Network node in communication system and method performed by same

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a network node in a communication system and an execution method thereof, and relates to the technical field of wireless communication. The method executed by a first network node comprises the following steps: when the state of at least one antenna unit corresponding to the first network node changes, acquiring mode information related to the state of the antenna unit; sending the mode information to the second network node; and receiving a beamforming weight sent by the second network node, wherein the beamforming weight is determined by the second network node for the first network node based on the mode information. According to the embodiment of the invention, the radio frequency transient problem can be solved under the conditions that the system performance is not influenced and the energy-saving efficiency of the base station system is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communications, and more particularly, to a network node in a communication system (e.g., a communication system based on an Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN)) and a method performed by the network node. Background Art

[0002] The core network of communication systems (e.g., 5G (5th Generation) mobile communication) is undergoing a transformation. Due to the diverse services, high bandwidth, and high frequency characteristics of wireless access networks (e.g., 5G), this can lead to reduced single-site coverage, increased equipment complexity, and larger network deployments, resulting in significant network costs and increased return on investment risk. Considering the characteristics and requirements of wireless access networks, it is necessary to introduce new R&D and design approaches that integrate IT (Information Technology), CT (Communication Technology), and DT (Data Technology). This is consistent with the broader evolution of the communications industry.

[0003] To address this, operators are spearheading the creation of the O-RAN (Open Radio Access Network) industry alliance, which has outlined two core visions: "open" and "intelligent." This aligns with broader trends in the communications industry and represents another major network transformation led by operators. The O-RAN Alliance aims to leverage big data, machine learning (ML), and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to build an open, intelligent wireless network, while also combining open standards, white-box hardware, and open-source software to reduce wireless network costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a method and related devices performed by a first network node and a second network node in a communication system. The technical solution is as follows:

[0005] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method performed by a first network node in a communication system is provided, the method including:

[0006] When the state of at least one antenna unit corresponding to the first network node changes, acquiring pattern information related to the state of the antenna unit;

[0007] sending the mode information to a second network node;

[0008] Receive a beamforming weight sent by the second network node, where the beamforming weight is determined by the second network node for the first network node based on the mode information.

[0009] In a feasible embodiment, the mode information includes at least one of the following:

[0010] identification information of antenna units of the first network node that are not turned off;

[0011] identification information of the antenna unit of the first network node that has been turned off;

[0012] Among the antenna units of the first network node, identification information of the antenna units whose states have changed.

[0013] In a feasible embodiment, the state change of the antenna unit includes:

[0014] The antenna unit is turned off or on.

[0015] In a feasible embodiment, wherein sending the mode information to the second network node includes: sending the mode information to the second network node through an interface between the physical layer and the network layer;

[0016] Or, receiving the beamforming weight sent by the second network node includes: receiving the beamforming weight sent by the second network node through an interface between the physical layer and the network layer.

[0017] In a feasible embodiment, the method further includes:

[0018] receiving an energy-saving configuration message sent by the second network node, where the energy-saving configuration message includes energy-saving configuration information related to at least one antenna unit of the first network node;

[0019] Based on the energy-saving configuration message, a state of at least one antenna unit is adjusted.

[0020] In a feasible embodiment, the method further includes:

[0021] When the state adjustment of the corresponding antenna unit is completed based on the energy-saving configuration message, a configuration completion message is sent to the second network node.

[0022] In a feasible embodiment, the energy-saving configuration message includes a management plane message or a control plane message.

[0023] In a feasible embodiment, the first network node includes an O-RAN radio frequency unit O-RU; and the second network node includes an O-RAN distributed unit O-DU.

[0024] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method performed by a second network node in a communication system is provided, the method including:

[0025] receiving mode information related to the state of the antenna unit sent by the first network node;

[0026] determining a beamforming weight for the first network node based on the pattern information;

[0027] The beamforming weights are sent to the first network node.

[0028] In a feasible embodiment, the mode information includes at least one of the following:

[0029] identification information of antenna units of the first network node that are not turned off;

[0030] identification information of the antenna unit of the first network node that has been turned off;

[0031] Among the antenna units of the first network node, identification information of the antenna units whose states have changed.

[0032] In a feasible embodiment, wherein receiving the mode information related to the status of the antenna unit sent by the first network node includes: receiving the mode information related to the status of the antenna unit sent by the first network node through an interface between the physical layer and the network layer;

[0033] Alternatively, sending the beamforming weight to the first network node includes: sending the beamforming weight to the first network node through an interface between a physical layer and a network layer.

[0034] In a feasible embodiment, determining a beamforming weight for the first network node based on the pattern information includes:

[0035] Based on the pattern information, beamforming weights are determined for antenna units in the first network node that are not currently turned off.

[0036] In a feasible embodiment, the method further includes:

[0037] When the state of at least one antenna unit in the first network node is to be adjusted, obtaining antenna unit state information corresponding to the first network node;

[0038] determining, based on the antenna unit state information, energy-saving configuration information related to at least one antenna unit of the first network node;

[0039] Sending an energy-saving configuration message including the energy-saving configuration information to the first network node.

[0040] In a feasible embodiment, the method further includes:

[0041] receiving a configuration completion message sent by the first network node, where the configuration completion message indicates that the first network node has completed state adjustment of a corresponding antenna unit based on the energy-saving configuration message;

[0042] Update antenna unit status information corresponding to the first network node.

[0043] In a feasible embodiment, the first network node includes an O-RU; and the second network node includes an O-DU.

[0044] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first network node in a communication system is provided, including:

[0045] one or more processors; and

[0046] A memory, coupled to the one or more processors and storing instructions, which, when executed by the one or more processors of the network node, causes the network node to perform the operations in the method provided in the first aspect and any embodiment thereof.

[0047] According to a fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a second network node in a communication system is provided, including:

[0048] one or more processors; and

[0049] A memory, coupled to the one or more processors and storing instructions, which, when executed by the one or more processors of the network node, causes the network node to perform the operations in the method provided in the second aspect and any embodiment thereof.

[0050] According to the fifth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer-readable medium storing instructions is provided, which, when executed by one or more processors, enables the one or more processors to perform the operations in the method provided in the first aspect, the second aspect and any embodiment.

[0051] According to a sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method provided in the first aspect, the second aspect, and any embodiment.

[0052] The beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure will be introduced below in conjunction with specific embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for describing the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 1shows a base station architecture in O-RAN;

[0055] Figure 2 An example of processing at each moment when the O-DU performs beamforming weight calculation is shown;

[0056] Figure 3 A process for solving radio frequency transient problems in an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0057] Figure 4 A flowchart of a method performed by a first network node in a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided;

[0058] Figure 5 A flowchart of a method performed by a second network node in a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided;

[0059] Figure 6 A schematic structural diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure more clear, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, not all of the embodiments. Based on the described embodiments of the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0061] Before proceeding to the description of the specific embodiments below, it may be beneficial to elaborate on the definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document. The term "couple" and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, regardless of whether these elements are in physical contact with each other. The terms "send," "receive," and "communicate" and their derivatives cover direct and indirect communication. The terms "include" and "comprises" and their derivatives mean to include, but are not limited to. The term "or" is inclusive, meaning and / or. The phrase "associated with..." and its derivatives mean to include, be included within, be connected to, be interconnected with, contain, be contained within, be connected to or be connected with, be coupled to or be coupled with, be able to communicate with, collaborate with, be interwoven, be juxtaposed, be close to, be bound to or be bound with, have, have an attribute of, have a relationship with, or have a relationship with, etc. The term "controller" means any device, system, or part thereof that controls at least one operation. Such a controller can be implemented in hardware, or in a combination of hardware and software and / or firmware. The functions associated with any particular controller can be centralized or distributed, local or remote. The phrase "at least one of" when used with a list of items means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items can be used, and only one item from the list may be needed. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" includes any of the following combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A, B, and C. For example, "at least one of A, B, or C" includes any of the following combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A, B, and C.

[0062] In addition, the various functions described below can be implemented or supported by one or more computer programs, each of which is formed of a computer-readable program code and embodied in a computer-readable medium. The terms "application" and "program" refer to one or more computer programs, software components, instruction sets, processes, functions, objects, classes, instances, related data, or parts thereof suitable for implementation in a suitable computer-readable program code. The phrase "computer-readable program code" includes any type of computer code, including source code, object code, and executable code. The phrase "computer-readable medium" includes any type of medium that can be accessed by a computer, such as a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a hard drive, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disc (DVD), or any other type of memory. "Non-transitory" computer-readable medium excludes wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links that transmit temporary electrical or other signals. Non-transitory computer-readable media include media that can permanently store data and media that can store and later rewrite data, such as rewritable optical discs or erasable memory devices.

[0063] The terms used herein to describe the embodiments of the present invention are not intended to limit and / or define the scope of the present invention. For example, unless otherwise defined, the technical terms or scientific terms used in this disclosure should have the same general meaning as those understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0064] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this disclosure do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a," "an," or "the" and similar terms do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one.

[0065] As used herein, any reference to "one example" or "an example," "one embodiment," or "an embodiment" means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an example" in different places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0066] As used herein, "a portion" of something means "at least some" of that thing, and thus can mean less than all of that thing or the entirety of that thing. Thus, "a portion" of a thing includes the entire thing as a special case, i.e., the entire thing is an example of a portion of a thing.

[0067] As used herein, the term "set" means one or more. Thus, a set of items can be a single item or a set of two or more items.

[0068] In the present disclosure, in order to determine whether a specific condition is satisfied, expressions such as "greater than" or "less than" are used as examples, and expressions such as "greater than or equal to" or "less than or equal to" are also applicable and are not excluded. For example, a condition defined as "greater than or equal to" can be replaced by "greater than" (or vice versa), a condition defined as "less than or equal to" can be replaced by "less than" (or vice versa), and so on.

[0069] It will be further understood that the terms "include" or "comprising" and similar words mean that the elements or objects preceding the word include the elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, but do not exclude other elements or objects. Words such as "connected" or "connected" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. "Up", "down", "left", "right" and the like are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the object being described changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0070] The various embodiments discussed below for describing the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are intended to be illustrative only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the principles of the present disclosure can be implemented in any appropriately arranged wireless communication system.

[0071] In this document, depending on the type of network, the term "base station" or "BS" can refer to any component (or set of components) configured to provide wireless access to a network, such as a transmission point (TP), a transmission-reception point (TRP), an enhanced base station (eNodeB or eNB), a 5G base station (gNB), a macro cell, a femto cell, a WiFi access point (AP), or other wirelessly enabled devices. The base station can provide wireless access according to one or more wireless communication protocols, for example, 5G3GPP New Radio Interface / Access (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Advanced LTE (LTE-A), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Wi-Fi 802.11a / b / g / n / ac, etc. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the "terminal" and "terminal device" used herein include both devices that are wireless signal receivers, which are devices that only have wireless signal receivers without transmission capabilities, and hardware devices that have reception and transmission capabilities for two-way communication over a two-way communication link. Such devices may include: cellular or other communication devices having a single line display or a multi-line display or a cellular or other communication device without a multi-line display; a PCS (Personal Communication System) which may combine voice, data processing, fax and / or data communication capabilities; a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) which may include a radio frequency receiver, a pager, Internet / Intranet access, a web browser, a notepad, a calendar and / or a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver; a conventional laptop and / or palmtop computer or other device having and / or including a radio frequency receiver. As used herein, a "terminal" or "terminal device" may be portable, transportable, mounted in a vehicle (air, sea and / or land), or adapted and / or configured to operate locally and / or in a distributed manner at any other location on Earth and / or in space. The "terminal" and "terminal device" used here can also be a communication terminal, an Internet terminal, a music / video playback terminal, for example, a PDA, an MID (mobile Internet device) and / or a mobile phone with music / video playback function, or a smart TV, a set-top box and other devices.

[0072] In the present disclosure, various embodiments will be described using terminology adopted in some communication standards (e.g., the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and the Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN)), but these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only. The embodiments of the present disclosure can also be easily applied to other communication systems through modification.

[0073] Herein, unless otherwise specified, the terms "user," "user equipment (UE)," and "terminal" may be used interchangeably. In addition, unless otherwise specified, the terms "base station" and "cell" may be used interchangeably.

[0074] In this document, the E2 node may be one of a next-generation Node B (gNB), a distributed unit (DU), an evolved Node B (eNB), a gNB control unit (gNB-CU), an en-gNB, and an ng-eNB.

[0075] Example embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0076] Figure 1 The overall architecture of an O-RAN based communication system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0077] The overall architecture of an O-RAN-based communication system is based on the centralized unit (CU) / distributed unit (DU) architecture and functional virtualization of the radio access network (e.g., base station). It introduces reference designs for open interfaces and open hardware, while leveraging artificial intelligence to optimize wireless control processes.

[0078] The base station reference architecture in O-RAN is as follows: Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the base station can be a gNB (next generation NodeB, NR base station) supporting the 5G NR (New Radio, New Air Interface) standard, or an eNB (evolved NodeB, LTE base station) supporting the 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution, Long Term Evolution) standard. The reference architecture of gNB and eNB is slightly different, but it has no impact on the content of this disclosure, so gNB and eNB are not distinguished. This disclosure does not involve other functional entities outside the base station in O-RAN and the interfaces between them and the base station, so they are not shown in the figure. The following will briefly introduce Figure 1 Some components of the base station reference architecture in O-RAN are shown:

[0079] O-CU (O-RAN Central Unit) 101: A logical node including the O-CU-CP (O-RAN Central Unit Control Plane) and the O-CU-UP (O-RAN Central Unit User Plane). The O-CU-CP is a logical node including the RRC (Radio Resource Control) and PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol) control planes, and the O-CU-UP is a logical node including the PDCP user plane and SDAP (Service Data Adaptation Protocol) layer.

[0080] O-DU (O-RAN Distributed Unit) 102: A logical node that includes RLC (Radio Link Control), MAC (Media Access Control), High-PHY (High Physical Layer), and specific functions in O-RAN.

[0081] MAC 102-1: A 3GPP functional layer responsible for multiplexing MAC Service Data Units (SDUs) from one or more different logical channels into Transport Blocks (TBs) and sending them to the physical layer via transport channels. It also demultiplexes TBs delivered from the physical layer via transport channels into MAC SDUs for one or more different logical channels. It also performs other functions, such as error correction via HARQ (Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request). It is also a logical functional entity on the gNB / eNB, known as the scheduler, that dynamically allocates time and frequency resources for the uplink and downlink air interfaces.

[0082] High-PHY 102-2: After the 3GPP functional layer physical layer is split, the functions processed in the O-DU are responsible for encoding / decoding, channel estimation, modulation / demodulation, and scrambling / descrambling.

[0083] O-DU CUS-Plane Application (O-DU Control, User, Synchronization Plane Application, control plane / user plane / synchronization plane application in O-DU, referred to as O-DU application in this disclosure) 102-3: O-DU logical function, responsible for creating and sending C-Plane (Control-Plane), U-Plane (User-Plane) and S-Plane (Synchronization-Plane) messages to O-RU (O-RAN Radio Unit) on the fronthaul interface, or receiving and processing C-Plane (Control-Plane), U-Plane (User-Plane) and S-Plane (Synchronization-Plane) messages from O-RU. Among them, the control plane message carries relevant information for controlling the user plane message (such as scheduling and beamforming instructions), the user plane message carries time-frequency domain I / Q (In-phase / Quadrature) data, and the synchronization plane message is used to achieve time-frequency synchronization between the O-DU and O-RU.

[0084] O-DU M-Plane (O-DU Management Plane) 102-4: O-DU logical functions, based on NETCONF / YANG (Network Configuration / Yet Another Next Generation, Network Configuration Protocol / YANG Data Modeling Language) to perform O-RU initialization, software management, configuration management, performance management, fault management, file management, etc.

[0085] Among them, the O-CU and O-DU are connected through the F1 logical interface.

[0086] OFH I / F (O-RAN Open Fronthaul interface) 103: includes CUS-Plane and M-Plane interfaces, which can be an interface based on the eCPRI (enhanced Common Public Radio Interface) standard or the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 1914.3 standard, and the content transmitted on the interface complies with the O-RAN CUS-Plane standard and the M-Plane standard.

[0087] O-RU (O-RAN Radio Unit) 104: The gNB / eNB physical node in O-RAN, including the Low-PHY (Low Physical layer) and RF Chain.

[0088] O-RU CUS-Plane Application (O-RU Control, User, Synchronization PlaneApplication, control plane / user plane / synchronization plane application in O-RU, referred to as O-RU application in this disclosure) 104-1: O-RU logical function, responsible for creating and sending C-Plane, U-Plane and S-Plane messages to O-DU or receiving and processing C-Plane, U-Plane and S-Plane messages from O-DU on the fronthaul interface.

[0089] Low-PHY 104-2: This function is processed in the O-RU after the 3GPP functional layer is split into two parts: the physical layer and the optical fiber. It is responsible for FFT / iFFT (Fast Fourier Transformation / Inverted Fast Fourier Transformation), analog beamforming, digital beamforming, and digital-to-analog / analog-to-digital conversion.

[0090] The O-RU M-Plane (O-RU Management Plane) 104-3 is the O-RU logical function, which is managed by the O-DU M-Plane and reports capabilities to the O-DU during the initialization phase to inform the O-DU which optional capabilities the O-RU supports.

[0091] In the management plane radio frequency unit control energy saving solution, since the M-plane commands are asynchronous, the effectiveness of any M-plane command has an uncertain effect time. This means that when the O-DU changes the antenna energy saving configuration information through the M-plane command, the O-DU does not know when the new antenna energy saving configuration information will take effect. The design of the O-RU may also result in a relatively long transition state. After the O-RU receives the M-plane command sent by the O-DU to close or open several antennas, it subsequently determines the number of antennas that can be closed or opened in the time slot based on the CPU occupancy of each time slot. Until multiple antennas are closed or opened, the O-RU notifies the O-DU that the antenna closing or opening is completed.

[0092] Beamforming weights are closely related to antenna unit weights. When the beamforming weights do not match the current number of antennas, they can cause deviations in beam direction and shape, as well as weight calculation errors, which can seriously impact system performance. During the M-plane command to turn the antenna off or on, the O-DU is unaware of the real-time status of the number of antenna units, nor does it know when the O-RU will complete the M-plane RF unit control command. Therefore, it is very likely to calculate incorrect beamforming weights, seriously impacting system performance. In the M-plane RF unit control energy-saving solution, the inconsistency between beamforming weights and the number of antenna units is called the RF transient problem. Therefore, solving this problem is a major challenge for the M-plane RF control energy-saving solution.

[0093] There are two ways to calculate beamforming weights. The first is to perform calculations at the O-RU. In this scenario, the O-RU can update the beamforming weights in real time based on the number of antennas, thus avoiding RF transient issues.

[0094] The second method is to perform calculations at the O-DU; Figure 2 As shown in the figure, at time t, the O-RU receives an M-plane radio control command from the O-DU, requiring it to close or open M antennas. At time t+a, the O-RU decides to close or open N antennas based on CPU usage and scheduling. Similarly, at time t+b, the O-RU decides to close or open M antennas. At time t+c, it decides to close or open S antennas, and so on, until all M antennas have been closed or opened. In this scenario, the number of antennas in the O-RU changes over time. Therefore, determining when the O-DU provides the O-RU with new beamforming weights is crucial to resolving radio frequency transient issues. To address this, a solution to radio frequency transient issues based on pattern information reporting is proposed.

[0095] The existing solution is to update the beamforming weights of the antenna units to be operated in the M-plane RF shutdown command to 0 when the O-DU sends the M-plane RF shutdown command. This means that the antenna units to be operated in the RF shutdown command have been shut down at this time. In the subsequent time slots, the O-DU calculates the beamforming weights according to the remaining antenna units that have not been shut down. When the O-DU sends the M-plane RF opening command, the beamforming weights of the antenna units to be operated in the RF opening command are updated to 0. This means that the antenna units to be operated in the RF opening command have not been opened at this time. In the subsequent time slots, the O-DU calculates the beamforming weights according to the antenna units before the opening command is executed. After the O-DU receives the M-plane RF opening command sent by the O-RU and completes the execution, the beamforming weights are calculated according to the number of antenna units in the working state.

[0096] This means that before the M-plane command is confirmed to have completed execution, the O-DU will calculate the beamforming weight based on the minimum number of operable antenna units, which means that only the minimum number of operable antenna units can be used. However, in reality, due to the long time granularity of M-plane commands, which can reach the second level, this means that for a long period of time, the RF antenna consumes power but cannot operate, which leads to reduced energy saving efficiency. Secondly, using the minimum number of operable antenna units to calculate the beamforming weight is not a good choice for edge users, because the number of antenna units directly affects the shape, direction, and weight of the beam. The beam formed with the minimum number of operable antenna units may not cover edge users or may have a low beam weight, affecting the performance of edge users.

[0097] Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a solution to radio frequency transient issues arising from an M-plane radio frequency control energy-saving solution in an O-RAN communication system. This solution can address radio frequency transient issues by reporting energy-saving mode information, taking into account the design of the O-RU. The O-RU determines the operating antenna unit information by reporting a predefined energy-saving mode information table or other mode information to the O-DU, thereby updating the beamforming weights in real time. This solves the radio frequency transient issue without affecting system performance and improving the energy-saving efficiency of the base station system.

[0098] The following combination Figure 4 , an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method performed by a first network node in a communication system to illustrate.

[0099] Specifically, if Figure 4 As shown, the method includes S101-S103:

[0100] S101: When the state of at least one antenna unit corresponding to a first network node changes, obtain mode information related to the state of the antenna unit;

[0101] S102: Sending mode information to the second network node;

[0102] S103: Receive a beamforming weight sent by the second network node, where the beamforming weight is determined by the second network node for the first network node based on the mode information.

[0103] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first network node may be an O-RU, and the second network node may be an O-DU. When the O-RU determines that a status change has occurred in at least one antenna unit, it may obtain model information related to the antenna unit status and send the model information to the O-DU. At this point, the O-DU may update the beamforming weights currently determined for the O-RU based on the received model information and send the updated beamforming weights to the O-RU, thereby enabling real-time updates of the beamforming weights based on the status of the antenna units.

[0104] Optionally, the state of the antenna unit may include closed and open (not closed). The state change may refer to a change from a closed state to an open state, or a change from an open state to a closed state.

[0105] Optionally, the pattern information acquired by the first network node may correspond to the antenna unit whose status has changed, or may correspond to all antenna units involved in the first network node.

[0106] In a feasible embodiment, the model information may include at least one of the following: identification information of antenna units that are not turned off by the first network node; identification information of antenna units that are turned off by the first network node; and identification information of antenna units whose status has changed among the antenna units of the first network node.

[0107] Optionally, the identification information may include identifier information.

[0108] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the O-RU will send mode information to the O-DU when the antenna state changes. The mode information may include at least one of the following: antenna array identifier information that is not turned off, and / or antenna identifier information that is turned off; antenna array identifier information that is not turned off and / or antenna array identifier information that is turned off; mode identifier information in a predefined mode information table, etc.

[0109] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the mode information may be a mode identifier in a predefined mode information table. The predefined mode information table may include information such as a mode identifier and an antenna unit identifier according to the design of the O-RU.

[0110] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a group of antenna units corresponding to a pattern identifier needs to be turned on or off at the same time.

[0111] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the O-RU may report mode information through an interface between the physical layer and the network layer.

[0112] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the O-DU determines antenna status information of all antennas based on the mode information reported by the O-RU. The antenna status information includes: on or off.

[0113] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the O-DU will determine the antenna state information of all antennas based on the mode information reported by the O-RU to update the beamforming weights.

[0114] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the O-DU may transmit updated beamforming weight information through an interface between the physical layer and the network layer.

[0115] In a feasible embodiment, the method performed by the first network node may further include:

[0116] receiving an energy-saving configuration message sent by the second network node, where the energy-saving configuration message includes energy-saving configuration information related to at least one antenna unit of the first network node;

[0117] Based on the energy saving configuration message, a state of at least one antenna unit is adjusted.

[0118] Optionally, the second network node may send an energy-saving configuration message to the first network node, instructing the first network node to adjust the states of the antenna units. For example, when too many antenna units are not needed to perform a task, the second network node may instruct the first network node to shut down at least some of the antenna units to improve energy efficiency. In this case, the first network node may adjust the states of the corresponding antenna units based on the received energy-saving configuration message.

[0119] Optionally, the energy-saving configuration message may include a management plane message or a control plane message.

[0120] In a feasible embodiment, the method performed by the first network node may further include:

[0121] When the state adjustment of the corresponding antenna unit is completed based on the energy-saving configuration message, a configuration completion message is sent to the second network node.

[0122] Optionally, in order to ensure that the antenna status recorded in the first network node is consistent with the status of the antenna unit adjusted accordingly by the second network node, after the first network node completes the status adjustment of the corresponding antenna unit based on the energy-saving configuration message, it can also send a configuration completion message to the second network node to feedback to the second network node that it can update the antenna unit status information corresponding to the first network node according to the energy-saving configuration message.

[0123] The following combination Figure 5 A method performed by a second network node in a communication system is described in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0124] Specifically, if Figure 5 As shown, the method includes S201-S203:

[0125] S201: Receive mode information related to the status of an antenna unit sent by a first network node;

[0126] S202: Determine a beamforming weight for the first network node based on the mode information;

[0127] S203: Send the beamforming weight to the first network node.

[0128] Optionally, the first network node includes an O-RU; and the second network node includes an O-DU.

[0129] Optionally, for the description of corresponding concepts, operations, operation logic, etc. in the method performed by the second network node in the communication system, reference may be made to the relevant description of the method performed by the first network node in the communication system provided in the above embodiment, and this application will not elaborate on it here.

[0130] In a feasible embodiment, determining a beamforming weight for the first network node based on the pattern information includes:

[0131] Based on the pattern information, beamforming weights are determined for antenna elements in the first network node that are not currently switched off.

[0132] Optionally, the pattern information can be used to understand the antenna units that are currently closed and not closed in the first network node. On this basis, the pattern information can also indicate the antenna units whose current status has changed. Exemplarily, at least one antenna unit may be adjusted from a closed state to an open state, or at least one antenna unit may be adjusted from an open state to a closed state. At this time, in order to improve the accuracy of the updated beamforming weights, after determining the antenna units that are currently not closed in the first network node based on the pattern information, the beamforming weights may be determined for the antenna units that are not closed. Relative to the beamforming weights determined at the previous moment, the second network node may update the beamforming weights for the newly added open states in the antenna units, or may update the beamforming weights for the reduced closed states in the antenna units.

[0133] In a feasible embodiment, the method performed by the second network node further includes:

[0134] When the state of at least one antenna unit in the first network node is to be adjusted, obtaining antenna unit state information corresponding to the first network node;

[0135] determining, based on the antenna unit state information, energy saving configuration information related to at least one antenna unit of the first network node;

[0136] An energy-saving configuration message including the energy-saving configuration information is sent to the first network node.

[0137] Optionally, the second network node may send an energy-saving configuration message to the first network node, instructing the first network node to adjust the status of antenna units. For example, when not many antenna units are needed to perform a task, the first network node may be instructed to shut down at least some antenna units to improve energy efficiency. In this case, the first network node may adjust the status of the corresponding antenna units based on the received energy-saving configuration message. The acquired antenna unit status information may be the status information of each antenna unit in the first network node currently recorded in the second network node.

[0138] Optionally, the method performed by the second network node further includes:

[0139] receiving a configuration completion message sent by the first network node, where the configuration completion message indicates that the first network node has completed state adjustment of the corresponding antenna unit based on the energy-saving configuration message;

[0140] Update antenna unit status information corresponding to the first network node.

[0141] Optionally, to ensure that the antenna status recorded in the first network node is consistent with the status of the antenna unit adjusted by the second network node, after the first network node completes the status adjustment of the corresponding antenna unit based on the energy-saving configuration message, it may also send a configuration completion message to the second network node to provide feedback to the second network node that it can update the antenna unit status information corresponding to the first network node based on the energy-saving configuration message. The updated antenna unit status information may be consistent with the energy-saving configuration information determined by the second network node.

[0142] Based on the same inventive concept, Figure 3 A feasible solution provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0143] Figure 3 The following illustrates a determination process for solving radio frequency transient problems in an O-RAN M-plane radio frequency control energy saving solution according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3 The described methods are only examples, and some steps may be omitted or some new steps may be added.

[0144] refer to Figure 3 In step 301, the O-DU sends an M-plane radio frequency control power saving command to the O-RU via the O-FH interface. This command may include antenna unit switch control information or antenna array identifier information. An antenna array identifier corresponds to one or more antenna unit identifiers. If an antenna array identifier is configured, it means that the one or more antenna units corresponding to the identifier will be turned off or on. The length of the antenna unit switch control information depends on the number of antennas. 0 represents off, and 1 represents on.

[0145] In step 302, after the O-RU receives the command from the O-DU, it automatically triggers the closing or opening of the antenna based on the CPU occupancy and scheduling of the O-RU itself. Because the closing and opening of the antenna have a certain correlation, according to the design of the O-RU, the correlation between the number of antenna units closed or opened at each moment and the antenna unit number identifier can be known in advance. In this scenario, the O-RU can predefine a pattern information table and share it with the O-DU. The predefined pattern information table contains information such as the pattern information identifier and the corresponding antenna unit identifier. An example of the predefined pattern information table described in conjunction with step 302 is shown in Table 1. The information units listed in Table 1 are only examples of the predefined pattern information table of the O-RU. The predefined pattern information table may contain one or more of the information units shown, or may contain other information units. In the example of Table 1, an O-RU with 16 antennas can close or open 4 antenna units at each moment, and the antenna units corresponding to the same pattern identifier have correlation. And the antenna needs to be turned off or on according to a group of pattern identifiers. This means that when the O-RU turns off or on the antenna at a certain moment, the antenna units corresponding to a group of antenna unit identifiers will be turned on or off at the same time. When the O-RU triggers the antenna turning off or on operation based on the CPU occupancy and scheduling in a certain time slot, the O-RU needs to report the pattern information to the O-DU through the interface between the physical layer and the network layer. The pattern information can include one or more of the following: antenna array identifier information that is not turned off, and / or antenna identifier information that is turned off; antenna array identifier information that is not turned off and / or antenna array identifier information that is turned off; pattern identifier information in the predefined pattern information table, etc.

[0146] Table 1: Example of a predefined schema information table

[0147] Mode Identifier Antenna unit identifier 0 0,1,4,5 1 2,3,6,7 2 8,9,12,13 3 10,11,14,15

[0148] In step 303, after receiving the pattern information through the interface between the physical layer and the network layer, the O-DU can determine the real-time antenna status of all antenna units through the pattern information, thereby updating the beamforming weights and configuring the beamforming weights to the O-RU.

[0149] Then, steps 302 and 303 are repeated until all antenna units required in the M-plane radio frequency control command are turned on or off.

[0150] In step 304, the antenna units required in the M-plane radio frequency control command have all been turned on or off, and the O-RU may send an M-plane radio frequency control command completion message through the interface between the physical layer and the network layer.

[0151] Because the RF antenna unit control energy-saving solution includes the M-plane RF antenna unit control energy-saving solution and the C-plane RF antenna unit control energy-saving solution. During the design of the ORAN RF antenna unit control energy-saving solution standard, more manufacturers and operators support the O-RU need to support both the M-plane RF antenna unit control energy-saving solution and the C-plane RF antenna unit control energy-saving solution. This means that the O-RU can change the antenna status through commands from both the M-plane and the C-plane. However, since the M-plane and C-plane maintain their own antenna status lists, it is very likely that the same antenna will be in the open state in the C-plane antenna status list, but in the closed state in the M-plane antenna status list. Therefore, how to solve the interoperability between C-plane RF control commands and M-plane RF control commands is a very important issue.

[0152] The existing solution requires obtaining M-plane antenna unit status information before sending C-plane RF control commands. C-plane RF control commands can only be sent when the M-plane status information indicates that all antenna units are powered on. Similarly, before sending M-plane RF control commands, it is necessary to obtain C-plane antenna unit status information. M-plane RF control commands can only be sent when the C-plane status information indicates that all antenna units are powered on. This means that if an antenna unit is powered off via the C-plane, the M-plane RF control commands cannot be used until the C-plane power-on command takes effect. Similarly, if an antenna unit is powered off via the M-plane, the C-plane power-on command cannot be used until the M-plane power-on command takes effect. This inherently does not support configuring the O-RU antenna array using both M-plane and C-plane RF control commands.

[0153] To solve the interoperability problem between C-plane and M-plane, based on Figure 3 The proposed RF transient solution introduces pattern information and proposes a solution based on sharing antenna array status information lists. This solution includes the following aspects:

[0154] 1. After receiving the radio frequency control command from the M-Plane, the O-RU needs to synchronously update the antenna array status information list of the C-plane.

[0155] 2. After receiving the RF control command from the C-Plane, the O-RU needs to synchronously update the antenna array status information list of the M-plane.

[0156] 3. After the O-RU receives the M-plane RF control command, if the antenna units required in the M-plane RF control command are not all turned on or off, the C-plane RF control command cannot be used.

[0157] 4. After the O-RU receives the C-plane RF control command, if the antenna units required in the C-plane RF control command are not all turned on or off, the M-plane RF control command cannot be used.

[0158] The antenna status lists of the M-plane and C-plane are synchronized to maintain the uniqueness of the antenna status. To prevent the M-plane and C-plane from configuring different antenna states for the same antenna at the same time, the O-DU must not send two radio control commands to the O-RU at the same time, and must not send radio control commands of different planes to the O-RU in the radio transient state. This solves the interoperability problem between the C-plane radio control commands and the M-plane radio control commands.

[0159] An embodiment of the present disclosure also provides an electronic device, which includes a processor and, optionally, may also include a transceiver and / or memory coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is configured to execute the steps of the method provided in any optional embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0160] Figure 6 FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device to which the embodiment of the present disclosure is applicable. Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 The electronic device 4000 shown includes: a processor 4001 and a memory 4003. The processor 4001 and the memory 4003 are connected, such as via a bus 4002. Optionally, the electronic device 4000 may further include a transceiver 4004, which may be used for data exchange between the electronic device and other electronic devices, such as data transmission and / or data reception. It should be noted that in actual applications, the transceiver 4004 is not limited to one, and the structure of the electronic device 4000 does not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of the present disclosure. Optionally, the electronic device may be a first network node or a second network node.

[0161] Processor 4001 may be a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a general-purpose processor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It may implement or execute the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the present disclosure. Processor 4001 may also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, and the like.

[0162] Bus 4002 may include a path for transmitting information between the above components. Bus 4002 may be a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus or an EISA (Extended Industry Standard Architecture) bus. Bus 4002 may be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 6 Only one thick line is used in the diagram, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0163] The memory 4003 can be a ROM (Read Only Memory) or other types of static storage devices that can store static information and instructions, a RAM (Random Access Memory) or other types of dynamic storage devices that can store information and instructions, or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) or other optical disk storage, optical disk storage (including compact discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media, other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store computer programs and can be read by a computer, without limitation here.

[0164] The memory 4003 is used to store the computer program for executing the embodiments of the present disclosure, and the execution is controlled by the processor 4001. The processor 4001 is used to execute the computer program stored in the memory 4003 to implement the steps shown in the above method embodiments.

[0165] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps and corresponding contents of the aforementioned method embodiment can be implemented.

[0166] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a computer program product, including a computer program, which can implement the steps and corresponding contents of the aforementioned method embodiments when executed by a processor.

[0167] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," "1," "2," and the like (if any) in the description and claims of the present disclosure and the accompanying drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a particular order or sequential sequence. It should be understood that the terms used in this manner are interchangeable where appropriate, such that the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein can be practiced in an order other than that shown or described.

[0168] It should be understood that, although the flowcharts of the embodiments of the present disclosure indicate the various operation steps by arrows, the order of implementation of these steps is not limited to the order indicated by the arrows. Unless otherwise clearly stated herein, in some implementation scenarios of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the implementation steps in each flowchart can be performed in other orders as required. In addition, some or all of the steps in each flowchart may include multiple sub-steps or multiple stages based on the actual implementation scenario. Some or all of these sub-steps or stages can be executed at the same time, and each sub-step or stage in these sub-steps or stages can also be executed at different times. In scenarios where the execution times are different, the order of execution of these sub-steps or stages can be flexibly configured as required, and the embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit this.

[0169] The above text and drawings are provided as examples only to help readers understand the present disclosure. They are not intended to, and should not be interpreted as, limiting the scope of the present disclosure in any way. Although certain embodiments and examples have been provided, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the content disclosed herein that, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the illustrated embodiments and examples may be modified and other similar implementations based on the technical concepts of the present disclosure may be adopted, which also fall within the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A method performed by a first network node in a communication system, the method comprising: When the state of at least one antenna unit corresponding to the first network node changes, acquiring pattern information related to the state of the antenna unit; sending the mode information to a second network node; Receive a beamforming weight sent by the second network node, where the beamforming weight is determined by the second network node for the first network node based on the mode information.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The mode information includes at least one of the following: identification information of antenna units of the first network node that are not turned off; identification information of the antenna unit of the first network node that has been turned off; Among the antenna units of the first network node, identification information of the antenna units whose states have changed.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The status changes of the antenna unit include: The antenna unit is turned off or on.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein Sending the mode information to the second network node includes: sending the mode information to the second network node through an interface between the physical layer and the network layer; Or, receiving the beamforming weight sent by the second network node includes: receiving the beamforming weight sent by the second network node through an interface between the physical layer and the network layer.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: Also includes: receiving an energy-saving configuration message sent by the second network node, where the energy-saving configuration message includes energy-saving configuration information related to at least one antenna unit of the first network node; Based on the energy-saving configuration message, a state of at least one antenna unit is adjusted.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: Also includes: When the state adjustment of the corresponding antenna unit is completed based on the energy-saving configuration message, a configuration completion message is sent to the second network node.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: The energy-saving configuration message includes a management plane message or a control plane message.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein The first network node includes an O-RAN radio frequency unit O-RU; the second network node includes an O-RAN distributed unit O-DU.

9. A method performed by a second network node in a communication system, the method comprising: receiving mode information related to the state of the antenna unit sent by the first network node; determining a beamforming weight for the first network node based on the pattern information; The beamforming weights are sent to the first network node.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The mode information includes at least one of the following: identification information of antenna units of the first network node that are not turned off; identification information of the antenna unit of the first network node that has been turned off; Among the antenna units of the first network node, identification information of the antenna units whose states have changed.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: Receiving mode information related to the state of the antenna unit sent by the first network node, comprising: receiving the mode information related to the state of the antenna unit sent by the first network node through an interface between the physical layer and the network layer; Alternatively, sending the beamforming weight to the first network node includes: sending the beamforming weight to the first network node through an interface between a physical layer and a network layer.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein Determining a beamforming weight for the first network node based on the pattern information includes: Based on the pattern information, beamforming weights are determined for antenna units in the first network node that are not currently turned off.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein: Also includes: When the state of at least one antenna unit in the first network node is to be adjusted, obtaining antenna unit state information corresponding to the first network node; determining, based on the antenna unit state information, energy-saving configuration information related to at least one antenna unit of the first network node; Sending an energy-saving configuration message including the energy-saving configuration information to the first network node.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein Also includes: receiving a configuration completion message sent by the first network node, where the configuration completion message indicates that the first network node has completed state adjustment of a corresponding antenna unit based on the energy-saving configuration message; Update antenna unit status information corresponding to the first network node.

15. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein: The first network node includes an O-RU; the second network node includes an O-DU.

16. A first network node in a communication system, comprising: one or more processors; and A memory is coupled to the one or more processors and stores instructions, which, when executed by the one or more processors of the network node, enable the network node to perform the operations of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

17. A second network node in a communication system, comprising: one or more processors; and A memory is coupled to the one or more processors and stores instructions, which, when executed by the one or more processors of the network node, enable the network node to perform the operations of the method according to any one of claims 9 to 15.

18. A computer-readable medium storing instructions, which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the operations of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

19. A computer program product comprising a computer program, wherein When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15 are implemented.

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