System and method

Abstract

To achieve communication taking into account energy-related conditions related to communication for each user terminal.SOLUTION: A system includes a first NF (Network Function) that holds first information including energy-related conditions related to communication for each of a plurality of user terminals, and a second NF that performs predetermined processing related to communication of a first user terminal based on the first information on the first user terminal included in the plurality of user terminals. The energy-related conditions related to communication include at least one of conditions related to energy consumption amount, conditions related to energy efficiency, and conditions related to use of renewable energy.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to communication network systems. [Background technology]

[0002] The UDR (Unified Data Repository) contains the subscriptions of UE (User Equipment). It is disclosed that, as an option, information indicating the UE's device type (control plane dedicated device, emergency response device, etc.), the identifier of the slice to which the UE connects, and the service desired by the UE is retained (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-159177 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and method that can realize communication that takes into account the energy-related conditions associated with communication for each user terminal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is a first network function (NF) that holds first information including a condition related to energy for communication for each of a plurality of user terminals; a second NF that performs a predetermined process related to communication of a first user terminal included in the plurality of user terminals based on the first information about the first user terminal; The system is provided with:

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a first network function (NF) holds first information including a condition related to energy for communication for each of a plurality of user terminals; a second NF performs a predetermined process related to communication of a first user terminal included in the plurality of user terminals based on the first information about the first user terminal; The method includes: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to realize communication that takes into consideration the energy-related conditions associated with communication for each user terminal. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the architecture of a fifth-generation mobile communication system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a process in a communication system that takes into account energy-related subscriber information for each UE. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of information included in the energy-related subscriber information. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device capable of operating as each NF and AF in a 5G core network. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the UDM and the UDR. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a user NF. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an example of a flowchart of a predetermined process related to communication of the UE of a user NF. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sequence of a process for updating energy-related subscriber information of a UE. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sequence of an NF selection process based on energy-related subscriber information. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of a policy generation process based on energy-related subscriber information. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of a network slice selection process based on energy-related subscriber information. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The 3GPP (registered trademark) standard for 5G (5th Generation) specifies technologies for reducing energy consumption required to operate mobile communication networks, i.e., for improving energy efficiency. In response to this, users are becoming increasingly interested in reducing energy consumption related to communications, improving efficiency, or using renewable energy. However, because there is no item related to energy consumption related to communications in the subscriber information, communications are not being conducted in a way that takes into account users' communication needs.

[0010] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a condition related to energy for communication is registered with a core network for each user terminal, and when a process related to communication of the user terminal is executed, the condition is taken into consideration, thereby making the communication of the user terminal energy-aware.

[0011] More specifically, one aspect of the present disclosure is a system including a first NF (Network Function) that holds, for each of a plurality of user terminals, first information including conditions related to energy related to communication, and a second NF that performs predetermined processing related to communication of the first user terminal based on the first information about the first user terminal included in the plurality of user terminals. The system is, for example, a core network system of a mobile communication system of a generation after 5G (5th Generation). The first NF and the second NF are, for example, instances that perform predetermined functions in the core network of the mobile communication system. The instances of the first NF and the second NF are realized, for example, by executing virtualized computing such as a container on an information processing device. When the system is a 5G core network system, for example, the first NF is a UDR (Unified Data Repository). The second NF is, These include the AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function), SMF (Session Management Function), PCF (Policy Control Function), and NSSF (Network Slice Selection Function). However, the system, the first NF, and the second NF are not all of these. Not limited to.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a predetermined process related to communication of a first user terminal is performed based on first information including a condition related to energy related to the communication of the first user terminal, thereby allowing the communication of the first user terminal to be performed in consideration of the condition related to energy related to the communication of the first user terminal in the entire system.

[0013] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the first information may be one of subscriber information, whereby when processing related to communication of the first user terminal is performed based on the subscriber information, energy-related conditions related to communication of the first user terminal are also taken into consideration.

[0014] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the energy-related condition for communication is energy consumption. The conditions regarding the amount of energy consumed, the condition regarding energy efficiency, and the condition regarding the use of renewable energy may include at least one of a condition regarding the amount of energy consumed, a condition regarding energy efficiency, and a condition regarding the use of renewable energy. The conditions regarding the amount of energy consumed, the condition regarding energy efficiency, and the condition regarding the use of renewable energy may each specify the amount of energy consumed, the energy efficiency, the proportion of renewable energy, or thresholds thereof, of equipment, functions, areas, network slices, or the entire system related to communication of the user terminal. This allows the energy consumption, energy efficiency, and use of renewable energy to be taken into consideration in the communication of the first user terminal.

[0015] In this case, the first information may include information indicating a priority order among the conditions related to energy consumption, the conditions related to energy efficiency, and the conditions related to the use of renewable energy, thereby enabling the priority order of the conditions related to energy consumption, the conditions related to energy efficiency, and the conditions related to the use of renewable energy to be specified in communication by the first user terminal.

[0016] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the system may further include a third NF that transmits a request to update the first information about the first user terminal. When the first NF receives the request to update the first information about the first user terminal, the first NF may update the first information about the first user terminal. This allows the first information to be updated.

[0017] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the second NF may perform a process of selecting, as a predetermined process related to communication of the first user terminal, a fourth NF that performs a process related to communication of the first user terminal from among a plurality of fourth NFs based on first information about the first user terminal. For example, the second NF is an AMF, and in this case, the fourth NF is one of an SMF, an AMF, and a PCF. For example, the second NF is an SMF, and in this case, the fourth NF is one of a UPF (User Plane Function) and a PCF. However, The combination of the second NF and the fourth NF is not limited to these.

[0018] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the second NF may be a PCF. In this case, the second NF may perform, as a predetermined process, a process of generating a policy related to communication of the first user terminal based on first information about the first user terminal. The policy related to communication of the first user terminal may include, for example, access and mobility related policy information, PDU session related policy information, policy and charging control (PCC) rules, background data transfer (BDT) policies, etc. Since the policy is generated based on the first information about the first user terminal, for example, when a PDU session is established according to the policy, the PDU session can be established taking into account energy-related conditions related to communication of the first user terminal.

[0019] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the second NF may be an NSSF. In this case, the second NF may perform, as the predetermined process, a process of selecting a network slice to be used for communication of the first user terminal based on first information about the first user terminal. The second NF may select the network slice to be used for communication of the first user terminal in consideration of energy-related conditions related to communication of the first user terminal.

[0020] Another aspect of the present disclosure can be identifiable as a method for executing processing in the system. The method includes: a first NF holds first information for each of a plurality of user terminals, the first information including a condition related to energy related to communication; and a second NF holds the first information for a first user terminal included in the plurality of user terminals, the first information including a condition related to energy related to communication, and and performing predetermined processing related to communication of the user terminal. In addition, as another aspect, the present disclosure can be specified as an information processing device that executes respective processing for each of the first NF and the second NF in the above system, a method by which a computer corresponding to each of the first NF and the second NF executes each of the processing, a program for causing a computer to execute the method, and a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded.

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The configurations of the following embodiments are examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments.

[0022] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the architecture of a fifth-generation mobile communication system. The fifth-generation mobile communication network is hereinafter referred to as a 5G network. The 5G network includes a 5G core network (5GC) and an access network ((R)AN). A UE (User Equipment) 50, a DN (Data Network), and an AF 1 are connected to the 5G network. The UE 50 is a terminal of a user (subscriber). A RAN (Radio Access Network) is an access network to the 5GC. The RAN includes a base station (gNB).

[0023] FIG. 1 shows some of the components included in 5GC. Also, in FIG. 1, the components according to the first embodiment are denoted by reference numerals. In 5G, the software that realizes network functions and the hardware on which the software runs are separated using hardware abstraction technology. This allows various network function software to run on common hardware resources, regardless of the configuration of each hardware product. FIG. 1 shows the network functions (NFs) included in 5GC. Each of the multiple NFs included in 5GC is realized by one or more computers (information processing devices) executing a program. However, a single computer may realize any two or more NFs.

[0024] UPF (User Plane Function) is responsible for routing, forwarding, and The user packets are user plane packets that the UE 50 transmits and receives.

[0025] AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) 7 houses the RAN and manages the 5GC. AMF 7 performs registration management, connection management, and mobility management for UEs in SMF. It also relays messages between the UE 50 and the UE 6.

[0026] SMF (Session Management Function) 6 is a PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session It manages PDU sessions, assigns and manages IP addresses to UEs, and selects and controls UPF. PDU session management includes the establishment and modification of PDU sessions. For example, when a policy is changed, P A change in the DU session occurs, and a change in QoS or policy is applied to the UPF through the SMF 6. A PDU session is a virtual communication path for exchanging data between the UE 50 and the DN. The DN is a data network (cloud, internet, etc.) external to 5GC.

[0027] The PCF (Policy Control Function) 5 controls each N The policy rules include, for example, rules related to QoS, filtering, routing, and charging. When a policy rule is to be registered, changed, or deleted, it is first notified to the PCF 5, which then notifies the policy rule via the SMF 6. This controls the setting, modification, deletion, etc. of policies for the relevant UPF.

[0028] UDM (Unified Data Management)2 is a service that manages and manages subscribers' information. The subscriber information includes, for example, access and mobility subscription data used for registering the UE 50 and managing mobility, slice selection subscription data used for slice selection, SMF selection subscription data used for selecting SMF 6, and session management information used for establishing a PDU session. The data includes subscriber information (Session Management Subscription data) and energy related subscription information (Energy Related Subscription data) used for processing related to communication of the UE 50.

[0029] The UDR 4 stores and provides retrieval of data used by the UDM 2, PCF 5, and NEF 3. More specifically, the data held by the UDR 4 includes, for example, subscriber information, authentication information, and policy data.

[0030] NEF 3 provides the functionality for network functions within the 5G system to safely disclose capabilities and event information to external applications such as AF (Application Function) 1. NEF 3 also provides the functionality for receiving information from authorized external applications into the network. AF 1 is an application server (external server) that provides auxiliary services outside the 5GC specifications.

[0031] NWDAF 8 provides analysis information within a network. The analysis information within a network provided by NWDAF 8 includes, for example, communication delay, throughput, jitter, traffic load level, and energy-related information in each section. The energy-related information includes, for example, energy efficiency, energy consumption, and the proportion of renewable energy.

[0032] Energy consumption is the amount of energy consumed in a given system. Energy consumption is expressed, for example, in joules (J) or watt-hours (Wh). Energy efficiency is, for example, the ratio of useful output to energy consumption in a given system. Useful output is, for example, the amount of transmitted data, throughput, etc. Renewable energy ratio is the ratio of renewable energy consumption to energy consumption in a given system.

[0033] The predetermined system is, for example, an NF, a network slice, a 5G core network, etc. Therefore, the energy-related information can be acquired per NF, per network slice, per 5GC core network, per NG-RAN, per UE, per PDU session, and per QoS flow.

[0034] The EASDF (Edge Application Server Discovery Function) mediates communication between the UE 50 and the DNS server.

[0035] The NRF stores and manages information about NFs (e.g., AMF, SMF, UPF, etc.) within 5GC. In response to an inquiry about the NF desired to be used, the NRF can return multiple NF candidates to the inquiry source. The NSSF 9 has the function of selecting the network slice to be used by the subscriber from the network slices generated by network slicing. A network slice is a virtual network with specifications according to the application. The AUSF provides the function of UE authentication. The UDM holds subscriber contract information and authentication information for AKA authentication.

[0036] In 5GC, multiple NFs of the same type may be prepared. For example, one NF may be prepared for each data center (station). Also, one NF may be shared between data centers. Also, one data center may configure multiple NFs of the same type. The correspondence between NFs and data centers can be set as appropriate.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating processing in the communication system 100 that takes into account energy-related subscriber information for each UE 50. The energy-related subscriber information is information used in processing related to communication by the UE 50. In the first embodiment, the energy-related subscriber information of the UE 50 is held in the UDR 4 as one piece of subscriber information. The energy-related information of the UE 50 is stored in the UDR 4 by an operator, for example, after the UE 50 has signed a subscription contract with the communication system 100. The energy-related information may be specified by the user who owns the UE 50, i.e., the subscriber to the communication system 100, or may be preset according to a contract plan.

[0038] The energy-related subscriber information of the UE 50 may be, for example, AMF 7, SMF 6, PCF The UDM 2 is used by user NFs 10 such as the UDM 5 and the NSSF 9. That is, when the user NF 10 executes a predetermined process related to communication of the UE 50, it acquires the energy-related subscriber information of the UE 50 from the UDR 4 and executes the predetermined process based on the energy-related subscriber information of the UE 50. The PCF 5 can directly access the UDR 4 to acquire the energy-related subscriber information of the UE 50. On the other hand, the AMF 7, the SMF 6, and the NSSF 9 cannot directly access the UDR 4 according to the 3GPP regulations, and therefore access the UDR 4 via the UDM 2 to acquire the energy-related subscriber information of the UE 50.

[0039] The predetermined processing includes, for example, an NF selection processing for selecting an NF that performs processing related to communication of the UE 50, a processing for generating a policy related to communication of the UE 50, and The NF selection process includes a slice selection process in which the AMF 7 selects an SMF 7 that manages a PDU session of the UE 50, a PCF selection process in which the AMF 7 selects a PCF 5 that manages policies related to the PDU session of the UE 50, an AMF selection process in which the AMF 7 selects a new AMF 7 that takes over processing related to the communication of the UE 50, a UPF selection process in which the SMF 6 selects a UPF to which the PDU session of the UE 50 is assigned, and a PCF selection process in which the SMF 6 selects a PCF 5 that manages policies related to the PDU session of the UE 50. However, the NF selection process is not limited to these, and may include, for example, a process in which the user NF 10 selects an NWDAF from which network analysis information such as energy-related information is obtained.

[0040] The policy generation process is a process in which the PCF 5 generates a policy related to communication of the UE 50. The policies generated by the PCF 5 include, for example, access and mobility related policy information, PDU session related policy information, PCC rules (Policy and charging control rules), and BDT (Background Data Transfer) policies.

[0041] The slice selection process is a process in which the NSSF 9 selects a network slice to be used for communication of the UE 50. However, the predetermined processes performed based on the energy-related subscriber information are not limited to these, and any process related to communication of the UE 50 can be the subject of the predetermined process.

[0042] The predetermined processing related to the communication of the UE 50 is executed independently by each user NF 10. The predetermined processing related to communication of the UE 50 by each user NF 10 occurs during execution of, for example, a registration procedure, a PDU session establishment procedure, a PDU session modification procedure, a handover procedure, and the like.

[0043] In the first embodiment, predetermined processing related to communication of the UE 50 by each user NF 10 is performed based on energy-related subscriber information of the UE 50, thereby enabling communication of the UE 50 to be performed taking into consideration energy efficiency, etc. UDR 4 is an example of a "first NF." Each NF included in the user NF 10 is an example of a "second NF."

[0044] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of information included in the energy-related subscriber information. In the first embodiment, the energy-related subscriber information is one type of subscriber information. The energy-related subscriber information includes, for example, energy awareness, EE requirements, EC requirements, renewable energy requirements, etc. The fields include energy requirements and conditions.

[0045] The energy aware field includes information indicating whether the UE is energy aware. An energy aware UE is a UE for which requirements are set for communication energy, such as energy efficiency, energy consumption, and the proportion of renewable energy. The information indicating whether the UE is energy aware may be, for example, a flag or a code.

[0046] The EE requirement field includes a requirement for energy efficiency in communication of the UE 50. The requirement for energy efficiency in communication of the UE 50 is set, for example, to be energy efficiency of 50% or more.

[0047] The EC requirement field includes a requirement for energy consumption in communication by the UE 50. The requirement for energy consumption in communication by the UE 50 is set, for example, to energy consumption of 100 Wh or less.

[0048] The renewable energy requirement field includes a requirement for the renewable energy usage ratio in communication of the UE 50. The requirement for the renewable energy usage ratio in communication of the UE 50 is set, for example, to a renewable energy usage ratio of 30% or more.

[0049] The condition field stores information indicating the order of priority among the EE requirements, EC requirements, and renewable energy requirements. The information indicating the order of priority among the EE requirements, EC requirements, and renewable energy requirements indicates, for example, the highest priority given to the EE requirements, the highest priority given to the renewable energy requirements, priority given to both the EE requirements and the renewable energy requirements, priority given to either the EE requirements or the renewable energy requirements, etc. The information indicating the order of priority among the EE requirements, EC requirements, and renewable energy requirements may be indicated by, for example, a flag, a code, or the like.

[0050] Note that the information included in the energy-related subscriber information shown in Figure 3 is an example, and the information included in the energy-related subscriber information is not limited to the example shown in Figure 3. Furthermore, the names of each field of the energy-related subscriber information can be changed as appropriate depending on the embodiment. EE requirements, EC requirements, and renewable energy requirements will be collectively referred to as energy requirements hereinafter. Energy requirements are an example of "conditions related to energy related to communication." Information included in the conditions field of the energy-related subscriber information is an example of "information indicating the priority order between the conditions related to the energy consumption, the conditions related to the energy efficiency, and the conditions related to the use of renewable energy."

[0051] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device capable of operating as each NF and AF 1 in a 5G core network. The information processing device 110 can be configured using an information processing device (computer) such as a personal computer (PC), a workstation (WS), or a server machine. The information processing device 110 may also be a collection (cloud) of one or more computers. Note that the NFs and AFs 1 in the 5G core network may also be devices equipped with electric circuits such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) dedicated to executing the corresponding processing.

[0052] The information processing device 110 has, as its hardware configuration, a processor 101, a memory 102, an auxiliary storage device 103, and a communication unit 104. The memory 102 and the auxiliary storage device 103 are computer-readable recording media. The processor 101, the auxiliary storage device 103, and the communication unit 104 are electrically connected by a bus.

[0053] The auxiliary storage device 103 stores programs used to operate as either each NF or AF 1 in the 5G core network, and data used by the processor 101 when executing each program. The auxiliary storage device 103 is, for example, an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), a hard disk drive, or a solid state drive (SSD). The programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 103 include, for example, an operating system The operating system (OS) and the corresponding NF or AF control program are included.

[0054] The memory 102 is a storage device that provides the processor 101 with a storage area and a working area for loading programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 103, and is used as a buffer. The memory 102 includes, for example, semiconductor memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0055] The processor 101 loads into the memory 102 an OS stored in the auxiliary storage device 103 and a program related to either one of the NFs or AFs 1 in the 5G core network and executes the programs, thereby executing processing corresponding to each NF or AF 1 in the 5G core network. The processor 101 is, for example, a CPU or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The number of processors 101 is not limited to one, and multiple processors 101 may be provided.

[0056] The communication unit 104 is, for example, a network interface card (NIC), an optical line interface, etc. The communication unit 104 may be, for example, a wireless communication circuit that connects to a wireless network such as a wireless LAN. The hardware configuration of the information processing device 110 that realizes the functions of each NF and AF 1 in the 5G core network is not limited to that shown in FIG. 4.

[0057] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the UDM 2 and the UDR 4. In Fig. 5, functional components according to the first embodiment are extracted from the functional configuration of the UDM 2 and the UDR 4 and shown.

[0058] UDM 2 is composed of Nudm_SDM_Get producer 21 and Nudr_DM_Query The Nudm_ParameterProvision_Update consumer 22, the Nudm_ParameterProvision_Update producer 23, and the Nudm_SDM_Update consumer 24. The processing of these functional components is performed by the UDM This is achieved by the processor 101 of the information processing device 110 operating as the information processing device 2 executing a predetermined program stored in the auxiliary storage device 103.

[0059] Nudm_SDM_GetProducer 21 is the producer API for the Nudm_SDM_Get service. Nudm_SDM_GetProducer 21 supports SMF 6, AMF 7, and NSSF 9 receives a Nudm_SDM_Get request, which is a request to obtain subscriber information. Along with the _SDM_Get request, the identification information of the target UE specifying the subscriber information to be acquired and information indicating the type of subscriber information are also received, such as access and mobility subscriber information, slice selection subscriber information, SMF selection subscriber information, session management subscriber information, and energy related subscriber information used in processing related to communication of the UE 50.

[0060] When the Nudm_SDM_Get producer 21 receives a Nudm_SDM_Get request, it notifies the Nudr_DM_Query consumer 22. When the Nudm_SDM_Get producer 21 receives specified subscriber information from the Nudr_DM_Query consumer 22, it transmits the specified subscriber information as a response to the Nudm_SDM_Get request.

[0061] The Nudr_DM_Query consumer 22 is an API for the consumer of the Nudr_DM_Query service. When the Nudr_DM_Query consumer 22 receives a notification of receipt of a Nudm_SDM_Get request from the Nudm_SDM_Get producer 21, it requests the UDR 4 to acquire data. A Nudr_DM_Query request is sent to request the UE 100. Along with the Nudr_DM_Query request, for example, identification information of the target UE that specifies the subscriber information to be acquired and information indicating the type of subscriber information are also sent.

[0062] The Nudr_DM_Query consumer 22 obtains the specified subscriber information from the UDR 4 as a response to the Nudr_DM_Query request. The Nudm_SDM_Get producer 22 outputs the subscriber information received from the UDR 4 to the Nudm_SDM_Get producer 21.

[0063] The Nudm_ParameterProvision_Update producer 23 is an API of the producer of the Nudm_ParameterProvision_Update service. The Nudm_ParameterProvision_Update producer 23 receives a Nudm_ParameterProvision_Update request, which is a request to update subscriber information, from the NEF 3. Along with the Nudm_ParameterProvision_Update request, for example, identification information of the target UE, information indicating the type of subscriber information to be updated, and the update content of the subscriber information are also received. Upon receiving the Nudm_ParameterProvision_Update request, the Nudm_ParameterProvision_Update producer 23 sends a Nudm_SDM_Update command to the Nudm_ParameterProvision_Update producer 23. Upon receiving the notification of the update result of the subscriber information from the Nudm_SDM_Update consumer 24, the Nudm_ParameterProvision_Update producer 23 notifies the Nudm_SDM_Update consumer 24 of the update result of the subscriber information as a response to the Nudm_ParameterProvision_Update request. Send to NEF 3.

[0064] The Nudm_SDM_Update consumer 24 is an API for the consumer of the Nudm_SDM_Update service. The Nudm_SDM_Update consumer 24 receives a notification of receipt of a Nudm_ParameterProvision_Update request from the Nudm_ParameterProvision_Update producer 23. When this message is received, a Nudm_SDM_Update request is sent to UDR 4, which is a request to update the subscriber information. The Nudm_SDM_Update request is sent together with, for example, the identity of the target UE, Information indicating the type of subscriber information to be updated and the updated content of the subscriber information are also transmitted. When the Nudm_SDM_Update consumer 24 receives the update result of the subscriber information from the UDR 4 as a response to the Nudm_SDM_Update request, it outputs the update result of the subscriber information to the Nudm_ParameterProvision_Update producer 23 as a response to the Nudm_ParameterProvision_Update request.

[0065] Next, the UDR 4 has, as its functional components, a Nudr_DM_Query producer 41, a Nudr_DM_Update producer 42, and a subscriber information storage unit 43. These functional components The basic processing is achieved by the processor 101 of the information processing device 110 operating as the UDR 4 executing the API program of each service.

[0066] The Nudr_DM_Query producer 41 is an API for the producer of the Nudr_DM_Query service. The Nudr_DM_Query producer 41 receives data from the UDM 2 and PCF 5. The Nudr_DM_Query producer 41 receives a Nudr_DM_Query request, which is a request to acquire subscriber information. Along with the Nudr_DM_Query request, for example, identification information of the target UE that specifies the subscriber information to be acquired and information indicating the type of subscriber information are also received. When the Nudr_DM_Query producer 41 receives the Nudr_DM_Query request, it reads out the specified subscriber information from the subscriber information storage unit 43. The Nudr_DM_Query producer 41 then The user information is sent to UDM 2 as a response to the Nudr_DM_Query request.

[0067] The Nudr_DM_Update producer 42 is an API for the producer of the Nudr_DM_Update service. The Nudr_DM_Update producer 42 receives a Nudm_ParameterProvision_Update request from the UDM 2. Along with the Nudm_ParameterProvision_Update request, for example, identification information of the target UE, information indicating the type of subscriber information to be updated, and the update content of the subscriber information are also received. Upon receiving the Nudm_ParameterProvision_Update request, the Nudr_DM_Update producer 42 updates the target subscriber information in the subscriber information storage unit 43 with the received update content. The Nudr_DM_Update producer 42 transmits the update results of the subscriber information to the UDM 2 as a response to the Nudm_ParameterProvision_Update request.

[0068] The subscriber information storage unit 43 holds the subscriber information of all UEs 50 that subscribe to the communication system 100. The subscriber information storage unit 43 is created in the auxiliary storage device 103 of the information processing device 110 that operates as the UDR 4.

[0069] 6 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the user NF 10. The user NF 10 includes, as its functional configuration, a control unit 11, a subscriber information acquisition unit 12, and an energy-related information acquisition unit 13. The processing of the control unit 11, the subscriber information acquisition unit 12, and the energy-related information acquisition unit 13 is achieved by the processor 101 of the information processing device 110 operating as the user NF 10 executing a predetermined program stored in the auxiliary storage device 103.

[0070] The control unit 11 controls predetermined processing related to communication of the UE 50. The subscriber information acquisition unit 12 acquires subscriber information held in the UDR 4 in accordance with instructions from the control unit 11. In the first embodiment, the subscriber information acquisition unit 12 acquires at least energy-related subscriber information. The energy-related information acquisition unit 13 acquires energy-related information in accordance with instructions from the control unit 11. The energy-related information is acquired, for example, from the NWDAF 8, NFs that collect energy-related information, or other NFs that collect energy-related information. Note that in the first embodiment, the energy-related information acquisition unit 13 is described as acquiring energy-related information from the NWDAF.

[0071] When the user NF 10 is an AMF 7, the control unit 11 executes, for example, an SMF selection process, a PCF selection process, and an AMF selection process as predetermined processes related to communication of the UE 50. When the user NF 10 is an SMF 6, the control unit 11 executes, for example, a UPF selection process and a PCF selection process as predetermined processes related to communication of the UE 50. When the user NF 10 is an NSSF 9, the control unit 11 executes, for example, a network slice selection process as predetermined processes related to communication of the UE 50.

[0072] When the user NF 10 is an AMF 7, an SMF 6, or an NSSF 9, the subscriber information acquisition unit 12 is an API of the consumer of the Nudm_SDM_Get service, and transmits a Nudm_SDM_Get request to the UDM 2 together with the identification information of the UE 50 and information indicating energy-related subscriber information as the type of subscriber information. , SMF 6, or NSSF 9, the energy-related information acquisition unit 13 is an API of the consumer of the Nnwdaf_AnalyticsInfo service, and sends an Nnwdaf_AnalyticsInfo request to the NWDAF 8 together with information indicating that the information to be acquired is energy-related information.

[0073] When the user NF 10 is the PCF 5, the control unit 11 executes, for example, a policy generation process as a predetermined process related to communication of the UE 50. When the user NF 10 is the PCF 5, the subscriber information acquisition unit 12 acquires the subscriber information of the user NF 10 as the consumer of the Nudr_DM_Query service. The Nudr_DM_Query request is sent to the UDR 4 along with the identification information of the UE 50 and information indicating energy-related subscriber information as the type of subscriber information.

[0074] In FIG. 6, functional components related to the processing of the communication system 100 are extracted and shown as the functional configuration of the user NF 10, and the functional configuration of the user NF 10 is not limited to the example shown in FIG.

[0075] Fig. 7 is an example of a flowchart of a predetermined process related to communication of the UE 50 of the user NF 10. The process shown in Fig. 7 is repeatedly executed while the user NF 10 is in operation. The process shown in Fig. 7 is executed mainly by the processor 101 of the information processing device 110 operating as the user NF 10, but for convenience, the process will be described mainly focusing on the functional components.

[0076] In the OP 11, the control unit 11 determines whether or not an event has occurred that triggers the execution of a predetermined process related to communication of the UE 50. Events that trigger the SMF selection process of the AMF 7 as one of the user NFs 10 include, for example, the establishment of a PDU session of the UE 50, a modification of the PDU session settings, and handover. For example, in a PDU session setting change, if the current SMF that manages the target PDU session cannot support parameters related to session management after the change, the SMF selection process is performed by the AMF 7. For example, in a handover, if a change of parameters related to session management is required depending on the handover destination base station or the AMF 7, the SMF selection process is performed by the AMF 7.

[0077] An event that triggers the PCF selection process of the AMF 7 as one of the user NFs 10 is, for example, the initial registration of the UE 50 to the communication system, and AMF relocation in the registration procedure and handover procedure of the UE 50. An event that triggers the AMF selection process of the AMF 7 as one of the user NFs 10 is, for example, handover involving AMF relocation.

[0078] AMF relocation is to switch the AMF responsible for access and mobility management of the UE 50 from a source AMF to a target AMF. This occurs due to registration of the UE 50 to the communication system 100, changes in UE registration information (including re-registration and re-configuration), handover, etc. For example, this includes a target AMF selection process by the source AMF and an NF selection process by the target AMF, such as PCF, SMF, NSSF, or NWDAF. Note that these processes are not necessarily performed in AMF relocation. For example, in a handover procedure, the target AMF may be determined by an NF other than the source AMF, an NG-RAN, or the like.

[0079] An event that triggers the PCF selection process of the SMF 6 as one of the user NFs 10 is, for example, PDU session establishment and modification. An event that triggers the UPF selection process of the SMF 6 as one of the user NFs 10 is, for example, PDU session establishment and modification, handover, PDU session modification, local breakout, etc. Adding or deleting outgoing configurations and ULCL (Uplink Classifier) / branching points Local breakout refers to transferring part of the communication of a PDU session destined for an external DN (Data Network) to an edge server on a local DN (Data Network) and having that edge server process the communication.

[0080] Events that trigger the policy generation process of the PCF 5, which is one of the user NFs 10, include, for example, the registration process of the UE 50, establishment and change of a PDU session, information sharing from the NWDAF 8 due to congestion occurrence, and information sharing from an external AF due to a change in policy-related parameters. Events that trigger the network slice selection process of the NSSF 9, which is one of the user NFs 10, include the registration process of the UE 50, establishment and change of a PDU session, and network slice relocation. Network slice relocation occurs, for example, when congestion occurs in the slice currently being used by the UE 50, or when the AMF at the handover destination does not support the network slice currently being used by the UE 50. Note that the events that trigger the execution of a predetermined process related to the communication of the UE 50 are not limited to those described above, and include all events that trigger the execution of each process related to the communication of the UE 50 specified in the 3GPP standard.

[0081] If an event that triggers the execution of a predetermined process related to communication of the UE 50 has occurred (OP11: YES), the process proceeds to OP12. If an event that triggers the execution of a predetermined process has not occurred (OP11: NO), the process shown in FIG. 7 ends.

[0082] In OP12, the control unit 11 instructs the subscriber information acquisition unit 12 to acquire energy-related subscriber information of the UE 50, and acquires the energy-related subscriber information of the UE 50 from the subscriber information acquisition unit 12. Upon receiving the instruction from the control unit 11, the subscriber information acquisition unit 12 transmits an acquisition request for energy-related subscriber information of the UE 50 to the UDM 2 (if the user NF 10 is the SMF 6, the AMF 7, or the NSSF 9) or the UDR 4 (if the user NF 10 is the PCF 5), and receives the energy-related subscriber information of the UE 50 from the UDM 2 or the UDR 4.

[0083] In OP13, the control unit 11 determines whether the UE 50 is an energy-aware UE based on the energy-related subscriber information of the UE 50. If the UE 50 is an energy-aware UE (OP13: YES), the process proceeds to OP14.

[0084] In OP14, the control unit 11 executes predetermined processing related to communication of the UE 50 based on the energy-related subscriber information of the UE 50. More specifically, the control unit 11 executes predetermined processing to satisfy the energy requirements included in the energy-related subscriber information of the UE 50. Note that if any of the energy requirements of the UE 50, namely, energy efficiency, energy consumption, and renewable energy requirements, is not satisfied, the control unit 11 executes predetermined processing to set the value close to the threshold value set for the requirement. Performing predetermined processing related to communication of the UE 50 based on the energy-related subscriber information of the UE 50 is hereinafter referred to as "energy-related subscriber information-based processing." Then, the processing shown in FIG. 7 ends.

[0085] If the UE 50 is not an energy-aware UE (OP13: NO), the process proceeds to OP15. In OP15, the control unit 11 executes a process related to normal communication of the UE 50 without using the energy-related subscriber information of the UE 50. Then, the process shown in FIG. 7 ends.

[0086] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of processing for updating energy-related subscriber information of the UE 50. In S10, for example, a subscription contract with the user of the UE 50 to the communication system 100 is updated. When the contract is concluded, the operator of the communication system 100 registers the subscriber information of the UE 50 in the UDM 2 and the UDR 4 according to the contract plan, etc. The subscriber information of the UE 50 includes energy-related subscriber information of the UE 50.

[0087] In S21, an administrator of the communication system 100 or a third party AF 1 transmits an Nnef_ParameterProvision_Update request message to the NEF 3, requesting an update of energy-related subscription information of the UE 50. Along with the Nnef_ParameterProvision_Update request message, for example, identification information of the UE 50, "Energy Related Subscription data" which is a code indicating that this is a request to update the energy-related subscription information, and the updated content of the energy-related subscription information are also transmitted. The identification information of the UE 50 transmitted along with the Nnef_ParameterProvision_Update request message is, for example, GPSI or External Group ID. The code "Energy Related Subscription data" which is transmitted along with the Nnef_ParameterProvision_Update request message and indicates that this is a request to update the energy-related subscription information is an example in the first embodiment, and other names may be used.

[0088] In S22, the NEF 3 receives the Nnef_ParameterProvision_Update request message from the AF 1 and transmits to the UDM 2 a Nudm_ParameterProvision_Update request message requesting an update of the energy-related subscription information of the UE 50. Along with the Nudm_ParameterProvision_Update request message, for example, identification information of the UE 50, "Energy Related Subscription data" which is a code indicating that this is a request to update the energy-related subscription information, and the updated content of the energy-related subscription information are also transmitted.

[0089] In S23, the UDM 2 receives the Nudm_ParameterProvision_Update request message from the NEF 3 and transmits a Nudr_DM_Update request message to the UDR 4. The UDM 2 obtains the SUPI (Subscription Parameter Indicator) of the UE 50 from the identification information (e.g., GPSI) of the UE 50 received together with the Nudm_ParameterProvision_Update request message. Along with the Nudr_DM_Update request message, For example, the SUPI of the UE 50, "Energy Related Subscription data" which is a code indicating that this is a request to update the energy-related subscription information, and the updated content of the energy-related subscription information of the UE 50 are transmitted.

[0090] In S24, UDR 4 receives the Nudr_DM_Update request message from UDM 2, updates the energy-related subscriber information of UE 50 with the update content received from UDM 2, and transmits the update result as a Nudr_DM_Update response message to UDM 2. The update result of the energy-related subscriber information of UE 50 is either success or failure.

[0091] At S25, the UDM 2 receives the Nudr_DM_Update response message from the UDR 4 and sends a Nudm_ParameterProvision_Update response message including the updated energy-related subscriber information of the UE 50 to the NEF 3.

[0092] In S26, the NEF 3 receives the Nudm_ParameterProvision_Update response message from the UDM 2 and transmits an Nnef_ParameterProvision_Update response message including the update result of the energy-related subscriber information of the UE 50 to the AF 1. This completes the process of updating the energy-related subscriber information of the UE 50.

[0093] 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sequence of an NF selection process based on energy-related subscriber information. In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, the user NF 10 selects, for example, an AMF 7 or an SMF 6. If the user NF 10 is an AMF 7, the NF selection process may be, for example, These are an SMF selection process, a PCF selection process, and an AMF selection process. When the user NF 10 is an SMF 6, the NF selection process is, for example, a UPF selection process and a PCF selection process.

[0094] In S31, the user NF 10 detects the occurrence of an event that triggers the implementation of the NF selection process, and determines whether to implement the NF selection process (FIG. 7, OP11: YES). Events that trigger the implementation of the NF selection process are, for example, as follows:

[0095] When the user NF 10 is the AMF 7, events that trigger the implementation of the PCF selection process include, for example, the initial registration of the UE 50 to the communication system 100 and the rearrangement of the AMF in the registration procedure of the UE 50. More specifically, for example, the AMF 7 receives a registration request including "Initial Registration" as the registration type from the UE 50, thereby detecting the occurrence of the initial registration of the UE 50 or the occurrence of the rearrangement of the AMF in the registration procedure of the UE 50, and determining whether to implement the PCF selection process.

[0096] When the user NF 10 is the AMF 7, an event that triggers the implementation of the SMF selection process is, for example, the establishment of a PDU session of the UE 50. The AMF 7 detects the occurrence of the establishment of a PDU session of the UE 50, for example, by receiving a PDU session establishment request from the UE 50. When the user NF 10 is the AMF 7, an event that triggers the implementation of the AMF selection process is, for example, AMF rearrangement in a handover procedure. The AMF 7 detects the occurrence of AMF rearrangement, for example, when a handover of the UE 50 is requested from the RAN and the AMF 7 itself determines that it cannot continue to provide service to the UE 50.

[0097] When the user NF 10 is the SMF 6, an event that triggers the execution of the PCF selection process is, for example, the establishment and change of a PDU session of the UE 50. When the user NF 10 is the SMF 6, an event that triggers the execution of the UPF selection process is, for example, the establishment of a PDU session of the UE 50. For example, the SMF 6 receives, from the AMF 7, an Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext / UpdateSMContext request message including a PDU session establishment request from the UE 50, and thereby establishes a PDU session of the UE 50. Detect the occurrence of the session establishment procedure.

[0098] In S32, the user NF 10 transmits a Nudm_SDM_Get request message, which is a request to acquire subscriber information, to the UDM 2 in order to acquire energy-related subscriber information of the UE 50. The Nudm_SDM_Get request message also transmits the identity (SUPI) of the UE 50 and information indicating that the type of subscriber information to be acquired is energy subscriber information.

[0099] In S33, the UDM 2 receives a Nudm_SDM_Get request message from the user NF 10 and sends a Nudr_DM_Query request message to the UDR 4, which is a request to acquire subscriber information. The Nudr_DM_Query request message is sent together with the identification of the UE 50. In S34, UDR 4 receives Nudr_DM_Query from UDM 2. The request message is received and sent to UDM 2 along with a Nudr_DM_Query response message. In addition, the UE 50 transmits energy-related subscriber information.

[0100] In S35, UDM 2 receives a Nudr_DM_Query response message from UDR 4. The user NF 10 receives the energy-related subscription information of the UE 50 from the UDM 2 and transmits the energy-related subscription information of the UE 50 together with a Nudm_SDM_Get response message to the user NF 10. The user NF 10 receives the energy-related subscription information of the UE 50 from the UDM 2 ( Figure 7, OP12).

[0101] In S36, the user NF 10 determines that the UE 50 is an energy-aware UE from the energy-related information of the UE 50 (FIG. 7, OP13: YES). In S37, the user NF 10 executes an NF selection process based on the energy-related subscription information of the UE 50 (FIG. 7, OP14).

[0102] In the NF selection process, the user NF 10 inquires of the NRF to acquire candidate NFs to be selected. The user NF 10 selects an NF to be used for communication with the UE 50 from the candidate NFs acquired from the NRF.

[0103] In the NF selection process, when energy-related information of an NF to be selected is required, the user NF 10, in the first embodiment, transmits an Nnwdaf_AnalyticsInfo request message to the NWDAF 8 to acquire the energy-related information. The Nnwdaf_AnalyticsInfo request message includes "Energy Efficiency" as the Analytics ID that is a request to acquire the energy-related information. The user NF 10 receives the energy-related information together with an Nnwdaf_AnalyticsInfo response message from the NWDAF 8.

[0104] In the example shown in Fig. 9, the user NF 10 selects an NF that satisfies the energy requirements included in the energy-related information of the UE 50 as an NF to be used for communication with the UE 50. For example, the NWDAF 8 and the AMF 7 independently perform an NF selection process based on the energy-related subscriber information to select an NF for communication with the UE 50. 9. In addition, the user NF 10 that performs the NF selection process is not limited to the AMF 7 and the SMF 6. For example, when transmitting a request to acquire network analysis information to the NWDAF 8, the user NF 10 may select the NWDAF 8 to which the request is to be sent based on the energy-related subscription information of the UE 50.

[0105] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the sequence of a policy generation process based on energy-related subscriber information. In the example shown in Fig. 10, the user NF 10 is, for example, the PCF 5. In S41, the PCF 5 determines whether to perform the policy generation process (Fig. 7, OP11: YES). Events that trigger the execution of the policy generation process include, for example, an Npcf_AMPolicyControl_Create request, which is a request for cooperation and an update request, from the AMF 7 in the registration procedure of the UE 50, the establishment procedure of a PDU session, and the handover procedure, Or, by receiving an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create request from SMF 6, etc. However, the events that trigger the execution of the policy generation process of the PCF 5 are not limited to these.

[0106] At S42, the PCF 5 sends a Nudr_DM_Query, which is a request to acquire subscriber information, to the UDR 4 to acquire subscriber information of the UE 50, including energy-related subscriber information. The UE sends a Nudr_DM_Query request message along with the Nudr_DM_Query request message. The identification information (SUPI) of the subscriber 50 and information indicating that the type of subscriber information being obtained is energy subscriber information are also transmitted.

[0107] In S43, UDR 4 receives a Nudr_DM_Query request message from PCF 5. The Nudr_DM_Query response message is sent to the PCF 5 along with the Nudr_DM_Query response message. The subscriber information of the UE 50 also includes energy-related subscriber information. The PCF 5 receives the subscriber information of the UE 50 from the UDR 4 (FIG. 7, OP12).

[0108] In S44, the PCF 5 determines that the UE 50 is an energy-aware UE from the energy-related information of the UE 50 (FIG. 7, OP13: YES). In S46, the PCF 5 generates a policy based on the energy-related subscription information of the UE 50. For example, if the trigger for policy generation is reception of a request from the AMF 7, the PCF 5 generates access and mobility-related policy information (Access and Mobility-related Policy Information) based on the energy-related information so as to meet the energy requirements of the energy-related subscription information of the UE 50. For example, if the trigger for policy generation is reception of a request from the SMF 6, the PCF 5 generates, for example, PDU session related policy information and PCC rules etc. to satisfy the energy requirements of the energy related subscriber information of the UE 50, and transmits them to the SMF 6.

[0109] In the example shown in Fig. 10, the policy generated by the PCF 5 is generated to satisfy the energy requirements of the energy-related subscription information of the UE 50. The AMF 7 and the SMF 6 perform processing related to the communication of each UE 50 in accordance with the policy generated by the PCF 5, so that the communication of the UE 50 satisfies the energy requirements of the energy-related subscription information of the UE 50.

[0110] 11 is a diagram showing an example of the sequence of a network slice selection process based on energy-related subscriber information. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the user NF 10 is the NSSF 9. In S51, the NSSF 9 detects the occurrence of an event that triggers the implementation of the network slice selection process and determines whether to implement the network slice selection process (FIG. 7, OP11: YES).

[0111] An event that triggers the execution of the network slice selection process is, for example, an Nnssf_NSSelection_Get request from the NSSF 9, for example, from the AMF 7, the SMF 6, or the NWDAF 8, which is a request to select a network slice to be used for communication of the UE 50. In Figure 11, the Nnssf_NSSelection_Get message is received from AMF 7. An example is shown in which a request message is received.

[0112] In S52, the NSSF 9 transmits a Nudm_SDM_Get request message, which is a request to acquire subscriber information, to the UDM 2 in order to acquire energy-related subscriber information of the UE 50. The Nudm_SDM_Get request message also transmits the identity (SUPI) of the UE 50 and information indicating that the type of subscriber information to be acquired is energy subscriber information.

[0113] In S53, the UDM 2 receives a Nudm_SDM_Get request message from the user NF 10 and sends a Nudr_DM_Query request message to the UDR 4, which is a request to acquire subscriber information. The Nudr_DM_Query request message is sent together with the identification of the UE 50. In S54, the UDR 4 receives the Nudr_DM_Query from the UDM 2. The request message is received and sent to UDM 2 along with a Nudr_DM_Query response message. In addition, the UE 50 transmits energy-related subscriber information.

[0114] In S55, UDM 2 receives a Nudr_DM_Query response message from UDR 4. The NSSF 9 also receives the energy-related subscriber information of the UE 50 and sends the energy-related subscriber information of the UE 50 together with a Nudm_SDM_Get response message to the NSSF 9. 9 receives energy related subscriber information of the UE 50 from the UDM 2 (FIG. 7, OP12).

[0115] In S56, the NSSF 9 determines that the UE 50 is an energy-aware UE from the energy-related information of the UE 50 (FIG. 7, OP13: YES). In S57, the NSSF 9 executes a network slice selection process based on the energy-related subscriber information of the UE 50 (FIG. 7, OP14). If the energy-related information of each network slice is required in the network slice selection process, the NSSF 9 may obtain the energy-related information from the NWDAF 8 (see FIG. 9). The NSSF 9 returns the network slice information used for communication of the UE 50 together with the Nnssf_NSSelection_Get response message. The network slice candidates are transmitted to the requesting NF (AMF 7 in FIG. 11). There may be one or more network slice candidates.

[0116] In the example shown in FIG. 11 , the NSSF 9 selects a network slice that satisfies the energy requirements included in the energy-related information of the UE 50 as the network slice to be used for communication of the UE 50. As a result, the communication of the UE 50 is performed using a network slice that satisfies the energy requirements included in the energy-related information of the UE 50, and the communication of the UE 50 becomes communication that satisfies the energy requirements included in the energy-related information of the UE 50. Note that if there is no network slice that satisfies the energy requirements included in the energy-related information of the UE 50, the NSSF 9 may select, from the network slices, a slice that has an energy efficiency, energy consumption, or renewable energy usage ratio that is closest to the threshold value set for the energy requirements.

[0117] <Effects of the First Embodiment> In the first embodiment, the energy-related subscriber information of the UE 50 is stored in the UDR 4 as one piece of subscriber information and is used in processes related to communication of the UE 50 executed in each NF. This makes it possible to provide the UE 50 with communication that satisfies the energy requirements included in the energy-related information of the UE 50.

[0118] <Other embodiments> The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and the present disclosure can be modified and implemented as appropriate within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the disclosure.

[0119] The processes and means described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0120] Furthermore, a process described as being performed by one device may be shared and executed by multiple devices. Alternatively, a process described as being performed by different devices may be executed by a single device. In a computer system, the hardware configuration (server configuration) by which each function is realized can be flexibly changed.

[0121] The present disclosure can also be realized by providing a computer program implementing the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer, and having one or more processors in the computer read and execute the program. Such a computer program may be provided to the computer via a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium connectable to the computer's system bus or via a network. Non-transitory computer-readable storage media include, for example, any type of disk, such as a magnetic disk (e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk drive (HDD), etc.), an optical disk (e.g., a CD-ROM, a DVD disk, a Blu-ray disk), a read-only memory (ROM), a random-access memory (RAM), an EPROM, an EEPROM, a magnetic card, a flash memory, an optical card, or any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 1··AF 2. UDM 3··NEF 4. UDR 5··PCF 6··SMF 7. AMF 8··NWDAF 9··NSSF 10 User NF 11 Control unit 12...Subscriber information acquisition department 13. Energy-related Information Acquisition Department 50··UE 100 Communication Systems 101 Processor 102 Memory 103...Auxiliary storage device 104··Communications Department 110 Information processing device

Claims

1. a first network function (NF) that holds first information including a condition related to energy for communication for each of a plurality of user terminals; a second NF that performs a predetermined process related to communication of a first user terminal included in the plurality of user terminals based on the first information about the first user terminal; A system comprising:

2. the first information is one of subscriber information; The system of claim 1 .

3. The energy-related conditions related to the communication include at least one of a condition related to energy consumption, a condition related to energy efficiency, and a condition related to the use of renewable energy. The system of claim 1 .

4. The system according to claim 3 , wherein the first information includes information indicating a priority order among the condition regarding the energy consumption amount, the condition regarding the energy efficiency, and the condition regarding the use of renewable energy.

5. The first information is registered in the first NF upon establishment of a contract related to communication of the user terminal. The system of claim 1 .

6. a third NF configured to transmit a request for updating the first information to the first user terminal; 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first NF updates the first information about the first user terminal when the first NF receives the request to update the first information about the first user terminal.

7. the second NF performs, as the predetermined processing, a processing of selecting, from a plurality of fourth NFs, a fourth NF that will perform processing related to communication of the first user terminal, based on the first information about the first user terminal; The system of claim 1 .

8. The second NF is an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function), The fourth NF includes an SMF (Session Management Function), an AMF, and a PCF. (Policy Control Function), The system of claim 7.

9. the second NF is an SMF; The fourth NF is either a UPF (User Plane Function) or a PCF. 、 The system of claim 7.

10. the second NF is a PCF; The system according to claim 1 , wherein the second NF performs, as the predetermined processing, a processing of generating a policy related to communication of the first user terminal based on the first information about the first user terminal.

11. the second NF is a Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF), The second NF performs, as the predetermined processing, a processing of selecting a network slice to be used for communication of the first user terminal based on the first information about the first user terminal. The system of claim 1 .

12. a first network function (NF) holds first information including a condition related to energy for communication for each of a plurality of user terminals; a second NF performing a predetermined process related to communication of a first user terminal included in the plurality of user terminals based on the first information about the first user terminal; A method comprising:

13. the first information is one of subscriber information; The method of claim 12.

14. The energy-related conditions related to the communication include at least one of a condition related to energy consumption, a condition related to energy efficiency, and a condition related to the use of renewable energy. The method of claim 12.

15. The method according to claim 14 , wherein the first information includes information indicating a priority order among the condition regarding the energy consumption amount, the condition regarding the energy efficiency, and the condition regarding the use of renewable energy.

16. a third NF sending a request for updating the first information for the first user terminal; updating the first information about the first user terminal when the first NF receives the request to update the first information about the first user terminal; The method of claim 12 further comprising:

17. the second NF performs, as the predetermined processing, a processing of selecting, from a plurality of fourth NFs, a fourth NF that will perform processing related to communication of the first user terminal, based on the first information about the first user terminal; The method of claim 12.

18. The second NF is an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function), The fourth NF includes an SMF (Session Management Function), an AMF, and a PCF. (Policy Control Function), 18. The method of claim 17.

19. the second NF is an SMF; The fourth NF is either a UPF (User Plane Function) or a PCF. 、 18. The method of claim 17.

20. the second NF is a PCF; The method according to claim 12 , wherein the second NF performs, as the predetermined process, a process of generating a policy related to communication of the first user terminal based on the first information about the first user terminal.

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