Controlling network policies for energy saving in communication systems

Abstract

This disclosure discloses a technique for controlling network policies for energy conservation in a communication system. In one embodiment, this disclosure discloses a method that includes obtaining energy consumption support information associated with one or more network functions of a core network (CN) from an operations management and maintenance node. The method further includes calculating the energy consumption associated with network elements associated with the CN based on the obtained energy consumption support information. The method further includes sending a request to a policy control function to control one or more network policies if the calculated energy consumption associated with the network elements exceeds a predefined energy threshold.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202341065491 filed on September 29, 2023 and Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202441002501 filed on January 12, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates to the control of network policies for energy conservation in communication systems.

Background Art

[0003] The information disclosed in this background art section is only for enhancing the understanding of the general background of this disclosure and should not be construed as an admission or any form of suggestion that this information forms prior art already known to those skilled in the art.

[0004] The mobile telecommunications industry has experienced remarkable growth in recent decades due to the increasing demand for connectivity and data services. To meet the ever - increasing demand for connectivity and data services, technology has been constantly evolving, and this technological evolution has led to rapid growth in the field of wireless communication technology. The latest advancement in wireless communication technology is the development of next - generation wireless communication systems (e.g., the fifth - generation or 5G wireless system). The 5G wireless system aims to provide high reliability and throughput, lower latency, and support for a large number of devices compared to previous wireless systems (e.g., 4G or 3G). The 5G wireless system also aims to provide improved support for machine - to - machine communication (i.e., the Internet of Things) at lower cost and lower network energy consumption compared to previous wireless systems.

[0005] In a typical 5G wireless system, base stations and user equipment (UEs) interact with each other for communication services. UEs can connect to the 5G network using a 5G radio access network (RAN) and a 5G core network (CN). Next-generation wireless communication systems (e.g., 5G wireless systems) are expected to support more demanding services, such as augmented reality (XR), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML), which may require higher energy consumption on the device side (e.g., UE side) and the network side (e.g., CN side). The impact on the network and device sides to support these services can be significant and, in some cases, unpredictable. For example, when operator A deploys a communication service to meet application service requirements (e.g., game application requirements), the customer (e.g., service provider) needs to ensure that the application service does not consume excessive energy for the end user (i.e., device side) and the network side. Any potential high energy consumption or inefficient energy use by the application service may prompt adjustments at the application layer within the service provider's domain to address these concerns.

[0006] Furthermore, the emergence of next-generation technologies (e.g., 5G technology) and the proliferation of mobile devices are leading to a significant increase in energy consumption (also known as "energy usage") in the telecommunications industry. This surge in energy usage is causing serious environmental concerns, primarily related to greenhouse gas emissions and the depletion of finite energy resources. Consequently, many mobile network operators (MNOs) are setting targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the coming years, with the ultimate goal of achieving net-zero emissions. While 5G wireless systems offer improved energy efficiency, new 5G use cases and wider adoption of 5G wireless systems could increase the number of sites and antennas, potentially increasing carbon emissions. To reduce emissions and increase / improve network efficiency, MNOs are moving towards more sustainable practices by showing interest in powering their networks using renewable energy sources.

[0007] However, to address energy-related issues in wireless communication systems and improve network energy-saving strategies, it is necessary to understand the different energy states within the network and implement and / or control energy-saving policies within the network. Currently, energy consumption is not considered when creating subscription policies and policy controls within the network. Therefore, policy controls do not correspond to any energy consumption matrix, thereby leading to suboptimal subscription and policy frameworks. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To address the above and other related issues, this disclosure discloses a technology for controlling network policies for energy conservation in communication systems. The disclosed technology considers network energy consumption as a service standard, publishes network energy consumption information, and enhances existing subscription and policy frameworks for enforcing network policies related to subscription and policy control frameworks.

[0009] In one non-limiting embodiment, the disclosure discloses a method that includes obtaining energy consumption support information associated with one or more network functions of a core network (CN) from an operational management and maintenance node. The method further includes calculating energy consumption associated with network elements associated with the CN based on the obtained energy consumption support information. The method further includes sending a request to a policy control function to control one or more network policies if the calculated energy consumption associated with the network elements exceeds a predefined energy threshold.

[0010] In one non-limiting embodiment, the disclosure discloses a device configured to obtain energy consumption support information associated with one or more network functions of a CN from an operational management and maintenance node. Based on the obtained energy consumption support information, the device is further configured to calculate the energy consumption associated with the network elements associated with the CN and to send a request to a policy control function to control one or more network policies if the calculated energy consumption associated with the network elements exceeds a predefined energy threshold.

[0011] In one non-limiting embodiment, the disclosure provides a non-temporary computer-readable medium for storing one or more computer-executable instructions, the instructions, when executed by the device, cause the device to obtain energy consumption support information associated with one or more network functions of a CN from an operational management and maintenance node. The one or more instructions further cause the device to calculate energy consumption associated with network elements associated with the CN based on the obtained energy consumption support information, and to send a request to a policy control function to control one or more network policies if the calculated energy consumption associated with the network elements exceeds a predefined energy threshold.

[0012] Features, aspects, and advantages of embodiments of this disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, where similar figures indicate similar elements. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] The present disclosure shows high-level block diagrams of exemplary communications systems 100 for controlling network policies for network energy saving, according to several embodiments of this disclosure.

[0014] [Figure 2] The present disclosure provides an exemplary procedure flow 200 for controlling network policies for energy saving in a communication system 100, according to several embodiments of this disclosure.

[0015] [Figure 3] A block diagram of the apparatus 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0016] [Figure 4] A flowchart illustrating exemplary methods 400 for controlling network policies for energy saving in a communication system 100, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] A detailed description of exemplary embodiments follows with reference to the accompanying drawings. While the foregoing disclosure provides examples and descriptions, it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit implementations to the exact forms disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the foregoing disclosure or can be derived from 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). In addition, the flowcharts and descriptions of operations provided below relate to one of the various embodiments. It should be noted that it is possible to create other embodiments that do not exactly correspond to the flowcharts and their descriptions. It will be understood that in other embodiments, one or more operations may be omitted, one or more operations may be added, and one or more operations may be performed (at least partially) simultaneously.

[0018] It will be apparent that the systems and / or methods described herein can be implemented in various forms of hardware, software, or combinations of hardware and software. The specific, specialized control hardware or software code used to implement these systems and / or methods is not limiting to the implementation. Therefore, this specification describes the operation and behavior of the systems and / or methods 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 descriptions herein.

[0019] Certain combinations of features are described in the claims and / or disclosed herein, but these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of implementations. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically described in the claims and / or disclosed herein. Each dependent claim listed below may depend directly on only one claim, but the disclosure of implementations includes each dependent claim combined with all other claims in the set of claims.

[0020] Any element, action, or command used herein should not be construed as important or essential unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, where used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Also, where used herein, terms such as “has,” “have,” “having,” “include,” and “including” are intended to be non-restrictive. Additionally, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “at least partially based on” unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, expressions such as “at least one of [A] and [B],” “[A] and / or [B],” or “at least one of [A] or [B]” should be understood as including A only, B only, or both A and B.

[0021] The foregoing disclosures provide illustrations and explanations, but are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit implementations to the forms disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the foregoing disclosures or can be derived from the implementations.

[0022] In the present disclosure, terms such as "communication system", "communication network", "system", and "network" are used interchangeably throughout this specification. In the present disclosure, terms such as "UDM network function" and "UDM" are used interchangeably throughout this specification. In the present disclosure, terms such as "energy consumption amount" and "energy consumption value" are used interchangeably throughout this specification. In the present disclosure, terms such as "value of predefined energy threshold", "predefined energy threshold", "maximum energy consumption value", and "maximum energy consumption amount" are used interchangeably throughout this specification.

[0023] In the context of the present disclosure, the term "energy consumption amount" (EC) of a network element refers to the average power / energy consumption amount of the network element over a specified period. [[ID=​​​​​​​​​​In the context of this disclosure, the term “renewable energy” refers to energy from renewable sources or from renewable non-fossil fuel sources. For example, (but not limited to) wind, solar, atmospheric heat, geothermal, and hydrothermal energy.

[0027] In the context of this disclosure, the term “energy saving” may refer to a reduction in energy consumption resulting from certain actions compared to the energy consumption if no actions were taken.

[0028] As discussed in the background technology section, understanding energy consumption within communication systems and implementing and / or controlling energy conservation policies within the network is essential to effectively address energy-related challenges in communication systems and improve network energy conservation strategies. Currently, network policy and subscription frameworks do not consider energy-related information during policy creation, which can lead to inefficient subscription and policy management. This oversight can lead to inefficient energy management within the network, resulting in energy waste and negative environmental impacts. Therefore, integrating energy-aware policies into network planning and operation is crucial to optimizing energy efficiency and minimizing the environmental footprint.

[0029] This disclosure discloses technology for policy control to conserve network energy. Specifically, this disclosure proposes a solution to Key Issue #2 of 3GPP® TR 23.700-66, namely, “Subscription and policy control to support energy efficiency and energy saving as a service standard,” which will be discussed in subsequent paragraphs.

[0030] Figure 1 shows a high-level block diagram of an exemplary communications system (or 5G system architecture) 100 for controlling network policies for energy saving in a communications system, according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. The communications system 100 may include a core network (CN), at least one user equipment (UE) 104, and a radio access network (RAN) 102. The CN coordinates various network functions and services. The CN employs virtualized network functions (VNFs) and software-defined networking (SDN) principles to provide flexible and scalable connectivity services. The CN manages functions such as session management, mobility management, and service provisioning.

[0031] At least one UE104 may be coupled to the RAN102 in a communicative manner. At least one UE104 may be any mobile or non-mobile computing device, including but not limited to a telephone (e.g., a cellular phone or smartphone), a pager, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a wireless handset, a portable communication device, a portable computing device (e.g., a personal data assistant), an entertainment device (e.g., a music or video device or a satellite radio), a global positioning system device, or any other suitable computing device including a wired or wireless communication interface. In some embodiments of this disclosure, at least one UE104 may be an Internet of Things (IoT) enabled device, including but not limited to a vehicle configured to communicate with a base station or core network.

[0032] RAN102 acts as a bridge between CN and at least one UE104. RAN102 may include one or more base stations that provide high-speed, low-latency wireless connectivity to at least one UE104. In the context of fourth-generation (4G) Long-Term Evolution (LTE) communication systems, base stations may be referred to as “evolved NodeB” or “eNodeB,” and in the context of fifth-generation (5G) communication systems, base stations may be referred to as “gNodeB” or “gNB.” A distributed gNB can be divided into one or more networking applications that may include one or more central unit entities (CUs), one or more distributed unit entities (DUs), and one or more radio units (RUs). One or more RUs may be deployed at physical locations where radio coverage is provided to at least one UE104. In this disclosure, the term “base station” may be used interchangeably with “RAN.”

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, the communication system 100 represents a 5G communication system including a user plane and a control plane. The user plane may be configured to carry user-related data. In other words, the user plane manages the actual transmission of data packets between at least one UE 104 and different network entities. The control plane, on the other hand, is responsible for the management and control of the communication system 100. The control plane may be configured to carry control traffic, such as signaling traffic associated with the communication system 100. The user plane may include a user plane function (UPF) 106, which is a network function that forms part of the 5G core network. At least one UE 104 may be connected to the UPF 106 via a RAN 102. The communication system 100 may further include at least one data network (DN) 108 that represents an external network or interacts with the core network. The DN 108 may include the internet, a private network, a cloud service, or other similar communication systems.

[0034] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 may include at least one Operations, Management, and Maintenance (OAM) node 110. The OAM node 110 may include a set of processes, protocols, and tools configured to monitor, control, troubleshoot, and optimize various aspects of the communication system 100. These various aspects may include operations, management, and maintenance tasks. Operations tasks may include network function-related tasks such as network performance monitoring, configuration management, and fault detection. Management tasks include user management, access control, policy enforcement, and resource allocation. Maintenance tasks include software upgrades, hardware replacement, and capacity planning to meet increasing demands. It should be noted that the arrangement of components shown in Figure 1 is purely illustrative. Typically, the OAM node 110 is located outside the 5G core (5GC) and interacts with various network functions such as 5GC and RAN102.

[0035] The communication system 100 (specifically, the control plane of the core network) may further include various network functions, such as one or more instances of the Network Exposure Function (NEF) 112, Policy Control Function (PCF) 114, Unified Data Management (UDM) 116, Application Function (AF) 118, Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 120, Session Management Function (SMF) 122, and Energy Management Function (EMF) 124. However, this disclosure is not limited to the above, and the CN may additionally include, but is not limited to, other network functions, such as at least one Network Repository Function (NRF), at least one Authentication Server Function (AUSF), and at least one Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF).

[0036] NEF112 enables the exposure of network functions to external applications and acts as an interface that allows authorized third-party applications or services to access network data and functions. PCF114 is responsible for enforcing policy decisions regarding quality of service (QoS), access control, and network resource allocation, but is not limited to these. In a 5G network, UDM network function 116 acts as a central aggregate repository for subscriber-related data and profiles. Specifically, UDM network function 116 stores subscriber authentication credentials, subscription information, and other user-related data.

[0037] The AF facilitates the direct integration of specialized applications or services into the communication system 100. The AMF 120 is responsible for managing access to the network and handling mobility-related functions for at least the UE 104. The SMF 122 is responsible for establishing, managing, and terminating data sessions between the UE 104 and different network services. Typically, the SMF 122 handles session establishment, session continuity management, and session termination. The UPF 106 is responsible for a variety of data processing tasks, including but not limited to packet routing, forwarding, and traffic optimization.

[0038] The core network is typically based on a service-based architecture, which is a system architecture in which system functionality is achieved by a set of NFs that service and access other authorized network functions (NFs). In such an architecture, various network entities of the communication system 100 may be connected together, or interactions between network entities may be represented in two ways: point-to-point links (called "reference points" or reference point representations) or service-based interfaces (SBIs) (or service-based representations). NFs within the 5GC use SBIs for interactions, while interactions outside the 5GC use other protocols such as Next Generation Application Protocols (NGAPs) or Packet Forwarding Control Protocols (PFCPs). Reference points may include N1 (reference point between UE104 and AMF120), N2 (reference point between RAN102 and AMF120), N3 (reference point between RAN102 and UPF106), N4 (reference point between SMF122 and UPF106), N6 (reference point between UPF106 and DN108), and N9 (reference point between two UPF106s). An SBI represents a set of services provided or exposed by a particular NF. It is the interface from which NF service operations are invoked. SBIs shown by various NFs within a 5G core network may include, but are not limited to, Namf, Nsmf, Nudm, Nnrf, Nnssf, Nausf, Nnef, Npcf, Naf, and Nemf.

[0039] In some embodiments of this disclosure, network energy-related information in 5GC may be managed by an EMF124, which may be a new network function (NF). Alternatively or additionally, in some non-limiting embodiments, some or all of the functions of the EMF124 may be implemented in existing 5GC network functions (e.g., NEF, PCF114, but not limited to these). The EMF124 may be configured to calculate the energy consumption of various network elements in the communication system 100, including but not limited to PDU sessions and network slices.

[0040] In some network deployments, the measurement of network energy-related information is performed at the OAM node 110. The EMF 124 may be configured to collect energy consumption metrics from various sources within the communication system 100, such as the OAM node 110. The EMF 124 can retrieve detailed energy-related data at different granularities, such as the PDU session level, network slice level, UE level, core network segment level, access network level, or network function level, but is not limited to these. To support energy consumption and efficiency as service standards, the network energy-related information must be accessible by the 5G core (5GC). Once the information is stored in the 5GC, it may be made public to one or more authorized third parties (e.g., AF 118, PCF 114, etc.) for purposes such as creating / modifying subscription policies and enforcing subsequent policy control.

[0041] The network function "EMF" 124 is sometimes also called the "Energy Efficiency Control Function," "Energy Management and Efficiency Control Function," "EECF," or "EMECF." In one non-limiting embodiment, the EMF 124 may obtain the renewable energy ratio (of at least one network element) from the OAM node 110. In some embodiments, the EMF 124 may obtain the amount of data for a single PDU session via the UPF event publishing service and then calculate the PDU session energy consumption. Next, the following paragraphs describe techniques for implementing policy control in the communication system 100 for network energy saving.

[0042] Figure 2 shows an exemplary procedure flow 200 of an energy management process within a communication system 100 for controlling network policies for energy saving in the communication system 100, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 2 shows interactions between different network entities for controlling network policies for energy saving in the communication system 100, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0043] In step S0.a, UE subscription information related to the maximum energy consumption per network slice of service without specific Quality of Service (QoS) criteria may be provisioned to the UDM network function 116. The maximum energy consumption per network slice (also called the “predefined energy threshold” or “predefined energy threshold value”) represents the amount of energy consumed over a specified period. In one embodiment, the UDM network function 116 may additionally include information related to maximum energy consumption, such as per UE or per PDU session. Generally, the UDM network function 116 may be provisioned with information on maximum energy consumption (or “predefined energy threshold”) at different granularities within the UE subscription information (e.g., network slice level, PDU session level, UE level, access network level, network function level, etc.).

[0044] In step S0.b, EMF124 may communicate with OAM node 110, which has measurements of energy consumption support information for different network elements (e.g., different network functions, different network slices, different PDU sessions, different UEs, etc.). OAM node 110 may calculate and make available energy consumption support information for different network elements for different network functions. EMF124 may obtain energy consumption support information from OAM node 110 in relation to one or more NFs of the CN. Each NF of one or more NFs may be associated with at least one UE, at least one PDU session, and / or at least one network slice. In such cases, energy consumption support information may be obtained at a specified granularity level from one or more NFs (e.g., per UE, or per PDU session, or per network slice, or per network function). Energy consumption support information for different network elements may be useful in calculating the energy consumption of different network elements.

[0045] In one non-limiting embodiment, the energy consumption support information may include data volumes or bitrates associated with one or more NFs (specifically, those associated with UE or PDU sessions or network slices, but not limited to these). Furthermore, the energy consumption support information may include renewable energy to carbon emissions ratio information (if available at OAM node 110).

[0046] In step S1, EMF124 may receive a request (represented as "Nemf_EnergyConsumption_Request") from PCF114. The request may be for energy consumption associated with a network element. Network elements may include, but are not limited to, any logical or physical network entities such as network slices, network functions, UEs, PDU sessions, or QoS flows. The request may include, but are not limited to, one or more applicable parameters associated with the network element, such as the UE identity (UE ID), Single Network Slice Selection Support Information (S-NSSAI), and Data Network Name (DNN). For example, if the network element is a UE, the request may include the UE ID and other applicable parameters. Similarly, if the network element is a network slice, the request may include the S-NSSAI and other applicable parameters. Note that the energy consumption associated with a network element may be a value.

[0047] In step S2, EMF124 may send a request to UDM network function 116 to provide energy-related provisioned data associated with the network element. This request may be expressed as "Nudm_SDM_get" and may include identification information associated with the network element. As previously stated, UDM network function 116 includes information related to maximum energy consumption at different granularities. If the network element is a UE (i.e., the request in step S1 is for energy consumption associated with the UE), EMF124 may send a request to UDM network function 116 to provide the maximum energy consumption or a predefined energy threshold associated with the UE. Similarly, if the network element is a PDU session (i.e., the request in step S1 is for energy consumption associated with the PDU session), EMF124 may send a request to UDM network function 116 to provide the maximum energy consumption or a predefined energy threshold associated with the PDU session. Similarly, if the network element is a network slice (i.e., the request in step S1 is for the energy consumption associated with the network slice), the EMF 124 may send a request to the UDM network function 116 providing the maximum energy consumption or a predefined energy threshold associated with the network slice.

[0048] In step S3, the UDM network function 116 may respond to the EMF 124 with energy-related provisioned data (or a predefined energy threshold) associated with the network element. This response may be expressed as "Nudm_SDM_get response". For example, if the network element is a network slice, the UDM network function 116 may respond with the maximum energy consumption associated with the network slice; if the network element is a PDU session, the UDM network function 116 may respond with the maximum energy consumption associated with the PDU session; and if the network element is a UE, the UDM network function 116 may respond with the maximum energy consumption associated with the UE.

[0049] In step S4, EMF124 may invoke (or send a request to) a service operation to the UDM network function 116 to retrieve the details of the appropriate SMF122 associated with the network element. Such a service operation may be represented as the "Nudm_UECM_Get" service operation. EMF124 may provide applicable parameters such as the UE ID, DNN, S-NSSAI, and the type of network function as SMF122 (i.e., NF type = SMF).

[0050] In step S5, the UDM network function 116 may determine the appropriate SMF122 associated with the network element based on the received parameters, namely the UE ID, DNN, S-NSSAI, and NF type, and then provide the EMF124 with a response containing the identification information of the corresponding SMF122. Such a response may be expressed as "Nudm_UECM_Get response". In one embodiment, the identification information may include the identity of the SMF122 (i.e., SMF set ID) or the IP address of the SMF122 (i.e., SMF IP address).

[0051] In step S6, EMF124 may send a subscription request (represented as "Nsmf_eventexposure_subscribe request") to the identified SMF122 to subscribe to the UPF data associated with the network element. The subscription request may include one or more parameters, namely, event filter information associated with the network element, which may include but are not limited to the UE ID, S-NSSAI, and DNN. EMF124 does this to retrieve the data volume associated with the network element (specifically, corresponding to the specified UE ID, S-NSSAI, and DNN) (for example, for existing PDU sessions).

[0052] In steps S7-S8, SMF122 and UPF106 communicate with each other and may select relevant network elements (e.g., PDU sessions) and UPFs to configure event notifications to report data volume metrics associated with the network elements to EMF124. Specifically, SMF122 may select network elements (e.g., PDU sessions) and UPFs to which it must send requests. SMF122 may send requests for the selected network elements to the selected UPFs. The request may be expressed as "N4 session modification" and may indicate user data usage metrics associated with the network elements. The request may include UPF event consumer addresses, notification correlation information, event filter information, reporting suggestion information, event reporting targets, target subscription information, etc. This may be expressed as "Nupf_event exposure subscribe".

[0053] In step S9, SMF122 may send a subscription response (represented as "Nsmf_eventexposure_subscribe response") to EMF124 indicating that it has successfully subscribed to the UPF data associated with the network element. In step S10, UPF106 may send locally collected UPF data associated with the network element to EMF124. In one embodiment, UPF106 may call a service operation (represented as "Nupf_eventexposure notify") to EMF124 in order to send locally collected UPF data associated with the network element.

[0054] In step S11, after receiving UPF data, EMF124 may calculate the energy consumption associated with a network element (e.g., a PDU session) based on the received UPF data (in step S10) and the energy consumption support information from step 0.b. Specifically, in step 0.b, EMF124 obtains energy consumption support information (e.g., data volume, bitrate, etc.) from one or more NFs. In the case of data volume, EMF124 may obtain the data volume of a single PDU session via the UPF event publishing service (as discussed in steps S6-S10). In one embodiment, the energy consumption associated with a network element (e.g., a PDU session) may be determined by calculating the ratio of the data volume of the PDU session (which may be obtained via the UPF event publishing service) to the total data volume of the corresponding network slice, and multiplying the calculated ratio by the energy consumption associated with the network slice. Alternatively, if the energy consumption support information received by EMF124 and UPF106 (for example, from RAN102 via OAM node 110) is for the same UE, EMF124 may aggregate the energy consumption information for each UE. The energy consumption support information collected from OAM node 110 may include energy consumption information and energy efficiency information associated with one or more network entities (e.g., RAN nodes, 5GC NFs, etc.).

[0055] In step S12, EMF124 may send a request to PCF114 to control one or more network policies. Specifically, EMF124 may send the calculated energy consumption associated with a network element to PCF114. This is done by sending a "Nemf_Energyconsumption_Request response" to PCF114. In one non-limiting embodiment, EMF124 may additionally send the maximum energy consumption (or a predefined energy threshold) associated with a network element to PCF114. In another non-limiting embodiment, instead of sending the calculated energy consumption and the maximum energy consumption, EMF124 may compare the calculated energy consumption with the maximum energy consumption and send the result of the comparison to PCF114.

[0056] In step S13, upon receiving the calculated energy consumption and the maximum energy consumption associated with the network element, PCF114 may compare the two energy consumptions. Based on the comparison, PCF114 determines whether the calculated energy consumption exceeds the maximum energy consumption associated with the network element. Alternatively, upon receiving the result of the comparison, PCF114 may determine whether the calculated energy consumption exceeds the maximum energy consumption associated with the network element.

[0057] If the PCF114 determines that the calculated energy consumption exceeds the maximum energy consumption associated with a network element, it may decide to control one or more network policies. One or more network policies may include one or more rules. In one embodiment, controlling one or more network policies may include modifying one or more existing rules for monitoring and managing energy consumption within the system 100 (specifically, within the core network). In another embodiment, controlling one or more network policies may include generating one or more new rules for monitoring and managing energy consumption within the system 100 (specifically, within the core network).

[0058] In one non-limiting embodiment, a network policy may include an access and mobility (AM) policy and / or a session management (SM) policy, and controlling one or more network policies may include controlling / adjusting the AM policy and / or the SM policy. In one embodiment, controlling an AM policy may include adjusting parameters including, but not limited to, the UE aggregated maximum bitrate (UE-AMBR) and the UE-slice-MBR. In one embodiment, controlling an SM policy may include, but not limited to, adjusting QoS parameters, triggering PDU session release, and triggering PDU session deactivation.

[0059] In step S13, PCF114 may send one or more modified / new rules to SMF122. This may be represented as the "Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update response".

[0060] In step S14, SMF122 may communicate with or send a request to UPF106 to gate or control traffic associated with a network element (i.e., a PDU session or network slice or UE). This request may be expressed as "N4 session modification".

[0061] Therefore, EMF124 is configured to calculate energy consumption at different granularities (e.g., PDU session granularity, UE granularity, network slice granularity, etc.) and share energy consumption with various consumers (e.g., PCF114). EMF124 is also configured to query UDM network function 116 to obtain details about serving SMF122 for specific UEs, S-NSSAIs, and DNNs. In this way, EMF124 enhances subscription procedures by provisioning maximum energy consumption limits for network elements within the communication system and enables enforcement of energy consumption policies for services without QoS standards. Note that network energy-related information disclosure and energy consumption granularity may vary based on different circumstances.

[0062] In summary, this disclosure provides a framework for controlling energy-saving policies. This disclosure may include energy-saving authorization information in addition to UE enrollment information, which authorizes the enforcement of energy-saving policies. Maximum energy consumption or thresholds may also be included in the UE enrollment information to limit maximum energy consumption. The technology of this disclosure may reuse existing AM and SM policies, and the AM / SM policy creation / update procedures and PDU session release information may be reused as new SM policy parameters.

[0063] In some embodiments, the maximum energy consumption or threshold may be provided by the AF (or UDM), and energy consumption support information is collected from the 5GC NF and / or OAM node 110. The EMF 124 sends the energy consumption information to the PCF 114, which determines whether the energy consumption threshold has been exceeded and determines a new rule. This enhances the functionality of the PCF to allow the PCF to handle "raw" energy consumption-related information, which enables the energy consumption-related information to be managed by two NFs.

[0064] Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the device 300 according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, the device 300 may comprise at least one transmitter or output component 302, at least one receiver or input component 304, at least one processor 308, at least one memory 310, at least one storage component 312, at least one interface 314, and at least one antenna 316. At least one transmitter 302 may be configured to transmit data / information to one or more external nodes / devices using the antenna 316, and at least one receiver 304 may be configured to receive data / information from one or more external nodes / devices using the antenna 316. At least one transmitter and receiver may be collectively implemented as a single transceiver or input / output module 306. In one non-limiting embodiment, at least one processor 308 may be communicatively coupled (e.g., via a bus 318) to a transceiver 306, memory 310, storage component 312, interface 314, and antenna 316 to implement technology consistent with the present disclosure. The bus 318 may include wired or wireless connections.

[0065] As used herein, at least one processor 308 means any type of computing circuit that may comprise hardware and software elements. The processor 308 may be embodied as a multicore processor, a single-core processor, a combination of one or more multicore processors and / or one or more single-core processors, a distributed processing system, and so on. The processor 308 may be a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or another type of processing component.

[0066] The memory 310 may include a non-temporary computer-readable medium. The memory 310 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and / or other types of dynamic or static storage devices (e.g., flash memory, magnetic memory, and / or optical memory) for storing information and / or instructions for use by the processor 308. The memory 310 may have machine-readable instructions that can be executed by the processor 308. When these machine-readable instructions are executed by the processor 308, they cause the processor 308 to perform one or more method steps of the embodiments described above.

[0067] The device 300 may include a storage component 312 that stores information and / or software related to the operation and use of the device 300. For example, the storage component 312 may include, together with a corresponding drive, a hard disk (e.g., magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, and / or solid-state disk), a compact disk (CD), a digital multipurpose disk (DVD), a floppy disk, a cartridge, a magnetic tape, and / or another type of non-temporary computer-readable media.

[0068] The communication interface 314 is an interface that provides communication connections to other devices, such as external and internal devices. Connections via the communication interface 314 can be wired, wireless, or a combination of wired and wireless connections, and can be direct or indirect connections via a communication system existing between the device 300 and the other devices. In other words, the specifications for the communication interface 314 are not limited.

[0069] Bus 318 functions as an interconnection between the processor 308, memory 310, storage components 312, transmitter 302, receiver 304, communication interface 314, and antenna 316 of the device 300.

[0070] The number and arrangement of components shown in Figure 3 are provided as an example. In practice, the apparatus 300 may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or components in different arrangements than those shown in Figure 3. Additionally or alternatively, a set of components of the apparatus 300 (e.g., one or more components) may perform one or more functions that are described as being performed by components of another set of components of the apparatus 300. Furthermore, one or more method steps described in any of the embodiments may be performed using multiple apparatuses 300 communicating with each other.

[0071] In one non-limiting embodiment, the device 300 may, but may not be, be used to implement some or all of the functions of UE104, RAN102, and the core network. Specifically, the device 300 may implement the functions of EMF124 and / or any other network functions or network nodes.

[0072] Referring here to Figure 4, a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 400 implemented by a network function for controlling network policies for energy saving in a communication system 100, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, is described. The network function may be an EMF 124, and the functions of the network function 124 can be implemented with the help of the device 300 (in particular with the help of at least one processor 308).

[0073] Method 400 may include, in block 402, obtaining energy consumption support information associated with one or more NFs of the CN from the OAM node 110. For example, the device 300 may be configured to obtain energy consumption support information associated with one or more NFs of the CN from the OAM node 110.

[0074] In one non-limiting embodiment, obtaining energy consumption support information may include obtaining renewable energy information and carbon emissions information associated with one or more NFs.

[0075] In block 404, method 400 may include calculating energy consumption associated with network elements associated with the CN based on acquired energy consumption support information. For example, device 300 may be configured to calculate energy consumption associated with network elements associated with the CN based on acquired energy consumption support information. In one non-limiting embodiment, network elements may include, but are not limited to, at least one of a PDU session associated with the CN, a UE 104 communicably connected to the CN, or a network slice associated with the CN.

[0076] In block 406, method 400 may include sending a request to the PCF 114 to control one or more network policies if the calculated energy consumption associated with a network element exceeds a predefined energy threshold. For example, device 300 may be configured to send a request to the PCF 114 to control one or more network policies if the calculated energy consumption associated with a network element exceeds a predefined energy threshold.

[0077] In one non-limiting embodiment, one or more network policies may include one or more rules, and the step of controlling one or more network policies may include modifying one or more existing rules for monitoring and managing energy consumption in the CN.

[0078] In one non-limiting embodiment, one or more network policies may include one or more rules, and the step of controlling one or more network policies may include generating one or more new rules for monitoring and managing energy consumption in the CN.

[0079] In one non-limiting embodiment, method 400 may further include sending a request to the UDM network function 116 for predefined energy thresholds associated with a network element, and receiving a response from the UDM network function 116 that includes the predefined energy thresholds associated with the network element based on the request. In such an embodiment, sending a request to the PCF 114 to control one or more network policies includes sending energy consumption and predefined energy thresholds associated with a network element.

[0080] In one non-limiting embodiment, Method 400 may further include receiving a request from PCF114 for energy consumption associated with a network element. The request may include one or more applicable parameters, including a UE ID, S-NSSAI, and DNN associated with the network element. In response to receiving the energy consumption request, Method 400 may further include sending the energy consumption associated with the network element to PCF114.

[0081] In one non-limiting embodiment, Method 400 may further include sending a request for identification information of at least one SMF122 associated with a network element to the UDM network function 116. The request may include a UE ID, a DNN, and a network function type. Method 400 may also include receiving a response from the UDM network function 116 that includes identification information of at least one SMF associated with the network element. The identification information may include the identity of at least one SMF or an Internet Protocol (IP) address associated with at least one SMF122.

[0082] In one non-limiting embodiment, method 400 may further include obtaining a data volume associated with a network element via an event publishing service and calculating an energy consumption associated with the network element, at least based on the data volume associated with the network element.

[0083] In one non-limiting embodiment, energy consumption information for network elements may be obtained based on means of averaging the energy consumed by at least one of the one or more NFs associated with the network element, or by applying a statistical model to the energy. For example, consider one or more NFs to include NF1, NF2, NF3, NF4, and NF5. Each of the one or more NFs may be associated with a different UE, network slice, PDU session, etc. Consider NF1, NF2, and NF4 to be associated with network slice NS1.

[0084] Here, EMF124 first obtains energy consumption support information associated with NF1 to NF5 from OAM node 110. Upon receiving requests for energy consumption associated with NS1 and PDS1 from PCF114, EMF124 may communicate with UDM network function 116 to obtain a predefined energy threshold corresponding to NS1. Next, EMF124 may calculate the energy values ​​E1, E2, and E4 associated with NS1 consumed by NF1, NF2, and NF4, respectively. Then, EMF124 may calculate the energy consumption value of NS1 by averaging the energy values ​​E1, E2, and E4 or by applying a statistical model to the energy values.

[0085] In one non-limiting embodiment, the EMF124 may obtain the amount of data associated with NS1 via an event publishing service and calculate the energy consumption associated with NS1, at least based on the amount of data associated with NS1.

[0086] The technology described herein is explained in the context of energy consumption information. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and energy efficiency information and renewable energy consumption information may also be used in general to control network policies for energy conservation in communication systems.

[0087] This disclosure discloses what extensions may be required to the current subscription and policy frameworks of existing communication systems in order to disclose the energy consumption of a network (e.g., 5G CN). This information can then be used to enforce policies related to the subscription and policy control frameworks. The technology of this disclosure discloses the integration of energy consumption and efficiency information of a network (including, but not limited to, 5G CN) with subscription policies and policy control frameworks, thereby enabling the adoption of energy consumption as a service criterion during the creation of subscription policies and subsequent policy control.

[0088] In some embodiments, this disclosure provides techniques for efficiently collecting network energy-related information and making it available to various stakeholders (e.g., PCFs). By sharing network energy-related information (e.g., renewable energy-related information), stakeholders (e.g., PCFs) can gain valuable insights into the carbon footprint of telecommunications businesses and provide a basis for informed decision-making and targeted policy control to address environmental concerns.

[0089] Embodiments:

[0090] Embodiment 1. A method comprising: obtaining energy consumption support information associated with one or more network functions (NFs) of a core network (CN) from an Operations Management and Maintenance (OAM) node; calculating energy consumption associated with network elements associated with the CN based on the obtained energy consumption support information; and sending a request to a policy control function (PCF) to control one or more network policies if the calculated energy consumption associated with the network elements exceeds a predefined energy threshold.

[0091] Embodiment 2. The method of Embodiment 1, further comprising: sending a request to a user data management (UDM) network function for the predefined energy threshold associated with the network element; and receiving a response from the UDM network function from which the predefined energy threshold associated with the network element is included based on the request, wherein sending the request to the PCF to control one or more network policies includes sending the energy consumption and the predefined energy threshold associated with the network element.

[0092] Embodiment 3. The method according to Embodiment 1 or 2, further comprising receiving a request from the PCF for the energy consumption associated with the network element, wherein the request includes one or more applicable parameters, including a user equipment identity (UE ID), single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI), and a data network name (DNN) associated with the network element; and transmitting the energy consumption associated with the network element to the PCF in response to receiving the request for the energy consumption.

[0093] Embodiment 4. The method according to Embodiment 3, further comprising: sending a request to a User Data Management (UDM) network function for identification information of at least one session management function (SMF) associated with the network element, wherein the request includes the UE ID, the DNN, and the network function type; and receiving a response from the UDM network function including the identification information of the at least one SMF associated with the network element, wherein the identification information of the at least one SMF includes the identity of the at least one SMF or the Internet Protocol (IP) address associated with the at least one SMF.

[0094] Embodiment 5. The method of any one of Embodiments 1 to 4, further comprising: obtaining the amount of data associated with the network element via an event publishing service; and calculating the energy consumption associated with the network element based at least on the amount of data associated with the network element.

[0095] Embodiment 6. The method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein obtaining the energy consumption support information includes obtaining renewable energy information and carbon emission information associated with one or more NFs.

[0096] Embodiment 7. The method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the one or more network policies include one or more rules, and controlling the one or more network policies includes modifying one or more existing rules for monitoring and managing energy consumption in the CN.

[0097] Embodiment 8. The method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the one or more network policies include one or more rules, and controlling the one or more network policies includes generating one or more new rules for monitoring and managing energy consumption in the CN.

[0098] Embodiment 9. The method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the network element includes at least one of a protocol data unit (PDU) session associated with the CN and a user device (UE) that is communicably connected to the CN.

[0099] It should be noted that some or all of the subjects of the embodiments described herein with reference to Figures 1 and 2 may relate to Method 400, and this is not repeated for the sake of brevity. The language used herein has been chosen primarily for readability and teaching purposes and may not have been chosen to describe or limit the subject matter of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure is intended to be limited not by this detailed description but by the claims issued in an application based herein. Accordingly, the embodiments of this disclosure are intended to illustrate, rather than limit, the scope of this disclosure as set out in the appended claims.

Claims

1. Method: To obtain energy consumption support information associated with one or more network functions (NFs) of the core network (CN) from an Operations Management and Maintenance (OAM) node; Based on the acquired energy consumption support information, calculate the energy consumption associated with the network element associated with the CN; and, This includes sending a request to a policy control function (PCF) to control one or more network policies if the calculated energy consumption associated with the network element exceeds a predefined energy threshold, method.

2. Sending a request for the predefined energy threshold associated with the network element to the user data management (UDM) network function; and, The UDM network function further includes receiving a response from the UDM network function that includes the predefined energy threshold associated with the network element based on the request, Sending the request controlling one or more network policies to the PCF includes sending the energy consumption and predefined energy threshold associated with the network element, The method according to claim 1.

3. Receiving a request for the energy consumption associated with the network element from the PCF, wherein the request includes one or more applicable parameters, including a user equipment identity (UE ID), single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI), and a data network name (DNN) associated with the network element; and, Further including transmitting the energy consumption associated with the network element to the PCF in response to receiving the request for the energy consumption, The method according to claim 1.

4. Sending a request to a user data management (UDM) network function for identification information of at least one session management function (SMF) associated with the network element, wherein the request includes the UE ID, the DNN, and the network function type; and, Receiving a response from the UDM network function that includes the identification information of the at least one SMF associated with the network element, further comprising receiving the identification information of the at least one SMF including the identity of the at least one SMF or the Internet Protocol (IP) address associated with the at least one SMF, The method according to claim 3.

5. Obtaining the amount of data associated with the network element via the event publishing service; and, The further includes calculating the energy consumption associated with the network element based at least on the amount of data associated with the network element, The method according to claim 1.

6. The acquisition of the aforementioned energy consumption support information includes acquiring renewable energy information and carbon emission information associated with one or more NFs. The method according to claim 1.

7. The aforementioned one or more network policies include one or more rules, Controlling the one or more network policies includes modifying one or more existing rules for monitoring and managing energy consumption in the CN. The method according to claim 1.

8. The aforementioned one or more network policies include one or more rules, Controlling the one or more network policies includes generating one or more new rules for monitoring and managing energy consumption in the CN. The method according to claim 1.

9. The network element includes at least one of a protocol data unit (PDU) session associated with the CN and a user device (UE) that is communicably connected to the CN. The method according to claim 1.

10. It is a device: To obtain energy consumption support information associated with one or more network functions (NFs) of the core network (CN) from an Operations Management and Maintenance (OAM) node; Based on the acquired energy consumption support information, calculate the energy consumption associated with the network element associated with the CN; and, The system is configured to send a request to the policy control function (PCF) to control one or more network policies if the calculated energy consumption associated with the network element exceeds a predefined energy threshold. Device.

11. Sending a request for the predefined energy threshold associated with the network element to the user data management (UDM) network function; and, The UDM network function is further configured to perform the following: receiving a response from the UDM network function, which includes the predefined energy threshold associated with the network element based on the request: In order to send the request to the PCF to control the one or more network policies, the device is configured to send the energy consumption and the predefined energy threshold associated with the network element. The apparatus according to claim 10.

12. Receiving a request for the energy consumption associated with the network element from the PCF, wherein the request includes one or more applicable parameters, including a user equipment identity (UE ID), single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI), and a data network name (DNN) associated with the network element; and, The system is further configured to transmit the energy consumption associated with the network element to the PCF in response to receiving the request for the energy consumption. The apparatus according to claim 10.

13. Sending a request to a user data management (UDM) network function for identification information of at least one session management function (SMF) associated with the network element, wherein the request includes the UE ID, the DNN, and the network function type; and, The UDM network function is further configured to receive a response from the UDM network function that includes the identification information of the at least one SMF associated with the network element, wherein the identification information of the at least one SMF includes the identity of the at least one SMF or the Internet Protocol (IP) address associated with the at least one SMF. The apparatus according to claim 12.

14. Obtaining the amount of data associated with the network element via the event publishing service; and, The system is further configured to perform the calculation of the energy consumption associated with the network element, based at least on the amount of data associated with the network element. The apparatus according to claim 10.

15. In order to acquire the aforementioned energy consumption support information, the device is configured to acquire renewable energy information and carbon emission information associated with one or more NFs. The apparatus according to claim 10.

16. The aforementioned one or more network policies include one or more rules, To control the one or more network policies, the device is configured to modify one or more existing rules for monitoring and managing energy consumption in the CN. The apparatus according to claim 10.

17. The aforementioned one or more network policies include one or more rules, In order to control the one or more network policies, the device is configured to generate one or more new rules for monitoring and managing energy consumption in the CN. The apparatus according to claim 10.

18. The network element includes at least one of a protocol data unit (PDU) session associated with the CN and a user device (UE) that is communicably connected to the CN. The apparatus according to claim 10.

19. A non-temporary computer-readable medium storing one or more computer-executable instructions, wherein when the instructions are executed by the device, the device: Energy consumption support information associated with one or more network functions (NFs) of the core network (CN) is obtained from the Operations Management and Maintenance (OAM) node; Based on the acquired energy consumption support information, the energy consumption associated with the network element associated with the CN is calculated; and, If the calculated energy consumption associated with the network element exceeds a predefined energy threshold, a request to control one or more network policies is sent to the policy control function (PCF). Non-temporary computer-readable media.

20. The device further provides the following to the one or more computer-executable instructions: The user data management (UDM) network function is instructed to send a request for the predefined energy threshold associated with the network element; and, The UDM network function receives a response from the UDM network function that includes the predefined energy threshold associated with the network element based on the request. In order to send the request to the PCF to control the one or more network policies, the one or more computer executable instructions cause the device to send the energy consumption and the predefined energy threshold associated with the network element. The non-temporary computer-readable medium according to claim 19.

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