Use of renewable energy in wireless networks

Abstract

[0009] Systems, methods, and devices for renewable energy use within a network are provided. According to embodiments, the system may include a storage device that stores computer-executable instructions and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the storage device, the at least one processor configured to execute instructions to identify one or more network resources that use renewable energy sources and calculate energy consumption values ​​for users that use the identified one or more network resources.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The disclosure described herein relates to methods and systems for renewable energy utilization within wireless networks. [Background technology]

[0002] Renewable energy can be energy derived from natural resources that are generally replenished at a rate greater than that which is consumed. For example, solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, marine, and bioenergy are renewable energy sources that are continually replenished by their inherent properties. In contrast, non-renewable energy can include fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas, which can take millions of years to form and may also produce harmful greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide.

[0003] Network service operators have recently set specific targets for reducing their carbon intensity and footprint over the next few years, with the ultimate goal of achieving net-zero emissions. While 5G New Radio (NR) offers improved energy efficiency, new 5G use cases and the growing adoption of mmWave are likely to increase the number of sites, base stations, and antennas, which, if left unchecked, could offset the aforementioned energy efficiency gains. Operators are therefore interested in powering their networks using renewable energy sources to reduce emissions and increase network efficiency. It is also important for operators to understand and track the percentage of energy consumed in their networks that comes from renewable sources and make this available to customers and authorized third parties. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Therefore, what is needed are systems, processes, and devices that enable network service providers to identify the amount of renewable energy used within their networks and further enable their customers and subscribers to view their energy consumption usage, including each customer's usage from renewable energy sources.

[0005] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems, methods, and devices that enable network service providers to identify the amount of renewable energy utilized within their networks and allow their customers and subscribers to further view their individual energy consumption usage, including each customer's usage of renewable energy sources. The disclosure described herein is cost-effective and can utilize minimal computing resources, further helping to reduce the carbon footprint of network service providers / operators and their users. Furthermore, the disclosure described herein can help encourage network service providers to implement network resources, components, and features that are more energy-efficient and rely on renewable energy sources. Furthermore, the disclosure described herein can ensure transparency and accountability for network service providers that use renewable energy utilization as opposed to non-renewable energy sources, thereby further improving customer satisfaction and / or complying with certain regulations. Additionally, the disclosure described herein enables, among other advantages and technical improvements, a convenient way for customers of a network service provider to manage and view their energy usage, thereby enabling customers to make certain changes to their network usage behavior in order to maximize energy efficiency, costs, and use of renewable energy sources. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to some embodiments, a system is provided that may include a storage device that stores computer-executable instructions and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the storage device, the at least one processor configured to execute instructions to identify one or more network resources that use renewable energy sources and calculate energy consumption values ​​for users that use the identified one or more network resources.

[0007] According to some embodiments, a method is provided, the method being executed by at least one processor and may include identifying one or more network resources that use renewable energy sources and calculating energy consumption values ​​for users that use the identified one or more network resources.

[0008] According to some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon instructions executable by at least one processor to cause the at least one processor to perform a method including identifying one or more network resources that use renewable energy sources and calculating energy consumption values ​​for users of the identified one or more network resources.

[0009] The features, advantages, and significance of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, and in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a general system architecture of the disclosure described herein, according to one or more embodiments.

[0011] [Figure 2]FIG. 1 depicts a process flow diagram of the disclosed methods described herein, according to one or more embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements.

[0013] The above disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit implementations to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the implementations. Furthermore, one or more features or components of one embodiment may be incorporated into or combined with another embodiment (or one or more features of another embodiment). Additionally, in the flowcharts and descriptions of operations provided below, it should be understood that one or more operations may be omitted, one or more operations may be added, one or more operations may be performed (at least partially) concurrently, and the order of one or more operations may be rearranged.

[0014] It will be apparent that the systems and / or methods described herein may be implemented in different forms of hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. The actual dedicated control hardware or software code used to implement these systems and / or methods is not limiting of the implementation. Thus, the operation and behavior of the systems and / or methods have been described herein without reference to specific software code. It will be understood that software and hardware can be designed to implement the systems and / or methods based on the description herein.

[0015] Although particular combinations of features are recited in the claims and / or disclosed herein, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of possible implementations. Indeed, many of these features can be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and / or disclosed herein. Although each dependent claim listed below may depend directly on only one claim, the disclosure of possible implementations includes each dependent claim in combination with all other claims in the claim set.

[0016] No element, act, or instruction used herein should be construed as critical or required unless expressly stated as such. Also, as used herein, the articles "a" and "an" are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with "one or more." Where only one item is intended, the term "one" or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, terms such as "has," "have," "having," "include," and "including" are intended to be open-ended terms. Furthermore, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based at least in part on," unless specifically stated otherwise. Furthermore, phrases such as "at least one of [A] and [B]" or "at least one of [A] or [B]" should be understood to include A only, B only, or both A and B.

[0017] Throughout this specification, references to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "a non-limiting exemplary embodiment," or similar language mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the illustrated embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the solution. Thus, throughout this specification, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment," "in one non-limiting exemplary embodiment," and similar language may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0018] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the present disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize, in light of the description herein, that the present disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other cases, additional features and advantages may be recognized in particular embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] In one implementation of the disclosure described herein, a display page can include information residing in the memory of a computing device, which can be transmitted from the computing device to the database center and vice versa over a network. The information can be stored in memory at the computing device, a data storage device residing at the edge of the network, or a server at the database center. A computing device or mobile device can accept non-transitory computer-readable media that can be stored in the mobile device's permanent or temporary memory or that can affect or initiate an action by the mobile device. Similarly, one or more servers can communicate with one or more mobile devices over a network and can transmit computer files residing in their memory. The network can include, for example, the Internet, a wireless communication network, or any other network for connecting one or more mobile devices to one or more servers.

[0020] Any discussion of computing, user device, user equipment, or mobile device may apply to any type of network device, including, but not limited to, mobile devices and telephones such as mobile phones (e.g., any "smartphone"), personal computers, server computers, or laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), or roaming devices such as network-attached roaming devices, or wireless devices such as wireless email devices or other devices capable of wirelessly communicating with computer networks, or any other type of network device capable of communicating over a network and processing electronic transactions. Any discussion of any mobile device mentioned may also apply to other devices, such as short-range ultra-high frequency (UHF) devices, near-field communication (NFC), infrared (IR), and devices including Wi-Fi functionality, among others.

[0021] "Software," "application," "app," and "firmware" and similar words and terms may include any non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores a program that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform a method, function, or control operation.

[0022] "Network" and similar phrases and terms may include one or more data links that enable the transport of electronic data between computer systems and / or modules. When information is transferred or provided to a computer over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless), the computer uses the connection as a computer-readable medium. Thus, by way of example and not limitation, a computer-readable medium may also include a network or data link that may be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and that may be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0023] Similar phrases and terms such as "portal" or "terminal" may include an intranet page, an Internet page, locally residing software or application, a mobile device graphical user interface, or a digital presentation for a user. A portal may also be any graphical user interface for accessing the various modules, components, features, options, and / or attributes of the present disclosure described herein. For example, a portal may be a web page accessed with a web browser, a mobile device application, or any application or software residing on a computing device.

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of a general network architecture according to one or more embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, end users 110, network support team users 120, and administrator terminal / dashboard users 130 (collectively referred to herein as users 110, 120, and 130) can, according to one or more embodiments, bidirectionally communicate with a central server or application server 100 via a secure network. Furthermore, users 110, 120, and 130 can also directly bidirectionally communicate with each other via the network system of the present disclosure described herein according to one or more embodiments. Here, users 110 may be any type of customer, subscriber, network service provider agent, or vendor of a network or telecommunications service provider, such as users operating computing devices and user terminals A, B, and C, among others. Each of users 110 can communicate with server 100 via a respective terminal or portal. Users 120 may include application development members or support agents of a network service provider or operator who develop, integrate, and monitor databases, front-end systems and services, network traffic, provisioning traffic, etc., including assisting, scheduling, and modifying network events, and providing support services to end users 110. Administrator terminal / dashboard users 130 may be any type of user with access privileges to access the dashboard or management portal of the present disclosure described herein, which may provide various user tools, GUI information, maps, open / closed / pending support tickets, graphs, customer support options, network status and performance, KPIs, etc. It is contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure described herein that any of users 110 and 120 may also have access to the administration terminal / dashboard 130 of the present disclosure described herein.

[0025] 1 , the central server 100 of the present disclosure described herein, according to one or more embodiments, can further bidirectionally communicate with a database / third-party server 140, which may also include a user. Here, the server 140 can include renewable energy sources, conventional energy sources, utilities, energy consumption management entities for network service providers and / or their customers, etc. Additionally, the server 140 can include servers and databases for captured, collected, or aggregated data, such as current, real-time, and historical network-related historical and KPI data, that can be stored in and retrieved from the server and database for network analysis, energy consumption calculations (including energy from renewable sources), artificial intelligence (AI) processing, neural network models, machine learning, predictions, and simulations by the server 100. However, within the scope of the present disclosure described herein, it is contemplated that the database migration system and method of the present disclosure described herein can include any type of general network architecture.

[0026] With further reference to FIG. 1 , one or more of the servers or terminals of elements 100-140 may include a personal computer (PC), a printed circuit board including a computing device, a minicomputer, a mainframe computer, a microcomputer, a telephone computing device, a wired / wireless computing device (e.g., a smartphone, a personal digital assistant (PDA)), a laptop, a tablet, a smart device, a wearable device, or any other similarly functional device.

[0027] 1, one or more of the servers, terminals, and users 100-140 may include a set of components such as a processor, memory, storage components, input components, output components, communication interfaces, and JSON UI rendering components. The set of components of a device may be communicatively coupled via a bus.

[0028] A bus may include one or more components that enable communication between a set of components of one or more servers or terminals of elements 100-140. For example, a bus may be a communications bus, a crossover bar, a network, etc. A bus may be implemented using single or multiple (two or more) connections between a set of components of one or more servers or terminals of elements 100-140. The present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0029] One or more of the servers or terminals of elements 100-140 may include one or more processors. The one or more processors may be implemented in hardware, firmware, and / or a combination of hardware and software. For example, the one or more processors may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a general-purpose single-chip or multi-chip processor, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The one or more processors may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some embodiments, particular processes and methods may be performed by circuitry specific to a given function.

[0030] The one or more processors may control the overall operation of one or more of the servers or terminals of elements 100-140 and / or a set of one or more components of the servers or terminals of elements 100-140 (e.g., memory, storage components, input components, output components, communication interfaces, rendering components).

[0031] One or more of the servers or terminals of elements 100-140 may further include memory. In some embodiments, the memory may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, magnetic memory, optical memory, and / or another type of dynamic or static storage device. The memory may store information and / or instructions for use (e.g., execution) by the processor.

[0032] The storage component of one or more of the servers or terminals of elements 100-140 may store information and / or computer-readable instructions and / or code related to the operation and use of one or more of the servers or terminals of elements 100-140. For example, the storage component may include a hard disk (e.g., a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, and / or solid-state disk), a compact disk (CD), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive, a personal computer memory card international association (PCMCIA) card, a floppy disk, a cartridge, a magnetic tape, and / or another type of non-transitory computer-readable medium, along with a corresponding drive.

[0033] One or more of the servers or terminals of elements 100-140 may further include an input component. The input component may include one or more components that enable the server and one or more of terminals 100-140 to receive information, such as via user input (e.g., a touchscreen, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a stylus, a button, a switch, a microphone, a camera, etc.). Alternatively or additionally, the input component may include a sensor for sensing information (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) component, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an actuator, etc.).

[0034] Any one or more output components of the server or terminal of elements 100-140 may include one or more components that can provide output information from device 100 (e.g., a display, liquid crystal display (LCD), light emitting diode (LED), organic light emitting diode (OLED), haptic feedback device, speaker, etc.).

[0035] One or more of the servers or terminals of elements 100-140 may further include a communications interface. The communications interface may include a receiver component, a transmitter component, and / or a transceiver component. The communications interface may enable one or more of the servers or terminals of elements 100-140 to establish connections and / or transfer communications with other devices (e.g., a server, another device). The communications may be enabled via a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of wired and wireless connections. The communications interface may enable one or more of the servers or terminals of elements 100-140 to receive information from and / or provide information to another device. In some embodiments, the communication interface may provide for communication with another device over a network such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a private network, an ad hoc network, an intranet, the Internet, an optical fiber-based network, a cellular network (e.g., a fifth generation (5G) network, a sixth generation (6G) network, a long term evolution (LTE) network, a third generation (3G) network, a code division multiple access (CDMA) network, etc.), a public land mobile network (PLMN), a telephone network (e.g., a public switched telephone network (PSTN)), etc., and / or a combination of these or other types of networks. Alternatively or additionally, the communication interface may enable communication with another device over a device-to-device (D2D) communication link, such as FlashLinQ, WiMedia, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, LTE, 5G, etc. In other embodiments, the communication interface may include an Ethernet interface, an optical interface, a coaxial interface, an infrared interface, a radio frequency (RF) interface, etc.It will be appreciated that other embodiments may be implemented in a variety of different architectures (e.g., bare metal architectures, any cloud-based or deployment architectures such as Kubernetes, Docker, OpenStack, etc.) without being limited thereto.

[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates a process flow for renewable energy utilization within a wireless network system, methods, and devices of the present disclosure described herein, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. In particular, the general process can begin as step 200. In step 200, a network service provider or operator can identify specific network resources that use renewable energy sources and specific network resources that use non-renewable energy sources. By way of example, such network resources can be both physical and virtual components / elements and operations / functions within or associated with the operator's network systems and infrastructure, such as within a 5G network. For example, such physical and virtual components can include base stations, antennas, routers, switches, hubs, bridges, gateways, modems, repeaters, access points, databases, virtual machines, and various hardware, software, and cloud-based systems and computing devices. Furthermore, such network resources may include various network functions, such as in the case of a 5G network via 3GPP, a Radio Access Network (RAN), a Core Transport Network, or any type of network architecture, including an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), a Session Management Function (SMF), an Application Function (AF), a User Plane Function (UPF), a Network Repository Function (NRF), a Policy Control Function (PCF), a Binding Support Function (BSF), a Network Slicing Selection Function (NSSF), a Service Communication Proxy (SCP), a Unified Data Management (UDM), a User Data Repository (UDR), an Authentication Server Function (AUSF), and various other functions such as a Network Data Analysis Function (NWDAF), Network Function Virtualization (NFV), beamforming, distributed computing power functions, and the like.

[0037] Still referring to step 200 of FIG. 2 , in other embodiments, certain network resources may also be certified or may include certification, such as a Renewable Energy Certificate (REC), which certifies (e.g., from a third party or an energy / utility company) that a particular network resource is net-zero emissions (uses only renewable energy sources) or uses a certain percentage of renewable energy. As an example, an operator's base station may be certified as being powered exclusively by renewable energy sources. Once a network resource is identified as using renewable energy sources, the process may proceed to step 202. In step 202, the network service operator may receive network traffic for each user device, computing device, or user equipment that has connected to and / or communicated with any of its network resources. Here, the operator may also identify whether a user device that used the network resource is a customer or subscriber of the operator (or another network service provider associated with the operator). For example, each user device may include a device ID, any type of unique identifier, or any other subscriber identification system, function, or module. Once the system has analyzed the traffic data to identify and classify each user device, including each device's utilization of the operator's network resources, the process can proceed to step 204 .

[0038] Additionally, within the scope of the present disclosure described herein, it is contemplated that a user, customer, or subscriber of a network service provider may select which types of renewable energy sources they wish to use, such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, geothermal, or bioenergy, or a combination of one or more of the foregoing. As an example, if a user selects wind and solar, the network system of the present disclosure described herein may be configured to enable the user (via their user device(s) / user equipment) to use only certain network resources powered by the selected renewable energy source, e.g., to use only base stations powered exclusively by wind and solar, but not geothermal. Alternatively, the user may select an option to enable the use of network resources or features of an operator that uses entirely renewable energy sources. In such an example, if certain network resources are present in an operator's network that uses non-renewable resources, the system may automatically direct or redirect the user device's communications and interactions with that network to only network resources that use renewable energy resources (e.g., base stations, routers, virtual machines, and switches powered exclusively by renewable energy resources). As another example, 3GPP guidance states that if users must use alternative energy sources, the quality of the connection must not be reduced, and that the use of renewable energy is encouraged, but not at the expense of performance.

[0039] As another example, a user may be notified that certain network access or operation may be restricted if the user selects a particular renewable energy source or all renewable energy sources but not non-renewable energy sources (e.g., network coverage is 80% when only renewable energy sources are used, as opposed to 100% when both renewable and non-renewable energy sources are used). For example, if a user selects only renewable energy sources, base stations in the path of the user device that use non-renewable energy sources (e.g., fossil fuels) may reject, reject, or block handoff procedures between other base stations that use renewable energy sources. Thus, in the foregoing example, network access may be restricted until the user device is within the vicinity of another base station that uses renewable energy sources for a period of time, among other exemplary embodiments.

[0040] Continuing with reference to FIG. 2 , in step 204, the system can calculate an energy consumption amount, value, or percentage for each user device. Here, the energy consumption amount may be calculated for a defined period of time and may be further calculated based on one or more network resources used by the user device, including other factors such as power / bandwidth requirements and the duration of such use. Furthermore, the energy consumption amount may be based on the ratio of non-renewable energy sources used by the user to renewable energy sources used by the user. As an example, the system can calculate the user device's usage of one or more neighboring base stations (and whether those base stations use renewable or non-renewable energy sources) for a given period of time and further identify network resources (such as routers or other nodes) that use renewable or non-renewable energy sources in association with the base stations. Based on the above, the system can calculate that the energy consumption of user devices (including users / subscribers / customers) of the operator's network and its network resources over a defined period of time, such as a year, a week, or a day, is contributed by a certain percentage, e.g., 60% renewable resources. Once the user's energy consumption is calculated in step 204, the process can proceed to step 206.

[0041] In another example, the system of the present disclosure described herein can calculate the energy usage of virtual machines, with the usage percentage associated with renewable energy sources. Such a calculation process may include each customer being assigned a virtual machine (e.g., base station, router, etc.) within the operator's network. Furthermore, given two similar network functions (NFs), such as NF1 and NF2, NF1 can be a virtual machine (VM) within a data center that runs on renewable energy, while NF2 (also a VM) can run on another server that uses conventional energy. Thus, when NFs are implemented as virtual machines, NFs can be easily moved and migrated between servers based on whether they are using renewable or conventional energy sources.

[0042] 2 , in step 206, the system can automatically, periodically (e.g., on a scheduled basis), or manually upon user request, provide the user with the user's energy usage consumption value, amount, or percentage for a defined period of time, including the amount of energy, costs, etc., incurred by the user's use of network resources or features that use renewable energy sources. In particular, such usage may be transmitted based on a request from the user for such information, or may be transmitted automatically or on a defined schedule by the system of the present disclosure described herein. Furthermore, it is contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure described herein that such information may be transmitted to the user as reports from the network service provider or as periodic updates and notifications via email, SMS, wireless messaging, etc. With regard to reports, in one embodiment, the system of the present disclosure described herein can include a detailed breakdown of user activity, including, but not limited to, the specific network resources used (and whether renewable resources were used), costs associated with network resource usage, the type of renewable energy source used, network slices operating on renewable energy, user usage per network resource function, the duration of such usage, a report of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) associated with the network resource or function used, the power requirements of such usage, the user's contribution percentage in reducing emissions, and various suggestions for further reducing emissions. Such suggestions may include the user changing certain network usage behaviors and, among other things, avoiding the use of network resources in certain areas or neighborhoods that use non-renewable energy sources. In one example, a user / customer can use such information to qualify for certain tax credits (or other incentives, grants, or awards) from governments, public agencies, or private institutions for the use of renewable energy sources. Furthermore, network service providers can implement a process that can authenticate the aforementioned reports for such tax reporting purposes.

[0043] Another non-limiting example embodiment of the present disclosure described herein may include that, depending on an operator's policies, its network systems may obtain renewable energy usage information for network functions that provide services to customers and make this information available to customers or authorized third parties. For example, third parties may use such information to further optimize the operator's network and further manage users' / customers' energy consumption usage.

[0044] Another non-limiting example embodiment of the present disclosure described herein may include, subject to operator policy and consent by vertical customers, providing customers with network slices whose network systems run on renewable energy and making this information accessible to customers and designated third parties.

[0045] Another non-limiting example embodiment of the present disclosure described herein may include the 5G system having the capability to provide separate renewable energy charging services to customers, subject to operator policy and consent by vertical customers.

[0046] Another non-limiting example embodiment of the present disclosure described herein can include an operator network system that provides real-time monitoring and reporting of renewable energy usage, including usage by energy source and network function, to ensure transparency and accountability of renewable energy usage.

[0047] Another non-limiting example embodiment of the present disclosure described herein may include an operator's network system that provides customers the ability to select a preferred renewable energy source (e.g., wind, solar, hydro, etc.) for network operation depending on the operator's policies and available energy sources.

[0048] Another non-limiting example embodiment of the present disclosure described herein may include a utility network system capable of securely and accurately tracking and reporting Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to support customers' renewable energy procurement and management efforts.

[0049] Another non-limiting example embodiment of the present disclosure described herein may include a network system of utilities that provides customers with a detailed breakdown of their renewable energy mix and costs, allowing them to effectively track and manage their energy consumption. For example, in some areas, solar and wind may be preferable to nuclear energy.

[0050] Another non-limiting example embodiment of the present disclosure described herein may include, depending on operator policy, the 5G network system enabling operation of a dedicated network that exceeds a minimum percentage of renewable energy required by an authorized third party.

[0051] Another non-limiting example embodiment of the present disclosure described herein may include, depending on operator policy, the 5G network system being able to provide a report of the percentage of renewable energy used to periodically provide dedicated communication services to third parties.

[0052] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of blocks in the processes / flowcharts disclosed herein is an example of an exemplary approach. Based on design preferences, it should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of blocks in the processes / flowcharts may be rearranged. Additionally, some blocks may be combined or omitted. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various blocks in an exemplary order and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0053] Some embodiments may relate to systems, methods, and / or computer-readable media at any possible level of technical detail. Furthermore, one or more of the above components described above may be implemented as instructions stored on a computer-readable medium and executable by at least one processor (and / or may include at least one processor). The computer-readable medium may include computer-readable non-transitory storage medium(s) having computer-readable program instructions for causing a processor to perform operations.

[0054] A computer-readable storage medium may be a tangible device capable of retaining and storing instructions for use by an instruction execution device. A computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of computer-readable storage media includes portable computer diskettes, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), static random access memory (SRAM), portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disk (DVD), memory stick, floppy disk, mechanically encoded devices such as punch cards or ridge-in-groove structures with instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. As used herein, a computer-readable storage medium should not be construed as a transitory signal itself, such as an electric wave or other freely propagating electromagnetic wave, an electromagnetic wave propagating through a waveguide or other transmission medium (e.g., a light pulse passing through a fiber optic cable), or an electrical signal transmitted through a wire.

[0055] The computer-readable program instructions described herein may be downloaded from a computer-readable storage medium to each computing / processing device or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, such as the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, and / or a wireless network. The network may include copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmissions, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and / or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing / processing device receives the computer-readable program instructions from the network and transfers the computer-readable program instructions for storage in a computer-readable storage medium in the respective computing / processing device.

[0056] The computer-readable program code / instructions for carrying out operations may be either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including assembler instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state setting data, configuration data for integrated circuits, or object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Smalltalk, C++, and procedural programming languages ​​such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The computer-readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer via any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or may be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet service provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, a programmable logic circuit, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a programmable logic array (PLA) can execute computer-readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer-readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry to perform aspects or operations.

[0057] These computer-readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, whereby the instructions, when executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate means for implementing the functions / acts specified in one or more blocks of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams. These computer-readable program instructions may also be stored on a computer-readable storage medium that can instruct a computer, programmable data processing apparatus, and / or other device to function in a particular manner, whereby a computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored therein includes an article of manufacture containing instructions that implement aspects of the functions / acts specified in one or more blocks of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams.

[0058] The computer-readable program instructions may also be loaded into a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device and cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device to generate a computer-implemented process, whereby the instructions executed on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or one or more blocks.

[0059] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer-readable media according to various embodiments. In this regard, each block in the flowcharts or block diagrams may represent a module, microservice(s), segment, or portion of instructions that includes one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). The methods, computer systems, and computer-readable media may include additional, fewer, different, or differently arranged blocks than depicted in the figures. In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order depicted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may actually be executed concurrently or substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending on the functionality involved. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagrams and / or flowchart diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart diagrams, may be implemented by a special-purpose hardware-based system that performs the specified functions or actions or executes a combination of special-purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0060] It will be apparent that the systems and / or methods described herein may be implemented in different forms of hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. The actual dedicated control hardware or software code used to implement these systems and / or methods is not limiting of the implementation. Thus, the operation and behavior of the systems and / or methods have been described herein without reference to specific software code. It will be understood that software and hardware can be designed to implement the systems and / or methods based on the description herein.

[0061] Various further respective aspects and features of embodiments of the present disclosure can be defined by the following clauses. Item [1]: A system including: a storage device that stores computer-executable instructions; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the storage device, wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to identify one or more network resources that use renewable energy sources; and calculate energy consumption values ​​of users that use the identified one or more network resources. Item [2]: The system described in Item [1], wherein at least one processor is configured to execute instructions to transmit energy consumption values ​​to a user. Item [3]: The system according to item [2], wherein the energy consumption value is transmitted to the user based on the user's request. Item [4]: ​​The system according to item [2], wherein the energy consumption values ​​are sent to the user automatically or based on a defined schedule. Item [5]: The system described in Item [2], wherein the transmitted energy consumption value is transmitted in a report, and the report includes at least one of costs associated with utilization of the network resources, renewable energy sources, network slices operating on renewable energy, utilization per network resource function, or tax savings or tax deductions associated with utilization of the network resources. Item [6]: The system described in Item [1], wherein at least one processor is configured to execute instructions to receive a selection of one or more types of renewable energy sources from a user. Item [7]: The system described in any one of items [1] to [6], wherein the one or more types of renewable energy sources include one or more of wind, solar, hydroelectric, marine, geothermal, and bioenergy. Item [8]: The system of item [1], wherein the calculated energy consumption value is based on a defined period of time. Item [9]: The system described in Item [8], wherein the calculated energy consumption value is further based on an amount of power used by the user in connection with one or more network resources. Item

[10] : The system of item [1], wherein the calculated energy consumption value is based on a percentage of renewable energy sources used by the user compared to a percentage of non-renewable energy sources used by the user. Item

[11] : A method executed by at least one processor, comprising: identifying one or more network resources that use renewable energy sources; and calculating energy consumption values ​​of users that use the identified one or more network resources. Item

[12] : The method described in Item

[11] , further comprising the step of transmitting the energy consumption value to a user. Item

[13] : The method according to Item

[12] , wherein the energy consumption value is transmitted to the user based on the user's request. Item

[14] : The method according to item

[12] , wherein the energy consumption value is sent to the user automatically or based on a defined schedule. Item

[15] : The method described in Item

[12] , wherein the transmitted energy consumption value is transmitted within a report, and the report includes at least one of costs associated with utilization of network resources, renewable energy sources, network slices operating on renewable energy, or utilization per network resource function. Item

[16] : The method of Item

[11] , further comprising receiving a selection of one or more types of renewable energy sources from a user. Item

[17] : The method according to any one of items

[11] to

[16] , wherein the one or more types of renewable energy sources include one or more of wind, solar, hydroelectric, marine, geothermal, and bioenergy. Item

[18] : The method according to item

[11] , wherein the calculated energy expenditure value is based on a defined period of time. Item

[19] : The method described in Item

[18] , wherein the calculated energy consumption value is further based on an amount of power used by the user in association with one or more network resources. Item

[20] : A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having stored therein instructions executable by at least one processor, causing the at least one processor to perform a method including identifying one or more network resources that use renewable energy sources, and calculating energy consumption values ​​of users that use the identified one or more network resources.

[0062] It can be appreciated that many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings. It will be apparent that, within the scope of the appended clauses, the present disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

Claims

1. 1. A system comprising: a storage device that stores computer-executable instructions; at least one processor communicatively coupled to the storage device, the at least one processor executing the instructions to: Identifying one or more network resources that use renewable energy sources; and calculating an energy consumption value of a user who uses the identified one or more network resources.

2. The at least one processor executes the instructions to: configured to transmit the energy expenditure value to the user. The system of claim 1 .

3. the energy expenditure value is transmitted to the user upon request of the user; The system of claim 2 .

4. the energy expenditure values ​​are transmitted to the user automatically or based on a defined schedule; The system of claim 2 .

5. the transmitted energy consumption values ​​are transmitted in a report; the report includes at least one of costs associated with utilization of the network resources, renewable energy sources, network slices powered by renewable energy, utilization by network resource function, or tax savings or tax deductions associated with utilization of the network resources; The system of claim 2 .

6. The at least one processor executes the instructions to: configured to receive a selection of one or more types of renewable energy sources from the user; The system of claim 1 .

7. the one or more types of renewable energy sources comprise one or more of wind, solar, hydro, marine, geothermal, and bioenergy; The system of claim 6.

8. The calculated energy expenditure value is based on a defined time period. The system of claim 1 .

9. the calculated energy consumption value is further based on an amount of power used by the user in connection with one or more network resources. The system of claim 8.

10. the calculated energy consumption value is based on a percentage of renewable energy sources used by the user relative to a percentage of non-renewable energy sources used by the user; The system of claim 1 .

11. 1. A method executed by at least one processor, comprising: Identifying one or more network resources that use renewable energy sources; and calculating energy consumption values ​​for users using the identified one or more network resources.

12. transmitting the energy expenditure value to the user. The method of claim 11.

13. the energy expenditure value is transmitted to the user upon request of the user; The method of claim 12.

14. the energy expenditure values ​​are transmitted to the user automatically or based on a defined schedule; The method of claim 12.

15. the transmitted energy consumption values ​​are transmitted in a report; the report includes at least one of a cost associated with utilization of the network resources, a renewable energy source, a network slice powered by renewable energy, or utilization by network resource function; The method of claim 12.

16. receiving a selection of one or more types of renewable energy sources from the user; The method of claim 11.

17. the one or more types of renewable energy sources comprise one or more of wind, solar, hydro, marine, geothermal, and bioenergy; 17. The method of claim 16.

18. The calculated energy expenditure value is based on a defined time period. The method of claim 11.

19. the calculated energy consumption value is further based on an amount of power used by the user in association with the one or more network resources.

20. The method of claim 18.

20. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored therein instructions executable by at least one processor, the at least one processor comprising: Identifying one or more network resources that use renewable energy sources; and Calculating an energy consumption value of a user using the identified one or more network resources.

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