Information indication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of communications, and provides an information indication method and an apparatus. The method comprises: a network device sends first information to a terminal device, the first information being used for configuring second information related to network energy saving, and being used for indicating whether the second information is available or unavailable, and the second information comprising one or more of a random access occasion RACH resource, a paging frame (PF), or a paging occasion (PO); and on the basis of the first information, the terminal device determines whether the second information is available or unavailable. In this way, the second information related to network energy saving and information indicating whether the second information is available or unavailable are sent together, so that whether the second information is available or unavailable can be directly determined, and there is no need to wait for other indication information, which is also conducive to saving signaling overhead.

Description

Information indication method and apparatus

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510053449.2, filed on January 13, 2025, entitled "Information Indication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communications, and in particular to an information indication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] In network power saving scenarios, network devices can adaptively configure random access channel (RACH) resources and adaptively adjust paging configuration parameters. For example, before network power saving is enabled, network devices can configure RACH resources, the number of paging frames (PF), and the number of paging occasions (PO) for terminal devices. After network power saving is enabled, in addition to configuring the original RACH resources, the number of PF, and the number of PO for terminal devices, network devices can also configure an additional set of RACH resources, additional PF, and additional PO to reduce the latency of random access and paging response for terminal devices.

[0004] However, how to indicate whether additional RACH resources, additional PFs, and additional POs are available or unavailable has become an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides an information indication method and apparatus that facilitates determining whether one or more of the following are available or unavailable: additional RACH resources, additional PF, or additional PO.

[0006] Firstly, a cell handover method is provided. This method can be executed by a terminal-side communication device supporting NES, or by other entities; this application does not limit the scope of the method. The terminal-side communication device can be a terminal device, or a functional module, communication module, chip, chip system, or circuit within the terminal device (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip). For ease of description, the following explanation uses a terminal device supporting NES as an example.

[0007] The method may include: receiving first information, the first information being used to configure second information related to network power saving and to indicate whether the second information is available or unavailable, the second information including one or more of RACH resources, paging frame PF, or paging timing PO; and determining whether the second information is available or unavailable based on the first information.

[0008] The information indication method provided in this application sends second information related to network energy saving, along with information indicating whether the second information is available or unavailable. This allows the availability or unavailability of the second information to be determined without waiting for other indication information, which helps to save signaling overhead.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the first information is further used to indicate the state of the second information when it is initially configured, wherein the state of the second information is either available or unavailable.

[0010] In this way, the first information can indicate whether the second information is available in the current configuration, as well as whether it was available when the second information was initially configured, which helps to save signaling overhead.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the first information includes one or more of the following: the number of PFs within a paging cycle, the number of PFs indicated by an Early Paging Indication (PEI), or the number of POs within a PF.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the first information is used to indicate the index value of the time-frequency resource, which is used to determine the RACH resource.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the first information is used to indicate a subset of random access resources, which is used to determine RACH resources.

[0014] Secondly, a cell handover method is provided. This method can be executed by a network-side communication device supporting NES, or by other entities such as network elements; this application does not limit the specific implementation. The network-side communication device can be a network device, or a functional module, communication module, chip, chip system, or circuit within the network device (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core). For ease of description, the following explanation uses a network device or network element supporting NES as an example.

[0015] The method may include: determining first information, which is used to configure second information related to network energy saving and to indicate whether the second information is available or unavailable, the second information including one or more of RACH resources, paging frame PF, or paging timing PO; and sending the first information.

[0016] In one possible implementation, when the second information includes PF and / or PO, the method further includes: receiving third information, the third information being used to indicate initiating paging and to indicate that the terminal device supports network power saving or supports paging adaptation, or the third information being used to indicate initiating paging and to indicate the use of the second information; determining first information, including: determining first information based on the third information, the first information being used to indicate that the second information is available.

[0017] If it is unknown whether the terminal device supports network power saving or paging adaptation, the network element cannot determine on which PO to send the paging message. Therefore, in this embodiment, the network element can obtain information from the paging device regarding whether the terminal device supports network devices or paging adaptation. If the terminal device supports network power saving or paging adaptation, the terminal device can determine that the second information is available and can further determine on which specific PO among the available POs to send the paging message. If the terminal device does not support network power saving or paging adaptation, the terminal device can determine that the second information is unavailable and can further determine on which specific PO among the available POs to send the paging message.

[0018] Optionally, the specific information indicated or included in the first information can be referred to the above examples, and will not be repeated here.

[0019] Thirdly, a cell handover method is provided, which can be executed by a terminal-side communication device supporting NES, or by other entities; this application does not limit the scope of the method. For ease of description, the following explanation uses an NES-supporting terminal device as an example.

[0020] The method may include: receiving first information, the first information being used to configure second information related to network power saving, the second information including paging frame PF and / or paging timing PO; and receiving third information, the third information being used to indicate that the second information is available.

[0021] The information indication method provided in this application first configures second information related to network energy saving through first information, and then indicates whether the second information is available, which helps to improve the flexibility of information indication.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the first information includes one or more of the following: the number of PFs within a paging cycle, the number of PFs indicated by an Early Paging Indication (PEI), or the number of POs within a PF.

[0023] Fourthly, a cell handover method is provided. This method can be executed by a network-side communication device that supports NES, or by other entities; this application does not limit the scope of the method. For ease of description, the following explanation uses a network device that supports NES as an example.

[0024] The method may include: sending first information, the first information being used to configure second information related to network power saving, the second information including paging frame PF and / or paging timing PO; and sending third information, the third information being used to indicate that the second information is available.

[0025] The specific information included in the first piece of information can be found in the example above, and will not be repeated here.

[0026] Fifthly, a communication apparatus is provided for executing the method in any of the possible implementations of the above aspects. Specifically, the communication apparatus includes a module for executing the method in any of the possible implementations of the above aspects.

[0027] In a sixth aspect, another communication device is provided, including a processor coupled to a memory for executing instructions in the memory to implement the methods in any of the possible implementations of the foregoing aspects. Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory. Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface to which the processor is coupled.

[0028] In one implementation, the communication device is a terminal device, a network device, or a network element. When the communication device is a terminal device, a network device, or a network element, the communication interface can be a transceiver or an input / output interface.

[0029] In another implementation, the communication device is a chip applicable to a terminal device or a network device. When the communication device is a chip applicable to a terminal device or a network device, the communication interface can be an input / output interface.

[0030] In a seventh aspect, a processor is provided, comprising: an input circuit, an output circuit, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is used to receive signals through the input circuit and transmit signals through the output circuit, causing the processor to execute the method in any possible implementation of the above aspects.

[0031] In the specific implementation process, the processor can be a chip, the input circuit can be an input pin, the output circuit can be an output pin, and the processing circuit can be a transistor, gate circuit, flip-flop, and various logic circuits. The input signal received by the input circuit can be received and input by, for example, but not limited to, a receiver, and the signal output by the output circuit can be output to, for example, but not limited to, a transmitter and transmitted by the transmitter. Furthermore, the input circuit and the output circuit can be the same circuit, which is used as the input circuit and the output circuit at different times. This application does not limit the specific implementation of the processor and various circuits.

[0032] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, including a processor and a memory. The processor is used to read instructions stored in the memory and to receive signals via a receiver and transmit signals via a transmitter to execute the methods in any of the possible implementations of the foregoing aspects.

[0033] Optionally, there may be one or more processors and one or more memories.

[0034] Alternatively, the memory can be integrated with the processor, or the memory can be set up separately from the processor.

[0035] In the specific implementation process, the memory can be a non-transitory memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), which can be integrated with the processor on the same chip or set on different chips. This application does not limit the type of memory or the way the memory and processor are set.

[0036] It should be understood that the relevant data interaction process, such as sending instruction information, can be a process of outputting instruction information from the processor, and receiving capability information can be a process of the processor receiving input capability information. Specifically, the processed output data can be output to the transmitter, and the input data received by the processor can come from the receiver. Here, the transmitter and receiver can be collectively referred to as transceivers.

[0037] The communication device in the eighth aspect above can be a chip. The processor can be implemented in hardware or software. When implemented in hardware, the processor can be a logic circuit, integrated circuit, etc. When implemented in software, the processor can be a general-purpose processor that reads software code stored in memory. The memory can be integrated into the processor or located outside the processor and exist independently.

[0038] Ninthly, a computer program product is provided, comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when run, causes a computer to perform a method in any of the possible implementations of the foregoing aspects.

[0039] In a tenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods in any of the possible implementations of the foregoing aspects.

[0040] It should be understood that the fifth to tenth aspects of this application correspond to the technical solutions of the first to fourth aspects of this application, and the beneficial effects obtained by each aspect and the corresponding feasible implementation are similar, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 2 is an architecture diagram of an O-RAN system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 3 is a diagram of a CU-DU separation architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the relationship between PF and PO provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the changes in the number of PF and PO under different scenarios provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figures 6 to 11 are schematic interactive diagrams of the information indication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0047] Figures 12 and 13 are schematic block diagrams of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used to distinguish identical or similar items with essentially the same function and purpose. For example, "first information" and "second information" are used only to distinguish different information and do not limit their order. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and that "first" and "second" do not necessarily imply that they are different.

[0050] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplarily" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplarily" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of the words "exemplarily" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0051] In this application embodiment, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, a--c, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0052] In the embodiments of this application, the terms and English abbreviations, such as random access timing and paging timing, are merely exemplary examples given for ease of description and should not constitute any limitation on this application. This application does not preclude the possibility of defining other terms that can achieve the same or similar functions in existing or future protocols.

[0053] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, such as LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems and LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, 5th Generation (5G) systems or New Radio (NR) systems, future communication systems, etc.

[0054] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application will be described in detail first with reference to FIG1.

[0055] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided by an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system includes a radio access network (RAN) 100, wherein the RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 110), and may also include at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 120). The RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 1). The terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to the RAN node 110. Terminals and RAN nodes can be interconnected via wired or wireless means. The communication system may also include a core network 200. The RAN node 110 is connected to the core network 200 wirelessly or via wired means. The core network equipment in the core network 200 and the RAN node 110 in the RAN 100 may be independent and different physical devices, or they may be the same physical device integrating the logical functions of the core network equipment and the logical functions of the RAN node. The communication system may also include the Internet 300.

[0056] RAN 100 can be an evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) system, a new radio (NR) system, or a future radio access system as defined in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP). RAN 100 can also include two or more of the above-mentioned different radio access systems. RAN 100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN).

[0057] RAN nodes, also known as radio access network devices, RAN entities, or access nodes, are used to help terminals access communication systems wirelessly. In one application scenario, an RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5th generation (NR) mobile communication system, or a base station in a future mobile communication system. RAN nodes can be macro base stations (as shown in Figure 1, 110a), micro base stations or indoor stations (as shown in Figure 1, 110b), and can also be relay nodes or donor nodes.

[0058] In another application scenario, multiple RAN nodes can collaborate to help terminals achieve wireless access, with different RAN nodes implementing different functions of the base station. For example, a RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU). Here, the CU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Resource Control (RRC) and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), and can also perform the functions of the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP). The DU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Link Control (RANC) and Medium Access Control (MAC) layers, and can also perform some or all of the physical layer functions. For specific descriptions of these protocol layers, refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications. The RU can be used to implement radio frequency signal transmission and reception. The CU and DU can be two independent RAN nodes or integrated into the same RAN node, such as within a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in radio frequency equipment, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU) or an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU can be further divided into two types of RAN nodes: CU-control plane and CU-user plane.

[0059] In different systems, RAN nodes may have different names. For example, in an O-RAN system, a CU can be called an open CU (O-CU), a DU can be called an open DU (O-DU), and an RU can be called an open RU (O-RU). A CU-CP can also be called an open CU-CP (O-CU-CP), and a CU-UP can also be called an open CU-CP (O-CU-UP).

[0060] For example, Figure 2 illustrates the architecture of an O-RAN system. As shown in Figure 2, the O-RAN system includes a RAN intelligent controller (RIC). The RIC includes near-real-time (near-RT) RICs and non-real-time (non-RT) RICs. Near-real-time RICs are used for model training and inference. For example, they are used to train AI models and then use those models for inference. Near-real-time RICs can obtain network-side and / or terminal-side information from RAN nodes (e.g., O-CU, O-CU-CP, O-CU-UP, O-DU, and / or O-RU) and / or terminals. This information can be used as training data or inference data.

[0061] Optionally, the near real-time RIC can deliver inference results to RAN nodes and / or terminals. Optionally, inference results can be exchanged between CU and DU, and / or between DU and RU. For example, the near real-time RIC delivers inference results to DU, which then sends them to RU for near real-time intelligent management of the RAN, or, through data collection and related operations on the E2 interface, near real-time control and optimization of O-RAN modules and resources can be achieved.

[0062] Non-real-time RICs are used for model training and inference. For example, they are used to train AI models and then use those models for inference. Non-real-time RICs can obtain network-side and / or terminal-side information from RAN nodes (e.g., O-CU, O-CU-CP, O-CU-UP, O-DU, and / or O-RU) and / or terminals. This information can be used as training data or inference data, and the inference results can be delivered to the RAN nodes and / or terminals. Optionally, inference results can be exchanged between CUs and DUs, and / or between DUs and RUs; for example, a non-real-time RIC delivers inference results to a DU, which then forwards them to an RU.

[0063] Near real-time RICs and non-real-time RICs can also be configured as separate network elements. Optionally, near real-time RICs and non-real-time RICs can also be part of other devices. For example, near real-time RICs can be set in RAN nodes (e.g., O-CU, O-DU), while non-real-time RICs can be set in OAM, cloud servers, core network devices, or other network devices.

[0064] O-RAN Central Unit (O-CU): Used to implement the radio resource control (RRC) layer, PDCP layer, SDAP layer and other control functions in the 3GPP standard.

[0065] O-RAN Central Unit Control Plane (O-CU-CP): Similar to the CU-CP in the NR system, it is used to implement the functions of the RRC layer and the control plane functions of the PDCP layer, and is part of the O-CU.

[0066] O-RAN Central Unit User Plane (O-CU-UP): Similar to the CU-UP in the NR system, it is used to implement the functions of the SDAP layer and the user plane functions of the PDCP layer, and is part of the O-CU.

[0067] O-RAN Distributed Unit (O-DU): Based on low-layer function partitioning, it is used to implement the radio link control (RLC) layer, media access control (MAC) layer, and higher physical layer (Higher PHY) layer in the 3GPP standard. The higher physical layer functions include one or more of the following: forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding, scrambling / descrambling, or modulation / demodulation.

[0068] The O-RAN Radio Unit (O-RU) is based on low-layer function partitioning and is used to implement lower physical layer (PHY) functions and radio frequency (RF) functions in the 3GPP standard. These PHY functions include one or more of the following: Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) / Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (iFFT), digital beamforming, or extraction and filtering of the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH). It is similar to the Transmission Reception Point (TRP) or Remote Radio Read (RRH) in 3GPP, but includes PHY functions such as FFT / iFFT or PRACH extraction.

[0069] The RAN node in the embodiments of this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. For example, the RAN node can be a server loaded with the corresponding software module. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the RAN node. For ease of description, a base station is used as an example of a RAN node in the following description.

[0070] A terminal is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, capable of sending signals to or receiving signals from a base station. Terminals can also be referred to as user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal equipment, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user apparatus.

[0071] A terminal can be a device that provides voice / data, such as a handheld device or vehicle-mounted device with wireless connectivity. Currently, examples of terminals include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to wireless modems, wearable devices, terminals in 5G networks, or terminals in future evolved public land mobile networks (PLMNs), etc.

[0072] A base station can refer to a radio access network (RAN) node (or device) that connects terminal devices to a wireless network. The term "base station" can broadly encompass or be replaced by various names such as: NodeB, evolved NodeB (eNB), next-generation NodeB (gNB), relay station, access point, transmitting and receiving point (TRP), transmitting point (TP), master station, auxiliary station, motor slide retainer (MSR) node, home base station, network controller, access node, wireless node, access point (AP), transmission node, transceiver node, baseband unit (BBU), remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), remote radio head (RRH), central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), radio unit (RU), positioning node, etc. A base station can be a macro base station, micro base station, relay node, donor node, or similar entity, or a combination thereof. A base station can also refer to a communication module, modem, or chip installed within the aforementioned equipment or apparatus. A base station can also be a mobile switching center and equipment performing base station functions in D2D, V2X, and M2M communications, network-side equipment in 6G networks, or equipment performing base station functions in future communication systems. A base station can support networks using the same or different access technologies. Optionally, a RAN node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0073] In another network architecture, access network equipment may include centralized unit (CU) nodes, distributed unit (DU) nodes, or RAN equipment comprising both CU and DU nodes. This RAN equipment, including CU and DU nodes, separates the protocol layers of the eNB in ​​a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system. Some protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining partial or complete protocol layer functions are distributed across the DUs, which are then centrally controlled by the CU.

[0074] For example, Figure 3 illustrates a CU-DU separation architecture. As shown in Figure 3, in a CU-DU separation architecture, the CU and DU can be configured according to the protocol layer functions of the wireless network they implement. For example, the CU is configured to implement the functions of the PDCP layer and above (e.g., the RRC layer and / or SDAP layer). The DU is configured to implement the functions of the protocol layers below the PDCP layer (e.g., the RLC layer, MAC layer, and / or PHY layer). Alternatively, the CU can be configured to implement the functions of the protocol layers above the PDCP layer (e.g., the RRC layer and / or SDAP layer), and the DU can be configured to implement the functions of the PDCP layer and below (e.g., the RLC layer, MAC layer, and / or PHY layer).

[0075] When a CU includes CU-CP and CU-UP, CU-CP is used to implement the control plane functions of the CU, and CU-UP is used to implement the user plane functions of the CU. For example, when a CU is configured to implement the functions of the PDCP layer, RRC layer, and SDAP layer, CU-CP is used to implement the RRC layer functions and the control plane functions of the PDCP layer, and CU-UP is used to implement the SDAP layer functions and the user plane functions of the PDCP layer.

[0076] Base stations and terminals can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can be deployed on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base stations and terminals.

[0077] The roles of base stations and terminals can be relative. For example, the helicopter or drone 120i in Figure 1 can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j that access the wireless access network 100 through 120i, terminal 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, 120i is a terminal, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a base station-to-base station interface protocol. In this case, relative to 110a, 120i is also a base station. Therefore, both base stations and terminals can be collectively referred to as communication devices. 110a and 110b in Figure 1 can be called communication devices with base station functions, and 120a-120j in Figure 1 can be called communication devices with terminal functions. In the embodiments of this application, the "protocol" involved can refer to standard protocols in the field of communication, such as 3GPP standard protocols, which this application does not limit.

[0078] Currently, with the increasing scale of wireless network base station deployment and the ever-growing demand for user data traffic, the power consumption problem of base stations is becoming increasingly prominent. To save energy, when the base station is idle, it can either not transmit public signals / channels, reduce the frequency of public signal / channel transmission, or extend the transmission period of public signals / channels. When the base station is busy, it can resume transmitting public signals / channels at the normal period / frequency. Public signals can include the transmission of synchronization signal blocks (SSBs), monitoring of the physical random access channel (PRACH), and paging transmissions.

[0079] For example, when the base station is not power-efficient, it can still transmit SSB and paging signals normally and perform normal PRACH monitoring. When the base station is power-efficient, it can adjust the behavior of SSB, PRACH, and paging signals. For example, it can lengthen the transmission period of SSB and paging, thereby reducing the number of SSB and paging transmissions, or reduce the timing of PRACH monitoring.

[0080] Scenarios that save base station energy consumption can be called network energy-saving scenarios. In network energy-saving scenarios, network devices can adaptively configure RACH resources and adaptively adjust paging configuration parameters. For example, before network energy saving is enabled, network devices can configure RACH resources, the number of PFs, and the number of POs for terminal devices. After network energy saving is enabled, in addition to configuring the original RACH resources, the number of PFs, and the number of POs for terminal devices, network devices can also configure an additional set of RACH resources, additional PFs, and additional POs to shorten the latency of random access and paging response for terminal devices.

[0081] To better understand additional RACH resources, additional PF, and additional PO, they are introduced below.

[0082] 1) Additional RACH resources

[0083] PRACH is the physical channel through which a terminal needs to send a preamble to initiate random access. For a terminal to initiate random access, it needs to send a random access signal at an appropriate time, and the base station will receive the random access signal at the same time. The timing of initiating random access can be called the Random Access Channel Occasion (RACH occasion, RO) or the Random Access Channel (RACH) resource. Currently, RACH configuration information is included in the SIB1 signaling broadcast by the base station.

[0084] For example, SIB1 signaling may include `prach-ConfigurationIndex`, which indicates the index value of the time-domain resources of the RACH configured by the base station for the terminal. The terminal can use this index value to look up a table and determine which symbol in which time slot of which frame to send the preamble. SIB1 signaling may also include `ssb-perRACH-OccasionAndCB-PreamblesPerSSB`, which indicates the number of SSBs on each RO and the number of contention-based preambles that can be sent on each SSB.

[0085] In network energy-saving scenarios, base stations can adaptively configure RACH. For example, before network energy saving is enabled, network devices can configure RACH resources for terminal devices. After network energy saving is enabled, in addition to configuring the original RACH resources for the terminal devices, the network devices also configure an additional set of RACH resources.

[0086] Additional RACH resources can be configured in two ways.

[0087] In one possible implementation, an additional prach-ConfigurationIndex is configured, so that there can be two prach-ConfigurationIndexes in the SIB1 signaling: one that indicates the index value of the original RACH time-domain resources configured by the base station for the terminal, and the other that indicates the index value of the additional RACH time-domain resources configured by the base station for the terminal.

[0088] In another possible implementation, new subsets of RACH resources are introduced onto the existing RACH resources, or in other words, additional subsets of RACH resources are introduced onto the existing RACH resources. For example, Alt 2-1: RO level per SSB, Alt 2-2: SSB-to-RO mapping cycle level, Alt 2-3: PRACH association period level, Alt 2-4: PRACH association pattern period level, Alt 2-5: SFN level, and Alt 2-6: Network configured time period are introduced onto the existing RACH resources. These additional subsets of RACH resources can be at the RO level, the SSB and RO mapping level, the RO cycle level, the RO pattern cycle level, the frame level, or a time period of network configuration; this application does not limit this.

[0089] 2) Additional PO and additional PF

[0090] Paging is a common signal frequently sent by base stations. Base stations can send paging messages to enable terminals in the idle state (RRC_IDLE) or the intermediate state between connected and idle (RRC_INACTIVE) to re-establish radio resource control (RRC) connections, or to notify terminals of system message changes or public alarms. To reduce base station power consumption, base stations can lengthen the paging period or reduce the number of paging transmissions.

[0091] For a terminal to receive a paging signal, it needs to monitor the paging signal on a dedicated PO (Point of Purchase) on a PF (Power Factor). Currently, SIB1 signaling broadcast by the base station can be used to indicate relevant paging configuration information. Upon receiving SIB1 signaling, the terminal can determine which PO to receive the paging message on based on the paging configuration information and the paging calculation formula.

[0092] For example, SIB1 signaling can be used to indicate the number of PFs, the paging frame interval, and the number of POs within a PF in a paging cycle. The terminal device can determine the PFs and POs based on this configuration information and the paging calculation formula. The system frame number (SNF) of the PF satisfies the formula: (SFN + PF_offset) mod T = (T div N) * (UE_ID mod N). The index value of the PO satisfies the formula: i_s = floor(UE_ID / N) mod Ns. Where T is the paging cycle, N is the number of PFs in a paging cycle, PF_offset is the paging frame interval, Ns is the number of POs within a PF, UE_ID is the terminal identifier, and i_s is the index value of the PO.

[0093] Currently, the protocol supports a maximum of T / 16 PFs within a paging cycle T. Under one PF, the maximum number of POs is 4. To better understand the relationship between PFs and POs, the following explanation is based on Figure 4.

[0094] Figure 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of the relationship between PFs and POs. As shown in Figure 4, T represents a paging cycle. A paging cycle T can contain N PFs, and there is a paging frame interval PF_offset between every two adjacent PFs. A PF contains Ns POs, and each PO can contain S S SSB beams. Different SSB beams can be in different time slots.

[0095] SIB1 signaling can also be used to indicate early paging indication (PEI). PEI is an indication sent by the base station before paging monitoring, indicating whether a paging is imminent for the terminal and whether monitoring the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) is necessary. If the corresponding indication field of the PEI indicates no monitoring, the terminal does not need to monitor downlink control information (DCI) on the PDCCH and paging messages on the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), achieving energy saving for the terminal. Currently, one PEI can indicate whether terminals on up to eight POs (Positioning Objects) are monitoring paging messages.

[0096] For example, the corresponding indication field of PEI in SIB1 signaling can indicate that the terminal devices on PO1, PO2, PO4 and PO8 need to monitor paging messages.

[0097] In network power saving scenarios, base stations can adaptively adjust paging configuration parameters. For example, in non-network power saving scenarios, the maximum number of PFs (Power Factors) within a paging cycle T is T / 16, and the maximum number of POs (Positions) under one PF is 4. In network power saving scenarios, increasing the number of PFs and POs allows the base station to enter a sleep mode. For example, in network power saving scenarios, the maximum number of PFs within a paging cycle T is T / 32, and the maximum number of POs under one PF is 8.

[0098] To better understand the changes in PF and PO, the following explanation is provided in conjunction with Figure 5.

[0099] For example, Figure 5 illustrates the changes in the number of PFs and POs under different scenarios. As shown in Figure 5a, before network power saving is enabled, one paging cycle can include 32 frames, and one paging cycle can include a maximum of 16 PFs, which are illustrated as 2 PFs in the figure. Each PF can contain 4 POs. As shown in Figure 5b, after network power saving is enabled, one paging cycle can include 32 frames, and one paging cycle can include a maximum of 32 PFs, which are illustrated as 4 PFs in the figure. Each PF can contain 8 POs.

[0100] After network power saving is enabled, the number of PFs and POs increases, which can be understood as paging enhancement. Terminals that support paging enhancement can use 8 POs, while terminals that do not support paging enhancement can only use the original 4 POs. The additional POs compared to the original POs can be called extra POs.

[0101] Furthermore, the formula for calculating Power Per Utility (PF) can differ after network power saving is enabled compared to before. For example, the formula for calculating PF after network power saving is enabled can be as shown in Table 1.

[0102] Table 1

[0103] As shown in Table 1, there may be eight calculation methods for PF. The specific method used can be agreed upon by the protocol or instructed by the network device. This application embodiment does not limit this. Option 1 in Table 1: (SFN+PF_offset)mod T=G*(UE_ID mod L), where G represents the value of the gap, gap represents the frame-level gap between two PFs, and L represents the number of paging frames in a paging frame combination. Other parameters are the same as the above formula and will not be repeated here. Option 2 in Table 1: (SFN+PF_offset)mod T=(T div N)*(SubGroup mod N), where SubGroup represents the subgroup in which the terminal device is located. Option 6 in Table 1: Traditional PF+[(UE_ID mod(N_new / N+factor))-(factor-1)], where N_new represents the number of PFs after paging enhancement, N is the number of PFs before paging enhancement, and factor is a constant, which is 0 or 1. Option 8 in Table 1 is (SFN+PF_offset)mod T=(Ddiv N)*(UE_ID mod N), where D represents the number of PFs in one cycle of power saving mode.

[0104] As mentioned above, a single PEI can indicate a maximum of 8 POs. If a PF contains a maximum of 4 POs, then a single PEI can indicate a maximum of 2 PFs. If a PF contains a maximum of 8 POs and reuses the capabilities of the current PEI, then a single PEI can indicate a maximum of 1 PF. Therefore, to maintain consistency with the original standard, an enhanced PEI is proposed. For example, a PEI can indicate a maximum of 2 PFs, and each PF can have a maximum of 8 POs, thus a single PEI can indicate a maximum of 16 POs. Alternatively, the base station can transmit two PEIs, each PEI indicating a maximum of 8 POs.

[0105] In summary, in network energy-saving scenarios, the maximum number of PFs within a paging cycle T can be T / 32, and the maximum number of POs under one PF can be 8. A PEI can indicate a maximum of 2 PFs, and each PF can have a maximum of 8 POs. Alternatively, the base station can configure two PEIs, with each PEI indicating a maximum of 8 POs.

[0106] As can be seen from the above introduction to additional RACH resources, additional POs, and additional PFs, these resources can be configured via SIB1 signaling. However, it is not yet clear when these additional RACH resources, additional POs, and additional PFs are available or unavailable, which is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0107] Based on this, embodiments of this application provide an information indication method and apparatus. One or more additional RACH resources, additional POs, or additional PFs, along with information indicating their availability or unavailability, are sent together. This allows determination of the availability or unavailability of one or more additional RACH resources, additional POs, or additional PFs without waiting for other indication information, thus saving signaling overhead. Alternatively, if one or more additional RACH resources, additional POs, or additional PFs are configured to be unavailable, their availability is indicated by additional indication information, thereby improving the flexibility in determining the availability of one or more additional RACH resources, additional POs, or additional PFs.

[0108] In the embodiments of this application, the functions of the base station can be executed by modules (such as chips) within the base station, or by a control subsystem that includes base station functions. This control subsystem, including base station functions, can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Similarly, the functions of the terminal can be executed by modules (such as chips or modems) within the terminal, or by a device that includes terminal functions. For ease of description, the methods of the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below using network devices and terminal devices as examples of the execution entities.

[0109] It should be understood that the terminal device can be the terminal device itself, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal device in implementing the methods provided in the embodiments of this application, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the terminal device; the network device can be the network device itself, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing the methods provided in the embodiments of this application, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the network device, and this application does not specifically limit it in this regard.

[0110] To better understand the embodiments of this application, the methods provided by the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 6 to 11. The embodiments shown in this application illustrate the methods provided by the embodiments of this application from the perspective of device interaction. The specific forms and quantities of the devices shown are merely examples and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation of the methods provided by the embodiments of this application.

[0111] For example, Figure 6 shows a schematic interactive diagram of an information indication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method can be applied to the communication system shown in Figure 1 above, but the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto. As shown in Figure 6, the method may include the following steps:

[0112] S601. The network device sends first information to the terminal device. The first information is used to configure second information related to network energy saving and to indicate whether the second information is available or unavailable. The second information includes one or more of RACH resources, PF, or PO.

[0113] It is understandable that if one or more of the RACH resources, PF, or PO are related to network energy saving, then it means that there are additional RACH resources, additional PF, and additional PO. Additional RACH resources, additional PF, and additional PO can be just a name example. In other examples, additional RACH resources, additional PF, and additional PO can also be referred to as energy-saving dedicated RACH resources, energy-saving dedicated PF, and energy-saving dedicated PO, respectively.

[0114] The second information includes RACH resources, which can have various possible implementations. In one possible implementation, the second information may include a set of RACH resources. In another possible implementation, the second information may include multiple sets of RACH resources, all of which are related to network energy saving. The energy saving intensity of these multiple sets of RACH resources may be the same or different, and this application embodiment does not limit this. The first information is used to configure one or more of the following: additional RACH resources, additional PF, or additional PO. It can also indicate whether one or more of the following: additional RACH resources, additional PF, or additional PO are available or unavailable.

[0115] In some examples, if the network device configures one or more of the following additional RACH resources, additional PF, or additional PO to the terminal device before enabling NES, it can also indicate that one or more of the additional RACH resources, additional PF, or additional PO are unavailable. If the network device configures one or more of the following additional RACH resources, additional PF, or additional PO to the terminal device after enabling NES, it can also indicate that one or more of the additional RACH resources, additional PF, or additional PO are available, so that the terminal device with NES enabled can use one or more of the additional RACH resources, additional PF, or additional PO, which helps to reduce random access latency or paging latency.

[0116] In this way, regardless of whether NES is enabled, the information indicating the availability of configuration resources can be sent along with the configuration resources, which helps to save signaling overhead.

[0117] In other examples, before enabling NES, the network device configures one or more of the following additional RACH resources, additional PFs, or additional POs to the end device, defaulting to their unavailability. After enabling NES, the network device can send indication information to the end device indicating that one or more of the additional RACH resources, additional PFs, or additional POs are available. For example, the indication information can be carried in a DCI. The end device can then use one or more of the additional RACH resources, additional PFs, or additional POs after enabling NES. Furthermore, if the network device reconfigures one or more of the additional RACH resources, additional PFs, or additional POs to the end device after enabling NES, the network device can also indicate their availability, i.e., the configured resources are sent along with the availability information.

[0118] In this way, after the network device enables NES, the information indicating the availability of configuration resources can be sent along with the configuration resources. Before the network device is enabled, the information indicating the availability of configuration resources and the information about the configuration resources are different, which provides greater flexibility.

[0119] In some examples, the initial information can be carried in SIB1 signaling.

[0120] For example, SIB1 signaling may include "Additional-RACH-config enabled" and "Additional-Paging-config not enabled" to indicate that additional RACH resources are available, but additional PF and PO are not. Alternatively, SIB1 signaling may include "Additional-RACH-config enabled" and "Additional-Paging-config enabled" to indicate that additional RACH resources are available, and additional PF and PO are available.

[0121] In the embodiments of this application, the first information may indicate one or more of the following in a variety of ways: additional RACH resources, additional PF, or additional PO.

[0122] In one possible implementation, the first information may include paging parameters to indicate additional PFs and POs. For example, the first information may include one or more of the following: the number of PFs within a paging cycle, the number of PFs indicated by a PEI, or the number of POs within a PF.

[0123] In another possible implementation, the first information can indicate the number of PFs within a paging cycle, the number of PFs indicated by a PEI, or the number of POs within a PF, through an index value. It is understood that the terminal device can preset the number of PFs within a paging cycle, the number of PFs indicated by a PEI, or the number of POs within a PF, corresponding to different index values. The terminal device can obtain the number of PFs within a paging cycle, the number of PFs indicated by a PEI, or the number of POs within a PF, based on the index values ​​in the first information and the preset correspondence.

[0124] In another possible implementation, the first information can indicate additional RACH resources via the index value of the time-frequency resource. For example, the first information can specifically indicate the index value of the time-frequency resource, and the terminal device can look up the table based on the index value to determine the additional RACH resource and send a preamble on the additional RACH resource.

[0125] In another possible implementation, the first information can indicate additional RACH resources via a subset of random access resources. For example, the first information can specifically indicate a subset of random access resources, and the terminal device can determine the additional RACH resources based on this subset of random access resources and send a preamble on the additional RACH resources.

[0126] S602. The terminal device determines whether the second information is available or unavailable based on the first information.

[0127] It is understandable that if the first information includes information that is available in the second information, then the second information is available. If the first information includes information that is not available in the second information, then the second information is unavailable.

[0128] The information indication method provided in this application sends one or more of the additional RACH resources, additional POs, or additional PFs, along with information indicating their availability or unavailability. This allows the availability or unavailability of one or more of the additional RACH resources, additional POs, or additional PFs to be determined without waiting for other indication information, which helps to save signaling overhead.

[0129] Network devices can periodically or intermittently configure second information related to network energy saving to terminal devices. The second information may or may not be available each time it is configured, and this application embodiment does not limit this. In some examples, when configuring the second information, the network device can also indicate whether the second information is available during the first configuration. Here, "the first configuration of the second information" can also be referred to as "initial configuration of the second information," and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0130] When configuring the second information, the network device also indicates whether the second information is available when it is initially configured, and there are several possible implementation methods.

[0131] In one possible implementation, the first information can also be used to indicate the state of the second information when the second information is initially configured, wherein the state of the second information is available or unavailable.

[0132] For example, when the second information includes RACH resources, the first information may also include additional-RACH-resource-initialStatus ENUMERATE{enabled}, indicating that RACH resources are available when initially configuring them. Alternatively, the first information may also include additional-RACH-resource-initialStatus ENUMERATE{not enabled}, indicating that RACH resources are not available when initially configuring them.

[0133] When the second information includes PF and / or PO, the first information may also include additional-paging-initialStatus ENUMERATE{enabled}, indicating that PF and / or PO are available during initial configuration. Alternatively, the first information may also include additional-paging-initialStatus ENUMERATE{not enabled}, indicating that PF and / or PO are not available during initial configuration.

[0134] In this way, the first information can indicate whether the second information is available in the current configuration, as well as whether it was available when the second information was initially configured, which helps to save signaling overhead.

[0135] In another possible implementation, in addition to sending the first information to the terminal device, the network device may also send information to the terminal device indicating the status of the second information when it was initially configured.

[0136] For example, when the second information includes RACH resources, the information used to indicate the status of the second information when it is initially configured may include `additional-RACH-resource-initialStatus ENUMERATE{enabled}`, indicating that the RACH resource is available when it is initially configured. Alternatively, the information used to indicate the status of the second information when it is initially configured may include `additional-RACH-resource-initialStatus ENUMERATE{not enabled}`, indicating that the RACH resource is not available when it is initially configured.

[0137] When the second information includes a PF and / or a PO, the information used to indicate the status of the second information when it is initially configured may include additional-paging-initialStatus ENUMERATE{enabled}, indicating that the PF and / or PO are available when they are initially configured. Alternatively, the information used to indicate the status of the second information when it is initially configured may include additional-paging-initialStatus ENUMERATE{not enabled}, indicating that the PF and / or PO are not available when they are initially configured.

[0138] Using different information transmission methods can increase the flexibility of information delivery.

[0139] To better understand the above embodiments, the methods provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to specific examples.

[0140] For example, Figure 7 shows a schematic interactive diagram of an information indication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method can be applied to the communication system shown in Figure 1 above, but the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto. As shown in Figure 7, the method may include the following steps:

[0141] S701. The network device sends an SIB1 signaling message to the terminal device. The SIB1 signaling message carries additional RACH resources and indicates that the additional RACH resources are unavailable, and that they are unavailable when initially configuring additional RACH resources.

[0142] Network devices can broadcast SIB1 signaling intermittently or periodically. This SIB1 signaling can be used to configure additional RACH resources. Before NES is enabled, additional RACH resources are unavailable. Therefore, before NES is enabled, SIB1 signaling is used to indicate that additional RACH resources are unavailable, and to indicate that additional RACH resources are unavailable during initial configuration.

[0143] In some examples, SIB1 signaling may include two fields: `additional-RACH-resource-indication` and `additional-RACH-resource-initialStatus`. The `additional-RACH-resource-indication` field can indicate that additional RACH resources are unavailable, and the `additional-RACH-resource-initialStatus` field can indicate that additional RACH resources are unavailable during initial configuration. For example, if the `additional-RACH-resource-indication` field is `not enabled`, `not activated`, or 0, it means that additional RACH resources are unavailable. Similarly, if the `additional-RACH-resource-initialStatus` field is `not enabled`, `not activated`, or 0, it means that additional RACH resources are unavailable during initial configuration.

[0144] S702. Enable NES on network devices to reduce power consumption.

[0145] S703. Network devices can send indication information to terminal devices, which indicates that additional RACH resources are available.

[0146] Network devices can dynamically indicate the availability of additional RACH resources to terminal devices through indication information, offering greater flexibility.

[0147] If the above SIB1 signaling includes multiple additional RACH resources, the indication information can also indicate which one or more of the multiple additional RACH resources are available.

[0148] In the embodiments of this application, the indication information can be implemented in a variety of possible ways.

[0149] In one possible implementation, the indication information can be a DCI scrambled with a paging radio network temporary identifier (P-RNTI). For example, the reserved bit in the DCI can be used to indicate the availability of additional RACH resources, and / or to indicate which set or sets of additional RACH resources are available.

[0150] In another possible implementation, the indication information can be a short message. For example, the reserved bits in the short message can be used to indicate whether additional RACH resources are available, and / or to indicate which set or sets of RACH resources are available among multiple sets of additional RACH resources.

[0151] In one example, if the reserved bits in the short message are used to indicate whether additional PRACH is available, then the short message may not be used to indicate a system message change. Alternatively, the protocol or standard specifies that if the reserved bits in the short message are used to indicate that additional PRACH is available, it means that SIB1 has changed. Or, the protocol or standard specifies that the availability of additional RACH resources does not trigger a system message change notification.

[0152] After the network device enables NES, it sends an indication message to the terminal device, indicating that additional RACH resources are available, which helps the terminal devices camped in the cell to use the additional RACH resources.

[0153] S704. The network device sends an updated SIB1 signaling message to the terminal device. The updated SIB1 signaling message carries additional RACH resources and indicates that the additional RACH resources are available, but are not available when initially configuring the additional RACH resources.

[0154] After NES is enabled, the SIB1 signaling broadcast by network devices carries different information than the SIB1 signaling broadcast when NES is enabled; this can be called updated SIB1 signaling. This updated SIB1 signaling can be used to configure additional RACH resources. After NES is enabled, these additional RACH resources become available. Therefore, the updated SIB1 signaling can carry information indicating the availability of additional RACH resources after NES is enabled. Since the configuration of additional RACH resources begins before NES is enabled, these resources are initially unavailable during the initial configuration process.

[0155] In some examples, SIB1 signaling may include two fields: additional-RACH-resource-indication and additional-RACH-resource-initialStatus. When additional-RACH-resource-indication is enabled, activated, or 1, it indicates that additional RACH resources are available. When additional-RACH-resource-initialStatus is not enabled, not activated, or 0, it indicates that additional RACH resources are not available during initial configuration.

[0156] Network devices send updated SIB1 signaling. The updated SIB1 signaling can both configure additional RACH resources and indicate additional RACH resources. This is beneficial because terminal devices camped in the cell can directly determine the availability of additional RACH resources through the updated SIB1 signaling without needing to receive additional indication information, which helps to shorten random access latency.

[0157] Following S704, if the network device disables NES, when it resends SIB1 signaling to the terminal device, the SIB1 signaling can be similar to the SIB1 signaling shown in S701 above, i.e., the SIB1 signaling carries additional RACH resources and indicates that the additional RACH resources are unavailable. Alternatively, the SIB1 signaling can be used to configure additional RACH resources, and the network device can also send indication information (e.g., DCI or short message) to the terminal device, which indicates that the additional RACH resources are unavailable, i.e., indicating that the additional RACH resources are unavailable through dynamic signaling.

[0158] For example, Figure 8 shows a schematic interactive diagram of an information indication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method can be applied to the communication system shown in Figure 1 above, but the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto. As shown in Figure 8, the method may include the following steps:

[0159] S801. The network device sends an SIB1 signaling message to the terminal device. The SIB1 signaling message carries an additional PO and / or PF, and indicates that the additional PO and / or PF are unavailable, and that they are unavailable when initially configuring the additional PO and / or PF.

[0160] Network devices can broadcast SIB1 signaling intermittently or periodically. SIB1 signaling can be used to configure additional POs and / or PFs. Before NES is enabled, additional POs and / or PFs are unavailable. Therefore, before NES is enabled, SIB1 signaling is used to indicate that additional POs and / or PFs are unavailable, and to indicate that initial configuration of additional POs and / or PFs is not possible.

[0161] In some examples, SIB1 signaling may include two fields: `additional-paging-resource-indication` and `additional-paging-resource-initialStatus`. The `additional-paging-resource-indication` field can indicate that additional Product Objects (POs) and / or Product Providers (PFs) are unavailable, while the `additional-paging-resource-initialStatus` field can indicate that additional POs and / or PFs are unavailable during initial configuration. For example, if the `additional-paging-resource-indication` field is set to `not enabled`, `not activated`, or 0, it indicates that additional POs and / or PFs are unavailable. Similarly, if the `additional-paging-resource-initialStatus` field is set to `not enabled`, `not activated`, or 0, it indicates that additional POs and / or PFs are unavailable during initial configuration.

[0162] In the embodiments of this application, SIB1 signaling can carry additional PO and / or PF in a variety of ways.

[0163] In one possible implementation, the SIB1 signaling may carry paging parameters. For example, the paging parameters may include one or more of the following: the number of PFs in a paging cycle, the number of PFs indicated by a PEI, or the number of POs in a PF. The terminal device can determine additional POs and / or PFs based on the paging parameters.

[0164] In another possible implementation, if the additional PO and / or PF are calculated differently from the original PO and / or PF, i.e., a new formula is used, such as the formula shown in Table 1 above, then the SIB1 signaling can carry paging parameters related to the new formula so that the terminal device can determine the additional PO and / or PF based on the paging parameters.

[0165] In another possible implementation, the protocol or standard can define additional PO and / or PF as paging enhancements, SIB1 signaling can indicate paging enhancements, and the terminal device can determine additional PO and / or PF based on the paging enhancements.

[0166] S802. Enable NES on network devices to reduce power consumption.

[0167] S803. Network devices can send indication information to terminal devices, which indicates that additional POs and / or PFs are available.

[0168] Network devices can dynamically indicate the availability of additional POs and / or PFs to terminal devices through indication information, offering greater flexibility.

[0169] In the embodiments of this application, the indication information can have a variety of possible implementations, similar to the additional RACH resources mentioned above, and will not be described again here.

[0170] After the network device enables NES, it sends an indication message to the terminal device, indicating that additional PO and / or PF are available, which helps the terminal devices camped in the cell to use the additional PO and / or PF.

[0171] S804. The network device sends an updated SIB1 signaling message to the terminal device. The updated SIB1 signaling message carries additional PO and / or PF, and indicates that the additional PO and / or PF are available, and indicates that they are not available when the additional PO and / or PF are initially configured.

[0172] Similar to the example shown in Figure 7 above, network devices can periodically or intermittently broadcast updated SIB1 signaling to terminal devices. This updated SIB1 signaling can be used to configure additional POs and / or PFs. After NES is enabled, the additional POs and / or PFs become available. Therefore, after NES is enabled, the updated SIB1 signaling can carry information indicating the availability of additional POs and / or PFs. Since the configuration of additional POs and / or PFs begins before NES is enabled, RACH resources are unavailable during the initial configuration of additional POs and / or PFs.

[0173] In some examples, SIB1 signaling may include two fields: the additional-paging-resource-indication field and the additional-paging-resource-initialStatus field. When the additional-paging-resource-indication field is enabled, activated, or 1, it indicates that additional POs and / or PFs are available. When the additional-paging-resource-initialStatus field is not enabled, not activated, or 0, it indicates that additional POs and / or PFs are not available during initial configuration.

[0174] Network devices send updated SIB1 signaling. The updated SIB1 signaling can both configure additional POs and / or PFs and indicate additional POs and / or PFs. This is beneficial because terminal devices camped in the cell can directly determine the availability of additional POs and / or PFs through the updated SIB1 signaling without needing to receive additional indication information, which helps to shorten random access latency.

[0175] Following S804, if the network device disables NES, when the network device resends SIB1 signaling to the terminal device, it can be similar to the SIB1 signaling shown in S801 above, that is, the SIB1 signaling carries additional PO and / or PF, and indicates that the additional PO and / or PF are unavailable. Alternatively, the SIB1 signaling is used to configure the additional PO and / or PF, and the network device can also send indication information (e.g., DCI or short message) to the terminal device, which indicates that the additional PO and / or PF are unavailable, that is, indicating that the additional PO and / or PF are unavailable through dynamic signaling.

[0176] In addition to the information indication method shown in Figure 8 above, this application embodiment also provides an information indication method that can determine whether additional PO or PF is available.

[0177] For example, Figure 9 shows a schematic interactive diagram of an information indication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method can be applied to the communication system shown in Figure 1 above, but the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto. As shown in Figure 9, the method may include the following steps:

[0178] S901, the network device sends SIB1 signaling to the terminal device. The SIB1 signaling does not carry additional PO and / or PF.

[0179] The method for sending SIB1 signaling can be referred to as S801 in Figure 8 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0180] It is understandable that additional POs and PFs are not available before NES is enabled on network devices. Therefore, network devices do not need to carry additional POs and / or PFs when broadcasting SIB1 signaling. This helps to save signaling overhead.

[0181] S902. Enable NES on network devices to reduce power consumption.

[0182] S903. Network devices can send system information change notification messages to terminal devices. These system information change notification messages are used to notify terminal devices that system information has changed.

[0183] In some examples, network devices can send a DCI to an end device, which carries information to indicate a short message that indicates a change in system information.

[0184] S904. Network devices can send updated SIB1 signaling to terminal devices, and the updated SIB1 signaling carries additional PO and / or PF.

[0185] The method for sending updated SIB1 signaling can be found in S804 in Figure 8 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0186] S905, the terminal equipment can determine the availability of additional PO and / or PF in the updated SIB1 signaling based on the notification message of system information change.

[0187] The information indication method provided in this application enables the terminal device to determine the availability of additional POs and / or PFs after the network device is turned on by a notification message of system information changes, without needing to indicate whether they are available every time they are configured, which helps to save signaling overhead.

[0188] In addition to the examples shown above, embodiments of this application also provide an information indication method that can determine whether additional POs or PFs are available.

[0189] For example, Figure 10 shows a schematic interactive diagram of an information indication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method can be applied to the communication system shown in Figure 1 above, but the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto. As shown in Figure 10, the method may include the following steps:

[0190] S1001. Enable NES on network devices to reduce power consumption.

[0191] S1002. The network device sends SIB1 signaling to the terminal device. The SIB1 signaling carries additional PO and / or PF.

[0192] It is understandable that network devices configure additional POs and / or PFs via SIB1 signaling. These additional POs and / or PFs can also be referred to as POs and / or PFs related to network energy saving.

[0193] S1003. The network device can send indication information to the terminal device, which is used to indicate that additional PO and / or PF are available.

[0194] The instruction information can be a short message or carried in a DCI, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0195] The information indication method provided in this application embodiment configures the additional PO and / or PF information and indicates the additional PO and / or PF information differently, or they are not sent simultaneously, thus providing greater flexibility.

[0196] Before enabling NES on the network device, the network device may not configure additional POs and / or PFs for the terminal device. Alternatively, the network device may configure additional POs and / or PFs for the terminal device and send information to the terminal device indicating that the additional PDs and / or PFs are unavailable. Or, the network device may configure additional POs and / or PFs for the terminal device and indicate that the additional PDs and / or PFs are unavailable. This application does not limit this approach.

[0197] In the example shown above, the network device can include a CU and a DU. In a CU and DU separate architecture, meaning the CU and DU are different devices, the network device can be a DU. In a CU and DU separate architecture, after the DU enables NES, it can use an additional PO, but the DU does not know on which PO to send paging messages.

[0198] This is because in a CU and DU separate architecture, the DU does not have the capability information of the terminal device, which causes the DU to not know which PO to send a paging message on.

[0199] To address this issue, in a separate CU and DU architecture, the DU can receive capability information from the terminal device to determine which PO to send the paging message on.

[0200] For example, the DU may receive third information, which is used to instruct paging to be initiated and to instruct the terminal device to support network power saving or paging adaptation; alternatively, the third information may be used to instruct paging to be initiated and to instruct the use of a power saving factor (PF) and / or a power locator (PO). Based on the third information, the DU may determine the paging timing based on the PF and / or PO related to network power saving when paging the terminal device.

[0201] DU receives third-party information, and there are different ways to implement this in different scenarios.

[0202] In some scenarios, the core network initiates paging for terminal devices in the idle (RRC_IDLE) state. The core network may include the terminal device's capability information, but the DU does not, so the DU does not know which PO to send the paging on. Therefore, in this embodiment, the core network may send the terminal device's capability information to the DU so that the DU can determine which PO to send the paging on.

[0203] In other scenarios, the RAN initiates paging for terminal devices in an intermediate state (RRC_INACTIVE) between connected and idle states. The CU in the RAN may include the terminal device's capability information, but the DU in the RAN does not, so the DU does not know which PO to send the paging on. Therefore, in this embodiment, the CU can send the terminal device's capability information to the DU so that the DU can determine which PO to send the paging on.

[0204] It should be noted that when a terminal device establishes an RRC connection with a network device, it can report its capability information to the CU (Control Unit) within the network device. However, this applies only to terminal devices in the connected state (RRC_CONNECTED). For terminal devices in RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE, the DU (Dedicated Unit) does not include the terminal device's capability information. Therefore, in RAN paging scenarios, the RAN includes the capability information of RRC_INACTIVE terminal devices; in core network paging scenarios, the core network includes the capability information of terminal devices in RRC_IDLE.

[0205] To better understand the embodiments of this application, specific examples are provided below. In the examples below, the core network is described using the AMF network element.

[0206] For example, Figure 11 shows a schematic interactive diagram of an information indication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method can be applied to the communication system shown in Figure 1 above, but the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto. As shown in Figure 11, the method may include the following steps:

[0207] S1101, DU enables NES.

[0208] When the DU enables NES, in a paging scenario, it can be understood as the DU entering a paging enhancement state. If the DU enters a paging enhancement state, it can determine to use additional POs and / or PFs, and the number of POs and / or PFs will change.

[0209] S1102, DU can indicate that additional PO and / or PF are available for CU.

[0210] When DU enters the paging enhancement state, DU can indicate to CU that additional PO and / or PF are available, or in other words, that additional PO and / or PF are activated for use.

[0211] In some examples, information about the availability of additional POs and / or PFs can be carried in the gNB_DU system information element so that the DU can indicate to the CU that additional POs and / or PFs are available.

[0212] S1103 and DU can send indication information to the terminal device, which can be used to indicate that additional PO and / or PF are available.

[0213] The information can indicate the availability of additional POs and / or PFs in different ways.

[0214] In some examples, if the additional PO and / or PF are calculated by a formula, the instruction information can specifically indicate the use of a new formula so that the terminal device can determine that the additional PO and / or PF are available.

[0215] In some examples, the indication information can specifically indicate paging enhancements so that the terminal device can determine that additional POs and / or PFs are available.

[0216] The indication information can be a P-RNTI scrambled DCI or a short message.

[0217] For example, the indication information could be a P-RNTI scrambled DCI, where reserved bits could be used to indicate the availability of additional POs and / or PFs, and could indicate which specific additional PO and / or PF is available.

[0218] For example, the indication information can be a short message, and the bits in the short message can be used to indicate that additional POs and / or PFs are available, and can indicate which specific additional PO and / or PF is available.

[0219] This step can be referred to in S803 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0220] S1102 and S1103 can be executed sequentially or in parallel. This application embodiment does not limit the execution order of S1102 and S1103.

[0221] S1104, CU can send SIB1 signaling to DU, the SIB1 signaling carrying additional PO and / or PF, and indicating that the additional PO and / or PF is available.

[0222] S1105 and DU can send SIB1 signaling to the terminal equipment. The SIB1 signaling carries additional PO and / or PF and indicates that the additional PO and / or PF is available.

[0223] S1104 and S1105 can be referenced from S804 above. S1104 can be understood as the internal implementation of the network device.

[0224] S1106 and AMF can send paging messages to CU, which include the identifier of the terminal device and the capability information of the terminal device.

[0225] S1106 is optional. If the paging is initiated by the AMF, the AMF may send a paging message to the CU. If the paging is initiated by the CU, the AMF may not send a paging message to the CU.

[0226] If the paging is initiated by the AMF, the paging message from the AMF to the CU may include the identifier of the terminal device to determine which terminal device the paging is directed to. The paging message from the AMF to the CU may also include the capability information of the terminal device, so that the CU can send the appropriate paging message based on the capability information of the terminal device after initiating the paging.

[0227] S1107 and CU can send paging messages to DU. The paging message includes the identifier of the terminal device and the capability information of the terminal device.

[0228] If the paging is initiated by the AMF, the CU can send a paging message to the DU based on the paging message sent by the AMF to the CU.

[0229] If the paging is initiated by the CU, the CU can determine the identifier and capability information of the terminal device and send them to the DU.

[0230] In some examples, the capability information of the terminal device can specifically be that the terminal device supports paging adaptive energy-saving technology, or that the terminal device supports paging enhancement, or that the terminal device is a terminal device that supports paging adaptive energy-saving technology.

[0231] In other examples, the terminal device's capability information can specifically be that the terminal device is able to use additional paging parameters, or that the terminal device is able to use additional PO and / or PF, or that the terminal device is a terminal device capable of using additional paging parameters.

[0232] In other examples, the terminal device's capability information may specifically be that the terminal device supports using a new formula to calculate PO and / or PF, or that the terminal device supports adjustments and enhancements to PEI, or that the terminal device supports using a new PEI calculation formula to receive PEI information.

[0233] To better understand the capability information of terminal devices, the following description is provided in conjunction with Table 2. Table 2 shows the capability information of one type of terminal device.

[0234] Table 2

[0235] The information element provides the paging capability information of the terminal equipment required for paging. The information element includes one or more of the following: inactive state paging opportunity determination, redcap indication, or paging enhancement indication. In other words, the capability information of the terminal equipment includes one or more of the following: inactive state paging opportunity determination, redcap indication, or paging enhancement indication. Inactive state paging opportunity determination, redcap indication, and paging enhancement indication are all enumeration types. Among them, inactive state paging opportunity determination corresponds to the inactive state paging opportunity determination contained in the "UE Radio Paging Information" information element defined in TS 38.331[8]. The simplified capability indicator indicates whether the paged UE is a simplified capability UE or an enhanced simplified capability UE. The paging enhancement indicator indicates that the paged UE supports paging adaptation.

[0236] In this embodiment, the CU sends terminal device capability information to the DU, which includes a paging enhancement indication. The DU can determine, based on the paging enhancement indication, that the terminal device supports paging adaptation and can send paging messages on additional POs and / or PFs. Alternatively, the CU sends terminal device capability information to the DU, which includes indication information indicating that the terminal device supports paging enhancement.

[0237] In some other examples, the instruction information may be used to instruct the DU to calculate the PF and / or PO that the terminal device can use for paging using additional paging parameters. Alternatively, the instruction information may be used to instruct the DU to calculate the PF and / or PO that the terminal device can use for paging using a new formula for calculating PF and / or PO. Alternatively, the instruction information may be used to instruct the DU to send PEI information using new PEI parameters. Alternatively, the instruction information may be used to instruct the DU to send PEI information using a new formula for calculating PEI.

[0238] S1108. Based on the paging message, the DU can determine the PO that sent the paging message.

[0239] Based on the terminal device's capability information in the paging message, the DU can determine that additional POs are available and can identify the PO that sent the paging message to the terminal device from among all POs.

[0240] For example, DU can determine which PO to send the paging message to based on the information in the paging message, the calculation formulas for PF and PO, and the parameter configuration of PF and PO.

[0241] S1109, DU can send paging messages to terminal equipment on PO, and correspondingly, terminal equipment can receive paging messages on the corresponding PO.

[0242] The information indication method provided in this application embodiment allows the AMF or CU to send terminal device capability information to the DU in a CU-DU separation architecture, so that the DU can determine the availability of additional PF and PO, and thus determine the PO to send the paging message.

[0243] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

[0244] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0245] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, the terminal device or network device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to perform each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed by hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0246] Figures 12 and 13 are schematic diagrams of possible communication devices provided in embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of terminal devices, network devices, or network elements (e.g., CU, DU, or AMF) in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device can be the terminal 120 shown in Figure 1, or the base station shown in Figure 1, or a module (such as a chip) applied to the terminal 120 or the base station.

[0247] As shown in Figure 12, the communication device 1200 includes a processing unit 1210 and a transceiver unit 1220. The communication device 1200 is used to implement the functions of a terminal device, network device, or network element in any of the method embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 11.

[0248] In one possible implementation, the device 1200 is used to implement the steps corresponding to the terminal device in any of the methods shown in Figures 6 to 10.

[0249] The transceiver unit 1220 is used to receive first information, which is used to configure second information related to network energy saving and to indicate whether the second information is available or unavailable. The second information includes one or more of the following: Random Access Context (RACH) resources, Paging Frame (PF), or Paging Context (PO). The processing unit 1210 is used to determine whether the second information is available or unavailable based on the first information.

[0250] Optionally, the first information is also used to indicate the status of the second information when the second information is initially configured, wherein the status of the second information is either available or unavailable.

[0251] Optionally, the first information includes one or more of the following: the number of PFs within a paging cycle, the number of PFs indicated by an Early Paging Indication (PEI), or the number of POs within a PF.

[0252] Optionally, the first information is used to indicate the index value of the time-frequency resource, which is used to determine the RACH resource.

[0253] Optionally, the first information is used to indicate a subset of random access resources, which is used to determine RACH resources.

[0254] In another possible implementation, the device 1200 is used to implement the steps corresponding to the network device in any of the methods shown in Figures 6 to 10.

[0255] The processing unit 1210 is used to determine first information, which is used to configure second information related to network energy saving and to indicate whether the second information is available or unavailable. The second information includes one or more of the following: Random Access Context (RACH) resources, Paging Frame (PF), or Paging Context (PO). The transceiver unit 1220 is used to transmit the first information.

[0256] Optionally, when the second information includes PF and / or PO, the transceiver unit 1220 is further configured to: receive third information, the third information being used to indicate the initiation of paging and to indicate that the terminal device supports network power saving or supports paging adaptation, or the third information being used to indicate the initiation of paging and to indicate the use of the second information; the processing unit 1210 is further configured to: determine first information based on the third information, the first information being used to indicate that the second information is available.

[0257] Optionally, the specific information included in the first information can be found in the above description, and will not be repeated here.

[0258] In another possible implementation, the device 1200 is used to perform the steps corresponding to DU in FIG11 above.

[0259] The transceiver unit 1220 is configured to receive first information, which is used to configure second information related to network energy saving, including a paging frame PF and / or a paging timing PO; and to receive third information, which is used to indicate that the second information is available. The processing unit 1210 is configured to determine that the second information is available based on the third information.

[0260] Optionally, the first information includes one or more of the following: the number of PFs within a paging cycle, the number of PFs indicated by an Early Paging Indication (PEI), or the number of POs within a PF.

[0261] In another possible implementation, the device 1200 is used to perform the steps corresponding to CU or AMF in FIG11 above.

[0262] The transceiver unit 1220 transmits first information, which is used to configure second information related to network energy saving. The second information includes a paging frame PF and / or a paging timing PO. The processing unit 1210 is used to determine that the second information is available. The transceiver unit 1220 is also used to transmit third information, which is used to indicate that the second information is available.

[0263] Optionally, the specific information that the first information may include can be referred to in the above examples, and will not be repeated here.

[0264] It should be understood that the communication device 1200 here is embodied in the form of a functional unit. The term "unit" here can refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), electronic circuitry, a processor (e.g., a shared processor, a proprietary processor, or a group processor, etc.) and memory for executing one or more software or firmware programs, combined logic circuitry, and / or other suitable components supporting the described functions. In an alternative example, those skilled in the art will understand that the communication device 1200 can specifically be a terminal device, network device, or network element as described in the above embodiments. The communication device 1200 can be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the terminal device, network device, or network element in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, these will not be described further here.

[0265] The aforementioned communication device 1200 has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the terminal device, network device, or network element in the above method; the above functions can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. In an embodiment of this application, the communication device 1200 in FIG12 can also be a chip, such as a System-on-a-Chip (SoC).

[0266] As shown in Figure 13, the communication device 1300 may include a processor 1310, a transceiver 1320, and a memory 1330. The processor 1310, transceiver 1320, and memory 1330 communicate with each other through an internal connection path. The memory 1330 is used to store instructions, and the processor 1310 is used to execute the instructions stored in the memory 1330 to control the transceiver 1320 to send and / or receive signals.

[0267] It should be understood that the communication device 1300 may specifically be a terminal device, network device, or network element as described in the above embodiments, and may be used to execute the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the terminal device, network device, or network element in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memory 1330 may include a read-only memory and a random access memory, and provide instructions and data to the processor. A portion of the memory may also include non-volatile random access memory. For example, the memory may also store device type information. The processor 1310 may be used to execute instructions stored in the memory, and when the processor 1310 executes instructions stored in the memory, the processor 1310 is used to execute the various steps and / or processes of the above method embodiments. The transceiver 1320 may include a transmitter, a receiver, and an antenna. The transmitter may be used to implement the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the transceiver for performing a transmission action. For example, the transmitter may be used to send information to another device via the antenna. The receiver may be used to implement the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the transceiver for performing a reception action. For example, the receiver may be used to receive information from another device via the antenna.

[0268] It should be understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the processor may be a central processing unit (CPU), or it may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0269] In implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as execution by a hardware processor, or as a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor executes the instructions in the memory, combining them with its hardware to complete the steps of the above method. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0270] This application also provides a chip system for a terminal device. This chip system can execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the terminal device in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, these will not be described again here.

[0271] This application also provides a processor. This processor can execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the terminal device in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, they will not be described again here.

[0272] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program for implementing the methods shown in the above-described method embodiments.

[0273] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when run on a computer, allows the computer to perform the methods shown in the above-described method embodiments.

[0274] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the modules and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0275] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and modules described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0276] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of modules is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple modules or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or modules may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0277] The modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as modules may or may not be physical modules; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network modules. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0278] In addition, the functional modules in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing module, or each module can exist physically separately, or two or more modules can be integrated into one module.

[0279] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional modules and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0280] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the protection scope of the embodiments of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the embodiments of this application should be included within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of the embodiments of this application should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An information indication method, characterized in that, include: Receive first information, which is used to configure second information related to network energy saving and to indicate whether the second information is available or unavailable. The second information includes one or more of the following: random access channel (RACH) resources, paging frame (PF), or paging opportunity (PO). Based on the first information, determine whether the second information is available or unavailable.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first information is also used to indicate the status of the second information when it is initially configured, wherein the status of the second information is either available or unavailable.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first information includes one or more of the following: The number of PFs within a paging cycle, the number of PFs indicated by an Early Paging Indication (PEI), or the number of POs within a PF.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first information is used to indicate the index value of the time-frequency resource, and the index value of the time-frequency resource is used to determine the RACH resource.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first information is used to indicate a subset of random access resources, which is used to determine the RACH resource.

6. An information indication method, characterized in that, include: First information is determined, which is used to configure second information related to network energy saving and to indicate whether the second information is available or unavailable. The second information includes one or more of the following: random access channel (RACH) resources, paging frame (PF), or paging opportunity (PO). Send the first message.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the second information includes the PF and / or the PO, the method further includes: Receive third information, the third information being used to instruct paging to be initiated and to instruct the terminal device to support network power saving or paging adaptation, or the third information being used to instruct paging to be initiated and to instruct the use of the second information; Determining the first information includes: Based on the third information, the first information is determined, and the first information is used to indicate that the second information is available.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The first information includes one or more of the following: The number of PFs within a paging cycle, the number of PFs indicated by an Early Paging Indication (PEI), or the number of POs within a PF.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, The first information is used to indicate the index value of the time-frequency resource, and the index value of the time-frequency resource is used to determine the RACH resource.

10. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, The first information is used to indicate a subset of random access resources, which is used to determine the RACH resource.

11. An information indication method, characterized in that, include: Receive first information, the first information being used to configure second information related to network energy saving, the second information including paging frame PF and / or paging timing PO; Receive third information, which indicates that the second information is available.

12. An information indication method, characterized in that, include: Send first information, which is used to configure second information related to network energy saving, the second information including paging frame PF and / or paging timing PO; Send a third message, which indicates that the second message is available.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The first information includes one or more of the following: The number of PFs within a paging cycle, the number of PFs indicated by an Early Paging Indication (PEI), or the number of POs within a PF.

14. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor coupled to a memory for storing a computer program, wherein when the processor invokes the computer program, the communication device performs the method of any one of claims 1 to 13.

16. A chip, characterized in that, include: A processor for reading instructions stored in memory, and when the processor executes the instructions, causing the chip to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 13.

17. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the method of any one of claims 1 to 13 to be performed.

18. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes instructions that, when executed, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 13 to be performed.

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