Management platform, program, information processing system, and management method

Abstract

Provided is a management platform that manages a cluster constituted by a plurality of information processing platforms configured at different locations, each information processing platform of the plurality of information processing platforms having an execution unit including a RAN control function that controls a function of a RAN, the management platform including: a cluster location information storage unit that stores cluster location information indicating a location corresponding to each cluster of a plurality of clusters; a reception unit that receives an execution request for a workload that controls a function of a RAN; a cluster selection unit that selects a cluster in which to deploy a virtualization platform that executes a workload that is an execution target of the execution request, from among the plurality of clusters, based on base station location information indicating a location of a radio base station that constitutes the RAN and the cluster location information; and a platform selection unit that selects an information processing platform in which to deploy the virtualization platform, from among the plurality of information processing platforms that constitute the cluster selected by the cluster selection unit, based on a communication condition when communicating with the radio base station.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to management platforms, programs, information processing systems, and management methods. Background Technology

[0002] As described in Patent Document 1, in recent years, technologies related to edge computing have been proposed. Edge computing involves setting up control devices at micro data centers and access sites near IoT (Internet of Things) terminal devices that are the objects of control to perform edge processing.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2022 / 113320 Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a management platform for managing a cluster is provided. The cluster comprises multiple information processing platforms configured in different locations. Each of the multiple information processing platforms has an execution unit, which includes RAN control functions for controlling the functions of a Radio Access Network (RAN). The management platform may include a cluster location information storage unit that stores cluster location information corresponding to the locations of each of the multiple clusters. The management platform may include a receiving unit that receives execution requests for workloads used to control the functions of the RAN. The management platform may include a cluster selection unit that selects a cluster from the multiple clusters to deploy a virtualization platform based on base station location information and the cluster location information included in the execution request. The base station location information indicates the location of the radio base station constituting the RAN whose functions are controlled. The virtualization platform executes the workload that is the object of the execution request. The management platform may include a platform selection unit that selects an information processing platform from the multiple information processing platforms constituting the cluster selected by the cluster selection unit to deploy the virtualization platform based on communication conditions when communicating with the radio base station.

[0007] In the management platform, the cluster selection unit can select the cluster with the shortest distance to the location of the wireless base station from among the plurality of clusters as the cluster for deploying the virtualization platform. In any of the management platforms, the cluster selection unit can select the cluster with the shortest distance to the location where the wireless base station is configured from among the plurality of clusters as the cluster for deploying the virtualization platform. In any of the management platforms, the cluster selection unit can select the cluster with the shortest distance to the location of the RU of the wireless base station from among the plurality of clusters as the cluster for deploying the virtualization platform.

[0008] The management platform may further include a platform location information storage unit, which stores platform location information. The platform location information indicates the location of each of the plurality of information processing platforms constituting the clusters. The platform selection unit may further select, based on the platform location information and the base station location information, the information processing platform whose distance from the wireless base station is shorter than a predetermined distance threshold from the plurality of information processing platforms constituting the clusters selected by the cluster selection unit, as the information processing platform for deploying the virtualization platform. The management platform may further include a platform location information storage unit, which stores platform location information. The platform location information indicates the location of each of the plurality of information processing platforms constituting the clusters. The platform selection unit may further determine the communication speed between each of the plurality of information processing platforms and the wireless base station based on the platform location information and the base station location information. It may also select, from the plurality of information processing platforms constituting the clusters selected by the cluster selection unit, the information processing platform with a communication speed faster than a communication speed threshold as the information processing platform for deploying the virtualization platform. The management platform may further include a platform location information storage unit, which stores platform location information. The platform location information indicates the location of each of the plurality of information processing platforms constituting the clusters. The platform selection unit may further determine the communication traffic between each of the plurality of information processing platforms and the wireless base station based on the platform location information and the base station location information. It may also select the information processing platform with more traffic than a traffic threshold from the plurality of information processing platforms constituting the clusters selected by the cluster selection unit as the information processing platform for deploying the virtualization platform.

[0009] In any of the management platforms, the platform selection unit can determine the communication delay time between each of the plurality of information processing platforms constituting the cluster selected by the cluster selection unit and the wireless base station, and select from the plurality of information processing platforms constituting the cluster selected by the cluster selection unit the information processing platform whose communication delay time is shorter than a predetermined communication delay time threshold as the information processing platform for deploying the virtualization platform.

[0010] The management platform may further include an acquisition unit that acquires idle resource quantity information. The idle resource quantity information represents the idle resource quantity of the execution unit of each of the plurality of information processing platforms constituting the cluster selected by the cluster selection unit. The platform selection unit may further select, based on the idle resource quantity information, from the plurality of information processing platforms constituting the cluster selected by the cluster selection unit, an information processing platform that satisfies the communication conditions and whose idle resource quantity of the execution unit is greater than the resource quantity required to deploy the virtualization platform, as the information processing platform for deploying the virtualization platform.

[0011] The management platform may further include an acquisition unit. When the platform selection unit determines that there are multiple information processing platforms among the multiple information processing platforms constituting the cluster selected by the cluster selection unit that meet the communication conditions, the acquisition unit acquires idle resource quantity information. The idle resource quantity information represents the idle resource quantity of the execution unit of each of the multiple information processing platforms that meet the communication conditions. The platform selection unit can select the information processing platform with the most idle resources of the execution unit from the multiple information processing platforms that meet the communication conditions as the information processing platform for deploying the virtualization platform based on the idle resource quantity information.

[0012] The management platform may further include an instruction unit that instructs the information processing platform selected by the platform selection unit to deploy the virtualization platform.

[0013] The management platform may further include an acquisition unit, which acquires a notification from the information processing platform that the instruction unit instructs to deploy the virtualization platform, indicating that the idle resources of the execution unit are less than the resources required to deploy the virtualization platform. When the acquisition unit acquires the notification, the platform selection unit may, based on the communication conditions, reselect from the plurality of information processing platforms constituting the cluster selected by the cluster selection unit another information processing platform different from the information processing platform that the instruction unit instructs to deploy the virtualization platform as the information processing platform for deploying the virtualization platform.

[0014] The management platform may further include an acquisition unit that receives a notification from the instruction unit that instructs the information processing platform deploying the virtualization platform to acquire a notification indicating that the idle resources of the execution unit are less than the resources required to deploy the virtualization platform. If, when the acquisition unit acquires the notification, the execution unit of the information processing platform that is instructed to deploy the virtualization platform is performing a workload other than the workload for controlling the RAN, the instruction unit may further instruct the information processing platform that is instructed to deploy the virtualization platform to migrate the other virtualization platform that is performing the other workload to another information processing platform.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, a program is provided that, when executed by a computer, enables the computer to function as any of the aforementioned management platforms.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, an information processing system is provided. The information processing system may include any of the aforementioned management platforms. The information processing system may include the plurality of information processing platforms constituting the plurality of clusters.

[0017] According to one aspect of the present invention, a management method is provided, executed by a management platform of a management cluster, the cluster comprising multiple information processing platforms configured in different locations, each of the multiple information processing platforms having an execution unit, the execution unit including RAN control functions for controlling RAN functions. The management method may include an acceptance phase, in which an execution request for a workload for controlling the RAN functions is accepted. The management method may include a cluster selection phase, in which, based on base station location information included in the execution request and cluster location information stored in the management platform, a cluster for deploying a virtualization platform is selected from the multiple clusters, wherein the base station location information indicates the location of the radio base station constituting the RAN whose functions are controlled, and the cluster location information indicates a location corresponding to each of the multiple clusters, and the virtualization platform executes the workload as the execution object of the execution request. The management method may include a platform selection phase, in which, based on communication conditions when communicating with the radio base station, an information processing platform for deploying the virtualization platform is selected from the multiple information processing platforms constituting the cluster selected in the cluster selection phase.

[0018] It should be noted that the above description of the invention does not list all the essential features of the invention. Furthermore, sub-combinations of these feature groups can also form an invention. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 An example of System 10 is shown in general.

[0020] Figure 2 Another example of System 10 is shown in outline.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a simplified example of cluster 300.

[0022] Figure 4 This is an illustrative diagram used to illustrate platform location information and cluster location information.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a simplified illustration of one example of the functional configuration of the management platform 100.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a brief illustration of an example of the functional configuration of the deployment management system 500.

[0025] Figure 7 This section provides a brief overview of one example of the functional configuration of a cluster management system 600.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a simplified illustration of one example of the functional configuration of the information processing platform 200.

[0027] Figure 9 This is an illustrative diagram illustrating an example of the processing flow of system 10.

[0028] Figure 10 This section provides a simplified illustration of the hardware configuration of a computer 1200 that functions as a management platform 100, an information processing platform 200, a deployment management system 500, or a cluster management system 600. Detailed Implementation

[0029] In virtualization platforms used to deploy virtual machines, management is typically done in clusters consisting of multiple physical servers, where virtual machines can be deployed anywhere. Furthermore, recently, due to the miniaturization of data centers (DCs), it is sometimes desirable to have multiple data centers forming a cluster. On the other hand, in a vRAN (Virtual RAN) environment, the physical distance between the management server located in the data center and the wireless antennas located at the edge is important. In this case, when a cluster consists of multiple physically different data centers as described above, the management server might be deployed in a data center where the physical distance between the management server and the wireless antennas is ignored. In the system described in this embodiment, for example, a mechanism is employed to manage the location of the data centers constituting the cluster, the location of the wireless antennas, and the allowed physical distance, incorporating these into the constraints of the data center where the management server is deployed. This avoids deployment in data centers where distance limitations are ignored, enabling stable service provision while meeting distance constraints.

[0030] The present invention will now be described through specific embodiments, but these embodiments do not limit the invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the technical solution of the invention.

[0031] Figure 1 An example of system 10 is shown in schematic. System 10 may include a management platform 100. System 10 may include multiple information processing platforms 200. In system 10 according to this embodiment, for example, the management platform 100 and the multiple information processing platforms 200 may collaboratively perform control of RAN400 and AI (Artificial Intelligence) processing. System 10 may be an example of an information processing system.

[0032] RAN400 can be a virtualized vRAN, and system 10 can perform vRAN control. RAN400 can also be a physical RAN, and system 10 can perform physical RAN control. In this embodiment, the case where RAN400 is a vRAN is mainly used as an example for explanation.

[0033] System 10 is configured in such a way that, for example, by running the functions of RAN400 on a high-performance GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) server instead of a general-purpose server, the remaining computing resources can be effectively utilized in AI processing. Types of AI processing include: AI processing associated with RAN control (sometimes referred to as RAN-controlled AI processing) and AI processing not associated with RAN control (sometimes referred to as non-RAN-controlled AI processing).

[0034] As an example of AI processing in RAN control, the RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) can be cited. RICs utilize AI to optimize RAN400 radio resources and automate RAN operations. RICs include Non-RT RICs and Near-RT RICs. Non-RT RICs are sometimes referred to as centralized RICs. Non-RT RICs reside within the Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) that manages and orchestrates RAN400. Non-RT RICs generate, notify, and send information to Near-RT RICs related to RAN400 control. For example, a Non-RT RIC performs machine learning using data collected from RAN400 to generate a learned model related to RAN control and sends it to the Near-RT RIC. Near-RT RICs are sometimes referred to as distributed RICs. Compared to Non-RT RICs, Near-RT RICs are located near RAN nodes (RUs (Radio Units), DUs (Distributed Units), and CUs (Central Units)) and perform RAN node control and resource control. Near-RT RICs also offer higher real-time processing compared to Non-RT RICs. For example, Near-RT RICs use learned models acquired from Non-RT RICs to perform inference processing associated with RAN400 control. RAN control AI processing is not limited to RICs.

[0035] Non-RAN controlled AI processing can be equated to so-called MEC (Multi-access Edge Computing) applications. Examples of non-RAN controlled AI processing include: monitoring AI processing to determine the situation within the shooting range of an input captured image, and response AI processing to output answers to input user inquiries, but it is not limited to these.

[0036] The AI ​​processing performed by System 10 may include RAN control AI processing (sometimes referred to as RAN_AI). The AI ​​processing performed by System 10 may include non-RAN control AI processing (sometimes referred to as non-RAN_AI).

[0037] The information processing platform 200 can be a data center configured in various locations. The information processing platform 200 can consist of multiple devices. The information processing platform 200 can be implemented on a virtualization platform utilizing multiple devices. The information processing platform 200 can also be implemented using a single device. That is, the information processing platform 200 can also be an information processing device.

[0038] The information processing platform 200 is configured, for example, on the core network. "Core network" can include both the inner side of the core network and the outer side of the core network.

[0039] The core network can be based on any mobile communication system. For example, it can be based on 5G (5th Generation) communication systems. It can also be based on 6G (6th Generation) communication systems and later mobile communication systems. Furthermore, it can be based on 3G (3rd Generation) communication systems or LTE (Long Term Evolution) communication systems.

[0040] The management platform 100 can be a data center that manages multiple information processing platforms 200. The management platform 100 can be composed of multiple devices. The management platform 100 can be implemented on a virtualization platform utilizing multiple devices. The management platform 100 can also be implemented by a single device. That is, the management platform 100 can also be a management device.

[0041] The management platform 100 may be configured on a core network, for example. If the management platform 100 is a management device, it may also be configured on the Internet.

[0042] A data center can include multiple physical servers. For example, a data center may include around 100 physical servers.

[0043] A data center can be, for example, a micro data center. A data center can also be any other type of data center.

[0044] The management platform 100 is sometimes referred to as the core brain, and the information processing platform 200 is sometimes referred to as the regional brain. It should be noted that... Figure 1 The example illustrates a scenario where an information processing platform 200 is configured below the management platform 100, but this is not the only possibility. The information processing platform 200 can also have multiple layers. For example, in the case where two layers of information processing platforms 200 are configured below the management platform 100, the management platform 100 is sometimes referred to as the core brain, the information processing platform 200 below it is sometimes referred to as the regional brain, and the information processing platform 200 below that is sometimes referred to as the sub-regional brain.

[0045] The information processing platform 200 may be configured with one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units). It may also be configured with one or more GPUs. Furthermore, it may be configured with multiple superchips, which connect the CPUs and GPUs via interconnects. These interconnects may be memory-coherent, enabling high bandwidth and low latency. Thus, the information processing platform 200 can utilize both CPU and GPU resources as computing resources.

[0046] Management platform 100, for example, manages a cluster 300 consisting of multiple information processing platforms 200 configured in different locations. Management platform 100, for example, manages multiple clusters 300.

[0047] Management platform 100 manages cluster 300, for example, based on cluster location information, which represents the location corresponding to each of the multiple clusters 300. The location corresponding to cluster 300 can be, for example, the average location obtained by averaging the locations of the multiple information processing platforms 200 constituting cluster 300. Alternatively, the location corresponding to cluster 300 can represent the location of each of the multiple information processing platforms 200 constituting cluster 300.

[0048] Location information may include latitude, longitude, or altitude.

[0049] Management platform 100 manages clusters 300, for example, based on platform location information, which indicates the location of each information processing platform 200 of each information processing platform 200 constituting multiple clusters 300. The location of an information processing platform 200 is, for example, the location of a data center where the information processing platform 200 is configured and installed.

[0050] The coverage area of ​​Cluster 300 can be any range. For example, Cluster 300 can cover eastern or western Japan. For example, Cluster 300 can cover the Kanto region, the Kansai region, etc. For example, Cluster 300 can cover Tokyo and Osaka.

[0051] The coverage area of ​​cluster 300 can also be based on the location of the multiple information processing platforms 200 that make up cluster 300. For example, the coverage area of ​​cluster 300 with multiple information processing platforms 200 densely configured can be narrower than the coverage area of ​​cluster 300 with multiple information processing platforms 200 sparsely configured.

[0052] Each of the multiple information processing platforms 200 constituting the cluster 300 has, for example, an execution unit that includes a RAN control function that controls the functions of the RAN 400. The RAN control function controls the functions of the RAN 400, for example, by executing RAN_AI. The RAN control function can also control the functions of the RAN 400 by executing other arbitrary processes.

[0053] RAN control functions, for example, control the radio base station 40 that constitutes RAN 400. RAN control functions, for example, control the radio base station 40 to form a wireless communication area using antennas and provide mobile communication services to communication terminals 50 within the wireless communication area.

[0054] Communication terminal 50 can be a smartphone or other mobile phone. Communication terminal 50 can also be a tablet or PC (Personal Computer). Communication terminal 50 can also be a so-called IoT device. Communication terminal 50 can include all things that conform to the so-called IoE (Internet of Everything).

[0055] Here, we will illustrate an example of how management platform 100 manages cluster 300. We will assume that management platform 100 manages cluster 300 based on cluster location information and platform location information.

[0056] Management platform 100 receives, for example, execution requests from users of system 10 for workloads used to control functions of RAN 400. Execution requests may include, for example, base station location information indicating the location of the radio base station 40 constituting the RAN 400 whose functions are being controlled. The workload may be a processing load running on a physical server as virtualized software such as a virtual machine or container.

[0057] Users of System 10 can be, for example, the administrator of RAN400. Users of System 10 can also be any other user.

[0058] The location of wireless base station 40 is, for example, the location where wireless base station 40 is configured. The location of wireless base station 40 can also be, for example, the location of the RU of wireless base station 40.

[0059] The management platform 100, for example, selects a cluster 300 from multiple clusters 300 based on the base station location information and cluster location information included in the execution request, and the virtualization platform executes the workload that is the execution object of the execution request. The management platform 100, for example, selects the cluster 300 with the shortest distance to the location of the wireless base station 40 from the multiple clusters 300 as the cluster 300 for deploying the virtualization platform.

[0060] Virtualization platforms can be, for example, virtual machines or containers.

[0061] Management platform 100 selects, for example, the information processing platform 200 for deploying the virtualization platform from among the multiple information processing platforms 200 constituting the selected cluster 300 based on the communication conditions when communicating with the wireless base station 40. Management platform 100 selects, for example, the information processing platform 200 that meets the communication conditions from among the multiple information processing platforms 200 as the information processing platform 200 for deploying the virtualization platform.

[0062] Communication conditions include, for example, the distance to the wireless base station 40 being shorter than a predetermined distance threshold. The distance threshold is, for example, a length within the range of 15km to 30km.

[0063] Management platform 100 can instruct the selected information processing platform 200 to deploy the virtualization platform. Information processing platform 200 can deploy the virtualization platform according to the instructions from management platform 100 and perform workloads for controlling the functions of RAN400.

[0064] In one example where the aforementioned management platform 100 manages cluster 300, the workload that serves as the execution object of the execution request can also be replaced with a workload used to communicate with IoT devices. In this case, the execution request may include IoT device location information indicating the location of the IoT devices.

[0065] Traditionally, clusters were designed as data centers or as racks housing multiple physical servers. However, because each cluster needs to manage its own servers, and these servers consume computing resources, the utilization efficiency of computing resources is low when clusters are designed as data centers or racks. Furthermore, redundancy is required for each cluster. Therefore, it is desirable to design clusters as units of multiple computing resources configured in different locations. In particular, in recent years, the development of micro data centers using physical containers has become increasingly popular, and data center miniaturization continues, further increasing the demand for clusters designed as units of multiple computing resources configured in different locations.

[0066] On the other hand, when designing a cluster using multiple computing resources located in different locations, if a virtualization platform for performing control RAN functions is deployed unrestricted within the cluster as in the past, this virtualization platform may be deployed to computing resources with poor communication with the wireless base station constituting the RAN. For example, the virtualization platform might be deployed to a data center physically far from the wireless base station. When the virtualization platform is deployed to computing resources with poor communication with the wireless base station, communication between the RU and DU cannot meet service level requirements, resulting in the inability to properly control the wireless base station. Therefore, when designing a cluster using multiple computing resources located in different locations, it is desirable to reliably deploy the virtualization platform to computing resources with good communication with the wireless base station.

[0067] In contrast, according to the system 10 of this embodiment, a management platform 100 that manages a cluster 300 composed of multiple information processing platforms 200 configured in different locations selects a cluster 300 from the multiple clusters 300 to deploy a virtualization platform based on base station location information and cluster location information included in the execution request. This virtualization platform executes the workload that is the execution object of the execution request. Furthermore, the management platform 100 selects the information processing platform 200 that deploys the virtualization platform from the multiple information processing platforms 200 constituting the selected cluster 300 based on the communication conditions when communicating with the wireless base station 40 constituting the RAN 400 whose functions are controlled. For example, the management platform 100 selects the information processing platform 200 whose distance from the wireless base station 40 is shorter than a distance threshold as the information processing platform 200 for deploying the virtualization platform. By selecting cluster 300 based on base station location information and further selecting information processing platform 200 in a manner that satisfies communication conditions, the system 10 of this embodiment can reliably deploy the virtualization platform to computing resources with good communication with the wireless base stations constituting the RAN whose functions are controlled, even when clusters are designed as units of multiple computing resources configured in different locations. Furthermore, since the number of clusters can be reduced while appropriately controlling the functions of the RAN, the system 10 of this embodiment can reduce the amount of computing resources required for cluster management and improve the utilization efficiency of computing resources throughout the system.

[0068] Figure 2 Another example of system 10 is shown in general. Here, the main focus is on... Figure 1 The system consists of 10 different parts.

[0069] Management platform 100 may include, for example, a deployment management system 500 that manages the deployment of a virtualization platform. Management platform 100 may also include, for example, a cluster management system 600 that manages a cluster. Management platform 100 may also include, for example, multiple cluster management systems 600.

[0070] exist Figure 2In one example, management platform 100 installs N (N is a natural number of 2 or more) cluster management systems 600. The N cluster management systems 600 include a cluster management system 600 managing cluster A, ..., and a cluster management system 600 managing cluster N. Cluster A consists of Am information processing platforms 200, from those installed in DC_A1 to those installed in DC_Am (Am is a natural number of 2 or more). Cluster N consists of Nm information processing platforms 200, from those installed in DC_N1 to those installed in DC_Nm (Nm is a natural number of 2 or more). Here, an example of the collaborative management of the cluster by the deployment management system 500 and the cluster management system 600 will be described.

[0071] The deployment management system 500 receives, for example, an execution request from user 700 of system 10 for a workload used to control RAN functions. The deployment management system 500, for example, selects a cluster from multiple clusters to deploy a virtualization platform, which executes the workload that is the object of the execution request, based on base station location information and cluster location information included in the execution request.

[0072] The deployment management system 500 can then instruct the cluster management system 600, which manages the selected cluster, to deploy the virtualization platform. The deployment management system 500 can send an execution request along with the deployment instructions for the virtualization platform to the cluster management system 600.

[0073] For example, when the deployment management system 500 instructs the deployment of the virtualization platform, the cluster management system 600 selects the information processing platform 200 from among the multiple information processing platforms 200 constituting the cluster being managed, based on the communication conditions when communicating with the radio base station 40 of the RAN 400 whose functions are controlled. The cluster management system 600 can then instruct the selected information processing platform 200 to deploy the virtualization platform. The information processing platform 200 can deploy the virtualization platform according to the instructions from the cluster management system 600 and perform the workload for controlling the functions of the RAN 400.

[0074] Figure 3 This is a simplified example of cluster 300. Figure 3 In one example shown, cluster 300 consists of information processing platform 200 installed in DC_1, ..., and m information processing platforms 200 installed in DC_m (where m is a natural number greater than 2).

[0075] The information processing platform 200 communicates with the wireless base station 40 constituting the RAN 400, for example, via the fronthaul switch 250 and the cell site router 60. Figure 3 In one example shown, the distance between the DU of DC_1 and the RU of the wireless base station 40 is 10km, and the distance between the DU of DC_m and the RU of the wireless base station 40 is 40km.

[0076] The management platform 100, for example, selects an information processing platform 200 from the m information processing platforms 200 constituting the cluster 300 that meets the communication conditions for communicating with the wireless base station 40, based on platform location information and base station location information, as the information processing platform 200 for deploying the virtualization platform. Here, it is assumed that the communication condition is that the distance to the wireless base station 40 is less than 20km.

[0077] Information processing platform 200, which is a DC_1 (10km shorter than 20km) of the RU of wireless base station 40, can be selected as the information processing platform 200 for deploying a virtualization platform. On the other hand, information processing platform 200, which is a DC_m (40km shorter than 20km) of the RU of wireless base station 40, is not selected as the information processing platform 200 for deploying a virtualization platform.

[0078] Figure 4 This is an illustrative diagram used to illustrate platform location information and cluster location information. Here, it is assumed that the platform location information and cluster location information are in tabular form.

[0079] Figure 4 The image above shows an example of platform location information. Platform location information includes, for example, the cluster ID of the cluster 300 to which the information processing platform 200 belongs. Platform location information also includes, for example, the platform ID of the information processing platform 200. Furthermore, platform location information includes, for example, the latitude and longitude information of the information processing platform 200. According to... Figure 4 The platform location information illustrated in the above figure shows the following.

[0080] The latitude and longitude information of information processing platform 200, which belongs to cluster 300 with cluster ID "0001" and platform ID "0001", is "(35.394744, 139.461799)". The latitude and longitude information of information processing platform 200, which belongs to cluster 300 with cluster ID "0001" and platform ID "0002", is "(35.416417, 139.525009)". The latitude and longitude information of information processing platform 200, which belongs to cluster 300 with cluster ID "0001" and platform ID "0003", is "(35.982679, 140.220383)". The latitude and longitude information of information processing platform 200, which belongs to cluster 300 with cluster ID "0002" and platform ID "0004", is "(33.591841, 130.425315)". The latitude and longitude information of information processing platform 200, which belongs to cluster 300 with cluster ID "0002" and platform ID "0005", is "(33.183551, 131.434990)".

[0081] Figure 4 The image below shows an example of cluster location information. Cluster location information includes, for example, the cluster ID identifying cluster 300. Cluster location information also includes, for example, the average latitude and average longitude information of cluster 300. According to... Figure 4 The cluster location information illustrated in the following figure shows the following:

[0082] The average latitude and average longitude information of cluster 300, which consists of information processing platform 200 with platform ID "0001", information processing platform 200 with platform ID "0002", and information processing platform 200 with platform ID "0003" and cluster ID "0001", is "((35.394744+35.416417+35.982679)÷3, (139.461799+139.525009+140.220383)÷3)=(35.597946, 139.735730)". The average latitude and average longitude information of cluster 300, which consists of information processing platform 200 with platform ID "0004" and information processing platform 200 with platform ID "0005" and cluster ID "0002", is "((33.591841+33.183551)÷2,(130.425315+131.434990)÷2)=(33.387696,130.930152)".

[0083] Figure 5The following is a simplified illustration of the functional configuration of the management platform 100. The management platform 100 includes a platform location information storage unit 102, a cluster location information storage unit 104, a receiving unit 106, a cluster selection unit 108, a platform selection unit 110, an acquisition unit 112, and an instruction unit 114. It should be noted that the management platform 100 does not necessarily have all of these components.

[0084] The platform location information storage unit 102 stores platform location information. For example, the platform location information storage unit 102 establishes a correspondence between the platform ID of the identification information processing platform 200, the cluster ID of the cluster 300 to which the identification information processing platform 200 belongs, and the latitude and longitude information of the information processing platform 200, and stores them as platform location information.

[0085] The cluster location information storage unit 104 stores cluster location information. For example, the cluster location information storage unit 104 establishes a correspondence between the cluster ID that identifies cluster 300 and the average latitude and average longitude information of cluster 300, and stores this as cluster location information.

[0086] The receiving unit 106 accepts execution requests. For example, the receiving unit 106 accepts execution requests for workloads used to control the functions of RAN400.

[0087] The execution request may include, for example, communication conditions when communicating with the radio base station 40 of the RAN400 whose functions are controlled. The execution request may also include, for example, deployment resource quantity information, which indicates the amount of resources required by the virtualization platform to deploy and execute the workload that is the execution object of the execution request.

[0088] The receiving unit 106 may, for example, accept an execution request by receiving the execution request itself. The receiving unit 106 may, for example, receive the execution request via a core network. The receiving unit 106 may, for example, receive the execution request via the Internet. The receiving unit 106 may, for example, receive the execution request from a communication device owned by the user 700. The receiving unit 106 may also accept the execution request via an input unit provided by the management platform 100.

[0089] The cluster selection unit 108 selects a cluster 300 from multiple clusters 300 managed by the management platform 100 to deploy a virtualization platform. This virtualization platform executes the workload of the execution object that is the execution request received by the receiving unit 106. For example, the cluster selection unit 108 selects the cluster 300 to deploy the virtualization platform from the multiple clusters 300 based on base station location information included in the execution request and cluster location information stored in the cluster location information storage unit 104.

[0090] The cluster selection unit 108 may, for example, select from the plurality of clusters 300 the cluster with the shortest distance to the location of the radio base station 40, which constitutes the RAN 400 under controlled function, as the cluster 300 for deploying the virtualization platform. Alternatively, the cluster selection unit 108 may select from the plurality of clusters 300 the cluster with the shortest distance to the location where the radio base station 40 is configured, as the cluster 300 for deploying the virtualization platform.

[0091] The platform selection unit 110 selects an information processing platform 200 from among the multiple information processing platforms 200 constituting the cluster 300 selected by the cluster selection unit 108 to deploy a virtualized platform. This virtualized platform executes the workload that is the execution object of the execution request. For example, the platform selection unit 110 selects the information processing platform 200 to deploy the virtualized platform from among the multiple information processing platforms 200 based on communication conditions when communicating with the wireless base station 40 of the RAN 400 whose functions are controlled. For example, the platform selection unit 110 selects the information processing platform 200 that meets the communication conditions as the information processing platform 200 to deploy the virtualized platform.

[0092] Communication conditions may include, for example, that the distance to the wireless base station 40 is shorter than a predetermined distance threshold. Communication conditions may include, for example, that the communication latency with the wireless base station 40 is shorter than a predetermined communication latency threshold. Communication conditions may include, for example, that the communication speed with the wireless base station 40 is faster than a predetermined communication speed threshold. Communication conditions may include, for example, that the traffic volume with the wireless base station 40 is greater than a predetermined traffic volume threshold. Communication conditions may also include two or more of the aforementioned conditions.

[0093] The platform selection unit 110 selects, for example, the information processing platform 200 from the plurality of information processing platforms 200 that deploys the virtualization platform, based on the platform location information stored in the platform location information storage unit 102 and the base station location information included in the execution request received by the acceptance unit 106. The platform selection unit 110 selects, for example, the information processing platform 200 whose distance from the wireless base station 40 is shorter than a distance threshold as the information processing platform 200 for deploying the virtualization platform.

[0094] The platform selection unit 110, for example, determines the communication delay time between each of the plurality of information processing platforms 200 and the wireless base station 40, and selects the information processing platform 200 whose communication delay time is shorter than a communication delay time threshold from the plurality of information processing platforms 200 as the information processing platform 200 for deploying the virtualization platform. The platform selection unit 110 determines the communication delay time between each of the plurality of information processing platforms 200 and the wireless base station 40, for example, based on platform location information and base station location information. The platform selection unit 110 may also determine the communication delay time between each of the plurality of information processing platforms 200 and the wireless base station 40 by having each of the plurality of information processing platforms 200 send a reference signal to the wireless base station 40.

[0095] The platform selection unit 110, for example, determines the communication speed between each of the plurality of information processing platforms 200 and the wireless base station 40, and selects the information processing platform 200 whose communication speed is faster than a communication speed threshold from the plurality of information processing platforms 200 as the information processing platform 200 for deploying the virtualization platform. The platform selection unit 110 determines the communication speed between each of the plurality of information processing platforms 200 and the wireless base station 40, for example, based on platform location information and base station location information. The platform selection unit 110 may also determine the communication speed between each of the plurality of information processing platforms 200 and the wireless base station 40 by having each of the plurality of information processing platforms 200 send a reference signal to the wireless base station 40.

[0096] The platform selection unit 110, for example, determines the communication traffic between each of the plurality of information processing platforms 200 and the wireless base station 40, and selects the information processing platform 200 whose traffic exceeds a traffic threshold as the information processing platform 200 for deploying the virtualization platform. The platform selection unit 110 determines the communication traffic between each of the plurality of information processing platforms 200 and the wireless base station 40, for example, based on platform location information and base station location information. The platform selection unit 110 may also determine the communication traffic between each of the plurality of information processing platforms 200 and the wireless base station 40 by having each of the plurality of information processing platforms 200 send a reference signal to the wireless base station 40.

[0097] The acquisition unit 112 acquires various types of information. For example, the acquisition unit 112 acquires various types of information periodically.

[0098] Acquisition unit 112 acquires various information, for example, by receiving various types of information. Acquisition unit 112 receives various types of information, for example, via a core network. Acquisition unit 112 may also receive various types of information via the Internet. Acquisition unit 112 may also acquire various types of information via an input unit provided by management platform 100.

[0099] The acquisition unit 112 acquires various information, for example, from the information processing platform 200. The acquisition unit 112 acquires, for example, information about the amount of free resources from the information processing platform 200, which indicates the amount of free resources available to the execution unit of the information processing platform 200.

[0100] For example, the acquisition unit 112 acquires information on the amount of free resources of each information processing platform 200 of each cluster 300 constituting the management object of the management platform 100. The acquisition unit 112 also acquires information on the amount of free resources of each information processing platform 200 constituting the cluster 300 selected by the cluster selection unit 108.

[0101] Platform selection unit 110, for example, selects an information processing platform 200 from among the multiple information processing platforms 200 constituting the cluster 300 selected by cluster selection unit 108 based on the available resource information obtained by acquisition unit 112. This virtualization platform executes the workload that is the execution object of the execution request received by acceptance unit 106. Platform selection unit 110, for example, selects an information processing platform 200 from among the multiple information processing platforms 200 that meets communication conditions and whose available resource amount is greater than the resource amount required to deploy the virtualization platform.

[0102] When the platform selection unit 110 determines that there are multiple information processing platforms 200 that meet the communication conditions among the multiple information processing platforms 200 constituting the cluster 300 selected by the cluster selection unit 108, the acquisition unit 112 can also acquire the idle resource quantity information of each of the multiple information processing platforms 200 that meet the communication conditions. In this case, the platform selection unit 110 can select the information processing platform 200 with the most idle resources from the multiple information processing platforms 200 that meet the communication conditions as the information processing platform 200 for deploying the virtualization platform, based on the idle resource quantity information acquired by the acquisition unit 112.

[0103] The instruction unit 114 instructs the information processing platform 200 to perform various processes. The instruction unit 114 may, for example, instruct the information processing platform 200 to perform various processes via a core network. The instruction unit 114 may also instruct the information processing platform 200 to perform various processes via the Internet.

[0104] Instruction unit 114 may, for example, instruct the information processing platform 200 selected by platform selection unit 110 to deploy and execute a virtualization platform that is the execution target of the execution request received by acceptance unit 106. Instruction unit 114 may also instruct information processing platform 200 to send information on available resources.

[0105] The acquisition unit 112 may, for example, receive a notification from the information processing platform 200, which is instructed by the instruction unit 114 to deploy the virtualization platform, indicating that the amount of idle resources of the execution unit is less than the amount of resources required to deploy the virtualization platform. When the acquisition unit 112 receives this notification, the platform selection unit 110 may, based on communication conditions, reselect from the multiple information processing platforms 200 constituting the cluster 300 selected by the cluster selection unit 108 a different information processing platform 200 than the one instructed by the instruction unit 114 to deploy the virtualization platform as the information processing platform 200 for deployment.

[0106] The instruction unit 114 may also instruct the information processing platform 200, which is instructed to deploy the virtualization platform, to migrate other virtualization platforms that are performing other workloads besides those for controlling the RAN400, to another information processing platform 200 when the acquisition unit 112 receives the notification. The information processing platform 200 instructed by the instruction unit 114 to deploy the virtualization platform may then migrate the other virtualization platform to the other information processing platform 200 as instructed by the instruction unit 114.

[0107] The other information processing platform 200, for example, belongs to the cluster 300 to which the information processing platform 200 deployed by the instruction unit 114 belongs. The other information processing platform 200 may also belong to a different cluster 300 than the cluster 300 to which the information processing platform 200 deployed by the instruction unit 114 belongs.

[0108] This other workload can be any workload as long as it is not subject to any communication conditions. For example, this other workload could be a workload that provides web services.

[0109] The receiving unit 106 can also accept execution requests for workloads used to communicate with IoT devices. The cluster selection unit 108 can select a cluster 300 from among the multiple clusters 300 managed by the management platform 100, based on the IoT device location information and cluster location information included in the execution request received by the receiving unit 106, to deploy the virtualization platform. This virtualization platform executes the workload that is the execution object of the execution request. The platform selection unit 110 can select an information processing platform 200 from among the multiple information processing platforms 200 constituting the cluster 300 selected by the cluster selection unit 108, based on the communication conditions when communicating with the wireless base station 40 used to communicate with the IoT device, to deploy the virtualization platform. The instruction unit 114 can instruct the information processing platform 200 selected by the platform selection unit 110 to deploy the virtualization platform.

[0110] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates a simplified example of the functional configuration of the deployment management system 500. The deployment management system 500 includes a cluster location information storage unit 504, a receiving unit 506, a cluster selection unit 508, and an instruction unit 511. It should be noted that the deployment management system 500 does not necessarily need to have all of these components.

[0111] The cluster location information storage unit 504 stores cluster location information. For example, the cluster location information storage unit 504 establishes a correspondence between the cluster ID that identifies the cluster 300, the cluster management system ID that identifies the cluster management system 600 that manages the cluster 300, and the average latitude and average longitude information of the cluster 300, and stores them as cluster location information.

[0112] The receiving unit 506 accepts execution requests. The receiving unit 506 may, for example, accept execution requests in the same way as the receiving unit 106. The receiving unit 506 may have the same functions as the receiving unit 106.

[0113] The cluster selection unit 508 selects a cluster 300 from multiple clusters 300 to deploy a virtualization platform, which executes the workload that is the execution object of the execution request received by the receiving unit 506. For example, the cluster selection unit 508 selects the cluster 300 to deploy the virtualization platform from multiple clusters 300 based on base station location information included in the execution request and cluster location information stored in the cluster location information storage unit 504.

[0114] Cluster selection unit 508 can select the cluster 300 where the virtualization platform is deployed, just like cluster selection unit 108. Cluster selection unit 508 can have the same functions as cluster selection unit 108.

[0115] The instruction unit 511 instructs the cluster management system 600, which manages the cluster 300 selected by the cluster selection unit 508, to deploy and execute the virtualization platform that is the execution target of the execution request received by the acceptance unit 506. The instruction unit 511 may send the execution request together with the deployment instruction of the virtualization platform to the cluster management system 600.

[0116] The instruction unit 511 may instruct the cluster management system 600 to deploy the virtualization platform, for example, via the core network. The instruction unit 511 may also instruct the cluster management system 600 to deploy the virtualization platform via the Internet.

[0117] Figure 7 The following is a simplified illustration of the functional configuration of a cluster management system 600. The cluster management system 600 includes a platform location information storage unit 602, a receiving unit 607, a platform selection unit 610, an acquisition unit 612, and an instruction unit 614. It should be noted that the cluster management system 600 does not necessarily have all of these components.

[0118] The platform location information storage unit 602 stores platform location information. For example, the platform location information storage unit 602 establishes a correspondence between the platform ID of the identification information processing platform 200 and the latitude and longitude information of the information processing platform 200, and stores this as platform location information. The platform location information storage unit 602 may further establish a correspondence between the cluster ID of the cluster 300 to which the identification information processing platform 200 belongs and which is managed by the cluster management system 600, and store this as platform location information.

[0119] The receiving unit 607 receives from the deployment management system 500 a deployment instruction for the virtualization platform of the workload to be executed as an execution request. For example, the receiving unit 607 may receive the execution request together with the deployment instruction for the virtualization platform from the deployment management system 500.

[0120] The receiving unit 607 may receive deployment instructions for the virtualization platform from the deployment management system 500, for example, via the core network. The receiving unit 607 may also receive deployment instructions for the virtualization platform from the deployment management system 500 via the Internet.

[0121] The platform selection unit 610 selects an information processing platform 200 from among the multiple information processing platforms 200 of the cluster 300 constituting the cluster management system 600 to deploy a virtualized platform. This virtualized platform executes the workload that is the execution object of the execution request. For example, when the receiving unit 607 receives a deployment instruction for the virtualized platform from the deployment management system 500, the platform selection unit 610 selects the information processing platform 200 to deploy the virtualized platform from among the multiple information processing platforms 200.

[0122] Platform selection unit 610 can select the information processing platform 200 from the plurality of information processing platforms 200 to deploy the virtualization platform, just like platform selection unit 110. Platform selection unit 610 can have the same functions as platform selection unit 110.

[0123] Acquisition unit 612 acquires various types of information. Acquisition unit 612 can acquire the same information as acquisition unit 112. Acquisition unit 612 can have the same functions as acquisition unit 112.

[0124] The instruction unit 614 instructs the information processing platform 200 to perform various processes. The instruction unit 614 may perform various processes via, for example, a core network instruction information processing platform 200. The instruction unit 614 may also perform various processes via the Internet instruction information processing platform 200.

[0125] The instruction unit 614, like the instruction unit 114, instructs the information processing platform 200 to perform various processes. The instruction unit 614 may have the same functions as the instruction unit 114.

[0126] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates a simplified example of the functional configuration of the information processing platform 200. The information processing platform 200 includes a receiving unit 202, an execution unit 204, and a notification unit 208. It should be noted that the information processing platform 200 does not necessarily need to have all of these components.

[0127] The receiving unit 202 receives execution instructions for various processes. For example, the receiving unit 202 receives execution instructions for various processes from the management platform 100. The receiving unit 202 may also receive execution instructions for various processes from the cluster management system 600.

[0128] The receiving unit 202 may receive various processing execution instructions, for example, via the core network. The receiving unit 202 may also receive various processing execution instructions via the Internet.

[0129] The receiving unit 202 may, for example, receive instructions to deploy a virtualization platform that executes a workload as the execution object of an execution request. The receiving unit 202 may also receive instructions to migrate other virtualization platforms that are executing workloads other than those used to control the functions of RAN400 to other information processing platforms 200.

[0130] The execution unit 204 performs various processes. For example, the execution unit 204 performs various processes when the receiving unit 202 receives an execution instruction for various processes.

[0131] The execution unit 204 includes, for example, RAN control function 205 and information processing function 207. RAN control function 205 and information processing function 207 can use the same computing resources.

[0132] RAN control function 205 controls the functions of RAN400. RAN control function 205 controls the functions of RAN400, for example, by deploying a virtualization platform that executes a workload for controlling the functions of RAN400. When the receiving unit 202 receives an instruction to deploy a virtualization platform that executes a workload as the execution object of an execution request, RAN control function 205 deploys the virtualization platform.

[0133] Information processing function 207 performs various information processing tasks. For example, information processing function 207 performs various information processing tasks by deploying other virtualization platforms that perform workloads other than those used to control the functions of RAN400. For instance, when receiving unit 202 receives an instruction to migrate the other virtualization platform to another information processing platform 200, information processing function 207 migrates the other virtualization platform to the other information processing platform 200. Information processing function 207 migrates the other virtualization platform to the other information processing platform 200, for example, by hot-migrating the other virtualization platform to the other information processing platform 200.

[0134] Information processing function 207 performs various information processing tasks, for example, by executing an application. Information processing function 207 performs various information processing tasks, for example, by executing an AI application. Information processing function 207 performs various information processing tasks, for example, by executing a non-RAN_AI application.

[0135] Notification Department 208 issues various notices. For example, Notification Department 208 issues various notices periodically.

[0136] Notification unit 208 may, for example, notify management platform 100 of various notifications. Notification unit 208 may also notify cluster management system 600 of various notifications.

[0137] Notification Unit 208 may, for example, notify various notifications via the core network. Notification Unit 208 may also notify various notifications via the Internet.

[0138] Notification unit 208 may, for example, notify the execution unit 204 of the amount of available resources. Notification unit 208 may, for example, notify that the amount of available resources of the execution unit 204 is less than the amount of resources required to deploy the virtualization platform that performs the workloads used to control the RAN400 functions.

[0139] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the processing flow of system 10. Here, the state where the management platform 100 has not received an execution request for controlling the RAN400 function is set to the start state.

[0140] In step (sometimes omitted and referred to as S) 102, the receiving unit 106 receives an execution request for a workload used to control the functions of the RAN400. In S104, the cluster selection unit 108 selects the cluster 300 of the virtualization platform to be deployed and executed from among the multiple clusters 300 managed by the management platform 100, based on the base station location information included in the execution request received by the receiving unit 106 in S102 and the cluster location information stored in the cluster location information storage unit 104.

[0141] In S106, the platform selection unit 110 selects the information processing platform 200 from the multiple information processing platforms 200 constituting the cluster 300 selected by the cluster selection unit 108 in S104 to deploy the virtualization platform, based on the communication conditions when communicating with the radio base station 40 of the RAN 400 whose constitutive functions are controlled. In S108, the instruction unit 114 instructs the information processing platform 200 selected by the platform selection unit 110 in S106 to deploy the virtualization platform. The receiving unit 202 receives the instruction from the management platform 100.

[0142] In S110, the execution unit 204 deploys the virtualization platform and executes the workload according to the instructions received by the receiving unit 202 in S108. Then, the processing of system 10 ends.

[0143] Figure 10 This document provides a simplified example of the hardware configuration of a computer 1200 that functions as a management platform 100, an information processing platform 200, a deployment management system 500, or a cluster management system 600. Programs installed on the computer 1200 enable it to function as one or more "parts" of the apparatus according to this embodiment, or to perform operations associated with the apparatus or the one or more "parts" according to this embodiment, and / or to perform processes or stages of the processes according to this embodiment. Such programs can be executed by the CPU 1212 to cause the computer 1200 to perform specific operations associated with several or all of the blocks in the flowcharts and block diagrams described in this specification.

[0144] The computer 1200 described in this embodiment includes a CPU 1212, RAM 1214, and a graphics controller 1216, which are interconnected via a host controller 1210. The computer 1200 also includes input / output units such as a communication interface 1222, a storage device 1224, a DVD drive 1226, and an IC card driver, which are connected to the host controller 1210 via an input / output controller 1220. The DVD drive 1226 can be a DVD-ROM drive or a DVD-RAM drive, etc. The storage device 1224 can be a hard disk drive or a solid-state drive, etc. The computer 1200 also includes conventional input / output units such as a ROM 1230 and a keyboard, which are connected to the input / output controller 1220 via an input / output chip 1240.

[0145] CPU 1212 operates according to the program stored in ROM 1230 and RAM 1214, thereby controlling each unit. Graphics controller 1216 obtains image data generated by CPU 1212 from frame buffers or other sources provided in RAM 1214 or from itself, and displays the image data on display device 1218.

[0146] Communication interface 1222 communicates with other electronic devices via a network. Storage device 1224 stores programs and data used by CPU 1212 within computer 1200. DVD drive 1226 reads programs or data from DVD-ROM 1227, etc., and provides them to storage device 1224. IC card driver reads programs and data from IC card and / or writes programs and data to IC card.

[0147] ROM 1230 stores the boot program executed by computer 1200 during activation, and / or programs that depend on the hardware of computer 1200. Input / output chip 1240 can also connect various input / output units to input / output controller 1220 via USB port, parallel port, serial port, keyboard port, mouse port, etc.

[0148] The program is provided via a computer-readable storage medium such as a DVD-ROM 1227 or an IC card. The program is read from the computer-readable storage medium, installed in a storage device 1224, RAM 1214, or ROM 1230 (also examples of computer-readable storage media), and executed by the CPU 1212. The information processing described within this program is read by the computer 1200, resulting in cooperation between the program and the aforementioned various types of hardware resources. The apparatus or method can be configured to perform information manipulation or processing according to the use of the computer 1200.

[0149] For example, when communication is performed between computer 1200 and external devices, CPU 1212 can execute a communication program loaded into RAM 1214 and issue communication processing instructions to communication interface 1222 according to the processing described in the communication program. Under the control of CPU 1212, communication interface 1222 reads transmission data stored in the transmission buffer area provided in recording media such as RAM 1214, storage device 1224, DVD-ROM 1227, or IC card, and sends the read transmission data to the network, or writes received data received from the network into the receive buffer area provided on the recording medium, etc.

[0150] Furthermore, the CPU 1212 can read all or necessary portions of files or databases stored on external recording media such as storage device 1224, DVD drive 1226 (DVD-ROM 1227), IC card, etc., into RAM 1214, and perform various types of processing on the data in RAM 1214. The CPU 1212 can then write the processed data back to the external recording media.

[0151] Various types of information, such as programs, data, tables, and databases, can be stored in the recording medium and processed. The CPU 1212 can perform various types of processing on data read from RAM 1214 and write the results back to RAM 1214. These various types of processing include operations described throughout this disclosure and specified by a sequence of program instructions, information processing, conditional judgments, conditional branches, unconditional branches, information retrieval / replacement, etc. Furthermore, the CPU 1212 can retrieve information from files, databases, etc., within the recording medium. For example, if the recording medium stores multiple entries, each having an attribute value associated with a first attribute value related to a second attribute value, the CPU 1212 can retrieve from these multiple entries an entry that matches the condition for specifying the first attribute value, read the attribute value of the second attribute stored in that entry, and thereby obtain the attribute value of the second attribute associated with the first attribute that satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0152] The programs or software modules described above can be stored on or near the computer 1200 on a computer-readable storage medium. Alternatively, a recording medium such as a hard disk or RAM provided in a server system connected to a dedicated communication network or the Internet can be used as a computer-readable storage medium, thereby providing the program to the computer 1200 via the network.

[0153] In this embodiment, the boxes in the flowcharts and block diagrams may represent stages of processing that perform an operation or "parts" of a device that performs the operation. Specific stages and "parts" may be installed via dedicated circuitry, programmable circuitry supplied along with computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium, and / or a processor supplied along with computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium. Dedicated circuitry may include digital and / or analog hardware circuitry, and may also include integrated circuits (ICs) and / or discrete circuitry. Programmable circuitry may include reconfigurable hardware circuitry such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and programmable logic arrays (PLAs), which include logical AND, logical OR, logical XOR, logical NAND, logical NOR, and other logical operations, flip-flops, registers, and memory elements.

[0154] Computer-readable media can include any tangible device capable of storing instructions executable by a suitable device. As a result, a computer-readable medium having instructions stored therein comprises an instruction capable of being executed to create units for performing operations specified in a flowchart or block diagram. Examples of computer-readable media include electronic storage media, magnetic storage media, optical storage media, electromagnetic storage media, semiconductor storage media, etc. More specific examples of computer-readable media include floppy disks (registered trademark), magnetic disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), static random access memory (SRAM), optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile optical disc (DVD), Blu-ray disc (registered trademark), memory stick, integrated circuit cards, etc.

[0155] Computer-readable instructions may include assembly instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, status setting data, or any combination of source code or object code written in one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Smalltalk (registered trademark), JAVA (registered trademark), C++, and existing procedural programming languages ​​such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages.

[0156] Computer-readable instructions can be provided locally or via a wide area network (WAN) such as a local area network (LAN) or the Internet to the processor or programmable circuit of a programmable data processing device, such as a computer. These computer-readable instructions can be executed to create units for performing operations specified in a flowchart or block diagram. Here, a computer can be a PC (personal computer), tablet computer, smartphone, workstation, server computer, general-purpose computer, or special-purpose computer, or a computer system composed of multiple connected computers. Such a computer system composed of multiple connected computers is also called a distributed computing system, which is a computer in a broad sense. In a distributed computing system, each of the multiple computers executes a part of the program and transfers data between the computers as needed during program execution, thereby enabling the multiple computers to collectively execute the program.

[0157] Examples of processors include computer processors, central processing units (CPUs), processing units, microprocessors, digital signal processors, controllers, and microcontrollers. A computer can have one or more processors. In a multiprocessor system with multiple processors, each processor executes a portion of the program and transfers data between processors as needed, allowing the program to be executed collectively by multiple processors. For example, in multitasking, multiple processors can execute portions of each task by switching tasks on a time-slice basis. In this case, which part of the program each processor executes is dynamically changing. Alternatively, which part of the program each processor executes can be statically defined by considering multiprocessor programming.

[0158] The present invention has been described above using embodiments, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes or modifications can be made to the above embodiments. As clearly understood from the claims, such changes or modifications can also be included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0159] The execution order of actions, sequences, steps, and stages in the apparatus, systems, programs, and methods shown in the claims, description, and drawings is not specifically stated as "before" or "before". Furthermore, it should be noted that any order is permissible as long as the output of a preceding process is not used in a later process. Even if terms such as "firstly" or "next" are used for convenience in describing the flow of actions in the claims, description, and drawings, it does not imply that the actions must be performed in that order.

[0160] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0161] 10: System, 40: Wireless Base Station, 50: Communication Terminal, 60: Cell Site Router, 100: Management Platform, 102: Platform Location Information Storage Department, 104: Cluster Location Information Storage Department, 106: Receiving Department, 108: Cluster Selection Department, 110: Platform Selection Department, 112: Acquisition Department, 114: Instruction Department, 200: Information Processing Platform, 202: Receiving Department, 204: Execution Department, 205: RAN Control Function, 207: Information Processing Function, 208: Notification Department, 250: Fronthaul Switch, 300: Cluster, 400: RAN, 500: Deployment Management System, 504: Cluster Location Information Storage Department, 506: Acceptance Department, 508: Cluster Selection Department, 511: Instruction Department, 600: Cluster Management System, 602: Platform Location Information Storage Department, 607: Acceptance Department, 610: Platform Selection Department, 612: Acquisition Department, 614: Instruction Department, 700: User, 1200: Computer, 1210: Host Controller, 1212: CPU, 1214: RAM, 1216: Graphics Controller, 1218: Display Device, 1220: Input / Output Controller, 1222: Communication Interface, 1224: Storage Device, 1226: DVD Drive, 1227: DVD-ROM, 1230: ROM, 1240: Input / Output Chip.

Claims

1. A management platform, a management cluster, said cluster comprising multiple information processing platforms configured in different locations, each of said multiple information processing platforms having an execution unit, said execution unit including RAN control functions for controlling the functions of a radio access network (RAN), said management platform having: A cluster location information storage unit stores cluster location information, which represents the location corresponding to each of the multiple clusters. The receiving department accepts execution requests for workloads used to control the functions of the RAN; The cluster selection unit selects the cluster from the plurality of clusters to deploy the virtualization platform based on the base station location information and the cluster location information included in the execution request. The base station location information indicates the location of the wireless base station constituting the RAN whose function is controlled. The virtualization platform executes the workload that is the execution object of the execution request. as well as The platform selection unit selects, from the plurality of information processing platforms constituting the cluster selected by the cluster selection unit, the information processing platform on which the virtualization platform is deployed, based on the communication conditions when communicating with the wireless base station.

2. The management platform according to claim 1, wherein, The cluster selection unit selects the cluster with the shortest distance to the location of the wireless base station from the plurality of clusters as the cluster for deploying the virtualization platform.

3. The management platform according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The management platform also includes a platform location information storage unit, which stores platform location information, representing the location of each of the multiple information processing platforms constituting the clusters. The platform selection unit further selects, from among the plurality of information processing platforms constituting the cluster selected by the cluster selection unit, the information processing platform whose distance from the wireless base station is shorter than a predetermined distance threshold as the information processing platform for deploying the virtualization platform, based on the platform location information and the base station location information.

4. The management platform according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The platform selection unit determines the communication delay time between each of the plurality of information processing platforms constituting the cluster selected by the cluster selection unit and the wireless base station, and selects from the plurality of information processing platforms constituting the cluster selected by the cluster selection unit the information processing platform whose communication delay time is shorter than a predetermined communication delay time threshold as the information processing platform for deploying the virtualization platform.

5. The management platform according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The management platform also includes an acquisition unit that acquires idle resource quantity information, which represents the idle resource quantity of the execution unit of each of the plurality of information processing platforms constituting the cluster selected by the cluster selection unit. The platform selection unit further selects, from the plurality of information processing platforms constituting the cluster selected by the cluster selection unit, the information processing platform that satisfies the communication conditions and whose execution unit has more idle resources than the resources required to deploy the virtualization platform, as the information processing platform for deploying the virtualization platform, based on the idle resource information.

6. The management platform according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The management platform further includes an acquisition unit. When the platform selection unit determines that among the plurality of information processing platforms constituting the cluster selected by the cluster selection unit, there are multiple information processing platforms that meet the communication conditions, the acquisition unit acquires idle resource quantity information. The idle resource quantity information represents the idle resource quantity of the execution unit of each of the plurality of information processing platforms that meet the communication conditions. The platform selection unit selects the information processing platform with the most idle resources from among the multiple information processing platforms that meet the communication conditions, based on the idle resource information, as the information processing platform for deploying the virtualization platform.

7. The management platform according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The management platform also includes an instruction unit that instructs the information processing platform selected by the platform selection unit to deploy the virtualization platform.

8. The management platform according to claim 7, wherein, The management platform also includes an acquisition unit, which receives a notification from the information processing platform deployed by the instruction unit, indicating that the amount of idle resources of the execution unit is less than the amount of resources required to deploy the virtualization platform. When the acquisition unit receives the notification, the platform selection unit, based on the communication conditions, selects another information processing platform from among the plurality of information processing platforms constituting the cluster selected by the cluster selection unit, which is different from the information processing platform for deploying the virtualization platform as instructed by the instruction unit.

9. The management platform according to claim 7, wherein, The management platform also includes an acquisition unit, which receives a notification from the information processing platform deployed by the instruction unit, indicating that the amount of idle resources of the execution unit is less than the amount of resources required to deploy the virtualization platform. When the acquisition unit receives the notification, and the execution unit of the information processing platform that is instructed to deploy the virtualization platform is performing a workload other than the workload for controlling the RAN, the instruction unit further instructs the information processing platform that is instructed to deploy the virtualization platform to migrate the other virtualization platform that is performing the other workload to another information processing platform.

10. A program, when executed by a computer, for causing the computer to function as a management platform as any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. An information processing system, comprising: The management platform according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and The multiple information processing platforms constitute the clusters of the multiple clusters.

12. A management method executed by a management platform of a management cluster, the cluster comprising multiple information processing platforms configured in different locations, each of the multiple information processing platforms having an execution unit, the execution unit including RAN control functions for controlling RAN functions, the management method comprising: During the acceptance phase, execution requests for workloads used to control the functions of the RAN are accepted; During the cluster selection phase, based on the base station location information included in the execution request and the cluster location information stored in the management platform representing the locations corresponding to each of the plurality of clusters, a cluster for deploying the virtualization platform is selected from the plurality of clusters. The base station location information represents the location of the radio base station constituting the RAN whose functions are controlled. The virtualization platform executes the workload that is the execution object of the execution request; and During the platform selection phase, based on the communication conditions when communicating with the wireless base station, an information processing platform for deploying the virtualization platform is selected from the plurality of information processing platforms constituting the cluster selected in the cluster selection phase.

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