Control device for controlling radio resource in o-ran, control method, and program

Abstract

To improve a communication quality of a RAN In a communication system using an Open-Radio Access Network (O-RAN).SOLUTION: A quasi-real-time (RT-) RIC (RAN Intelligent Controller) uses a frequency resource in a predetermined range on a frequency axis by a plurality of cells provided by an O-RAN, periodically sets a range of the frequency resource that can be preferentially used by each of the plurality of cells by non-RT-RIC, and acquires first information capable of specifying at least one of an usage rate and an interference amount of a radio resource in each of the plurality of cells. Based on the first information, it is determined whether or not the non-RT-RIC should be notified to perform an aperiodic reconfiguration for the configuration. Based on a result of the determination, the non-RT-RIC is notified of second information generated based on the first information and used when the non-RT-RIC performs the aperiodic reconfiguration.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for controlling radio resources in an O-RAN (Open-Radio Access Network). [Background technology]

[0002] With the increasing popularity of wireless communication services, it has become common for users to communicate wirelessly in a variety of environments. For example, in event venues such as concert halls and sports facilities such as stadiums, a large number of users communicate in a given area covered by multiple cells. To efficiently provide wireless communication services while maintaining communication quality in such environments, it is necessary to optimize the operation of the wireless communication system while monitoring the communication quality. For such wireless communication systems, development is underway to collect and analyze information on the communication quality and other aspects of the cells to control the advanced Radio Access Network (RAN). For example, the standardization of Open-RAN (O-RAN), which makes the Radio Access Network (RAN) open and intelligent, specifies a RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) for intelligently configuring and operating the RAN (Non-Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] O-RAN Working Group 2, “Non-RT RIC Architecture”, O-RAN Alliance, 2023 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In an environment where multiple cells using the same band are deployed closely in a given area, interference between the cells is likely to degrade communication quality. In particular, when frequency resources are shared by the cells, the likelihood of interference increases. The present invention provides a technology for improving communication quality of RAN in a communication system using O-RAN. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A control device according to one aspect of the present invention is an Open-Radio Access Management (OAM) control device including a Near-Realtime RAN Intelligent Controller (NRT) and a Non-Realtime RIC. a control device that functions as a quasi-real-time RIC in an O-RAN network, wherein a predetermined range of frequency resources on a frequency axis is shared by a plurality of cells provided by the O-RAN, and the non-real-time RIC periodically sets a range of frequency resources that each of the plurality of cells can preferentially use from the predetermined range of frequency resources, and the setting is performed so that at least a portion of the range of frequency resources set in a first cell included in the plurality of cells is different from a portion of the range of frequency resources set in a second cell included in the plurality of cells that is different from the first cell; and the control device has: an acquisition means for acquiring first information that can identify at least one of a usage rate or an amount of interference of radio resources in each of the plurality of cells; a determination means for determining, based on the first information, whether or not the non-real-time RIC should issue a notification to perform aperiodic reconfiguration of the setting; and a notification means for issuing the notification to the non-real-time RIC, based on a result of the determination, the notification including second information that is generated based on the first information and is used when the non-real-time RIC performs the aperiodic reconfiguration.

[0006] A processing device according to one aspect of the present invention is an Open-Radio Access Management (OAM) system including a Near-Realtime RAN Intelligent Controller (NRTRC) and a Non-Realtime RIC. a setting means configured to periodically set a range of frequency resources that can be preferentially used by each of the plurality of cells from among a predetermined range of frequency resources on a frequency axis shared by the plurality of cells, the setting being configured so that at least a part of the range of frequency resources set in a first cell included in the plurality of cells is different from at least a part of the range of frequency resources set in a second cell different from the first cell included in the plurality of cells; a providing means configured to provide information indicating the setting to a processing device that executes allocation of radio resources in each of the plurality of cells; and an acquiring means configured to acquire from the quasi-real-time RIC a notification for non-periodic resetting of the setting, the notification including second information used when non-periodic resetting of the setting, the second information being generated in the quasi-real-time RIC based on the first information, and the setting means configured to non-periodic resetting of the setting using the second information based on acquiring the notification. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, in a communication system using O-RAN, it is possible to improve the communication quality of the RAN. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of a communication system. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a RIC. [Figure 3]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a range of frequency resources set in each cell. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of allocation of radio resources in each cell. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of allocation of radio resources in each cell. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of allocation of radio resources in each cell. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a range of frequency resources set in each cell. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a RIC and a DU. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a non-real-time RIC. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a near-real-time RIC. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a DU. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the flow of processing executed by the RIC and the DU. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the flow of processing executed by the RIC and the DU. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the flow of processing executed by the RIC and the DU. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the invention. Two or more of the features described in the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0010] (System Configuration) FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a communication system according to this embodiment. This communication system is configured using an Open-Radio Access Network (O-RAN), which is being standardized to make the Radio Access Network (RAN) open and intelligent. The O-RAN includes, for example, a RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) 101, a Distributed Unit (DU) 102, Radio Units (RUs) 111 to 114, and User Equipment (UEs) 121 to 128. In this embodiment, the RUs 111 to 114 may be collectively referred to as RU 110. Also, in this embodiment, the UEs 121 to 128 may be collectively referred to as UE 120. Note that while FIG. 1 shows an example in which one DU 102 is connected to four RUs 111 to 114 via a wired network, there may be two or more DUs 102, and in that case, each RU 110 may be connected to a different DU 102. Similarly, the number of RUs 110 connected to a DU 102 may be one, two, three, or five or more. Furthermore, the number of UEs 120 connected to each RU 110 may be zero or more, and one terminal 100 may be simultaneously connected to multiple base stations 110. The devices may be interconnected via a wired network or a wireless network. In FIG. 1, solid lines indicate that the devices are connected via a wired network. An area in which communication with each RU 110 via a wireless medium is possible may be called a cell. For example, RUs 111 to 114 constitute cells 131 to 134. In FIG. 1, each UE 120 included within the range of the dotted line indicating each cell 131 to 134 can communicate with each of the RUs 110 constituting that cell. The cells 131 to 134 may have spatial overlapping areas. Cells 131 to 134 may be collectively referred to as cell 130.

[0011] The RIC 101 designs and configures RAN parameters, automates and optimizes RAN operations, and performs other functions. For example, the RIC 101 controls the RAN by providing the DU 102 with information necessary for the DU 102 to schedule the cell associated with the RIC 101. The DU 102 and the RU 110 work together to perform RAN functions. The DU 102 has functions such as media access control (MAC) for allocating radio resources in the RAN and radio link control (RLC) for controlling retransmissions. For example, the DU 102 has a function for allocating (scheduling) radio resources to the UE 120 connected to the cell associated with the RU 110. The RU 110 performs a radio physical layer function for transmitting and receiving radio signals to and from the UE 120 connected to the cell provided by the RU 110. The UE 120 transmits and receives radio signals to and from the RU 110 using the radio resources allocated by the DU 102. The UE 120 includes, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a personal computer, a tablet device, a wearable device, an IoT (Internet of Things) device, and the like. The communication system according to the present embodiment may include a Central Unit (CU), not shown. The CU may have functions such as PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol) for packet encryption and RRC (Radio Resource Control).

[0012] The RIC 101 may acquire various data stored in the DU 102 from the DU 102. The RIC 101 may acquire the various data stored in the DU 102 directly from the DU 102 or via another device such as an Element Management System (EMS). For example, the DU 102 may determine the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and the amount of interference in each cell based on a signal received from the RU 110 associated with the DU 102 and information acquired from the UE 120 connected to the cell served by the RU 110. For example, the RU 110 may calculate the RSSI using a reference signal received from the UE 120. The DU 102 may also determine the communication volume in each cell based on the allocation status of radio resources to each UE in the scheduling function executed by the DU 102. The information that the DU 102 can acquire is not limited to this information. Meanwhile, the RIC 101 may perform advanced analysis using the data acquired from the DU 102, optimize RAN configuration parameters using the analysis results, and control the DU 102 using these configuration parameters. For example, the RIC 101 can analyze information acquired from the DU 102 to calculate statistical information such as the average communication volume and interference volume of each cell, and use this statistical information to generate information necessary for scheduling in each cell and notify the DU 102. As communication interfaces for executing such communication between the RIC 101 and the DU 102, for example, the O1 interface, the E2 interface, etc. are specified by the O-RAN Alliance, which promotes the standardization of O-RAN.

[0013] The RIC 101 may also be configured to include a Non-Real-Time RIC (non-RT-RIC) and a Near-Real-Time RIC (quasi-RT-RIC) as defined in the O-RAN standard. Figure 2 shows an example of a RIC configuration including a non-RT-RIC 103 and a quasi-RIC-RIC 104. The non-RT-RIC 103 determines policies to control the long-term behavior of the entire system. The non-RT-RIC 103 may generate configuration parameters optimized for the communication environment of each cell using information obtained from E2 nodes such as DUs 102 via the O1 interface. Information that the non-RT-RIC 103 may obtain from DUs 102 may include the resource block usage rate and interference amount for each cell configured by the DUs 102. For example, the non-RT-RIC 103 may obtain information from DUs 102 at a relatively long period (e.g., one second or longer).

[0014] On the other hand, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 acquires information from E2 nodes such as the DU 102 using the E2 interface and controls the E2 nodes. Information that the quasi-RT-RIC 104 can acquire from the DU 102 may include the resource block usage rate and interference level for each cell configured by the DU 102. For example, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may acquire information from the DU 102 at relatively short intervals (e.g., less than one second). Furthermore, the non-RT-RIC 103 and the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may communicate with each other using the A1 interface. For example, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may perform analysis using information acquired from the DU 102 based on a policy notified by the non-RT-RIC 103, and control the DU 102 according to the analysis results. The policy generated by the non-RT-RIC 103 may include a performance target for communication quality (throughput, delay time, etc.). The performance target for communication quality may be set for each UE 120 or for each cell 130. Furthermore, when network slices (sometimes referred to as slices) are configured, communication quality can be configured for each slice.

[0015] A cell provided by each RU 110 is assigned a predetermined frequency band that the cell can use for wireless communication. This frequency band may be called a system band. The system band may differ for each cell, may be the same between cells, or may partially overlap. The system band for each cell may be fixedly set by an operator that manages and operates the communication system, or may be dynamically set by a control device in the communication system, such as the RIC 101. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the same system band is assigned to each cell provided by the RUs 111 to 114. Allocation of radio resources to each UE 120 in the cell provided by the RU 110 may be performed by the DU 102 to which the RU 110 is connected. In scheduling of the cell associated with the DU 102 itself, i.e., the cell provided by the RU 110 connected to the DU 102, the DU 102 allocates radio resources within the system band of the cell to which the UE 120 is connected to the UE 120, for example, based on a resource allocation request received from the UE 120. Furthermore, for example, when data addressed to the UE 120 arrives from a network (not shown), the DU 102 allocates radio resources necessary to transmit this data to the UE 120. The unit of radio resources allocated to each UE 120 may be called a physical resource block (PRB). For example, a PRB is a frequency and time resource defined by 12 subcarriers on the frequency axis and one subframe (1 millisecond) on the time axis. That is, when performing scheduling within one radio frame, the DU 102 may divide the system band on the frequency axis into bands of 12 subcarriers each, and divide one radio frame (10 milliseconds) on the time axis into subframes of 1 millisecond each, based on the PRB, and allocate resources to each UE 120 in PRB units.

[0016] As described above, the DU 102 performs scheduling based on a resource allocation request from the UE 120 or based on the arrival of data from the network to the UE 120. At this time, there is a possibility that PRBs with the same allocation on the frequency axis and the time axis are allocated to multiple UEs 120 connected to different cells. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, even when multiple RUs 110 are connected to one DU 102, the DU 102 may treat radio resources as if each cell were independent of the other. In this case, for example, if the DU 102 applies the same algorithm to scheduling for each cell, PRBs with the same allocation on the frequency axis and the time axis in a radio frame may be allocated to multiple UEs 120 connected to different cells. For example, the DU 102 may apply a scheduling algorithm to each cell independently, in which the lowest-frequency PRB in the first subframe of a radio frame is used as the starting position for radio resource allocation, and PRBs are allocated to higher-frequency or later-time PRBs. In this case, there is a high possibility that interference between cells will occur in each PRB. Furthermore, when multiple RUs 110 sharing the same system band are connected to different DUs, each DU may not consider the placement of PRBs in the radio frame used in cells other than its own cell when scheduling. In this way, when multiple cells use PRBs with the same placement on the frequency axis and time axis in the radio frame, mutual interference may occur between the PRBs if these cells are not sufficiently distant from each other. Radio signals transmitted using PRBs affected by interference are more likely to be improperly received, which may lead to degradation of communication quality, such as reduced throughput and traffic delays. This type of interference is particularly likely to occur in environments such as event venues and sports facilities where a specific area is covered by cells provided by multiple RUs 110 and a large number of UEs 120 communicate wirelessly within the area.

[0017] In this embodiment, in consideration of such circumstances, the RIC 101 sets a range of frequency resources that each cell can use preferentially based on the communication volume of each cell, and notifies the DU 102 of the set range of frequency resources that each cell can use preferentially. The DU 102 allocates radio resources to the UE 120 connected to the cell associated with the DU 102 based on the range of frequency resources that each cell can use preferentially set by the RIC 101. For example, the radio resources are PRBs. When allocating radio resources to the UE 120 connected to a certain cell, if there is an unassigned PRB in the range of frequency resources that the cell can use preferentially, the DU 102 preferentially allocates the PRB. On the other hand, if there is no assignable PRB in the range of frequency resources that the cell can use preferentially, the DU 102 allocates a PRB in another frequency resource range in the system band to the UE 120. Note that the ranges of frequency resources that each cell can use preferentially may be different from each other or may partially overlap. For example, a different frequency may be set for each cell as the lower end of the range of frequency resources that each cell can use preferentially, and the upper end may not be set for each cell, but may be set to use the upper end of the system band in common. In this case, the RIC 101 can notify the DU 102 of only the lower end on the frequency axis as information specifying the range of frequency resources that can be preferentially used by the cell associated with the DU 102. Furthermore, the DU 102 can allocate radio resources of frequencies higher than the lower end of the range of frequency resources set for each cell, starting from the lower frequencies.

[0018] The setting of the range of frequency resources that each cell can preferentially use in the above-described manner can be performed by, for example, the non-RT-RIC 103. For example, the non-RT-RIC 103 sets the range of frequency resources that each cell can preferentially use from a predetermined range of frequency resources shared by multiple cells provided by the communication system. For example, the range of frequency resources set in a first cell among the multiple cells is set to be at least partially different from the range of frequency resources set in a second cell different from the first cell. Such setting of the frequency resource range can be performed based on first information collected from the DU 102. For example, the non-RT-RIC 103 can collect, as first information, information that can identify the usage rate and interference amount of radio resources in each cell from the DU 102, and determine the range of frequency resources to be set in each cell based on this information. The setting of the frequency resource range can be notified to the DU 102 and used for scheduling. The non-RT-RIC 103 can periodically collect the first information and periodically set the range of frequency resources for each cell based on this information.

[0019] On the other hand, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may collect information from each cell at a shorter period than the non-RT-RIC 103. Then, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may determine whether to send a notification to the non-RT-RIC 103 to aperiodically reset the setting of the frequency resource range, based on the communication environment in each cell. For example, when the quasi-RT-RIC 104 detects a sudden change in the communication environment of a specific cell, it may send a notification to the non-RT-RIC 103 to aperiodically reset the setting of the frequency resource range. At this time, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 also notifies the non-RT-RIC 103 of second information to be used for the resetting. For example, the second information may be the usage rate or the amount of interference of radio resources in a specific cell where a sudden change in the communication environment has occurred. Based on receiving the notification, the non-RT-RIC 103 may use the second information to reset the range of frequency resources set in each cell.

[0020] In this way, the non-RT-RIC 103, which sets a policy based on long-term analysis, and the quasi-RT-RIC 104, which controls the DU 102 based on short-term analysis, work together to enable the range of frequency resources set for each cell by the non-RT-RIC 103 to be reconfigured based on the short-period analysis of the quasi-RT-RIC 104. This makes it possible to quickly resolve interference between cells that may occur when a sudden change in the communication environment occurs in each cell. The operation of each device in the radio resource allocation process according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0021] (Obtaining the ratio of communication volume in each cell) First, the non-RT-RIC 103 acquires information capable of identifying the communication volume of each cell from the DU 102. For example, the information capable of identifying the communication volume of each cell is the usage volume (usage rate) of radio resources and the amount of communicated data. As an example, the non-RT-RIC 103 acquires a PRB usage rate from the DU 102 as the usage volume of radio resources in each cell. The PRB usage rate may be, for example, the number of PRBs actually used in each cell relative to the total number of PRBs usable when one radio frame is configured using the entire system band. Note that the PRB usage rate may be, for example, the number of PRBs allocated to the cell by the DU 102 relative to the total number of PRBs usable when one radio frame is configured using the entire system band. The PRB usage rate may be an individual measured value or a statistical value such as an average or maximum value over a certain period. When performing scheduling, the DU 102 may calculate the PRB usage rate for each cell based on the number of PRBs allocated to each UE 120. Alternatively, the DU 102 may notify the non-RT-RIC 103 of the number of PRBs allocated to each UE 120, and the non-RT-RIC 103 may use the notified number of PRBs to aggregate data for each cell and calculate the PRB usage rate of each cell. By acquiring individual values ​​measured from the DU 102, the non-RT-RIC 103 may perform analysis of temporal fluctuations in the PRB usage rate, in addition to identifying average and maximum values. Meanwhile, the non-RT-RIC 103 may reduce the calculation load by acquiring statistics calculated by the DU 102. Information used by the non-RT-RIC 103 to identify the communication volume in each cell is not limited to the PRB usage rate. The non-RT-RIC 103 may, for example, acquire the amount of data communicated in each cell (communication traffic volume) from the DU 102. The communication traffic volume is, for example, the amount of data transmitted from the DU 102 to the UE 120 via the RU 110 and the amount of data received from the DU 102 from the UE 120 via the RU 110. The amount of data may be an individual measured value or a statistical value such as an average value or a maximum value over a certain period of time. The information that the non-RT-RIC 103 acquires from the DU 102 is not limited to this, and various information that can identify the communication volume of each cell may be acquired.The non-RT-RIC 103 can obtain the PRB usage rate of each cell from the DU 102 using the O1 interface.

[0022] The non-RT-RIC 103 may calculate the ratio of communication traffic in each cell based on the collected wireless resource usage amount, usage rate, communicated data amount, etc. of each cell. For example, if the average values ​​of PRB usage rates in cells 131 to 134 formed by each of RUs 111 to 114 over a certain period are U1 to U4, respectively, the non-RT-RIC 103 may calculate the ratio of communication traffic in each cell as U1:U2:U3:U4. Also, if the average values ​​of communication traffic amounts in cells 131 to 134 over a certain period are Tr1 to Tr4, respectively, the non-RT-RIC 103 may calculate the ratio of communication traffic in each cell as Tr1:Tr2:Tr3:Tr4. Note that the non-RT-RIC 103 may calculate the ratio of communication traffic in each cell using the number of PRBs used by each cell notified by the DU 102 or the number of PRBs allocated to each cell. The DU 102 can provide the non-RT-RIC 103 with information specifying fluctuations in communication volume, such as the maximum and minimum values, standard deviation, and variance of the PRB usage rate of each cell in a predetermined period, as well as the amount of interference each cell receives from other cells, etc. Based on such information, the non-RT-RIC 103 can set the range of frequency resources that each cell can use preferentially and arrange them on the frequency axis.

[0023] (Setting the range of frequency resources that each cell can use preferentially) The non-RT-RIC 103 sets a range of frequency resources that each cell can use preferentially. In this embodiment, the frequency resources may be a predetermined frequency band. For example, the non-RT-RIC 103 may set a range of frequency resources for each cell so that the range of frequency resources set for each cell differs from one cell to another. Even if each cell uses the same system band, by setting a different range of frequency resources that each cell preferentially uses, the possibility of PRBs with the same arrangement on the frequency axis and the time axis in a radio frame being used simultaneously in multiple cells is reduced. Based on the ratio of communication volume among each cell, the non-RT-RIC 103 may set a wide range of frequency resources for cells with a high communication volume ratio and a narrow range of frequency resources for cells with a low communication volume ratio. By setting a wide range of frequency resources for cells with a high communication volume, the possibility of a shortage of PRBs within that range of frequency resources during scheduling in the DU 102 may be reduced. As an example, if the ratio of communication traffic in each of cells 131 to 134 obtained from DU 102 is U1:U2:U3:U4, non-RT-RIC 103 can divide the system band into four so that the ratio of each band is U1:U2:U3:U4, and set each of the four frequency bands as a range of frequency resources that each cell can use preferentially.

[0024] Furthermore, the non-RT-RIC 103 may set the frequency resource ranges for each cell so that the ranges of frequency resources set for each cell partially overlap. For example, the non-RT-RIC 103 may set a different frequency for each cell as the lower end of the range of frequency resources that can be preferentially used for each cell, and may commonly set the upper end of the system band as the upper end. For example, the lower end frequencies of the frequency resource ranges set for each cell are lower in the order of cell 131, cell 132, cell 133, and cell 134. In this case, for example, in the frequency resource range set for cell 131, the higher the frequency, the more cells 130 that use the same frequency resources. However, the possibility of interference is reduced compared to when all cells use the same frequency resources. In this case, the non-RT-RIC 103 may notify the DU 102 of only the lower end of the frequency resource range set for each cell. Note that the non-RT-RIC 103 may set a different frequency for each cell as the upper end of the range of frequency resources that can be preferentially used for each cell, and may commonly set the upper end of the system band as the lower end.

[0025] The non-RT-RIC 103 arranges the range of frequency resources to be set for each cell on the frequency axis to set the range of frequency resources that each cell can preferentially use. For example, the non-RT-RIC 103 may arrange the range of frequency resources to be set for each cell on the frequency axis based on information specific to each cell. As an example, the non-RT-RIC 103 may arrange the frequency resources to be set for each cell such that the frequency on the frequency axis increases as the numerical value in the identifier decreases. The cell identifier is, for example, a Physical Layer Cell Identifier (PCI). By using the information specific to the cell, the non-RT-RIC 103 may arrange the range of frequency resources to be set for each cell on the frequency axis without acquiring additional information from the DU 102. Furthermore, the non-RT-RIC 103 may arrange the range of frequency resources to be set for each cell on the frequency axis such that the frequency decreases as the numerical value in the range of frequency resources to be set for the cell increases. In general, a cell with a high ratio of communication traffic is likely to have a larger temporal fluctuation in communication traffic than a cell with a low ratio of communication traffic. For example, when the DU 102 schedules each cell, it starts allocating frequency resources from the lower end of the range set for each cell and prioritizes allocation of lower-frequency radio resources. In this case, by concentrating cells with a wider set frequency resource range toward lower frequencies, it is possible to reduce the number of cells that are subject to interference when the radio resources in the range of frequency resources set for this cell are insufficient and radio resources in the range of frequency resources set for an adjacent cell on the frequency axis are allocated. On the other hand, by arranging a cell with a narrower set frequency resource range toward lower frequencies in the system band, there is no possibility that this cell will be interfered with by other cells arranged at higher frequencies. Furthermore, the non-RT-RIC 103 may allocate the range of frequency resources set for each cell on the frequency axis based on fluctuations in the communication volume of each cell. For example, by arranging cells with smaller fluctuations in communication volume to have lower frequencies, the non-RT-RIC 103 can reduce the possibility that a cell with smaller fluctuations in communication volume will be interfered with when a cell with larger fluctuations in communication volume lacks PRBs.Furthermore, the non-RT-RIC 103 may arrange the range of frequency resources to be set for each cell on the frequency axis based on the magnitude of interference between cells. For example, the non-RT-RIC 103 may acquire information for identifying the amount of interference between cells from the DU 102. As an example, the information for identifying the amount of interference between cells may be the amount of interference measured for a certain cell (measured cell) over a predetermined period of time and the PRB usage rates of each of the other cells over this period of time. The amount of interference may be, for example, the RSSI of an interfering signal, the length of time over which the interfering signal is received, or a combination thereof. The non-RT-RIC 103 may identify a cell with a high PRB usage rate during a period in which the amount of interference in the measured cell is high as a cell interfering with the measured cell. A high amount of interference may mean, for example, that the RSSI of the interfering signal is greater than a predetermined threshold, or that the period during which the interfering signal is detected is longer than a predetermined threshold. Furthermore, a cell with a high PRB usage rate may be a cell with a PRB usage rate greater than a predetermined threshold, or may be the cell with the highest PRB usage rate among multiple cells. The non-RT-RIC 103 may identify cells that are in a mutually interfering relationship and arrange the range of frequency resources to be set for each cell on the frequency axis so that these cells are not adjacent. By having the frequency resource ranges not be adjacent on the frequency axis, when one cell runs out of PRBs, the probability that PRBs with the same arrangement on the frequency axis and the time axis in the radio frame are simultaneously used by multiple cells that are in a mutually interfering relationship may be reduced. Furthermore, the non-RT-RIC 103 may identify cells that are not in a mutually interfering relationship and arrange the range of frequency resources to be set for each cell on the frequency axis so that these cells are adjacent. Note that the method by which the non-RT-RIC 103 arranges the range of frequency resources to be set for each cell on the frequency axis is not limited to the above.

[0026] The non-RT-RIC 103 notifies the DU 102 of the range of frequency resources that each cell can use with priority. At this time, the non-RT-RIC 103 can also notify the quasi-RT-RIC 104 of the range of frequency resources that each cell can use with priority. The non-RT-RIC 103 can notify the DU 102 or the quasi-RT-RIC 104 of either the lower end or the upper end of the range of frequency resources, or both. For example, the non-RT-RIC 103 can notify the DU 102 or the quasi-RT-RIC 104 of the frequency f that indicates the lower end of the range of frequency resources. start and the upper limit frequency f end The non-RT-RIC 103 may notify the DU 102 or the quasi-RT-RIC 104 of the frequency resource range using the PRB index. For example, if the index of the PRB corresponding to the lowest frequency in the frequency resource range is N, start , the index N of the PRB corresponding to the highest frequency end If the lower end of this frequency resource range is N start and the upper end is N end Here, N indicates the index of the PRB on the frequency axis. The non-RT-RIC 103 may notify the DU 102 or the quasi-RT-RIC 104 of a combination of the upper or lower end of the frequency resource range and the bandwidth. For example, the non-RT-RIC 103 may notify the DU 102 or the quasi-RT-RIC 104 of a combination of the frequency f start Or, a frequency f that indicates the lower end of the frequency resource range. end and f denotes the bandwidth width The non-RT-RIC 103 can notify the DU 102 and the quasi-RT-RIC 104 of the combination of the PRB index N start or PRB index N indicating the upper end of the frequency resource range end and N denotes the number of PRBs. width The non-RT-RIC 103 may notify the DU 102 or the quasi-RT-RIC 104 of the combination of the frequency resource and the center frequency f cThe non-RT-RIC 103 may notify the DU 102 or the quasi-RT-RIC 104 of a combination of the frequency resource and the bandwidth. Furthermore, the non-RT-RIC 103 may notify the lower end or upper end of the frequency resource as a relative value (offset) based on the lower end or upper end of the system band. The non-RT-RIC 103 may notify the DU 102 of the set frequency resource of each cell using the O1 interface. The non-RT-RIC 103 may notify the quasi-RT-RIC 104 of the set frequency resource of each cell using the A1 interface. For example, the non-RT-RIC 103 may notify the DU 102 or the quasi-RT-RIC 104 of a combination of an identifier (e.g., PCI) that identifies a cell and either or both of the lower end and upper end of the range of frequency resources set for that cell, or information that identifies the range of frequency resources.

[0027] (Radio resource allocation for each UE) The DU 102 performs scheduling for the UE 120 connected to the cell associated with the own device based on the range of frequency resources that each cell can preferentially use, notified by the non-RT-RIC 103. The DU 102 allocates radio resources included in the range of frequency resources set for each cell to the UE 120 connected to the cell, with priority given to the radio resources included in the range of frequency resources set for each cell. Furthermore, if there are no radio resources available for allocation within the range of frequency resources set for each cell, the DU 102 can perform allocation using radio resources within other frequency resource ranges included in the system band. As an example, scheduling based on the setting in the DU 102 of the range of frequency resources that each cell can preferentially use will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7. First, the DU 102 acquires the range of frequency resources that each cell can preferentially use from the non-RT-RIC 103. For example, the DU 102 acquires N as information specifying the range of frequency resources that each cell 131 to 134 can preferentially use. start,1 =0 (first starting position), N start,2 =3 (second starting position), N start,3 =8 (third starting position), N start,4Assume that the DU 102 has acquired N=10 (fourth start position). Here, it is assumed that the system band is divided in the frequency axis direction so that PRBs of N=0 to 11 are configured. FIG. 3 shows the arrangement of PRBs in the system band in one radio frame, with the horizontal axis representing time and the vertical axis representing frequency. FIG. 3 also shows the start position as the range of frequency resources that each cell can use preferentially. In this case, the DU 102 can interpret that the frequency resource ranges of N=0 to 2, 3 to 7, 8 to 9, and 10 to 11 have been set for each of the cells 131 to 134. That is, the DU 102 can interpret that, for two adjacent cells on the frequency axis, the lower end of the frequency resource range of the cell to which the higher frequency resource range has been set is the upper end of the frequency resource range of the other cell. Furthermore, the DU 102 can interpret the same information as above as the frequency ranges of N=0 to 11, 3 to 11, 8 to 11, and 10 to 11 have been set for each of the cells 131 to 134. In this case, the DU 102 may interpret the upper end of the range of frequency resources set in each cell as the upper end of the system band.

[0028] Then, DU 102 schedules radio frames based on a resource allocation request from UE 120, the arrival of data from the network to UE 120, etc. For example, when a resource allocation request is received from UE 121 connected to RU 111, DU 102 allocates necessary PRBs to UE 121 in order starting from the PRB index of N=0 (first start position), which is the bottom end of the range of frequency resources set in cell 131 corresponding to RU 111. Similarly, when a resource allocation request is received from UE 122, DU 102 allocates PRBs with unallocated PRB indexes to UE 122. Furthermore, when a resource allocation request is received from UE 123 connected to RU 112, DU 102 allocates necessary PRBs to UE 123 in order starting from the PRB index of N=3 (second start position), which is the start position of the range of frequency resources set in cell 132 corresponding to RU 112. FIG. 4 shows the PRB allocation status in each of cell 131 and cell 132. 4, PRBs allocated to any of the UEs 120 are shaded. Different shade patterns indicate different cells to which the PRBs are allocated. For example, a PRB shaded with a dotted pattern indicates a PRB allocated in cell 131, and a PRB shaded with a diagonal line pattern indicates a PRB allocated in cell 132. In this way, by differentiating the start positions of the radio resources to be allocated in scheduling for different cells, it is possible to reduce the possibility that PRBs with the same arrangement on the frequency axis and the time axis in a radio frame are simultaneously used in multiple cells.

[0029] Note that the DU 102 may allocate radio resources from the upper end of the frequency resource range toward lower frequencies. For example, in the above example, the DU 102 may interpret that frequency ranges of 2, 7, 9, and 11 are set as the upper ends of the frequency resource ranges set for the cells corresponding to the RUs 111 to 114, respectively. In this case, for example, when a resource allocation request is received from a UE 121 connected to the RU 111, the DU 102 allocates to the UE 121 a PRB with a PRB index of N=2, which is at the upper end (start position) of the frequency resource range set for the cell corresponding to the RU 111. Similarly, when a resource allocation request is received from a UE 122, the DU 102 allocates to the UE 122 a PRB with a PRB index of N=1. Furthermore, when a resource allocation request is received from a UE 123 connected to the RU 112, the DU 102 allocates to the UE 123 a PRB with a PRB index of N=7, which is at the start position of the frequency resource range set for the cell corresponding to the RU 112.

[0030] However, even when such scheduling is performed, interference may occur between cells. For example, when a resource allocation request is received from a UE 124 connected to the RU 112, PRBs with PRB indices N=3 to 7 may already be allocated to other UEs 120 connected to the same cell 132. In this case, the DU 102 may allocate a PRB to the UE 124 using frequency resources N=8. FIG. 5 shows a PRB allocation situation in which PRBs are allocated in the cell 132 beyond the range of frequency resources (N=3 to 7) that the cell 132 can preferentially use. In FIG. 5, a PRB is allocated in the cell 132 using frequency resources N=8. At this time, based on a resource allocation request from a UE 125 connected to the RU 113, the DU 102 may have allocated a PRB to the UE 125 using frequency resources N=8 (not shown). In this case, the UEs 124 and 125 may simultaneously use PRBs of the same frequency resource N=8, which may cause interference with each other. As an example, after the non-RT-RIC 103 sets the range of frequency resources that each cell can use preferentially, if a large number of users move into a specific cell, a situation may occur in which more PRBs are required to meet user requests than are included in the set frequency resource range. A case in which a large number of users move into a specific cell may occur, for example, when a train, bus, or the like moves into the coverage area of ​​the cell. In such a case, the non-RT-RIC 103 periodically sets the range of frequency resources for each cell based on the PRB usage rate collected from each cell, which may resolve the shortage of PRBs. However, if the setting period by the non-RT-RIC 103 is long, there is a high possibility that interference will continue to occur between cell 132 and cell 133 until a new setting is made.

[0031] Therefore, in this embodiment, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 determines whether to notify the non-RT-RIC 103 of the range of frequency resources set in each cell so that the non-RT-RIC 103 can reset the range, and notifies the non-RT-RIC 103 based on the result. For example, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 collects information capable of identifying the usage rate and interference amount of each cell at a shorter period than the non-RT-RIC 103, and can determine that the notification should be made when there is a temporal fluctuation in at least one of the usage rate and interference amount of the radio resources per unit time in a specific cell that exceeds a predetermined threshold. The quasi-RT-RIC 104, which acquires information about communication in each cell at a shorter period than the non-RT-RIC 103, monitors the status of each cell, thereby enabling reconfiguration according to the communication environment to be performed earlier than the periodic configuration performed by the non-RT-RIC 103. First, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 acquires information capable of identifying the actual usage status of PRBs from the DU 102. For example, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may acquire information such as the usage amount, usage rate, number of allocations, and allocation rate of PRBs for each cell from the DU 102. Based on the information acquired from the DU 102, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may determine whether a sudden change has occurred in the communication environment of each cell. For example, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 acquires the radio resource usage rate per unit time in each cell and monitors its fluctuations. As an example, if the difference between the radio resource usage rate of a specific cell in a certain unit time and the radio resource usage rate of that cell in the next unit time exceeds a predetermined threshold, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may determine that a sudden change has occurred in the communication environment of that cell. In this case, it is possible that PRBs have been allocated in a range that exceeds the range of frequency resources set for that specific cell, and that that specific cell may be interfering with other cells. By notifying the non-RT-RIC 103 based on the detection of such a change in the communication environment, it is possible to quickly resolve interference between cells.

[0032] The quasi-RT-RIC 104 may also acquire information from the DU 102 that can identify the amount of interference for each cell and, based on this information, determine whether a sudden change has occurred in the communication environment of each cell. For example, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 acquires the amount of interference per unit time in each cell and monitors its fluctuations. The amount of interference may be, for example, the number or percentage of PRBs that detect interference with a power intensity exceeding a threshold per unit time, the length or percentage of time during which interference is detected, or the like. As an example, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may determine that a sudden change has occurred in the communication environment of a specific cell if the difference between the amount of interference for a specific cell in a certain unit time and the amount of interference for that cell in the next unit time exceeds a predetermined threshold. In this case, the specific cell may be experiencing interference from another cell due to the allocation of PRBs by that other cell within the range of frequency resources set for that specific cell. By notifying the non-RT-RIC 103 of such a detected change in the communication environment, it becomes possible to quickly resolve the occurrence of interference between cells.

[0033] When sending a notification to the non-RT-RIC 103, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may provide information for reconfiguring the range of frequency resources set in each cell. For example, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may provide the non-RT-RIC 103 with information such as the usage rate and interference level of radio resources for each cell collected by the quasi-RT-RIC 104. This eliminates the need for the non-RT-RIC 103 to collect information about each cell from the DU 102. The quasi-RT-RIC 104 may provide the non-RT-RIC 103 with only information about the specific cell that caused the notification. This eliminates the need to communicate information about cells that have not experienced a sudden change in the communication environment. The quasi-RT-RIC 104 may not send a notification if the difference between the first timing at which it is determined that a notification should be sent and the second timing at which the non-real-time RIC periodically sets the range of frequency resources set in each cell after the first timing is smaller than a predetermined threshold. In a situation where new settings are made immediately without the quasi-RT-RIC 104 making a notification, there is no need to provide information for notification or re-setting.

[0034] The non-RT-RIC 103 may reconfigure the range of frequency resources set for each cell based on a notification from the quasi-RT-RIC 104. For example, if the non-RT-RIC 103 is provided with information necessary for reconfiguration from the quasi-RT-RIC 104, it may perform the reconfiguration using that information. Furthermore, if the non-RT-RIC 103 is provided with only information about a specific cell from the quasi-RT-RIC 104, it may perform the reconfiguration using information about the other cells that was used when the frequency resource range of each cell was last set. Note that the non-RT-RIC 103 may collect information necessary for reconfiguration from the DU 102 and perform the reconfiguration based on the collected information, without using the information provided by the quasi-RT-RIC 104. This allows the reconfiguration to be performed using the most recent information for all information necessary for reconfiguration. Note that, if the difference between the first timing at which the non-RT-RIC 103 receives a notification from the quasi-RT-RIC 104 and the second timing at which the range of frequency resources set in each cell is periodically set after the first timing is smaller than a predetermined threshold, the non-RT-RIC 103 may not perform reconfiguration at the first timing. In this case, the non-RT-RIC 103 may perform reconfiguration at the first timing and not perform periodic configuration at the second timing. By setting the range of frequency resources set in each cell only at one of the timings, it is possible to avoid performing both reconfiguration and configuration in a short period of time.

[0035] On the other hand, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may acquire information indicating the setting of the range of frequency resources set in each cell from the non-RT-RIC 103. This allows the quasi-RT-RIC 104 to detect the occurrence of interference with higher accuracy by estimating the difference between the range of frequency resources set in each cell and the range of frequency resources actually used. For example, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may acquire information indicating the setting of the range of frequency resources set in each cell from the non-RT-RIC 103 using the A1 interface. Note that the information indicating the setting of the range of frequency resources set in each cell may be notified from the non-RT-RIC 103 in response to a request from the quasi-RT-RIC 104 to the non-RT-RIC 103, or may be provided to the quasi-RT-RIC when the non-RT-RIC 103 notifies the DU 102. For example, the information indicating the setting of the range of frequency resources set in each cell may include an identifier (e.g., PCI) that identifies each cell and information that can identify the range of frequency resources set in that cell.

[0036] The quasi-RT-RIC 104 may determine the amount or number of radio resources and the radio resource usage rate that each cell can use preferentially based on the range of frequency resources set for each cell obtained from the non-RT-RIC 103. For example, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may determine the number of PRBs included in the range of frequency resources set for each cell as the amount of radio resources that the cell can use preferentially. The quasi-RT-RIC 104 may also determine the percentage of PRBs included in the range of frequency resources set for each cell that is used in a radio frame using the entire system band as the usage rate of radio resources that the cell can use preferentially. The quasi-RT-RIC 104 may then determine whether there has been a sudden change in the communication environment of each cell based on the communication information for each cell collected from the DU 102 and the radio resources that the cell can use preferentially. For example, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may determine that there has been a sudden change in the communication environment of a particular cell if the usage rate of radio resources in the particular cell exceeds the usage rate of radio resources that the cell can use preferentially. The method by which the quasi-RT-RIC 104 detects a sudden change in the communication environment in each cell and notifies the non-RT-RIC 103 is not limited to this, and any method may be used to notify the non-RT-RIC 103 based on the fact that the amount of radio resources actually used in each cell is greater than the amount of radio resources that each cell is preferentially able to use. In this way, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 acquires the setting of the frequency resource range configured in each cell and compares it with the radio resource usage rate of each cell collected from the DU 102, thereby enabling early and highly accurate detection of interference. In this case, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may provide information based on the difference between the radio resource usage rate specified based on the frequency resource range configured in each cell and the actual radio resource usage rate in that cell as information used by the non-RT-RIC 103 when performing reconfiguration. This allows the non-RT-RIC 103 to be provided with less information and more accurate information for reconfiguration by the non-RT-RIC 103.

[0037] Furthermore, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may adjust the range of frequency resources set for each cell based on the range of frequency resources set for each cell acquired from the non-RT-RIC 103, and provide the adjusted range to the DU 102. For example, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may adjust the range of frequency resources set for each cell or a specific cell using the same method as when the non-RT-RIC 103 sets the range of frequency resources for each cell. As an example, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may identify the ratio of communication volumes for each cell based on the PRB usage rate of each cell collected from the DU 102, and adjust the range of frequency resources that each cell can preferentially use according to the ratio of communication volumes. Note that the method by which the quasi-RT-RIC 104 adjusts the range of frequency resources set for each cell is not limited to the above. For example, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may adjust the settings for a specific cell in which a sudden change in the communication environment has been detected and a cell in which a frequency resource range adjacent on the frequency axis to the range of frequency resources set for the specific cell has been set. For example, if radio resources are allocated to a specific cell in a manner that exceeds the range of frequency resources that the specific cell can preferentially use, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may reduce the range of frequency resources of the specific cell and the cells adjacent to the specific cell on the frequency axis so that the range of frequency resources set in the quasi-RT-RIC 104 increases by the excess amount. In this case, information on the difference that can identify the setting for the specific cell after adjustment may be provided to the DU 102. The information that can identify the range of frequency resources after adjustment may be information indicating the range of frequency resources set for each cell, including the range of frequency resources set for the specific cell. The quasi-RT-RIC 104 may provide the set range of frequency resources that each cell can preferentially use to the DU 102 using the E2 interface. The information that the quasi-RT-RIC 104 notifies the DU 102 may include, for example, an identifier (e.g., PCI) that identifies each cell and information that identifies the range of frequency resources set for the cell.

[0038] The quasi-RT-RIC 104 may perform the above adjustment based on, for example, a sudden change in the communication environment in a specific cell. For example, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may collect information that can identify the radio resource usage rate and interference level of each cell, and determine that adjustment is necessary when at least one of the radio resource usage rate or interference level per unit time in a specific cell fluctuates over time and exceeds a predetermined threshold. Furthermore, for example, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may obtain the range of frequency resources set in each cell from the quasi-RT-RIC 103, collect the radio resource usage rate of each cell, and determine that adjustment is necessary when the radio resource usage rate in a specific cell exceeds the radio resource usage rate that the cell is given priority for use by that cell. In these cases, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may change the range of frequency resources set in each cell or a specific cell by its own adjustment, instead of the non-RT-RIC 103 performing reconfiguration. This makes it possible to change the range of frequency resources set in each cell without the need for communication with or information provision to the non-RT-RIC 104.

[0039] On the other hand, when the quasi-RT-RIC 104 adjusts the range of frequency resources set for each cell in its own device, it may further notify the non-RT-RIC 103 to reconfigure the range of frequency resources set for each cell based on the results of the adjustment. For example, when the quasi-RT-RIC 104 adjusts the range of frequency resources set for a specific cell, if the difference between the range of frequency resources set by the non-RT-RIC 103 and the range of frequency resources adjusted by its own device exceeds a predetermined threshold, it may notify the non-RT-RIC 103 to perform reconfiguration. In other words, by making adjustments based on information collected by its own device from the DU 102, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 can temporarily eliminate interference occurring in a specific cell while allowing the non-RT-RIC 103 to perform reconfiguration taking into account long-term analysis based on information collected by the non-RT-RIC 103. In this case, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may notify the non-RT-RIC 103 of information that can identify the adjustment performed by its own device. For example, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may notify the non-RT-RIC 103 of information capable of specifying the range of frequency resources set in each cell after adjustment. Also, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may notify the non-RT-RIC 103 of information capable of specifying the difference between the range of frequency resources set by the non-RT-RIC 103 and the range of frequency resources adjusted by its own device.

[0040] FIG. 7 shows an example of the start positions set for each cell when the range of frequency resources set for each cell is reset or adjusted based on the PRB allocation status of FIG. 6. In FIG. 7, the second start position corresponding to cell 132 is changed on the frequency axis based on the allocation of PRBs exceeding the PRBs included in the range of frequency resources that cell 131 can preferentially use. In this way, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 can detect a sudden change in the communication environment in a specific cell or the allocation of radio resources exceeding the set frequency resource range, and can change the start position of the frequency resource range of a cell adjacent to the specific cell on the frequency axis so as not to cause interference, taking into account the allocation of radio resources in the specific cell. Note that the quasi-RT-RIC 104 can change the start position of the frequency resource range of each cell based on the amount of interference in each cell acquired from the DU 102. In this case, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 can change the start position of the frequency resource range of a specific cell where the amount of interference has increased so that it is away from the start position of the adjacent cell on the frequency axis.

[0041] (Variation) In the above description, an example has been given in which the non-RT-RIC 103 sets the range of frequency resources that each cell can use with priority, and the quasi-RT-RIC 104 issues a notification to reset the range of frequency resources set for each cell. Here, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may periodically set the range of frequency resources that each cell can use with priority instead of the non-RT-RIC 103. The quasi-RT-RIC 104 collects information about each cell at shorter intervals than the non-RT-RIC 103 collects information about each cell. Therefore, by having the quasi-RT-RIC 104 set the range of frequency resources that each cell can use with priority, it becomes possible to quickly respond to sudden changes in the communication environment in each cell.

[0042] For example, the non-RT-RIC 103 notifies the quasi-RT-RIC 104 of a control policy. The control policy may be, for example, the amount of interference permitted in a specific cell. Furthermore, the control policy may specify cells to which each cell should be assigned a range of frequency resources that it preferentially uses in order to suppress interference between cells. In this case, the non-RT-RIC 103 may notify the quasi-RT-RIC 104 of information that can identify each of the cells to be assigned. The control policy is not limited to this, and may indicate targets for setting a range of frequency resources that each cell should be assigned a preferential use for, criteria for determining whether the setting is appropriate, etc., in the quasi-RT-RIC 104. For example, after setting a range of frequency resources for each cell, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may determine whether the control policy is satisfied based on information collected from each cell, and periodically set the range of frequency resources for each cell based on the determination result.

[0043] The operation of the quasi-RT-RIC 104 to set the range of frequency resources for each cell can be performed in the same manner as the operation of the non-RT-RIC 103 to set the range of frequency resources for each cell described above. That is, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 can acquire the ratio of communication traffic in each cell. Information that can identify the communication traffic in each cell can be collected from the DU 102. The quasi-RT-RIC 104 can calculate the ratio of communication traffic in each cell based on the collected information such as the usage amount, usage rate, and amount of communicated data of the radio resources of each cell. Note that if the control policy provided by the non-RT-RIC 103 is for cells to be set, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 can calculate the ratio of communication traffic for those cells. Then, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 sets the range of frequency resources that each cell can preferentially use based on the ratio of communication traffic in each cell. The quasi-RT-RIC 104 notifies the DU 102 of the set range of frequency resources for each cell. The DU 102 allocates radio resources to each UE 120 based on the notified setting of the frequency resource range of each cell.

[0044] The quasi-RT-RIC 104 may periodically set the range of frequency resources for each cell. For example, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may periodically collect information from the DU 102 that can identify the actual usage status of radio resources in each cell, the amount of interference, and the like, and may set the range of frequency resources for each cell based on that information. At this time, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may determine whether a control policy is satisfied based on the information collected from each cell, and may set the range of frequency resources for each cell based on the determination result. For example, when the control policy notified by the non-RT-RIC 103 is the amount of interference allowed in a specific cell, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may determine whether the amount of interference collected for that specific cell exceeds the amount of interference allowed. The quasi-RT-RIC 104 may determine that the control policy is satisfied if the amount of interference in the specific cell collected from the DU 102 does not exceed the amount of interference permitted in the specific cell, and may determine that the control policy is not satisfied if the amount of interference in the specific cell collected from the DU 102 exceeds the amount of interference permitted in the specific cell. If the quasi-RT-RIC 104 determines that the control policy is not satisfied, it may change the setting of the frequency resource range of each cell so that the control policy is satisfied. For example, if the quasi-RT-RIC 104 determines that interference is occurring from a cell whose frequency resource range is adjacent on the frequency axis to the frequency resource range set for the specific cell, it may change the frequency resource range set for the adjacent cell on the frequency axis so that the frequency resource range of the specific cell is increased. The quasi-RT-RIC 104 may also change the arrangement of the frequency resource range set for the specific cell on the frequency axis. For example, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may reduce interference occurring in a particular cell by rearranging the arrangement order of the frequency resource ranges of each cell on the frequency axis without changing the amount of frequency resources that each cell can preferentially use. On the other hand, if it is determined that the control policy is satisfied, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may maintain the setting of the frequency resource range of each cell.Note that the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may change the setting of the range of frequency resources for each cell even when it determines that the control policy is satisfied. For example, when the ratio of communication traffic in each cell changes, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may set the range of frequency resources that each cell can preferentially use based on the change.

[0045] In this way, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 sets the range of frequency resources that each cell can use preferentially based on the ratio of communication traffic in each cell, etc. Furthermore, the setting by the non-RT-RIC 103 can be performed periodically based on a determination of whether the notified control policy is satisfied, changes in the ratio of communication traffic in each cell, etc. This configuration makes it possible to quickly respond to sudden changes occurring in the cells, thereby quickly eliminating interference that occurs between cells. Furthermore, because the non-RT-RIC 103 no longer sets the range of frequency resources for each cell, the load on the non-RT-RIC 103 can be reduced.

[0046] (Device configuration) Next, an example of the configuration of the RIC 101 and DU 102 as described above will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the RIC 101 (including the non-RT-RIC 103 and the quasi-RT-RIC 104) and the DU 102. In one example, the RIC 101 and the DU 102 include a processor 801, a ROM 802, a RAM 803, a storage device 804, and a communication circuit 805. The processor 801 is a computer including one or more processing circuits, such as a general-purpose CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The processor 801 reads and executes programs stored in the ROM 802 or the storage device 804, thereby performing the overall processing of the device and each of the above-mentioned processes. The ROM 802 is a read-only memory that stores information such as programs and various parameters related to the processing executed by the RIC 101 and the DU 102. The RAM 803 functions as a workspace when the processor 801 executes a program, and is a random access memory that stores temporary information. The storage device 804 is configured, for example, by a removable external storage device. The communication circuit 805 is configured, for example, by including a circuit for communicating with other devices. As an example, the communication circuit 805 can function as an O1 interface, an E2 interface, an A1 interface, etc. Although one communication circuit 805 is shown in FIG. 8, each device can have multiple communication circuits.

[0047] 9 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the non-RT-RIC 103. The non-RT-RIC 103 is configured to include, as its functions, an information collecting unit 901, a frequency resource range setting unit 902, a frequency resource range notifying unit 903, and a notification acquiring unit 904, for example. FIG. 9 shows the functional configuration of the non-RT-RIC 103 of this embodiment, and, for example, omits the general configuration of a non-RT-RIC. Note that these functional units can be realized, for example, by the processor 801 executing a program stored in the ROM 802 or the storage device 804 and controlling the communication circuit 805 as necessary. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and, for example, dedicated hardware for realizing each function may be provided.

[0048] The information collecting unit 901 collects information that can identify the communication volume in each cell. For example, the information collecting unit 901 may collect the usage volume, usage rate, and traffic volume of radio resources in each cell as information that can identify the communication volume in each cell. The radio resources are, for example, PRBs. The information collecting unit 901 may collect the information that can identify the communication volume in each cell by communicating with the DU 102 using the O1 interface realized by the communication circuit 805. The frequency resource range setting unit 902 may determine the range of frequency resources that each cell can preferentially use. The frequency resource range setting unit 902 may start processing, for example, based on the information collecting unit 901 collecting the information that can identify the communication volume from each cell or the notification acquiring unit 904 acquiring a notification for reconfiguring the frequency resource range set for each cell from the quasi-RT-RIC 104. For example, the frequency resource range setting unit 902 may identify the ratio of communication volume in each cell and set a larger frequency resource range for a cell with a larger communication volume ratio. Furthermore, the frequency resource range setting unit 902 may set the frequency resource range of each cell so that the frequency resource range set for each cell is different from one another. Note that a portion of the frequency resource range set for each cell may overlap a portion of the frequency resource range set for another cell. Furthermore, the frequency resource range setting unit 902 may arrange the frequency resource ranges set for each cell on a frequency axis and adjust their order. For example, the frequency resource range setting unit 902 may arrange the frequency resource ranges set for each cell so that multiple cells that may interfere with each other are not adjacent on the frequency axis using the amount of interference in each cell. The frequency resource range notification unit 903 notifies the DU 102 and the quasi-RT-RIC 104 of the frequency resource ranges that each cell can preferentially use, arranged on the frequency axis. The frequency resource range notification unit 903 may notify the DU 102 and the quasi-RT-RIC 104 of either the lower end or the upper end, or both, of the frequency resource range. Furthermore, the frequency resource range notification unit 903 may notify the DU 102 and the quasi-RT-RIC 104 of information identifying the frequency resource range.The frequency resource range notifying unit 903 may notify the DU 102 and the quasi-RT-RIC 104 of a combination of an identifier for identifying a cell (e.g., PCI) and either or both of the upper and lower ends of the range of frequency resources that the cell can preferentially use, or information specifying the range of frequency resources that the cell can preferentially use, using the O1 interface and the A1 interface realized by the communication circuit 805. The notification acquiring unit 904 acquires, from the quasi-RT-RIC 104, a notification for reconfiguring the range of frequency resources set for each cell. The notification from the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may include information regarding communication of each cell collected by the quasi-RT-RIC 104. Upon acquiring the notification from the quasi-RT-RIC 104, the notification acquiring unit 904 may request reconfiguration and provide information regarding communication of each cell to the frequency resource range setting unit 902.

[0049] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the quasi-RT-RIC 104. The quasi-RT-RIC 104 includes, as its functions, an information acquisition unit 1001, a notification necessity determination unit 1002, a notification unit 1003, a frequency resource range adjustment unit 1004, and a frequency resource range provision unit 1005. FIG. 10 illustrates the functional configuration of the quasi-RT-RIC 104 of this embodiment, and omits, for example, the general configuration of a quasi-RT-RIC. These functional units may be realized, for example, by the processor 801 executing a program stored in the ROM 802 or the storage device 804 and controlling the communication circuit 805 as necessary. However, this is not a limitation, and, for example, dedicated hardware may be provided to realize each function. The information acquisition unit 1001, the frequency resource range adjustment unit 1004, and the frequency resource range provision unit 1005 operate in the same manner as the information collection unit 901, the frequency resource range setting unit 902, and the frequency resource range notification unit 903, respectively, and therefore, a description of their operations will be omitted.

[0050] The notification necessity determination unit 1002 determines whether a notification for resetting the range of frequency resources set in each cell should be sent to the non-RT-RIC 103, or whether adjustment should be made in the device itself. For example, the notification necessity determination unit 1002 may determine whether a notification or adjustment should be made based on the detection of a sudden change in the communication environment in each cell, or the detection of radio resource allocation exceeding the range of frequency resources set in each cell. The notification unit 1003 sends a notification to the non-RT-RIC 103 when the notification necessity determination unit 1002 determines that a notification for resetting the range of frequency resources set in each cell should be sent. The notification unit 1003 may include information used by the non-RT-RIC 103 to perform resetting in the notification. For example, the notification unit 1003 may send a notification including information such as the usage rate and interference amount of radio resources of each cell acquired from the DU 102 by the information acquisition unit 1001.

[0051] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the DU 102. The DU 102 is configured to include, as its functions, an information providing unit 1101, a frequency resource range acquiring unit 1102, and a radio resource allocating unit 1103, for example. Fig. 11 shows the functional configuration of the DU 102 of this embodiment, and, for example, omits the general configuration of a DU. Note that these functional units can be realized, for example, by the processor 801 executing a program stored in the ROM 802 or the storage device 804 and controlling the communication circuit 805 as necessary. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, dedicated hardware for realizing each function may be provided.

[0052] The information providing unit 1101 provides the RIC 101 (the non-RT-RIC 103 or the quasi-RT-RIC 104, the same applies hereinafter) with information that can identify the communication volume in each cell. The information providing unit 1101 can provide the information that can identify the communication volume in each cell by communicating with the RIC 101 using an O1 interface or an E2 interface realized by the communication circuit 805. The frequency resource range acquiring unit 1102 acquires, from the RIC 101, a range of frequency resources that can be preferentially used by a cell associated with the UE. For example, the frequency resource range acquiring unit 1102 can acquire, using the O1 interface or the E2 interface realized by the communication circuit 805, a combination of an identifier (e.g., PCI) that identifies a cell and either or both of the lower and upper ends of the range of frequency resources that can be preferentially used by the cell, or information that identifies the range of frequency resources that can be preferentially used by the cell. The radio resource allocating unit 1103 allocates radio resources to the UE 120 based on the frequency resource range set for each cell. The radio resource allocation unit 1103 allocates to the UE 120, with priority, radio resources (PRBs) included in a range of frequency resources that can be preferentially used by the cell to which the UE 120 is connected. When the radio resource allocation unit 1103 acquires the lower end of the range of frequency resources set in the cell associated with the UE 120, the radio resource allocation unit 1103 can allocate radio resources higher than this lower end, starting from the lower frequencies. Furthermore, when the radio resource allocation unit 1103 acquires the upper end of the range of frequency resources set in the cell associated with the UE 120, the radio resource allocation unit 1103 can allocate radio resources lower than this upper end, starting from the higher frequencies.

[0053] (Processing flow) FIG. 12 shows an example of the flow of processing executed by the non-RT-RIC 103, the quasi-RT-RIC 104, and the DU 102 in this embodiment. First, the DU 102 collects information such as communication volume in each cell (S1201). For example, the DU 102 may acquire the usage rate of radio resources in each cell based on information about scheduling executed by the DU 102 itself. The DU 102 may also acquire the traffic volume of each cell based on the amount of data transmitted from the UE 120 to the network passing through the DU 102 itself, and the amount of data transmitted from the network to the UE 120 via the DU 102 itself. Then, the DU 102 notifies the non-RT-RIC 103 of information that can identify the communication volume in each cell (S1202). The non-RT-RIC 103 identifies the ratio of the communication volume in each cell, and sets a range of frequency resources that each cell can use preferentially based on the ratio (S1203). Here, the range of frequency resources set for each cell is set so that at least a portion of the range is different. Furthermore, the non-RT-RIC 103 may arrange the ranges of frequency resources that each cell can preferentially use on the frequency axis. For example, the non-RT-RIC 103 may arrange the ranges of frequency resources that each cell can preferentially use so that multiple cells that may interfere with each other are not adjacent on the frequency axis. The non-RT-RIC 103 notifies the DU 102 of the ranges of frequency resources set for each cell (S1204). The non-RT-RIC 103 may also notify the quasi-RT-RIC 104 of the ranges of frequency resources set for each cell. The DU 102 allocates radio resources to the UE 120 connected to the cell 130 provided by the RU 110 associated with the DU 102, based on the ranges of frequency resources set for the cell 130 (S1205). For example, when the DU 102 obtains the lower limit of the range of frequency resources that this cell can preferentially use, the DU 102 may allocate radio resources with frequencies higher than the lower limit, starting from the lowest frequency. Furthermore, for example, when the DU 102 acquires the upper end of the range of frequency resources that this cell can preferentially use, it can allocate radio resources with frequencies lower than the upper end, starting from the highest frequency.

[0054] On the other hand, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 acquires information such as the usage rate of radio resources and the amount of interference in each cell from the DU 102. For example, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 acquires the actual usage rate of radio resources in each cell. The quasi-RT-RIC 104 acquires information from the DU 102 at a shorter period than the non-RT-RIC 103 (S1206). Then, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 determines whether to issue a notification to reconfigure the range of frequency resources set in each cell based on the information such as the usage rate of radio resources and the amount of interference in each cell acquired from the DU (S1207). When the quasi-RT-RIC 104 acquires the range of frequency resources set in each cell from the non-RT-RIC 103, it can determine whether to issue a notification by comparing the usage rate of radio resources identified from each frequency resource range with the actual usage rate of radio resources in each cell. If it is determined that notification should be made, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 notifies the non-RT-RIC 103 to reset the range of frequency resources set in each cell (S1208). If it is determined that notification should not be made, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 does not notify the non-RT-RIC 103.

[0055] Upon receiving the notification from the quasi-RT-RIC 104, the non-RT-RIC 103 executes reconfiguration of the range of frequency resources set in each cell. Then, the non-RT-RIC 103 notifies the DU 102 of the range of frequency resources that each reset cell can use with priority. The non-RT-RIC 103 may also notify the quasi-RT-RIC 104 of the range of frequency resources that each reset cell can use with priority.

[0056] 13 shows another example of the flow of processing executed by the non-RT-RIC 103, the quasi-RT-RIC 104, and the DU 102 in this embodiment. In this example, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 adjusts the range of frequency resources set in a specific cell and notifies the DU 102. Furthermore, if the difference between the size of the adjusted frequency resource range of the specific cell and the size of the frequency resource range of the specific cell acquired from the non-RT-RIC 103 exceeds a predetermined range, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 determines that a notification for reconfiguration should be made and notifies the non-RT-RIC. In FIG. 13, components that operate in the same manner as in FIG. 12 are given the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. That is, when the quasi-RT-RIC 104 determines that the range of frequency resources set in a specific cell should be adjusted, it adjusts the range of frequency resources that the specific cell can preferentially use in its own device (S1301). The criteria by which the quasi-RT-RIC 104 determines that adjustment is necessary may be the same as or different from the criteria by which the quasi-RT-RIC 104 determines that a notification for reconfiguration should be sent to the non-RT-RIC 103 in Fig. 12. Furthermore, the adjustment of the range of frequency resources that a specific cell can preferentially use in the quasi-RT-RIC 104 can be performed using the communication volume of each cell (such as the actual radio resource utilization rate) that the quasi-RT-RIC 104 acquires from the DU 102, using the same procedure as the setting of the range of frequency resources that each cell can preferentially use by the non-RT-RIC 103 in S1203. The quasi-RT-RIC 104 notifies the DU 102 of the range of frequency resources that the specific cell can preferentially use after adjustment (S1302). Then, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 determines whether or not to issue a notification to reconfigure the frequency resource range of each cell based on whether or not the difference between the size of the range of frequency resources that a specific cell can preferentially use after adjustment has been made in its own device and the size of the range of frequency resources set for the specific cell obtained from the non-RT-RIC 103 exceeds a predetermined threshold (S1207), and may issue a notification for reconfiguration by the non-RT-RIC 103 (S1208).

[0057] FIG. 14 shows another example of the flow of processing executed by the non-RT-RIC 103, the quasi-RT-RIC 104, and the DU 102 in this embodiment. In this example, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 sets a range of frequency resources that each cell can preferentially use based on the control policy notified by the non-RT-RIC 103, and notifies the DU 102. The quasi-RT-RIC 104 also sets the range of frequency resources set for each cell at the timing when it acquires information such as the usage rate of radio resources and the amount of interference in each cell. The quasi-RT-RIC 104 can determine whether the control policy notified by the non-RT-RIC 103 is satisfied based on the usage rate of radio resources and the amount of interference in each cell, and set the range of frequency resources set for each cell. In FIG. 14, components that operate in the same way as in FIG. 12 are assigned the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. First, the non-RT-RIC 103 determines a control policy (S1401) and notifies the quasi-RT-RIC 104. The control policy may be, for example, the amount of interference permitted in a specific cell. The quasi-RT-RIC 104 acquires information from the DU 102 that allows identification of the communication volume in each cell (S1402). The quasi-RT-RIC 104, for example, identifies the ratio of the communication volume in each cell and sets a range of frequency resources that each cell can preferentially use based on the ratio (S1403). The quasi-RT-RIC 104 notifies the DU 102 of the range of frequency resources set for each cell (S1404). The DU 102 allocates radio resources to the UE 120 connected to the cell 130 provided by the RU 110 associated with the DU 102 based on the range of frequency resources set for the cell 130 (S1205). The quasi-RT-RIC 104 periodically acquires information about each cell (S1206). At this time, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 determines whether the control policy notified by the non-RT-RIC 103 is satisfied based on the acquired information about each cell. For example, when the amount of interference allowed in a specific cell is notified as a control policy, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 determines whether the amount of interference acquired from the specific cell exceeds the amount of interference allowed.If the acquired interference amount of the specific cell does not exceed the allowable interference amount, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may determine that the control policy is satisfied. If the acquired interference amount of the specific cell exceeds the allowable interference amount, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may determine that the control policy is not satisfied. The quasi-RT-RIC 104 may set the frequency resource range of each cell based on the result of the determination (S1405). For example, if it is determined that the control policy is not satisfied, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may make changes to the frequency resource range setting of each cell so that the control policy is satisfied. The quasi-RT-RIC 104 notifies the DU 102 of the frequency resource range setting of each cell (S1406). On the other hand, if it is determined that the control policy is satisfied, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may maintain the frequency resource range setting of each cell. In this case, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 does not need to notify the DU 102 of the frequency resource range set for each cell. Note that the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may change the setting of the range of frequency resources for each cell even when it determines that the control policy is satisfied. For example, when the usage amount or usage rate of radio resources in each cell changes, the quasi-RT-RIC 104 may set the range of frequency resources that each cell can preferentially use based on the change.

[0058] As described above, according to the present embodiment, in a RAN in which multiple cells share frequency resources, a range of frequency resources that can be used preferentially by each cell is set, and in scheduling for a UE connected to each cell, radio resources included in the range of frequency resources set for the cell to which the UE is connected are preferentially allocated. This makes it possible to reduce the possibility of mutual interference occurring when PRBs with the same allocation on the frequency axis and the time axis in a radio frame are simultaneously used by multiple cells. On the other hand, if radio resources are insufficient within the range of frequency resources set for some cells, interference is tolerated and radio resources outside the range of frequency resources that can be used preferentially by the cells are allocated. This makes it possible to flexibly allocate radio resources necessary for scheduling even if a predetermined range of frequency resources is set for cells with large fluctuations in communication volume. Furthermore, the range of frequency resources that can be used preferentially by each cell, which is set by a non-RT-RIC operating based on a long-term cycle, is determined by a quasi-RT-RIC operating based on a short-term cycle based on information regarding actual communication in each cell to determine whether reconfiguration is necessary, and if reconfiguration is necessary, the range is reconfigured by the non-RT-RIC or the quasi-RT-RIC. In this way, cooperation between the non-RT-RIC and the quasi-RT-RIC makes it possible to perform more appropriate settings in a timely manner even when a sudden change in the communication environment occurs in a specific cell. As such, according to this embodiment, it is possible to improve communication quality such as RAN throughput and traffic delay. Therefore, it is possible to contribute to Goal 9 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) led by the United Nations, which is to "Develop resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation."

[0059] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 101:RIC, 102:DU, 111:RU, 121:UE, 103:non-RT-RIC, 104:quasi-RT-RIC

Claims

1. A control device that functions as a near-real-time RAN Intelligent Controller (NRC) in an Open-Radio Access Network (O-RAN), including a near-real-time RIC and a non-real-time RIC, A predetermined range of frequency resources on a frequency axis is shared by a plurality of cells provided by the O-RAN, a setting of a range of frequency resources that can be preferentially used by each of the plurality of cells from among the predetermined range of frequency resources is periodically performed by the non-real-time RIC, and the setting is performed such that at least a part of the range of frequency resources set in a first cell included in the plurality of cells is different from a part of the range of frequency resources set in a second cell different from the first cell included in the plurality of cells; The control device an acquisition means for acquiring first information that can identify at least one of a usage rate of wireless resources or an amount of interference in each of the plurality of cells; a determination means for determining whether the non-real-time RIC should issue a notification for non-periodic resetting of the setting based on the first information; and a notification means for sending the notification to the non-real-time RIC based on the result of the determination, the notification including second information that is generated based on the first information and is used when the non-real-time RIC performs the non-periodic resetting. A control device characterized by:

2. The determining means determines that the notification should be made when there is a temporal fluctuation exceeding a predetermined threshold in at least one of a usage rate of radio resources per unit time or an amount of interference of a specific cell included in the plurality of cells.

2. The control device according to claim 1.

3. The notification means notifies the non-real-time RIC of the second information generated based on the first information regarding the specific cell.

3. The control device according to claim 2.

4. The acquisition means further acquires information indicating the setting from the non-real-time RIC; The determination means determines that the notification should be made when a usage rate of radio resources of a specific cell included in the plurality of cells exceeds a usage rate of radio resources specified based on the range of frequency resources set for the specific cell.

2. The control device according to claim 1.

5. The notification means notifies the non-real-time RIC of information generated based on a difference between a usage rate of the radio resources of the specific cell and a usage rate of the radio resources specified based on the range of the frequency resources set in the specific cell as the second information.

5. The control device according to claim 4.

6. The acquisition means further acquires information indicating the setting from the non-real-time RIC; an adjustment means for adjusting the setting based on the setting and the first information; and providing means for providing information capable of identifying the setting after adjustment by the adjustment means to a processing device that executes allocation of radio resources in each of the plurality of cells.

2. The control device according to claim 1.

7. The determination means determines that the notification should be made when a difference between the size of the range of the frequency resources set for the specific cell in the setting acquired from the non-real-time RIC and the size of the range of the frequency resources set for the specific cell in the setting after adjustment by the adjustment means exceeds a predetermined threshold.

7. The control device according to claim 6.

8. The notification means notifies the non-real-time RIC of information generated based on the difference as the second information.

8. The control device according to claim 7.

9. The notification means does not issue the notification when a difference between a first timing at which it is determined that the notification should be issued and a second timing at which the non-real-time RIC periodically performs the setting after the first timing is smaller than a predetermined threshold.

9. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device is a control unit for controlling a vehicle.

10. A control device that functions as a near-real-time RAN Intelligent Controller (NRC) in an Open-Radio Access Network (O-RAN), including a near-real-time RIC and a non-real-time RIC, A predetermined range of frequency resources on a frequency axis is shared by a plurality of cells provided by the O-RAN, a setting of a range of frequency resources that can be preferentially used by each of the plurality of cells from among the predetermined range of frequency resources is periodically performed by the non-real-time RIC, and the setting is performed such that at least a part of the range of frequency resources set in a first cell included in the plurality of cells is different from a part of the range of frequency resources set in a second cell different from the first cell included in the plurality of cells; The control device an acquisition means for acquiring information indicating the setting and first information capable of identifying at least one of a usage rate of radio resources or an amount of interference in each of the plurality of cells; an adjustment means for adjusting the setting based on the setting and the first information; providing means for providing information capable of identifying the setting after adjustment by the adjustment means to a processing device that executes allocation of radio resources in each of the plurality of cells; A control device characterized by:

11. A control device that functions as a non-real-time RIC in an Open-Radio Access Network (O-RAN) including a Near-Realtime RAN Intelligent Controller (NRR) and a Non-Realtime RIC, a collection means for collecting first information capable of identifying at least one of a usage rate of radio resources and an amount of interference in each of a plurality of cells provided by the O-RAN; A setting means, periodically setting a range of frequency resources that can be used preferentially by each of the plurality of cells among a predetermined range of frequency resources on a frequency axis shared by the plurality of cells; The setting is performed so that at least a part of the range of the frequency resources set in a first cell included in the plurality of cells is different from a part of the range of the frequency resources set in a second cell different from the first cell included in the plurality of cells. A setting means configured as follows: providing means for providing information indicating the setting to a processing device that executes allocation of radio resources in each of the plurality of cells; and an acquisition means for acquiring a notification for performing aperiodic resetting of the setting from the near real-time RIC, the notification includes second information used when aperiodic resetting of the setting is performed, the second information being generated based on the first information in the near real-time RIC; The setting means performs aperiodic resetting of the setting using the second information based on the receipt of the notification. A control device characterized by:

12. The notification is acquired when there is a temporal fluctuation exceeding a predetermined threshold in at least one of a usage rate of radio resources per unit time or an amount of interference of a specific cell included in the plurality of cells; The second information included in the notification is the second information generated based on the first information regarding the specific cell. The control device according to claim 11 .

13. The providing means further provides information indicating the setting to the near real-time RIC; The notification is obtained when a usage rate of radio resources of a specific cell included in the plurality of cells exceeds a usage rate of radio resources identified based on a range of frequency resources that the specific cell can preferentially use; The second information included in the notification is the second information generated based on a difference between a usage rate of the radio resources of the specific cell and a usage rate of the radio resources specified based on a range of frequency resources that the specific cell can preferentially use. The control device according to claim 11 .

14. The providing means further provides information indicating the setting to the near real-time RIC; The notification is obtained when a difference between the size of the range of the frequency resources set in the specific cell in the configuration provided to the near real-time RIC and the size of the range of the frequency resources set in the specific cell in the configuration after adjustment by the near real-time RIC exceeds a predetermined threshold; The second information included in the notification is the second information generated based on the difference. The control device according to claim 11 .

15. The setting means does not perform the non-periodic resetting even when the notification is received if a difference between a first timing at which the notification is received and a second timing at which the setting is performed periodically after the first timing is smaller than a predetermined threshold.

15. The control device according to any one of claims 11 to 14.

16. When a difference between a first timing at which the non-periodic resetting is performed and a second timing at which the setting is periodically performed after the first timing is smaller than a predetermined threshold, the setting means does not perform the setting at the second timing.

15. The control device according to any one of claims 11 to 14.

17. A control method executed by a control device functioning as a near-real-time RAN Intelligent Controller (NRC) in an Open-Radio Access Network (O-RAN) including a near-real-time RIC and a non-real-time RIC, comprising: A predetermined range of frequency resources on a frequency axis is shared by a plurality of cells provided by the O-RAN, a setting of a range of frequency resources that can be preferentially used by each of the plurality of cells from among the predetermined range of frequency resources is periodically performed by the non-real-time RIC, and the setting is performed such that at least a part of the range of frequency resources set in a first cell included in the plurality of cells is different from a part of the range of frequency resources set in a second cell different from the first cell included in the plurality of cells; The control method includes: an acquisition step of acquiring first information capable of identifying at least one of a usage rate of wireless resources or an amount of interference in each of the plurality of cells; a determining step of determining whether the non-real-time RIC should issue a notification to perform aperiodic resetting of the setting based on the first information; and a notification step of sending the notification to the non-real-time RIC based on the result of the determination, the notification including second information that is generated based on the first information and is used when the non-real-time RIC performs the non-periodic resetting. A control method comprising:

18. A control method executed by a control device functioning as a non-real-time RIC in an Open-Radio Access Network (O-RAN) including a Near-Realtime RAN Intelligent Controller (NRR) and a Non-Realtime RIC, comprising: a collecting step of collecting first information capable of identifying at least one of a usage rate of radio resources and an amount of interference in each of a plurality of cells provided by the O-RAN; A setting process, periodically setting a range of frequency resources that can be used preferentially by each of the plurality of cells among a predetermined range of frequency resources on a frequency axis shared by the plurality of cells; The setting is performed so that at least a part of the range of the frequency resources set in a first cell included in the plurality of cells is different from a part of the range of the frequency resources set in a second cell different from the first cell included in the plurality of cells. A setting process configured as follows: providing information indicating the setting to a processing device that executes allocation of radio resources in each of the plurality of cells; and acquiring a notification from the near real-time RIC to perform a non-periodic reset of the setting, the notification includes second information used when aperiodic resetting of the setting is performed, the second information being generated based on the first information in the near real-time RIC; The control method further comprises: and performing a non-periodic reset of the setting using the second information based on the notification. A control method comprising:

19. A program for causing a computer included in a control device that functions as a quasi-real-time RIC in an Open-Radio Access Network (O-RAN) including a Near-Realtime RAN Intelligent Controller (quasi-real-time RIC) and a Non-Realtime RIC to execute the control method according to claim 17.

20. A program for causing a computer included in a control device that functions as a non-real-time RIC in an Open-Radio Access Network (O-RAN) including a Near-Realtime RAN Intelligent Controller (Near-Realtime RIC) and a Non-Realtime RIC to execute the control method according to claim 18.

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