Communication method, terminal, core network device, system and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a communication method, a terminal, a core network device, a system, and a storage medium. The method comprises: determining that a first condition is satisfied, and sending a first request message to a core network device, wherein the first request message is used for requesting to enter an offloading mode, and the offloading mode is a mode in which downlink information and / or uplink information of a first terminal is offloaded to a second terminal. The present disclosure achieves the purpose of terminal energy savings, improves the efficiency of controlling terminal power consumption, and improves the availability and reliability of terminal energy savings.

Description

Communication methods, terminals, core network equipment, systems, and storage media Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communications, and in particular to communication methods, terminals, core network equipment, systems and storage media. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, network energy savings (NES) technology can be used to reduce the power consumption of network devices. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To improve the availability of energy-efficient terminals, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, a terminal, a core network device, a system, and a storage medium.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method being executed by a first terminal, the method comprising:

[0005] Once the first condition is met, a first request message is sent to the core network equipment; wherein, the first request message is used to request entry into the offload mode, the offload mode being a mode that offloads the downlink information and / or uplink information of the first terminal to the second terminal.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method being executed by a second terminal, the method comprising:

[0007] The capability information is broadcast via a direct link; wherein the capability information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports the offloading service.

[0008] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method being performed by a core network device, the method comprising:

[0009] Receive a first request message sent by a first terminal; wherein the first request message is used to request to enter an unloading mode, the unloading mode being a mode that unloads downlink information and / or uplink information from the first terminal to a second terminal;

[0010] A second terminal is identified as the one providing the uninstallation service to the first terminal;

[0011] A confirmation message is sent to the second access network device; wherein the confirmation message is used to confirm that the first terminal has entered the unloading mode, and that the second terminal provides unloading services to the first terminal, and the second access network device is the service access network device of the second access network device.

[0012] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a first terminal is provided, comprising:

[0013] The transceiver module is configured to send a first request message to the core network device when a first condition is met; wherein the first request message is used to request to enter the offload mode, the offload mode being a mode that offloads downlink information and / or uplink information of the first terminal to the second terminal.

[0014] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a second terminal is provided, comprising:

[0015] The transceiver module is configured to broadcast capability information via a direct link; wherein the capability information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports offloading services.

[0016] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a core network device is provided, comprising:

[0017] The transceiver module is configured to receive a first request message sent by a first terminal; wherein the first request message is used to request to enter an unloading mode, the unloading mode being a mode that unloads downlink information and / or uplink information from the first terminal to a second terminal.

[0018] The processing module is configured to determine a second terminal that provides the uninstallation service to the first terminal;

[0019] The transceiver module is further configured to send an acknowledgment message to the second access network device; wherein the acknowledgment message is used to confirm that the first terminal has entered the unloading mode, and that the second terminal provides unloading services to the first terminal, and the second access network device is the service access network device of the second access network device.

[0020] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a terminal is provided, comprising:

[0021] One or more processors;

[0022] The processor is configured to perform the method according to any one of the first or second aspects of the claim.

[0023] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a core network device is provided, comprising:

[0024] One or more processors;

[0025] The processor is used to execute the communication method described in any one of the third aspects.

[0026] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, comprising:

[0027] A terminal, the terminal being configured to implement the communication method described in any one of the first or second aspects;

[0028] A core network device configured to implement the communication method described in any one of the third aspects.

[0029] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided that stores instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform a communication method as described in any one of the first, second, or third aspects.

[0030] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, is used to implement the communication method described in any one of the first, second, or third aspects.

[0031] In this embodiment of the disclosure, downlink and / or uplink information from the first terminal can be offloaded to the second terminal, thereby achieving the purpose of terminal energy saving, improving the efficiency of controlling terminal power consumption, and improving the availability and reliability of terminal energy saving.

[0032] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0034] Figure 1 is an exemplary schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 2 is one of the exemplary interaction diagrams of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 3A is one of the exemplary flowcharts of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 3B is a second exemplary flowchart of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 3C is a third exemplary flowchart of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of the time-domain characteristics of different types of PUSCH provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 4B is a second exemplary interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 5A is an exemplary block diagram of a first terminal provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 5B is an exemplary block diagram of a second terminal provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 5C is an exemplary block diagram of a core network device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 6A is an exemplary interactive schematic diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 6B is an exemplary interactive schematic diagram of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present invention. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of the invention as detailed in the appended claims.

[0047] This disclosure provides a communication method, terminal, access network equipment, core network equipment, and system.

[0048] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose a communication method executed by a first terminal. The method includes: determining that a first condition is met, and sending a first request message to a core network device; wherein the first request message is used to request entry into the offloading mode, the offloading mode being a mode that offloads downlink information and / or uplink information of the first terminal to a second terminal.

[0049] In the above embodiments, downlink and / or uplink information from the first terminal can be offloaded to the second terminal, thereby achieving the purpose of terminal energy saving, improving the efficiency of controlling terminal power consumption, and improving the availability and reliability of terminal energy saving.

[0050] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second terminal is a terminal that supports providing offloading services via a direct link.

[0051] In the above embodiments, the second terminal supports providing the offloading service through a direct link, which improves the availability of terminal energy saving.

[0052] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: discovering the second terminal based on capability information; wherein the capability information is broadcast by the second terminal through the direct link, and the capability information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports offloading services.

[0053] In the above embodiments, the first terminal can discover the second terminal based on the capability information broadcast by the second terminal through the direct link, so as to offload its own downlink and / or uplink information to the second terminal, thereby achieving the purpose of terminal energy saving and high availability.

[0054] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving second location information broadcast by the second terminal through the direct link; wherein the second location information is the location information of the second terminal.

[0055] In the above embodiments, the first terminal can receive the second location information broadcast by the second terminal to determine the location of the second terminal, so as to offload its own downlink information and / or uplink information to the second terminal, thereby achieving the purpose of terminal energy saving and high availability.

[0056] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first request message includes at least one of the following: an authorization identifier; wherein the authorization identifier is an identifier that authorizes the first terminal to enter the uninstallation mode; an identifier of the second terminal; and first location information, wherein the first location information is the location information of the first terminal.

[0057] In the above embodiments, the first request message may include at least one of the above-mentioned items. The core network device can determine the second terminal that provides offloading services to the first terminal based on the first request message, thereby achieving the purpose of terminal energy saving and improving the availability and reliability of terminal energy saving.

[0058] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the first aspect, the method further includes: sending uplink information to the second terminal via the direct link.

[0059] In the above embodiments, the first terminal can offload uplink information to the second terminal through a direct link, which reduces terminal power consumption, improves the efficiency of controlling terminal power consumption, and has high availability.

[0060] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: determining that a second condition is met, and sending a second request message to a first access network device; wherein the second request message is used to request exiting the unload mode, and the first access network device is the serving access network device of the first terminal.

[0061] In the above embodiments, the first terminal can send a second request message to the first access network device when the second condition is met, thereby exiting the offload mode, which improves the flexibility of controlling terminal power consumption and has high availability.

[0062] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second condition includes at least one of the following: the power level is greater than or equal to a first threshold value; the power quantity is greater than or equal to a second threshold value.

[0063] In the above embodiments, the second condition includes at least one of the above conditions, which improves the flexibility of controlling terminal power consumption and has high availability.

[0064] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first condition includes at least one of the following: the power level is less than a first threshold; the power quantity is less than a second threshold.

[0065] In the above embodiments, when the power level of the first terminal is low and / or the battery level is low, it can enter the unloading mode to achieve the purpose of terminal energy saving, improve the efficiency of controlling terminal power consumption, and improve the availability and reliability of terminal energy saving.

[0066] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure propose a communication method executed by a second terminal, the method comprising: broadcasting capability information via a direct link; wherein the capability information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports offloading services.

[0067] In the above embodiments, the second terminal can broadcast capability information through a direct link so that the first terminal can discover the second terminal, thereby improving the feasibility of terminal energy saving.

[0068] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of the following: sending the capability information to the core network device; sending second location information to the core network device; wherein the second location information is the location information of the second terminal.

[0069] In the above embodiments, the second terminal can send capability information and / or second location information to the core network equipment so that the core network equipment can identify the second terminal that provides offloading services to the first terminal, thereby improving the availability and reliability of terminal energy saving.

[0070] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of the following: broadcasting second location information through the direct link; wherein the second location information is the location information of the second terminal.

[0071] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving downlink information of a first terminal sent by a second access network device; wherein the second access network device is the serving access network device of the second terminal.

[0072] In the above embodiments, the second terminal can receive downlink information from the first terminal, thereby achieving the purpose of offloading downlink information from the first terminal to the second terminal and improving the availability and reliability of terminal energy saving.

[0073] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving uplink information of the first terminal sent by the first terminal through the direct link; sending the uplink information of the first terminal to a second access network device; wherein the second access network device is the serving access network device of the second terminal.

[0074] In the above embodiments, the uplink information of the first terminal is offloaded to the second terminal, thereby improving the availability and reliability of terminal energy saving.

[0075] Thirdly, this disclosure provides a communication method executed by a core network device. The method includes: receiving a first request message sent by a first terminal; wherein the first request message is used to request entry into an offload mode, the offload mode being a mode in which downlink information and / or uplink information of the first terminal is offloaded to a second terminal; determining a second terminal that provides the offload service to the first terminal; and sending a confirmation message to a second access network device; wherein the confirmation message is used to confirm that the first terminal has entered the offload mode and that the second terminal provides the offload service to the first terminal, and the second access network device is a serving access network device of the second access network device.

[0076] In the above embodiments, the core network device can determine the second terminal that provides the offloading service to the first terminal based on the first request message, and send a confirmation message to the second access network device to achieve the purpose of terminal energy saving, improve the efficiency of controlling terminal power consumption, and improve the availability and reliability of terminal energy saving.

[0077] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the second terminal is a terminal that supports providing offloading services via a direct link.

[0078] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of the following: receiving capability information sent by the second terminal; wherein the capability information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports offloading services; receiving second location information sent by the second terminal; wherein the second location information is the location information of the second terminal.

[0079] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the second terminal determined to provide the uninstallation service to the first terminal includes at least one of the following: determining the second terminal to provide the uninstallation service to the first terminal based on terminal identifier grouping; determining the second terminal to provide the uninstallation service to the first terminal based on the distance value between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0080] In the above embodiments, the core device can determine the second terminal that provides the offloading service to the first terminal based on terminal identifier groups and / or distance values. This improves the energy-saving efficiency and reliability of the terminal, resulting in high availability.

[0081] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a notification message sent by a first access network device; wherein the first access network device is the serving access network device of the first terminal, and the notification message is used to notify the core network device that the first terminal has exited the offload mode.

[0082] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the confirmation message includes at least one of the following: the identifier of the first terminal; the identifier of the second terminal.

[0083] Fourthly, this disclosure provides a first terminal, including: a transceiver module configured to send a first request message to a core network device upon determining that a first condition is met; wherein the first request message is used to request entry into an offload mode, the offload mode being a mode in which downlink information and / or uplink information of the first terminal is offloaded to a second terminal.

[0084] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure propose a second terminal, including: a transceiver module configured to broadcast capability information via a direct link; wherein the capability information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports offloading services.

[0085] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a core network device, comprising: a transceiver module configured to receive a first request message sent by a first terminal; wherein the first request message is used to request entry into an offload mode, the offload mode being a mode in which downlink information and / or uplink information of the first terminal is offloaded to a second terminal; a processing module configured to determine a second terminal that provides offload services to the first terminal; the transceiver module is further configured to send an acknowledgment message to a second access network device; wherein the acknowledgment message is used to confirm that the first terminal has entered the offload mode, and that the second terminal provides offload services to the first terminal, and the second access network device is a serving access network device of the second access network device.

[0086] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a terminal comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processors are configured to perform the method described in any one of the first or second aspects.

[0087] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a core network device, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processors are configured to perform the communication method described in any one of the third aspects.

[0088] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system comprising: a terminal configured to implement the communication method described in any one of the first or second aspects; and a core network device configured to implement the communication method described in any one of the third aspects.

[0089] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform a communication method as described in any one of the first, second, or third aspects.

[0090] Eleventhly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, is used to implement the communication method described in any one of the first, second, or third aspects.

[0091] It is understood that the aforementioned terminals, core network equipment, communication systems, storage media, and program products are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0092] This disclosure provides a communication method, a terminal, a core network device, a system, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms communication method, information processing method, and information transmission method can be used interchangeably.

[0093] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments. In all embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be mutually referenced. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0094] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0095] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0096] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0097] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of A or B, at least one of A and B”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0098] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether there is a branch B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether there is a branch A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, both A and B are executed. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0099] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether a branch B exists); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether a branch A exists); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0100] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0101] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0102] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time-frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0103] In some embodiments, terms such as “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “when…”, “if…”, etc. can be used interchangeably. These descriptions all refer to the device making a corresponding action under certain objective circumstances. They do not necessarily limit the time, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when implementing it, nor do they mean that there must be other limitations.

[0104] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0105] In some embodiments, devices, etc., may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to those described in the embodiments. Terms such as “device,” “equipment,” “circuit,” “network element,” “network function,” “network device,” “function,” “node,” “unit,” “section,” “system,” “network,” “chip,” “chip system,” “entity,” and “subject” are interchangeable.

[0106] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0107] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0108] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", "subscriber station", "mobile unit", "subscriber unit", "wireless unit", "remote unit", "mobile device", "wireless device", "wireless communication device", "remote device", "mobile subscriber station", "access terminal", "mobile terminal", "wireless terminal", "remote terminal", "handset", "user agent", "mobile client", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0109] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, and uplink link, downlink, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0110] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0111] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0112] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0113] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0114] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0115] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes at least one of the following: a first terminal 101, a second terminal 102, a first access network device 103, a second access network device 104, and a core network device 105.

[0116] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 is a terminal that needs to perform terminal energy saving.

[0117] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 offloads its downlink and / or uplink information to the second terminal 102.

[0118] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 is a terminal that receives downlink and / or uplink information from the first terminal 101 when the first terminal 101 is performing terminal power saving.

[0119] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 can establish a connection with the first terminal 101 via a direct link. Specifically, the second terminal 102 can communicate with the first terminal 101 through the direct link interface PC5. For example, it can receive uplink information sent by the first terminal 101 via PC5.

[0120] In some embodiments, the aforementioned terminal may include, for example, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0121] In some embodiments, the first access network device 103 is the serving access network device of the first terminal 101.

[0122] In some embodiments, the second access network device 104 is the serving access network device of the second terminal 102.

[0123] In some embodiments, the first access network device 103 and the second access network device 104 may be the same device.

[0124] In some embodiments, the first access network device 103 and the second access network device 104 may be different devices.

[0125] In some embodiments, the access network device described above is, for example, a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), wireless backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0126] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0127] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0128] In some embodiments, the core network device 105 may be a single device comprising multiple network elements, or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each comprising some or all of the multiple network elements. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of the following: Evolved Packet Core (EPC), 5G Core Network (5GCN), and Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0129] In some embodiments, the core network device 105 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: Location Management Function (LMF), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), and Network Function (NF). The Network Function (NF) may refer to an NF dedicated to providing terminal power-saving services.

[0130] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0131] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1 are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1, or may include other main bodies outside of FIG1. ​​The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. Each main body may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0132] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0133] In some embodiments, terminal power saving has been studied, and for example, a low-power wake-up signal (LP WUS) can be used to reduce terminal power consumption.

[0134] In power-saving mode, the terminal can put the Main Radio (MR) into ultra-deep sleep and enable the Low-power Wake-up Radio (LP-WUR) to monitor LP-WUS. When the LP-WUR detects LP-WUS for this terminal, the terminal activates MR and performs normal transmission. This greatly reduces the power consumption of MR, and since the LP-WUR has very low power consumption, it can achieve greater power-saving gains.

[0135] In some embodiments, network power saving and terminal power saving are also considered the most important features. However, for more advanced technologies emerging in communication systems such as 6G, it should be considered whether existing technologies can be reused in 6G or whether further modifications are needed. Furthermore, terminal types are highly diverse and can provide services to the same user or user group; considering whether to offload, how to merge, and how to offload terminal information can significantly benefit terminal power saving.

[0136] To improve the availability of energy-efficient terminals, embodiments of this disclosure provide the following communication methods, terminals, core network devices, systems, and storage media.

[0137] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0138] In step S2101a, the second terminal 102 broadcasts capability information.

[0139] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 may be an Internet of Things (IoT) device, such as an autonomous driving device or a smart home device. The second terminal 102 may also be a regular terminal, and this disclosure does not limit it in this regard.

[0140] In some embodiments, the capability information may be used to indicate that the second terminal 102 supports the uninstallation service.

[0141] In some embodiments, the offloading service may refer to the service of receiving downlink information from other terminals from the network side and / or receiving uplink information from other terminals.

[0142] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 may broadcast the capability information via a direct link.

[0143] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 may broadcast the capability information via a direct link interface, such as a PC5 interface.

[0144] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 may receive the capability information.

[0145] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 may be a terminal that requires terminal energy saving.

[0146] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 may be a terminal that needs to enter an offload mode. The offload mode includes a mode that offloads its own downlink and / or uplink information to another terminal, such as the second terminal 102.

[0147] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 may be an Internet of Things (IoT) device, such as an autonomous driving device or a smart home device. The first terminal 101 may also be a regular terminal, and this disclosure does not limit it in this regard.

[0148] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 listens to its own direct link interface, such as the PC5 interface, in order to receive the capability information broadcast by the second terminal 102.

[0149] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 may broadcast capability information if it supports offloading services.

[0150] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 may broadcast capability information upon discovering the first terminal 101.

[0151] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 may broadcast capability information based on a request from the first terminal 101.

[0152] The above is merely an illustrative example, and this disclosure does not limit the triggering conditions for the broadcast capability information of the second terminal 102.

[0153] In step S2101b, the second terminal 102 broadcasts the second location information.

[0154] In some embodiments, the second location information is the location information of the second terminal 102, including but not limited to at least one of the cell identifier of the second terminal 102 and the geographical location information of the second terminal 102.

[0155] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 may broadcast the second location information via a direct link.

[0156] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 may broadcast the second location information via a direct link interface, such as a PC5 interface.

[0157] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 may receive the second location information.

[0158] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 may determine the location of the second terminal 102 based on the second location information.

[0159] In some embodiments, S2101b is an optional execution step. For example, if the first terminal 101 obtains the second location information from other devices, such as the first access network device, the core network device, or other terminals, or if the first terminal 101 does not need to determine the location of the second terminal, step S2101b may not be executed.

[0160] In step S2102a, the second terminal 102 sends capability information to the core network device 105.

[0161] In some embodiments, the core network device 105 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of LMF, AMF, and a specific NF, wherein the specific NF may be an NF that supports offloading services.

[0162] In some embodiments, core network device 105 receives capability information.

[0163] In some embodiments, the core network device 105 may determine a second terminal 102 that can provide offloading services based on the capability information.

[0164] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 may send capability information to the core network device 105 in order to provide offloading services to other terminals.

[0165] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 may send capability information to the core network device 105 based on an instruction from a network device, such as the core network device 105.

[0166] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 can broadcast capability information to the core network device 105 while simultaneously broadcasting capability information via a direct link.

[0167] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 may send capability information to the core network device 105 before or after broadcasting capability information via a direct link.

[0168] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 can send capability information to the core network device 105 through the second access network device 104.

[0169] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 sends capability information to the second access network device 104 via the Uu interface, and the second access network device 104 sends the capability information to the core network device 105.

[0170] In some embodiments, the second access network device 104 described above is a serving access network device of the second terminal 102, such as a serving base station.

[0171] In step S2102b, the second terminal 102 sends the second location information to the core network device 105.

[0172] In some embodiments, the second location information is the location information of the second terminal 102, including but not limited to at least one of the cell identifier of the second terminal 102 and the geographical location information of the second terminal 102.

[0173] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 can send capability information to the core network device 105 through the second access network device 104.

[0174] In some embodiments, the second access network device 104 is the serving access network device of the second terminal 102, such as a serving base station.

[0175] In some embodiments, S2102b is an optional execution step. For example, if the core network device 105 obtains the second location information from another device, such as the first terminal 101, or if the core network device 105 does not need to determine the location of the second terminal, step S2102b may not be executed.

[0176] In step S2103, the first terminal 101 discovers the second terminal 102.

[0177] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 listens to its own direct link interface, such as the PC5 interface. If it hears the capability information broadcast by the second terminal 102, it determines that the second terminal 102 has been discovered.

[0178] In step S2104, the first terminal 101 sends a first request message to the core network device 105.

[0179] In some embodiments, the core network device 105 receives a first request message.

[0180] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 sends a first request message to the core network device 105 through the first access network device 103.

[0181] In some embodiments, the first access network device 103 is the serving access network device of the first terminal 101, such as a serving base station.

[0182] In one example, the first access network device 103 and the aforementioned second access network device 104 can be the same device. For example, the service access network devices for the first terminal 101 and the second terminal 102 are both the first access network device 103.

[0183] In one example, the first access network device 103 and the second access network device 104 may be different devices, and this disclosure does not limit them.

[0184] In some embodiments, if the first terminal 101 determines that the first condition is met, it sends a first request message to the core network device 105.

[0185] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 may send a first request message to the core network device 105 if it discovers the second terminal 102 and meets the first condition.

[0186] In one example, the first condition is the condition for entering uninstallation mode.

[0187] In one example, the first condition could be the condition for entering the terminal's power-saving mode.

[0188] In one example, the name of the first condition is not limited and can be related to "terminal energy-saving condition".

[0189] "Uninstallation conditions" and other terms can be interchanged.

[0190] In one example, the first condition may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: the power level is less than a first threshold; the power level is less than a second threshold.

[0191] In some embodiments, the execution order of the first terminal 101 determining that the first condition is met and discovering the second terminal 102 is not limited. For example, the first terminal 101 may discover the second terminal first, and then determine whether the first condition is met. As another example, the first terminal 101 may first determine that the first condition is met, and then discover the second terminal. Further, the first terminal 101 sends a first request message to the core network device 105.

[0192] It is understandable that if the first terminal 101 does not detect the second terminal, but the first terminal 101 determines that the first condition is met, the first terminal 101 may not send the first request message. Alternatively, the first terminal 101 may still send the first request message, and if the core network device 105 determines that the second terminal 102 does not exist, it may reject the first request message. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0193] It is understood that if the first terminal 101 discovers the second terminal 102 and the first terminal 101 does not meet the first condition, the first terminal 101 can broadcast the identifier of the second terminal 102 through the direct link so that other terminals that need to enter the offload mode can discover the second terminal 102. This disclosure does not limit this as well.

[0194] In some embodiments, the first request message is used to request entry into the uninstallation mode.

[0195] In some embodiments, the first request message includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: an authorization identifier; an identifier of the second terminal; and first location information.

[0196] In one example, the authorization identifier is an identifier that authorizes the first terminal to enter the uninstallation mode. To improve the security of the uninstallation process, the first terminal 101 may carry the authorization identifier in the first request message. The authorization identifier may be a random number generated by the first terminal 101 and sent as the authorization identifier to the core network device 105. This disclosure does not limit the content of the authorization identifier.

[0197] In one example, in order to facilitate the core network device 105 to quickly identify the second terminal 102 that provides offloading services to the first terminal 101, the first terminal 101 may carry the identifier of the discovered second terminal 102 in the first request message.

[0198] In one example, the first location information is the location information of the first terminal 101, including but not limited to at least one of the cell identifier of the first terminal 101 and the geographical location information of the first terminal 101. The core network device 105 can determine the nearest second terminal 102 based on the first location information.

[0199] In one example, the first request message may also include other content, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0200] In some embodiments, the name of the first request message is not limited and can be interchanged with "request", "unload request", etc.

[0201] In step S2105, the core network device 105 determines the second terminal 102 that provides offloading services to the first terminal 101.

[0202] In some embodiments, the core network device 105 may determine a candidate second terminal, for example, based on at least one of the identifier of the second terminal included in the first request message, capability information sent by at least one second terminal, and second location information sent by at least one second terminal.

[0203] Furthermore, the core network device 105 can select a second terminal 102 from the alternative second terminals to provide the offloading service to the first terminal 101.

[0204] In one example, core network device 105 can identify a second terminal 102 that provides offloading services to a first terminal 101 based on terminal identifier packets.

[0205] For example, a modulo operation is performed on the identifier of the first terminal 101 and N, and a modulo operation is also performed on the identifier of the candidate second terminal 102 and N, and terminals with the same remainder are grouped into the same terminal group. N can be a positive number and is a fixed value; this disclosure does not limit the value of N.

[0206] For example, the core network device 105 can identify the second terminal 102 within the terminal identifier group where the first terminal 101 is located.

[0207] In one example, core network device 105 can determine the second terminal 102 that provides the offloading service to the first terminal 101 based on the distance between the first terminal 101 and the second terminal 102. Considering that the first terminal 101 and the second terminal 102 communicate via a direct link, the smaller the distance value, the better the channel conditions of the direct link. Therefore, core network device 105 can prioritize the second terminal 102 with the smallest distance value from the first terminal 101 among the candidate second terminals and determine it as the second terminal 102 that provides the offloading service to the first terminal 101.

[0208] In one example, core network device 105 can determine the second terminal 102 that provides the offloading service to the first terminal 101 based on terminal identifier packets and the distance value between the first terminal 101 and the second terminal 102.

[0209] For example, the core network device 105 preferentially determines the second terminal 102, which is in the same terminal group as the first terminal 101 and has the smallest distance value, as the second terminal 102 that provides the offloading service to the first terminal 101.

[0210] In some embodiments, the core network device 105 may use other information to determine a second terminal 102 (i.e., a second terminal that provides offloading services to the first terminal) that matches the first terminal 101 from among the alternative second terminals. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0211] In step S2106, the core network device 105 sends an acknowledgment message to the second access network device 104.

[0212] In some embodiments, the second access network device 104 receives an acknowledgment message.

[0213] In some embodiments, the confirmation message is used to confirm that the first terminal 101 has entered the uninstallation mode, and that the second terminal 102 provides uninstallation services to the first terminal 101.

[0214] In some embodiments, the confirmation message may include at least one of the following: the identifier of the first terminal 101; the identifier of the second terminal 102.

[0215] In one example, the second access network device 104 can identify the first terminal 101 that has entered the offload mode based on the identifier of the first terminal 101.

[0216] In one example, the second access network device 104 can identify the second terminal 102 that provides offloading services to the first terminal 101 based on the identifier of the second terminal 102.

[0217] In step S2107, the core network device 105 sends downlink information of the first terminal 101 to the second access network device 104.

[0218] In some embodiments, the second access network device 104 receives downlink information from the first terminal 101.

[0219] In some embodiments, the downlink information of the first terminal 101 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the PDCCH of the first terminal 101, the PDSCH of the first terminal 101, and the paging message of the first terminal 101.

[0220] In some embodiments, when the core network device 105 has downlink information of the first terminal 101, it sends the downlink information of the first terminal 101 to the second access network device 104.

[0221] In step S2108, the second access network device 104 sends downlink information of the first terminal 101 to the second terminal 102.

[0222] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 receives downlink information from the first terminal 101.

[0223] In some embodiments, the second access network device 104 sends downlink information of the first terminal 101 to the second terminal 102 through the Uu interface between the second terminal 102 and the second terminal 102.

[0224] In some embodiments, after receiving downlink information from the first terminal 101, the second terminal 102 may display the downlink information, such as displaying the paging message of the first terminal 101 on the display device of the second terminal 102.

[0225] In some embodiments, after receiving downlink information from the first terminal 101, the second terminal 102 can perform voice broadcast, for example, by playing a voice prompt indicating that the paging message from the first terminal 101 has been received through the audio playback device of the second terminal 102.

[0226] In some embodiments, after receiving downlink information from the first terminal 101, the second terminal 102 can parse the PDSCH and PDCCH.

[0227] In some embodiments, after receiving downlink information from the first terminal 101, the second terminal 102 can send LP-WUS to the first terminal 101 to wake up the first terminal 101 and make it exit the offload mode. Then, after the first terminal 101 exits the offload mode, it forwards the received downlink information to the first terminal 101 through the direct link.

[0228] The above is merely an illustrative example, and this disclosure does not limit the actions performed by the second terminal 102 after receiving downlink information from the first terminal 101.

[0229] In step S2109, the first terminal 101 sends the uplink information of the first terminal 101 to the second terminal 102.

[0230] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 receives uplink information from the first terminal 101.

[0231] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 receives uplink information from the first terminal 101 via the PC5 interface.

[0232] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 may send uplink information of the first terminal 101 to the second terminal 102 using lower power.

[0233] In some embodiments, the uplink information of the first terminal 101 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) of the first terminal 101; and the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) of the first terminal.

[0234] In one example, PUSCH could be a PUSCH used to provide feedback on the results of a Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest (HARQ).

[0235] In some embodiments, after entering the unloading mode, the first terminal 101 can send the uplink information of the first terminal 101 to the second terminal 102.

[0236] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 may send the uplink information of the first terminal 101 to the second terminal 102 when uplink information is available.

[0237] In step S2110, the second terminal 102 sends the uplink information of the first terminal 101 to the second access network device 104.

[0238] In some embodiments, the second access network device 104 receives uplink information from the first terminal 101.

[0239] In step S2111, the second access network device 104 sends the uplink information of the first terminal 101 to the core network device 105.

[0240] In some embodiments, the core network device 105 receives uplink information from the first terminal 101.

[0241] In step S2112, the first terminal 101 sends a second request message to the first access network device 103.

[0242] In some embodiments, the first access network device 103 receives a second request message.

[0243] In some embodiments, the second request message is used to request to exit the uninstallation mode.

[0244] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 sends a second request message to the first access network device 103 when the second condition is met.

[0245] In some embodiments, the second condition is a condition for exiting the uninstallation mode.

[0246] In some embodiments, the second condition is a condition for exiting the terminal power-saving mode.

[0247] In some embodiments, the name of the second condition is not limited and can be interchanged with exit condition, exit energy-saving mode condition, etc.

[0248] In some embodiments, the second condition may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: the power level is greater than or equal to a first threshold; the power quantity is greater than or equal to a second threshold.

[0249] In some embodiments, the name of the second request message is not limited and can be interchanged with exit request, stop energy saving request, etc.

[0250] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 sends a second request message to the first access network device 103 via the Uu interface.

[0251] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 sends a PRACH to the first access network device 103, the PRACH carrying a second request message, or the preamble carried on the PRACH is used to indicate the content of the second request message, such as a request to exit the offload mode.

[0252] In step S2113, the first access network device 103 determines that the first terminal 101 has exited the unload mode.

[0253] In some embodiments, the first access network device 103 determines that the first terminal 101 has exited the unloading mode based on the second request message.

[0254] In step S2114, the first access network device 103 sends a notification message to the core network device 105.

[0255] In some embodiments, the notification message is used to notify the core network device 105 that the first terminal 101 has exited the unload mode.

[0256] In some embodiments, the core network device 105, based on the notification message, after obtaining the downlink information of the first terminal 101, sends the downlink information of the first terminal 101 to the first access network device 103, and the first access network device 103 sends the downlink information of the first terminal 101 to the first terminal.

[0257] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 can send its own uplink information to the first access network device 103, and the first access network device 103 can send the uplink information of the first terminal 101 to the core network device 105.

[0258] In some embodiments, "acquire," "get," "obtain," "receive," "transmit," "bidirectional transmission," and "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, acquiring from protocols, acquiring from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation. Protocols include, for example, at least one of the 3GPP protocol, Wi-Fi protocol, and audio and / or video protocols.

[0259] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0260] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain," "preset," "default," "set," "indicated," "a certain," "any," and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A," "preset A," "default A," "set A," "indicated A," "a certain A," "any A," and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0261] In some embodiments, the information transmission method involved in the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101a to S2114. For example, step S2101a can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2101b can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2101a+S2101b can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2102a can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2102b can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2102a+S2102b can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2102a+S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2102b+S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2104+S2105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S... Steps S2104+S2105+S2106 can be implemented as independent embodiments, as can step S2107, step S2108, step S2107+S2108, step S2109, step S2110, step S2111, step S2109+S2110+S2111, step S2112, step S2113, step S2112+S2113, step S2114, step S2112+S2113+S2114, and steps S2101a to S2114 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0262] In some embodiments, steps S2101a to S2114 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0263] In some embodiments, the execution order of steps S2101a to S2114 is not limited.

[0264] In the above embodiments, the goal of terminal energy saving is achieved, the efficiency of controlling terminal power consumption is improved, and the availability and reliability of terminal energy saving are enhanced.

[0265] Figure 3A is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3A, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which can be executed by a first terminal 101, and includes the following steps:

[0266] Step S3101: Send the first request message.

[0267] In some embodiments, the first request message is used to request entry into the uninstallation mode.

[0268] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 sends a first request message to the core network device 105.

[0269] In some embodiments, the core network device 105 receives a first request message.

[0270] In some embodiments, step S3101 may refer to steps in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, such as step S2104 in FIG2 and its optional implementation, and other related parts in the specification, which will not be repeated here.

[0271] In the above embodiments, downlink and / or uplink information from the first terminal can be offloaded to the second terminal, thereby achieving the purpose of terminal energy saving, improving the efficiency of controlling terminal power consumption, and improving the availability and reliability of terminal energy saving.

[0272] Figure 3B is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3B, this embodiment of the disclosure relates to a communication method, which can be executed by a second terminal 102, and includes the following steps:

[0273] Step S3201: Broadcast capability information.

[0274] In some embodiments, capability information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports the uninstallation service.

[0275] In some embodiments, step S3201 may refer to steps in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, such as step S2101a in FIG2 and its optional implementation, and other related parts in the specification, which will not be repeated here.

[0276] In the above embodiments, the second terminal can broadcast capability information through a direct link so that the first terminal can discover the second terminal, thereby improving the feasibility of terminal energy saving.

[0277] Figure 3C is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3C, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which can be executed by a core network device 105, and includes the following steps:

[0278] Step S3301: Obtain the first request message.

[0279] In some embodiments, the first request message is used to request entry into the uninstallation mode.

[0280] In some embodiments, the core network device 105 receives a first request message sent by the first terminal 101, but is not limited thereto. The core network device 105 may also receive a first request message sent by other execution entities, in which case step S3301 may be omitted.

[0281] In some embodiments, the core network device 105 obtains a first request message as defined by the protocol, in which step S3301 is omitted.

[0282] In some embodiments, the core network device 105 obtains a first request message from the upper layer(s), in which case step S3301 is omitted.

[0283] In some embodiments, the core network device 105 processes the request to obtain the first request message, in which step S3301 is omitted.

[0284] In some embodiments, the core network device 105 autonomously implements the function indicated by the first request message, or the above function is default or default, in which case step S3301 is omitted.

[0285] In some embodiments, step S3301 may refer to steps in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, such as step S2104 in FIG2 and its optional implementation, and other related parts in the specification, which will not be repeated here.

[0286] Step S3302: Determine the second terminal 102.

[0287] In some embodiments, step S3302 may refer to steps in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, such as step S2105 in FIG2 and its optional implementation, and other related parts in the specification, which will not be repeated here.

[0288] Step S3303: Send a confirmation message.

[0289] In some embodiments, the confirmation message is used to confirm that the first terminal 101 has entered the uninstallation mode, and that the second terminal 102 provides uninstallation services to the first terminal 101.

[0290] In some embodiments, the core network device 105 sends an acknowledgment message to the second access network device 104.

[0291] In some embodiments, the second access network device 104 receives an acknowledgment message.

[0292] In some embodiments, step S3303 may refer to steps in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, such as step S2106 in FIG2 and its optional implementation, and other related parts in the specification, which will not be repeated here.

[0293] In some embodiments, steps S3301 to S3303 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0294] In some embodiments, the execution order of steps S3301 to S3303 is not limited.

[0295] In the above embodiments, the core network device can determine the second terminal that provides the offloading service to the first terminal based on the first request message, and send a confirmation message to the second access network device to achieve the purpose of terminal energy saving, improve the efficiency of controlling terminal power consumption, and improve the availability and reliability of terminal energy saving.

[0296] The above process is further illustrated with examples below.

[0297] For example, Figure 4A provides a schematic diagram of a communication scenario. In this disclosure, the downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) of UE#1 can be offloaded to UE#2. The power saving gain mainly comes from the fact that UE#1 does not receive DL. In addition, in Figure 4A, the offloading can be based on a direct link between the devices (between UE#1 and UE#2), such as a direct link established through the PC5 interface.

[0298] In this embodiment of the disclosure, no DL reception may refer to no Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) reception, no Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) reception, and no measurement of downlink signals.

[0299] Figure 4B is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In Figure 4B, the first access network device 103 and the second access network device 104 are the same access network device, and the method includes:

[0300] In step S4201-1, the target terminal (i.e., the second terminal 102, UE#2 in Figure 4B) will broadcast its offloading capability via PC5, that is, its ability to support offloading services.

[0301] In addition, the target terminal can send offload capability and other information, such as proximity information, to core network equipment such as LMF through the Uu interface. This could be the location information of UE#2.

[0302] Step S4201-2, the source terminal (i.e., the first terminal 101, UE#1 in Figure 4B) that offloads its service to other target terminals can discover neighboring target terminals (that target terminals can support offloading) and trigger terminal offloading conditions (e.g., power level is less than a threshold).

[0303] In step S4202, when the offloading conditions are met, the source terminal will send an offloading request to the core network device LMF, requesting that its services be offloaded to the candidate target terminal, and will also report necessary auxiliary information (such as authorization identifier, first location information, target terminal identifier, etc.) to the network side (core network device 105).

[0304] In step S4203, the network side (core network device 105, such as LMF) can pair and authorize appropriate offloading service source terminals and target terminals through device identification groups and / or proximity.

[0305] In cases where unloading occurs only within the access network device, an unloading request confirmation will be sent to the serving access network device (e.g., the serving gNB).

[0306] In step S4204, the service gNB of the source terminal and / or the target terminal will forward the downlink (DL) service of the source terminal (such as at least one of PDCCH, PDSCH, paging) directly to the target terminal via Uu.

[0307] In step S4205, the source terminal can still forward its uplink (UL) services (such as at least one of PRACH and PUSCH for HARQ) via PC5 at a lower power.

[0308] In step S4206, when the source terminal needs to exit the unloaded state, it can forward the request to the service gNB via Uu PRACH.

[0309] In this disclosure, a method for power saving of a terminal (User Equipment, UE) is provided, wherein the UE can offload its ongoing services to other authorized UEs through a direct link between devices.

[0310] Secondly, according to the aforementioned method, when the UE's power level is below a certain threshold, the UE can trigger an offload process.

[0311] Furthermore, according to the aforementioned method, the target UE that can offload the service can broadcast its ability to support the offload service and other auxiliary information (such as its geographical location) to the source UE via a direct link between devices (e.g., a PC5 link), and broadcast to the NW via a Uu link.

[0312] Furthermore, according to the aforementioned method, the source UE can forward its offload request to the LMF via the Uu UL link.

[0313] Furthermore, according to the aforementioned method, in the network node (LMF), the target UE can be identified and paired for offloading based on the authorization and proximity information of the source and target UEs.

[0314] Furthermore, according to the aforementioned method, the LMF can instruct the service gNB to confirm the unloading of the DL and UL services.

[0315] Furthermore, according to the aforementioned method, the serving gNB of the source UE and the target UE can be the same.

[0316] Furthermore, according to the aforementioned method, DL services / traffic can be directly offloaded to the target UE in the service gNB of the source UE.

[0317] Furthermore, according to the aforementioned method, in the UL, traffic from the source UE can be offloaded to the target UE via a direct link to the target UE.

[0318] Furthermore, according to the aforementioned method, the target UE can forward the source's offloaded UL to the serving gNB via the Uu link.

[0319] Furthermore, according to the aforementioned method, the source UE can terminate the offloading service via the PC5-Uu link.

[0320] This disclosure also proposes an apparatus (also referred to as a communication device, etc.) for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Furthermore, another apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0321] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0322] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0323] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first terminal according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The first terminal 5100 is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5A, the first terminal 5100 may include a transceiver module 5101.

[0324] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 5101 is used to determine that a first condition is met and send a first request message to the core network device; wherein, the first request message is used to request to enter the offloading mode, the offloading mode being a mode that offloads downlink information of the first terminal to the second terminal.

[0325] Optionally, the transceiver module 5101 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the first terminal 5100 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S2101a, S2101b, S2104, S2109, S2112, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0326] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second terminal proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The second terminal 5200 is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5B, the second terminal 5200 may include a transceiver module 5201.

[0327] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 5201 is used to broadcast capability information via a direct link; wherein the capability information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports offloading services.

[0328] Optionally, the transceiver module 5201 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the second terminal 5200 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S2101a, S2101b, S2102a, S2102b, S2108, S2109, S2110, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0329] Figure 5C is a schematic diagram of the core network device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The core network device 5300 is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5C, the core network device 5300 may include at least one of a transceiver module 5301 and a processing module 5302.

[0330] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 5501 is configured to receive a first request message sent by a first terminal; wherein the first request message is configured to request entry into an offload mode, the offload mode being a mode in which downlink information of the first terminal is offloaded to a second terminal; and to send a confirmation message to a second access network device; wherein the confirmation message is configured to confirm that the first terminal has entered the offload mode, and that the second terminal provides offload services to the first terminal, and the second access network device is a serving access network device of the second access network device.

[0331] In some embodiments, the processing module 5302 is used to determine a second terminal that provides the uninstallation service to the first terminal.

[0332] Optionally, the transceiver module 5301 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the core network device 5300 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S2102a, S2102b, S2104, S2106, S2107, S2111, S2114, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0333] Optionally, the processing module 5302 is used to execute at least one of the other steps (such as step S2105, but not limited thereto) executed by the core network device 5500 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0334] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0335] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module.

[0336] In some embodiments, the processing module can be interchanged with the processor, and the transceiver module can be interchanged with the transceiver.

[0337] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 6100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 6100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 6100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0338] As shown in Figure 6A, the communication device 6100 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 includes one or more processors 6101. The processor 6101 may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit may be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 6100 is used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 6101 are used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 6100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0339] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more transceivers 6102. When the communication device 6100 includes one or more transceivers 6102, the transceiver 6102 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S2101a, S2101b, S2102a, S2102b, S2104, S2106, S2107, S2108, S2109, S2110, S2111, S2112, S2114, but not limited thereto), and the processor 6101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S2103, S2105, S2113, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated together. Optionally, terms such as transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, and interface can be used interchangeably; terms such as transmitter, transmitter unit, transmitter, and transmitter circuit can be used interchangeably; and terms such as receiver, receiver unit, receiver, and receiver circuit can be used interchangeably.

[0340] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more memories 6103 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, one or more processors 6101 are used to invoke instructions stored in the memory 6103 to cause the communication device 6100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, all or part of the memory 6103 may also be located outside the communication device 6100. In an optional embodiment, the communication device 6100 may include one or more interface circuits 6104. Optionally, the interface circuit 6104 is connected to the memory 6103 and can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memory 6103 or other devices, and can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memory 6103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 6104 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memory 6103 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 6101.

[0341] The communication device 6100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 6100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 6100 may not be limited by FIG. 6A. The communication device may be a standalone device or a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data, programs and / or instructions; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0342] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 6200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 6100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of chip 6200 shown in Figure 6B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0343] Chip 6200 includes one or more processors 6201. Chip 6200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0344] In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more interface circuits 6202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more memories 6203 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 6203 may be located outside of chip 6200. Optionally, interface circuit 6202 is connected to memory 6203, and interface circuit 6202 can be used to receive data and / or instructions from memory 6203 or other devices, and interface circuit 6202 can be used to send data and / or instructions to memory 6203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 6202 can read data and / or instructions stored in memory 6203 and send the data and / or instructions to processor 6201.

[0345] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 6202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., steps S2101a, S2101b, S2102a, S2102b, S2104, S2106, S2107, S2108, S2109, S2110, S2111, S2112, S2114, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 6202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method refers, for example, to the interface circuit 6202 performing data and / or instruction interaction between the processor 6201, the chip 6200, the memory 6203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 6201 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S2103, S2105, S2113, but not limited thereto).

[0346] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0347] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0348] This disclosure also proposes a program product, including a program and / or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product. Optionally, the program product is stored on the storage medium.

[0349] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

[0350] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a first terminal, and the method includes: Once the first condition is met, a first request message is sent to the core network equipment; wherein, the first request message is used to request entry into the offload mode, the offload mode being a mode that offloads the downlink information and / or uplink information of the first terminal to the second terminal.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second terminal is a terminal that supports providing offloading services via a direct connection link.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the capability information, the second terminal is discovered; wherein the capability information is broadcast by the second terminal through the direct connection link, and the capability information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports offloading services.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second location information broadcast by the second terminal through the direct link is received; wherein the second location information is the location information of the second terminal.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first request message includes at least one of the following: Authorization identifier; wherein, the authorization identifier is an identifier that authorizes the first terminal to enter the uninstallation mode; The identifier of the second terminal; The first location information is the location information of the first terminal.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Uplink information is sent to the second terminal via the direct link.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Once the second condition is determined to be met, a second request message is sent to the first access network device; wherein the second request message is used to request to exit the unload mode, and the first access network device is the service access network device of the first terminal.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second condition includes at least one of the following: The power level is greater than or equal to the first threshold value; The battery level is greater than or equal to the second threshold value.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The first condition includes at least one of the following: The power level is less than the first threshold. The battery level is less than the second threshold.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a second terminal, and the method includes: The capability information is broadcast via a direct link; wherein the capability information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports the offloading service.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The method further includes at least one of the following: Send the capability information to the core network equipment; Send second location information to the core network equipment; wherein, the second location information is the location information of the second terminal.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The method further includes at least one of the following: The second location information is broadcast through the direct link; wherein, the second location information is the location information of the second terminal.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10-12, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive downlink information of the first terminal sent by the second access network device; wherein the second access network device is the serving access network device of the second terminal.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10-13, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive uplink information from the first terminal sent by the first terminal through the direct link; The uplink information of the first terminal is sent to the second access network device; wherein, the second access network device is the serving access network device of the second terminal.

15. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a core network device, and the method includes: Receive a first request message sent by a first terminal; wherein the first request message is used to request to enter an unloading mode, the unloading mode being a mode that unloads downlink information and / or uplink information from the first terminal to a second terminal; The second terminal is identified as the one that provides uninstallation services to the first terminal; A confirmation message is sent to the second access network device; wherein the confirmation message is used to confirm that the first terminal has entered the unloading mode, and that the second terminal provides unloading services to the first terminal, and the second access network device is the service access network device of the second access network device.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The second terminal is a terminal that supports providing offloading services via a direct connection link.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The method further includes at least one of the following: Receive capability information sent by the second terminal; wherein the capability information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports the offloading service; The second location information sent by the second terminal is received; wherein the second location information is the location information of the second terminal.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15-17, characterized in that, The second terminal determined to provide uninstallation services to the first terminal includes at least one of the following: Based on the terminal identifier group, a second terminal is identified as the one providing the uninstallation service to the first terminal; Based on the distance between the first terminal and the second terminal, the second terminal is determined to provide the uninstallation service to the first terminal.

19. The method according to any one of claims 15-18, characterized in that, The method further includes: The system receives a notification message sent by a first access network device; wherein the first access network device is the serving access network device of the first terminal, and the notification message is used to notify the core network device that the first terminal has exited the offload mode.

20. The method according to any one of claims 15-19, characterized in that, The confirmation message includes at least one of the following: The identifier of the first terminal; The identifier of the second terminal.

21. A first terminal, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is configured to send a first request message to the core network device when a first condition is met; wherein the first request message is used to request to enter the offload mode, the offload mode being a mode that offloads downlink information and / or uplink information of the first terminal to the second terminal.

22. A second terminal, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is configured to broadcast capability information via a direct link; wherein the capability information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports offloading services.

23. A core network device, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is configured to receive a first request message sent by a first terminal; wherein the first request message is used to request to enter an unloading mode, the unloading mode being a mode that unloads downlink and / or uplink information from the first terminal to a second terminal; The processing module is configured to determine a second terminal that provides uninstallation services to the first terminal; The transceiver module is further configured to send an acknowledgment message to the second access network device; wherein the acknowledgment message is used to confirm that the first terminal has entered the unloading mode, and that the second terminal provides unloading services to the first terminal, and the second access network device is the serving access network device of the second access network device.

24. A terminal, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; The processor is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-9 or 10-14.

25. A core network device, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; The processor is used to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 15-20.

26. A communication system, characterized in that, include: A terminal configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 1-9 or 10-14; A core network device configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 15-20.

27. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instruction is executed on the communication device, it causes the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-9, 10-14, or 15-20.

28. A computer program product, comprising a computer program, characterized in that, When executed by a processor, the computer program is used to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 1-9, 10-14, or 15-20.

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