Communication control method, communication system, and program

Abstract

To make it possible to perform communication satisfying the conditions related to energy consumption with desired communication quality.SOLUTION: A communication control method causes a first device to obtain information indicating energy conditions, including at least one of a first condition relating to at least one of energy consumption consumed in communication using a network and energy efficiency based on the energy consumption, and a second condition relating to the utilization rate of renewable energy in the communication; and the first device to determine at least one of a network node applied to the communication and a policy applied to the communication, based on desired communication quality and the energy conditions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication control method, a communication system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is a technology for dynamically allocating data processing in accordance with the power generated by renewable energy in a plurality of data centers (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-189845 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure aims to provide a communication control method, a communication system, and a program that enable communication that satisfies conditions related to energy consumption to be performed with desired communication quality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is a method for transmitting a signal to a first device, the first device being consumed in communication using a network. acquiring information indicating energy conditions including at least one of a first condition related to at least one of an amount of energy consumed by the communication and energy efficiency based on the amount of energy consumed, and a second condition related to renewable energy in the communication; The first device determines at least one of a network node in the network to be applied to the communication and a policy to be applied to the communication based on a desired communication quality and the energy conditions.

[0006] Also, one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first device, the first device being configured to A communication system including a circuit that executes the following: acquiring information indicating energy conditions, the information including at least one of a first condition related to at least one of an amount of energy consumed in the communication to be used and energy efficiency based on the amount of energy consumed, and a second condition related to renewable energy in the communication; and determining, based on the desired communication quality and the energy condition, at least one of a network node in the network to be applied to the communication and a policy to be applied to the communication.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a program that causes a computer provided in a first device to execute the steps of: acquiring information indicating energy conditions, including at least one of a first condition regarding at least one of the amount of energy consumed in communication using a network and energy efficiency based on the amount of energy consumed, and a second condition regarding the utilization rate of renewable energy in the communication; and determining at least one of a network node in the network to be applied to the communication and a policy to be applied to the communication based on the desired communication quality and the energy conditions.

[0008] Aspects of the present disclosure may include at least one of a device corresponding to the first device and the second device in the above-described communication system, and a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having a program recorded thereon. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, communication that satisfies conditions regarding energy consumption can be performed with desired communication quality. This makes it possible to do so. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams of a fifth generation mobile communication system (5G). [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating a first operation example of the communication system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating a second operation example of the communication system. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating a second operation example of the communication system. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating a third operation example of the communication system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In the communication control method according to the embodiment, a first device performs communication using a network. The first device acquires information indicating energy conditions, including at least one of a first condition related to at least one of an amount of energy consumed and energy efficiency based on the amount of energy consumed, and a second condition related to a utilization rate of renewable energy in communication. The first device also determines at least one of a network node in the network to be applied to communication and a policy to be applied to communication, based on the desired communication quality and the energy conditions. This enables communication that satisfies the energy consumption condition to be performed with the desired communication quality.

[0012] The network is, for example, a 5G network, but may also be a cellular network other than a 5G network (such as a 4G (LTE) network or a 6G network). The network may also include a wireless network other than a cellular network (such as a wireless LAN (including Wi-Fi)).

[0013] Energy-related conditions include, for example, conditions regarding energy consumption (EC), conditions regarding energy efficiency (EE), and conditions regarding renewable energy. The condition is at least one of the following: conditions related to energy use (amount of renewable energy, renewable energy rate: renewable energy utilization rate). The condition may be a single condition or a composite condition consisting of two or more conditions. Renewable energy includes natural energy such as sunlight, solar heat, wind power, tidal power, and geothermal power, biomass energy, and recycled energy such as waste-to-energy power generation. Information related to renewable energy includes information indicating the amount of renewable energy and information indicating the utilization rate of renewable energy. The values ​​indicating the amount or utilization rate of EE, EC, and renewable energy may be current values ​​or future values ​​(predicted values ​​or estimated values).

[0014] The communication quality can be controlled by a quality parameter. The quality parameter may be, for example, a QoS (Quality of Service) parameter. The quality parameter may also be a QoS parameter that realizes QoE (Quality of Experience). The data may be, for example, but not limited to, throughput, error rate, delay, bit rate, etc. The unit of "communication" may be, but not limited to, UE (User Equipment), PDU session, network function (NF), network slice, or site.

[0015] A communication system and a communication control method according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The configurations of the embodiments are examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments.

[0016] <Communication system configuration> FIG. 1A shows the components that make up a fifth-generation mobile communication system (5G network). In FIG. 1A, UE (User Equipment) 2 is a terminal of a user (subscriber). RAN (Radio Access Network) 3 is an access network to the 5G core network (5GC). RAN 3 is composed of a base station (gNB) 3A. The 5G network is ) and an access network ((R)AN), and UE2, DN5, and AL12 are connected to the 5G network. Each of NF11a to NF11k is a function realized by, for example, one or more computers (information processing devices) executing a program.

[0017] 5GC is composed of a set of components (called network nodes) with specific functions called NFs (Network Functions). Figure 1A shows the following NFs 11 that make up 5GC: UPF (User Plane Function) 11a AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function)11b SMF (Session Management Function)11c PCF(Policy Control Function)11d NEF(Network Exposure Function)11e NRF(Network Repository Function)11g NSSF(Network Slice Selection Function)11h AUSF(Authentication Server Function)11i UDM(Unified Data Management)11j NWDAF(Network Data Analytics Function)11k

[0018] The UPF 11a performs routing and forwarding of user packets (user plane packets sent and received by the UE 2), packet inspection, and QoS processing. The AMF 11b is a device that accommodates the UE 2 in the 5GC area. The AMF 11b accommodates the RAN 3 and performs subscriber authentication control and UE 2 location (mobility) management. The UDM 11j provides subscriber information, or acquires, registers, deletes, and changes the status of the UE 2.

[0019] The SMF 11c manages PDU (Protocol Data Unit) sessions and controls the UPF 11a to implement QoS control and policy control. The PDU session is a virtual communication path for transmitting and receiving data between the UE 2 and a DN (Data Network) 5. The DN 5 is a data network (such as the Internet) external to the 5GC.

[0020] The PCF 11d performs QoS control, policy control, and billing control under the control of the SMF 11c. QoS control controls the quality of communication, such as priority packet forwarding. Policy control controls communication, such as QoS based on network or subscriber information, packet forwarding availability, and billing. The NEF 11e controls functions such as the AF (Application Function) 12. It acts as an intermediary for communication between external nodes and nodes within the control plane. AF12 is an information processing device (external server, external terminal, etc.) that implements applications outside of 5GC.

[0021] The NRF 11g stores and manages information about NFs (e.g., AMF, SMF, UPF, etc.) within the 5GC. In response to an inquiry about an NF desired to be used, the NRF 11g can return multiple NF candidates to the inquiry source.

[0022] The NSSF11h has the function of selecting the network slice to be used by the subscriber from among the network slices generated by network slicing. A network slice is a virtual network with specifications according to the application.

[0023] The AUSF 11i is a subscriber authentication server that performs subscriber authentication under the control of the AMF 11b. The UDM 11j is a database that stores subscriber-related information, etc. The NWDAF 11k is an NF that has the function of collecting and analyzing data from each NF 11, OAM terminal 8 (1B), AF 12, etc., and provides network analysis information.

[0024] Each NF forming 5GC is composed of one or more information processing devices (general-purpose devices or appliances (dedicated devices)). Information processing devices are installed in special buildings called data centers. Data centers are also called station buildings. As shown in Figure 1B, one or more data centers 6 are placed within the communication area of ​​5GC (Figure 1B shows an example of 3), and data centers 6 are connected by communication lines 7. Each data center 6 is provided with an OAM (Operations, Administration, and Maintenance) terminal 8. The OAM terminal 8 has the function of operating, managing, and maintaining the network (5GC).

[0025] In 5GC, multiple NFs of the same type may be prepared. For example, an NF 11 may be prepared for each data center 6. Also, one NF 11 may be shared between data centers 6. Also, multiple NFs 11 of the same type may be configured in one data center 6. The number of data centers 6, the number of NFs 11, and the correspondence between the NFs 11 and the data centers 6 may be set as appropriate.

[0026] <Configuration of information processing device> Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device that can operate as each of the UE 2, NFs 11a to 11k, OAM terminal 8, and AF 12. In Fig. 3, the information processing device 20 can be configured using a dedicated or general-purpose information processing device (computer) such as a personal computer (PC), a workstation (WS), or a server machine. However, the information processing device 20 may also be a collection (cloud) of one or more computers.

[0027] The information processing device 20 includes a processor 21 as a processing unit or control unit (controller), a storage device 22, a communication interface 23 (communication IF23), an input device 24, and a display 25, which are interconnected via a bus 26.

[0028] The storage device 22 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The main storage device is used as at least one of a storage area for programs and data, a program development area, a program work area, and a buffer area for communication data. The main storage device is configured with RAM (Random Access Memory) or a combination of RAM and ROM (Read Only Memory). The auxiliary storage device is used as a storage area for data and programs. A non-volatile storage medium is used as the auxiliary storage device. Examples of non-volatile storage media include a hard disk, a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, and an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). The storage device 22 may also include a drive device for a disk recording medium.

[0029] The communication IF 23 is a circuit that performs communication processing. For example, the communication IF 23 is a network interface card (NIC). The communication IF 23 may also be a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication (5G, wireless LAN (Wi-Fi), BLE, etc.). F23 may be a combination of a circuit that performs wired communication processing and a wireless communication circuit.

[0030] The input device 24 includes keys, buttons, a pointing device, a touch panel, etc., and is used to input information. The display 25 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, etc., and displays information and data.

[0031] The processor 21 performs various processes by executing various programs stored in the storage device 22. When the processor 21 executes the programs stored in the storage device 22, the information processing device 20 can operate as each of the UE 2, NFs 11a to 11k, OAM terminal 8, and AF 12 (external server).

[0032] The processor 21 is, for example, a Central Processing Unit (CPU). The processor 21 may be a single processor or a multiprocessor. A single physical CPU connected via a single socket may have a multi-core configuration. The processor 21 may include an arithmetic unit with various circuit configurations, such as a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) or a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). The processor 21 may also be configured to cooperate with at least one of an integrated circuit (IC), other digital circuit, and analog circuit. The integrated circuit may be an LSI, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), or a programmable logic circuit (PLC). The PLD includes, for example, a CPLD and a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). The processor 21 is, for example, a microcontroller. This also includes what are called MCUs, SoCs (System-on-a-chips), system LSIs, chipsets, etc. The entities that execute the processes of the above-mentioned processor 21, ASICs, PLDs, MCUs, SoCs, chipsets, etc. are examples of "circuitry."

[0033] <First operation example> FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the communication system. The AF 12 connected to the 5GC transmits a request message to the NEF 11e at an appropriate timing (FIG. 3). <1> The request message includes QoS parameters to be used (set) for communication in a specific communication unit (UE, PDU session, NF, site, or network slice), information indicating energy conditions, and a negotiation flag (information to prompt the generation and transmission of a reply).

[0034] The QoS parameters may include parameters specifying throughput, error rate, delay, etc. The QoS parameters are not limited to these. The energy conditions include conditions related to at least one of EE, EC, renewable energy amount, and renewable energy rate.

[0035] EC, for example, indicates the amount of energy utilized to achieve the purpose of a particular system. EC can be expressed in joules [J], watt-hours (Wh, or watts per second [Ws]). EE also indicates the relationship between energy consumption (EC) and useful output (EE = output / EC). When renewable energy is used for energy, the EC value is EC = EC(renewable) + EC(non-renewable), and the EC value for renewable energy is It is expressed as the sum of EC and EC related to non-renewable energy. The renewable energy ratio (RER) is expressed as RER = EC(renewable) / (EC(renewable) + EC(non-renewable)).

[0036] As mentioned above, EE is the ratio of output (e.g., transmitted data volume) to power consumption (EC). EE can be improved by increasing the amount of data transmitted with the same power, reducing power consumption with the same data volume, or increasing or decreasing both data and power so that the data ratio is higher. Increasing RER can also decrease EE. For example, even though NFs can be aggregated at the same site, NFs may be selected from different sites to take advantage of renewable energy sources. This selection has merit from the perspective of the core network. For this reason, there are users who are willing to sacrifice a small amount of EE in order to prioritize RER.

[0037] In this way, the energy conditions (energy-related conditions) can include at least one of conditions related to the amount of energy consumed (EC conditions) and conditions related to energy efficiency based on the amount of energy consumed (EE conditions). Furthermore, the energy conditions can include conditions related to the amount of renewable energy and conditions related to the renewable energy rate (RER) as conditions related to the use of renewable energy in communications.

[0038] The energy condition can be set for one or more selected from EE, EC, renewable energy amount, and renewable energy rate (RER: renewable energy utilization rate). Priorities can be set for two or more selected from EE, EC, renewable energy amount, and renewable energy rate (e.g., EE priority, EC priority, RER priority, etc.). For example, if a condition of a predetermined priority (e.g., first priority) is satisfied, the energy condition can be determined to be satisfied even if a condition of a lower priority is not satisfied. Of course, the energy condition can also be determined to be satisfied when all of multiple conditions included in the energy condition are satisfied. The EE condition can be set, for example, as a required amount of power per unit bit. The EC condition can be set, for example, as a condition that is equal to or less than a predetermined amount of power. The renewable energy rate condition can be set as a required renewable energy rate (e.g., 50% or more). A composite condition can also be set that combines two or more conditions selected from EE, EC, renewable energy amount, and renewable energy rate. The energy conditions used may be those set at the time of signing a contract for the provision of communication services, or may be those set dynamically.

[0039] The NEF11e converts the request message from the AF12 into a format within the 5GC and sends it to the NWDAF11k (Figure 3 <2> ). Instead of the NWDAF 11k, a new NF that processes the request may be applied. Furthermore, the processing of the request may be performed by one or more existing NFs 11, or may be performed in cooperation with one or more existing NFs 11 and one or more new NFs 11. Instead of the NWDAF 11k, one or more existing NFs 11 (for example, PCF 11d, AMF 11b, SMF 11c, etc.) other than the NWDAF 11k may process the request from the AF 12 (NEF 11e). Alternatively, the NWDAF 11k and the existing NF 11 (and / or new NF 11) may cooperate to process the request from the AF 12 (NEF 11e). The processing may be performed as follows.

[0040] The NWDAF 11k collects information (energy-related information) for calculating at least one of EE, EC, and renewable energy according to the energy conditions from a predetermined NF 11 and / or an OAM terminal 8. The NWDAF 11k calculates at least one of EE, EC, and renewable energy-related information (amount or rate) according to the energy conditions (FIG. 3 <3> ).

[0041] In more detail, in an embodiment, the operation of the 5G network (5GC1 and RAN3), i.e., part of the electricity required to run the 5G network, can be covered using renewable energy.

[0042] The NWDAF11k operates as a data analyzer and collects energy-related information for the entire 5G network or part of it (UE, PDU session, NF, site, or slice). The energy-related information includes information indicating the usage status of EE, EC, and renewable energy.

[0043] The NWDAF 11k can acquire energy-related information from the NFs 11 (for example, the UPF 11a, the SMF 11c, the AMF 11b, the PCF 11d, and the UDM 11j), the OAM terminal 8, the RAN 3 (base station), and the like.

[0044] The energy-related information is acquired by, for example, receiving information periodically transmitted from the device of the provider. Alternatively, the NWDAF 11k may transmit a request for provision and acquire information transmitted from the device of the provider in response to the request. The range (unit) of energy-related information possessed by the device can be set as appropriate. As described above, the range of energy-related information is the entire 5G network or a part of it, for example, a communication unit such as a UE, a PDU session, an NF, a site, or a network slice.

[0045] The NWDAF 11k can use (analyze) the QoS parameters and energy-related information included in the request to calculate (generate) at least one of information indicating the current EE, EC, amount of renewable energy, and renewable energy rate, and information (prediction information) indicating the EE, EC, amount of renewable energy, and renewable energy rate at a future time point. The number of future time points (prediction time points) and the length of time between prediction time points (elapsed time from the present time) can be set as appropriate. When setting energy conditions, it is possible to set the acquisition of either current information or future information, or the acquisition of both. In the explanation using Figure 3, for simplicity, a case will be described where only current information is handled.

[0046] The calculation of EE, EC, renewable energy amount and renewable energy rate can be done according to the content of the energy conditions. For example, if conditions for EE and EC are set, EE and EC are calculated and the calculation for renewable energy is omitted.

[0047] The NWDAF 11k calculates the EC when communication is performed according to the QoS parameters for each communication unit, and calculates the EE by dividing the predetermined output for each communication unit by the EC. Furthermore, the NWDAF 11k can also calculate the renewable energy rate from the amount of renewable energy obtained as energy-related information. The NWDAF 11k generates a reply message including at least one of the EE, EC, amount of renewable energy, and renewable energy rate according to the energy conditions, and transmits it to the NEF 11e (see Figure 3). <4> ).

[0048] The NEF 11e determines whether at least one of the EE, EC, renewable energy amount, and renewable energy rate included in the reply message satisfies the energy conditions (see FIG. 3). <5> If it is determined that the energy condition is not satisfied, the NEF 11e sends a re-request message to the NEWDAF 11k, which includes QoS parameters whose values ​​are relaxed (relaxed conditions) from the QoS parameters included in the request from the AF 12 (see Figure 3). <6> ).

[0049] Based on the relaxed QoS, NWDAF11k recalculates at least one of EE, EC, renewable energy amount, and renewable energy rate (Figure 3 <7> ), generates a reply message including the result of the recalculation and sends it to NEF11e (Figure 3 <8> ).

[0050] When the NEF 11e determines that at least one of the EE, EC, renewable energy amount, and renewable energy rate in the request received from the NWDAF 11k satisfies the energy conditions from the AF 12, the NEF 11e generates a response message including information indicating that the energy conditions are satisfied and transmits the response message to the AF 12 (see FIG. 3). <9> ). This allows the user (operator) of the AF 12 to know that the QoS parameters desired to be used in communication satisfy the energy requirements. Then, the NF 11, such as the SMF 11c or the PCF 11d, can set such QoS parameters to the NFs (such as the AMF 11b, the SMF 11c, and the UPF 11a) for communication.

[0051] On the other hand, if it is determined that at least one of the EE, EC, renewable energy amount, and renewable energy rate in the request received from the NWDAF 11k does not satisfy the energy condition from the AF 12, the NEF 11e determines whether the recalculation result received from the NWDAF 11k satisfies the energy condition. Here, if it is determined that the energy condition is satisfied, the NEF 11e sets a relaxed QoS parameter. A response message containing the information can be generated and sent to the AF12 (Figure 3 <9> ).

[0052] If the recalculation result does not satisfy the energy requirement, the NEF11e can request a recalculation with further relaxed QoS parameters (Fig. 3 <6> ) Such a loop process is performed, and if the initial QoS parameters do not satisfy the energy condition, the AF 12 can receive information indicating relaxed QoS parameters that satisfy the energy condition from the NEF 11e. If the energy condition cannot be satisfied ultimately, a message indicating that the energy condition cannot be satisfied may be returned to the AF 12.

[0053] In addition, the NEF11e may perform calculations for one or more future points in time regarding at least one of the EE, EC, renewable energy amount, and renewable energy rate according to the energy conditions, determine the time periods when the energy conditions are met, and include the results in a response message to the AF12.

[0054] In addition, NWDAF11k detects changes in the network status (Fig. 3 <10> ), information indicating the state change may be notified to the AF 12 via the NEF 11e (see FIG. 3). <11> ,Figure 3 <12> ) The AF 12 receives a notification of a state change and sends a request message, thereby being able to know whether communication according to the desired QoS parameters is possible in a state that satisfies the energy requirements.

[0055] The first operation example described above can be modified as follows. <3> Based on the calculation results in Figure 5 <5> (NEF11e is shown in Figure 5 <4> Figure 5 <5> If the energy condition is not satisfied, the NWDAF 11k recalculates the relaxed QoS parameters (preserved by the NWDAF 11k or acquired from another NF 11) (see FIG. 5). <7> Then, the NWDAF 11k transmits information indicating relaxed QoS parameters that satisfy the energy condition (alternative QoS parameters) to the NEF 11e, and the NEF 11e transmits information based on the determination result, including the information indicating the relaxed QoS parameters, to the AF 12.

[0056] <Second operation example> 4 is a sequence diagram showing a second operation example of the communication system. In FIG. 4, procedure 1A and procedure 1B are illustrated, and either procedure 1A or procedure 1B is performed. The request received by the NF 11A in <1B-1> in procedure 1B is the same as that in FIG. 3. <1> request (QoS parameters and energy requirements).

[0057] In contrast, in step 1A, NF11A sends a request to UDM11j, and receives the reply from UDM11k as shown in Figure 3. <1> It can receive QoS parameters and energy requirements sent to the NEF11e in the procedure.

[0058] Figure 5 shows the same as Figure 4 <3> The NF 11A can perform the following NF selection, for example. The NRF 11g stores and manages information about the NFs 11 (for example, the AMF 11b, the SMF 11c, the UPF 11a, etc.) in the 5GC. The NF 11A makes an inquiry to the NRF 11g (see FIG. 5). <1> ), multiple NF11 candidates can be obtained from NRF11g ( Figure 5 <2> ).

[0059] The NF 11A sends a request to the NWDAF 11k, which includes QoS parameters, information on multiple candidate NFs, and energy requirements (see FIG. 5). <3> The NWDAF11k collects information on multiple NF candidates and calculates the EC, EE, and renewable energy amount or rate according to the energy conditions for each NF candidate.

[0060] In response, NF11A receives the calculation results for each candidate from NWDAF11k (Figure 5 <5> ) In addition, as shown in Figure 5 above, <1> ~ <5> Instead of the operation shown in FIG. 5, the following operation may be performed. <1> In this case, NF11A performs the following during the request: <3> The NRF 11g, upon receiving the request, sends a request including information on multiple candidate NFs 11, QoS parameters, and energy conditions to the NWDAF 11k. The NWDAF 11k receives the request as shown in FIG. <4> The NRF 11g then returns the calculation results for each candidate to the NRF 11g. The NRF 11g then returns the information on multiple NF 11 candidates and the calculation results for each candidate as shown in Figure 5. <2> In this manner, NF11A may obtain the calculation result for each candidate.

[0061] The NF11A determines whether the calculation results for each candidate satisfy the energy condition (see Figure 5). <6> NF11A selects one NF11 from multiple NF11 candidates that satisfy the energy conditions according to a predetermined rule (e.g., minimum EC or maximum RER) (Fig. 5<Fig. 7>).

[0062] If there is no candidate that satisfies the energy requirement and it is necessary to relax the QoS to be applied to the communication, the NF 11A transmits a policy change request including information indicating the relaxed QoS parameters to the PCF 11d (see FIG. 5). <8> The PCF 11d sets or updates the necessary policy and charging (PCC) rules according to the relaxed QoS parameters (see FIG. 5). <9> ) The policy change applies relaxed QoS to the communication.

[0063] <Third operation example> In the second operation example, an example of selecting an NF was shown, but the policy change can be performed regardless of the selection of an NF. FIG. 6 shows a third operation example. In FIG. 6, the NF 11A sends a request including desired QoS parameters and energy conditions to the NWDAF 11k (FIG. 6 <1> ) Then, NWDAF11k becomes as shown in Figure 5. <4> The same process is performed as shown in Figure 6 <2> The NF 11A receives a response from the NWDAF 11k indicating that the desired QoS parameters satisfy (or do not satisfy) the energy requirements (see Figure 6). <3> ), it can be determined whether the energy condition is satisfied (Fig. 6 <4> In this case, if it is necessary to reflect the QoS parameters in the policy (apply them to the communication), the NF 11A sends a policy change request to the PCF 11d (see FIG. 6). <5> ), PCF11d changes the policy (Figure 6 <6> ) In this way, the sequence of Fig. 5 shows the selection of NF. <1> , <2> and <7> By performing the operations excluding the procedure in (1), it is possible to change the policy based on the QoS parameters and the energy conditions.

[0064] <Effects of the embodiment> According to the communication control method in the communication system according to the embodiment, the first device (NF11A ) acquires information indicating energy conditions including at least one of a first condition for at least one of the amount of energy consumed (EC) and the energy efficiency (EE) based on the amount of energy consumed in communication using a network (5G network), and a second condition for the renewable energy utilization rate (RER) in the communication. Furthermore, the first device determines at least one of a network node (NF) in the network to be applied to the communication and a policy to be applied to the communication based on the desired communication quality (QoS parameter) and the energy condition. This makes it possible to perform communication that satisfies the conditions regarding energy consumption with the desired communication quality.

[0065] According to the communication system of the embodiment, the first device (NF11A) may acquire information indicating the first condition and the second condition from a database (UDM11j) arranged in the network (Step 1A). The information indicating the first condition and the second condition transmitted from an external device (AF12) in the network may be acquired.

[0066] According to the communication system of the embodiment, a first device (NF11A) acquires information indicating a plurality of network node candidates applicable to communication. The first device (NF11A) also acquires information indicating at least one of the EC, EE, and the amount or utilization rate of renewable energy (RER) when a desired communication quality is used for communication, for each of the plurality of NF candidates. Then, the first device (NF11A) can select an NF to be applied to communication from the plurality of NF candidates based on the information indicating at least one of the EC, EE, and the amount or utilization rate of renewable energy for each of the plurality of NF candidates.

[0067] According to the communication system of the embodiment, the first device (NF 11A) can transmit a request to change the policy applied to communication to the network node (PCF 11d) that performs policy control.

[0068] According to the communication system of the embodiment, a first device (NF11A) may transmit information indicating a desired communication quality to a second device, receive information from the second device indicating at least one of the energy consumption, energy efficiency, and amount or utilization rate of renewable energy used when the desired communication quality is used for communication, and determine whether to apply the communication quality to the communication if the information indicating at least one of the energy consumption, energy efficiency, and amount or utilization rate of renewable energy satisfies an energy condition.

[0069] According to the communication system of the embodiment, the first device (11A) may determine application of communication quality (QoS parameters) in which the desired communication quality is relaxed, which is received when communication using the desired communication quality does not satisfy at least one of the first and second conditions. In the second operation example, information on whether the first condition and the second condition are satisfied is transmitted to the NF 11A. In contrast, also in the second operation example, relaxed QoS parameters in the case where the energy conditions (first and second conditions) are satisfied by relaxing the QoS parameters may be notified (transmitted) to the NF 11A, and the NF 11A may determine application of the notified relaxed QoS parameters to the communication.

[0070] The above-described embodiment and modifications are merely examples, and the present disclosure may be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the processes and means described in the present disclosure may be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0071] Furthermore, a process described as being performed by one device may be shared and executed by multiple devices. Alternatively, a process described as being performed by different devices may be executed by one device. In a computer system, the hardware configuration (server configuration) by which each function is realized can be flexibly changed.

[0072] The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a computer program that implements the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer, and having one or more processors of the computer read and execute the program. Such a computer program may be provided to the computer by a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium connectable to the system bus of the computer, or may be provided to the computer via a network. Non-transitory computer-readable storage media include, for example, any type of disk, such as a magnetic disk (e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk drive (HDD), etc.), an optical disk (e.g., a CD-ROM, a DVD disk, a Blu-ray disk), a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an EPROM, an EEPROM, a magnetic This includes any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions, such as a card, flash memory, or optical card. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 2···UE, 3···RAN, 11a to 11k···NF, 12···AF, 21···Processor, 22···Storage device

Claims

1. The first device calculates the amount of energy consumed in communication using the network and acquiring information indicating energy conditions, the information including at least one of a first condition related to at least one of an energy efficiency based on the consumption amount and a second condition related to renewable energy in the communication; the first device determining, based on a desired communication quality and the energy condition, at least one of a network node in the network to be applied to the communication and a policy to be applied to the communication; A communication control method including:

2. The first device obtains information indicative of the energy condition from a database located on the network. The communication control method according to claim 1 , further comprising:

3. The first device acquires information indicating the energy condition transmitted from an external device of the network. The communication control method according to claim 1 , further comprising:

4. The first device acquires information indicating a plurality of candidate network nodes applicable to the communication; The first device acquires, for each of the plurality of network node candidates, information indicating at least one of the amount of energy consumption, energy efficiency based on the amount of energy consumption, and an amount or utilization rate of renewable energy in the communication when the desired communication quality is used for the communication; the first device selects a network node to be applied to the communication from among the plurality of network node candidates based on information indicating at least one of the energy consumption, the energy efficiency, and the amount or utilization rate of the renewable energy for each of the plurality of network node candidates; The communication control method according to claim 1 , further comprising:

5. The first device transmits a request to change the policy applied to the communication to a network node that performs policy control. The communication control method according to claim 1 , further comprising:

6. the first device transmitting information indicating the desired communication quality to a second device; The first device receives, from the second device, information indicating at least one of the energy consumption amount, the energy efficiency, and the amount or utilization rate of the renewable energy used when the desired communication quality is used for the communication; the first device determines application of the communication quality to the communication when the information indicating the energy consumption amount, the energy efficiency, and the amount or utilization rate of the renewable energy satisfies the energy condition; The communication control method according to claim 1 , further comprising:

7. When the first device receives information indicating a communication quality in which the desired communication quality is relaxed, the first device determines to apply the relaxed communication quality to the communication. The communication control method according to claim 1 , further comprising:

8. a first device, The first device measures the consumption of energy consumed in communication using a network. acquiring information indicating energy conditions, the information including at least one of a first condition related to at least one of an amount of electricity consumed and energy efficiency based on the amount of electricity consumed, and a second condition related to renewable energy in the communication; the first device determining, based on a desired communication quality and the energy condition, at least one of a network node in the network to be applied to the communication and a policy to be applied to the communication; A circuit that executes A communication system including:

9. The circuitry obtains information indicative of the energy condition from a database located on the network.

9. The communication system of claim 8.

10. The circuitry receives information indicating the energy condition transmitted from an external device of the network.

9. The communication system of claim 8.

11. the circuitry obtains information indicating a plurality of candidate network nodes applicable to the communication; For each of the plurality of network node candidates, information indicating at least one of the amount of energy consumption, energy efficiency based on the amount of energy consumption, and an amount or utilization rate of renewable energy in the communication when the desired communication quality is used for the communication is acquired; Selecting a network node to be applied to the communication from among the plurality of network node candidates based on information indicating at least one of the energy consumption amount, the energy efficiency, and the amount or utilization rate of the renewable energy for each of the plurality of network node candidates.

9. The communication system of claim 8.

12. The circuit transmits a request to change the policy applied to the communication to a network node that performs policy control.

9. The communication system of claim 8.

13. the circuitry transmitting information indicative of the desired communication quality to a second device; the circuit receives, from the second device, information indicating at least one of the amount of energy consumption, the energy efficiency, and the amount or utilization rate of the renewable energy used when the desired communication quality is used for the communication; The circuit determines application of the communication quality to the communication when information indicating at least one of the energy consumption amount, the energy efficiency, and the amount or utilization rate of the renewable energy satisfies the energy condition.

9. The communication system of claim 8.

14. The circuit determines application of the relaxed communication quality to the communication when information indicating that the desired communication quality is relaxed is received.

9. The communication system of claim 8.

15. A computer included in the first device The energy condition includes at least one of a first condition regarding at least one of an amount of energy consumed in communication using the network and energy efficiency based on the amount of energy consumed, and a second condition regarding a utilization rate of renewable energy in the communication. obtaining information determining, based on a desired communication quality and the energy condition, at least one of a network node in the network to be applied to the communication and a policy to be applied to the communication; A program that executes the following.

16. causing the computer to execute a step of acquiring information indicating the energy condition from a database located on the network; The program according to claim 15.

17. causing the computer to execute a step of acquiring information indicating the energy condition transmitted from an external device of the network; The program according to claim 15.

18. acquiring, in the computer, information indicating a plurality of candidate network nodes applicable to the communication; acquiring, for each of the plurality of network node candidates, information indicating at least one of the amount of energy consumption, energy efficiency based on the amount of energy consumption, and an amount or utilization rate of renewable energy in the communication when the desired communication quality is used for the communication; selecting a network node to be applied to the communication from among the plurality of network node candidates based on information indicating at least one of the energy consumption, the energy efficiency, and the amount or utilization rate of the renewable energy for each of the plurality of network node candidates; The program according to claim 15, which causes the program to execute the above.

19. causing the computer to execute a step of transmitting a request to change the policy applied to the communication to a network node that performs policy control; The program according to claim 15.

20. causing the computer to transmit information indicating the desired communication quality to a second device; receiving, from the second device, information indicating at least one of the energy consumption amount, the energy efficiency, and the amount or utilization rate of the renewable energy used when the desired communication quality is used for the communication; determining application of the communication quality to the communication when information indicating at least one of the energy consumption amount, the energy efficiency, and the amount or utilization rate of the renewable energy satisfies the energy condition; The program according to claim 15, which causes the program to execute the above.

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