Determining a radio transmission power threshold and related devices, methods and computer programs

Abstract

Determining radio transmission power thresholds and related devices, methods and computer programs are disclosed herein. At least some of the example embodiments described herein can allow for improved resource usage by serving the maximum amount of traffic without wasting resources, while also ensuring the possibility of serving a minimum level of traffic.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to communications, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to determining radio transmission power thresholds and related devices, methods and computer programs. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the introduction of new generations of mobile networks, such as the fifth generation (5G) wireless networks, compliance aspects related to radio transmitter radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure are under investigation.

[0003] Currently, 5G NR supports the utilization of an average time T avg of 1 to 30 minutes of actual electromagnetic field exposure.

[0004] However, at least in some cases, the current implementations can be overly conservative, as they can implicitly assume that any past radio transmission power dissipation below a given guaranteed level is equal to the guaranteed level, thereby potentially wasting resources. SUMMARY

[0005] The scope of protection sought and subsisting in the various example embodiments of the application is defined by the independent claims, the example embodiments and features described in the specification, if any, that are not part of the independent claims, are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding the various example embodiments of the present application.

[0006] An example embodiment of a network node device comprises at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node device at least to perform, at the end of the current radio transmission power dissipation sampling period, an evaluation of a function of radio transmission power dissipation over the current radio transmission power dissipation sampling period. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the network node device at least to perform a real-time computation sub-process for determining a radio transmission power threshold for a consecutive radio transmission power dissipation sampling period based on the evaluated function of radio transmission power dissipation over the current radio transmission power dissipation sampling period. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the network node device at least to perform determining the radio transmission power threshold for the consecutive radio transmission power dissipation sampling period based on the performed real-time computation sub-process.

[0007] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above example embodiments, when executed by the at least one processor, the instructions further cause the network node device to perform: in response to the non-real-time skip condition not being satisfied, triggering the computing node to perform, during the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period, a non-real-time computation sub-process for determining a radio transmission power threshold for a consecutive radio transmission power consumption sampling period based on an evaluation function of the radio transmission power consumption over a preceding radio transmission power consumption sampling period, and obtaining a result of the non-real-time computation sub-process from the computing node before the end of the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period. The determination of the radio transmission power threshold for the consecutive radio transmission power consumption sampling period is further based on the obtained result of the non-real-time computation sub-process.

[0008] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above example embodiments, the non-real-time skip condition comprises a first non-real-time skip condition:

[0009] for all i = 1,..., min(t, W - 1),

[0010] where t denotes the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period, c t denotes the radio transmission power consumption over the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period t, denotes a predetermined upper limit of the radio transmission power, denotes a predetermined minimum value of the radio transmission power threshold, p is between 0 and 1, and W denotes a number of radio transmission power consumption sampling periods within a sliding time window T avg .

[0011] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above example embodiments, the non-real-time skip condition comprises a second non-real-time skip condition:

[0012] l t ≤ W - 1,

[0013] where

[0014]

[0015] where t denotes the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period, c t denotes the radio transmission power consumption over the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period t, denotes a predetermined upper limit of the radio transmission power, denotes a predetermined minimum value of the radio transmission power threshold, p is between 0 and 1, and W denotes a number of radio transmission power consumption sampling periods within a sliding time window T avg .

[0016] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above example embodiments:

[0017] When the first non-real-time skip condition is met, the real-time computation sub-process comprises x t : = [x t-1 + c t - c t-W+1 ] + ;

[0018] When the second non-real-time skip condition is met, the real-time computation sub-process comprises and

[0019] When neither the first non-real-time skip condition nor the second non-real-time skip condition is met, the real-time computation sub-process comprises wherein denotes the result of the non-real-time computation sub-process obtained.

[0020] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above example embodiments, the radio transmission power threshold for the consecutive radio transmission power consumption sampling period t+1 comprises

[0021] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above example embodiments, the non-real-time computation sub-process comprises:

[0022] If t = 0:

[0023] Set

[0024] Otherwise:

[0025] Initialize

[0026] For i = min(t+1, W-1),..., 2:

[0027] Set

[0028] wherein denotes the result of the non-real-time computation sub-process.

[0029] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above example embodiments, when executed by the at least one processor, the instructions further cause the network node device to perform: modifying a minimum value of the radio transmission power threshold based on a current traffic delay requirement.

[0030] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above example embodiments, the function of radio transmission power consumption comprises an equivalent isotropically radiated power.

[0031] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above example embodiments, the real-time computation is performed by a distributed unit of the network node device.

[0032] One example embodiment of a network node device comprises means for causing the network node device to perform, at least at the end of a current radio transmission power consumption sampling period, an evaluation function of radio transmission power consumption over the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period. The means are further configured to cause the network node device to perform, at least, a real-time computation sub-process for determining a radio transmission power threshold for a consecutive radio transmission power consumption sampling period based on the evaluation function of radio transmission power consumption over the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period such that the function of radio transmission power consumption over a given radio transmission power consumption sampling period does not exceed the radio transmission power threshold for the given radio transmission power consumption sampling period. The means are further configured to cause the network node device to determine, based on at least the performed real-time computation sub-process, the radio transmission power threshold for the consecutive radio transmission power consumption sampling period.

[0033] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above example embodiments, the means are further configured to cause the network node device to at least: in response to a non-real-time skip condition not being met, trigger, during the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period, a computation node to perform a non-real-time computation sub-process for determining a radio transmission power threshold for a consecutive radio transmission power consumption sampling period based on the evaluation function of radio transmission power consumption over a preceding radio transmission power consumption sampling period, and obtain, from the computation node, a result of the non-real-time computation sub-process before the end of the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period. The determination of the radio transmission power threshold for the consecutive radio transmission power consumption sampling period is further based on the obtained result of the non-real-time computation sub-process.

[0034] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above example embodiments, the non-real-time skip condition comprises a first non-real-time skip condition:

[0035] for all i = 1,..., min(t, W - 1),

[0036] where t denotes the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period, c t denotes the radio transmission power consumption over the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period t, denotes a predetermined upper limit of the radio transmission power, denotes a predetermined minimum value of the radio transmission power threshold, p is between 0 and 1, and W denotes a number of radio transmission power consumption sampling periods within a sliding time window T avg .

[0037] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above example embodiments, the non-real-time skip condition comprises a second non-real-time skip condition:

[0038] l t ≤W-1,

[0039] wherein

[0040]

[0041] wherein t denotes the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period, c t denotes the radio transmission power consumption over the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period t, denotes a predetermined upper limit of the radio transmission power, denotes a predetermined minimum value of the radio transmission power threshold, p is between 0 and 1, and W denotes the number of radio transmission power consumption sampling periods within a sliding time window T avg .

[0042] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above example embodiments:

[0043] when the first non-real-time skip condition is met, the real-time computation sub-process comprises x t := [x t-1 + c t - c t-W+1 ] + ;

[0044] when the second non-real-time skip condition is met, the real-time computation sub-process comprises and

[0045] when neither the first non-real-time skip condition nor the second non-real-time skip condition is met, the real-time computation sub-process comprises wherein denotes the obtained result of the non-real-time computation sub-process.

[0046] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above example embodiments, the radio transmission power threshold for the consecutive radio transmission power consumption sampling period t+1 comprises

[0047] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above example embodiments, a non-real-time computation sub-process comprises:

[0048] if t = 0:

[0049] set

[0050] else:

[0051] initialize

[0052] for i = min(t + 1, W - 1),...,2:

[0053] setting wherein represents the result of the non-real-time computation sub-process.

[0054] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above example embodiments, the apparatus is further configured to cause the network node device to modify the minimum value of the radio transmission power threshold based on at least a current traffic delay requirement.

[0055] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above example embodiments, the function of radio transmission power consumption comprises an equivalent isotropically radiated power consumption.

[0056] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above example embodiments, the real-time computation is performed by a distributed unit of the network node device.

[0057] An example embodiment of a method comprises evaluating, by a network node device, a function of radio transmission power consumption over a current radio transmission power consumption sampling period at an end of the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period. The method further comprises performing, by the network node device, a real-time computation sub-process for determining a radio transmission power threshold for a consecutive radio transmission power consumption sampling period based on the evaluated function of radio transmission power consumption over the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period. The method further comprises determining, by the network node device, the radio transmission power threshold for the consecutive radio transmission power consumption sampling period based on at least the performed real-time computation sub-process.

[0058] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above example embodiments, the method further comprises, in response to the non-real-time skip condition not being fulfilled, triggering, by the network node device, a computation node to perform a non-real-time computation sub-process for determining a radio transmission power threshold for a consecutive radio transmission power consumption sampling period based on the evaluated function of radio transmission power consumption over a previous radio transmission power consumption sampling period during the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period, and obtaining, by the network node device, a result of the non-real-time computation sub-process from the computation node before the end of the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period. The determination of the radio transmission power threshold for the consecutive radio transmission power consumption sampling period is further based on the obtained result of the non-real-time computation sub-process.

[0059] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above example embodiments, the non-real-time skip condition comprises a first non-real-time skip condition:

[0060] for all i = 1,...,min(t,W - 1), wherein t represents the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period, c trepresents the radio transmission power at the current radio transmission power sample period t, represents a predetermined upper limit for the radio transmission power, represents a predetermined minimum value for the radio transmission power threshold, p is between 0 and 1, and W represents the number of radio transmission power sample periods within a sliding time window T avg .

[0061] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above example embodiments, the non-real-time skip condition comprises a second non-real-time skip condition:

[0062] l t ≤ W - 1,

[0063] wherein

[0064]

[0065] wherein t represents the current radio transmission power sample period, c t represents the radio transmission power at the current radio transmission power sample period t, represents a predetermined upper limit for the radio transmission power, represents a predetermined minimum value for the radio transmission power threshold, p is between 0 and 1, and W represents the number of radio transmission power sample periods within a sliding time window T avg .

[0066] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above example embodiments:

[0067] when the first non-real-time skip condition is met, the real-time computation sub-process comprises x t := [x t-1 + c t - c t-W+1 ] + ;

[0068] when the second non-real-time skip condition is met, the real-time computation sub-process comprises and

[0069] when neither the first non-real-time skip condition nor the second non-real-time skip condition is met, the real-time computation sub-process comprises wherein represents the obtained result of the non-real-time computation sub-process.

[0070] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above example embodiments, the radio transmission power threshold for the consecutive radio transmission power sample period t+1 comprises

[0071] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above example embodiments, the non-real-time computation sub-process comprises:

[0072] If t = 0:

[0073] Set

[0074] Else:

[0075] Initialize

[0076] For i = min(t + 1, W - 1),..., 2:

[0077] Set Where denotes the result of the non-real-time computation sub-process.

[0078] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above example embodiments, the method further comprises modifying, by the network node device, the minimum value for the radio transmission power threshold based on a current traffic delay requirement.

[0079] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above example embodiments, the function of radio transmission power consumption comprises an equivalent isotropically radiated power consumption.

[0080] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above example embodiments, the real-time computation is performed by a distributed unit of the network node device.

[0081] An example embodiment of a computer program comprises instructions for causing a network node device to perform at least the following: evaluate, at the end of a current radio transmission power consumption sampling period, a function of radio transmission power consumption over the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period; perform a real-time computation sub-process for determining a radio transmission power threshold for a consecutive radio transmission power consumption sampling period based on the evaluated function of radio transmission power consumption over the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period such that the function of radio transmission power consumption over a given radio transmission power consumption sampling period does not exceed the radio transmission power threshold for the given radio transmission power consumption sampling period, and determine, based on at least the performed real-time computation sub-process, a radio transmission power threshold for a consecutive radio transmission power consumption sampling period.

[0082] An example embodiment of a computing node comprises at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the computing node to, in response to being triggered by a network node device to perform a non-real-time computational sub-process for determining a radio transmission power threshold for a consecutive radio transmission power sampling period during a current radio transmission power sampling period, retrieve stored radio transmission power samples. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the computing node to at least perform the non-real-time computational sub-process based on the retrieved radio transmission power samples. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the computing node to at least perform providing a result of the non-real-time computational sub-process to the network node device before the end of the current radio transmission power sampling period.

[0083] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above example embodiments, the non-real-time computational sub-process comprises:

[0084] If t = 0:

[0085] Set

[0086] Else:

[0087] Initialize

[0088] For i = min(t + 1, W - 1),..., 2:

[0089] Set

[0090] where t denotes the current radio transmission power sampling period, c t denotes the radio transmission power on the current radio transmission power sampling period t, denotes a predetermined upper limit of the radio transmission power, denotes a predetermined minimum value of the radio transmission power threshold, p is between 0 and 1, W denotes a number of radio transmission power sampling periods within a sliding time window T avg and denotes the result of the non-real-time computational sub-process.

[0091] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above example embodiments, the computing node is comprised in a network node device.

[0092] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above example embodiments, the non-real-time computation is performed by a centralized unit or a distributed unit of the network node device.

[0093] An example embodiment of a computing node comprises means for causing the computing node to perform at least the following in response to being triggered by a network node device to perform a non-real-time computational sub-process for determining a radio transmission power threshold for a consecutive radio transmission power sampling period during a current radio transmission power sampling period: retrieving stored radio transmission power samples. The means are further configured to cause the computing node to perform the non-real-time computational sub-process based at least on the retrieved radio transmission power samples. The means are further configured to cause the computing node to provide a result of the non-real-time computational sub-process to the network node device at least before the current radio transmission power sampling period ends.

[0094] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above example embodiments, the non-real-time computational sub-process comprises:

[0095] If t = 0:

[0096] Set

[0097] Else:

[0098] Initialize

[0099] For i = min(t + 1, W - 1),..., 2:

[0100] Set

[0101] where t denotes the current radio transmission power sampling period, c t denotes the radio transmission power on the current radio transmission power sampling period t, denotes a predetermined upper limit of the radio transmission power, denotes a predetermined minimum value of the radio transmission power threshold, p is between 0 and 1, W denotes a number of radio transmission power sampling periods within a sliding time window T avg and denotes the result of the non-real-time computational sub-process.

[0102] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above example embodiments, the computing node is comprised in the network node device.

[0103] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above example embodiments, the non-real-time computation is performed by a centralized unit or a distributed unit of the network node device.

[0104] An example embodiment of a method comprises retrieving, by a computing node, stored radio transmission power consumption samples in response to a non-real-time computation sub-process for determining a radio transmission power threshold for a consecutive radio transmission power consumption sampling period being triggered for execution by a network node device during a current radio transmission power consumption sampling period. The method further comprises executing, by the computing node, the non-real-time computation sub-process based on the retrieved radio transmission power consumption samples. The method further comprises providing, by the computing node, a result of the non-real-time computation sub-process to the network node device before the end of the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period.

[0105] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above example embodiments, the non-real-time computation sub-process comprises:

[0106] If t = 0:

[0107] Set

[0108] Else:

[0109] Initialize

[0110] For i = min(t + 1, W - 1),..., 2:

[0111] Set

[0112] where t denotes the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period, c t denotes the radio transmission power consumption over the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period t, denotes a predetermined upper limit of the radio transmission power, denotes a predetermined minimum value of the radio transmission power threshold, p is between 0 and 1, W denotes a number of radio transmission power consumption sampling periods within a sliding time window T avg and denotes the result of the non-real-time computation sub-process.

[0113] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above example embodiments, the computing node is comprised in the network node device.

[0114] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above example embodiments, the non-real-time computation is performed by a centralized unit or a distributed unit of the network node device.

[0115] An example embodiment of a computer program comprises instructions for causing a computing node to perform at least the following: in response to being triggered by a network node device to perform a non-real-time computational sub-process for determining a radio transmission power threshold for a consecutive radio transmission power consumption sampling period during a current radio transmission power consumption sampling period, retrieve stored radio transmission power consumption samples; perform the non-real-time computational sub-process based on the retrieved radio transmission power consumption samples; and provide a result of the non-real-time computational sub-process to the network node device before the end of the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0116] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments and together with the description serve to explain principles of embodiments.

[0117] In the drawings:

[0118] Figure 1 An example system showing example embodiments of the subject matter described herein, in which various embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented, is shown;

[0119] Figure 2A An example embodiment of a network node device showing the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0120] Figure 2B An example embodiment of a computing node showing the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0121] Figure 3 An example embodiment of a method showing the subject matter described herein is shown; and

[0122] Figure 4 An example embodiment of another method showing the subject matter described herein is shown.

[0123] The same numbers are used in different drawings to represent the same or similar components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0124] Reference will now be made in detail embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The detailed description provided below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the present examples and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present examples can be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions of the examples and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the examples. However, the same or equivalent functions and sequences can be accomplished by different examples.

[0125] Figure 1An example system 100 is shown in which various embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented. The system 100 can include a Fifth Generation (5G) New Radio (NR) network or a network 110 other than a 5G wireless network. An example representation of the system 100 is shown, depicting a client device 120 and a network node device 200. The system 100 can also include a compute node 210 and / or a storage device 220. In at least some embodiments, the compute node 210 and / or the storage device 220 can be included in or implemented as part of the compute node 210. In at least some embodiments, the network 110 can include one or more massive machine-to-machine (M2M) networks, massive machine-type communications (mMTC) networks, Internet of Things (IoT) networks, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) networks, enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) networks, ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC) networks, and / or the like. In other words, the network 110 can be configured to serve different service types and / or use cases, and it can be logically viewed as including one or more networks.

[0126] The client device 120 can include, for example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a smartwatch, or any hand-held, portable, and / or wearable device. The client device 120 can also be referred to as a user equipment (UE). The network node device 200 can include a base station. The base station can include, for example, any device suitable to provide an air interface for a client device to connect to a wireless network through wireless transmission.

[0127] In the following, various example embodiments will be discussed. At least some of the example embodiments described herein can allow for determining a radio transmission power threshold.

[0128] At least some of the example embodiments described herein can allow for improving resource usage by serving maximum traffic without wasting resources, while also ensuring the possibility of serving a minimum level of traffic. This can be advantageous, for example, for congestion and call admission.

[0129] At least some of the example embodiments described herein can allow for optimizing deployment in a radio access network (RAN) with real-time and non-real-time operations.

[0130] At least some of the example embodiments described herein can allow for supporting dynamically guaranteed traffic levels.

[0131] At least some of the example embodiments described herein can allow for a network node device to send an incremental power at each sampling period, while still guaranteeing constraints on average power and guaranteed traffic.

[0132] At least some of the example embodiments described herein can allow performing the bulk of the computations in a non-real-time manner, so that the network node device can still produce a new value of the optimal threshold before the next sampling period begins.

[0133] At least some of the example embodiments described herein can allow computing the maximum power threshold γ t such that the following two conditions are met:

[0134] a) the function of the transmission power c t across the sampling periods t averaged over a sliding window of W periods (understanding that c t (γ t )≤ γ t ) does not exceed the upper bound

[0135]

[0136] b) the power threshold is higher or equal to a minimum level i.e. for all t≥ t',

[0137] Figure 2A is a block diagram of a network node device 200 according to example embodiments.

[0138] The network node device 200 comprises one or more processors 202 and one or more memories 204 including computer program code. The network node device 200 can also comprise other elements, such as a transceiver 206 configured to enable the network node device 200 to transmit and / or receive information to / from other devices, and Figure 2A other elements not shown in FIG. 2. In one example, the network node device 200 can use the transceiver 206 to transmit or receive signaling information and data according to at least one cellular communication protocol. The transceiver 206 can be configured to provide at least one wireless radio connection, such as a 3GPP mobile broadband connection (e.g., 5G or beyond). The transceiver 206 can include or be configured to couple to at least one antenna to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals.

[0139] Although the network node device 200 is depicted as including only one processor 202, the network node device 200 can include more processors. In embodiments, the memory 204 is capable of storing instructions, such as an operating system and / or various applications. Further, the memory 204 can include a storage capable of storing, for example, at least some of the information and data used in the disclosed embodiments.

[0140] Further, the processor 202 is capable of executing stored instructions. In embodiments, the processor 202 can be embodied as a multi-core processor, a single core processor, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and one or more single core processors. For example, the processor 202 can be embodied as one or more of a variety of processing devices, such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), processing circuitry with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, a neural network (NN) chip, an artificial intelligence (AI) accelerator, and the like. In embodiments, the processor 202 can be configured to perform hard-coded functions. In embodiments, the processor 202 is embodied as an executor of software instructions, where the instructions can specifically configure the processor 202 to perform the algorithms and / or operations described herein when the instructions are executed.

[0141] The memory 204 can be implemented as one or more volatile memory devices, one or more non-volatile memory devices, and / or a combination of one or more volatile memory devices and non-volatile memory devices, such as, for example, semiconductor based memory devices, including without limitation, mask ROM, PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (random access memory), and the like.

[0142] The network node device 200 can comprise a base station. The base station can comprise, for example, a fifth generation base station (gNB) or any such device that provides an over-the-air interface to client devices to connect to a wireless network through wireless transmission.

[0143] At least in some embodiments, during a current radio transmission power consumption sampling period and in response to a non-real-time skip condition not being met, the instructions stored in the at least one memory 204, when executed by the at least one processor 202, can cause the network node device 200 to perform as follows: trigger the computing node 210 to perform a non-real-time computation sub-process to determine a radio transmission power threshold for a consecutive radio transmission power consumption sampling period based on a function of the assessed radio transmission power consumption over a previous radio transmission power consumption sampling period. For example, the function of the radio transmission power consumption can comprise equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) consumption.

[0144] Here, the non-real-time computation sub-process refers to a computation sub-process that is performed over a radio transmission power consumption sampling period, which is significantly longer than the duration of one time slot. The term “non-real-time skip condition” refers to a condition to skip the non-real-time computation.

[0145] For example, the non-real-time skip condition can comprise a first non-real-time skip condition:

[0146] for all i = 1,..., min(t, W - 1),

[0147] where t denotes the current radio transmission power consumption sample period, c t denotes the radio transmission power consumption on the current radio transmission power consumption sample period t, denotes a predetermined upper limit for the radio transmission power, denotes a predetermined minimum value for the radio transmission power threshold, p is between 0 and 1, and W denotes the number of radio transmission power consumption sample periods within the sliding time window T avg .

[0148] In other words, the first non-real-time skip condition can correspond to the case where none of the past W - 1 radio transmission power consumption values is below the guaranteed level .

[0149] In at least some embodiments, in order to evaluate whether the first non-real-time skip condition is satisfied, the network node device 200 can maintain a counter which is incremented by one if the current radio transmission power consumption is below the guaranteed level, and which is set to 0 otherwise. The first non-real-time skip condition is satisfied if the counter ≥ W - 1.

[0150] In another example, the non-real-time skip condition can comprise a second non-real-time skip condition:

[0151] l t ≤ W - 1,

[0152] where

[0153]

[0154] For example, the non-real-time computation sub-process can comprise:

[0155] If t = 0:

[0156] Set

[0157] Otherwise:

[0158] Initialize

[0159] For i = min(t + 1, W - 1),..., 2:

[0160] Set

[0161] where denotes the result of the non-real-time computation sub-process.

[0162] Here, the notation of the form [a + b] + represents a sum and a max operation. Furthermore, a convention is used that if multiple indices reach the maximum, the lowest one is taken.

[0163] In at least some embodiments, to evaluate whether the second non-real-time skip condition is fulfilled, the network node device 200 can maintain a counter / , which is set to 0 if c t = 0, otherwise incremented by one, because if x t = 0 then / = 0, otherwise / = / + 1. t = 0, otherwise / = / + 1. t = 0, otherwise / = / + 1. t-1 = 0, otherwise / = / + 1.

[0164] In the above embodiments, the instructions stored in the at least one memory 204, when executed by the at least one processor 202, further cause the network node device 200 to perform the following: obtain the result of the non-real-time computation sub-process from the computing node 210 before the end of the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period.

[0165] The instructions stored in the at least one memory 204, when executed by the at least one processor 202, cause the network node device 200 to perform at least the following: at the end of the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period, evaluate a function of the radio transmission power consumption over the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period. The instructions stored in the at least one memory 204, when executed by the at least one processor 202, further cause the network node device 200 to perform the following: store the evaluated radio transmission power consumption c t in a memory, such as the storage device 220 or the memory 214, such that the memory can evict c t-W+2 .

[0166] The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor 202, further cause the network node device 200 to perform at least the following: perform a real-time computation sub-process for determining a radio transmission power threshold for a consecutive radio transmission power consumption sampling period based on the evaluated function of the radio transmission power consumption over the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period, such that the function of the radio transmission power consumption over a given radio transmission power consumption sampling period does not exceed the radio transmission power threshold for the given radio transmission power consumption sampling period. Here, a real-time computation sub-process refers to a computation sub-process that is to be performed within one time slot.

[0167] For example, the real-time computation sub-process can comprise x t := [x t-1 + c t - ct-W+1 ] + When the second non-real-time skip condition is met, the real-time computation sub-process can comprise ( where x t-1 denotes the result of the computation in the previous sampling period t-1 ). When neither the first non-real-time skip condition nor the second non-real-time skip condition is met, the real-time computation sub-process can comprise denotes the result of the non-real-time computation sub-process.

[0168] The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor 202, further cause the network node device 200 to perform at least the following: determining, based at least on the performed real-time computation sub-process, a radio transmission power threshold γ t+1 for the consecutive radio transmission power consumption sampling period t+1 (i.e. to be applied on the consecutive radio transmission power consumption sampling period t+1 ). In embodiments involving a non-real-time computation sub-process of the computing node 210, the determination of the radio transmission power threshold for the consecutive radio transmission power consumption sampling period can be further based on the obtained result of the non-real-time computation sub-process. Thus, the determined radio transmission power threshold γ t+1 for the consecutive radio transmission power consumption sampling period t+1 can be based on the obtained result of the non-real-time computation sub-process. t+1 The radio transmission power threshold for the consecutive radio transmission power consumption sampling period t+1 can be determined based on the obtained result of the non-real-time computation sub-process.

[0169] For example, the radio transmission power threshold for the consecutive radio transmission power consumption sampling period t+1 can comprise

[0170] In other words, at least in some embodiments, the radio transmission power threshold γ * may generally be defined as:

[0171]

[0172] At least in some disclosed embodiments, the radio transmission power threshold γ may guarantee that the sliding average radio transmission power consumption does not exceed the radio transmission power threshold γ may not be lower than and / or given the past consumption, the radio transmission power threshold γ may be the highest possible power threshold, i.e. it can not be overly conservative and can not waste resources.

[0173] At least in some disclosed embodiments, the complete input set c t+1-min(t+1,W-1) ,..., c tmay only be available at the end of the sampling period t, since c t The full set of calculations can typically not be performed in the last time slot, especially when the number of W is in the order of thousands (e.g. if a sampling period lasts 100 milliseconds (ms) and the average time window T avg = 6 minutes (min), then W = 3600). However, the first W-2 rounds can only depend on the available power consumption values at the beginning of the sampling period, i.e. c t+1-min(t+1,W-1) ..., c t-1 Thus, the first W-2 rounds of the procedure can be performed in a non-real-time manner - they can start in the first time slot of the sampling period t and can terminate before the last time slot of the sampling period t. After that, in the last time slot of the period t, the network node device 200 can evaluate the radio transmission power consumption during the current period t and perform the last round of the procedure in a real-time manner.

[0174] The instructions can also cause the network node device 200, when executed by the at least one processor 202, to modify the minimum value of the radio transmission power threshold based on (e.g. as a function of) a current traffic delay requirement. This can be beneficial, for example, when the guaranteed bit rate traffic level can typically depend on traffic with strict delay requirements.

[0175] For example, the current Quality of Service (QoS) Class Identifier (QCI) distribution of the traffic can be mapped to a value p e [0, 1] of the guaranteed traffic fraction. Typically, the higher the number of users with guaranteed bit rate (GBR) requirements and the percentage of QCI traffic, the higher the value of p. Once a decision is made that p needs to be changed, the flags for the first non-real-time skip condition and the second non-real-time skip condition can be forced to "false" and the non-real-time calculation sub-procedure can be triggered.

[0176] Figure 2B is a block diagram of a computing node 210 according to an example embodiment.

[0177] The computing node 210 includes at least one processor 212 and at least one memory 214 including computer program code. The computing node 210 can also include other elements not shown in FIG. 2. Figure 2B

[0178] Although the computing node 210 is depicted as including only one processor 212, the computing node 210 can include more processors. In an embodiment, the memory 214 is capable of storing instructions, such as an operating system and / or various applications. Further, the memory 214 can include a memory usable to store at least some information and data used, for example, in the disclosed embodiments.

[0179] ​Further, the processor 212 is capable of executing stored instructions. In embodiments, the processor 212 can be embodied as a multi-core processor, a single core processor, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and one or more single core processors. For example, the processor 212 can be embodied as one or more of a variety of processing devices, such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), processing circuitry with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, a neural network (NN) chip, an artificial intelligence (AI) accelerator, and the like. In embodiments, the processor 212 can be configured to perform a hard-coded function. In embodiments, the processor 212 is embodied as an executor of software instructions, where the instructions can specifically configure the processor 212 to perform the algorithms and / or operations described herein when the instructions are executed.

[0180] The memory 214 can be embodied as one or more volatile memory devices, one or more non-volatile memory devices, and / or a combination of one or more volatile memory devices and non-volatile memory devices, for example, the memory 214 can be embodied as a semiconductor memory device (e.g., a mask ROM, a PROM (programmable ROM), an EPROM (erasable PROM), a flash ROM, a RAM (random access memory), and the like).

[0181] In response to the non-real time computation sub-process for determining a radio transmission power threshold for a consecutive radio transmission power consumption sampling period being triggered for execution by the network node device 200 during a current radio transmission power consumption sampling period, the instructions stored in the at least one memory 214, when executed by the at least one processor 212, cause the computing node 210 to perform at least the following: retrieve stored radio transmission power consumption samples (e.g., the last W-2 consumption values available). The radio transmission power consumption samples can be stored in, for example, the external storage device 220 or the memory 214.

[0182] The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor 212, further cause the computing node 210 to perform at least the following: execute the non-real time computation sub-process based on the retrieved radio transmission power consumption samples.

[0183] As described in more detail above, the non-real time computation sub-process may, for example, include:

[0184] If t = 0:

[0185] Set

[0186] Else:

[0187] Initialize

[0188] for i = min(t + 1, W - 1),...,2:

[0189] setting wherein represents the result of the non-real-time computation sub-process.

[0190] When executed by the at least one processor 212, the instructions further cause the computing node 210 to, at least as follows: provide the result of the non-real-time computation sub-process to the network node device 200 before the end of the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period.

[0191] In at least some embodiments, the computing node 210 can be comprised in the network node device 200. In these embodiments, at least some of the at least one processor 212 can be comprised in at least some of the at least one processor 202, and / or at least some of the at least one memory 214 can be comprised in at least some of the at least one memory 204.

[0192] Other features of the computing node 210 are directly derived from the functionality and parameters of the network node device 200, and are therefore not repeated here.

[0193] In at least some of the described embodiments, the last W - 1 samples of power consumption can be stored at each sampling period t, e.g. at the storage device 220 or the memory 214.

[0194] Figure 3 An example diagram illustrating a method 300 according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0195] At optional operation 301, the network node device 200 can determine whether a non-real-time skip condition is fulfilled. When the non-real-time skip condition is fulfilled, the method can proceed directly to operation 302. When the non-real-time skip condition is not fulfilled, the method can first perform operations 306, 307, 308, and then proceed to operation 302.

[0196] Thus, in response to the non-real-time skip condition 301 not being fulfilled, the network node device 200 can trigger the computing node 210 to perform a non-real-time computation sub-process during the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period to determine a radio transmission power threshold for a consecutive radio transmission power consumption sampling period based on a function of the evaluated radio transmission power consumption over the previous radio transmission power consumption sampling period.

[0197] At operation 306, in response to being triggered by the network node device 200 to perform the non-real-time computation sub-process, the computing node 210 retrieves the stored radio transmission power consumption samples.

[0198] At operation 307, the computing node 210 performs the non-real-time computation sub-process based on the retrieved samples of radio transmission power consumption.

[0199] At operation 308, the computing node 210 provides the result of the non-real-time computation sub-process to the network node device 200 before the end of the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period. Further, at operation 308, the result of the non-real-time computation sub-process is fetched by the network node device 200 before the end of the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period.

[0200] At operation 302, the network node device 200 evaluates a function of radio transmission power consumption over the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period at the end of the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period.

[0201] At optional operation 303, the network node device 200 can store the evaluated function of radio transmission power consumption over the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period in a storage (e.g. storage device 220 or memory 214).

[0202] At operation 304, the network node device 200 performs a real-time computation sub-process for determining a radio transmission power threshold for a consecutive radio transmission power consumption sampling period based on the evaluated function of radio transmission power consumption over the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period, such that the function of radio transmission power consumption over a given radio transmission power consumption sampling period does not exceed the radio transmission power threshold for the given radio transmission power consumption sampling period.

[0203] At operation 305, the network node device 200 determines the radio transmission power threshold for the consecutive radio transmission power consumption sampling period based on at least the performed real-time computation sub-process. As discussed in more detail above, in embodiments involving a non-real-time computation sub-process of the computing node 210, the determination of the radio transmission power threshold for the consecutive radio transmission power consumption sampling period can be further based on the obtained result of the non-real-time computation sub-process.

[0204] The method of figure 300 can be performed by Figure 2A the network node device 200 and Figure 2B the computing node 210. Operations 301, 302-305 and 308 can e.g. be performed by the at least one processor 202 and the at least one memory 204. Operations 306-308 can e.g. be performed by the at least one processor 212 and the at least one memory 214. Other features of the method of figure 300 directly stem from the functionality and parameters of the network node device 200 and the computing node 210, and are therefore not repeated here. The method of figure 300 can be performed by computer program(s).

[0205] As Figure 4As shown in diagram 400, in at least some embodiments, network node device 200 can include distributed unit 200A and centralized unit 200B, and real-time computation 304 can be performed by distributed unit 200A and / or non-real-time computation 307 can be performed by centralized unit 200B or distributed unit 200A.

[0206] Network node device 200 can include means for performing at least one of the methods described herein. In one example, the means can include at least one processor 202 and at least one memory 204 storing instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor, cause network node device 200 to perform the method.

[0207] Computing node 210 can include means for performing at least one of the methods described herein. In one example, the means can include at least one processor 212 and at least one memory 214 storing instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor, cause computing node 210 to perform the method.

[0208] The functions described herein can be performed, at least in part, by one or more computer program product components, such as software components. According to an embodiment, network node device 200 and / or computing node 210 can include a processor or processor circuit, such as a microcontroller, configured by program code, when executed, to perform embodiments of the described operations and functions. Alternatively, or in addition, the functions described herein can be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components. For example, and without limitation, illustrative types of hardware logic components that can be used include a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a program specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a program specific standard product (ASSP), a system on a chip (SOC), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a graphics processing unit (GPU).

[0209] Any ranges or device values given herein can be extended or changed without losing the intended effect. Moreover, unless specifically stated otherwise, any embodiments can be combined with another embodiment.

[0210] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example implementations of implementing the claims.

[0211] It should be appreciated that the above described benefits and advantages can relate to one embodiment or several embodiments. The embodiments are not limited to embodiments that solve any or all of the noted problems. Further, the embodiments are not limited to embodiments that have any or all of the noted benefits, advantages, or solutions. It is to be understood that a reference to“an” item can mean one or more of those items.

[0212] The steps of the methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate. Furthermore, individual blocks can be deleted from any of the methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Aspects of any of the embodiments described above can be combined with aspects of any of the other embodiments described to form further embodiments without losing the sought effect.

[0213] The term“comprising” is used herein to mean including the methods, blocks or elements identified, but not to the exclusion of additional methods, blocks or elements. The term“including” is used herein to mean including but not limited to.

[0214] It is to be understood that the above description is only intended to be illustrative, and that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art. The above specification, examples and data provide exemplary embodiments which can be employed in conformance with the teachings herein. While the above description has been made with a certain degree of particularity, and reference has been made to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous changes can be made to the embodiments described herein, without departing from the spirit or scope of the description.

Claims

1. A network node device (200), comprising: at least one processor (202); and at least one memory (204) storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor (202), cause the network node device (200) at least to perform: at the end of a current radio transmission power consumption sampling period, evaluating a function of radio transmission power consumption over the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period; performing a real-time computation sub-process for determining a radio transmission power threshold for a consecutive radio transmission power consumption sampling period based on the evaluated function of the radio transmission power consumption over the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period, such that the function of the radio transmission power consumption over a given radio transmission power consumption sampling period does not exceed the radio transmission power threshold for the given radio transmission power consumption sampling period, wherein the real-time computation sub-process refers to a computation sub-process that is performed within one time slot; determining the radio transmission power threshold for the consecutive radio transmission power consumption sampling period based at least on the performed real-time computation sub-process; and in response to a non-real-time skip condition not being met, triggering a computation node (210) to perform a non-real-time computation sub-process for determining the radio transmission power threshold for the consecutive radio transmission power consumption sampling period based on the evaluated function of the radio transmission power consumption over a preceding radio transmission power consumption sampling period during the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period, and obtaining a result of the non-real-time computation sub-process from the computation node (210) before the end of the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period, wherein the non-real-time computation sub-process refers to a computation sub-process that will be performed within a radio transmission power consumption sampling period longer than a time slot duration, and the non-real-time skip condition refers to a condition under which the non-real-time computation is skipped; wherein the determination of the radio transmission power threshold for the consecutive radio transmission power consumption sampling period is further based on the obtained result of the non-real-time computation sub-process.

2. The network node device (200) according to claim 1, wherein the non-real-time skip condition comprises a first non-real-time skip condition: for all i = 1,..., min(t, W - 1), where t denotes the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period, c t denotes the radio transmission power consumption on the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period t, denotes a predetermined upper limit of the radio transmission power, denotes a predetermined minimum value of the radio transmission power threshold, p is between 0 and 1, and W denotes the number of radio transmission power consumption sampling periods within the sliding time window T avg .

3. The network node device (200) according to claim 1, wherein the non-real-time skip condition comprises a second non-real-time skip condition: l t ≤W-1， wherein where t denotes the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period, c t denotes the radio transmission power consumption on the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period t, denotes a predetermined upper limit of the radio transmission power, denotes a predetermined minimum value of the radio transmission power threshold, p is between 0 and 1, and W denotes the number of radio transmission power consumption sampling periods within the sliding time window T avg .

4. The network node device (200) according to claim 2, wherein: When the first non-real-time skip condition is met, the real-time computation sub-process comprises x t : = [x t-1 + c t - c t-W+1 ] + , where x t represents the result of the computation in the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period t.

5. The network node device (200) according to claim 3, wherein: When the second non-real-time skip condition is met, the real-time computation sub-process comprises where x t denotes the result of the computation in the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period t.

6. The network node device (200) according to claim 1, wherein the non-real-time skip condition comprises a first non-real-time skip condition: for all i = 1,..., min(t, W - 1), and wherein the non-real-time skip condition further comprises a second non-real-time skip condition: wherein when neither the first non-real-time skip condition nor the second non-real-time skip condition is satisfied, the real-time computation sub-process includes where t denotes the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period, c t denotes the radio transmission power consumption in the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period t, denotes a predetermined upper limit of the radio transmission power, denotes a predetermined minimum value of the radio transmission power threshold, p is between 0 and 1, W denotes the number of radio transmission power consumption sampling periods within the sliding time window T avg denotes the number of radio transmission power consumption sampling periods within the sliding time window T t denotes the result of the calculation in the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period t, and denotes the result of the obtained non-real-time calculation sub-process.

7. The network node device (200) according to any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the radio transmission power threshold for the consecutive radio transmission power consumption sample period t+1 comprises 8. The network node device (200) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the non-real-time computation sub-process comprises: if t = 0: Setting else: initialization for i = min(t + 1, W - 1),..., 2: Setting wherein represents the result of the non-real-time computing sub-process.

9. The network node device (200) of any of claims 2-8, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (202), further cause the network node device (200) to perform: modifying the minimum value of the radio transmission power threshold based on a current traffic delay requirement.

10. The network node device (200) of any of claims 1-9, wherein the function of radio transmission power consumption comprises an equivalent isotropically radiated power consumption.

11. The network node device (200) of any of claims 1-10, wherein the real-time computation is performed by a distributed unit (200A) of the network node device (200).

12. A method for communication, comprising: at an end of a current radio transmission power consumption sampling period, evaluating (302), by a network node device (200), a function of radio transmission power consumption over the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period; performing (304), by the network node device (200), a real-time computation sub-process for determining a radio transmission power threshold for a consecutive radio transmission power consumption sampling period based on the evaluated function of the radio transmission power consumption over the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period, wherein the real-time computation sub-process refers to a computation sub-process that is to be performed within a time slot; determining (305), by the network node device (200), the radio transmission power threshold for the consecutive radio transmission power consumption sampling period based on at least the performed real-time computation sub-process; and in response to a non-real-time skip condition not being met, triggering, during the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period, a computing node (210) to perform a non-real-time computation sub-process for determining the radio transmission power threshold for the consecutive radio transmission power consumption sampling period based on the evaluated function of the radio transmission power consumption over a previous radio transmission power consumption sampling period, and obtaining, from the computing node (210) before the end of the current radio transmission power consumption sampling period, a result of the non-real-time computation sub-process, wherein the non-real-time computation sub-process refers to a computation sub-process that is to be performed within a radio transmission power consumption sampling period longer than a time slot duration, and the non-real-time skip condition refers to a condition under which the non-real-time computation is skipped; wherein the determination of the radio transmission power threshold for the consecutive radio transmission power consumption sampling period is further based on the obtained result of the non-real-time computation sub-process.

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