the anchor base station can obtain the terminal's capabilities from the core network side. For example, the AMF sends or pushes information carrying the terminal's capabilities to the anchor base station.

[0260] Optionally, the anchor base station can learn about the terminal's capabilities based on messages from the AMF to the RAN. For example, the AMF can send a UE INFORMATION TRANSFER to the anchor base station, carrying the fifth information; or, the AMF can send a UE CONTEXT SUSPEND REQUEST to the anchor base station, carrying the fifth information.

[0261] In some embodiments, after acquiring the capabilities of a terminal, such as the fifth information, the anchor base station may store the fifth information or store the capabilities of the terminal.

[0262] In some embodiments, when the terminal is in an RRC inactive state, the anchor base station knows the terminal's capabilities, such as whether the terminal supports NES paging.

[0263] In step S2202, network node 103 (such as anchor base station) sends first information to access network device 102.

[0264] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate whether the terminal supports the network energy-saving NES paging support indicator.

[0265] In some embodiments, the anchor base station may send first information to the access network device 102 (RNA gNB or gNB in ​​RAN) based on the terminal capabilities obtained in step S2201.

[0266] In some embodiments, when the service data or DL ​​data corresponding to the terminal arrives at the anchor base station, triggering the anchor base station to initiate a paging for the terminal, the anchor base station sends first information to the access network device 102.

[0267] Optionally, the anchor base station sends a second paging message to the access network device 102, the second paging message carrying the first information.

[0268] Optionally, the second paging message can be RAN paging.

[0269] Optionally, if the terminal supports NES paging capability, the second paging message may carry first information indicating support for that capability.

[0270] Optionally, if the terminal does not support NES paging capability, the second paging message may carry first information indicating that the capability is not supported, or may not carry any indication or information related to the support of the capability.

[0271] Optionally, NES cells are barred for legacy UEs or non-NES-capable UEs.

[0272] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 receives the first information to learn about the capabilities of the terminal.

[0273] In step S2203, access network device 102 determines PF and / or PO.

[0274] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S2203 can be referred to the implementation of step S2105 in FIG2A, and will not be repeated here.

[0275] In step S2204, the access network device 102 sends a third paging message to the terminal 101.

[0276] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S2204 can be referred to the implementation of step S2106 in FIG2A, and will not be repeated here.

[0277] In step S2205, network node 103 (such as anchor base station) determines PF and / or PO.

[0278] In some embodiments, the anchor base station determines the PF and / or PO in the same way as the access network device 102 determines the PF and / or PO, as described in step S2203.

[0279] In step S2206, network node 103 (such as anchor base station) sends a fourth paging message to terminal 101.

[0280] In some embodiments, the anchor base station sends a paging message to terminal 101 on a determined appropriate PF and / or PO based on the terminal's capabilities.

[0281] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2201 to S2206. For example, step S2202 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, and steps S2202 to S2203 may be implemented as separate embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0282] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0283] In this embodiment, for terminals in the RRC inactive state, the access network device can learn about the terminal's capabilities through information provided by the anchor base station. Therefore, the access network device and / or the anchor base station can determine how to perform paging on the appropriate PF and / or PO for the terminal based on its capabilities, improving paging efficiency and accuracy. Furthermore, the enhanced PF in NES paging can be determined based on the cell paging cycle, further achieving network energy saving. In this embodiment, while achieving network energy saving, both terminals supporting NES paging capabilities and legacy terminals can accurately receive paging messages.

[0284] Figure 2C is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2C, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0285] In step S2301, network node 103 sends first information to access network device 102.

[0286] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S2301 can be referred to the implementation of step S2104 in FIG2A, and will not be repeated here.

[0287] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S2301 can be found in the implementation of step S2202 in FIG2B, and will not be repeated here.

[0288] In step S2302, the access network device 102 determines the PF and / or PO.

[0289] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S2302 can be found in the implementation of step S2105 in FIG2A or S2203 in FIG2B, and will not be repeated here.

[0290] In step S2303, the access network device 102 sends a third paging message to the terminal 101.

[0291] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S2303 can be found in the implementation of step S2106 in FIG2A or S2204 in FIG2B, and will not be repeated here.

[0292] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2301 to S2303. For example, step S2301 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0293] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0294] Figure 3A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3A, the present disclosure relates to a communication method in which, in an NES cell, the CN instructs the UE regarding the NES paging support indicator. The method includes:

[0295] In step S3101, when the UE registers with or re-registers with the network, it sends a registration request message (REGISTRATION REQUEST). The registration request message carries the UE's ability to support NES or its ability to support a specific network energy-saving feature, such as supporting NES paging capability, the core network, and the ability to store the UE.

[0296] Alternatively, the AMF can obtain information about the UE's NES paging capability based on data reported by the base station to the AMF, such as in the INITIAL UE MESSAGE (from RAN to AMF) message, the UE CONTEXT SUSPEND REQUEST (from RAN to AMF) message, or the RRC INACTIVE TRANSITION REPORT (from RAN to AMF) message. Furthermore, the base station can obtain this NES paging capability through MSG5 messages, such as the RRCsetupComplete, RRCResumeComplete, RRCReconfigurationComplete, or RRCReestablishmentComplete messages; or through the UECapabilityInformation.

[0297] In step S3102, when DL data arrives at the core network and triggers the CN to initiate a paging to a certain UE, the AMF carries the UE's NES paging capability in the NG PAGING message. If the UE does not support NES capability, the NG PAGING message does not carry the NES paging support capability.

[0298] In step S3103, the gNB determines the NES PF / PO or legacy PF / PO based on the different terminals.

[0299] In this context, " / " means "or", or "and / or".

[0300] When the gNB receives an NG PAGING from the AMF, if the NG PAGING does not carry NES paging support capability, it means that the target UE does not support NES paging capability.

[0301] Specifically, when the gNB sends a paging message to the UE, it determines whether the network supports NES paging capability. If the UE supports this capability, the gNB transmits paging on the NES PF / PO; otherwise, it sends the paging message on the legacy PF / PO. Furthermore, the cell paging cycle is used to calculate the NES PF.

[0302] Step S3104, gNB sends paging.

[0303] In this embodiment of the disclosure, for an RRC_IDLE UE, the CN and / or gNB determine how to send paging messages and how to calculate PF based on the UE's capabilities and the cell's NES paging capabilities.

[0304] Figure 3B is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3B, the present disclosure relates to a communication method in which, in an NES cell, for a legacy UE or a non-NES capable UE, the anchor gNB indicates an NES paging support indicator in a RAN paging message. The method includes:

[0305] In step S3201, the anchor gNB acquires and stores the UE's capabilities, including those supporting NES or specific network energy-saving features such as NES paging. The base station obtains these capabilities through UE reporting or AMF push.

[0306] Anchor gNBs can obtain UE NES paging capabilities through UE INFORMATION TRANSFER (from AMF to RAN) or UE CONTEXT SUSPEND REQUEST (from AMF to RAN).

[0307] In step S3202, when DL data arrives at the anchor base station and triggers the anchor base station to initiate a paging to a certain UE, the anchor base station carries the UE's NES paging capability in the RAN PAGING message. If the UE does not support NES capability, the RAN PAGING message does not carry the NES support capability.

[0308] In step S3203, the RAN gNB determines the NES PF / PO or legacy PF / PO based on the different terminals.

[0309] After the RAN gNB receives the RAN PAGING from the anchor base station, if the RAN PAGING does not carry NES paging support capability, it means that the target UE does not support NES paging capability.

[0310] Specifically, when the RAN gNB sends a paging message for the UE, it determines whether the network supports NES paging capability. If the UE supports this capability, paging is transmitted on the NES PF / PO; otherwise, paging is sent on the legacy PF / PO. Furthermore, the cell paging cycle is used to calculate the NES PF.

[0311] Step S3204, RAN gNB sends paging.

[0312] In step S3205, the anchor gNB determines the NES PF / PO or legacy PF / PO based on the different terminals.

[0313] Step S3206: The anchor gNB sends paging.

[0314] In this embodiment of the disclosure, for an RRC_INACTIVE UE, the anchor gNB and / or RNA gNB determine how to send paging messages and how to calculate PF based on the UE's capabilities and the cell's NES paging capabilities.

[0315] In the embodiments of Figure 3A or Figure 3B, NES paging coexists with other features. For example, NES paging and PEI can coexist, but PEI needs to be enhanced:

[0316] (1) The PEI of NES paging is for a single DRX cycle;

[0317] (2) The number of POs associated with a PEI in NES paging is extended to a larger number, such as 16, 32, etc.

[0318] NR-U cells do not support NES paging. NR-U cells are cells that use unlicensed spectrum.

[0319] This disclosure also provides an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Alternatively, another apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0320] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0321] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, 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), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0322] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of the structure of an access network device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 4A, the access network device 4100 may include at least one of a transceiver module 4101, a processing module 4102, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 4101 is used to receive first information sent by a network node, the first information being used to indicate whether the terminal supports the network energy-saving NES paging capability.

[0323] Optionally, the transceiver module 4101 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the access network device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module 4102 is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the access network device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0324] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network node proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 4B, the network node 4200 may include at least one of a transceiver module 4201, a processing module 4202, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 4201 is used to send first information to the access network device, the first information being used to indicate whether the terminal supports the network energy-saving NES paging capability.

[0325] Figure 4C is a schematic diagram of the structure of the terminal 101 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 4C, the terminal 4300 may include at least one of a transceiver module 4301, a processing module 4302, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 4301 is used to send second information to the access network device when in an RRC connected state, or to send fourth information to the network node when in an RRC idle state, wherein the second information or the fourth information is used to indicate whether the terminal supports the network energy-saving NES paging capability, and the second information is used by the access network device to send third information to the network node;

[0326] Wherein, after the network node obtains the third or fourth information, it sends the first information to the access network device when the terminal is in the RRC idle state. The first information is used to indicate whether the terminal supports the network energy-saving NES paging capability.

[0327] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0328] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module may be interchangeable with a processor.

[0329] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 5100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 5100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 5100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0330] As shown in Figure 5A, the communication device 5100 includes one or more processors 5101. The processor 5101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 5100 can be used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 5101 can be used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 5100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0331] In some embodiments, the communication device 5100 further includes one or more transceivers 5102. When the communication device 5100 includes one or more transceivers 5102, the transceiver 5102 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method, and the processor 5101 performs at least one of the other steps. In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0332] In some embodiments, the communication device 5100 further includes one or more memories 5103 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 5103 may be located outside the communication device 5100. In optional embodiments, the communication device 5100 may include one or more interface circuits 5104. Optionally, the interface circuits 5104 are connected to the memories 5103 and can be used to receive data from the memories 5103 or other devices, and to send data to the memories 5103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 5104 can read data stored in the memories 5103 and send the data to the processor 5101.

[0333] The communication device 5100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 5100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 5100 may not be limited by FIG. 5A. The communication device may be a standalone device or a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0334] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 5200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 5100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of chip 5200 shown in Figure 5B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0335] Chip 5200 includes one or more processors 5201. Chip 5200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0336] In some embodiments, chip 5200 further includes one or more interface circuits 5202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 5200 further includes one or more memories 5203 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 5203 may be located outside of chip 5200. Optionally, interface circuit 5202 is connected to memory 5203, and interface circuit 5202 can be used to receive data from memory 5203 or other devices, and interface circuit 5202 can be used to send data to memory 5203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 5202 can read data stored in memory 5203 and send the data to processor 5201.

[0337] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 5202 performs at least one of the communication steps, such as sending and / or receiving, in the above-described method. For example, the interface circuit 5202 performing the communication steps, such as sending and / or receiving, in the above-described method means that the interface circuit 5202 performs data interaction between the processor 5201, the chip 5200, the memory 5203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 5201 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0338] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0339] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on the communication device 5100, cause the communication device 5100 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 not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0340] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by the communication device 5100, causes the communication device 5100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0341] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods. Industrial applicability

[0342] Access network devices can obtain the capabilities of terminals from network nodes, thereby selecting appropriate paging methods based on the terminal's capabilities, which helps improve paging accuracy.

Claims

1. A communication method, executed by an access network device, the method comprising: The terminal receives first information sent by a network node, the first information being used to indicate whether the terminal supports the network energy-saving NES paging capability.

2. The method as described in claim 1, wherein, The terminal is in the Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle state, and the network node is the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

3. The method as described in claim 2, wherein, The first information received from the network node includes: Receive a first paging message sent by the AMF, the first paging message including the first information.

4. The method as described in claim 2 or 3, wherein, The method further includes: Receive the second information sent by the terminal when it is in RRC connection state; Based on the second information, a third information is sent to the AMF; wherein the second information or the third information is used to indicate whether the terminal supports the ability of Network Energy Saving (NES) paging.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The second information is sent via MSG5 or terminal capability information.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein, The third information is sent via one of the following methods: Initial terminal message; Terminal context suspension request; RRC inactive state transition report.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: Therefore, the terminal is in an RRC inactive state, and the network node is an anchor base station, wherein the anchor base station stores the terminal context.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The first information received from the network node includes: The system receives a second paging message sent by the anchor base station, the second paging message including the first information.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The method further includes: Based on the first information, determine the paging frame PF and / or paging timing PO corresponding to the capabilities of the terminal; A third paging message is sent to the terminal based on the PF and / or PO.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The terminal supports NES paging capability, and the PF is an enhanced PF and / or the PO is an enhanced PO.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The enhanced PF is determined based on the cell's default paging cycle.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The enhanced PF is determined as follows: PF = (SFN + PF_offset) mod T1 = (T1 div N) * (UE_ID mod N); Wherein, SFN is the system frame number, PF_offset is the offset of the PF, T1 is the default paging period of the cell, N is the number of PFs in the discontinuous reception DRX period, UE_ID is the terminal identifier, mod represents the modulo operation, and div represents the integer division operation.

13. The method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The Paging Advance Indication (PEI) corresponding to the NES paging satisfies at least one of the following: The PEI is used for one DRX cycle; The number of POs associated with the PEI is increased to be greater than the first value.

14. A communication method performed by a network node, the method comprising: Send first information to the access network device, the first information being used to indicate whether the terminal supports the network energy-saving NES paging capability.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The terminal is in the Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle state, and the network node is the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, Sending the first information to the access network device includes: A first paging message is sent to the access network device, the first paging message including the first information.

17. The method of claim 14 or 15, wherein, The method further includes: The terminal receives third information sent by the access network device, which is sent by the access network device based on second information. The second information is sent when the terminal is in RRC connection state. The second information or the third information is used to indicate whether the terminal supports the network energy saving NES paging capability.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein, The second information is sent via MSG5 or terminal capability information.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein, The third information is sent via one of the following methods: Initial terminal message; Terminal context suspension request; RRC inactive state transition report.

20. The method of claim 14 or 15, wherein, The method further includes: The terminal receives a fourth message, which indicates whether the terminal supports the ability of Network Energy Saving (NES) paging.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein, The fourth piece of information is sent via a registration request message.

22. The method of claim 14, wherein, Therefore, the terminal is in an RRC inactive state, and the network node is an anchor base station, wherein the anchor base station stores the terminal context.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein, Sending the first information to the access network device includes: A second paging message is sent to the access network device, the second paging message including the first information.

24. The method of claim 22 or 23, wherein, When the network node is an anchor base station, the method further includes: Determine the paging frame PF and / or paging timing PO corresponding to the capabilities of the terminal; A fourth paging message is sent to the terminal based on the PF and / or PO.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein, The terminal supports NES paging capability, and the PF is an enhanced PF and / or the PO is an enhanced PO.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein, The enhanced PF is determined based on the cell's default paging cycle.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein, The enhanced PF is determined as follows: PF = (SFN + PF_offset) mod T1 = (T1 div N) * (UE_ID mod N); Wherein, SFN is the system frame number, PF_offset is the offset of the PF, T1 is the default paging period of the cell, N is the number of PFs in the discontinuous reception DRX period, UE_ID is the terminal identifier, mod represents the modulo operation, and div represents the integer division operation.

28. The method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 27, wherein, The Paging Advance Indication (PEI) corresponding to the NES paging satisfies at least one of the following: The PEI is used for one DRX cycle; The number of POs associated with the PEI is increased to be greater than the first value.

29. A communication method, executed by a terminal, the method comprising: When in RRC connected state, the terminal sends a second message to the access network device; or when in RRC idle state, the terminal sends a fourth message to the network node. The second message or the fourth message is used to indicate whether the terminal supports the network energy-saving NES paging capability. The second message is used by the access network device to send a third message to the network node. Wherein, after the network node obtains the third or fourth information, it sends the first information to the access network device when the terminal is in the RRC idle state. The first information is used to indicate whether the terminal supports the network energy-saving NES paging capability.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein, The network node is an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

31. The method of claim 29, wherein, The second information is sent via MSG5 or terminal capability information.

32. The method of claim 29, wherein, The third information is sent via one of the following methods: Initial terminal message; Terminal context suspension request; RRC inactive state transition report.

33. The method of claim 29, wherein, The fourth piece of information is sent via a registration request message.

34. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 33, wherein, The method further includes: At the PF and / or PO corresponding to the capabilities of the terminal, a third paging message sent by the access network device is received; and / or, The network node is an anchor base station, which receives the fourth paging message sent by the anchor base station at the PF and / or PO corresponding to the capabilities of the terminal.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein, The terminal supports NES paging capability, and the PF is an enhanced PF and / or the PO is an enhanced PO.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein, The enhanced PF is determined based on the cell's default paging cycle.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein, The enhanced PF is determined as follows: PF = (SFN + PF_offset) mod T1 = (T1 div N) * (UE_ID mod N); Wherein, SFN is the system frame number, PF_offset is the offset of the PF, T1 is the default paging period of the cell, N is the number of PFs in the discontinuous reception DRX period, UE_ID is the terminal identifier, mod represents the modulo operation, and div represents the integer division operation.

38. The method of any one of claims 29 to 37, wherein, The Paging Advance Indication (PEI) corresponding to the NES paging satisfies at least one of the following: The PEI is used for one DRX cycle; The number of POs associated with the PEI is increased to be greater than the first value.

39. A communication device, wherein, The communication device is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, or any one of claims 14 to 28, or any one of claims 29 to 38.

40. A communication system comprising access network equipment, network nodes, and terminals, wherein, The access network device is configured to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13; The network node is configured to implement the method as described in any one of claims 14 to 28; The terminal is configured to implement the method as described in any one of claims 29 to 38.

41. A storage medium storing instructions, wherein, When the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, or any one of claims 14 to 28, or any one of claims 29 to 38.

42. A program product, wherein, When the program product is executed by a communication device, the communication device performs the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, or any one of claims 14 to 28, or any one of claims 29 to 38.

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