Communication method, and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications. Provided are a communication method and an apparatus. In the present application, a user plane network element receiving first information indicating at least one first application, and determining that data of the at least one first application is not allowed to be received by a first terminal in an energy-saving state; and when the first terminal is in the energy-saving state and data from the first application is received, discarding the data. When the first terminal is in the energy-saving state, on this basis, the amount and frequency of data sent to the first terminal can be reduced; correspondingly, the amount and frequency of data received by the first terminal are reduced, and resource consumption of the first terminal for performing data processing is also reduced accordingly, thereby saving energy consumption of the first terminal.

Description

A communication method and apparatus

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411631417.8, filed on November 14, 2024, entitled "A Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0004] With the development of communication technology, new demands have been placed on energy conservation in traditional cellular communication mobile terminals to ensure service experience and extend their lifespan. However, current technologies do not provide solutions for how to achieve energy conservation in mobile terminals by reducing the amount of data sent to them. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus to clarify how to achieve energy saving in mobile terminals by reducing the amount of data sent to them.

[0006] Firstly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to the network side, such as user plane network elements, modules (e.g., circuits, chips, or chip systems) within user plane network elements, or logical nodes, logical modules, or software capable of implementing all or part of the user plane network element functions. The user plane network element can be a user plane function (UPF) network element, or other network elements with UPF network element functions in future communication.

[0007] This method can be applied to 5G communication systems or higher, and also to non-terrestrial communication systems; however, this application does not specifically limit its application. The execution is as follows:

[0008] Receive first information, which is used to instruct at least one first application that data from at least one first application is not allowed to be received by a first terminal in a power-saving state; if data from a first application is received when the first terminal is in a power-saving state, the data from the first application is discarded according to the first information.

[0009] In this application, the user plane network element receives first information indicating at least one first application, determining that data from at least one first application is not allowed to be received by a first terminal in a power-saving state. If the first terminal is in a power-saving state and receives data from a first application, it discards the data. Because the first terminal is in a power-saving state, the amount and frequency of data sent to the first terminal can be reduced, consequently reducing the amount and frequency of data received by the first terminal. This also reduces the resource consumption of the first terminal in performing data processing, thereby saving energy.

[0010] In one alternative approach, the first information includes description information of at least one first application, which includes one or more of the following: application identifier of the first application, triplet information corresponding to the first application, or quintet information corresponding to the first application.

[0011] The first information includes a description of the first application, so that the user plane network element can perform data detection based on the description and determine the data of the application that does not need to be forwarded further.

[0012] In one alternative approach, the first information includes a first policy, which instructs the discarding of data from at least one first application.

[0013] When the first policy is included in the first information, the user plane network element can determine to directly discard the first application data that conforms to the first policy without further forwarding.

[0014] In one alternative approach, the user plane network element also receives a first indication message, which indicates that the first terminal has canceled the power-saving state.

[0015] In this application, after the user plane network element receives the first instruction information, it determines that the first terminal has canceled the power saving state. After the user plane network element receives the data from the application, it does not need to perform data detection based on the first information and can directly forward the data.

[0016] In one alternative approach, if the first terminal is in an energy-saving state and receives data from a second application, the data from the second application is either cached or sent back to the first terminal. The second application is different from the first application.

[0017] In this application, after the user plane network element receives data from an application other than the first application, it can cache the data of that application or directly send the data of that application to the terminal to ensure that the first terminal can receive data from the critical business and guarantee the normal operation of the critical business.

[0018] Secondly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to the network side, such as user plane network elements, modules (e.g., circuits, chips, or chip systems) within user plane network elements, or logical nodes, logical modules, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of user plane network elements. The user plane network element can be a UPF network element, or other network elements with UPF network element functions in future communication.

[0019] This method can be applied to 5G communication systems or communication systems above 5G, and can also be applied to non-terrestrial communication systems; this application does not specifically limit its application. The execution is as follows:

[0020] The system receives second information, which indicates at least one second application, and the data of the at least one second application is allowed to be received by the first terminal in an energy-saving state. If the first terminal is in an energy-saving state and receives data from the second application, the system either caches the data of the second application or sends the data of the second application to the first terminal according to the second information.

[0021] In this application, the user plane network element receives second information indicating at least one second application, determining that data from at least one second application is allowed to be received by a first terminal in an energy-saving state. If the first terminal is in an energy-saving state and receives data from a second application, it either caches the data or sends it to the first terminal. Caches the second application data or sends the second application's functional data to the first terminal instead of discarding it, which helps ensure that the first terminal can receive data from critical services (such as the services of the second application), thereby helping to ensure the normal operation of critical services. Furthermore, it can reduce the amount and frequency of data sent to the first terminal, correspondingly reducing the amount and frequency of data received by the first terminal, and consequently reducing the resource consumption of the first terminal in performing data processing, thus saving energy consumption for the first terminal.

[0022] In one alternative approach, the second information includes description information of at least one second application, which includes one or more of the following: application identifier of the second application, triplet information corresponding to the second application, or quintuple information corresponding to the second application.

[0023] Based on the above scheme, the second information includes a description of the second application, so that the user plane network element can perform data detection based on the description information and determine the data of the application that does not need to be forwarded further.

[0024] In one alternative approach, the second information further includes a second strategy, which instructs the caching of data from the second application or the sending of data from the second application to the first terminal.

[0025] Based on the above scheme, when the second policy is included in the second information, the user plane network element can determine to directly discard application data that does not conform to the second policy without further forwarding.

[0026] In one alternative approach, the user plane network element also receives a first indication message, which indicates that the first terminal has canceled the power-saving state.

[0027] Based on the above scheme, after the user plane network element receives the first instruction information, it determines that the first terminal has canceled the energy-saving state. After the user plane network element receives the data from the application, it does not need to perform data detection based on the second information and can directly forward the data.

[0028] In one alternative approach, the second strategy is used to instruct the caching of data for the second application, and the user plane network element also sends the data for the second application to the first terminal according to the first instruction information.

[0029] When the second policy instructs the caching of data for the second application, the user plane network element determines, based on the first instruction information, that the first terminal has canceled its power-saving state. The user plane network element can then send the data of the second application cached by the user plane network element when the first terminal was in power-saving state to the first terminal.

[0030] In one alternative approach, if a user plane network element receives data from a first application while the first terminal is in an energy-saving state, the data from the first application is discarded, and the second application is different from the first application.

[0031] Based on this, the amount and frequency of data sent to the first terminal can be reduced, and correspondingly, the amount and frequency of data received by the first terminal are reduced. The resource consumption of the first terminal in performing data processing is also reduced accordingly, thereby saving energy consumption of the first terminal.

[0032] Thirdly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to the network side, such as a first network element, a module (e.g., a circuit, chip, or chip system) within the first network element, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first network element. The first network element can be an access management network element or an energy information network element. The access management network element can be an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, or other network elements with AMF network element functions in future communications. The energy information network element can be an energy information function (EIF) network element, or other network elements with EIF network element functions in future communications.

[0033] This method can be applied to 5G communication systems or communication systems above 5G, and can also be applied to non-terrestrial communication systems; this application does not specifically limit its application. The execution is as follows:

[0034] Obtain second instruction information, which indicates that the network has the ability to assist the first terminal in saving energy; send third instruction information to the session management network element, which indicates that the session management network element can assist the first terminal in saving energy.

[0035] In this application, after the first network element determines that the network has the capability to assist the first terminal in energy saving, it sends a third instruction message to the session management network element to instruct the session management network element to assist the first terminal in energy saving. Based on this, the network only forwards a portion of the received application data to the first terminal in the energy-saving state, rather than all the application data. This reduces the amount and frequency of data sent by the network to the first terminal, and correspondingly reduces the amount and frequency of data received by the first terminal, thus saving energy for the first terminal.

[0036] In one alternative approach, before the first network element obtains the second indication information, it also receives a first request message from the first terminal. The first request message is used to request the network to assist the first terminal in saving energy when the first terminal is in a power-saving state.

[0037] In this application, after receiving a first request message requesting the network to assist the first terminal in saving energy when the first terminal is in a power-saving state, the first network element obtains second instruction information, and the first network element can assist the first terminal in saving energy based on the request of the first terminal.

[0038] In one alternative approach, the first request message may further include first information or second information, wherein the first information is used to indicate at least one first application, and data of the at least one first application is not allowed to be received by the first terminal in a power-saving state, and the second information is used to indicate at least one second application, and data of the at least one second application is allowed to be received by the first terminal in a power-saving state, wherein the first application and the second application are different.

[0039] The first request message includes first information or second information. The first network element can take corresponding measures to assist the first terminal in saving energy based on the specific content of the first information or second information.

[0040] In one alternative approach, it is determined that the first terminal is in an energy-saving state.

[0041] When the first network element determines that the first terminal is in an energy-saving state, it actively obtains the second indication information and can determine the network to assist the first terminal in energy saving based on the current state of the terminal without receiving the first terminal's auxiliary energy-saving request.

[0042] In one alternative approach, the first information includes description information of at least one first application, which includes one or more of the following: application identifier of the first application, triplet information corresponding to the first application, or quintet information corresponding to the first application.

[0043] In one alternative approach, the first information may also include a first policy, which is used to instruct the discarding of data from at least one first application.

[0044] In one alternative approach, the second information includes description information of at least one second application, which includes one or more of the following: application identifier of the second application, triplet information corresponding to the second application, or quintuple information corresponding to the second application.

[0045] In one alternative approach, the second information further includes a second strategy, which instructs the caching of data from the second application or the sending of data from the second application to the first terminal.

[0046] In one alternative approach, the first network element also receives first indication information, which indicates that the first terminal has canceled the power-saving state; and sends the first indication information to the session management network element.

[0047] In one alternative approach, the first network element may send a second request message to the data management network element, the second request message being used to request the subscription information of the first terminal; and receive the subscription information of the first terminal from the data management network element, the subscription information including second instruction information.

[0048] In this application, the first network element determines that the network can provide the capability to assist the first terminal in saving energy, and obtains the second instruction information by sending a second request message to the data management network element.

[0049] Fourthly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to the network side, such as a session management network element, a module (e.g., circuit, chip, or chip system) within the session management network element, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the session management network element's functions. The session management network element can be a session management function (SMF) network element, or other network elements with SMF network element functions in future communication.

[0050] This method can be applied to 5G communication systems or communication systems above 5G, and can also be applied to non-terrestrial communication systems; this application does not specifically limit its application. The execution is as follows:

[0051] The third instruction information is received, which is used to instruct the session management network element to assist the first terminal in saving energy. The first information or the second information is sent to the user plane network element. The first information is used to instruct at least one first application, and the data of at least one first application is not allowed to be received by the first terminal in the energy-saving state. The second information is used to instruct at least one second application, and the data of at least one second application is allowed to be received by the first terminal in the energy-saving state. The first application and the second application are different.

[0052] In this application, the session management network element receives third instruction information to assist the first terminal in energy saving. Specifically, data from at least one first application is not allowed to be received by the first terminal in energy-saving mode, while data from at least one second application is allowed to be received by the first terminal in energy-saving mode. Based on this, the network only forwards data from a portion of the applications received to the first terminal in energy-saving mode, rather than all of them. This reduces the amount and frequency of data sent by the network to the first terminal, and consequently reduces the amount and frequency of data received by the first terminal, thus saving energy for the first terminal.

[0053] In one alternative approach, the first information includes description information of at least one first application, which includes one or more of the following: application identifier of the first application, triplet information corresponding to the first application, or quintet information corresponding to the first application.

[0054] In one alternative approach, the first information may also include a first policy, which is used to instruct the discarding of data from at least one first application.

[0055] In one alternative approach, the second information includes description information of at least one second application, which includes one or more of the following: application identifier of the second application, triplet information corresponding to the second application, or quintuple information corresponding to the second application.

[0056] In one alternative approach, the second information further includes a second strategy, which instructs the caching of data from the second application or the sending of data from the second application to the first terminal.

[0057] In one alternative approach, the session management network element also receives first indication information, which indicates that the first terminal has canceled the power-saving state; and sends the first indication information to the user plane network element.

[0058] In one alternative approach, the session management network element also receives first or second information from the access network element, the data management network element, or the policy management network element.

[0059] Based on this, the session management network element can obtain the first information or the second information in different ways.

[0060] Fifthly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to the terminal side, such as a first terminal or a communication module in the first terminal, or a circuit or chip in the terminal that is responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core or a system-in-package (SIP) chip).

[0061] This method can be applied to 5G communication systems or communication systems above 5G, and can also be applied to non-terrestrial communication systems; this application does not specifically limit its application. The execution is as follows:

[0062] Send a first request message, which is used to indicate that the first terminal is in a power-saving state and request the network to assist the first terminal in saving power.

[0063] In this application, the first terminal sends a first request message so that the network can assist the first terminal in saving energy.

[0064] In one alternative approach, the first request message includes first information or second information, the first information indicating at least one first application whose data is not allowed to be received by a first terminal in a power-saving state, and the second information indicating at least one second application whose data is allowed to be received by a first terminal in a power-saving state, wherein the first application and the second application are different.

[0065] In one alternative approach, a first message or a second message is sent, wherein the first message is used to indicate at least one first application, and data of the at least one first application is not allowed to be received by a first terminal in a power-saving state, and the second message is used to indicate at least one second application, and data of the at least one second application is allowed to be received by a first terminal in a power-saving state, wherein the first application and the second application are different.

[0066] In one alternative approach, the first information includes description information of at least one first application, which includes one or more of the following: application identifier of the first application, triplet information corresponding to the first application, or quintet information corresponding to the first application.

[0067] In one alternative approach, the first information may also include a first policy, which is used to instruct the discarding of data from at least one first application.

[0068] In one alternative approach, the second information includes description information of at least one second application, which includes one or more of the following: application identifier of the second application, triplet information corresponding to the second application, or quintuple information corresponding to the second application.

[0069] In one alternative approach, the second information further includes a second strategy, which instructs the caching of data from the second application or the sending of data from the second application to the first terminal.

[0070] In one alternative approach, when the first terminal is in a non-energy-saving state, the first terminal also sends a first indication message, which is used to indicate that the first terminal has canceled the energy-saving state.

[0071] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which can be a user plane network element, a first network element, a session management network element, and a first terminal. The communication device has the functions to implement the first to fifth aspects described above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means that perform the steps involved in the first to fifth aspects. These functions, units, or means can be implemented by software, hardware, or hardware executing corresponding software.

[0072] The aforementioned communication device may be a user plane network element, a module (e.g., a circuit, chip, or chip system) within a user plane network element, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a user plane network element.

[0073] The aforementioned communication device may be a first network element, a module (e.g., a circuit, chip, or chip system) within the first network element, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first network element.

[0074] The aforementioned communication device may be a session management network element, a module (e.g., a circuit, chip, or chip system) within a session management network element, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a session management network element.

[0075] The aforementioned communication device may be a first terminal, or a communication module in the first terminal, or a chip in the first terminal responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem module.

[0076] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processing unit and a transceiver unit. The transceiver unit can be used to send and receive signals to enable communication between the communication device and other devices. The processing unit can be used to perform some internal operations of the communication device. The transceiver unit can be called an input / output unit, a communication unit, etc., and can be a transceiver; the processing unit can be a processor. When the communication device is a module (e.g., a chip) in a communication device, the transceiver unit can be an input / output interface, input / output circuit, or input / output pins, etc., and can also be called an interface, communication interface, or interface circuit, etc.; the processing unit can be a processor, processing circuit, or logic circuit, etc.

[0077] In another possible design, the communication device includes a processor and may further include a transceiver for transmitting and receiving signals. The processor executes program instructions to perform the methods in any of the possible designs or implementations of the first to fifth aspects described above. The communication device may also include one or more memories coupled to the processor, which may store necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions described in the first to fifth aspects. The processor can execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, causing the communication device to implement the methods in any of the possible designs or implementations of the first to fifth aspects described above when the computer programs or instructions are executed.

[0078] In another possible design, the communication device includes a processor that can be coupled to a memory. The memory can store necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions described in the first to fifth aspects above. The processor can execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, causing the communication device to implement the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first to fifth aspects above when the computer programs or instructions are executed.

[0079] In another possible design, the communication device includes a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the processor is configured to communicate with other devices via the interface circuit and to perform the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first to fifth aspects described above.

[0080] Understandably, in the sixth aspect above, the processor can be implemented in hardware or software. When implemented in hardware, the processor can be a logic circuit, integrated circuit, etc.; when implemented in software, the processor can be a general-purpose processor that reads software code stored in memory. Furthermore, there can be one or more processors, and one or more memories. The memory can be integrated with the processor, or the memory and processor can be separate. In specific implementations, the memory can be integrated with the processor on the same chip, or it can be set on different chips. This application does not limit the type of memory or the arrangement of the memory and processor.

[0081] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication system comprising at least two of the following devices: a user plane network element, a first network element, a session management network element, or a first terminal. The user plane network element can be used to execute the methods of the first or second aspect, the first network element can be used to execute the methods of the third aspect, the session management network element can be used to execute the methods of the fourth aspect, and the first terminal is used to execute the methods of the fifth aspect. Furthermore, it should be noted that in each aspect, there may be processes executed interactively by multiple devices or network elements; the corresponding processes cannot be executed by a single device or network element. Instead, the corresponding processes are executed primarily through the interaction of corresponding devices or network elements, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0082] Eighthly, this application provides a chip system including a processor and potentially a memory for implementing the methods described in the first to fifth aspects. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0083] Ninthly, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods as described in the first to fifth aspects.

[0084] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods of the embodiments of the first to fifth aspects described above.

[0085] The technical effects that can be achieved by the second to tenth aspects mentioned above can be referred to the description of the technical effects that can be achieved by the corresponding possible design schemes in the first or second aspects mentioned above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0086] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0087] Figure 2 shows a schematic flowchart of a terminal energy-saving processing method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0088] Figure 3 shows a schematic flowchart of a terminal energy-saving processing method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0089] Figure 4 shows a schematic flowchart of a terminal energy-saving processing method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0090] Figure 5 shows a schematic flowchart of a terminal energy-saving processing method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0091] Figure 6 shows a schematic flowchart of a terminal energy-saving processing method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0092] Figure 7 shows a schematic flowchart of a terminal energy-saving processing method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0093] Figure 8 shows a schematic flowchart of a terminal energy-saving processing method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0094] Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of the communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0095] Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of the communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0096] Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0097] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, a further detailed description of this application will be provided below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The specific operational methods in the method embodiments can also be applied to the device embodiments or system embodiments. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. Therefore, implementations of the device and method can be referred to mutually, and repeated details will not be repeated.

[0098] In this application embodiment, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0099] In the embodiments of this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which may include direct transmission via the air interface or indirect transmission by other units or modules via the air interface. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which may include direct reception from YY via the air interface or indirect reception from YY by other units or modules via the air interface. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface. In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between network devices and terminal devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via a bus, wiring, or interface. It is understood that information may undergo necessary processing, such as encoding and modulation, between the source and destination of information transmission, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be understood in a similar way and will not be repeated here.

[0100] In the embodiments of this application, "when," "if," and "if" all refer to the device taking corresponding actions under certain objective circumstances, not a time limit, nor do they require the device to perform a judgment action, nor do they imply any other limitations. Unless otherwise specified, "if" and "if" are interchangeable, and "when" and "in the case of" are interchangeable. "When" and "if" / "if" are interchangeable. In the embodiments of this application, "*" can be used to represent "multiplication."

[0101] The ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to limit the size, content, order, timing, priority, or importance of the multiple objects. Words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is being described as an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being better or more advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner.

[0102] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a mobile communication network architecture, which includes terminals, access network equipment, access and mobility management functions, session management functions, user plane functions, policy control functions, network slice selection functions, network slice-specific authentication and authorization functions, network repository functions, network data analysis functions, unified data management functions, unified data storage functions, authentication service functions, network capability opening functions, terminal radio capability management functions, binding support functions, application functions, and a data network (DN) connecting to the operator's network. Terminals can access the wireless network through the access node at their current location. Terminals can send service data to and receive service data from the data network through access network equipment and user plane functions.

[0103] A terminal can be a device capable of receiving scheduling and instruction information from access network equipment, providing voice and / or data connectivity to users, or a handheld device with wireless connectivity, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem. Terminal devices can communicate with one or more core networks or the Internet via a radio access network (RAN). For example, a terminal device can be a portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted mobile device. Terminal devices can also be referred to as subscriber units (SS), subscriber stations (MS), mobile stations (MS), remote stations (AP), access points (AP), remote terminals, access terminals, user agents, customer premises equipment (CPE), terminals, user experience units (UEs), mobile terminals (MTs), etc. Terminal devices can also be wearable devices. Terminal devices can also be devices in next-generation communication systems. For example, terminal devices in 5G networks or terminal devices in future PLMN networks, terminal devices in NR communication systems, etc.Currently, terminal devices can include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, customer-premises equipment (CPE), mobile internet devices (MID), wearable devices (such as smartwatches, smart bracelets, pedometers, etc.), in-vehicle equipment (such as cars, bicycles, electric vehicles, airplanes, ships, trains, high-speed trains, etc.), virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, smart home devices (such as refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), intelligent robots, workshop equipment, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, or wireless terminals in smart homes, and flying equipment (such as intelligent robots, hot air balloons, drones, airplanes), etc. A terminal can also be other devices with terminal functions. For example, a terminal device can also be a device that performs terminal functions in D2D communication.

[0104] Access network equipment is an entity on the network side used to transmit or receive signals. Examples include transmission reception points (TRPs) and gNBs. Network equipment can be an access point (AP) in a wireless local area network (WLAN), a base transceiver station (BTS) in a global system for mobile communication (GSM) or code division multiple access (CDMA), a base station (nodeB, NB) in wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), or an evolved node B (eNB or eNodeB) in long term evolution (LTE). Network equipment can also be a relay station or access point, or in-vehicle equipment, wearable devices, and network equipment in 5G networks, or in future evolved PLMNs, or gNodeB / gNB devices in NR systems. In some deployments, a gNB may include a CU and a DU. The CU implements some of the functions of the gNB, and the DU implements some of the functions of the gNB. For example, the CU is responsible for handling non-real-time protocols and services. This includes implementing functions such as Radio Resource Control (RRC), Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP), and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP). The DU is responsible for handling physical layer protocols and real-time services. This includes implementing functions such as Radio Link Control (RLC), Medium Access Control (MAC), and Physical (PHY) layers. The gNB may also include an active antenna unit (AAU). The AAU implements some physical layer processing functions, radio frequency processing, and related active antenna functions. Since RRC layer information ultimately becomes PHY layer information, or is derived from PHY layer information, in this architecture, higher-layer signaling (e.g., RRC layer signaling) can be considered to be sent by the DU, or by both the DU and AAU. It is understood that network devices can be devices that include one or more of the following: CU nodes, DU nodes, and AAU nodes.Furthermore, the CU can be a network device in the radio access network (RAN) or a network device in the core network (CN), and this application does not limit this. Additionally, in the embodiments of this application, the network device provides services to a cell, and the terminal device communicates with the network device through the transmission resources (e.g., frequency domain resources, or spectrum resources) used by the cell. The cell can be the cell corresponding to the network device (e.g., a base station). The cell can belong to a macro base station or to a base station corresponding to a small cell. For example, a small cell can include: a metro cell, a micro cell, a pico cell, a femto cell, etc. Because small cells have small coverage areas and low transmission power, they can provide high-speed data transmission services. Furthermore, in other possible cases, the network device can be other devices that provide wireless communication functions for the terminal device. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used by the network device. For example, in an open radio access network (ORAN) system, a CU can also be called an O-CU (open CU), a DU can also be called an O-DU, a CU-CP can also be called an O-CU-CP, a CU-UP can also be called an O-CU-UP, and a RU can also be called an O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0105] Access and mobility management functions (AMFs) are primarily used for terminal attachment, mobility management, and tracking area update procedures in mobile networks. In 5G communication systems, the AMF can be called an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF). In future communication systems, the AMF may still be called an AMF, or it may have other names; this application is not limited to these names.

[0106] Session management functions are primarily used for session management in mobile networks, such as session establishment, modification, and release. Specific functions include assigning Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to terminals and selecting user plane functions that provide packet forwarding capabilities. In 5G communication systems, the session management function can be an SMF (Multicast / Broadcast-Session Management Function). In future communication systems, the session management function may still be called an SMF, or it may have other names; this application is not limited to these. This application also relates to a multicast / broadcast session management network element, which can be a multicast / broadcast-session management function (MB-SMF), primarily used for session management in mobile networks, such as session establishment, modification, and release.

[0107] User plane functions are primarily used for processing user packets, such as forwarding and billing. In 5G communication systems, user plane functions can be UPF. In future communication systems, user plane functions may still be called UPF, or they may have other names; this application is not limited to any particular name.

[0108] Policy control functions include policy control functions, charging policy control functions, QoS control, etc. In 5G communication systems, policy control functions can be policy control functions (PCF). In future communication systems, policy control functions may still be PCF, or they may have other names; this application is not limited to these.

[0109] The network slice selection function is mainly used to select a suitable network slice for the terminal's services. In 5G communication systems, the network slice selection function can be called the network slice selection function (NSSF). In future communication systems, the network slice selection function may still be called NSSF, or it may have other names; this application is not limited to these names.

[0110] The network slice-specific authentication and authorization function (NSSAAF) is mainly used for authentication and authorization of terminal access to specific network slices.

[0111] The network repository function is primarily used to provide registration and discovery of network functions or the services provided by network functions. In 5G communication systems, the network repository function may be a network repository function (NRF). In future communication systems, the network repository function may still be called NRF, or it may have other names; this application is not limited to these.

[0112] The network data analytics function can collect, analyze, and predict data from various network functions, such as policy control, session management, user plane, access management, and application functions (through network capability exposure). In 5G communication systems, the network data analytics function may be a network data analytics function (NWDAF). In future communication systems, the network data analytics function may still be called NWDAF, or it may have other names; this application is not limited to these names.

[0113] The unified data management function is mainly used to manage the subscription information of terminals. In 5G communication systems, the unified data management function can be a unified data management (UDM) function. In future communication systems, the unified data management function may still be a UDM function, or it may have other names. This application is not limited to this.

[0114] The unified data storage function is primarily used to store structured data information, including subscription information, policy information, and network data or service data with standardized format definitions. In 5G communication systems, the unified data storage function can be a unified data repository (UDR) function. In future communication systems, the unified data storage function may still be a UDR function, or it may have other names; this application is not limited to these.

[0115] The authentication service function is mainly used for secure authentication of terminals. In 5G communication systems, the authentication service function can be an authentication server function (AUSF). In future communication systems, the authentication service function may still be called AUSF, or it may have other names; this application is not limited to these.

[0116] Network capability exposure (NEF) allows for the controlled exposure of certain network functions to applications. In 5G communication systems, NEF may be used. In future communication systems, NEF may still be used, or it may have other names; this application does not limit this.

[0117] A terminal radio capability management function is used to store and manage the radio capabilities of terminals within a network. In 5G communication systems, the terminal radio capability management function may be a user equipment radio capability management function (UCMF). In future communication systems, the terminal radio capability management function may still be called UCMF, or it may have other names; this application is not limited to any particular name.

[0118] A binding support function is used to maintain the mapping between internet protocol (IP) addresses and service functions for interconnecting user networks. In 5G communication systems, the binding support function may be a binding support function (BSF). In future communication systems, the binding support function may still be called a BSF, or it may have other names; this application is not limited to these.

[0119] Application functions can provide various application service data to the control plane functions of the operator's communication network, or obtain network data and control information from the control plane functions of the communication network. In 5G communication systems, application functions can be application functions (AF). In future communication systems, application functions may still be AF, or they may have other names; this application is not limited to any particular name.

[0120] Data networks are primarily used to provide data transmission services to terminals. Data networks can be private networks, such as local area networks (LANs), public data networks (PDNs), such as the Internet, or dedicated networks deployed by carriers, such as configured IP multimedia core network subsystems (IMS) services.

[0121] Optionally, the mobile communication network architecture also includes an EIF, which can collect and calculate the energy consumption generated by the mobile communication network in providing services to the terminal or the energy consumption of various network functions (e.g., obtaining the energy consumption of network functions through interaction with OAM). For example, the EIF can connect to other network functions through a service-oriented interface. The EIF can also be deployed in NWDAF or SMF, without specific limitations.

[0122] The functions in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as network elements, network functions, functional entities, devices, etc. For example, access and mobility management functions may also be referred to as access and mobility management network elements, or access and mobility management network functions, or access and mobility management functional entities, etc. The names of each function are not limited in this application. Those skilled in the art can replace the names of the above functions with other names to perform the same function, and all such replacements are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0123] The current network uses resource scheduling to assist the UE in maintaining power-saving mode for as long as possible, thereby saving energy. When the network receives data destined for the UE, it sends the data to the UE. At this time, the UE must cancel its power-saving state to process the data pushed to it. However, most UEs do not want to receive irrelevant data, such as push notifications or advertising data, while in power-saving mode.

[0124] This application provides a communication method to achieve energy saving in the terminal by reducing the amount of data sent to it. The communication method and apparatus are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is understood that this application uses some or all of the following devices—a first terminal, a first network element, a session management network element, a user plane network element, and an application function network element—as examples to illustrate the execution of this interaction, but this application does not limit the execution subject of the interaction.

[0125] For example, the method executed by the first terminal in this application can also be implemented by the communication module in the first terminal or by the circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in the first terminal (such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a SoC chip containing a modem core, or a SIP chip). The method executed by the first network element in this application can also be implemented by a module in the first network element (such as a circuit, chip, or chip system), or by a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first network element. Similarly, the method executed by the session management network element in this application can also be implemented by a module in the session management network element (such as a circuit, chip, or chip system), or by a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the session management network element. Finally, the method executed by the user plane network element in this application can also be implemented by a module in the user plane network element (such as a circuit, chip, or chip system), or by a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the user plane network element. The method executed by the application function network element in this application can also be implemented by a module (e.g., circuit, chip, or chip system) in the application function network element, or by a logic node, logic module, or software that can implement all or part of the application function network element's functions.

[0126] The first network element can be an access management function network element or an energy information network element. The access management network element can be an AMF network element, or other network elements with access management functions in future communications. The energy information network element can be an EIF network element, or other network elements with energy information functions in future communications. The user plane network element can be a UPF network element, or other network elements with user plane information detection functions in future communications. The session management network element can be an SMF network element, or other network elements with session management functions in future communications.

[0127] To better illustrate the solution in this application, the following description is divided into two scenarios. These two scenarios represent an alternative, meaning either scenario one or scenario two will be implemented.

[0128] Scenario 1: Specific solutions for energy saving in the first terminal based on application blacklist information

[0129] The first terminal is configured with an application blacklist, which includes at least one application. When the first terminal is in power-saving mode, it does not receive data from applications listed in the application blacklist. The first terminal generates first information based on its configured application blacklist. This first information indicates that at least one application's data is not allowed to be received by the first terminal in power-saving mode; that is, when the first terminal is in power-saving mode, it does not receive data from any application. Applications can be identified based on application description information (packet flow description, PFD), therefore the first information includes descriptions of at least one application. For example, the application blacklist configured by the first terminal contains three applications: application ID1, application ID2, and application ID3. The first information generated by the first terminal based on the application blacklist also includes application descriptions for these three applications; therefore, the first information can include PFD1, PFD2, and PFD3. PFD1 corresponds to application ID1, PFD2 corresponds to application ID2, and PFD3 corresponds to application ID3. Furthermore, this first information can also be referred to as the energy-saving application processing rule. The description information of the first application includes one or more of the following: the application identifier of the first application, the triplet information corresponding to the first application (e.g., IP triplet information (such as source IP address, source port number, protocol type), where the protocol type can be Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) / User Datagram Protocol (UDP), etc.), or the five-tuple information corresponding to the first application (such as source IP address, destination IP address, source port number, destination port number, protocol type). Optionally, the description information of the first application also includes host information that can identify the first application. Optionally, the description information of the first application may also include domain name information that matches the application protocol of the first application. Energy-saving state can be understood as a power-saving mode or a state where the battery level is below a preset threshold. For example, if the terminal battery level is below 15%, it defaults to power-saving mode; when the terminal battery level is below 15%, the terminal is considered to be in energy-saving state. Another example is a preset threshold of 25%; when the terminal battery level is below 25%, the terminal is considered to be in energy-saving state. Yet another example is that if the terminal is currently charging, it defaults to exiting energy-saving state. The following discussion of energy-saving status can be understood in the same way as the descriptions here.

[0130] The first information is used to instruct at least one first application that its data is not allowed to be received by a first terminal in energy-saving mode. The prohibition of data from being received by a first terminal in energy-saving mode corresponds to an application data processing strategy, which in this scheme refers to the first strategy. The correspondence between the first information and the first strategy is as follows:

[0131] In one alternative approach, the first information includes a first policy that instructs the dropping of data from at least one first application. This policy applies to all applications included in the first information. For example, the first information includes descriptions of three applications: PFD1, PFD2, and PFD3. Setting the first policy to drop or discard indicates that the first terminal will not receive data from the applications corresponding to PFD1, PFD2, and PFD3. This first policy can be specific policy information such as drop or discard, or it can be a data processing instruction (e.g., an instruction to discard data received from the first application), which is not specifically limited here.

[0132] In another alternative approach, the first information does not include a first policy, and the default policy for the first information is to discard the data received from the first application.

[0133] After the first terminal generates the first information, the first terminal can store the first information locally or send it to the network for storage, as described in detail below:

[0134] In one alternative approach, the first information is stored in the first terminal. When the first terminal determines that it needs to or has already entered a power-saving state and requests network assistance to save power, the first terminal can send a first request message to the first network element. This first request message is used to request network assistance to save power. The first terminal may carry the first information in the first request message, or it may carry the first information in other messages, which are not specifically limited here.

[0135] In another alternative approach, when the first terminal sends a registration request to the network, it carries the first information in the registration request and sends it to the mobility management network element, which stores the first information.

[0136] In another alternative approach, when the first terminal sends a PDU session establishment request to the network, it carries the first information in the session establishment request and sends it to the session management network element, which stores the first information.

[0137] In another alternative approach, the first information is configured in the subscription information of the first terminal, and the first information is stored by the data management network element.

[0138] Referring to Figure 2, the data interaction between the first terminal, the first network element, the session management network element, the user plane network element, and the application function providing the application data is used as an example for illustration. The number of the first terminal, the first application function, and the second application function is not specifically limited here; only one example is used. The execution is as follows:

[0139] Step 201: The first network element determines that the first terminal is in an energy-saving state.

[0140] In one optional approach, the first terminal sends a first request message to the first network element, the first request message being used to request network assistance for the first terminal to save energy. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the first request message from the first terminal and determines that the first terminal is in an energy-saving state based on the first request message. The first network element can determine that the first terminal is in an energy-saving state based on the name of the first request message or the indication information carried in the first request message, without specific limitations. For example, when the first request message uses a new type of message, the message name alone can identify that the first terminal is requesting network assistance for energy saving, so the first network element can determine that the first terminal is in an energy-saving state based on the message name. When the first request message reuses an existing message, the existing message includes an indication used to identify that the first terminal is requesting network assistance for energy saving. For example, this indication is "UErequest CN assist energy saving indication," and the first network element can determine that the first terminal is in an energy-saving state based on this indication.

[0141] In another alternative approach, the first network element can also determine whether the first terminal has entered a power-saving state based on its connection status. For example, when the first network element detects that the first terminal has entered an idle state, it directly determines that the first terminal has entered a power-saving state, or it determines that the first terminal has entered a power-saving state after a certain time threshold, such as more than 10 minutes, has been in an idle state. The specific time threshold can be set according to the implementation of the first network element.

[0142] In another optional approach, the first network element can acquire the energy status of the first terminal and determine whether the first terminal has entered an energy-saving state by detecting the energy status of the first terminal. For example, the first network element can collect and calculate the energy consumption generated by the mobile communication network providing services to the first terminal. If it determines that the energy consumption of the first terminal is high or exceeds an energy consumption threshold, it determines that the first terminal has entered an energy-saving state. In this case, the first network element is an energy information network element.

[0143] In another optional approach, the first network element determines that the first terminal is in an energy-saving state based on the energy status actively reported by the first terminal. For example, if the first terminal detects that its battery level is below a preset threshold, it reports its battery status to the first network element, and the first network element determines that the first terminal is in an energy-saving state based on the received battery status report. Alternatively, if the first terminal detects that its battery level is below a preset threshold and determines that the conditions for an energy-saving state are met, it reports that the first terminal is in an energy-saving state to the first network element, so that the first network element can determine that the first terminal is in an energy-saving state.

[0144] Once the first network element determines that the first terminal is in energy-saving mode, the first network element needs to determine whether the network has the capability to assist the first terminal in energy saving. Perform the following step 202.

[0145] Step 202: The first network element obtains the second instruction information.

[0146] The second indication information is used to indicate that the network has the ability to assist the first terminal in saving energy.

[0147] In one alternative approach, the first network element obtains the second indication information from the data management network element. Specifically, the first network element requests the subscription information of the first terminal from the data management network element (e.g., UDM); and receives the subscription information of the first terminal returned by the data management network element, the subscription information including the second indication information. For example, the first network element sends a second request message to the data management network element, the second request message being used to request the subscription information of the first terminal, and the data management network element returns the subscription information of the first terminal to the first network element, the subscription information including the second indication information. The second request message may reuse an existing message such as a subscription request message, or it may be a new type of message; this is not specifically limited here.

[0148] In another alternative approach, the first network element queries the subscription information of the first terminal stored locally to obtain the second instruction information. For example, when the first terminal registers with the network, the first network element obtains the subscription information of the first terminal from the data management network element and stores it in the first network element.

[0149] After the first network element obtains the second instruction information, it can instruct the session management network element to assist the first terminal in saving energy and execute step 203.

[0150] Step 203: The first network element sends a third instruction message to the session management network element.

[0151] The third instruction information is used to instruct the session management network element to assist the first terminal in saving energy.

[0152] Specifically, the first network element sends a first message to the session management network element, which includes third indication information. For example, the first message is N1N2_transfer_message. This first message also includes the identification information of the first terminal.

[0153] Accordingly, after receiving the third instruction information, the session management network element sends the first information to the user plane management network element, instructing the user plane network element to detect the received UE data based on the first information and execute the UE power saving execution step 204.

[0154] Step 204: The session management network element sends the first information to the user plane network element. The corresponding user plane network element receives the first information from the first terminal.

[0155] An optional implementation is that the session management network element, based on the received third indication information, obtains first information and sends the first information to the policy control network element, requesting the policy control network element to generate a first data detection rule based on the first information, i.e., a data processing rule for the terminal (UE) in power-saving mode. The session management network element then sends the first data processing rule obtained from the policy control network element to the user plane network element. The first data processing rule refers to the first information, and therefore can be directly described as the session management network element sending the first information to the user plane network element. Specific implementation details are as follows:

[0156] The preferred method for obtaining initial information via the session management network element includes the following:

[0157] In one alternative approach, the session management network element obtains the first information from a first message received from the first network element. For example, the first network element stores the first information; when the first network element sends a first message to the session management network element, it carries the first information within the first message, and based on this, the session management network element obtains the first information.

[0158] In another alternative approach, the session management network element obtains the first information from the subscription information of the first terminal. For example, after receiving the first message, the session management network element requests the subscription information of the first terminal from the data management network element based on the identification information of the first terminal obtained from the first message. Upon receiving the request, the data management network element returns the subscription information of the first terminal to the session management network element, including the first information within the subscription information. Based on this, the session management network element obtains the first information according to the subscription information of the first terminal.

[0159] In another alternative approach, the session management network element obtains the first information based on locally stored information. For example, when the first terminal sends a PDU session establishment request to the network, it includes the first information in the request and sends it to the session management network element. The session management network element stores the first information.

[0160] In another optional implementation, the session management network element directly sends a request to the policy control network element to obtain the first data processing rule for the first terminal, without including the first information in the request information. In this implementation, after receiving the request, the policy control network element requests either the first information or the subscription information of the first terminal from the data management network element. The data management network element then sends the first information or the subscription information of the first terminal to the policy control network element, wherein the subscription information of the first terminal contains the first information. Based on the obtained first information of the first terminal, the policy control network element generates the first data processing rule and sends it to the session management network element, where the first data processing rule refers to the first information.

[0161] In another optional implementation, the session management network element does not directly send the first data processing rule of the first terminal, but instead sends a first data processing rule activation instruction to the user plane network element. This instruction is used to activate the first data processing rule. In this implementation, the user plane network element has already stored the first data processing rule. For example, when the PDU session of the first terminal is established, the session management network element has already sent all policy control (PCC) rules of the first data processing rule contained in the first terminal to the user plane network element, and the user plane network element stores all the received PCC rules. However, the first data processing rule is not activated. When the user plane network element receives the first data processing rule activation instruction sent by the session management network element, it activates the first data processing rule, that is, the user plane network element begins to use the data processing policy to process the application data received with the destination address of the first terminal. Here, the first data processing rule is a data processing rule generated based on or containing the first information.

[0162] Step 205: The user plane network element receives the application data and detects the application data based on the first information.

[0163] Specifically, after receiving application data sent by the application function, the user plane network element performs data detection to determine that the destination address of the data is the first terminal. The user plane network element further detects the application corresponding to the data.

[0164] One possible outcome is that the user plane network element determines that the application sending the data is the first application. Based on the first data processing rule (i.e., first information) received from the first terminal, the user plane network element determines that the description information of the first application is contained in the first information indicated by the first data processing rule. Then, according to the first data processing rule, the user plane network element discards the received data and does not send it to the first terminal. For example, the first information contains description information for three applications: PFD1, PFD2, and PFD3. The user plane network element detects that data destined for the first terminal originates from application 1, and the information for application 1 corresponds to PFD1. PFD1 is in the first information; at this point, the user plane network element discards the application data.

[0165] Another possible outcome is that the user plane network element determines the application sending the data to be a second application. Based on the first data processing rule (i.e., first information) received from the first terminal, the user plane network element determines that the description information of the second application is not included in the first information indicated by the first data processing rule. In this case, the user plane network element forwards the application's data to the first terminal. For example, the first information contains description information for three applications: PFD1, PFD2, and PFD3. The user plane network element detects that data destined for the first terminal originates from application 4, and the information for application 4 corresponds to PFD4. Since PFD4 is not in the first information, the user plane network element forwards the application's data.

[0166] After the first terminal cancels the energy-saving mode, proceed to step 206.

[0167] Step 206: The first terminal sends the first instruction information.

[0168] The first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal has canceled the energy-saving state. In specific applications, this first indication information can also instruct the user plane management network element to delete the first data processing rule, i.e., the first information.

[0169] One possible approach is that the first terminal enters the charging state from a low battery state. Once the first terminal determines that it no longer needs to remain in the energy-saving state, it sends a first indication message to the network, indicating that the energy-saving state has been canceled or the normal state has been restored. At the same time, it instructs the network to stop or cancel the strategy that assists the first terminal in saving energy.

[0170] For example, the first terminal can send first instruction information to the user plane network element through the first network element and the session management network element. For example, the first terminal can also send first instruction information to the user plane network element through the session management network element.

[0171] Accordingly, after receiving the first instruction information, the user plane network element can delete the stored first information, and the user plane network element will not need to process the received application data based on the first data processing rules.

[0172] Step 207: The user plane network element receives application data and sends the application data to the first terminal.

[0173] Specifically, after receiving application data sent by the application function, the user plane network element performs data detection to determine that the destination address of the data is the first terminal. The user plane network element then forwards the data to the first terminal, without needing to process the received application data in the first information processing based on the first data processing rule.

[0174] In this application, the user plane network element receives a first data processing rule under the UE's power-saving state. This rule instructs at least one first application to determine that data from at least one first application is not allowed to be received by the first terminal in the power-saving state. If the first terminal receives data from a first application while in the power-saving state, it will discard it. Based on this, the amount and frequency of data sent to the first terminal can be reduced while the first terminal is in the power-saving state. Correspondingly, the amount and frequency of data received by the first terminal are also reduced, and the resource consumption of the first terminal in performing data processing is also reduced accordingly, thereby saving the energy consumption of the first terminal.

[0175] Scenario 2: Specific solutions for energy saving on the first terminal based on application whitelist information

[0176] The first terminal is configured with application whitelist information, which includes at least one application. When the first terminal is in energy-saving mode, it receives data from applications listed in the application whitelist. The first terminal generates second information based on its configured application whitelist information. This second information indicates that at least one second application's data is allowed to be received by the first terminal in energy-saving mode; that is, when the first terminal is in energy-saving mode, it receives data from the second application. Applications can be identified based on Application Description Information (PFD), therefore the second information includes descriptions of at least one second application. For example, the application whitelist information configured by the first terminal contains three applications: application ID7, application ID8, and application ID9. The second information generated by the first terminal based on the application whitelist information also includes application descriptions corresponding to these three applications; therefore, the second information can include PFD7, PFD8, and PFD9. PFD7 corresponds to application ID7, PFD8 corresponds to application ID8, and PFD9 corresponds to application ID9. Furthermore, this second information can also be referred to as an energy-saving application processing rule.

[0177] The description information of the second application includes one or more of the following: the application identifier of the second application, the triplet information corresponding to the second application (e.g., IP triplet information (such as source IP address, source port number, destination port number, and protocol type) or the five-tuple information corresponding to the second application (such as source IP address, destination IP address, source port number, destination port number, and protocol type). Optionally, the description information of the second application may also include host information that can identify the second application. Optionally, the description information of the second application may also include domain name information that matches the application protocol of the second application.

[0178] The second information is used to indicate at least one second application, whose data is permitted to be received by the first terminal in an energy-saving state. The permission for at least one second application's data to be received by the first terminal in an energy-saving state corresponds to an application data processing strategy, which in this scheme refers to the second strategy. The correspondence between the first information and the second strategy is as follows:

[0179] In one optional approach, the first information includes a second strategy, which instructs the caching of data from a second application or the transmission of data from a second application to a first terminal. This strategy applies to all applications included in the second information. For example, the second information includes descriptions of three applications: PFD7, PFD8, and PFD9. If the first strategy is set to transmit data from the second application to the first terminal, it means that the first terminal receives data from the applications corresponding to PFD7, PFD8, and PFD9. This second strategy can be specific policy information, such as caching data from the second application or transmitting data from the second application to the first terminal, or it can be data processing instruction information (e.g., an instruction to transmit data upon receiving data from the second application), which is not specifically limited here. Caching can be understood as the network performing caching after receiving data from the second application, and transmitting the data to the first terminal after the requirement is met (e.g., reaching a predetermined time, or the first terminal not being in power-saving mode).

[0180] In another alternative approach, the second information does not include a second strategy, and the default strategy of the second information is to cache the data of the second application or send the data of the second application to the first terminal.

[0181] After the first terminal generates the second information, the first terminal can store the second information locally or send it to the network for storage, as described in detail below:

[0182] In one alternative approach, the second information is stored in the first terminal. When the first terminal determines that it needs to or has already entered a power-saving state and requests network assistance to save power, the first terminal can send a first request message to the first network element. This first request message is used to request network assistance to save power. The first terminal can carry the second information in the first request message, or it can carry the second information in other messages, which are not specifically limited here.

[0183] In another alternative approach, when the first terminal sends a registration request to the network, it carries the second information in the registration request and sends it to the mobility management network element, which then stores the first information.

[0184] In another alternative approach, when the first terminal sends a PDU session establishment request to the network, it carries the second information in the session establishment request and sends it to the session management network element, which stores the second information.

[0185] In another alternative approach, the second information is configured in the subscription information of the first terminal and stored by the data management network element.

[0186] Referring to Figure 3, the data interaction between the first terminal, the first network element, the session management network element, the user plane network element, and the application function providing the application data is used as an example for illustration. The number of the first terminal, the first application function, and the second application function is not specifically limited here; only one example is used. The execution is as follows:

[0187] Step 301: The first network element determines that the first terminal is in an energy-saving state.

[0188] In one optional approach, the first terminal sends a first request message to the first network element, the first request message being used to request network assistance for the first terminal to save energy. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the first request message from the first terminal and determines that the first terminal is in an energy-saving state based on the first request message. The first network element can determine that the first terminal is in an energy-saving state based on the name of the first request message or the indication information carried in the first request message, without specific limitations. For example, when the first request message uses a new type of message, the message name alone can identify that the first terminal is requesting network assistance for energy saving, so the first network element can determine that the first terminal is in an energy-saving state based on the message name. When the first request message reuses an existing message, the existing message includes an indication used to identify that the first terminal is requesting network assistance for energy saving. For example, this indication is "UErequest CN assist energy saving indication," and the first network element can determine that the first terminal is in an energy-saving state based on this indication.

[0189] In another alternative approach, the first network element can also determine whether the first terminal has entered a power-saving state based on its connection status. For example, when the first network element detects that the first terminal has entered an idle state, it directly determines that the first terminal has entered a power-saving state, or it determines that the first terminal has entered a power-saving state after a certain time threshold, such as more than 10 minutes, has been in an idle state. The specific time threshold can be set according to the implementation of the first network element.

[0190] In another optional approach, the first network element can acquire the energy status of the first terminal and determine whether the first terminal has entered an energy-saving state by detecting the energy status of the first terminal. For example, the first network element can collect and calculate the energy consumption generated by the mobile communication network providing services to the first terminal. If it determines that the energy consumption of the first terminal is high or exceeds an energy consumption threshold, it determines that the first terminal has entered an energy-saving state. In this case, the first network element is an energy information network element.

[0191] In another optional approach, the first network element determines that the first terminal is in an energy-saving state based on the energy status actively reported by the first terminal. For example, if the first terminal detects that its battery level is below a preset threshold, it reports its battery status to the first network element, and the first network element determines that the first terminal is in an energy-saving state based on the received battery status report. Alternatively, if the first terminal detects that its battery level is below a preset threshold and determines that the conditions for an energy-saving state are met, it reports that the first terminal is in an energy-saving state to the first network element, so that the first network element can determine that the first terminal is in an energy-saving state.

[0192] Once the first network element determines that the first terminal is in energy-saving mode, the first network element needs to determine whether the network has the capability to assist the first terminal in energy saving. Perform the following step 302.

[0193] Step 302: The first network element obtains the second instruction information.

[0194] The second indication information is used to indicate that the network has the ability to assist the first terminal in saving energy.

[0195] In one alternative approach, the first network element obtains the second indication information from the data management network element. Specifically, the first network element requests the subscription information of the first terminal from the data management network element (e.g., UDM); and receives the subscription information of the first terminal returned by the data management network element, the subscription information including the second indication information. For example, the first network element sends a second request message to the data management network element, the second request message being used to request the subscription information of the first terminal, and the data management network element returns the subscription information of the first terminal to the first network element, the subscription information including the second indication information. The second request message may reuse an existing message such as a subscription request message, or it may be a new type of message; this is not specifically limited here.

[0196] In another alternative approach, the first network element queries the subscription information of the first terminal stored locally to obtain the second instruction information. For example, when the first terminal registers with the network, the first network element obtains the subscription information of the first terminal from the data management network element and stores it in the first network element.

[0197] After the first network element obtains the second instruction information, it can instruct the session management network element to assist the first terminal in saving energy and execute step 303.

[0198] Step 303: The first network element sends a third instruction message to the session management network element.

[0199] The third instruction information is used to instruct the session management network element to assist the first terminal in saving energy.

[0200] Specifically, the first network element sends a first message to the session management network element, which includes third indication information. For example, the first message is N1N2_transfer_message.

[0201] Accordingly, after receiving the third instruction information, the session management network element sends the second information to the user plane management network element, instructing the user plane network element to detect the received UE data based on the second information and execute the UE power saving execution step 304.

[0202] Step 304: The session management network element sends the second information to the user plane network element. The corresponding user plane network element receives the second information.

[0203] An optional implementation is that the session management network element, based on the received third indication information, obtains second information and sends the second information to the policy control network element, requesting the policy control network element to generate a second data processing rule based on the second information, i.e., the data processing rule for the terminal (UE) in power-saving mode. The session management network element sends the second data processing policy obtained from the policy control network element to the user plane network element, where the second data processing policy refers to the second information. Therefore, it can be directly described as the session management network element sending first information to the user plane network element. Specific implementation details are as follows:

[0204] The preferred method for obtaining the second information via the session management network element includes the following:

[0205] In one alternative approach, the session management network element obtains the second information from a first message received from the first network element. For example, the first network element stores the second information; when the first network element sends a second message to the session management network element, it includes the second information in the first message. Based on this, the session management network element obtains the second information.

[0206] In another alternative approach, the session management network element obtains the second information from the subscription information of the first terminal. For example, after receiving the first message, the session management network element requests the subscription information of the first terminal from the data management network element based on the identification information of the first terminal obtained from the first message. Upon receiving the request, the data management network element returns the subscription information of the first terminal to the session management network element, including the second information within the subscription information. Based on this, the session management network element obtains the second information according to the subscription information of the first terminal.

[0207] In another alternative approach, the session management network element retrieves the second information based on locally stored information. For example, when the first terminal sends a PDU session establishment request to the network, it includes the second information in the request and sends it to the session management network element. The session management network element stores the second information.

[0208] In another optional implementation, the session management network element directly sends a request to the policy control network element to obtain the second data processing rule for the first terminal, without including the second information in the request information. In this implementation, after receiving the request, the policy control network element requests the second information or the subscription information of the first terminal from the data management network element. The data management network element then sends the second information or the subscription information of the first terminal to the policy control network element, wherein the subscription information of the first terminal contains the second information. Based on the obtained second information of the first terminal, the policy control network element generates the second data processing rule and sends the second data processing rule of the first terminal to the session management network element, where the second data processing rule refers to the second information.

[0209] In another optional implementation, the session management network element does not directly send the second data processing rule of the first terminal, but instead sends a second data processing rule activation instruction to the user plane network element. This instruction is used to activate the second data processing rule. In this implementation, the user plane network element has already stored the second data processing rule. For example, when the PDU session of the first terminal is established, the session management network element has already sent all PCC rules of the second data processing rule contained in the first terminal to the user plane network element, and the user plane network element stores all the received PCC rules. However, the second data processing rule is not activated. When the user plane network element receives the second data processing rule activation instruction sent by the session management network element, it activates the second data processing rule, that is, the user plane network element begins to use the data processing rule to process the application data detected and received with the destination address of the first terminal. Here, the second data processing strategy is a data processing strategy generated based on or containing the second information.

[0210] Step 305: The user plane network element receives the application data and detects the application data based on the second information.

[0211] Specifically, after receiving application data sent by the application function, the user plane network element performs data detection to determine that the destination address of the data is the first terminal. The user plane network element further detects the application corresponding to the data.

[0212] One possible outcome is that the user plane network element determines the application sending the data to be a second application. Based on the second data processing rule (i.e., second information) received from the first terminal, the user plane network element determines that the description information of the second application is contained in the second information indicated by the second data processing rule. Then, the user plane network element sends the data to the first terminal or caches the data according to the second data processing rule. For example, the second information contains description information for three applications: PFD7, PFD8, and PFD9. The user plane network element detects that data destined for the first terminal originates from application 7, and the information for application 7 corresponds to PFD7. PFD7 is in the second information, at which point the user plane network element forwards the application data.

[0213] Another possible outcome is that the user plane network element determines the application sending the data to be the first application. Based on the second data processing rule (second information) received from the first terminal, the user plane network element determines that the description information of the first application is not included in the second information indicated by the second data processing rule, and therefore discards the data for that application. For example, the second information contains description information for three applications: PFD7, PFD8, and PFD9. The user plane network element detects data destined for the first terminal originating from application 4, and the information for application 4 corresponds to PFD4. Since PFD4 is not in the second information, the user plane network element discards the application data.

[0214] After the first terminal cancels the energy-saving state, proceed to step 306.

[0215] Step 306: The first terminal sends the first instruction information.

[0216] The first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal has canceled the energy-saving state. In specific applications, this first indication information can also instruct the user plane management network element to delete the second data processing rule, i.e., the second information.

[0217] One possible approach is that the first terminal enters the charging state from a low battery state. Once the first terminal determines that it no longer needs to remain in the energy-saving state, it sends a first indication message to the network, indicating that the energy-saving state has been canceled or the normal state has been restored. At the same time, it instructs the network to stop or cancel the strategy that assists the first terminal in saving energy.

[0218] For example, the first terminal can send first instruction information to the user plane network element through the first network element and the session management network element. For example, the first terminal can also send first instruction information to the user plane network element through the session management network element.

[0219] Accordingly, after receiving the first instruction information, the user plane network element can delete the stored second information, and the user plane network element will not need to process the received application data based on the second data processing rules.

[0220] Step 307: The user plane network element receives application data and sends the application data to the first terminal.

[0221] Specifically, after receiving application data sent by the application function, the user plane network element performs data detection to determine that the destination address of the data is the first terminal. The user plane network element then forwards the data to the first terminal, without needing to process the received application data based on the second information.

[0222] In this application, the user plane network element receives a second data processing rule under the UE's power-saving state. This rule instructs at least one second application to determine that data from at least one second application is allowed to be received by the first terminal in power-saving state. If the first terminal is in power-saving state and receives data from the second application, it is either buffered or sent to the first terminal. Buffering or sending data only when the first terminal is in power-saving state ensures that the first terminal can receive data from critical services, guaranteeing the normal operation of critical services. Furthermore, based on this, the amount and frequency of data sent to the first terminal can be reduced, correspondingly reducing the amount and frequency of data received by the first terminal. This also reduces the resource consumption of the first terminal in performing data processing, thereby saving energy for the first terminal.

[0223] Figure 4 below illustrates the data interaction between the UE (i.e., the first terminal), AMF (i.e., the first network element), UDM (i.e., the data management network element), SMF (i.e., the session management network element), PCF (i.e., the policy management network element), UPF (i.e., the user plane network element), and AF (i.e., the application function that provides application data). The execution is as follows:

[0224] Step 400: The UE accesses the network and has already created a PDU session.

[0225] Before executing step 400, the UE has already generated first information based on its configured application blacklist information or second information based on its configured application whitelist information. The first information indicates that at least one first application's data is not allowed to be received by the first terminal in power-saving mode; that is, when the first terminal is in power-saving mode, it does not receive data from the first application. The second information indicates that at least one second application's data is allowed to be received by the first terminal in power-saving mode; that is, when the first terminal is in power-saving mode, it receives data from the second application. The first information can be understood with reference to the relevant description in Figure 2 above, and the second information can be understood with reference to the relevant description in Figure 3 above.

[0226] Step 401: The UE is in power-saving mode and sends a first request message to the AMF.

[0227] When the UE detects that it has entered power-saving mode or that its battery level is below a preset threshold, it determines that the UE is in power-saving mode. At this time, the UE sends a first request message to the AMF, requesting the network to assist the UE in saving power. The form of the first request message can be understood by referring to step 201 above, and will not be repeated here. In addition, the first request message may also contain first information or second information, so that the network can assist the UE in saving power based on the first information or the second information.

[0228] Step 402, AMF sends a second request message to UDM to request second instruction information.

[0229] The second indication information is used to indicate that the network has the ability to assist the UE in saving energy.

[0230] After receiving the first request message, the AMF needs to determine whether the UE's subscription information includes information on network-assisted UE energy saving capabilities. Therefore, the AMF sends a second request message to the UDM, requesting the UE's subscription information. After receiving the UE's subscription information from the UDM, the AMF determines that the network can assist the UE in energy saving based on the second indication information included in the UE's subscription information. This can be understood by referring to step 202 above, and will not be elaborated here.

[0231] Step 403: AMF sends a third instruction message to SMF.

[0232] The third indication information is used to instruct the SMF to assist the UE in saving energy.

[0233] Optionally, the AMF may also send a first message or a second message to the SMF.

[0234] Step 404: SMF sends a policy request message to PCF.

[0235] When the SMF receives the third instruction information from the AMF, or after receiving the third instruction information from the AMF and (the first or second information), the SMF determines that it needs to request the PCF to generate a data processing policy for the UE in power-saving mode. Therefore, the SMF requests the data processing policy information for the UE in power-saving mode from the PCF. See step 204 or step 304 for a detailed description.

[0236] Step 405: PCF generates data processing rules for UE in power-saving state based on policy request information.

[0237] If the policy request message received by the PCF contains the first information or the second information, the PCF generates data processing rules for the UE in power-saving mode based on the first information or the second information.

[0238] If the policy request message received by the PCF does not contain either the first or the second information, the PCF requests the UE's subscription information from the UDM. Based on the first or the second information contained in the UE's subscription information sent by the UDM, the PCF generates data processing rules for the UE's power-saving state. For a detailed description, refer to step 204 or step 304.

[0239] Step 406: PCF sends the data processing rules for UE in power-saving state to SMF.

[0240] The PCF will generate data processing rules for the UE in power-saving mode and send them to the SMF. These data processing rules for the UE in power-saving mode contain either first information or second information.

[0241] Step 407: SMF sends the data processing rules for UE power saving status to UPF.

[0242] The SMF sends the received data processing rules under the power-saving state to the SMF. The data processing rules under the power-saving state of the UE contain either first information or second information.

[0243] Step 408: UPF stores the data processing rules under UE power-saving conditions.

[0244] The data processing rules in the UE power-saving state include either the first information or the second information.

[0245] Step 409: AF sends application data to UPF.

[0246] Step 410: UPF detects application data according to the data processing rules under UE power saving status.

[0247] The UPF detects application data based on the data processing rules (generated from the first information) under the UE's power-saving state. Specifically, after receiving application data sent by the AF, the UPF performs data detection and determines that the destination address of the application data is the UE. The UPF further detects the application corresponding to the application data. The UPF determines that the application corresponding to the application data is the first application. The UPF determines that the description information of the first application is included in the first information indicating the data processing rules according to the data processing rules under the UE's power-saving state. Then, according to the data processing rules under the UE's power-saving state, the UPF discards the application data and does not send the application data to the UE. The UPF determines that the application corresponding to the application data is the second application. The UPF determines that the description information of the second application is not included in the first information according to the data processing rules under the UE's power-saving state. Then, the UPF forwards the application data to the UE. This can be understood by referring to step 205 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0248] The UPF detects application data based on the data processing rules (generated from the second information) under the UE's power-saving state. Specifically, after receiving application data sent by the AF, the UPF performs data detection to determine that the destination address of the application data is the UE. The UPF further detects the application corresponding to the application data. The UPF determines that the application corresponding to the application data is the second application. The UPF determines, according to the data processing rules under the UE's power-saving state, that the description information of the second application is included in the second information indicating the data processing rules, and then the UPF caches or forwards the received application data. The UPF determines that the application corresponding to the application data is the first application. The UPF determines, according to the data processing rules under the UE's power-saving state, that the description information of the first application is not included in the second information, and then the UPF discards the application data. This can be understood by referring to step 305 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0249] Step 411: The UE cancels the power saving state.

[0250] Specifically, the UE can decide whether to cancel the power-saving mode based on its current battery level or connection status. For example, the power-saving mode is canceled when the UE is charging or when its battery level is sufficient to exceed a preset threshold.

[0251] Step 412, the UE sends the first indication information.

[0252] This first indication message is used to indicate that the UE has canceled the power-saving state. Depending on the specific application, this first indication message can also instruct the UPF to delete the data processing rules in the UE's power-saving state. The first indication message is transmitted to the UPF via the AMF and SMF.

[0253] Step 413: UPF deletes the data processing rules in the UE power-saving state.

[0254] When the UPF deletes the first piece of stored information, and receives data from the first application, it can directly forward the data without performing data inspection according to the data processing rules under the UE's power-saving state. Similarly, when the UPF deletes the second piece of stored information, and receives data from the second application, it can directly forward the data without performing data inspection according to the data processing strategy under the UE's power-saving state.

[0255] Step 414: AF sends application data to UPF.

[0256] Step 415: The UPF forwards the received application data to the UE.

[0257] Since the UPF obtains the first indication information in step 413 above and finds that the UE has canceled the power saving state, the UPF can directly forward the received application data to the UE.

[0258] When the UE enters power saving mode, the network assists the UE in reducing the data received in this scenario (or discarding the corresponding data or caching the corresponding data packet according to the first or second information), thereby enabling the UE to save power in low power scenarios.

[0259] Figure 5 below illustrates the data interaction between the UE (i.e., the first terminal), AMF (i.e., the first network element), UDM (i.e., the data management network element), SMF (i.e., the session management network element), UPF (i.e., the user plane network element), and AF (i.e., the application function that provides application data). The execution is as follows:

[0260] Step 500A: UDM stores the UE's subscription information.

[0261] The UE's subscription information includes either the first information or the second information.

[0262] When the UE is configured with application blacklist information, the UE generates first information based on the application blacklist information. The UE stores this first information in the UE's subscription information, that is, the UE's subscription information stores the first information for application data processing in the UE's power-saving state.

[0263] When the UE is configured with application whitelist information, the UE generates second information based on the application whitelist information. The UE stores this second information in the UE's subscription information, that is, the UE's subscription information stores the second information for application data processing in the UE's power-saving state.

[0264] Step 500B: The UE accesses the network and has already created a PDU session.

[0265] The UE has established a PDU session with the network. Optionally, proceed to step 501.

[0266] Step 501: SMF stores the data processing rules under UE power-saving conditions.

[0267] In step 500B, when the UE initially establishes a PDU session, the SMF sends a policy request to the PCF. The PCF then retrieves the UE's subscription information from the UDM based on the policy request. This subscription information includes either first information or second information. The PCF generates data processing rules for the UE's power-saving state based on the retrieved first or second information and then sends these rules to the SMF. The SMF stores the data processing rules for the UE's power-saving state received from the PCF.

[0268] Step 502: The AMF detects that the UE is in an inactive state and sends a second request message to the UDM to request second indication information.

[0269] After the AMF detects that the UE has entered an idle state or an inactive state, the AMF determines whether the UE meets the conditions for entering the energy-saving state based on the internally configured conditions for UE access. This is described in step 201. The AMF sends a request to the UDM, requesting second indication information indicating whether the network has the capability to assist the UE in energy saving.

[0270] Step 503: AMF sends a third instruction message to SMF.

[0271] After the AMF obtains the second indication information, it confirms that the network can assist the UE in saving energy. At this time, the AMF sends the third indication information to the SMF, instructing the SMF to assist the UE in saving energy.

[0272] Optionally, the AMF may also send a first message or a second message to the SMF.

[0273] Step 504: SMF sends the data processing rules for UE power saving status to UPF.

[0274] After receiving the third instruction, if step 501 above has not been executed, the SMF requests the PCF to generate data processing rules for the UE in power-saving mode, as described in step 204. The SMF then sends the received data processing rules for the UE in power-saving mode to the UPF. If step 501 above has been executed, the SMF can directly send the data processing rules for the UE in power-saving mode to the UPF.

[0275] Step 505: UPF stores the data processing rules under UE power-saving conditions.

[0276] After receiving the data processing rules for the UE's power-saving state from the SMF, the UPF stores and installs the data processing rules.

[0277] Step 506: AF sends application data to UPF.

[0278] Step 507: UPF detects application data according to the data processing rules under UE power saving status.

[0279] The UPF detects application data based on the data processing rules (generated from the first information) under the UE's power-saving state. Specifically, after receiving application data sent by the AF, the UPF performs data detection and determines that the destination address of the application data is the UE. The UPF further detects the application corresponding to the application data. The UPF determines that the application corresponding to the application data is the first application. The UPF determines that the description information of the first application is included in the first information indicating the data processing rules according to the data processing rules under the UE's power-saving state. Then, according to the data processing rules under the UE's power-saving state, the UPF discards the application data and does not send the application data to the UE. The UPF determines that the application corresponding to the application data is the second application. The UPF determines that the description information of the second application is not included in the first information according to the data processing rules under the UE's power-saving state. Then, the UPF forwards the application data to the UE. This can be understood by referring to step 205 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0280] The UPF detects application data based on the data processing rules (generated from the second information) under the UE's power-saving state. Specifically, after receiving application data sent by the AF, the UPF performs data detection to determine that the destination address of the application data is the UE. The UPF further detects the application corresponding to the application data. The UPF determines that the application corresponding to the application data is the second application. The UPF determines, according to the data processing rules under the UE's power-saving state, that the description information of the second application is included in the second information indicating the data processing rules, and then the UPF caches or forwards the received application data. The UPF determines that the application corresponding to the application data is the first application. The UPF determines, according to the data processing rules under the UE's power-saving state, that the description information of the first application is not included in the second information, and then the UPF discards the application data. This can be understood by referring to step 305 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0281] Step 508: UE cancels power saving mode.

[0282] Specifically, the UE can decide whether to cancel the power-saving mode based on its current battery level or connection status. For example, the power-saving mode is canceled when the UE is charging or when its battery level is sufficient to exceed a preset threshold.

[0283] Step 509: The UE sends the first indication information.

[0284] This first indication message is used to indicate that the UE has canceled the power-saving state. Depending on the specific application, this first indication message can also instruct the UPF to delete the data processing rules in the UE's power-saving state. The first indication message is transmitted to the UPF via the AMF and SMF.

[0285] Step 510: UPF deletes the data processing rules in the UE power-saving state.

[0286] The UPF deletes the stored data processing rules for the UE's energy-saving state generated based on the first information. After receiving data from the first application, the UPF does not need to perform data inspection according to the data processing rules for the UE's energy-saving state and can directly forward the data. Alternatively, the UPF deletes the stored data processing rules for the UE's energy-saving state generated based on the second information. After receiving data from the second application, the UPF does not need to perform data inspection according to the data processing rules for the UE's energy-saving state and can directly forward the data.

[0287] Step 511: AF sends application data to UPF.

[0288] Step 512: The UPF forwards the received application data to the UE.

[0289] Since the UPF obtains the first indication information in step 509 above and finds that the UE has canceled the power saving state, the UPF can directly forward the received application data to the UE.

[0290] When a UE enters an idle or inactive state, the network determines that power-saving management should be performed on the UE. The network assists the UE in reducing the amount of data received in this scenario (or discarding corresponding data or buffering corresponding data packets based on the first or second information), thereby achieving power saving for the UE.

[0291] Figure 6 below illustrates the data interaction between the UE (i.e., the first terminal), EIF (i.e., the first network element), UDM (i.e., the data management network element), SMF (i.e., the session management network element), UPF (i.e., the user plane network element), and AF (i.e., the application function that provides application data). The execution is as follows:

[0292] Step 600A: UDM stores the UE's subscription information.

[0293] Step 600B: The UE accesses the network and has already created a PDU session.

[0294] Optional execution, step 601.

[0295] Step 601: SMF stores the data processing rules under UE power-saving conditions. Refer to the description in step 501 for understanding.

[0296] Step 602: EIF calculates UE energy consumption.

[0297] Specifically, EIF collects energy consumption-related information generated by the UE in the mobile network, including the amount of data transmitted by the UE, the energy consumption information of the UPF used by the UE to transmit data, and calculates the energy consumption currently used by the UE.

[0298] Step 603: EIF exchanges UE's energy consumption budget information with UDM.

[0299] The EIF sends a request to the UDM, requesting the UE's energy consumption credit from its subscription information, as well as the UE's energy saving threshold for entering energy-saving mode. The EIF calculates the UE's energy consumption, compares it to the threshold, and determines if the UE meets the conditions for entering energy-saving mode. The EIF then sets the UE's state to energy-saving mode. Simultaneously, the EIF determines, based on the obtained UE subscription information, that the network can assist the UE in saving energy.

[0300] Step 604: The EIF sends a third instruction message to the SMF, instructing the SMF to assist the UE in saving energy.

[0301] Optionally, the EIF can also send a first message or a second message to the SMF to instruct the SMF to assist the UE in saving energy based on the first message or the second message.

[0302] Step 605: SMF sends the data processing rules for UE power saving status to UPF.

[0303] Step 606: UPF stores the data processing rules under UE power-saving conditions.

[0304] Step 607: AF sends application data to UPF.

[0305] Step 608: The UPF detects application data according to the data processing rules under the UE's power-saving state. See step 507 for details.

[0306] In step 609, the EIF detects a change in the UE's energy information, determines that the UE has exited the energy-saving state, and sends the first indication information to the SMF.

[0307] For example, if the EIF receives a notification from the UDM regarding a UE energy consumption budget adjustment, or if the energy consumption threshold for the UE to enter energy-saving mode is adjusted and the current UE energy consumption is less than the UE energy saving threshold, the EIF determines that the UE can exit energy-saving mode and sends the first indication information to the SMF.

[0308] Based on the first instruction information received, the SMF sends an instruction to the UPF to delete the data processing rules in the UE power-saving state.

[0309] Step 610: UPF deletes the data processing rules in the UE power-saving state.

[0310] Step 611: AF sends application data to UPF.

[0311] Step 612: The UPF forwards the received application data to the UE.

[0312] Figure 7 below illustrates the data interaction between the UE (i.e., the first terminal), AMF (i.e., the first network element), UDM (i.e., the data management network element), SMF (i.e., the session management network element), PCF (i.e., the policy management network element), UPF (i.e., the user plane network element), and AF (i.e., the application function that provides application data). The execution is as follows:

[0313] The UE has generated first information based on its configured application blacklist information or second information based on its configured application whitelist information. The first information indicates that at least one first application's data is not allowed to be received by the first terminal in power-saving mode; that is, when the first terminal is in power-saving mode, it does not receive data from the first application. The second information indicates that at least one second application's data is allowed to be received by the first terminal in power-saving mode; that is, when the first terminal is in power-saving mode, it receives data from the second application. The first information can be understood with reference to the relevant description in Figure 2 above, and the second information can be understood with reference to the relevant description in Figure 3 above.

[0314] Step 701: The UE sends a PDU session establishment request message.

[0315] Optionally, the UE may include the first information or the second information in the PDU session establishment request message.

[0316] The PDU session establishment request message is transmitted from the AMF to the SMF.

[0317] Step 702: SMF sends a policy request message to PCF.

[0318] This policy request message is used to request the PCF to generate data processing rules for the UE in power-saving mode. Optionally, the SMF may include first information or second information in the policy request message.

[0319] Step 703: PCF generates data processing rules for UE in power-saving mode.

[0320] Optionally, when the PCF receives a policy request message containing first information or second information, the PCF generates data processing rules for the UE in power-saving mode based on the first information or second information.

[0321] Optionally, when the policy request message received by the PCF does not contain either the first information or the second information, the PCF requests the UE's subscription information from the UDM. The PCF generates data processing rules for the UE in power-saving mode based on the first information or the second information contained in the UE's subscription information sent by the UDM.

[0322] Step 704: PCF sends the data processing rules for UE in power-saving state to SMF.

[0323] Optional, SMF stores data processing rules under UE power-saving conditions.

[0324] Step 705: SMF sends the data processing rules for UE in power-saving mode to UPF.

[0325] Among them, the SMF sends an N4 session establishment request to the UPF, which contains the data processing rules under the UE power saving state.

[0326] Step 706: The SMF sends a PDU session establishment response message to the UE.

[0327] Steps 707 to 709 can be referred to steps 401 to 403, and will not be repeated here.

[0328] Steps 710 to 718 can be understood by referring to steps 407 to 415, and will not be repeated here.

[0329] When the UE enters power saving mode, the network assists the UE in reducing the data received in this scenario (or discarding the corresponding data or caching the corresponding data packet according to the first or second information), thereby enabling the UE to save power in low power scenarios.

[0330] Figure 8 below illustrates the data interaction between the UE (i.e., the first terminal), AMF (i.e., the first network element), UDM (i.e., the data management network element), SMF (i.e., the session management network element), PCF (i.e., the policy management network element), and AF (i.e., the application function that provides application data). The execution is as follows:

[0331] Step 800: Configure the first information or the second information for the UE.

[0332] The first information indicates that at least one first application's data is not allowed to be received by the first terminal in power-saving mode; that is, when the first terminal is in power-saving mode, it does not receive data from the first application. The second information indicates that at least one second application's data is allowed to be received by the first terminal in power-saving mode; that is, when the first terminal is in power-saving mode, it receives data from the second application. The first information can be understood with reference to the relevant description in Figure 2 above, and the second information can be understood with reference to the relevant description in Figure 3 above.

[0333] Step 801: The UE sends a registration request message.

[0334] The registration request message includes either the first information or the second information.

[0335] The registration request message is transmitted from AMF to UDM.

[0336] Step 802: UDM stores the first information or the second information in the UE's subscription information.

[0337] Step 803: The AMF sends a registration acceptance message to the UE.

[0338] Step 804: The UE sends a PDU session establishment request message to the SMF.

[0339] Step 805: SMF sends a policy request message to PCF.

[0340] Step 806: PCF obtains the first information or the second information and generates data processing rules for the UE in power-saving mode.

[0341] Optionally, when the PCF receives a policy request message containing first information or second information, the PCF generates data processing rules for the UE in power-saving mode based on the first information or second information.

[0342] Optionally, when the policy request message received by the PCF does not contain either the first information or the second information, the PCF requests the UE's subscription information from the UDM. The PCF generates data processing rules for the UE in power-saving mode based on the first information or the second information contained in the UE's subscription information sent by the UDM.

[0343] Step 807: PCF sends the data processing rules for UE in power-saving mode to SMF.

[0344] Optional, SMF stores data processing rules under UE power-saving conditions.

[0345] Step 808: SMF sends the data processing rules for UE power saving status to UPF.

[0346] Among them, the SMF sends an N4 session establishment request to the UPF, which contains the data processing rules under the UE power saving state.

[0347] Steps 809 to 820 can be understood by referring to steps 707 to 718, and will not be repeated here.

[0348] When the UE enters power saving mode, the network assists the UE in reducing the data received in this scenario (or discarding the corresponding data or caching the corresponding data packet according to the first or second information), thereby enabling the UE to save power in low power scenarios.

[0349] The foregoing primarily describes the solutions provided by the embodiments of this application from the perspective of device interaction. It is understood that, in order to achieve the above functions, each device may include corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules for executing each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, in conjunction with the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0350] The embodiments of this application can divide the device into functional units according to the above method examples. For example, each function can be divided into a separate functional unit, or two or more functions can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0351] In the case of using integrated units, FIG9 shows a possible exemplary block diagram of the communication device involved in the embodiments of this application. As shown in FIG9, the communication device 900 may include a processing unit 901 and a transceiver unit 902. The processing unit 901 is used to control and manage the operation of the communication device 900. The transceiver unit 902 is used to support communication between the communication device 900 and other devices. Optionally, the transceiver unit 902 may include a receiving unit and / or a transmitting unit, respectively used to perform receiving and transmitting operations. Optionally, the communication device 900 may also include a storage unit for storing the program code and / or data of the communication device 900. The transceiver unit may be called an input / output unit, a communication unit, etc., and the transceiver unit may be a transceiver; the processing unit may be a processor. When the communication device is a module (e.g., a chip) in a communication device, the transceiver unit may be an input / output interface, an input / output circuit, or an input / output pin, etc., and may also be called an interface, a communication interface, or an interface circuit, etc.; the processing unit may be a processor, a processing circuit, or a logic circuit, etc. For example, the communication device can be the first terminal, user plane network element, session management network element, first network element, etc., as described above.

[0352] Figure 10 shows a communication device 1000 provided in this application. The communication device 1000 can be a chip or a chip system. The communication device can be located in the equipment involved in any of the above method embodiments, such as a first terminal, a user plane network element, a session management network element, a first network element, etc.

[0353] etc., to perform the actions corresponding to the device.

[0354] Optionally, a chip system can consist of chips or include chips and other discrete components.

[0355] The communication device 1000 includes a processor 1010.

[0356] The processor 1010 is used to execute the computer program stored in the memory 1020 to implement the operation of each device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0357] The communication device 1000 may also include a memory 1020 for storing computer programs.

[0358] Optionally, the memory 1020 and the processor 1010 are coupled together. Coupling is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, for information exchange between devices, units, or modules. Optionally, the memory 1020 and the processor 1010 are integrated together.

[0359] There can be one or more processors 1010 and memory 1020, and there is no limitation.

[0360] Optionally, in practical applications, the communication device 1100 may or may not include a transceiver 1030, as illustrated by a dashed box in the figure. The communication device 1000 can exchange information with other devices through the transceiver 1030. The transceiver 1030 can be a circuit, a bus, a transceiver, or any other device that can be used for information exchange.

[0361] In one possible implementation, the communication device 1000 can be a first terminal, a user plane network element, a session management network element, a first network element, etc., in the above-described methods.

[0362] This application embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the transceiver 1030, processor 1010, and memory 1020. In Figure 10, the memory 1020, processor 1010, and transceiver 1030 are connected via a bus, indicated by a thick line. The connection methods between other components are merely illustrative and not intended to be limiting. The bus can be an address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, only one thick line is used in Figure 10, but this does not imply only one bus or one type of bus. In this application embodiment, the processor can be a general-purpose processor, digital signal processor, application-specific integrated circuit, field-programmable gate array, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, capable of implementing or executing the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in this application embodiment. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in this application embodiment can be directly manifested as execution by a hardware processor, or execution by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.

[0363] In the embodiments of this application, the memory can be non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), or it can be volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM). The memory can also be any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures, and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory in the embodiments of this application can also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing storage functions, used to store computer programs, program instructions, and / or data.

[0364] Based on the above embodiments, referring to FIG11, this application embodiment also provides another communication device 1100, including: interface circuit 1110 and logic circuit 1120; interface circuit 1110 can be understood as input / output interface, which can be used to execute the transmission and reception steps of each device in any of the above method embodiments, and logic circuit 1120 can be used to run code or instructions to execute the methods executed by each device in any of the above embodiments, which will not be described again.

[0365] Based on the above embodiments, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed, cause the methods executed by the devices in any of the above method embodiments to be implemented. The computer-readable storage medium may include various media capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, portable hard drive, read-only memory, random access memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0366] Based on the above embodiments, this application provides a communication system, which includes the first terminal, user plane network element, session management network element, and first network element mentioned in any of the above method embodiments, and can be used to execute the methods executed by each device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0367] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0368] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to this application. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions specified in one or more flowchart illustrations and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0369] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0370] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to user plane network elements, including: Receive first information, the first information being used to instruct at least one first application, the data of the at least one first application being not allowed to be received by a first terminal in a power-saving state; If the first terminal is in power-saving mode and receives data from the first application, the data from the first application is discarded based on the first information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first information includes a first strategy, which is used to instruct the discarding of data from the at least one first application.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive first indication information, which indicates that the first terminal has canceled the power saving state.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the first terminal is in power-saving mode, if data is received from the second application, the data from the second application is cached or sent to the first terminal. The second application is different from the first application.

5. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to user plane network elements, including: Receive second information, the second information being used to instruct at least one second application, the data of the at least one second application being allowed to be received by a first terminal in an energy-saving state; When the first terminal is in power-saving mode, if data is received from the second application, the data of the second application is cached according to the second information or the data of the second application is sent to the first terminal.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second information includes a second strategy, which is used to instruct the caching of data from the second application or to send data from the second application to the first terminal.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive first indication information, which indicates that the first terminal has canceled the power saving state.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second strategy is used to instruct the caching of data from the second application, and the method further includes: According to the first instruction information, the data of the second application is sent to the first terminal.

9. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the first terminal is in power-saving mode, if data is received from the first application, the data from the first application is discarded. The second application is different from the first application.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to the first network element, including: Obtain second indication information, which indicates that the network has the ability to assist the first terminal in energy saving; A third instruction message is sent to the session management network element, the third instruction message being used to instruct the session management network element to assist the first terminal in saving energy.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: A first request message is received from the first terminal, the first request message being used to request the network to assist the first terminal in saving energy when the first terminal is in a power-saving state.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first request message also includes first information or second information. The first information is used to indicate at least one first application, whose data is not allowed to be received by the first terminal in a power-saving state. The second information is used to indicate at least one second application, whose data is allowed to be received by the first terminal in a power-saving state. The first application is different from the second application.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: It is determined that the first terminal is in energy-saving mode.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first information includes a first strategy, which is used to instruct the discarding of data from the at least one first application.

15. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The second information includes a second strategy, which is used to instruct the caching of data from the second application or to send data from the second application to the first terminal.

16. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a first indication message, the first indication message being used to indicate that the first terminal has canceled the power-saving state; Send the first instruction information to the session management network element.

17. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that, The acquisition of the second indication information includes: Send a second request message to the data management network element, the second request message being used to request the subscription information of the first terminal; The system receives subscription information from the first terminal of the data management network element, the subscription information including the second instruction information.

18. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to session management network elements, including: Receive a third instruction message, the third instruction message being used to instruct the session management network element to assist the first terminal in saving energy; Send a first message or a second message to the user plane network element. The first message is used to indicate at least one first application, the data of which is not allowed to be received by a first terminal in a power-saving state. The second message is used to indicate at least one second application, the data of which is allowed to be received by a first terminal in a power-saving state. The first application is different from the second application.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The first information includes a first strategy, which is used to instruct the discarding of data from the at least one first application.

20. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The second information includes a second strategy, which is used to instruct the caching of data from the second application or to send data from the second application to the first terminal.

21. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a first indication message, the first indication message being used to indicate that the first terminal has canceled the power-saving state; The first instruction information is sent to the user plane network element.

22. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the first information or the second information from the access network element, data management network element, or policy management network element.

23. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to the first terminal, including: Send a first request message, which is used to indicate that the first terminal is in a power-saving state and request the network to assist the first terminal in saving power.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The first request message includes first information or second information. The first information is used to indicate at least one first application, whose data is not allowed to be received by the first terminal in a power-saving state. The second information is used to indicate at least one second application, whose data is allowed to be received by the first terminal in a power-saving state. The first application is different from the second application.

25. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a first message or a second message, wherein the first message is used to indicate at least one first application, the data of which is not allowed to be received by a first terminal in a power-saving state, and the second message is used to indicate at least one second application, the data of which is allowed to be received by a first terminal in a power-saving state, and the first application is different from the second application.

26. The method according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that, The first information includes a first strategy, which is used to instruct the discarding of data from the at least one first application.

27. The method according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that, The second information includes a second strategy, which is used to instruct the caching of data from the second application or to send data from the second application to the first terminal.

28. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 27, characterized in that, When the first terminal is in a non-energy-saving state, the method further includes: Send a first indication message, which indicates that the first terminal has canceled the power-saving state.

29. A communication device, characterized in that, include: At least one processor and memory; The memory is used to store computer programs or data; The at least one processor is configured to run part or all of the computer program or data to cause the method of any one of claims 1-28 to be performed.

30. A communication system, characterized in that, The system includes a user plane network element, a first network element, a session management network element, and a first terminal; Wherein, the user plane network element is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-9, the first network element is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 10-17, the session management network element is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 18-22, and the first terminal is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 23-28.

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