Information processing method, information processing device, and program

Abstract

To perform background data transfer based on a requirement regarding energy consumption related to communication.SOLUTION: A method includes a policy control function (PCF), which is a first network function (NF) in a core network, receiving a request to provide a background data transfer (BDT) policy to be used when performing BDT from an application function (AF), which is a second NF, and an energy requirement, which is a requirement regarding energy related to communication, and obtaining a BDT policy that satisfies the energy requirement.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A system that provides a policy for performing background data transfer (BDT) in a 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP (registered trademark)) communication system is disclosed (Non-Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 also discloses a system that can avoid conflicts in BDT policies. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2023-529628 [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] 3GPP TS 23.502 V18.4.0 “Procedures for the 5G System (5GS)(Release 18)”, 3GPP TSG SA WG2, December 2023, “4.16.7 Negotiations for future background data transfer” Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present disclosure aims to implement background data transfer based on requirements regarding energy consumption related to communication. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure is This is an information processing method in which a first NF (Network Function) in a core network receives from a second NF a request for a BDT policy to be used when performing background data transfer and an energy requirement, which is a requirement regarding energy related to communication, and obtains a BDT policy that satisfies the energy requirement.

[0007] One aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure is An information processing device that functions as a first NF (Network Function) in a core network, and has a control unit that receives from a second NF a request for a BDT policy to be used when performing background data transfer and energy requirements, which are requirements regarding energy related to communication, and obtains a BDT policy that satisfies the energy requirements.

[0008] Other aspects include an apparatus that executes the above-described information processing method, a program that causes a computer to execute the information processing method, or a computer-readable storage medium that non-temporarily stores the program. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, background data transfer can be implemented based on communication energy consumption requirements. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the architecture of a fifth-generation mobile communication system. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a process for acquiring a BDT policy in a communication system. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device capable of operating as a network function. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a PCF2. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of NWDAF3. [Figure 6] 10 is a first flowchart of the processing performed by PCF2. [Figure 7] 10 is a second flowchart of the processing performed by PCF2. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of a process for providing a BDT policy. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of a BDT policy reselection process. [Figure 10] 10 is a third flowchart of the processing performed by PCF2. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart of processing performed by a PCF 2 in a modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of a process for providing a BDT policy in a modified example of the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] There is a technology that utilizes the available wireless network resources to transmit data that does not require real-time performance. This type of communication is also called background data transfer (BDT) or intermittent communication.

[0012] In the 5G system, there is a mechanism for controlling background data transfer by policy. In the following explanation, the policy for performing background data transfer is referred to as the BDT policy. The BDT policy is provided to the application by the Policy Control Function (PCF) included in the core network, and the application Therefore, it is applied to a specific user equipment (UE). In the 5G system, multiple B The PCF stores the DT policies and selects a BDT policy that matches the specified communication conditions (e.g., area and time frame). The UE can perform background data transfer in the desired area and time frame by performing communication according to the selected BDT policy.

[0013] PCF sends the data from NWDAF (Network Data Analytics Function) to the user plane. The technology acquires performance information, etc. from the UE and selects a BDT policy that is suitable for the target UE based on the performance information, etc. However, existing technologies do not take into consideration selecting a BDT policy based on other conditions. For example, it is not possible to perform background data transfer when requirements such as energy consumption during communication, energy efficiency, renewable energy ratio, etc. are met. The information processing method according to the present disclosure solves this problem.

[0014] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: A first NF (Network Function) in a core network receives from a second NF a request for a BDT policy to be used when performing background data transfer and an energy requirement, which is a requirement regarding energy related to communication, and obtains a BDT policy that satisfies the energy requirement.

[0015] The first NF is a network function that obtains the BDT policy that applies to a given UE, typically a Policy Control Function (PCF). The second NF receives a request to provide a BDT policy and its energy requirements from the second NF. For example, it may be a network function (Application Function, hereinafter referred to as AF) corresponding to an external application. The external application may be an application that provides communication control taking into account energy requirements.

[0016] The energy requirement received with the provision request is a requirement regarding the energy consumed in communication and is a requirement that must be satisfied when background data transfer is performed. The energy requirement may specify, for example, the amount of energy consumed by a device or function through which user data passes, its energy efficiency, or the proportion of renewable energy, or a threshold value thereof.

[0017] The first NF obtains a BDT policy that satisfies the energy requirements received with the provision request. In this way, by determining whether the energy requirements can be met when obtaining a BDT policy, it becomes possible to perform background data transfer taking into account the amount and quality of energy consumed.

[0018] The first NF is implemented by NWDAF (Network Data Analytics Function). The BDT policy may be derived based at least on provided energy-related information within the network. The energy-related information is information about the energy consumed in the network. The first NF may receive the energy-related information from the NWDAF and use it to select a BDT policy. For this purpose, the energy-related information may be added to the communication interface between the first NF and the NWDAF.

[0019] The first NF may also register the energy requirements with the NWDAF and receive the energy-related information transmitted from the NWDAF depending on the fulfillment status of the energy requirements. The first NF subscribes to the NWDAF with the energy requirements it must meet. In this case, the NWDAF may generate energy-related information according to the fulfillment status of the energy requirement and transmit it to the first NF. The first NF may determine a BDT policy that fulfills the energy requirement based on the energy-related information.

[0020] The first NF also receives pre-stored multiple data from a Unified Data Repository (UDR). The first NF may obtain a BDT policy for the plurality of BDT policies, and the first NF may select one or more BDT policies that meet the energy requirements from the plurality of BDT policies.

[0021] The first NF may also obtain a BDT policy that further meets a second energy requirement specified by the network operator.

[0022] The information processing method according to the present disclosure may be executed by a computer within a core network or by a computer outside the core network. The core network may be, for example, any of a 5th generation (5G), a 4th generation (4G), a 6th generation (6G) or later mobile core network.

[0023] Specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the hardware configuration, module configuration, functional configuration, etc. described in each embodiment are not intended to limit the technical scope of the disclosure to those configurations.

[0024] (First embodiment) [Communication System Overview] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the architecture of a fifth-generation mobile communication system (5G). The 5G network includes a 5G core network and a radio access network (RAN). UE (User Equipment) 10, DN (Data Network) 40, and AF (Application Function) 1 are connected to the 5G network. UE 10 is a terminal of a user (subscriber). RAN (Radio Access Network) 20 is a radio access network to the 5G core network. RAN 20 includes a base station (gNB). Note that while FIG. 1 illustrates a radio access network, a non-wireless access network (AN) may also be used to connect to the 5G core network.

[0025] FIG. 1 shows some of the components included in the 5G core network. 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 software for various network functions to run on common hardware resources, independent of the configuration of each hardware product. FIG. 1 shows network functions (NFs) included in the 5G core network. NFs are each realized by one or more computers (information processing devices) executing a program. However, a single computer may realize two or more NFs.

[0026] The UPF (User Plane Function) 30 is responsible for routing, forwarding, and User packets are packets of the user plane that are transmitted and received by the UE 10.

[0027] The AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function)6 houses the RAN and manages the 5G core. It handles registration management, connection management, and mobility management of UEs in the wireless network. also relays messages between the SMF 7 and the UE 10.

[0028] SMF (Session Management Function) 6 is a PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session It manages PDU sessions, allocates and manages IP addresses to UEs, and selects and controls UPF 30. PDU session management involves the establishment of PDU sessions, This includes modifying and releasing. For example, when a policy is changed, A change in the PDU session occurs, and a change in QoS or policy is applied to the UPF 30 via the SMF 7. The PDU session is a virtual communication path for exchanging data between the UE 10 and a DN (Data Network) 40. The DN 40 is a data network (such as the cloud or the Internet) external to the 5G core network.

[0029] PCF (Policy Control Function) 2 executes processing according to policy rules in each NF. In order to implement the policy, the SMF 6 provides each NF with policy rules (hereinafter simply referred to as "policy"). The policy includes rules related to QoS, filtering, routing, charging, etc. When a policy is to be registered, changed, or deleted, the PCF 2 is first notified of this, and the PCF 2 controls the relevant UPF 30 via the SMF 6 to set, change, or delete the policy. The PCF 2 is an example of a "first NF."

[0030] UDR4 is used by UDM (Unified Data Management), PCF2, and NEF5 We store the data you provide and provide this data to you.

[0031] NEF5 securely discloses capabilities and event information for network functions within a 5G system. NEF5 provides a function to disclose information to external applications such as AF (Application Function). NEF5 also provides a function to transfer information from authorized external applications to within the network.

[0032] The AF is an application server (external server) that provides auxiliary services other than those specified in the 5G core specification. In this embodiment, the AF1 is used as an example of such a server. The AF1 transmits and receives information to and from devices within the 5G core network via the NEF5. In this embodiment, AF1 is an external application that controls communication of a user equipment (UE) based on the energy consumption when the UE performs communication. In this embodiment, AF1 provides a function for optimizing communication performed by the UE based on a predetermined energy requirement. The details will be described later. AF1 is an example of a "second NF."

[0033] NWDAF3 provides analytics information within the network. The analysis information within the network provided by NWDAF3 includes, for example, communication delay, throughput, jitter, and traffic load level in each section.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the NWDAF 3 is configured to be able to collect and provide information related to energy consumed within the network. Examples of information related to energy consumed within the network include the amount of energy consumed by network devices (or network functions) within a specific area (energy consumption, also referred to as Energy Consumption, EC), or information related to the energy efficiency (energy efficiency, also referred to as Energy Efficiency, EE) of the network devices (or network functions). The energy consumption may be expressed in terms of the amount of power, such as watt-hours or joules. Energy efficiency can be an index showing how efficiently data transfer was performed. For example, the index can be a value showing the amount of energy consumed per unit of data communication volume. Furthermore, an example of information on the energy consumed within the network can be a value showing the ratio of renewable energy to the consumed energy (Renewable Energy Ratio).

[0035] The EASDF (Edge Application Server Discovery Function) mediates communication between the UE 10 and the DNS server.

[0036] The NRF stores and manages information about NFs (e.g., AMF, SMF, UPF, etc.) within 5GC. In response to an inquiry about an NF to be used, the NRF can return multiple NF candidates to the inquiry source. The NSSF has the function of selecting the network slice that a subscriber will use from among the network slices generated by network slicing. A network slice is a virtual network with specifications according to its intended use. AUSF provides the functionality for UE authentication. The UDM holds subscriber contract information and authentication information for AKA authentication.

[0037] In a 5G core network, multiple NFs of the same type may be provided. For example, one NF may be provided for each data center. In addition, one NF may be shared between data centers. In addition, one data center may configure multiple NFs of the same type. The correspondence between NFs and data centers can be set as appropriate.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a process of obtaining and providing a background data transfer policy (BDT policy) in the communication system according to this embodiment. BDT is a data transmission method that transmits data using available time during a time period when wireless network resources are available. In the 5G system, the PCF acquires a policy for background data transfer (BDT policy) and provides it to applications that use background transfer. Typically, the BDT policy is selected based on the area specified by the AF, the communication time, the amount of communication data, etc.

[0039] On the other hand, in such a configuration, it is not possible to determine a BDT policy using, for example, requirements related to energy consumption in the user plane. For example, even if it is desired to introduce a requirement such as "perform background data transfer only if the energy consumption per unit data amount is less than a predetermined value," it is not possible to do so.

[0040] Therefore, in the first embodiment, a function for providing analysis results of energy consumed within the network to an external party is added to the NWDAF, which is a network function that provides analysis information within the network. Furthermore, the PCF, which is a network function that performs policy control, determines whether to provide a BDT policy based on information acquired from the NWDAF in response to a request from the AF. For example, the PCF selects a BDT policy that satisfies a predetermined energy requirement from among multiple prepared BDT policies to provide to the AF. Such a configuration allows for background data transfers that take energy requirements into account.

[0041] The communication system includes a 5G core, a UE 10, and a UPF 30. In Figure 2, the communication system illustrates AF1, PCF2, NWDAF3, UDR4, NEF5, and SMF7, which are network functions included in the 5G core. However, the network functions included in the communication system are not limited to these.

[0042] The UPF 30 is connected to a local data network (local DN) in the same mobile network as the 5G core. The UPF 30 is also connected to the Internet, which is a wide area network. A local server such as an edge server may be arranged in the local DN. A cloud server may also be arranged on the Internet.

[0043] (1) First, the AF1 transmits a BDT policy acquisition request to the PCF2. The acquisition request includes an energy requirement. The energy requirement is an energy-related requirement that is preferably satisfied during background data transfer. The energy requirement may indicate, for example, a threshold value for the amount of energy consumed by devices or functions in the network when a UE located in a specified area performs communication, energy efficiency, the proportion of renewable energy, or the like. In this embodiment, background data transfer is permitted on the condition that the energy requirement is satisfied. The acquisition request transmitted from the AF1 is acquired by the PCF2 via the NEF5.

[0044] (2) Next, the PCF 2 obtains a BDT policy stored in advance from the UDR 4. A plurality of BDT policies may be obtained.

[0045] (3) Next, PCF2 communicates with NWDAF3 and acquires information (energy-related information) about the energy consumed in the network from NWDAF3. PCF2 subscribes to the energy requirements received from AF1 to NWDAF3 and transmits the information to NWDAF3. The PCF 2 may receive energy-related information from the DAF 3 at a predetermined timing as information on the fulfillment status of the energy requirement. The NWDAF3 may be interrogated at appropriate timing to obtain corresponding energy-related information.

[0046] (4) Next, based on the energy-related information acquired from the NWDAF3, the PCF2 selects the BDT policy acquired in (2) above that satisfies the energy requirements and transmits it to the AF1.

[0047] [Hardware configuration] Next, the hardware configuration of each device that constitutes the system will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device that can operate as both a network function including the PCF 2 and an external server.

[0048] The information processing device 100 can be configured as a computer having a processor (CPU, GPU, etc.), a main memory device (RAM, ROM, etc.), and an auxiliary memory device (EPROM, hard disk drive, removable media, etc.). The auxiliary memory device stores an operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, etc., and by executing the programs stored therein, various functions (software modules) that match a predetermined purpose, as described below, can be realized. The information processing device 100 may also be a collection (cloud) of one or more computers. However, some or all of the functions may be realized as hardware modules using hardware circuits such as ASICs, FPGAs, etc.

[0049] The information processing device 100 includes a processor 110, a memory 120, and a communication module .

[0050] The processor 110 is an arithmetic unit that executes predetermined programs to realize various functions of the information processing device 100. The processor 110 can be realized by a hardware processor such as a CPU. The processor 110 may also be configured to include RAM, ROM (Read Only Memory), cache memory, etc.

[0051] The memory 120 is a means for storing information, and is configured from a storage medium such as a RAM, a magnetic disk, or a flash memory. The memory 120 may include a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The auxiliary storage device stores programs executed by the processor 110, data used by the programs, etc. The auxiliary storage device may be, for example, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), a hard disk, The auxiliary storage device may be a hard disk drive (Hard Disk Drive) or a solid state drive (SSD). Programs stored in the auxiliary storage device include, for example, an operating system (OS) or a control program.

[0052] The communication module 130 is a communication interface for connecting the information processing device 100 to an external network. The communication module 130 includes, for example, a network interface card (NIC), an optical line interface, etc., and is configured to be able to communicate with a predetermined network via these.

[0053] [Software configuration] Next, a description will be given of the software configuration of the information processing device 100. As described above, the information processing device 100 shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic software configuration when the information processing device 100 functions as the PCF 2. As shown in FIG.

[0054] In this embodiment, the processor 110 included in the information processing device 100 functions as the control unit 21 of the PCF 2. The control unit 21 is configured to have two software modules: a policy providing unit 211 and a condition determining unit 212. Each software module may be realized by the processor 110 (e.g., a CPU) executing a program stored in the memory 120. Note that the information processing executed by the software module is synonymous with the information processing executed by the processor 110 (e.g., a CPU).

[0055] When requested by the AF1, the policy provider 211 acquires a policy (BDT policy) for performing background data transfer (BDT) from the UDR 4, and provides the appropriate BDT policy to the AF1.

[0056] Specifically, the policy provider 211 first receives a request for providing a BDT policy from the AF 1. The request also includes conditions regarding the area specified by the AF, the time frame for background data transfer, the amount of data transfer, etc. The policy provider 211 obtains one or more available BDT policy candidates from the UDR and selects one that matches the request. This process conforms to the BDT policy provision method standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

[0057] The condition determining unit 212 determines whether or not each of the BDT policy candidates acquired by the policy providing unit 211 satisfies a predetermined energy requirement. In this embodiment, a requirement regarding energy consumed in the network (energy requirement) is also transmitted along with the request for providing the BDT policy. The energy requirement is specified by AF1. The energy requirement is transmitted to the condition determination unit 212.

[0058] The condition determination unit 212 also communicates with the NWDAF 3 to determine whether any of the BDT policy candidates satisfies the specified energy requirements. The condition determination unit 212 may acquire analysis information on energy consumption under specified conditions (e.g., area or time frame) from the NWDAF 3 and make the above-mentioned determination based on the analysis information. In this disclosure, the analytics information on energy consumption provided by the NWDAF 3 is also referred to as "energy-related information." The condition determining unit 212 filters out BDT policy candidates that do not satisfy the specified energy requirement, and selects a BDT policy that matches the energy requirement as a policy to be provided to AF1.

[0059] FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating a software configuration when the information processing device 100 functions as the NWDAF 3.

[0060] In this embodiment, the processor 110 included in the information processing device 100 functions as a control unit 31 of the NWDAF 3. The control unit 31 is configured to have two software modules: a monitoring unit 311 and a query unit 312. Each software module may be realized by the processor 110 (e.g., a CPU) executing a program stored in the memory 120. Note that the information processing executed by the software module is synonymous with the information processing executed by the processor 110 (e.g., a CPU).

[0061] The NWDAF 3 can provide energy-related information to the PCF 2 in two ways. The monitoring unit 311 receives registration of energy requirements and generates and provides energy-related information as appropriate depending on the fulfillment status of the energy requirements. The inquiry unit 312 generates and provides energy-related information in response to inquiries made each time. The two modules are: The information provided is essentially the same, only the trigger for action is different.

[0062] The monitoring unit 311 receives data requesting subscription registration from an external device. The monitoring unit 311 can receive subscription registration, for example, by the Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription service. The data requesting subscription registration (Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_subscribe) includes predetermined conditions (area, time frame, etc.) and energy requirements that should be met under those conditions. The monitoring unit 311 monitors and analyzes the network based on that data, and returns the analysis result (Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_notify) at a predetermined timing. The monitoring unit 311 can receive subscription registration, for example, by using a specified service. When the energy requirements are met under the specified conditions, or when it is predicted that the energy requirements will be met in the future, the analysis results are transmitted to an external device. Note that the analysis results may also be transmitted when the energy requirements are no longer met, or when it is predicted that the energy requirements will no longer be met in the future. In this embodiment, the analysis results (energy-related information) include the amount of energy consumed (Energy Consumption, EC), energy efficiency (Energy Efficiency, EE), and renewable energy ratio. These values ​​may be actual values ​​or forecast values.

[0063] For example, when the PCF2 receives an energy requirement that "the renewable energy usage rate is 50% or more in a specified area and time frame," it requests the NWDAF3 (monitoring unit 311) to analyze the renewable energy usage rate in the area and time frame. If the renewable energy usage rate in the area and time frame exceeds 50% or is predicted to exceed 50%, the NWDAF3 (monitoring unit 311) transmits the analysis results to the PCF2 as energy-related information.

[0064] NWDAF3 has the function of accepting subscription registrations from external devices and actively providing analytical information (energy-related information) to the external devices when certain conditions are met, as well as the function of providing analytical information (energy-related information) each time in response to an information request received from an external device.

[0065] When an information provision request is received from an external device, the query unit 312 acquires analytical information on the energy consumed by network devices (or network functions) under specified conditions (for example, area or time frame), and provides the analytical information to the external device as "energy-related information." The query unit 312 provides the analytical information, for example, using the Nnwdaf_AnalyticsInfo service.

[0066] For example, if the PCF2 receives an energy requirement that "the proportion of renewable energy in the amount of energy consumed in the network when performing communication in a specified area and time frame is 50% or more," the PCF2 requests the NWDAF3 (query unit 312) to analyze the renewable energy usage rate in the area and time frame. The NWDAF3 (query unit 312) transmits the analysis result of the renewable energy usage rate in the area and time frame to the PCF2 as energy-related information.

[0067] The query unit 312 and the monitor unit 311 may be configured to be able to acquire and provide analysis information other than the exemplified information. For example, the query unit 312 may be configured to be able to acquire and provide other statistical information related to energy consumption. Furthermore, the query unit 312 and the monitor unit 311 may be configured to be able to provide a function to provide other statistical information or analytical information related to the network that is standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Examples of statistical information (analysis information) include information on network performance, information on network load, analytical information on UE, and information on the congestion level of user data. Examples include information about the quality of service (QoS).

[0068] 3 to 5 are merely examples, and all or part of the illustrated functions may be performed using dedicated circuits. Furthermore, programs may be stored or executed using a combination of a main memory device and an auxiliary memory device other than those illustrated.

[0069] [Processing flowchart] Next, a flowchart of the process executed by PCF2 will be described. Figures 6 and 7 are flowcharts of the process executed by PCF2 in this embodiment. The process shown in Figure 6 is started when a BDT policy acquisition request is sent from AF1. For example, AF1 may send the BDT policy acquisition request before establishing a PDU session for the UE.

[0070] First, in step S11, the control unit 21 (policy providing unit 211) receives a policy acquisition request transmitted from the AF 1. The policy acquisition request is transmitted, for example, from the AF 1 to the PCF 2 via the NEF 5. The policy acquisition request may be transmitted, for example, to the NEF 5 via the API of the Nnef_BDTPNegotiation_Create service, and transmitted from the NEF 5 via the API of the Npcf_BDTPolicyControl_Create service.

[0071] The policy acquisition request includes an identifier of the Application Service Provider (ASP) to which the AF1 belongs, the amount of data to be transferred, the desired time frame, information about the desired area, etc. The information about the area where the UE is located can be, for example, a list of geographical regions or tracking areas, a list of RAN nodes, a list of cell identifiers, etc.

[0072] Furthermore, the policy acquisition request in this embodiment includes an energy requirement that must be met when performing background data transfer. As described above, the energy requirement includes at least a threshold value for the amount of energy consumed by a device (or function) in the network when the UE performs communication, the energy efficiency, or the renewable energy ratio.

[0073] Next, in step S12, the control unit 21 (policy provider 211) acquires the BDT policy stored in the UDR 4 from the UDR 4. If a BDT policy is stored for each ASP, the policy provider 211 may acquire the BDT policy corresponding to the target ASP. The BDT policy may be, for example, provided by the API of the Nudr_DM_Query service. It is obtained as follows.

[0074] The condition determination unit 212 uses a network data analysis subscription service provided by the NWDAF3 to determine whether specified energy requirements are met in the network.

[0075] First, in step S13, the condition determination unit 212 subscribes to the NWDAF 3 the requirements for determining network performance (hereinafter referred to as network requirements). The requirements are used to determine whether the BDT policy is compatible with the area and time frame specified by the AF 1. The condition determination unit 212 may register requirements related to network performance with the NWDAF 3 using the Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe service.

[0076] In step S14, the control unit 21 (condition determination unit 212) subscribes the energy requirement included in the policy acquisition request to the NWDAF 3. The energy requirement may be, for example, , which specifies one of the following: (1) The threshold of the amount of energy consumed within the network when a UE communicates within a specified area. (2) The threshold value of energy efficiency when the UE communicates within a specified area. (3) The threshold value for the ratio of renewable energy to the amount of energy consumed within the network when a UE communicates within a specified area.

[0077] The condition determination unit 212 uses the Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe service to register an analysis ID (Analytics ID assigned to an analysis related to energy) unique to this embodiment and the energy requirement in the NWDAF 3. The energy requirement may be stored in, for example, the Analytics subset.

[0078] In addition to the energy requirements specified by the AF1, for example, a network operator may specify other energy requirements. In this case, the PCF2 may register the energy requirements in the NWDAF3.

[0079] The analysis result generated by the NWDAF 3 is transmitted to the subscriber (PCF 2) at a predetermined timing. The analysis result may be generated, for example, when the energy requirements and network requirements are met or when it is predicted that they will be met. The condition determination unit 212 receives the analysis result generated by the NWDAF 3 using the Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Notify service (step S15). The analysis result is, for example, , including analysis ID, analysis parameters, timestamp, validity period, accuracy, meta information, etc. If the condition determination unit 212 has not received the analysis result from the NWDAF 3, the process of step S15 is repeated after waiting for a predetermined time. If the condition determination unit 212 has received both the analysis result for the energy requirement and the analysis result for the network requirement from the NWDAF 3, the process proceeds to step S16.

[0080] Upon receiving the analysis result, the condition decision unit 212 temporarily stores the content of the analysis result (step S16).

[0081] Upon receiving the analysis results from the NWDAF 3, the PCF 2 selects a BDT policy that meets the network requirements and energy requirements from the BDT policies acquired in step S12, and performs a process of providing the selected BDT policy to the AF 1. Figure 7 is a flowchart of this process.

[0082] First, in step S17, the policy provider 211 determines whether or not any of the BDT policies acquired from the UDR in step S12 satisfies the network requirements. For example, the policy provider 211 determines whether or not there is a BDT policy that satisfies the area and time frame specified in the policy acquisition request acquired from AF1, as a conformance determination for the network requirements. In this step, the suitability of the BDT policy may be determined taking into consideration not only the network requirements but also policies set by the operator.

[0083] If there is a BDT policy that matches the specified area and time frame, the policy provider 211 temporarily stores the corresponding BDT policy and transitions the process to step S18. In other words, BDT policies that do not match the specified area and time frame are filtered out in step S17.

[0084] In step S18, the condition determination unit 212 determines whether or not any of the BDT policies extracted in step S17 satisfies the energy requirement specified by AF1. In this step, the analysis result received in step S15 and the energy requirement are used to determine whether or not the BDT policy satisfies the energy requirement specified by AF1. A comparison is made to determine whether there is a BDT policy that meets the energy requirements.

[0085] For example, consider a case where the specified energy requirement is "50% or more of the energy consumed by the network when communicating in a specified area and time frame must come from renewable energy." The condition determination unit 212 determines whether the requirement that "the renewable energy usage rate is 50% or more" is met when background data transfer is performed in the specified area and time frame, based on the analysis results acquired from the NWDAF 3. If it is determined in this step that the energy requirement is met, the process proceeds to step S18A.

[0086] Step S18A is a step for determining whether there is a BDT policy that satisfies the energy requirement specified by PCF2. If there is an energy requirement specified by PCF2 in addition to the energy requirement specified by AF1, this step is executed. Note that if there is no energy requirement specified by PCF2, this step may be skipped.

[0087] In steps S18 and S18A, the condition determination unit 212 extracts a BDT policy that satisfies the energy requirement from the BDT policies temporarily stored in step S16.

[0088] In step S19, the policy provider 211 transmits the BDT policy extracted in step S18 (and S18A) to the AF1. In this step, both the BDT policy and a BDT reference ID may be transmitted. The BDT reference ID is an identifier that uniquely identifies the BDT policy. If a BDT policy that satisfies the energy requirement is not extracted in steps S18 and S18A, the PCF2 may notify the AF1 of this fact.

[0089] The execution order of steps S13 to S14 and the execution order of steps S17 to S18A are not limited to those exemplified above.

[0090] [An example of a sequence that provides a BDT policy] FIG. 8 shows an example of a processing sequence from when a request for provision of a BDT policy is made by AF1 to when the BDT policy is provided to AF1.

[0091] First, in step S31, the AF1 transmits an Nnef_BDTPNegotiation_Create_request message to the NEF 5. The Nnef_BDTPNegotiation_Create_request message is a request for providing a BDT policy. The message includes the area, time frame, and energy requirements specified by the AF1. In this embodiment, the energy requirement is included in the message, but the energy requirement may be transmitted from AF1 in a separate message. The "provision request" in the present disclosure may be transmitted separately from the energy requirement, or may be transmitted including the energy requirement.

[0092] Next, in step S32, the NEF 5 sends an Npcf_BDTPolicyControl_Create_request message to the PCF 2. As a result, the PCF 2 receives a request to provide a BDT policy including the energy requirements specified by the AF 1.

[0093] In step S33, the PCF 2 sends a Nudr_DM_Query_request message to the UDR 4. The message is a message requesting the provision of information stored in the UDR 4. The message may include data requesting the BDT policy corresponding to a specific ASP as the target of the information provision.

[0094] In step S34, a Nudr_DM_Query_response message is sent from the UDR 4 to the PCF 2. The message includes one or more BDT policies held by the UDR 4.

[0095] In step S35, the PCF2 sends an Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_subscribe message to the NWDAF3. This message is for registering a subscription with the NWDAF3. The message includes information about the area and time frame specified by the AF1, as well as energy requirements. Step S35 corresponds to the processing of steps S13 and S14.

[0096] In step S36, the NWDAF 3 sends an Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_notify message to the PCF 2. The message contains the information about the subscribed conditions. The message contains analytical information (energy-related information or information about network performance) that is generated by the Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_subscribe message. The message is sent, for example, when the energy requirements (or network requirements) are met under the conditions specified by the Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_subscribe message, or when the energy requirements (or network requirements) are predicted to be met in the future.

[0097] In step S37, the PCF 2 executes the process shown in FIG. 7, thereby determining the BDT policy.

[0098] In step S38, the PCF 2 sends an Npcf_BDTPolicyControl_Create_response message to the NEF 5. This message is a response to the Npcf_BDTPolicyControl_Create_request message sent in step S32, and includes one or more BDT policies. Includes.

[0099] In step S39, the NEF 5 sends an Nnef_BDTPNegotiation_Create_response message to the AF 1. This message is a response to the Nnef_BDTPNegotiation_Create_request message sent in step S31, and includes one or more BDT policies. nothing.

[0100] If the PCF2 transmits two or more BDT policies to the AF1, the AF1 decides which BDT policy to adopt. Therefore, in such a case, the AF1 may transmit information for identifying the BDT policy adopted by the AF1 to the PCF2 after step S39 is executed.

[0101] Upon receiving the BDT policy, the AF1 performs predetermined processing to instruct each device (function) in the network to apply the BDT policy, for example, using the Nnef_ApplyPolicy service, in order to cause the subordinate UE to perform background data transfer.

[0102] [An example of a BDT policy reselection sequence] By the processes shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, it is possible to provide the AF1 with a BDT policy for performing background data transfer. However, because network conditions are constantly changing, background data transfer according to the BDT policy may become impossible midway. Furthermore, changes in network conditions may require reselection of the BDT policy. This section explains the processing sequence for such cases.

[0103] FIG. 9 shows an example of a sequence for reselecting a BDT policy. Now, it is assumed that the processing in FIG. 8 is completed, that is, the provision of the BDT policy to AF1 is completed. The NWDAF 3 may retransmit the analytical information due to changes in the network conditions. For example, a previously satisfied energy requirement may no longer be satisfied due to changes in the network conditions. In such a case, the NWDAF 3 also sends a message to the PCF 2 via, for example, the Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_notify service. Notifications will continue unless you unsubscribe.

[0104] The Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_notify message shown in step S41 is This is sent from NWDAF3 to PCF2 due to a change in the work situation. In this case, the PCF 2 reselects a BDT policy based on the received analysis information (step S42).

[0105] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the process executed by the PCF 2 in step S42. First, in step S51, the PCF2 determines whether the BDT policy currently applied to the AF1 satisfies predetermined network requirements. In this step, for example, the PCF2 determines whether the BDT policy currently applied to the AF1 conforms to the area and time frame specified by the AF1. If the determination in step S51 is negative, the process proceeds to step S16 in Fig. 7. That is, it determines whether any of the other BDT policies acquired from the UDR4 conforms.

[0106] If the determination in step S51 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S52, where it is determined whether the BDT policy currently applied to AF1 satisfies the specified energy requirement. If the determination in step S52 is negative, the process similarly proceeds to step S16 in Fig. 7. If the determination in step S52 is affirmative, communication continues using the currently applied BDT policy.

[0107] [Modification of the first embodiment] The above-described flowchart and sequence are an example of a configuration in which the NWDAF 3 (monitoring unit 311) accepts a subscription registration from the PCF 2 and provides analysis information (energy-related information) in response to the registration. On the other hand, the NWDAF 3 (inquiry unit 312) can also receive a request from the PCF 2 on each occasion and provide analysis information (energy-related information).

[0108] 11 is a flowchart of the process executed by the PCF 2 in this modified example. Steps that are the same as those in FIG. 6 are indicated by dotted lines, and their explanation will be omitted. In this modification, in step S13A, the PCF 2 (condition determination unit 212) requests an analysis from the NWDAF 3 (query unit 312). The analysis request can use the Nnwdaf_AnalyticsInfo service. The request may include information identifying the target area and time frame. In step S13B, in response to this, the NWDAF 3 (inquiry unit 312) transmits the analysis results corresponding to the specified area and time frame to the PCF 2.

[0109] Figure 12 shows an example of a sequence in this modification. Step S35A is a step executed in place of step S35 in Figure 8. In this step, the PCF2 (condition determination unit 212) transmits an Nnwdaf_AnalyticsInfo_request message to the NWDAF3 (query unit 312). This message is for requesting an analysis from the NWDAF3. This message includes information about the area and time frame specified by the AF1.

[0110] Step S36A is a step executed in place of step S36 in Fig. 8. In this step, the NWDAF 3 sends an Nnwdaf_AnalyticsInfo_response message to the PCF 2. The message includes analysis information (energy-related information) generated in response to the message transmitted in step S35A. The other steps are the same as those in FIG. 8, and therefore will not be described again.

[0111] As described above, in the first embodiment (and its modified examples), the PCF2 selects a BDT policy that satisfies the energy requirements specified by the AF1 based on information provided by the NWDAF3. The PCF2 then provides the selected BDT policy to the AF1. This enables the user terminal to perform background data transfer that takes into account the requirements regarding energy consumption.

[0112] (Variation) 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. For example, the processes and means described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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]

[0115] 1···AF 2. PCF 3. NWDAF 4. UDR 5···NEF 6. AMF 7. SMF 10···UE 20···RAN 30 UPF 40 DN

Claims

1. A first network function (NF) in a core network receiving, from a second NF, a request for providing a BDT policy to be used when performing background data transfer (BDT) and an energy requirement, which is a requirement regarding energy related to communication; obtaining a BDT policy that meets the energy requirements; and An information processing method that performs the above.

2. The first NF is provided by a Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF). and deriving the BDT policy based at least on energy-related information in the network. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

3. The first NF is registering said energy requirements with said NWDAF; receiving, from the NWDAF, the energy-related information transmitted in accordance with the fulfillment status of the energy requirements; The information processing method according to claim 2 .

4. The energy requirements include requirements regarding any of energy consumption, energy efficiency, and renewable energy ratio; The information processing method according to claim 3 .

5. The first NF retrieves a plurality of pre-stored data from a Unified Data Repository (UDR). Obtain a BDT policy; The information processing method according to claim 1 .

6. The first NF selects one or more BDT policies that are compatible with the energy requirement from the acquired plurality of BDT policies. The information processing method according to claim 5 .

7. The first NF obtains a BDT policy that further satisfies a second energy requirement specified by a network operator. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

8. An information processing device that functions as a first NF (Network Function) in a core network, receiving, from a second NF, a request for providing a BDT policy to be used when performing background data transfer (BDT) and an energy requirement, which is a requirement regarding energy related to communication; obtaining a BDT policy that meets the energy requirements; and An information processing device having a control unit that executes the above.

9. The control unit is provided by NWDAF (Network Data Analytics Function). ,deriving the BDT policy based at least on energy-related information in the network; The information processing device according to claim 8 .

10. The control unit registering said energy requirements with said NWDAF; receiving, from the NWDAF, the energy-related information transmitted in accordance with the fulfillment status of the energy requirements; The information processing device according to claim 9 .

11. The energy requirements include requirements regarding any of energy consumption, energy efficiency, and renewable energy ratio; The information processing device according to claim 10.

12. The control unit retrieves a plurality of pre-stored BDs from a UDR (Unified Data Repository). Get a T-Policy The information processing device according to claim 8 .

13. The control unit selects one or more BDT policies that are compatible with the energy requirements from the acquired plurality of BDT policies. The information processing device according to claim 12.

14. The control unit obtains a BDT policy that further satisfies a second energy requirement specified by a network operator. The information processing device according to claim 8 .

15. A program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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