Method for processing a session establishment request, method for requesting session establishment, network entity and user equipment

Abstract

The method for establishing a data session by an entity (3) of a communication network (NW) according to the invention comprises: - a step of obtaining, for a given user equipment (2), at least one energy criterion relating to a use of the network conditioning an establishment of a data session for the user equipment; and - a step of establishing a data session for the user equipment when said at least one energy criterion is satisfied.

Description

Description Title of the invention: Method for processing a session establishment request, method for requesting a session establishment, network entity, and user equipment Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the general field of telecommunications. It relates more particularly to a mechanism for reducing the energy consumption induced by the use of a telecommunications network, such as a 5G mobile network as defined by the 3GPP standard (for "Third Generation Partnership Project" in English).

[0002] However, it is possible to consider applying the invention in other contexts, such as for example to other cellular or satellite networks, to a proprietary network, etc. Previous technique

[0003] With climate change, most companies, and especially fixed and mobile network operators, are now sensitive to issues of sustainable development and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Some companies have already set targets for reducing their energy consumption and carbon footprint.

[0004] In the context of cellular mobile networks and the ever-increasing volumes of data exchanged over these networks, the issue of energy efficiency related to network usage has become a strategic challenge for operators. Energy efficiency refers to the ratio between network performance, measured for example in terms of data transfer volume or latency, and its energy consumption. Operators may also aim to achieve carbon neutrality and, to this end, reduce the carbon intensity of a given network usage while maintaining constant energy consumption. Carbon intensity is defined as the equivalent amount of CO2 emitted per unit of energy consumed over a period of network operation.In the context of a cellular mobile network, it depends essentially on the energy mix of the power supply to base stations during their use.

[0005] The 3GPP TR 23.700-66 document, entitled “Technical Specification Group Services and System Aspects; Study on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving (Release 19)”, v19.0.0, September 2024, proposes various solutions aimed at reducing energy consumption induced by the use of a cellular mobile network or increasing the energy efficiency of such use. These solutions include collecting and disclosing information related to network energy consumption and / or efficiency, implementing energy consumption control policies, subscribing to energy consumption limit policies, and evaluating statistics. energy, adjusting the user plan to meet energy constraints, etc.

[0006] The 3GPP TR 22.883 report entitled “Technical Specification Group TSG SA; Study on Energy Efficiency as service criteria (Release 20)”, v0.2.0, August 2024, considers several scenarios in which such solutions can be implemented. One of these focuses specifically on reducing the carbon intensity associated with the use of instant messaging and email services, highlighting the exponential increase in the volume of data exchanged via these services and the ever-increasing size of content attached to messages sent through these services (e.g., video content, data files, etc.). To this end, it is suggested that users postpone downloading content attached to email messages (i.e.,emails) or instant messages sent to them at a time when the energy mix and / or radio conditions (which impact the amount of energy required for RF (Radio Frequency) communications) are favorable at the base station serving that user. An energy mix is ​​considered favorable by the network when the ratio of renewable energy at the base station is sufficiently high. This principle can also be applied to other non-urgent data transfers, such as transferring software update files to user devices, downloading videos for offline viewing, and so on.

[0007] However, the 3GPP TR 22.883 report provides no guidance on the practical implementation of such a process within a communication network, particularly a 5G mobile network. At most, it mentions the possibility of a service provider offering an option within the user's email or instant messaging application, which the user can select to delay the transfer of non-urgent data intended for them. Description of the invention

[0008] The invention makes it possible to remedy this drawback by proposing a method of establishing a data session by an entity of a communication network, this method comprising: a step of obtaining, for a given user equipment, at least one energy criterion relating to a use of the network conditioning an establishment of a data session for the user equipment; and a step of establishing a data session for the user equipment when said at least one energy criterion is met.

[0009] Correspondingly, the invention also relates to a communication network entity comprising: a data acquisition module, configured to obtain, for a given user device, at least one energy criterion related to a network usage conditional upon the establishment of a data session for that user device; and a processing module, configured to establish a data session for this user equipment when said at least one energy criterion is met.

[0010] The network entity configured to implement the communication method according to the invention is, for example, a network entity for managing network data sessions, such as a Session Management Function (SMF) defined by the 3GPP standard in a 5G network. Of course, the invention can be implemented by other data session management entities within a network.

[0011] The invention thus proposes to condition the establishment of a data session, enabling a user device to exchange data over the network, on compliance with one or more energy criteria related to network usage and defined for that user device. Such an energy criterion may include, in particular: a given energy efficiency for a given network usage; and / or a given carbon intensity resulting from network usage, measured over a given period of time.

[0012] These energy criteria can be defined dynamically, for example, by being extracted from a message received from the user's equipment, or more statically, for example, in a user profile accessible by the network entity and populated when the user subscribes to the network or subsequently. It is thus possible to have energy criteria tailored to the specific user equipment, the service involved in the data session, and so on. The invention therefore offers a high degree of flexibility and granularity, enabling a reduction in a network's carbon footprint while meeting the expectations of its users.

[0013] By obtaining the energy criteria associated with the user equipment at the time of establishing a data session, it is indeed possible to easily postpone, if necessary, the exchange of data associated with a user device to a time when the network is experiencing more favorable energy conditions. The invention is advantageously applicable to both uplink (for data sent by the user equipment) and downlink (for data sent to the user equipment), for all or part of the data relating to a user device. Thus, the invention makes it possible to postpone only certain data exchanges relating to a given user device (for example, the least critical or urgent data such as software updates, content attached to emails, data collected by the user device, etc.).

[0014] In a particular embodiment, the message from which the energy criterion or criteria conditioning the establishment of the session are extracted is a request to establish the data session in question.

[0015] In other words, it is the user equipment that initiates a data session, simultaneously informing the network entity of the energy criterion or criteria to be considered for that session. This embodiment is particularly advantageous because the user equipment, unlike the network, has visibility into the nature of the data to be exchanged during this session and is therefore better able to assess whether this data can be delayed due to its nature. Furthermore, this embodiment preserves the user experience. It also reduces the signaling required to implement the invention.

[0016] In a particular embodiment, the data session is established for the user equipment if said at least one energy criterion is met during a given period of time.

[0017] This embodiment ensures that the user equipment data session is established within a reasonable and limited timeframe.

[0018] The period of time in question can be defined in particular from a maximum time to establish the data session provided by the user equipment, for example in a request to establish the data session.

[0019] The user thus has the option to choose how their data session is postponed and to have visibility into the maximum postponement period that may apply to their data session. However, the invention also applies to user equipment operating autonomously, that is, without requiring user intervention or input, in order to limit any potential inconvenience to the user.

[0020] In another embodiment, the data session is established for the user equipment if said at least one energy criterion is met upon receipt of the establishment request, the establishment request received from the user equipment being rejected otherwise.

[0021] This embodiment can be applied in particular when no maximum time limit is provided by the user equipment.

[0022] The rejection of the establishment request may also be accompanied by a message to the user informing them that the energy requirements are not met. The user can then initiate a new attempt to establish a data session with different, typically less demanding, energy criteria, and / or specify a maximum acceptable time for establishing this session.

[0023] In one embodiment of the invention, the establishment process further includes a step of obtaining a prediction of a time at which said at least one energy criterion will be verified, session restoration being triggered at the predicted time.

[0024] This embodiment allows the network entity to predict in advance when a data session for the user equipment meeting the required energy conditions can be established, if necessary. The network entity can, in particular, compare this time with, where applicable, a maximum time specified by the user equipment for establishing such a data session, and thus determine whether a data session can be established for the user equipment under the conditions it requires.

[0025] In one embodiment, the communication process further includes a step of sending the predicted time to the user equipment, a data session being established upon receipt of a request to establish a data session, received from the user equipment at the predicted time.

[0026] This embodiment is particularly well-suited to networks where data session re-establishment is initiated by user devices, such as 5G networks or other networks defined by the 3GPP standard. The network entity thus avoids needing to manage a context for each session establishment request received from a user device to delay the data session establishment to the predicted time. While this embodiment requires the user device to reiterate its session establishment request at the predicted time, it conserves network resources and is especially advantageous when a sufficiently long period is allotted to verify the energy criteria defined for the user device.

[0027] Furthermore, it also allows the user equipment to refrain from sending a new session establishment request to the network at the predicted time, if in the meantime the user equipment determines that it no longer needs to establish such a data session.

[0028] Alternatively, in another embodiment, the network entity can be considered to delay the re-establishment of the data session without requiring the user equipment to send a new request to establish a data session at the predicted time and to maintain such a context for each data establishment request issued by a user equipment under given energy conditions.

[0029] In view of the foregoing, it appears that the invention relies not only on the network entity which controls the energy conditions of the network to trigger a data session for the user equipment but also on the user equipment in question which, in certain embodiments, defines the energy conditions to be taken into account.

[0030] Thus, according to another aspect, the invention also relates to a method of data exchange by a user device on a communication network comprising: a step of sending, to a network entity, a message including at least one energy criterion relating to a network use conditional upon the establishment of a data session for the user device; and a step of exchanging data via the network using a data session established by the network entity when said at least one energy criterion is met.

[0031] Correspondingly, the invention also relates to a user equipment of a communication network comprising: a sending module configured to send to a network entity a message including at least one energy criterion relating to a use of the network conditioning the establishment of a data session for said user equipment; and an exchange module, configured to exchange data via said network using a data session established by said network entity when said at least one energy criterion is met.

[0032] For example, the message including said at least one energy criterion is a request to establish the data session.

[0033] The message may also include a maximum time limit for establishing said data session.

[0034] Furthermore, in a particular embodiment, the data exchange process further includes: a step of receiving from the network entity a prediction of a time at which said at least one energy criterion will be verified; and a step of sending a request to establish a data session to the network entity at the predicted time received.

[0035] The data exchange process and user equipment benefit from the same advantages mentioned above as the communication process and network entity.

[0036] In one particular embodiment, the communication and data exchange processes are implemented by a computer.

[0037] The invention also relates to a computer program on a recording medium, this program being capable of being implemented in a computer or more generally in an entity of a network conforming to the invention and comprising instructions adapted to the implementation of a communication process as described above.

[0038] The invention also relates to a computer program on a recording medium, this program being capable of being implemented in a computer or more generally in user equipment conforming to the invention and comprising instructions adapted to the implementation of a data exchange process as described above.

[0039] Each of these programs can use any programming language, and can be in the form of source code, object code, or intermediate code between source code and object code. object, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.

[0040] The invention also relates to an information carrier or a recording medium readable by a computer, and comprising instructions for a computer program as mentioned above.

[0041] The information or recording medium can be any entity or device capable of storing programs. For example, the medium may include a storage means, such as a ROM, for example a CD-ROM or a microelectronic circuit ROM, or a magnetic recording means, for example a hard drive, or a flash memory.

[0042] On the other hand, the information or recording medium can be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, which can be carried via an electrical or optical cable, by radio link, by wireless optical link or by other means.

[0043] The program according to the invention can in particular be downloaded onto an Internet-type network.

[0044] Alternatively, the information or recording medium may be an integrated circuit in which a program is incorporated, the circuit being adapted to execute or to be used in the execution of the communication and data exchange processes according to the invention.

[0045] According to yet another aspect, the invention relates to a communication system comprising at least one user device of a communication network and at least one entity of the network according to the invention.

[0046] In a particular embodiment, said at least one user equipment conforms to the invention.

[0047] It can also be envisaged, in other embodiments, that the communication and data exchange processes, the network entity, the user equipment and the communication system according to the invention present in combination all or part of the aforementioned characteristics. Brief description of the drawings

[0048] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate an example of an embodiment without being limiting in any way. In the figures:

[0049] [Fig.1] Figure 1 represents, in its environment, a communication system according to the invention, in a particular embodiment;

[0050] [Fig.2] Figure 2 represents the hardware architecture of a user device and a network entity belonging to the communication system of Figure 1, in a particular embodiment;

[0051] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 represents, in flowchart form, the main steps of a communication method according to the invention as implemented by a network entity of the communication system of Figure 1; and

[0052] [Fig.4] Figure 4 represents, in the form of a flowchart, the main steps of a data exchange process according to the invention as implemented by a user equipment of the communication system of Figure 1. Description of the invention

[0053] Figure 1 presents a communication system 1 according to the invention, in a particular embodiment in which the communication system 1 contributes to reducing energy consumption and / or improving the energy efficiency of an NW cellular network, such as for example a 5G mobile network as defined by the 3GPP standard.

[0054] It should be noted, however, that the invention can be applied in contexts other than a 5G cellular network, such as a satellite network, a 6G cellular network, a proprietary network, or more generally any type of network using a data session establishment procedure.

[0055] According to the invention, the communication system 1 comprises: at least one user equipment or UE 2; and at least one NW network entity 3 (or network entity 3) according to the invention. For the sake of simplification in the example shown in Figure 1, only one user equipment UE 2 and one entity 3 are represented.

[0056] There are no limitations regarding the nature of user equipment 2: it can be a user terminal such as, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, a computer, a smartwatch, etc., or a connected object, etc. In the example in Figure 1, user equipment 2 is connected to an access point 4, which allows it to communicate via the NW network. Such an access point 4 is typically a gNB base station.

[0057] Network entity 3 is configured to manage, according to the invention, established data sessions for user equipment on the NW network so that they can exchange (i.e., send and / or receive) data with remote devices 5 via the NW network, while reducing the energy consumption of the NW network or at least optimizing its energy efficiency. In the context of a 5G network as defined by the 3GPP standard as the NW network, network entity 3 typically hosts a PDU session management SMF network function. (for "Packet Data Unit" in English) as defined, for example, in document 3GPP TS 23.501 entitled "Technical Specification Group Services and System Aspects; System architecture for the 5G System (5GS); Stage 2 (Release 19)", v19.1.0, September 2024, or in document 3GPP TS 29.502 entitled "Technical Specification Group Core Network and Terminals; 5G System; Session Management Services; Stage 3 (Release 19)", v19.0.0, September 2024, particularly in paragraph 5, and adapted to implement the invention. It is hereinafter referred to interchangeably as network entity 3 or SMF entity 3.

[0058] In the embodiment described herein, the user equipment 2 conforms to the invention and is configured to provide the network entity 3, for the establishment of all or part of the data sessions concerning it, with indications of the energy conditions under which these data sessions can be established, in particular when these sessions relate to non-critical or non-urgent data of the user equipment 2. Such data are, for example, information collected by the user equipment 2 and sent back to a collection device via the NW network, attachments of electronic or instant messages sent or intended for the user equipment 2, files sent to the user equipment 2 for the update of applications hosted by the latter, etc.

[0059] In the embodiment described here, the network entity 3 and the user equipment 2 have the hardware architecture of a computer 6, as represented in Figure 2. This hardware architecture relies in particular on a processor PROC, a random access memory MEM, a read-only memory ROM, a non-volatile memory NVM, and COM means of communication via in particular the NW network.

[0060] The non-volatile NVM memory constitutes a recording medium according to the invention, readable by the PROC processor and on which a computer program according to the invention is recorded.

[0061] This program, denoted PROG3 when the hardware architecture of computer 6 is that of a network entity 3 conforming to the invention, comprises instructions defining the main steps of a communication method according to the invention. More specifically, it defines the functional modules of the network entity 3 (shown in Figure 1), which rely on and / or control all or part of the PROC, MEM, ROM, NVM, and COM elements of computer 6 mentioned previously. These functional modules include, in particular, in the embodiment described here: a 3A acquisition module, configured to obtain, for a given user device, for example here for user device 2, at least one energy criterion CRI T relating to a use of the NW network conditioning the establishment of a data session for that user device; and a 3B processing module, configured to establish a data session for this user equipment when said at least one CRIT energy criterion is met.

[0062] The functions of modules 3A and 3B are described in more detail later with reference to Figure 3, which illustrates the main steps of a communication process according to the invention as implemented by network entity 3.

[0063] When the hardware architecture of computer 6 is that of a user device 2 conforming to the invention, the program stored in the non-volatile memory (NVM) of computer 6 is denoted PROG2 and comprises instructions defining the main steps of a data exchange process according to the invention. More specifically, it defines the functional modules of user device 2 (shown in Figure 1), which rely on and / or control all or part of the PROC, MEM, ROM, NVM, and COM elements of computer 6 mentioned previously.These functional modules include, in particular, in the embodiment described here: a 2A sending module, configured to send to the network entity 3 a message including at least one said energy criterion CRIT relating to a use of the NW network conditioning the establishment of a data session for the user equipment 2; and a 2B exchange module, configured to exchange data via the NW network using a data session established by the network entity 3 when said at least one energy criterion CRIT is met.

[0064] The functions of modules 2A and 2B are described in more detail below with reference to Figure 4, which illustrates the main steps of a data exchange process according to the invention as implemented by user equipment 2.

[0065] Figures 3 and 4 represent respectively, in the form of flowcharts, the main steps of a communication process and a data exchange process as implemented respectively by the SMF entity 3 and by the user equipment 2 in the particular embodiment described here.

[0066] We assume here, as a preliminary step, that user device 2 needs to establish a non-urgent data session to send or receive application data. The lack of urgency is detected, for example, by user device 2 due to the very nature of the data it wishes to exchange (send or receive) via the NW network (see the examples of non-critical data mentioned previously). For example, we assume here that user device 2 wants to download video content from a media server 5, with the aim of viewing it offline later.

[0067] As is well known, in the context of a 5G network such as the NW network, it is the user device 2 (and not the network) that initiates such a data session (whether to transmit or receive data) by sending the SMF entity 3 a request to establish a data session corresponding to the nature of the data that the user device 2 wishes to exchange data via the NW network. Such a data session is called a "PDU session" by the 3GPP standard, and the REQ request is a "PDU session establishment request".

[0068] With reference to Figure 4, the user equipment 2 therefore sends, via its sending module 2A, a REQ request to establish a PDU session to the SMF entity 3 corresponding to the video content that it wishes to download from the media server 5 (sending step F10), for example as described in paragraph 4.3.2.2 of the document 3GPPTS 23.502 entitled “Technical Specification Group Services and System Aspects; Procedures for the 5G System (5GS); Stage 2 (Release 19)”, v19.1.0, September 2024.

[0069] In the embodiment described herein, the user equipment 2 further provides, in the REQ request, for example in a dedicated field introduced for the purposes of the invention, at least one energy criterion CRI T relating to a use of the NW network that conditions the establishment of the PDU session required by the user equipment 2. Such an energy criterion CRI T may be, for example: a given energy efficiency relating to a use of the NW network, for example a requirement that the energy efficiency be maximum over a given period of time or greater than a certain threshold such as 10 6 bit / day at the base station 4 level to which user equipment 2 is attached; and / or a given carbon intensity resulting from NW network use, for example a minimum carbon intensity over a given period of time or less than a certain ceiling such as 100 gCOz / kWh at the base station 4 level to which user equipment 2 is attached.

[0070] Of course, these examples of criteria are given only as an illustration, and other criteria can be considered as alternatives, such as a renewable energy ratio (Le. from energy sources other than mains power, such as solar panels equipping base station 4, a wind turbine, etc.) greater than a given threshold available at the level of base station 4 to which user equipment 2 is attached, favorable radio conditions between user equipment 2 and base station 4 allowing to limit the amount of energy needed to transmit data (for example a minimum spectral efficiency to be respected), etc.Furthermore, it should be noted that energy criteria can be assessed at the level of base station 4 to which the user equipment is currently attached, but it is also possible to consider taking these criteria into account at the level of other base stations to which the user equipment is likely to be attached (for example due to its mobility).

[0071] Such energy criteria can be set, for example, when the user subscribes to the NW network operator, or be set dynamically by the user via a dedicated interface, or be configured in the user equipment 2 (for example different criteria can be set at the user equipment level 2 depending on the type of data), etc.

[0072] For illustrative purposes, we assume here that user equipment 2 includes in the request a CRIT criterion corresponding to a requirement that the energy efficiency detected at the base station 4 to which user equipment 2 is connected be greater than a certain threshold (for example 10 6 bit / J) to establish the PDU session required by user equipment 2.

[0073] In addition, in the embodiment described here, user equipment 2 also provides in the REQ request, for example in a dedicated field or in a subfield of the field in which the CRIT criterion or criteria are specified, a maximum time Dmax to establish the required PDU session (and therefore incidentally for the CRIT criterion or criteria to be met).

[0074] It is noted that when the CRIT criterion consists of a requirement of maximum spectral efficiency, or minimum carbon intensity, over a given period of time, the period of time in question over which spectral efficiency, or carbon intensity, is observed to determine whether the CRIT criterion is met can typically be defined from the maximum time Dmax provided where appropriate by user equipment 2.

[0075] Alternatively, the energy criterion CRI T and / or, where applicable, the maximum delay, can be provided by user equipment 2 in one or more separate messages of the PDU session establishment REQ request. Furthermore, an embodiment can also be considered in which user equipment 2 provides only one or more energy criteria CRI T to the network without providing a maximum delay Dmax for establishing the required PDU session.

[0076] With reference to Figure 3, the REQ request to establish a PDU session is sent by user equipment 2 to the NW network via base station 4, and is received by SMF entity 3 (receive step E10).

[0077] The SMF 3 entity detects in the REQ query the presence of the CRIT criterion(a) and, where applicable, the maximum time DMAX and extracts them, via its 3A retrieval module, from the REQ query (retrieval step E20).

[0078] In the embodiment described here, the SMF 3 entity determines whether, at the current time to (which typically corresponds to within a delta of the time of receipt of the REQ request), the energy criterion(a) CRIT indicated in the PDU session establishment REQ request is (are) met (test step E30). The SMF 3 entity can perform this determination, for example, by querying base station 4, or by querying an NW network entity hosting an Energy Efficiency Control Function (EECF) or an NW network entity hosting an Energy Efficiency and Saving Support Function (EESSF), as described respectively in paragraphs 6.1 and 6.2 of the previously described 3GPP TR 23.700-66 document, or through the implementation of one of the any of the other techniques described in this document 3GPP TR 23.700-66. Of course, other techniques may be considered depending on the CRI T criteria specified by the user equipment 2.

[0079] If the SMF 3 entity determines that the CRIT energy criterion(a) is / are met at time to (yes response at test step E30), it processes the REQ request and establishes the PDU session via its 3B establishment module, for example as described in paragraph 4.3.2.2 of document 3GPPTS23.502 cited above (step E40).

[0080] Referring to Figure 4, following the establishment of the PDU session (yes response in test step F20), user equipment 2 exchanges application data via its exchange module 2A through this PDU session (step F30). In the illustrative example described above, it can, in particular, download the desired video content from the media server 5 via this PDU session.

[0081] With reference to Figure 3, if the SMF 3 entity determines that at least one CRIT energy criterion indicated in the REQ query is not met at time to (no response to test step E30), it proceeds as follows.

[0082] In the embodiment described here, the SMF 3 entity examines whether a maximum time Dmax to establish the required PDU session has been provided by the user equipment 2 (test step E50).

[0083] If no maximum timeout Dmax was provided by user equipment 2 (no response in test step E50), SMF entity 3 rejects the PDU session establishment REQ request from user equipment 2 (step E60). Its rejection RESP response may include a reason for rejection specifying that the energy conditions for PDU session establishment are not met (e.g., "Energy criterion(as) not met"), or even specify the energy criterion(as) that are not met.

[0084] Referring to Figure 4, upon receiving the RESP rejection response from SMF entity 3 (no response in test step F20 and no response in test step F40), user equipment 2 can attempt to establish a PDU session again by providing less demanding energy criteria, for example, by changing the thresholds considered in the criteria or by switching from a threshold-based criterion to a criterion based on an optimum over a specific time period, specifying a maximum time to establish the PDU session to define the time period in question. The definition of new energy criterion(as) (step F50) can be done, for example, by prompting the user of user equipment 2 (via a dedicated interface), or according to a (pre)determined strategy, etc.

[0085] A new REQ request including these new energy criteria and / or this maximum time is then sent by user equipment 2 to the network (step F10), in the same way as was described previously in step F10 (and the resulting steps are repeated on this new request).

[0086] With reference to Figure 3, if a maximum time Dmax to establish the PDU session was provided during step F10 by user equipment 2 (yes response to test step E50), the SMF entity 3 establishes the PDU session if it determines that the energy criterion(a) CRI T is / are met during the time period between time to and time to+ Dmax.

[0087] More specifically, for this purpose, in the embodiment described here, the SMF 3 entity obtains a prediction of the instant ti at which the energy criterion(a) CRIT will be verified (step E70).

[0088] To obtain such a prediction, the SMF 3 entity can, for example, query a prediction function such as an energy efficiency control function (EECF) or a network data analytics function (NWDAF), as indicated in particular in paragraphs 6.10 and 6.32 respectively of document 3GPP TR 23.700-66.

[0089] Alternatively, it can be envisaged that the SMF 3 entity is configured to make this prediction itself from a prediction model and information exposed by various entities in the NW network as described in document 3GPP TR 23.700-66.

[0090] The SMF 3 entity then compares the predicted time ti with the time to-i- Dmax during which the PDU session should be established if necessary (test step E80).

[0091] If SMF 3 determines that the predicted time ti is greater than the time to+ Dmax (no response in test step E80), SMF 3 rejects the REQ request for PDU session establishment from user equipment 2 as described previously in step E60. It may, in its rejection RESP response, include a rejection reason specifying that the energy conditions for PDU session establishment are not met (for example, "Energy criterion(as) not met"), or even specify the energy criterion(as) that are not met.

[0092] Otherwise, if the SMF 3 entity determines that the predicted time ti is less than or equal to the time to+ Dmax (yes answer at test step E80), the PDU session is established by the SMF 3 entity at time ti (step E90).

[0093] In the embodiment described here, to ensure the establishment of the PDU session at time ti when the energy criterion(a) is / are met, the SMF entity 3 first rejects the REQ request to establish a PDU session from the user equipment 2 by including the predicted time ti in its rejection RESP response, for example, in a dedicated field provided for the purposes of the invention (step E91). It may also include in its rejection RESP response a reason for rejection specifying that the energy conditions for establishing the PDU session are not met (for example, "Energy criterion(a) not met"), and optionally the energy criterion(a) not met, as described previously in step E60. Thus, the rejection RESP response sent in step E91 differs from the rejection RESP response sent in step E60 in that it includes the predicted time ti.

[0094] Referring to Figure 4, after receiving the RESP rejection response from SMF entity 3, including time ti (a "no" response in test step F20 and a "yes" response in test step F40), user device 2 pauses and then sends a new REQ' request at time ti to establish a PDU session for the video content it wishes to download from media server 5 (step F60). In the embodiment described here, the new REQ' request does not contain any energy criteria, unlike the original REQ request. It can be assumed that when user device 2 receives the RESP rejection response including time ti, it informs the user of user device 2 that their data session has been postponed. Typically, in the illustrative example of downloading video content, it informs the user that the video content will be downloaded and available at time ti.This feature is optional, however, and its activation may depend on the nature of the data involved in the PDU session.

[0095] It should be noted that step F60 of sending a new REQ' request by user equipment 2 may not be implemented if user equipment 2 determines at time ti (or before) that it no longer needs to establish a data session (for example because the user has decided not to download any more video content or for any other reason).

[0096] Referring to Figure 3, upon receiving this new REQ' request at time ti (step E92), the SMF entity 3 establishes the required PDU session via its processing module (step E93). The user equipment 2 can then exchange application data using its exchange module 2A via the PDU session thus established, and typically download the required video content from the media server 5 via this PDU session when the energy criterion(a) CRI T is / are met.

[0097] It should be noted that in the embodiment described here, to ensure that the PDU session is established when the energy criterion(a) CRIT is / are verified, a first REQ request to establish a PDU session is first sent by user equipment 2 and rejected by SMF entity 3 if the criterion(a) is / are not verified, then a second REQ request is sent by user equipment 2 at a time ti where this / these criterion(a) is / are supposed to be verified with regard to the prediction made, leading to the establishment of the session.

[0098] In another embodiment, instead of rejecting the REQ request at step E91, SMF 3 delays the establishment of the PDU session of user device 2 until time ti. This prevents user device 2 from having to reiterate its request to establish a PDU session at time ti. Furthermore, provided that SMF 3 reiterates the check performed at step E30 over the period [to; ti] (for example, periodically), this allows SMF 3 to trigger the establishment of the data session earlier if it detects that the CRIT criterion is met before time ti, and / or conversely, to trigger the establishment of the session later if the CRIT criterion is not met at time ti. However, this implementation requires the SMF 3 entity to maintain a context for the session establishment REQ request sent by the user equipment during step F10 until its establishment, that is to say between times to and ti. We will therefore preferentially consider such an implementation method when the maximum delay Dmax is not too long, in order to limit the network resources mobilized for the establishment of the PDU session required by user equipment 2.

[0099] It is also important to note that time ti is a prediction. In some situations, this prediction may not exactly match reality, and at the predicted time ti, the CRIT criterion(a) may not be met in practice. Therefore, to avoid establishing a data session under such conditions, a new check performed by the SMF entity 3 upon receipt of the new establishment request REQ' can be considered in a particular embodiment. For this purpose, the user device 2 can include in the establishment request REQ' the CRIT criteria it specified in the REQ request so that the SMF entity 3 can perform a final check before establishing the data session, or less demanding criteria as mentioned previously, to avoid, in particular, an infinite loop if the predictions prove too optimistic.Alternatively, it is possible that the SMF 3 entity stored these criteria during the processing of the first REQ request. It is also possible, in the event of failure of the new check performed by the SMF 3 entity, to restart the process at step E50.

[0100] Furthermore, in the embodiment described here, the energy criterion(a) used to establish a data session is transmitted by user equipment 2 to the network (and more specifically to the SMF entity 3), either in a data session establishment request or in other messages sent synchronously with the establishment request or asynchronously (the criteria could be sent when the user subscribes or registers with the NW network, or at any other time). In another embodiment, such criteria can be made available to the entities of the NW network (and in particular to the SMF entity 3) via a network subscriber server such as an HSS (for "Home Subscriber Server" in a 5G network), in a user profile, or via any other database accessible through the NW network.CRIT criteria can be specific to a user or a group of users, or be the same for all users on a network, etc.

[0101] Furthermore, in the embodiment described here, some of the energy criteria considered are evaluated at the level of base station 4 to which user equipment 2 is currently attached. However, it is possible to consider evaluating these energy criteria at the level of another base station, typically a base station to which user equipment 2 is likely to be attached before the expiration of the Dmax time interval, for example, typically due to the mobility of user equipment 2. In this case, the SMF entity 3 is preferably configured to take into account this mobility as well as the trajectory of the user equipment when predicting time ti, and also the energy characteristics of the new base station (for example, how this base station is powered, etc.). Alternatively, if such information is not taken into account, it is also possible for the SMF 3 entity to delay session establishment, or if a base station change is detected by the SMF 3 entity before the expiration of time ti, it can re-evaluate the energy criterion(a) set for session establishment and establish the session immediately if this criterion(a) is / are met. If user equipment 2 received a rejection response indicating that the criterion(a) was / were not met, it can, after a base station change, reiterate its request with the same criterion(a) to see if the new base station to which it is connected now meets these criteria.

[0102] Thus, the invention offers the possibility of easily postponing the establishment of a non-critical or non-urgent data session to a time when the energy conditions for use of the NW network are favorable. It also allows the user equipment (and incidentally its user) to have visibility into the time when the required session will be established.

[0103] The invention is thus applicable in numerous use cases. It can also be applied to establish all data sessions relating to a user device or only some of them. For example, if the user of user device 2 wishes to send an email with a video file, user device 2 can first establish a data session to send the email without the video file in the conventional manner, as described in particular in document TS 23.502, paragraph 4.3.2.2, and then, to send the video file, establish a non-urgent data session in accordance with the invention, when the energy conditions relating to network usage comply with one or more given CRI T energy criteria.This solution is simple to implement as long as user equipment 2 is aware of the data it sends or receives, and is therefore able to easily identify when this data is not urgent and can be postponed.

Claims

Demands

1. Method of establishing a data session by an entity (3) of a communication network, said method comprising: a step (E20) of obtaining, for a given user equipment (2), at least one energy criterion relating to a network use conditioning the establishment of a data session for said user equipment; and a step (E40, E93) of establishing a data session for said user equipment when said at least one energy criterion is met.

2. Method of establishing according to claim 1 wherein during the obtaining step, said at least one energy criterion is extracted from a message (REQ) received from the user equipment.

3. Method of establishment according to claim 2 wherein said message (REQ) is a request for establishment of said data session.

4. Establishment method according to claim 3 wherein the data session is established (E40) if said at least one energy criterion is met upon receipt of the establishment request, said establishment request being rejected otherwise.

5. Method of establishing according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the data session is established for said user equipment if said at least one energy criterion is met during a given period of time.

6. Method of establishing according to claim 5 wherein said given time period is defined from a maximum delay (Dmax) to establish said data session provided by the user equipment.

7. Establishment method according to claim 6 wherein said maximum delay (Dmax) is provided by the user equipment in a data session establishment request (REQ).

8. Method of setting up according to any one of claims 1 to 7 further comprising a step of obtaining (E70) a prediction of a time at which said at least one energy criterion will be verified, the setting up of said session being triggered at said predicted time.

9. Method of establishing according to claim 8 further comprising a sending step (E91) of said predicted time to said user equipment, said data session being established upon receipt of a request to establish a data session received from the user equipment at said predicted time.

10. A method for exchanging data by a user equipment (2) of a communication network comprising: a step (F10) of sending, to a network entity (3), a message including at least one energy criterion relating to a use of the network conditioning the establishment of a data session for said user equipment; and a step (F30) of exchanging data via said network using a data session established by said network entity when said at least one energy criterion is met. [Claim 1 1] Data exchange method according to claim 10 wherein said message (REQ) is a request to establish the data session.

12. Data exchange method according to claim 10 or 11 wherein said message further includes a maximum delay (Dmax) for establishing said data session.

13. Data exchange method according to any one of claims 10 to 12 further comprising: a step (F40) of receiving from the network entity a prediction of a time at which said at least one energy criterion will be verified; and a step (F60) of sending a request to establish a data session to said network entity at said predicted time received.

14. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein said at least one energy criterion comprises: a given energy efficiency relative to a use of the network; and / or a given carbon intensity resulting from a use of the network, measured over a given period of time.

15. Entity (3) of a communication network comprising: a retrieval module (3A) configured to obtain for a given user equipment at least one energy criterion related to a network use conditioning the establishment of a data session for said user equipment; and a processing module (3B) configured to establish said data session for said user equipment when said at least one energy criterion is met.

16. User equipment of a communication network comprising: a sending module (2A) configured to send to a network entity a message including at least one energy criterion relating to a network use conditioning the establishment of a data session for said user equipment; and an exchange module (2B) configured to exchange data via said network using a data session established by said network entity when said at least one energy criterion is met.

17. Communication system (1) comprising: at least one user equipment (2) of a communication network; and at least one entity (3) of the network according to claim 15.

18. Communication system according to claim 17 in which said at least one user equipment (2) conforms to claim 16.

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