Apparatus and method for managing alternative quality of service profiles

Abstract

Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to a first network entity for wireless communication. The first network entity comprises one or more memories, and one or more processors coupled with the one or more memories and individually or collectively configured to cause the first network entity to: select a Quality of Service, QoS, profile for an application, wherein the selected QoS profile is selected from a set of Alternative QoS, Alt-QoS, profiles, wherein the selected QoS profile is different from a current QoS profile for the application, and wherein the selected QoS profile enables energy saving for the first network entity; output, to the application, information indicative of the selected QoS profile; and output to a second network entity, an indication to align its QoS profile with the selected QoS profile for the application, wherein the selected QoS profile enables energy saving for the second network entity.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MANAGING ALTERNATIVE QUALITY OF SERVICE PROFILESTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to wireless communications, and more specifically to the managing (e.g., selecting, applying, generating, outputting, transmitting, obtaining, receiving, and the like) Alternative-Quality of Service (Alt-QoS) profiles, particularly based at least in part on energy-related information.BACKGROUND

[0002] A wireless communications system may include one or multiple network communication devices, which may be otherwise known as network equipment (NE), supporting wireless communications for one or multiple user communication devices, which may be otherwise known as user equipment (UE), or other suitable terminology. The wireless communications system may support wireless communications with one or multiple user communication devices by utilizing resources of the wireless communication system (e.g., time resources (e.g., symbols, slots, subframes, frames, or the like) or frequency resources (e.g., subcarriers, carriers, or the like)). Additionally, the wireless communications system may support wireless communications across various radio access technologies including third generation (3G) radio access technology, fourth generation (4G) radio access technology, fifth generation (5G) radio access technology, among other suitable radio access technologies beyond 5G (e.g., sixth generation (6G)).

[0003] The energy cost or energy consumption of a wireless communications system corresponds to the energy used by computing, memory, storage and network interface-related processes within the wireless communications system. Energy savings in such wireless communications systems can be realized by utilizing fewer networking resources and / or computing resources. Such reductions can be achieved by fine-tuning, modifying, or updating the QoS requirements associated with a service request.

[0004] QoS requirements can be provisioned in a wireless communications system through a policy or by allowing an Application Function (AF) to introduce a QoS profile associated with a QoS flow, as described in 3GPP TS 23.501, “System architecture for theAttorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-15G System (5GS)”, Clause 5.7.1.2. Alternatively, a UE may request a preferred QoS flow (e.g., defined by a 5G QoS identifier (5QI), Guaranteed Bit Rate (GBR), or Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP)) during PDU session establishment or PDU session modification, or the wireless communications system (e.g., NE) may provision UE Route Selection Policy (URSP) rules per application for QoS control.

[0005] A QoS profile per QoS flow may correspond to either a GBR or a non-GBR traffic. The QoS profile of a QoS flow may be provided (e.g., transmitted) to, for example, the radio access network (RAN) and includes a set of QoS parameters such as the 5QI, ARP, QoS attribute (for non-GBR flows), Guaranteed Flow Bit Rate (GFBR), Maximum Flow Bit Rate (MFBR), notification control, and maximum packet loss rate.

[0006] When a requested QoS profile cannot be satisfied, the wireless communication system may initiate a negotiation, for example, with the corresponding AF, to determine appropriate QoS parameters or to provide a new set of URSP rules, where applicable. Otherwise, a default QoS may be applied. In some wireless communication systems, such as 5G systems, QoS negotiation enables fallback or downgrade (e.g., in terms of 5QI or from GBR to non-GBR) due to policy restrictions and / or resource constraints. If the preferred QoS profile cannot be fulfilled (i.e., if the mismatch during negotiation is excessive), the QoS flow or even the PDU session may be rejected.

[0007] QoS negotiation may also apply to data transfers such as Background Data Transfer (BDT), which allows adjustments in the scheduling of future data transfers based on deterministic traffic characteristics, or Planned Data Transfer (PDT) withQoS Requirement (PDTQ), which enables further negotiation of QoS characteristics in addition to the transfer schedule. Modifying the QoS characteristics as part of a QoS profile requires negotiation (i.e., coordination) and additional signaling between NEs (e.g., between a policy control function (PCF) and the AF).

[0008] The use of Alt-QoS profiles, as described in 3GPP TS 23.501, “System architecture for the 5G System (5GS)”, Clause 5.7.1.2a”, can reduce signaling overhead by allowing the wireless communication system to determine in advance which Alt-QoS profiles may be applied if the requested QoS profile cannot be fulfilled. Alt-QoS profiles primarily apply to GBR traffic and enable notification control to inform, for example, an application to downgrade a quality of service (e.g., video quality). If the correspondingAttorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1policy and charging control (PCC) rule contains the related information (as described in 3GPP TS 23.503, “Policy and charging control framework for the 5G System (5GS); Stage 2”), the Session Management Function (SMF) may provide, in addition to the QoS profile, a list of Alt-QoS profile(s) to the RAN. When the SMF provides a new list of Alt-QoS profile(s) to the RAN (e.g., in response to PCC rule changes), the RAN may replace any previously stored list with the updated version.

[0009] An Alt-QoS profile represents a combination of QoS parameters, such as packet delay budget (PDB), packet error rate (PER), Averaging Window, and GFBR to which the application traffic can adapt. When the RAN outputs (e.g., transmits) a notification to the SMF indicating that the QoS profile is not fulfilled, the RAN may, if the originally fulfilled values match an Alt-QoS profile, include a reference to the Alt-QoS profile that can be fulfilled, or indicate to the SMF that the RAN supports the Alt-QoS profile but cannot fulfill even the least-preferred Alt-QoS profile.

[0010] In the context of energy saving for the core network of the wireless communication system, QoS adjustments related to policy decisions may be based on subscription information, AF requests, (e.g. preferred or expected network energy-saving behaviors such as QoS adaptation) and / or operator policy as described in 3GPP TR 23.700-67, “Study on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving; Phase 2”. In addition, TR 23.700-67 further describes solutions for PDTQ policy negotiation with the AF (e.g., adjusting the transfer time window and / or QoS parameters) and for generating URSP rules based on energy information provided by Operations, Administration, and Maintenance (0AM) functions (e.g., network-level energy information related to slice-level energy consumption, energy efficiency, or availability of renewable energy). Policy updates toward the UE may be performed in accordance with defined thresholds or gaps to avoid frequent updates.SUMMARY

[0011] As used herein, including in the claims, an article “a” before an element is unrestricted and understood to refer to “at least one” of those elements or “one or more” of those elements. The terms “a,” “at least one,” “one or more,” and “at least one of one or more” may be interchangeable. As used herein, including in the claims, “or” as used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items prefaced by a phrase such as “at least one of’ or “one orAttorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1more of’ or “one or both of’) indicates an inclusive list such that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Also, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall not be construed as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, an example step that is described as “based on condition A” may be based on both a condition A and a condition B without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall be construed in the same manner as the phrase “based at least in part on. Further, as used herein, including in the claims, a “set” may include one or more elements.

[0012] The apparatuses, processors, and methods of the present disclosure each have several innovative aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for the desirable features disclosed herein.

[0013] A first network entity for wireless communication is described. The first network entity may be configured to, capable of, or operable to perform one or more operations as described herein. For example, the first network entity may be configured to, capable of, or operable to: select a QoS profile for an application, wherein the selected QoS profile is selected from a set of Alt-QoS profiles, wherein the selected QoS profile is different from a current QoS profile for the application, and wherein the selected QoS profile enables energy saving for the first network entity; output, to the application, information indicative of the selected QoS profile; and output to a second network entity, an indication to align its QoS profile with the selected QoS profile for the application, wherein the selected QoS profile enables energy saving for the second network entity.

[0014] A processor (e.g., a standalone processor chipset, or a component of a first network entity) for wireless communication is described. The processor may be configured to, capable of, or operable to perform one or more operations as described herein. For example, the processor may be configured to, capable of, or operable to: select a QoS profile for an application, wherein the selected QoS profile is selected from a set of Alt-QoS profiles, wherein the selected QoS profile is different from a current QoS profile for the application, and wherein the selected QoS profile enables energy saving for the first network entity; output, to the application, information indicative of the selected QoS profile; and output to a second network entity, an indication to align its QoS profile withAttorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1the selected QoS profile for the application, wherein the selected QoS profile enables energy saving for the second network entity.

[0015] A method performed or performed by a first network entity for wireless communication is described. The method may include selecting a QoS profile for an application, wherein the selected QoS profile is selected from a set of Alt-QoS profiles, wherein the selected QoS profile is different from a current QoS profile for the application, and wherein the selected QoS profile enables energy saving for the first network entity; outputting, to the application, information indicative of the selected QoS profile; and outputting to a second network entity, an indication to align its QoS profile with the selected QoS profile for the application, wherein the selected QoS profile enables energy saving for the second network entity.

[0016] Some implementations of the first network entity, the processor, and the method described herein may further include operations, means, or instructions for obtaining a set of Alt-QoS profiles from the application. In some implementations of the first network entity, the processor, and the method described herein, the Alt-QoS profile is selected from the set of alternative QoS profiles obtained from the application.

[0017] In some implementations of the first network entity, the processor, and the method described herein, the set of Alt-QoS profiles comprises a subset of alternative QoS profiles. In some implementations of the first network entity, the processor, and the method described herein, the subset of Alt-QoS profiles is based at least in part on one or more of a service, a parameter associated with the service, or a condition of a network.

[0018] In some implementations of the first network entity, the processor, and the method described herein, the service comprises a network slice on which the applications run.

[0019] Some implementations of the first network entity, the processor, and the method described herein may further include operations, means, or instructions for obtaining a set of Alt-QoS profiles from the application. In some implementations of the first network entity, the processor, and the method described herein, the Alt-QoS profile is based at leastAttorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1in part on the application identity and at least one related application parameter or application capability, or both.

[0020] Some implementations of the first network entity, the processor, and the method described herein may further include operations, means, or instructions for obtaining the set of Alt-QoS profiles from a third network entity. . In some implementations of the first network entity, the processor, and the method described herein, the first network entity comprises a base station or a SMF of a core network. In some implementations of the first network entity, the processor, and the method described herein, the third network entity comprises a policy control function (PCF) of a core network.

[0021] Some implementations of the first network entity, the processor, and the method described herein may further include operations, means, or instructions for selecting a QoS profile from the set of Alt-QoS profiles based at least in part on analyzing each user equipment, UE, of a set of UEs associated with the application. In some implementations of the first network entity, the processor, and the method described herein, each UE of the set of UEs is analyzed according to one or more of: an application identifier, a user subscription profile, or a service profile.

[0022] In some implementations of the first network entity, the processor, and the method described herein, the user subscription profile includes an energy saving indicator (ESI). In some implementations of the first network entity, the processor, and the method described herein, a QoS profile is selected from the set of Alt-QoS profiles based at least in part on the ESI.

[0023] Some implementations of the first network entity, the processor, and the method described herein may further include operations, means, or instructions for applying the QoS profile from the set of Alt-QoS profiles to one or more other applications Some implementations of the first network entity, the processor, and the method described herein may further include operations, means, or instructions for outputting, to the one or more other applications, the indication of the selected QoS profile for the one or more other applications. In some implementations of the first network entity, the processor, and the method described herein, the one or more other applications are selected based at least inAttorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1part on one or more of an application identifier, a user subscription profile, or a service profile associated with each respective application.

[0024] Some implementations of the first network entity, the processor, and the method described herein may further include operations, means, or instructions for selecting the QoS profile out of the set of Alt-QoS profiles for the application in response to a trigger condition being satisfied. In some implementations of the first network entity, the processor, and the method described herein the trigger condition comprises one or more of: energy saving features being enabled, renewable energy being available for a duration, configuration information of the first network entity, or one or more performance measurement metrics satisfying a threshold.

[0025] Some implementations of the first network entity, the processor, and the method described herein may further include operations, means, or instructions for outputting, to the second network entity, a bulk message to apply the same QoS profile out of the set of Alt-QoS profiles for each application considering a plurality of applications. In some implementations of the first network entity, the processor, and the method described herein the bulk message includes information associated with each of the plurality of applications, avoiding non-essential information.

[0026] In some implementations of the first network entity, the processor, and the method described herein, the bulk message may include one or more of: a UE identity and corresponding QoS profile identity; a UE group and a common QoS profile identity; a common UE group and a common QoS parameter included in different QoS profile identities; and an address of the second network entity.

[0027] In some implementations of the first network entity, the processor, and the method described herein, the first network entity comprises a RAN, and the second network entity comprises an SMF of a core network.

[0028] In some implementations of the first network entity, the processor, and the method described herein the first network entity comprises an SMF of a core network, and the second network entity comprises a RAN.Attorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1

[0029] In some implementations of the first network entity, the processor, and the method described herein, the selected QoS profile enables energy saving in a specified geographic area.

[0030] A first network entity for wireless communication is described. The first network entity may be configured to, capable of, or operable to perform one or more operations as described herein. For example, the first network entity may be configured to, capable of, or operable to: obtain from an AF a request to create, or select, or provision or update an Alt-QoS policy indicating support for potential energy saving operations or providing an ESI; generate an applicable set of Alt-QoS profiles based on alternative profile options obtained from the AF; and output the set of Alt-QoS profiles to a first network entity.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communications system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 2 illustrates an example of a signaling diagram for provisioning Alt-QoS profiles in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 3 illustrates an example of a signaling diagram for applying a policy based on Alt-QoS profiles rules in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 4 illustrates an example of a first network entity in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 5 illustrates an example of a processor in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 6 illustrates an example of a third network entity in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 7 illustrates a flowchart of method performed by a first network entity in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.Attorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1

[0038] Figure 8 illustrates a flowchart of method performed by a third network entity in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Some wireless communication systems may support use of Alt-QoS profiles for energy saving. In such wireless communication systems, one or more network entities (e.g., a base station, gNB, RAN node) and / or core network entities may select an Alt-QoS profile different from a current QoS profile to meet (e.g., satisfy) one or more energy cost targets, as described in 3 GPP TR 23.700-67, “Study on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving; Phase 2”, Clause 6.4. In 3GPP TR 23.700-67, the availability of renewable energy within the network entities (e.g., RAN nodes) is considered when selecting an Alt-QoS profile. However, 3 GPP TR 23.700-67 does not specify how this can be mapped to a respective QoS profile, for example, what level of renewable energy availability (e.g., 20%) would trigger the selection of a specific Alt-QoS profile, which types of applications would be affected, or according to what selection criteria.

[0040] Additionally, 3GPP TR 23.700-67 provides no guidance as to whether such QoS profile adjustment are intended to affect a single UE or to multiple UEs within a specific geographic area (e.g., those served by a specific RAN node). If multiple UEs are affected, current mechanisms that require the RAN node to signal the SMF separately for each UE may lead to signaling inefficiency. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an improved mechanism that enables the RAN node to signal (e.g., notify, inform) the core network collectively, instead of signaling to the SMF individually for each UE.

[0041] Moreover, 3 GPP TR 23.700-67 suggests that a RAN node may determine whether there is a need to select an Alt-QoS profile based on one or more rules provided by a PCF via an SMF, or based on local configurations at the RAN node using information related to the availability of renewable energy. However, it is currently unclear how the RAN node should select an Alt-QoS profile or what type of update should be applied to the Alt-QoS profiles, given that such Alt-QoS profiles are typically based on the capabilities of an application (e.g., supported codecs, or the like). As a result, the framework by which the RAN node adapts an Alt-QoS Profile in response to energy-related conditions remains unspecified.Attorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1

[0042] Additionally, existing frameworks do not specify whether such energy-based QoS adaptations are intended to apply to a single UE or to multiple UEs within a specified geographic area (e.g., all UEs served by a particular gNB). Nor do they identify which UEs, applications, or subscriptions are eligible for such adjustments. Since applications that provides Alt-QoS profiles are typically configured to address network congestion rather than energy saving, current frameworks lack a mechanism for informing the application of alternative reasons, such as energy saving, when a QoS adjustment is performed.Consequently, there remains a need for a mechanism that enables the wireless communication systems (e.g., network entities, core network entities) to coordinate and communicate energy-driven QoS adaptations in an efficient manner.

[0043] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus and method configured to support Alt-QoS profile(s) to provide energy as a service to both network entities (e.g., base stations, RAN nodes) and core network entities (e.g., SMF, PCF). In some cases, an application capable of supporting multiple QoS parameters may provide one or more Alt-QoS profiles to a core network entity (e.g., a PCF). The core network entity may then make the Alt-QoS profiles available to another core network entity (e.g., the SMF), which, in turn, may provide the profiles to the network entity (e.g., RAN node).

[0044] Aspects of the present disclosure are described in the context of a wireless communications system. Aspects of the present disclosure are further set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. The description set forth herein, in connection with the accompanying drawings, describes example implementations and does not represent all the implementations that may be implemented or that are within the scope of the claims. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the described implementations. These implementations, however, may be practiced without these specific details. Additionally, the description set forth herein, in connection with the accompanying drawings is provided to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples andAttorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1implementations described herein but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0045] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communications system 100 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless communications system 100 may include one or more NE 102, one or more UE 104, and a core network (CN) 106. The wireless communications system 100 may support various radio access technologies. In some implementations, the wireless communications system 100 may be a 4G network, such as an LTE network or an LTE- Advanced (LTE-A) network. In some other implementations, the wireless communications system 100 may be a NR network, such as a 5G network, a 5G- Advanced (5G-A) network, or a 5G ultrawideband (5G-UWB) network. In other implementations, the wireless communications system 100 may be a combination of a 4G network and a 5G network, or other suitable radio access technology including Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20. The wireless communications system 100 may support radio access technologies beyond 5G, for example, 6G. Additionally, the wireless communications system 100 may support technologies, such as time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), or code division multiple access (CDMA), etc.

[0046] The one or more NE 102 may be dispersed throughout a geographic region to form the wireless communications system 100. One or more of the NE 102 described herein may be or include or may be referred to as a network node, a base station, a network element, a network function, a network entity, a radio access network (RAN), a NodeB, an eNodeB (eNB), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), or other suitable terminology. An NE 102 and a UE 104 may communicate via a communication link, which may be a wireless or wired connection. For example, an NE 102 and a UE 104 may perform wireless communication (e.g., receive signaling, transmit signaling) over a Uu interface.

[0047] An NE 102 may provide a geographic coverage area for which the NE 102 may support services for one or more UEs 104 within the geographic coverage area. For example, an NE 102 and a UE 104 may support wireless communication of signals related to services (e.g., voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, etc.) according to one orAttorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1multiple radio access technologies. In some implementations, an NE 102 may be moveable, for example, a satellite associated with a non-terrestrial network (NTN). In some implementations, different geographic coverage areas associated with the same or different radio access technologies may overlap, but the different geographic coverage areas may be associated with different NE 102.

[0048] The one or more UE 104 may be dispersed throughout a geographic region of the wireless communications system 100. A UE 104 may include or may be referred to as a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless device, a remote device, a subscriber device, a transmitter device, a receiver device, or some other suitable terminology. In some implementations, the UE 104 may be referred to as a unit, a station, a terminal, or a client, among other examples. Additionally, or alternatively, the UE 104 may be referred to as an Internet-of-Things (loT) device, an Internet-of-Everything (loE) device, or machine-type communication (MTC) device, among other examples.

[0049] A UE 104 may be able to support wireless communication directly with other UEs 104 over a communication link. For example, a UE 104 may support wireless communication directly with another UE 104 over a device-to-device (D2D) communication link. In some implementations, such as vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) deployments, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) deployments, or cellular-V2X deployments, the communication link may be referred to as a sidelink. For example, a UE 104 may support wireless communication directly with another UE 104 over a PC5 interface.

[0050] An NE 102 may support communications with the CN 106, or with another NE 102, or both. For example, an NE 102 may interface with other NE 102 or the CN 106 through one or more backhaul links (e.g., SI, N2, N3, or network interface). In some implementations, the NE 102 may communicate with each other directly. In some other implementations, the NE 102 may communicate with each other or indirectly (e.g., via the CN 106. In some implementations, one or more NE 102 may include subcomponents, such as an access network entity, which may be an example of an access node controller (ANC). An ANC may communicate with the one or more UEs 104 through one or more other access network transmission entities, which may be referred to as a radio heads, smart radio heads, or transmission-reception points (TRPs).Attorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1

[0051] The CN 106 may support user authentication, access authorization, tracking, connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. The CN 106 may be an evolved packet core (EPC), or a 5G core (5GC), which may include a control plane entity that manages access and mobility (e.g., a mobility management entity (MME), an access and mobility management functions (AMF)) and a user plane entity that routes packets or interconnects to external networks (e.g., a serving gateway (S-GW), a Packet Data Network (PDN) gateway (P-GW), or a user plane function (UPF)). In some implementations, the control plane entity may manage non-access stratum (NAS) functions, such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management (e.g., data bearers, signal bearers, etc.) for the one or more UEs 104 served by the one or more NE 102 associated with the CN 106.

[0052] The CN 106 may communicate with a packet data network over one or more backhaul links (e.g., via an SI, N2, N3, or another network interface). The packet data network may include an application server. In some implementations, one or more UEs 104 may communicate with the application server. A UE 104 may establish a session (e.g., a protocol data unit (PDU) session, or the like) with the CN 106 via an NE 102. The CN 106 may route traffic (e.g., control information, data, and the like) between the UE 104 and the application server using the established session (e.g., the established PDU session). The PDU session may be an example of a logical connection between the UE 104 and the CN 106 (e.g., one or more network functions of the CN 106).

[0053] In the wireless communications system 100, the NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may use resources of the wireless communications system 100 (e.g., time resources (e.g., symbols, slots, subframes, frames, or the like) or frequency resources (e.g., subcarriers, carriers)) to perform various operations (e.g., wireless communications). In some implementations, the NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may support different resource structures. For example, the NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may support different frame structures. In some implementations, such as in 4G, the NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may support a single frame structure. In some other implementations, such as in 5G and among other suitable radio access technologies, the NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may support various frame structures (i.e., multiple frame structures). The NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may support various frame structures based on one or more numerologies.Attorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1

[0054] One or more numerologies may be supported in the wireless communications system 100, and a numerology may include a subcarrier spacing and a cyclic prefix. A first numerology (e.g., / r=0) may be associated with a first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. In some implementations, the first numerology (e.g., / r=0) associated with the first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) may utilize one slot per subframe. A second numerology (e.g., / r=l) may be associated with a second subcarrier spacing (e.g., 30 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. A third numerology (e.g., / r=2) may be associated with a third subcarrier spacing (e.g., 60 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix or an extended cyclic prefix. A fourth numerology (e.g., / r=3) may be associated with a fourth subcarrier spacing (e.g., 120 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. A fifth numerology (e.g., / r=4) may be associated with a fifth subcarrier spacing (e.g., 240 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix.

[0055] A time interval of a resource (e.g., a communication resource) may be organized according to frames (also referred to as radio frames). Each frame may have a duration, for example, a 10 millisecond (ms) duration. In some implementations, each frame may include multiple subframes. For example, each frame may include 10 subframes, and each subframe may have a duration, for example, a 1 ms duration. In some implementations, each frame may have the same duration. In some implementations, each subframe of a frame may have the same duration.

[0056] Additionally or alternatively, a time interval of a resource (e.g., a communication resource) may be organized according to slots. For example, a subframe may include a number (e.g., quantity) of slots. The number of slots in each subframe may also depend on the one or more numerologies supported in the wireless communications system 100. For instance, the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth numerologies (i.e., / r=0, jU=l , / r=2, jU=3, / r=4) associated with respective subcarrier spacings of 15 kHz, 30 kHz, 60 kHz, 120 kHz, and 240 kHz may utilize a single slot per subframe, two slots per subframe, four slots per subframe, eight slots per subframe, and 16 slots per subframe, respectively. Each slot may include a number (e.g., quantity) of symbols (e.g., OFDM symbols). In some implementations, the number (e.g., quantity) of slots for a subframe may depend on a numerology. For a normal cyclic prefix, a slot may include 14 symbols. For an extended cyclic prefix (e.g., applicable for 60 kHz subcarrier spacing), a slot may include 12Attorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1symbols. The relationship between the number of symbols per slot, the number of slots per subframe, and the number of slots per frame for a normal cyclic prefix and an extended cyclic prefix may depend on a numerology. It should be understood that reference to a first numerology (e.g., / r=0) associated with a first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) may be used interchangeably between subframes and slots.

[0057] In the wireless communications system 100, an electromagnetic (EM) spectrum may be split, based on frequency or wavelength, into various classes, frequency bands, frequency channels, etc. By way of example, the wireless communications system 100 may support one or multiple operating frequency bands, such as frequency range designations FR1 (410 MHz - 7.125 GHz), FR2 (24.25 GHz - 52.6 GHz), FR3 (7.125 GHz -24.25 GHz), FR4 (52.6 GHz - 114.25 GHz), FR4a or FR4-1 (52.6 GHz - 71 GHz), and FR5 (114.25 GHz - 300 GHz). In some implementations, the NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may perform wireless communications over one or more of the operating frequency bands. In some implementations, FR1 may be used by the NEs 102 and the UEs 104, among other equipment or devices for cellular communications traffic (e.g., control information, data). In some implementations, FR2 may be used by the NEs 102 and the UEs 104, among other equipment or devices for short-range, high data rate capabilities.

[0058] FR1 may be associated with one or multiple numerologies (e.g., at least three numerologies). For example, FR1 may be associated with a first numerology (e.g., / r=0), which includes 15 kHz subcarrier spacing; a second numerology (e.g., / r=l), which includes 30 kHz subcarrier spacing; and a third numerology (e.g., / r=2), which includes 60 kHz subcarrier spacing. FR2 may be associated with one or multiple numerologies (e.g., at least 2 numerologies). For example, FR2 may be associated with a third numerology (e.g., / r=2), which includes 60 kHz subcarrier spacing; and a fourth numerology (e.g., / r=3), which includes 120 kHz subcarrier spacing.

[0059] As previously noted, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method that takes advantage of Alt-QoS profile(s) to provide energy as a service to both RAN and the mobile core network. It assumes that an application, which has the potential to support different QoS parameters, has provided alternative QoS profiles to the network, i.e., to aAttorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1PCF. The PCF can then make these profiles available to the SMF and in turn from the SMF can reach the RAN.

[0060] In contrast to other Alt-QoS mechanisms, embodiments of the disclosure introduce a solution that can be triggered from both the RAN 305 and the core network, e.g., SMF 304 or PCF 203, 303, rather than leaving this decision solely to the RAN 305. Unlike congestion, which mainly affects the RAN 305, energy-saving conditions can trigger the use of an alternative QoS profile from either the RAN 305 or the Core Network with equal likelihood.

[0061] Furthermore, embodiments of the disclosure need not operate on a per UE basis like the conventional Alternative QoS profile approach, but can operate at the level of a geographical area considering QoS adjustments that may apply to multiple UEs within that area. The reason behind this is the fact that energy saving measures are taken per area, e.g., cell or gNB, in contrast to facing congestion, which is subject to experience of a specific UE.

[0062] The adoption of Alternative QoS profiles employed on a geographical area subject to for energy savings may take place for a specific application ID among those that support multiple QoS profiles, e.g., multimedia applications that facilitate different codec, providing also information that the application can and is willing to support energy saving operations.

[0063] The adoption may also take place for a specific service ID or Single-Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI) that uniquely identifies a network slice, i.e., that applies a global or application specific QoS downgrade using a different QoS profile provided that the slice has indicated the support of energy saving operations.

[0064] The adoption may also take place for a user considering their subscription profile, such as, for example, an ESI subscription. The ESI is a parameter that reveals that the UE is subject to network energy saving operations according to TS 23.501. Specified values of the ESI point to certain energy saving behaviours.

[0065] The selection among these specific applications, network slices and users may also take into account at least one of parameters such as user behaviour considering: (i) the communication patterns that suits well applied energy saving mechanisms, e.g., allowing a base station to sleep longer due to bursts and / or longer delay tolerance, (ii) the resourceAttorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1usage, i.e., identifying subscribers with heavy usage time, i.e., off-peak period, where the network employs energy saving mechanisms; and event, e.g., when the network load decreases below a predefined threshold that triggers the activation of energy-saving mechanisms.

[0066] The main challenge is then to decide when to trigger the adoption of an alternative QoS profile and how to determine the most appropriate profile to downgrade to. This depends on which part of the network energy saving related operations would be introduced.

[0067] When energy saving is introduced in the RAN, RAN nodes need to relate the energy saving mechanism(s) in place with the impact on the QoS of newly established or ongoing application sessions. A RAN node, e.g., a gNB or DU / CU, is aware of its radio resources, active energy saving mechanisms and / or energy saving features and on the current load. Specifically, a RAN node has knowledge of which energy-saving mechanisms or features are going to be activated soon at a specified time instance. This is based on the configuration information received from the 0AM. For instance, a RAN node may; reduce the number of radio carriers used in a cell impacting the available radio resources; reduce the transmission power increasing latency, while reducing radio resources; introduce Discontinuous Transmission / Reception (DTX / DRX) increasing latency, temporarily lowering effective throughput and reducing responsiveness for interactive or real-time applications; reduce the number of active antenna elements impacting the available radio resources.; partially or completely power off, offloading traffic via handover procedures and traffic steering towards other RAN nodes in where QoS adjustments may be required due to limited radio resource availability; and disable Coordinated Multi-Point (CoMP) and / or other secondary connections reducing the potential throughput and impacting resiliency.

[0068] A RAN node also has knowledge of the respective configuration parameters (e.g., DRX cycle, carrier bandwidth, transmit power limits), and the performance indicators, e.g., throughput per UE, scheduling delays, HARQ stats, cell load, buffer occupancy, etc.Attorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1

[0069] Considering at least one of the following pieces of information including (i) energy-saving mechanisms / features, (ii) the radio configuration parameters and (iii) the performance indicators, a RAN node can estimate or infer the likely impact on at least one of the data rate, which can be directly measurable via throughput, spectral efficiency, or available bandwidth; the latency considering the parameters such as scheduling delay, buffer delay, DRX cycle, wake-up time; and the resiliency considering the inference levels and the applicability and / or impact of dual connectivity, e.g. Coordinated Multi-Point (CoMP).

[0070] In other words, the RAN has local, real-time visibility into when to trigger and how energy-saving measures affect the QoS of ongoing sessions. The trigger for selecting another profile can be reactive to when the current QoS profile of a specific UE or group of UEs is affected.

[0071] The association of energy saving mechanisms / features, radio configuration information and performance indicators can assist in the selection process of an alternative QoS profile, provided that the SMF has supplied the RAN node with the corresponding profiles including also Energy Saving Indicator subscription information related to users and / or an indication that the application is willing to support energy saving operations or the services (slices) that are subject to energy saving measures.

[0072] The availability of renewable energy can determine the amount of power a RAN node (or site) can utilize at any given time. This, in turn, determines which energy-saving mechanisms can be used to prolong the use of renewable energy.

[0073] Once the available renewable energy is mapped to a specific energy-saving mechanism, the RAN node 305 can estimate the expected QoS for specific applications or services associated with a UE or group of UEs. It should be noted that the same level of renewable energy can correspond to different energy-saving mechanisms, each with a distinct impact on QoS. Consequently, this influences the selection of the most appropriate QoS profile from the available alternatives.

[0074] Alternatively, when the core network has specific energy targets either for a particular session, i.e., QoS Flow, (e.g., to consume energy below a specified target or to be energy efficient beyond a certain indicated target) or for certain network equipment, i.e., forAttorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1an NF that is powered off, which may affect a group of UEs with several QoS Flows, the core network needs to assess and trigger the use of alternative QoS profiles.

[0075] If the core network, i.e., the PCF, needs to update an existing Alternative QoS profile, part of the policy context, based on newly received requests from different AFs that also support the Alternative QoS profile option, it may adjust the ARP to reflect a different relative priority when necessary.

[0076] Assuming that an AF, identified by an Application ID, has provided the alternative QoS profile options to the network, indicating also willingness to support energy saving related operation i.e., to the PCF, the PCF can then elect the most appropriate set of QoS profile(s) or update Alternative QoS profile(s) for one or more users when the network is under energy saving conditions, by either reducing non-applicable QoS profile options or by adjusting the ARP to reflect a different relative priority.

[0077] The criteria for this selection or update can be based on parameters such as (i) the Service ID or the S-NSSAI, and / or (ii) the user’s subscription characteristics, e.g., a subscription including an ESI, (iii) user behaviour, e.g., communication patterns and / or mobility. The criteria may also be based on real-time network conditions, such as load levels and energy-saving targets within the core network, when determining the optimal QoS profile for each application per UE.

[0078] The PCF 203 can also derive alternative QoS profiles for one or more users based on at least one of (i) the Service ID or the S-NSSAI, and / or (ii) the user’s subscription, i.e., the Energy Saving Indicator, and / or (iii) users’ behaviour in combination with application ID, assuming that application characteristics are known or can be derived without being explicitly provided, and / or or provided application capabilities, i.e., support of specific codecs, to determine the corresponding QoS characteristics including the priority level, data rate, latency and packet loss or resiliency requirements, i.e., usage of redundant paths either partially or fully.

[0079] In either case, the PCF 203 can store the alternative QoS profiles as part of the policy context, i.e., for further usage and supply them to the SMF for enforcing QoS profile rules. In situations where network resources are intentionally reduced to save energy, e.g., when an NF is powered off or when specific resources are temporarily diminished or areAttorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1standby mode for energy saving, the SMF may select a QoS profile considering the profile options supplied by the PCF and coordinate with the corresponding RAN node.

[0080] The SMF initially identifies the UEs that may be affected from energy saving operations and then as network resources are reduced, determine how to handle the respective QoS of specific applications, by adopting a different QoS profile option, considering the load conditions, service type and / or the user subscription and behaviour of the identified UEs.

[0081] Energy saving can also be applied in the core network only after checking whether alternative QoS profiles are applicable, especially when QoS Flows are impacted. Additionally, Alternative QoS profiles can be evaluated for a number of identified UEs that may be affected before implementing energy-saving measures in the core network, allowing for even greater potential energy reductions.

[0082] Once a modification is made by adopting a different QoS profile, the network should notify the application, i.e., the AF or the application client in the UE, that the change was performed for energy-related reasons, and ensure alignment of the expected QoS characteristics, such as data rate, codec selection, and other relevant parameters.

[0083] In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the RAN 305 or the core network may select a different QoS profile from the Alternative QoS profile options to support energy saving operations as configured by the 0AM and / or for achieving further resource and energy optimizations. Since the processes of selecting a different profile may affect one or more UE applications in the same way, e.g., selecting the same 5QI, or sharing the need to communicate QoS profile changes among the same pair of RAN and core network nodes, it is non scalable to allow the use of individual messages for each different QoS profile update.

[0084] In this case it is efficient to adopt bulk messages among the same pair of RAN and core network nodes, e.g., gNB and SMF, related to all UEs that have established a corresponding QoS Flow. The main idea is to group UEs that either (i) share the same QoS profile, or (ii) have identical QoS parameters across different QoS profiles. Other UEs can also be included with their respective QoS profiles, provided that their QoS flows are handled by the same RAN and core network nodes.Attorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1

[0085] For UEs without QoS profile commonalities, a bulk message may include UE identity and the corresponding QoS profile ID per UE.

[0086] For UEs with QoS profile commonalities, a bulk message may include a UE Group (including a list of UE identities or Group ID if applicable) and the common QoS profile ID per UE Group, or a UE Group (including a list of UE identities or Group ID if applicable) and the common QoS parameters contained in different QoS profile ID per UE Group. These parameters may include a notification exchange reason i.e., energy-saving trigger, and / or a destination address of the corresponding RAN or core network nodes, e.g., gNB or SMF.

[0087] The QoS profile information may contain, according to clause 9.3.1.12 TS 38.413: QFI, 5QI, ARP, GBR / non-GBR parameters, QoS notification control (to indicate if the UE or AF shall be notified when QoS is modified), reflective QoS support and related attributes, QoS Monitoring information, Additional QoS Parameters (e.g. packet loss rate, QoS Flow mapping indication), Alternative QoS Profiles List

[0088] The procedures related to the applicability of Alt-QoS profiles and energy saving can be divided into: (i) the provision of the Alt-QoS profiles and (ii) the corresponding usage.

[0089] Figure 2 illustrates an example of a signaling diagram for provisioning Alt-QoS profiles in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, the signaling diagram implements or is implemented by aspects of the wireless communications system 100. For example, the signaling diagram may implement or be implemented by one or more network entities, such as an AF 201, an NEF 202, a PCF 203, and a UDR 204, which may be examples of one or more network entities as described with reference to Figure 1. The signaling diagram may illustrate an example of provisioning Alt-QoS profiles from the AF 201 to one or more of the NEF 202, the PCF 203, and the UDR 204. Alternative examples of the following may be implemented, where some operations and / or signaling are performed in a different order than described or are not performed. In some cases, operations and / or signaling may include additional features not mentioned below, or further operations and / or signaling may be added.Attorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1

[0090] The AF 201 may provision (e.g., configure, assign, enable) one or more Alt-QoS profiles for a given application, associating them with a specific user subscription by including an ESI, or with an application indicator related to energy saving operations, and / or linking them to a particular service, for example, identified by a network slice identifier.

[0091] At S201, the AF 201 may output (e.g., transmit), and the NEF 202 may obtain (e.g., receive), a request message associated with a policy. At S202, the NEF 202 may output (e.g., transmit), and the PCF 203 may obtain (e.g., receive), the request message associated with the policy. In the example of Figure 2, the request message may correspond to creating, selecting, provisioning, and / or updating the policy, wherein the policy indicates support for energy saving operations and / or provides an ESI. If the request message corresponds to creating one or more policies for respective Alt-QoS profiles, the AF 201 and / or the NEF 202 may indicate (e.g., include in the request message) an application identifier (ID) to enable the PCF 203 to derive (e.g., generate, determine, identify) one or more respective Alt-QoS profiles based at least in part on capabilities of the application. The AF 201 and / or the NEF 202 may additionally indicate capability information associated with the application, wherein the capability information may indicate, for example, codec types supported by the application, to the PCF 203 to derive (e.g., generate, determine, identify) the one or more respective Alt-QoS profiles.

[0092] Additionally, or alternatively, the AF 201 may provision a set of specific Alt-QoS profiles (e.g., indicating one or more parameters such as ARP, data rate, and / or latency) or related updates. When the AF 201 outputs (e.g., transmits) the request message to the NEF 202 and / or the PCF 203, the AF 201 may indicate its readiness to support energy saving operations, or identify a user subscription subject to energy saving operations, by including an the ESI in the request message and / or the corresponding service or network slice ID. This enables the PCF 203, to determine where to apply the Alt-QoS profile rules. In some cases, if the AF 201 is untrusted, the request message corresponding to creating, selecting, provisioning, and / or updating one or more of the policy, policies for respective Alt-QoS profiles, or Alt-QoS profile rules may be handled by the NEF 202, which authorizes and authenticates the request message, before discovering and selecting the PCF 203 to process it.Attorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1

[0093] In response to (or based at least in part on) receiving the request message and determining that the PCF 203 does not maintain the corresponding policies locally (e.g., local memory), the PCF 203 may output (e.g., transmit) to, and the UDR 204 may obtain (e.g., receive), a query request to retrieve the corresponding policies associated with the AF 201. The UDR 204 may, in response to (or based at least in part on) the received query request, output (e.g., transmit) to, and the PCF 203 may obtain (e.g., receive), a query response that includes the corresponding policies and corresponding related information. Otherwise, if the request message is for creating a new Alt-QoS profile policy based at least in part on the application ID and related capabilities of the application, or explicitly includes the Alt-QoS profiles rules, the PCF 203 processes the request message directly. In such cases, the PCF 203 may derive the corresponding Alt-QoS profiles in view of the application-specific information provided by the AF 201, without querying (e.g., requiring retrieval of policies from) the UDR 204.

[0094] At S204, the PCF 203 may select or determine, based at least in part on the information provided by the AF 201 (which may include Application ID, or application parameters such as codec, or capability), and other information (e.g., readiness to participate in energy saving operations, user subscription, ESI, and / or network slice ID), the Alt-QoS profiles rules or the corresponding updates. The PCF 203 may interact with other network entities such as a NWDAF or EIF, or an 0AM to obtain network analytics and / or other performance measurements related to the load of the RAN or SMS, energy information and network utilization for the time window for allowing an application to be instantiated and send / receive data, and the area of interest. The PCF 203 may store locally and / or the UDR 204 may store new policies or policy updates.

[0095] At S205, the PCF 203 may output (e.g., transmit), and the NEF 202 may obtain (e.g., receive), a response message. In some examples, the response messages may include feedback information, such as an acknowledgement of the area in which the application will be instantiated. Additionally, or alternatively, at S206, the NEF 202 may output (e.g., transmit, forward), and the AF 201 may obtain (e.g., receive), the response message. In some examples, the acknowledgement may indicate acceptance. The response message may also include a reference ID that identifies the exchange in case there is a need for furtherAttorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1negotiation. Alternatively, the feedback information may include a negative acknowledgment, such as a rejection of the request, and may also include a cause (e.g., reason for rejection, failure).

[0096] Once an Alt-QoS profile is created, selected, provisioned, and / or updated by the PCF 203, the Alt-QoS profile can be used to enforce a policy for new or existing sessions (i.e., QoS flow).

[0097] Figure 3 illustrates an example of a signaling diagram for applying policy based on Alt-QoS profiles rules for a new session considering energy saving configuration updates in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, the signaling diagram implements or is implemented by aspects of the wireless communications system 100. For example, the signaling diagram may implement or be implemented by one or more network entities, such as a PCF 303, SMF 304, RAN 305, and UE 306, which may be examples of one or more network entities as described with reference to Figure 1. The PCF 303 may be the same as the PCF 203 shown in Figure 2. Alternative examples of the following may be implemented, where some operations and / or signaling are performed in a different order than described or are not performed. In some cases, operations and / or signaling may include additional features not mentioned below, or further operations and / or signaling may be added.

[0098] At S301 a UE 306 (which could be a UE 104 as described above) requests the establishment of a PDU session, with the request reaching an SMF 304 via a connected RAN node 305 and associated AMF.

[0099] At S302 the SMF 304 queries the UDM (not shown) to get subscriber data (e.g., allowed S-NSSAIs, QoS profiles, support for energy saving operations, ESI). The SMF 304 then contacts the PCF 303 providing, e.g., SUPI, S-NSSAI, PDU Session ID, ESI (obtained from UDM) to retrieve the subscriber’s policy.

[0100] The PCF 303 considers the information supplied to create, retrieve from UDR if already stored and / or update the Alt-QoS profiles rules, which are provided back to the SMF including the applicability information, e.g., slice ID and / or the subscription information, i.e., ESI.Attorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1

[0101] At S303 the SMF 304, based on the received Alt-QoS profiles, selects the most appropriate one and based on that it determines the UPF that shall be used to establish the PDU session enforcing the respective QoS policy.

[0102] At S304 the SMF 304 also provides the Alt-QoS profiles to the RAN node 304, including the applicability information, such as slice ID and / or the subscription information ESI.

[0103] At S305 the RAN 305 and core network (SMF304) can then establish the requested PDU session and activate the QoS Flow enforcing the corresponding QoS policy rules.

[0104] For the case in where the 0AM decides to configure energy-saving mechanisms or specific features related to the RAN 305 for saving energy the following steps can be applied.

[0105] At S306 The 0AM (not shown) provides an energy saving configuration or specific energy related features for the RAN 305.

[0106] At S307, once the corresponding RAN node 305 is configured according to the specified energy saving mechanism, it identifies the UE 306 (or group of UEs) that may be affected or are expected to participate in optimizing the energy saving operations. It then evaluates if the respective QoS profile associated with specific slice ID and / or users with an ESI subscription contribute effectively for achieving the optimal energy savings. If that is not the case, the RAN node 305 selects another QoS profile that can optimize energy saving operations.

[0107] At S308 the RAN node 305 enforces the updated QoS policy in accordance with the newly selected QoS profile.

[0108] At S309 the RAN node 305 generates a a bulk message when it changes the QoS profile for a group of UEs, and then informs the SMF 304, regarding the selection of another QoS profile from the available Alt-QoS profile options to align the policy applied in the core network.

[0109] At S310 the RAN node 305 then needs to inform the AF 201 or Application client in the UE 306 via the AF regarding the change in the QoS profile policy rules indicating the reason for energy saving through a notification that traverse the core network, i.e., via SMF and NEF.Attorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1

[0110] For the case in which the 0AM decides to configure energy-saving mechanisms or specific features related to the core network, e.g., power off a network function (NF), the following steps can be applied.

[0111] At S311 the 0AM provides an energy saving configuration or specific energy related features for the core network.

[0112] At S312, once the corresponding core NFs are configured according to the specified energy saving configuration (e.g., powered off a specified User Plane Function (UPF)), the SMF 305 (i) identifies initially the users and associated PDU sessions and / or QoS Flows impacted, i.e., that transverse the powered off UPF, and then (ii) determines where to shift or “handover”, i.e., towards other UPFs, considering their resource availability.

[0113] With knowledge of the resource availability in the target UPFs, the SMF 304 can evaluate whether any associated PDU sessions or QoS flows traverse or will traverse after being shifted to the newly assigned UPF require modification. The SMF 304 performs such evaluation considering whether the current QoS profile associated with specific slice ID and / or users with an ESI subscription remain optimal for achieving the intended energy savings. If not, the SMF 304 selects, for each identified QoS Flow, another QoS profile considering the provisioned Alt-QoS profile options that supports better energy saving operations.

[0114] Once the QoS adjustments are selected the SMF 304 then enforce the new QoS policy rules in the corresponding UPF(s).

[0115] At S313, the SMF then informs the corresponding RAN node(s) 305, regarding the selection of another QoS profile from the Alt-QoS profile options in relation with a specific slice ID and user with an ESI subscription. Specifically, the SMF 304 generates a bulk message towards each corresponding RAN node 305 to inform that node regarding the change of the residing group of UEs.

[0116] At S314 the respective RAN node 305 can then align and enforce the provided QoS profile as a new policy for the indicated UE subscribers.

[0117] At S315 the SMF then needs to inform the AF 201 or Application client in the UE 306 via the AF regarding the change in the QoS profile policy rules indicating the reason for energy saving through a notification that traverse the NEF if the AF is untrusted.Attorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1

[0118] It shall be noted that the sequence of the step describe above can be interchangeable or more steps can be applied in between, or certain steps can be omitted. Once energy savings are configured either in the RAN or core network, further optimizations obtained from using other QoS profiles from the Alt-QoS profile options may be examined regularly or upon a certain event e.g., considering load condition by introducing a corresponding threshold, and shall be triggered from either RAN or core network.

[0119] Thus, embodiments of this disclosure focus on the problem of a controlled QoS reduction for enabling energy saving in the RAN and core network by reducing the resource utilization. Such QoS reduction is applied for certain applications and is aligned with the application supporting QoS profiles. In other words, the QoS reduction does not cause severe service degradation for the application, allowing acceptable service quality for specific users identified by the subscription profile, referred to as the Energy Saving Indicator (ESI), who have agreed to participate in energy-optimization measures.

[0120] The disclosure introduces a new mechanism enhancing the traditional alternative QoS profiles for enabling energy saving for specific applications, user subscription and slices, which are willing to contribute to energy optimizations. It allows an SMF or gNB to select a reduce QoS profile considering the supplied Alternative QoS profile options from the AF or PCF. It also introduces a new bulk message that efficiently aggregates information related to all residing UEs to enable the gNB to inform the SMF or vice versa, when a different QoS profile is selected for energy saving optimization.

[0121] Previously the use of Alternative QoS profiles has been mainly used to deal with congestion in the RAN allowing a RAN node to select a reduced QoS profile and align this selection with the core network. Alternative QoS profiles has been proposed for energy saving but the proposal has gaps in the triggering mechanism, in the selection of specific users and services where these mechanisms can be applied and raises issues related to scalability since it adopts the existing messages between the RAN and core, which are per UE basis.

[0122] Figure 4 illustrates an example of a first network entity 400 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The first network entity may be a base station such as a Attorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1RAN 305, or may be an SMF 304, as described herein. The first network entity 400 may include a processor 402, a memory 404, a controller 406, and a transceiver 408. The processor 402, the memory 404, the controller 406, or the transceiver 408, or various combinations thereof or various components thereof may be examples of means for performing various aspects of the present disclosure as described herein. These components may be coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more interfaces.

[0123] The processor 402, the memory 404, the controller 406, or the transceiver 408, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., circuitry). The hardware may include a processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other programmable logic device, or any combination thereof configured as or otherwise supporting a means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure.

[0124] The processor 402 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, or any combination thereof). In some implementations, the processor 402 may be configured to operate the memory 404. In some other implementations, the memory 404 may be integrated into the processor 402. The processor 402 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 404 to cause the first network entity 400 to perform various functions of the present disclosure.

[0125] The memory 404 may include volatile or non-volatile memory. The memory 404 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code including instructions when executed by the processor 402 cause the first network entity 400 to perform various functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such the memory 404 or another type of memory. Computer-readable media includes both non-transitory computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A non-transitory storage medium may be any available medium that may be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.Attorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1

[0126] In some implementations, the processor 402 and the memory 404 coupled with the processor 402 may be configured to cause the first network entity 400 to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., executing, by the processor 402, instructions stored in the memory 404). For example, the processor 402 may support wireless communication at the first network entity 400 in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The first network entity 400 may be configured to support a means for selecting a Quality of Service, QoS, profile for an application, wherein the QoS profile is selected from a set of Alternative QoS, Alt-QoS, profiles, wherein the selected QoS profile is different from a current QoS profile for the application, and wherein the selected QoS profile enables energy saving for the first network entity; outputting, to the application, information indicative of the selected QoS profile; and outputting, to a second network entity, an indication to align a respective QoS profile to the selected QoS profile for the application, wherein the selected QoS profile enables energy saving for the second network entity.

[0127] The controller 406 may manage input and output signals for the first network entity 400. The controller 406 may also manage peripherals not integrated into the first network entity 400. In some implementations, the controller 406 may utilize an operating system such as iOS®, ANDROID®, WINDOWS®, or other operating systems. In some implementations, the controller 406 may be implemented as part of the processor 402.

[0128] In some implementations, the first network entity 400 may include at least one transceiver 408. In some other implementations, the first network entity 400 may have more than one transceiver 408. The transceiver 408 may represent a wireless transceiver. The transceiver 408 may include one or more receiver chains 410, one or more transmitter chains 412, or a combination thereof.

[0129] A receiver chain 410 may be configured to receive signals (e.g., control information, data, packets) over a wireless medium. For example, the receiver chain 410 may include one or more antennas for receive the signal over the air or wireless medium. The receiver chain 410 may include at least one amplifier (e.g., a low-noise amplifier (LNA)) configured to amplify the received signal. The receiver chain 410 may include at least one demodulator configured to demodulate the receive signal and obtain the transmitted data by reversing the modulation technique applied during transmission of theAttorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1signal. The receiver chain 410 may include at least one decoder for decoding the processing the demodulated signal to receive the transmitted data.

[0130] A transmitter chain 412 may be configured to generate and transmit signals (e.g., control information, data, packets). The transmitter chain 412 may include at least one modulator for modulating data onto a carrier signal, preparing the signal for transmission over a wireless medium. The at least one modulator may be configured to support one or more techniques such as amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), or digital modulation schemes like phase-shift keying (PSK) or quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). The transmitter chain 412 may also include at least one power amplifier configured to amplify the modulated signal to an appropriate power level suitable for transmission over the wireless medium. The transmitter chain 412 may also include one or more antennas for transmitting the amplified signal into the air or wireless medium.

[0131] Figure 5 illustrates an example of a processor 500 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The processor 500 may be an example of a processor configured to perform various operations in accordance with examples as described herein. The processor 500 may include a controller 502 configured to perform various operations in accordance with examples as described herein. The processor 500 may optionally include at least one memory 504, which may be, for example, an L1 / L2 / L3 cache. Additionally, or alternatively, the processor 500 may optionally include one or more arithmetic-logic units (ALUs) 506. One or more of these components may be in electronic communication or otherwise coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more interfaces (e.g., buses).

[0132] The processor 500 may be a processor chipset and include a protocol stack (e.g., a software stack) executed by the processor chipset to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, obtaining, retrieving, transmitting, outputting, forwarding, storing, determining, identifying, accessing, writing, reading) in accordance with examples as described herein. The processor chipset may include one or more cores, one or more caches (e.g., memory local to or included in the processor chipset (e.g., the processor 500) or other memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), static RAM (SRAM), ferroelectric RAMAttorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1(FeRAM), magnetic RAM (MRAM), resistive RAM (RRAM), flash memory, phase change memory (PCM), and others).

[0133] The controller 502 may be configured to manage and coordinate various operations (e.g., signaling, receiving, obtaining, retrieving, transmitting, outputting, forwarding, storing, determining, identifying, accessing, writing, reading) of the processor 500 to cause the processor 500 to support various operations in accordance with examples as described herein. For example, the controller 502 may operate as a control unit of the processor 500, generating control signals that manage the operation of various components of the processor 500. These control signals include enabling or disabling functional units, selecting data paths, initiating memory access, and coordinating timing of operations.

[0134] The controller 502 may be configured to fetch (e.g., obtain, retrieve, receive) instructions from the memory 504 and determine subsequent instruction(s) to be executed to cause the processor 500 to support various operations in accordance with examples as described herein. The controller 502 may be configured to track memory address of instructions associated with the memory 504. The controller 502 may be configured to decode instructions to determine the operation to be performed and the operands involved. For example, the controller 502 may be configured to interpret the instruction and determine control signals to be output to other components of the processor 500 to cause the processor 500 to support various operations in accordance with examples as described herein. Additionally, or alternatively, the controller 502 may be configured to manage flow of data within the processor 500. The controller 502 may be configured to control transfer of data between registers, arithmetic logic units (ALUs), and other functional units of the processor 500.

[0135] The memory 504 may include one or more caches (e.g., memory local to or included in the processor 500 or other memory, such RAM, ROM, DRAM, SDRAM, SRAM, MRAM, flash memory, etc. In some implementations, the memory 504 may reside within or on a processor chipset (e.g., local to the processor 500). In some other implementations, the memory 504 may reside external to the processor chipset (e.g., remote to the processor 500).Attorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1

[0136] The memory 504 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code including instructions that, when executed by the processor 500, cause the processor 500 to perform various functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or another type of memory. The controller 502 and / or the processor 500 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 504 to cause the processor 500 to perform various functions. For example, the processor 500 and / or the controller 502 may be coupled with or to the memory 504, the processor 500, the controller 502, and the memory 504 may be configured to perform various functions described herein. In some examples, the processor 500 may include multiple processors and the memory 504 may include multiple memories. One or more of the multiple processors may be coupled with one or more of the multiple memories, which may, individually or collectively, be configured to perform various functions herein.

[0137] The one or more ALUs 506 may be configured to support various operations in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, the one or more ALUs 506 may reside within or on a processor chipset (e.g., the processor 500). In some other implementations, the one or more ALUs 506 may reside external to the processor chipset (e.g., the processor 500). One or more ALUs 506 may perform one or more computations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division on data. For example, one or more ALUs 506 may receive input operands and an operation code, which determines an operation to be executed. One or more ALUs 506 be configured with a variety of logical and arithmetic circuits, including adders, subtractors, shifters, and logic gates, to process and manipulate the data according to the operation. Additionally, or alternatively, the one or more ALUs 506 may support logical operations such as AND, OR, exclusive-OR (XOR), not-OR (NOR), and not- AND (NAND), enabling the one or more ALUs 506 to handle conditional operations, comparisons, and bitwise operations.

[0138] The processor 500 may support wireless communication in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The processor 500 may be configured to or operable to support a means for, at a first network entity, selecting a Quality of Service, QoS, profile for an application, wherein the QoS profile is selected from a set of Alternative-QoS, Alt-Attomey Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1QoS, profiles, wherein the selected QoS profile is different from a current QoS profile for the application, and wherein the selected QoS profile enables energy saving for the first network entity; output, to the application, information indicative of the selected QoS profile; and output, to a second network entity, an indication to align a respective QoS profile of the second network entity to the selected QoS profile for the application, wherein the selected QoS profile enables energy saving for the second network entity.

[0139] Figure 6 illustrates an example of a third network entity 600 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The third network entity may be a PCF 203, 303 as described herein. The third network entity 600 may include a processor 602, a memory 604, a controller 606, and a transceiver 608. The processor 602, the memory 604, the controller 606, or the transceiver 608, or various combinations thereof or various components thereof may be examples of means for performing various aspects of the present disclosure as described herein. These components may be coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more interfaces.

[0140] The processor 602, the memory 604, the controller 606, or the transceiver 608, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., circuitry). The hardware may include a processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other programmable logic device, or any combination thereof configured as or otherwise supporting a means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure.

[0141] The processor 602 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, or any combination thereof). In some implementations, the processor 602 may be configured to operate the memory 604. In some other implementations, the memory 604 may be integrated into the processor 602. The processor 602 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 604 to cause the third network entity 600 to perform various functions of the present disclosure.

[0142] The memory 604 may include volatile or non-volatile memory. The memory 604 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code including instructions when executed by the processor 602 cause the third network entity 600 to perform various Attorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such the memory 604 or another type of memory. Computer-readable media includes both non-transitory computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A non-transitory storage medium may be any available medium that may be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0143] In some implementations, the processor 602 and the memory 604 coupled with the processor 602 may be configured to cause the third network entity 600 to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., executing, by the processor 602, instructions stored in the memory 604). For example, the processor 602 may support wireless communication at the third network entity 600 in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The third network entity 600 may be configured to support a means for obtaining from an Application Function, AF, a request to create, select, provision or update an Alternative Quality of Service, Alt-QoS policy indicating support for potential energy saving operations or providing an Energy Saving Indicator, ESI; generating an applicable set of Alt-QoS profiles based on the alternative profile options obtained from the AF; and outputting the set of Alt-QoS profiles to a first network entity.

[0144] The controller 606 may manage input and output signals for the third network entity 600. The controller 606 may also manage peripherals not integrated into the third network entity 600. In some implementations, the controller 606 may utilize an operating system such as iOS®, ANDROID®, WINDOWS®, or other operating systems. In some implementations, the controller 606 may be implemented as part of the processor 602.

[0145] In some implementations, the third network entity 600 may include at least one transceiver 608. In some other implementations, the third network entity 600 may have more than one transceiver 608. The transceiver 608 may represent a wireless transceiver. The transceiver 608 may include one or more receiver chains 610, one or more transmitter chains 612, or a combination thereof.

[0146] A receiver chain 610 may be configured to receive signals (e.g., control information, data, packets) over a wireless medium. For example, the receiver chain 610 may include one or more antennas for receive the signal over the air or wireless medium. Attorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1The receiver chain 610 may include at least one amplifier (e.g., a low-noise amplifier (LN A)) configured to amplify the received signal. The receiver chain 610 may include at least one demodulator configured to demodulate the receive signal and obtain the transmitted data by reversing the modulation technique applied during transmission of the signal. The receiver chain 610 may include at least one decoder for decoding the processing the demodulated signal to receive the transmitted data.

[0147] A transmitter chain 612 may be configured to generate and transmit signals (e.g., control information, data, packets). The transmitter chain 612 may include at least one modulator for modulating data onto a carrier signal, preparing the signal for transmission over a wireless medium. The at least one modulator may be configured to support one or more techniques such as amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), or digital modulation schemes like phase-shift keying (PSK) or quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). The transmitter chain 612 may also include at least one power amplifier configured to amplify the modulated signal to an appropriate power level suitable for transmission over the wireless medium. The transmitter chain 612 may also include one or more antennas for transmitting the amplified signal into the air or wireless medium.

[0148] Figure 7 illustrates a flowchart of a method in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method may be implemented by a first network entity, which may be a base station such as a RAN, or an SMF, as described herein. In some implementations, the first network entity may execute a set of instructions to control the function elements of the base station or SMF to perform the described functions.

[0149] At 702, the method may include selecting a Quality of Service, QoS, profile for an application, wherein the QoS profile is selected from a set of Alternative QoS, Alt-QoS, profiles, wherein the selected QoS profile is different from a current QoS profile for the application, and wherein the selected QoS profile enables energy saving for the first network entity. The operations of 702 may be performed in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 702 may be performed by a first network entity as described with reference to Figure 4.

[0150] At 704, the method may include outputting, to the application, information indicative of the selected QoS profile. The operations of 704 may be performed in Attorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 704 may be performed by a first network entity as described with reference to Figure 4.

[0151] At 706, the method may include outputting, to a second network entity, an indication to align a respective QoS profile to the selected QoS profile for the application, wherein the selected QoS profile enables energy saving for the second network entity. The operations of 706 may be performed in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 706 may be performed a UE as described with reference to Figure 4.

[0152] It should be noted that the method described herein describes a possible implementation, and that the operations and the steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified and that other implementations are possible.

[0153] Figure 8illustrates a flowchart of a method in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method may be implemented by a third network entity as described herein. In some implementations, the third network entity may execute a set of instructions to control the function elements of the third network entity to perform the described functions.

[0154] At 802, the method may include obtaining from an Application Function, AF, a request to create, select, provision or update an Alternative Quality of Service, Alt-QoS policy indicating support for potential energy saving operations or providing an Energy Saving Indicator, ESI. The operations of 802 may be performed in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 802 may be performed by a third network entity (PCF) as described with reference to Figure 6.

[0155] At 804, the method may include generating an applicable set of Alt-QoS profiles based on the alternative QoS profile options obtained from the AF. The operations of 804 may be performed in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 804 may be performed by a third network entity (PCF) as described with reference to Figure 6.Attorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1

[0156] At 806, the method may include outputting the set of Alt-QoS profiles to a first network entity. The operations of 806 may be performed in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 806 may be performed by a third network entity (PCF) as described with reference to Figure 6.

[0157] It should be noted that the method described herein describes A possible implementation, and that the operations and the steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified and that other implementations are possible.

[0158] The description herein is provided to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.Attorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A first network entity for wireless communication, comprising:one or more memories; andone or more processors coupled with the one or more memories and individually or collectively configured to cause the first network entity to:select a Quality of Service, QoS, profile for an application, wherein the QoS profile is selected from a set of Alternative-QoS, Alt-QoS, profiles, wherein the selected QoS profile is different from a current QoS profile for the application, and wherein the selected QoS profile enables energy saving for the first network entity;output, to the application, information indicative of the selected QoS profile; andoutput, to a second network entity, an indication to align a respective QoS profile of the second network entity to the selected QoS profile for the application, wherein the selected QoS profile enables energy saving for the second network entity.

2. The first network entity of claim 1 , wherein: the one or more processors are further individually or collectively configured to cause the first network entity to:obtain a set of Alt-QoS profiles from the application,wherein the Alt-QoS profile is selected from the set of Alt-QoS profiles obtained from the application.

3. The first network entity of claim 1 or 2, wherein the set of Alt-QoS profiles comprises a subset of Alt-QoS profiles, and wherein the subset of Alt-QoS profiles is based at least in part on one or more of a service, a parameter associated with the service, or a condition of a network.

4. The first network entity of claim 3, wherein the service comprises a network slice on which the applications run.Attorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1395. The first network entity of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are further individually or collectively configured to cause the first network entity to:obtain a set of Alt-QoS profiles from the application,wherein the Alt-QoS profile is based at least in part on an identity of the application and at least one parameter associated with the application or a capability of the application, or both.

6. The first network entity of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more processors are further individually or collectively configured to cause the first network entity to:obtain the set of Alt-QoS profiles from a third network entity,wherein the first network entity comprises a base station or a session management function, SMF, of a core network, andwherein the third network entity comprises a policy control function, PCF, of a core network.

7. The first network entity of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the one or more processors are further individually or collectively configured to cause the first network entity to:select a QoS profile from the set of Alt-QoS profiles based at least in part on analyzing each User Equipment, UE, of a set of UEs associated with the application, wherein each UE of the set of UEs is analyzed according to one or more of: an application identifier, a user subscription profile, or a service profile.

8. The first network entity of claim 7, wherein the user subscription profile includes an energy saving indicator, ESI, and wherein a QoS profile is selected from the set of Alt-QoS profiles based at least in part on the ESI.

9. The first network entity of claim 1 , wherein the one or more processors are further individually or collectively configured to cause the first network entity to:apply the QoS profile selected from the set of Alt-QoS profiles to one or more other applications; andAttorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-140output to the one or more other applications the indication of the selected QoS profile for the one or more other applications,wherein the one or more other applications are selected based at least in part on one or more of an application identifier, a user subscription profile, or a service profile associated with each respective application.

10. The first network entity of claim 1 , wherein the one or more processors are further individually or collectively configured to cause the first network entity to:select a QoS profile out of the set of Alt-QoS profiles for the application in response to a trigger condition being satisfied,wherein the trigger condition comprises one or more of energy saving features being enabled, renewable energy being available for a duration, configuration information of the first network entity, or one or more performance measurement metrics satisfying a threshold.

11. The first network entity of claim 1 , wherein the one or more processors are further individually or collectively configured to cause the first network entity to:output, to the second network entity, a bulk message to apply the QoS profile of the set of Alt-QoS profiles for each application of a plurality of applications,wherein the bulk message includes information associated with each of the plurality of applications, and wherein the message excludes non-essential information.

12. The first network entity of claim 11, wherein the bulk message includes one or more of:a UE identity and corresponding QoS profile identity;a UE group and a common QoS profile identity;a common UE group and a common QoS parameter included in different QoS profile identities; andan address of the second network entity.

13. The first network entity of claim 1, wherein the first network entity comprises a Radio Access Node, RAN, and wherein the second network entity comprises a Session Management Function, SMF, of a core network.Attorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-114. The first network entity of claim 1 , wherein the first network entity comprises a Session Management Function, SMF, of a core network, and wherein the second network entity comprises a Radio Access Node, RAN.

15. The first network entity of any preceding claim, wherein the selected QoS profile enables energy saving in a specified geographic area.

16. A processor in a first network entity for wireless communication, comprising:at least one controller coupled with at least one memory and configured to cause the processor to:select a Quality of Service, QoS, profile for an application, wherein the QoS profile is selected from a set of Alternative-QoS, Alt-QoS, profiles, wherein the selected QoS profile is different from a current QoS profile for the application, and wherein the selected QoS profile enables energy saving for the first network entity;output, to the application, information indicative of the selected QoS profile; andoutput, to a second network entity, an indication to align a respective QoS profile of the second network entity to the selected QoS profile for the application, wherein the selected QoS profile enables energy saving for the second network entity.

17. A method performed by a first network entity, the method comprising: selecting a Quality of Service, QoS, profile for an application, wherein the QoS profile is selected from a set of Alternative QoS, Alt-QoS, profiles, wherein the selected QoS profile is different from a current QoS profile for the application, and wherein the selected QoS profile enables energy saving for the first network entity;outputting, to the application, information indicative of the select QoS profile; andoutputting, to a second network entity, an indication to align a respective QoS profile of the second network entity to the selected QoS profile for theAttorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1application, wherein the selected QoS profile enables energy saving for the second network entity.

18. A third network entity, comprising:one or more memories; andone or more processors coupled with the one or more memories and individually or collectively configured to cause the first network entity to:obtain from an Application Function, AF, a request to create, select, provision or update an Alternative Quality of Service, Alt-QoS policy indicating support for potential energy saving operations or providing an Energy Saving Indicator, ESI;generate an applicable set of Alt-QoS profiles based on alternative profile options obtained from the AF; andoutput the set of Alt-QoS profiles to a first network entity.Attorney Docket No. PC934941 WO15138726-1

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