Controlling network policies for energy savings in communication systems

Abstract

Techniques for controlling network policies for energy savings in a communication system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the disclosure discloses a method comprising obtaining energy consumption assistance information associated with one or more network functions of a core network (CN) from an operation management and maintenance node. The method further includes calculating an energy consumption associated with a network element associated with the CN based on the acquired energy consumption assistance information. The method further includes sending a request to a policy control function to control one or more network policies when the calculated energy consumption associated with the network element exceeds a predefined energy threshold.

Description

Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to Indian provisional patent application 202341065491 filed on September 29, 2023, and Indian provisional patent application 202441002501 filed on January 12, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to controlling network policies for energy saving in a communication system. BACKGROUND

[0003] The information disclosed in this Background section is for the purpose of enhancing the understanding of the general background of the disclosure, and it should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms a prior art of those skilled in the art.

[0004] The mobile communication industry is experiencing tremendous growth over the last few decades, driven by the ever-increasing demand for connectivity and data services. To meet the growing demand for connectivity and data services, the technology is constantly advancing, and the advancement in technology has led to rapid growth in the field of wireless communication technology. The latest advancement in wireless communication technology is the development of the next generation of wireless communication systems (e.g., the fifth generation or 5G wireless system). Compared to earlier wireless systems (e.g., 4G or 3G), the 5G wireless system aims to provide high reliability and throughput, low latency, and support for a large number of devices. Compared to earlier wireless systems, the 5G wireless system also aims to improve support for machine-to-machine communication (i.e., Internet of Things) with lower cost and lower network energy consumption.

[0005] In a typical 5G wireless system, base stations and user equipment (UEs) interact with each other to provide communication services. UEs can connect to a 5G network using a 5G radio access network (RAN) and a 5G core network (CN). The next generation of wireless communication systems (e.g., 5G wireless systems) is expected to accommodate more demanding services, such as extended reality (XR), artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), etc., which can require higher energy consumption on the device side (e.g., UE side) and network side (e.g., CN side). The impact of supporting these services on the network and device side can be significant and sometimes unpredictable. For example, when an operator A is deploying a communication service to meet application service requirements (e.g., gaming application requirements), the customer (e.g., service provider) needs to ensure that the application service does not consume a large amount of energy for the end user (i.e., device side) and network side. Any potential high energy consumption or inefficient energy use of the application service can prompt adjustments at the application layer within the service provider domain to address these issues.

[0006] Further, the emergence of next generation technologies (e.g., 5G technologies) and the widespread use of mobile devices have led to a significant increase in energy consumption (also referred to as “energy usage”) in the telecommunication industry. The surge in energy usage has triggered major environmental concerns, mainly related to greenhouse gas emissions and the depletion of finite energy sources. As a result, many mobile network operators (MNOs) are setting targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the coming years, with the ultimate goal of achieving net-zero emissions. Although 5G wireless systems improve energy efficiency, the new 5G use cases and the widespread adoption of 5G wireless systems can lead to an increase in the number of sites and antennas, thereby increasing carbon emissions. To reduce emissions and improve / enhance network efficiency, MNOs are shifting towards more sustainable practices, showing interest in powering their networks with renewable energy.

[0007] However, to address the energy-related issues of wireless communication systems and to strengthen network energy saving strategies, there is a need to understand different energy states within the network and implement and / or control energy saving strategies in the network. Currently, energy consumption is not considered during the creation of subscription policies and policy control in the network. As a result, policy control does not include any energy consumption matrix, resulting in a suboptimal subscription and policy framework. SUMMARY

[0008] To address the above and other related issues, the present disclosure discloses techniques to control network policies for energy saving in a communication system. The disclosed techniques consider network energy consumption as a service criterion and enhance the existing subscription and policy framework for opening network energy consumption information and enforcing network policies related to the subscription and policy control framework.

[0009] In one non-limiting embodiment, the present disclosure discloses a method comprising obtaining, from an operation, administration and maintenance node, energy consumption assistance information associated with one or more network functions of a core network (CN). The method further comprises calculating energy consumption associated with a network element associated with the CN based on the obtained energy consumption assistance information. The method further comprises sending, to a policy control function, a request for controlling one or more network policies when the calculated energy consumption associated with the network element exceeds a predefined energy threshold.

[0010] In one non-limiting embodiment, the present disclosure discloses an apparatus configured to obtain, from an operation, administration and maintenance node, energy consumption assistance information associated with one or more network functions of a core network (CN). The apparatus is further configured to calculate energy consumption associated with a network element associated with the CN based on the obtained energy consumption assistance information, and to send, to a policy control function, a request for controlling one or more network policies when the calculated energy consumption associated with the network element exceeds a predefined energy threshold.

[0011] In one non-limiting embodiment, the present disclosure discloses a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing one or more computer-executable instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to: obtain, from an operation administration and maintenance node, energy consumption assistance information associated with one or more network functions of a CN. The one or more computer-executable instructions further cause the apparatus to: calculate, based on the obtained energy consumption assistance information, energy consumption associated with a network element associated with the CN, and send, to a policy control function, a request for controlling one or more network policies when the calculated energy consumption associated with the network element exceeds a predefined energy threshold. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] Features, aspects, and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals indicate like elements, and in which:

[0013] Figure 1 FIG. illustrates a high-level block diagram of an example communication system 100 for controlling network policies for network energy saving, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2 FIG. illustrates an example process flow 200 for controlling network policies for energy saving in the communication system 100, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 3 FIG. illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus 300, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 4 FIG. illustrates a flowchart of an example method 400 for controlling network policies for energy saving in the communication system 100, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The detailed description set forth below refers to the accompanying drawings. The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure. Further, one or more features or components from one embodiment can be incorporated into another embodiment (or one or more features of another embodiment) or combined with the same. Moreover, the flow diagrams and operational descriptions provided below relate to one embodiment in various embodiments. It should be noted that other embodiments can be made that do not match perfectly with the flow diagrams and their descriptions. It should be understood that in other embodiments one or more operations can be omitted, one or more operations can be added, one or more operations can be performed simultaneously (at least in part), etc.

[0018] It will be apparent that systems and / or methods described herein can be implemented in different forms of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The actual specialized control hardware or software code used to implement these systems and / or methods is not limiting of the implementations. Thus, the operation and behavior of the systems and / or methods were described herein without reference to specific software code — it being understood that software and hardware can be designed to implement the systems and / or methods based on the description herein.

[0019] Although specific combinations of features are recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, those combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of implementations. To the contrary, the combination of features mentioned in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification are intended to be combinable with one another in any and all permutations unless expressly stated otherwise. Although each dependent claim listed below can only directly depend on one claim, the disclosure of implementations includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the set of claims.

[0020] No element, act, or instruction used herein should be construed as critical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items, and can be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “has,” “have,” “having,” “include,” “including,” and the like are intended to be open-ended terms. Further, the term “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. Also, as used herein, expressions such as “at least one of [A] and [B]” or “at least one of [A] or [B]” are to be understood as including only A, or only B, or both A and B, when they are used in this manner.

[0021] The above disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit implementations to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure or from practice of the implementations.

[0022] In the present disclosure, terms such as “communication system,” “communication network,” “system,” and “network” can be used interchangeably throughout the specification. In the present disclosure, terms such as “UDM network function” and “UDM” can be used interchangeably throughout the specification. In the present disclosure, terms such as “energy consumption” and “energy consumption value” can be used interchangeably throughout the specification. In the present disclosure, terms such as “predefined energy threshold,” “predefined energy threshold,” “maximum energy consumption value,” and “maximum energy consumption” can be used interchangeably throughout the specification.

[0023] In the context of the present disclosure, the term “energy consumption” (EC) for a network element refers to the average power / energy consumption of the network element over a specified time period.

[0024] In the context of the present disclosure, the term “energy efficiency” (EE) for a network element can be expressed by the data volume divided by the energy consumption of the network element. In the case of a RAN, EE can be expressed by the coverage area divided by the energy consumption of the network element. Thus, the EE of a network element can be defined as the ratio of a selected performance metric (such as data volume, number of served users, coverage area, etc.) to the network energy consumption over a specified time period.

[0025] The goal of defining and measuring the EC and EE of network elements is to evaluate and optimize the energy consumption and energy efficiency of a communication system in order to reduce energy consumption while maintaining network performance and quality of service (QoS). Such optimization of energy consumption and energy efficiency not only helps to save costs, but also aligns with sustainability goals by minimizing the environmental impact due to various operations of the communication system.

[0026] In the context of the present disclosure, the term “renewable energy” refers to energy from renewable sources or from renewable non-fossil sources. For example (but not limited to) wind energy, solar energy, geothermal heat, geothermal heat, hydrothermal, but not limited to.

[0027] In the context of the present disclosure, the term “energy saving” can refer to the reduction in energy consumption resulting from some action compared to the energy consumption when no action is taken.

[0028] As described in the background section, in order to effectively address energy-related challenges in a communication system and improve network energy saving strategies, it is crucial to understand the energy consumption within the communication system and implement and / or control energy saving strategies in the network. Currently, network policies and subscription frameworks do not take energy-related information into account during policy creation, which can lead to inefficient subscription and policy management. Such oversight can result in inefficient energy management within the network, leading to energy waste and negative environmental impact. Therefore, incorporating energy-aware policies into network planning and operation is crucial for optimizing energy efficiency and minimizing environmental footprint.

[0029] The present disclosure discloses techniques for policy control to save network energy. Specifically, the present disclosure proposes a solution to Key Issue #2 of 3GPP TR 23.700-66, i.e. “Support of energy efficiency and energy saving as service standard for subscription and policy control”, as described in the following paragraphs.

[0030] Figure 1A high-level block diagram of an example communication system (or 5G system architecture) 100 for controlling network policies for energy saving in a communication system, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, is illustrated. The communication system 100 can include a core network (CN), at least one user equipment (UE) 104, and a radio access network (RAN) 102. The CN coordinates various network functions and services. The CN employs virtualized network functions (VNFs) and software-defined network (SDN) principles to provide flexible and scalable connectivity services. The CN manages functions such as session management, mobility management, and service provisioning.

[0031] The at least one UE 104 can be communicatively coupled with the RAN 102. The at least one UE 104 can be any mobile or non-mobile computing device including, but not limited to, a telephone (e.g., a cellular or smart phone), a pager, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a wireless handheld device, a portable computing device (e.g., a personal data assistant), an entertainment device (e.g., a music or video device, or a satellite radio), a global positioning system device, or any other suitable computing device including a wired or wireless communication interface. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one UE 104 can be an Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled device, including but not limited to a vehicle configured to communicate with a base station or core network.

[0032] The RAN 102 serves as a bridge between the CN and the at least one UE 104. The RAN 102 can include one or more base stations to deliver high-speed, low-latency wireless connectivity to the at least one UE 104. In the context of a fourth generation (4G) Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication system, a base station can be referred to as an “evolved NodeB” or “eNodeB,” while in the context of a fifth generation (5G) communication system, a base station can be referred to as a “gNodeB” or “gNB.” A distributed gNB can be divided into one or more networking applications, which can include one or more central unit entities (CUs), one or more distributed unit entities (DUs), and one or more radio units (RUs). The one or more RUs can be deployed in physical locations in which wireless coverage is to be provided to the at least one UE 104. In the present disclosure, the term “base station” can be used interchangeably with “RAN.”

[0033] In example embodiments, the communication system 100 illustrates a 5G communication system including a user plane and a control plane. The user plane can be configured to carry data corresponding to a user. In other words, the user plane manages the actual transmission of data packets between at least one UE 104 and different network entities. On the other hand, the control plane is responsible for managing and controlling the communication system 100. The control plane can be configured to carry control traffic, such as signaling traffic associated with the communication system 100. The user plane can include a user plane function (UPF) 106, which is a network function forming part of a 5G core network. The at least one UE 104 can be connected to the UPF 106 via the RAN 102. The communication system 100 can also include at least one data network (DN) 108, which denotes an external network or interacts with the core network. The DN 108 can include the Internet, a private network, a cloud service, or other similar communication systems.

[0034] As Figure 1 illustrated, the communication system 100 can include at least one operation, administration, and maintenance (OAM) node 110. The OAM node 110 can include a set of procedures, protocols, and tools configured to monitor, control, troubleshoot, and optimize various aspects of the communication system 100. The various aspects can include operational, administrative, and maintenance tasks. Operational tasks can include network function related tasks such as network performance monitoring, configuration management, and fault detection. Administrative tasks include user management, access control, policy implementation, and resource allocation. Maintenance tasks include software upgrades, hardware replacements, and capacity planning to accommodate growing demands. It can be noted that, Figure 1 The arrangement of components illustrated is purely for illustrative purposes. Typically, the OAM node 110 is located outside of the 5G core (5GC) and interacts with various network functions of the 5GC, the RAN 102, and the like.

[0035] The communication system 100 (in particular, the control plane of the core network) can also include one or more instances of various network functions such as: a network exposure function (NEF) 112, a policy control function (PCF) 114, a unified data management (UDM) 116, an application function (AF) 118, an access and mobility management function (AMF) 120, a session management function (SMF) 122, and an energy management function (EMF) 124. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it can be noted that the CN can additionally include other network functions such as at least one network repository function (NRF), at least one authentication server function (AUSF), at least one network slice selection function (NSSF), but is not limited thereto.

[0036] The NEF 112 enables network capabilities to be exposed to external applications and acts as an interface that allows authorized third party applications or services to access network data and functions. The PCF 114 is responsible for implementing policy decisions related to, but not limited to, Quality of Service (QoS), access control, network resource allocation. The UDM network function 116 in a 5G network acts as a centralized repository of subscriber-related data and profiles. Specifically, the UDM network function 116 stores subscriber authentication credentials, subscription information, and other user-related data.

[0037] The AF facilitates direct integration of dedicated applications or services into the communication system 100. The AMF 120 is responsible for managing access to the network and handling mobility-related functions for at least the UE 104. The SMF 122 is responsible for establishing, managing, and terminating data sessions between the UE 104 and different network services. Generally, the SMF 122 handles session establishment, session continuity management, and session termination. The UPF 106 is responsible for various data processing tasks, including, but not limited to, packet routing, forwarding, traffic optimization.

[0038] The core network is typically based on an architecture according to services, which is a system architecture in which system functions are implemented by a set of network functions (NFs) that provide services to other authorized NFs to access their services. In such an architecture, the various network entities of the communication system 100 can be connected together, or the interactions between network entities can be represented in two ways: a point-to-point link (referred to as a “reference point” or reference point representation) or a service-based interface (SBI) (or service-based representation). The NFs in the 5GC interact using the SBI, while interactions outside the 5GC use other protocols, such as the Next Generation Application Protocol (NGAP), the Packet Forwarding Control Protocol (PFCP), etc. The reference points can include N1 (a reference point between the UE 104 and the AMF 120), N2 (a reference point between the RAN 102 and the AMF 120), N3 (a reference point between the RAN 102 and the UPF 106), N4 (a reference point between the SMF 122 and the UPF 106), N6 (a reference point between the UPF 106 and the DN 108), and N9 (a reference point between two UPFs 106). The SBI represents a set of services provided or exposed by a particular NF. This is the interface in which the NF service operations are invoked. The SBIs exhibited by the various NFs within the 5G core network can include Namf, Nsmf, Nudm, Nnrf, Nnssf, Nausf, Nnef, Npcf, Naf, Nemf, but are not limited to these.

[0039] In some embodiments of the disclosure, network energy related information in the 5GC can be managed by an EMF 124, which can be a new network function (NF). Alternatively or additionally, in some non-limiting embodiments, some or all of the functionalities of the EMF 124 can be implemented in existing 5GC network functions (e.g., NEF, PCF 114, but not limited thereto). The EMF 124 can be configured to compute the energy consumption of various network elements within the communication system 100, including PDU sessions, network slices, but not limited thereto.

[0040] In some network deployments, the measurement of network energy related information is performed in the OAM node 110. The EMF 124 can be configured to collect energy consumption metrics from various sources within the communication system 100, such as the OAM node 110. The EMF 124 can retrieve detailed energy related data at different granularities, such as PDU session level, network slice level, UE level, core network segment level, access network level, or network function level, but not limited thereto. To support energy consumption and efficiency as a service criteria, the 5G core (5GC) needs access to network energy related information. After this information is stored in the 5GC, it can be exposed to one or more authorized third parties (e.g., AF 118, PCF 114, etc.) for example, to perform the creation / modification of subscription policies and subsequent policy control.

[0041] The network function “EMF” 124 can also be referred to as “Energy Efficiency Control Function”, “Energy Management and Efficiency Control Function”, “EECF”, “EMECF”. In one non-limiting embodiment, the EMF 124 can obtain the ratio of renewable energy (of at least one network element) from the OAM node 110. In some embodiments, the EMF 124 can obtain the data volume of a single PDU session through the UPF event exposure service, and then compute the PDU session energy consumption. The next paragraphs now describe techniques to implement policy control in the communication system 100 for enabling network energy saving.

[0042] Figure 2 An example process flow 200 of an energy management procedure within the communication system 100 to control network policies for energy saving in the communication system 100 is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. Specifically, Figure 2 An interaction between different network entities for controlling network policies for energy saving in the communication system 100 is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0043] At step SO.a, the UE subscription information related to the maximum energy consumption of each network slice for services without specific Quality of Service (QoS) criteria can be provisioned in the UDM network function 116. The maximum energy consumption of each network slice (also referred to as “predefined energy threshold” or “predefined energy threshold value”) represents the energy consumed in a specified time period. In one embodiment, the UDM network function 116 can also include information related to the maximum energy consumption of each UE, each PDU session, and the like. In general, the UDM network function 116 can be provisioned in the UE subscription information with information related to the maximum energy consumption (or “predefined energy threshold”) at different granularities (e.g., network slice level, PDU session level, UE level, access network level, network function level, but not limited to).

[0044] At step SO.b, the EMF 124 can communicate with the OAM node 110 that includes the measurements of energy consumption assistance information for different network elements (e.g., different network functions, different network slices, different PDU sessions, different UEs, and the like). The OAM node 110 can compute the energy consumption assistance information for different network elements and make it available to different network functions. The EMF 124 can obtain the energy consumption assistance information associated with one or more NFs of the CN from the OAM node 110. Each of the one or more NFs can be associated with at least one UE, at least one PDU session, and / or at least one network slice. In this case, the energy consumption assistance information can be obtained from the one or more NFs at a specified level of granularity (e.g., per UE or per PDU session or per network slice, per network function, but not limited to). The energy consumption assistance information for different network elements can help to compute the energy consumption of different network elements.

[0045] In one non-limiting embodiment, the energy consumption assistance information can include the data volume or bit rate associated with one or more NFs (specifically, associated with a UE or a PDU session or a network slice, but not limited to). In addition, the energy consumption assistance information can include the ratio information of renewable energy and carbon emission (when available at the OAM node 110)

[0046] At step S1, the EMF 124 can receive a request (denoted as “Nemf_EnergyConsumption_Request”) from the PCF 114. The request can be for energy consumption associated with a network element. The network element can include any logical or physical network entity, such as a network slice, a network function, a UE, a PDU session, a QoS flow, but is not limited thereto. The request can include one or more applicable parameters, such as a UE identity (UE ID) associated with the network element, a single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI), and a data network name (DNN), but is not limited thereto. For example, if the network element is a UE, the request includes the UE ID and other applicable parameters. Likewise, if the network element is a network slice, the request includes the S-NSSAI and other applicable parameters. It can be noted that the energy consumption associated with the network element can be a value.

[0047] At step S2, the EMF 124 can send a request to the UDM network function 116 for providing energy-related provisioning data associated with the network element. The request can be denoted as “Nudm_SDM_get” and can include identification information associated with the network element. As described above, the UDM network function 116 includes information related to maximum energy consumption at different granularities. If the network element is a UE (i.e., the request of step S1 is for energy consumption associated with a UE), the EMF 124 can send a request to the UDM network function 116 for providing a maximum energy consumption or a predefined energy threshold associated with the UE. Likewise, if the network element is a PDU session (i.e., the request of step S1 is for energy consumption associated with a PDU session), the EMF 124 can send a request to the UDM network function 116 for providing a maximum energy consumption or a predefined energy threshold associated with the PDU session. Similarly, if the network element is a network slice (i.e., the request of step S1 is for energy consumption associated with a network slice), the EMF 124 can send a request to the UDM network function 116 for providing a maximum energy consumption or a predefined energy threshold associated with the network slice.

[0048] At step S3, the UDM network function 116 can respond to the EMF 124 with the energy-related provisioning data (or the predefined energy threshold) associated with the network element. The response can be denoted as “Nudm_SDM_get response”. For example, if the network element is a network slice, the UDM network function 116 can respond with a maximum energy consumption associated with the network slice; if the network element is a PDU session, the UDM network function 116 can respond with a maximum energy consumption associated with the PDU session; and if the network element is a UE, the UDM network function 116 can respond with a maximum energy consumption associated with the UE.

[0049] At step S4, the EMF 124 can invoke (or can send a request to) the UDM network function 116 a service operation to retrieve the details of the appropriate SMF 122 associated with the network element. This service operation can be denoted as the “Nudm_UECM_Get” service operation. The EMF 124 can provide the applicable parameters such as the UE ID, DNN, S-NSSAI, and the type of network function as the SMF 122 (i.e., NF Type = SMF).

[0050] At step S5, the UDM network function 116 can determine the appropriate SMF 122 associated with the network element based on the received parameters (i.e., UE ID, DNN, S-NSSAI, and NF Type) and then provide a response to the EMF 124 including the identification information of the corresponding SMF 122. Such a response can be denoted as the “Nudm_UECM_Get Response”. In an embodiment, the identification information can include the identity of the SMF 122 (i.e., SMF Set ID) or the IP address of the SMF 122 (i.e., SMF IP Address).

[0051] At step S6, the EMF 124 can send a subscription request (denoted as the “Nsmf_eventexposure_subscribe Request”) to the identified SMF 122 to subscribe to the UPF data associated with the network element. The subscription request can include the event filter information associated with the network element, which can include one or more parameters, i.e., UE ID, S-NSSAI, DNN, but not limited to. The EMF 124 performs this operation to get the data volume associated with the network element (e.g., for the existing PDU session) corresponding to the specified UE ID, S-NSSAI, and DNN.

[0052] At steps S7-S8, the SMF 122 and the UPF 106 can communicate with each other and select the relevant network element (e.g., PDU session(s)) and UPF(s) to configure the event notification for reporting the data volume metrics associated with the network element to the EMF 124. Specifically, the SMF 122 can select the network element (e.g., PDU session(s)) and UPF 106 it has to send the request to. The SMF 122 can send a request to the selected UPF 106 for the selected network element. This request can be denoted as the “N4 Session Modification” and can indicate the user data usage measurement associated with the network element. This request can include the UPF event consumer address, the notification correlation information, the event filter information, the reporting suggestion information, the event reporting target, the target subscription information, etc. This can be denoted as the “Nupf_eventexposure_Subscribe”.

[0053] At step S9, the SMF 122 can send a subscription response (denoted as “Nsmf_eventexposure_subscribe response”) to the EMF 124 to indicate successful subscription for the UPF data associated with the network element. At step S10, the UPF 106 can send the locally collected UPF data associated with the network element to the EMF 124. In an embodiment, the UPF 106 can invoke a service operation denoted as “Nupf_eventexposure_notification” to the EMF 124 for sending the locally collected UPF data associated with the network element.

[0054] At step Sll, upon receiving the UPF data, the EMF 124 can compute the energy consumption associated with the network element (e.g., PDU session) based on the received UPF data (of step S10) and the energy consumption assistance information from step 0.b. Specifically, at step 0.b, the EMF 124 obtains the energy consumption assistance information (e.g., data volume, bit rate, etc.) from one or more NFs. For data volume, the EMF 124 can obtain the data volume for a single PDU session through the UPF event exposure service (as discussed in steps S6-S10). In one embodiment, the energy consumption associated with the network element (e.g., PDU session) can be determined by computing the ratio of the data volume for the PDU session (which can be obtained via the UPF event exposure service) to the total data volume for the corresponding network slice, and multiplying the computed ratio by the energy consumption associated with the network slice. Alternatively, if the energy consumption assistance information received by the EMF 124 (e.g., from the RAN 102 via the OAM node 110) and the UPF 106 is for the same UE, the EMF 124 can aggregate the energy consumption information for each UE. The energy consumption assistance information collected from the OAM node 110 can include energy consumption information, energy efficiency information associated with one or more network entities (e.g., RAN nodes, 5GC NFs, etc.).

[0055] At step S12, EMF 124 may send a request to PCF 114 for controlling one or more network policies. Specifically, EMF 124 may send the calculated energy consumption associated with the network element to PCF 114. This is done by sending a "Nemf_Energyconsumption_Request response" to PCF 114. In a non-limiting embodiment, EMF 124 may additionally send the maximum energy consumption (or a predefined energy threshold) associated with the network element to PCF 114. In another non-limiting embodiment, EMF 124 may compare the calculated energy consumption with the maximum energy consumption and send the comparison result to PCF 114 instead of sending the calculated energy consumption and the maximum energy consumption.

[0056] At step S13, after receiving the calculated energy consumption and the maximum energy consumption associated with the network element, PCF 114 can compare these two energy consumptions. Based on this comparison, PCF 114 determines whether the calculated energy consumption exceeds the maximum energy consumption associated with the network element. Alternatively, after receiving the result of the comparison, PCF 114 can determine whether the calculated energy consumption exceeds the maximum energy consumption associated with the network element.

[0057] After determining that the calculated energy consumption exceeds the maximum energy consumption associated with a network element, PCF 114 may decide to control one or more network policies. The one or more network policies may include one or more rules. In one embodiment, controlling one or more network policies may include modifying one or more existing rules for monitoring and managing energy consumption in system 100 (specifically, in the core network). In another embodiment, controlling one or more network policies includes generating one or more new rules for monitoring and managing energy consumption in system 100 (specifically, in the core network).

[0058] In one non-limiting embodiment, network policies may include access and mobility (AM) policies and / or session management (SM) policies, and controlling one or more network policies may include controlling / adjusting AM policies and / or SM policies. In one embodiment, controlling the AM policy may include adjusting parameters, including, but not limited to, UE aggregated maximum bit rate (UE-AMBR) and UE slice MBR. In one embodiment, controlling the SM policy may include adjusting QoS parameters, triggering PDU session release, and triggering PDU session deactivation, but not limited to these.

[0059] At step S13, PCF 114 may send one or more modified / new rules to SMF 122. This can be represented as an "Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update response".

[0060] At step S14, the SMF 122 can communicate or can send a request to the UPF 106 to gate or control the traffic associated with a network element (i.e., PDU session or network slice or UE). The request can be represented as “N4 Session Modification”.

[0061] Thus, the EMF 124 is configured to compute the energy consumption at different granularities (e.g., PDU session granularity, UE granularity, network slice granularity, etc.) and share the energy consumption with various consumers (e.g., PCF 114). The EMF 124 is also configured to query the UDM network function 116 to get the details of the serving SMF 122 for a specific UE, S-NSSAI, and DNN. In this way, the EMF 124 enhances the subscription procedure by provisioning the maximum energy consumption limit for the network elements within the communication system and enables the enforcement of energy consumption policies for services without QoS criteria. It can be noted that the granularity of the network energy related information exposure and energy consumption can vary for different cases.

[0062] In summary, the present disclosure provides a framework for energy saving related policy control. In the present disclosure, energy saving authorization information can be added in the UE subscription information to authorize the enforcement of energy related policies. The maximum energy consumption or threshold can also be included in the UE subscription information to limit the maximum energy consumption. The techniques of the present disclosure can reuse the existing AM policy and SM policy, and reuse the AM / SM policy and PDU session issuance information creation / update procedure as a new SM policy parameter.

[0063] In some embodiments, the maximum energy consumption or threshold can also be provided by the AF (or by the UDM) and the energy consumption assistance information is collected from the 5GC NFs and / or OAM node 110. The EMF 124 sends the energy consumption information to the PCF 114 and the PCF 114 determines whether the energy consumption threshold is exceeded and decides new rules. This enhances the functionality of the PCF to enable the PCF to handle “raw” energy related information, which makes the energy related information managed by two NFs.

[0064] Figure 3 A block diagram of an apparatus 300 is illustrated in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As Figure 3As shown, the apparatus 300 can include at least one transmitter or output component 302, at least one receiver or input component 304, at least one processor 308, at least one memory 310, at least one storage component 312, at least one interface 314, and at least one antenna 316. The at least one transmitter 302 can be configured to transmit data / information to one or more external nodes / devices using the antenna 316, and the at least one receiver 304 can be configured to receive data / information from one or more external nodes / devices using the antenna 316. The at least one transmitter and receiver can be collectively implemented as a single transceiver or input output module 306. In one non-limiting embodiment, the at least one processor 308 can be communicatively coupled (e.g., via a bus 318) with the transceiver 306, the memory 310, the storage component 312, the interface 314, and the antenna 316 for implementing techniques consistent with the present disclosure. The bus 318 can include a wired interconnect or a wireless interconnect.

[0065] As used herein, the at least one processor 308 refers to any type of computational circuitry that can include hardware and software elements. The processor 308 can be embodied as a multi-core processor, a single core processor, a combination of one or more multi-core processors and / or one or more single core processors, a distributed processing system, etc. The processor 308 can be a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or another type of processing component.

[0066] The memory 310 can include a non-transitory computer readable medium. The memory 310 can include a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), and / or another type of dynamic or static storage device (e.g., a flash memory, a magnetic memory, and / or an optical memory) that stores information and / or instructions for use by the processor 308. The memory 310 can include machine readable instructions executable by the processor 308. These machine readable instructions, when executed by the processor 308, cause the processor 308 to perform one or more method steps of the above-described embodiments.

[0067] The apparatus 300 can include a storage component 312 that stores information and / or software related to operational and use of the apparatus 300. For example, the storage component 312 can include a hard disk (e.g., a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optic disk, and / or a solid state disk), a compact disk (CD), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a floppy disk, a cassette, a magnetic tape, and / or another type of non-transitory computer readable medium, and a corresponding drive.

[0068] The communication interface 314 is an interface that provides a communication connection with other devices such as external devices and internal devices. The connection through the communication interface 314 can be a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of wired and wireless connections, and can be a direct connection or an indirect connection via a communication system existing between the apparatus 300 and the other devices. In other words, the standard of the communication interface 314 is not limited.

[0069] The bus 318 serves as an interconnect between the processor 308, the memory 310, the storage component 312, the transmitter 302, the receiver 304, the communication interface 314, and the antenna 316 of the apparatus 300.

[0070] Figure 3 The number and arrangement of components shown in FIG. 3 are provided as an example. In practice, the apparatus 300 can include additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown in FIG. 3. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of components (e.g., one or more components) of the apparatus 300 can perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of the apparatus 300. Figure 3 The number and arrangement of components shown in FIG. 3 are provided as an example. In practice, the apparatus 300 can include additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown in FIG. 3. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of components (e.g., one or more components) of the apparatus 300 can perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of the apparatus 300.

[0071] In one non-limiting embodiment, the apparatus 300 can be used to implement some or all of the functionality of the UE 104, the RAN 102, the core network, but is not limited thereto. Specifically, the apparatus 300 can implement the functionality of the EMF 124 and / or any other network function or network node.

[0072] Referring now to Figure 4 , a flow diagram illustrating an example method 400 performed by a network function for controlling network policies for energy saving in a communication system 100, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, is described. The network function can be the EMF 124, and the functionality of the network function 124 can be implemented with the aid of the apparatus 300, in particular the at least one processor 308.

[0073] At block 402, the method 400 can include obtaining, from the OAM node 110, energy consumption assistance information associated with one or more NFs of the CN. For example, the apparatus 300 can be configured to obtain, from the OAM node 110, energy consumption assistance information associated with one or more NFs of the CN.

[0074] In one non-limiting embodiment, obtaining the energy consumption assistance information can include obtaining renewable energy information and carbon emission information associated with the one or more NFs.

[0075] At block 404, the method 400 can include calculating energy consumption associated with a network element associated with the CN based on the obtained energy consumption assistance information. For example, the apparatus 300 can be configured to calculate energy consumption associated with a network element associated with the CN based on the obtained energy consumption assistance information. In one non-limiting embodiment, the network element can include at least one of: a PDU session associated with the CN, a UE 104 connected in communication with the CN, a network slice associated with the CN, but not limited thereto.

[0076] At block 406, the method 400 can include transmitting, to the PCF 114, a request for controlling one or more network policies when the calculated energy consumption associated with the network element exceeds the predefined energy threshold. For example, the apparatus 300 can be configured to transmit, to the PCF 114, a request for controlling one or more network policies when the calculated energy consumption associated with the network element exceeds the predefined energy threshold.

[0077] In one non-limiting embodiment, the one or more network policies can include one or more rules, and the step of controlling the one or more network policies can include modifying one or more existing rules for monitoring and managing energy consumption in the CN.

[0078] In one non-limiting embodiment, the one or more network policies can include one or more rules, and the step of controlling the one or more network policies can include generating one or more new rules for monitoring and managing energy consumption in the CN.

[0079] In one non-limiting embodiment, the method 400 can further include transmitting, to the UDM network function 116, a request for the predefined energy threshold associated with the network element, and receiving, from the UDM network function 116, a response including the predefined energy threshold associated with the network element based on the request. In such an embodiment, transmitting, to the PCF 114, the request for controlling the one or more network policies includes transmitting the energy consumption associated with the network element and the predefined energy threshold.

[0080] In one non-limiting embodiment, the method 400 can further include receiving, from the PCF 114, a request for energy consumption associated with the network element. The request can include one or more applicable parameters including a UE ID, an S-NSSAI, and a DNN associated with the network element. The method 400 can further include transmitting, to the PCF 114, the energy consumption associated with the network element in response to receiving the request for energy consumption.

[0081] In one non-limiting embodiment, the method 400 can further include sending, to the UDM network function 116, a request for identification information of at least one SMF 122 associated with the network element. The request can include a UE ID, a DNN, and a network function type. The method 400 can include receiving, from the UDM network function 116, a response including identification information of at least one SMF associated with the network element. The identification information can include an identity of the at least one SMF or an Internet Protocol (IP) address associated with the at least one SMF 122.

[0082] In one non-limiting embodiment, the method 400 can further include obtaining, via an event exposure service, a data volume associated with the network element; and calculating an energy consumption associated with the network element based at least on the data volume associated with the network element.

[0083] In one non-limiting embodiment, the energy consumption information of the network element can be obtained based on means to average or apply a statistical model to the energy consumed by at least one of the one or more NFs associated with the network element. For example, consider that the one or more NFs include NF1, NF2, NF3, NF4, NF5. Each of the one or more NFs can be associated with different UEs, network slices, PDU sessions, and the like. Consider that NF1, NF2, NF4 are associated with a network slice NS1.

[0084] Now, the EMF 124 initially obtains the energy consumption assistance information associated with NF1 to NF5 from the OAM node 110. Upon receiving the request for energy consumption associated with NS1 and PDS1 from the PCF 114, the EMF 124 can communicate with the UDM network function 116 to obtain the predefined energy threshold corresponding to NS1. Next, the EMF 124 can calculate the energy values El, E2, E4 associated with NS1, which are consumed by NF1, NF2, NF4 respectively. Next, the EMF 124 can calculate the energy consumption value of NS1 by averaging or applying a statistical model to the energy values El, E2, and E4.

[0085] In one non-limiting embodiment, the EMF 124 can obtain, via an event exposure service, a data volume associated with NS1, and calculate an energy consumption associated with NS1 based at least on the data volume associated with NS1.

[0086] Although the techniques of the present disclosure are described in the context of energy consumption information. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in general, the energy efficiency information and renewable energy consumption information can also be used in a similar manner to control network policies for energy saving in a communication system.

[0087] The present disclosure discloses what enhancements can be needed in the current subscription and policy framework of existing communication systems to open up the energy consumption of the network (e.g., 5G CN). Subsequently, this information can be used to enforce policies related to the subscription and policy control framework. The techniques of the present disclosure disclose the integration of energy consumption and efficiency information of the network (including but not limited to 5G CN) with the subscription policy and policy control framework so that energy consumption can be taken into account as a service criterion during the creation of the subscription policy and the subsequent policy control.

[0088] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides techniques for efficiently collecting network energy related information and opening it up to various stakeholders (e.g., PCF). By sharing network energy related information (e.g., renewable energy related information), the stakeholders (e.g., PCF) have valuable insights into the carbon footprint of the telecommunication operations, thereby providing a basis for informed decision making and targeted policy control to address environmental concerns.

[0089] Embodiments:

[0090] Embodiment 1. A method comprising: obtaining, from an OAM node, energy consumption assistance information associated with one or more NFs of a CN; calculating energy consumption associated with a network element associated with the CN based on the obtained energy consumption assistance information; and sending, to a PCF, a request for controlling one or more network policies when the calculated energy consumption associated with the network element exceeds a predefined energy threshold.

[0091] Embodiment 2. The method of embodiment 1, further comprising: sending, to a UDM network function, a request for a predefined energy threshold associated with the network element; and receiving, from the UDM network function based on the request, a response including the predefined energy threshold associated with the network element. Sending, to the PCF, the request for controlling the one or more network policies includes sending the energy consumption associated with the network element and the predefined energy threshold.

[0092] Embodiment 3. The method of embodiment 1 or 2, further comprising: receiving, from the PCF, a request for the energy consumption associated with the network element, wherein the request includes one or more applicable parameters including a UE ID, an S-NSSAI, and a DNN associated with the network element; and sending, to the PCF in response to receiving the request for the energy consumption, the energy consumption associated with the network element.

[0093] Embodiment 4. The method of embodiment 3, further comprising: sending, to a UDM network function, a request for identification information of at least one SMF associated with the network element, wherein the request comprises a UE ID, a DNN, and a network function type; and receiving, from the UDM, a response comprising the identification information of the at least one SMF associated with the network element, wherein the identification information of the at least one SMF comprises an identity of the at least one SMF or an IP address associated with the at least one SMF.

[0094] Embodiment 5. The method of any of embodiments 1-4, further comprising: obtaining, via an event exposure service, a data volume associated with the network element; and calculating, based at least on the data volume associated with the network element, an energy consumption associated with the network element.

[0095] Embodiment 6. The method of any of embodiments 1-5, wherein obtaining the energy consumption assistance information comprises obtaining renewable energy information and carbon emission information associated with one or more NFs.

[0096] Embodiment 7. The method of any of embodiments 1-6, wherein the one or more network policies comprise one or more rules, and wherein controlling the one or more network policies comprises modifying one or more existing rules for monitoring and managing energy consumption in the CN.

[0097] Embodiment 8. The method of any of embodiments 1-7, wherein the one or more network policies comprise one or more rules, and wherein controlling the one or more network policies comprises generating one or more new rules for monitoring and managing energy consumption in the CN.

[0098] Embodiment 9. The method of any of embodiments 1-8, wherein the network element comprises at least one of: a protocol data unit (PDU) session associated with the CN, and a user equipment (UE) communicatively connected with the CN.

[0099] It can be noted here that the subject matter of some or all embodiments described with reference to Figures 1-2 The subject matter of some or all embodiments described with reference to the description can be related to the method 400, and for brevity, the same parts are not repeated. The language used in the specification is principally selected for readability and instructional purposes and it can not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the subject matter of the present application. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but only to those means that would be expected to fall within the meaning and range of equivalency of the appended claims. Therefore, embodiments of the present application are intended to be illustrative only and not limiting of the scope of the present application as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A method comprising: Obtain energy consumption auxiliary information associated with one or more network functions (NFs) of the core network (CN) from the Operations Management and Maintenance (OAM) node; Based on the acquired energy consumption auxiliary information, calculate the energy consumption associated with the network elements connected to the CN; as well as When the calculated energy consumption associated with the network element exceeds a predefined energy threshold, a request is sent to the Policy Control Function (PCF) to control one or more network policies.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Send a request to the User Data Management (UDM) network function for the predefined energy threshold associated with the network element; as well as Based on the request, a response including the predefined energy threshold associated with the network element is received from the UDM network function. Sending the request to the PCF for controlling the one or more network policies includes sending the energy consumption associated with the network element and the predefined energy threshold.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The PCF receives a request for the power consumption associated with the network element, wherein the request includes one or more applicable parameters, the one or more applicable parameters including: the User Equipment ID (UE ID) associated with the network element, Single Network Slice Selection Assist Information (S-NSSAI), and Data Network Name (DNN); and In response to receiving the request for the energy consumption, the power consumption associated with the network element is sent to the PCF.

4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising: Sending a request to the User Data Management (UDM) network function for identification information of at least one Session Management Function (SMF) associated with the network element, wherein the request includes the UE ID, the DNN, and the network function type; and A response is received from the UDM network function including the identification information of the at least one SMF associated with the network element, wherein the identification information of the at least one SMF includes: the identifier of the at least one SMF or the Internet Protocol (IP) address associated with the at least one SMF.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The amount of data associated with the network element is obtained via the event open service; as well as The energy consumption associated with the network element is calculated based at least on the amount of data associated with the network element.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein obtaining the energy consumption auxiliary information includes: Obtain renewable energy and carbon emission information associated with one or more NFs.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more network policies comprise one or more rules, and wherein controlling the one or more network policies comprises: Modify one or more existing rules used to monitor and manage energy consumption in the CN.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more network policies comprise one or more rules, and wherein controlling the one or more network policies comprises: Generate one or more new rules for monitoring and managing energy consumption in the CN.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the network element comprises at least one of the following: a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session associated with the CN, and a User Equipment (UE) communicatively connected to the CN.

10. An apparatus configured to: Obtain energy consumption auxiliary information associated with one or more network functions (NFs) of the core network (CN) from the Operations Management and Maintenance (OAM) node; Based on the acquired energy consumption auxiliary information, calculate the energy consumption associated with the network elements connected to the CN; and When the calculated energy consumption associated with the network element exceeds a predefined energy threshold, a request is sent to the Policy Control Function (PCF) to control one or more network policies.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, further configured to: Send a request to the User Data Management (UDM) network function for the predefined energy threshold associated with the network element; and Based on the request, a response including the predefined energy threshold associated with the network element is received from the UDM network function. In order to send the request to the PCF for controlling the one or more network policies, the device is configured to send the energy consumption associated with the network element and the predefined energy threshold.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, further configured to: Receive a request from the PCF regarding the power consumption associated with the network element, wherein the request includes one or more applicable parameters, the one or more applicable parameters including: The user equipment identifier (UE ID), single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI), and data network name (DNN) associated with the network element; and In response to receiving the request for the energy consumption, the power consumption associated with the network element is sent to the PCF.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, further configured to: Sending a request to the User Data Management (UDM) network function for identification information of at least one Session Management Function (SMF) associated with the network element, wherein the request includes the UE ID, the DNN, and the network function type; and A response is received from the UDM network function including the identification information of the at least one SMF associated with the network element, wherein the identification information of the at least one SMF includes: The identifier of the at least one SMF, or the Internet Protocol (IP) address associated with the at least one SMF.

14. The apparatus of claim 10, further configured to: The amount of data associated with the network element is obtained via the Event Open Service; and The energy consumption associated with the network element is calculated based at least on the amount of data associated with the network element.

15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein, in order to obtain the energy consumption assistance information, the apparatus is configured to: obtain renewable energy information and carbon emission information associated with one or more NFs.

16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the one or more network policies comprise one or more rules, and wherein, in order to control the one or more network policies, the apparatus is configured to modify one or more existing rules for monitoring and managing energy consumption in the CN.

17. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the one or more network policies comprise one or more rules, and wherein, in order to control the one or more network policies, the apparatus is configured to: generate one or more new rules for monitoring and managing energy consumption in the CN.

18. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the network element comprises at least one of: a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session associated with the CN, and a User Equipment (UE) communicatively connected to the CN.

19. A non-transient computer-readable medium storing one or more computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a device, cause the device to: Obtain energy consumption auxiliary information associated with one or more network functions (NFs) of the core network (CN) from the Operations Management and Maintenance (OAM) node; Based on the acquired energy consumption auxiliary information, calculate the energy consumption associated with the network elements connected to the CN; as well as When the calculated energy consumption associated with the network element exceeds a predefined energy threshold, a request is sent to the Policy Control Function (PCF) to control one or more network policies.

20. The non-transient computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the one or more computer-executable instructions further cause the means to: Send a request to the User Data Management (UDM) network function for the predefined energy threshold associated with the network element; and Based on the request, a response including the predefined energy threshold associated with the network element is received from the UDM network function. In order to send the request to the PCF for controlling the one or more network policies, the one or more computer-executable instructions cause the device to send the energy consumption and the predefined energy threshold associated with the network element.

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