Wireless access scheduling device, wireless access system, and wireless access scheduling method

Abstract

A resource scheduler (110) of a base station 100 comprises: a resource allocation calculator (113) that performs scheduling in which a RE multiplexed in a time domain and a frequency domain is allocated to each UE (10), and when traffic between a UE (10) and the base station (100) is equal to or less than a predetermined value, resources are allocated to one side along the time axis; and a sleep controller (115) that delivers the scheduling result of the resource allocation calculator (113) as resource allocation information or sleep-capable time information to functional parts of the base station (100) capable of sleeping.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wireless access scheduling apparatus, a wireless access system, and a wireless access scheduling method.

Background Art

[0002] In a wireless access system for mobile communication, the carrier timing of a wireless signal between a terminal and a base station is managed by a MAC (Medium Access Control) Scheduler in the base station as a resource multiplexed in the time domain and the frequency domain, and is realized by allocating a suitable RE (Resource Element) for each terminal.

[0003] An overview of the wireless access system will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an overview of the wireless access system. As shown in FIG. 10, the wireless access system 1 includes a terminal (UE: User Equipment) 10, an antenna (base station antenna) 20, a base station (BBU: Base Band Unit) 30, and a core network 40.

[0004] The UE 10 is a plurality of UEs 1, UE2, UE3,..., UEn (n is an arbitrary natural number), and the base station 30 allocates and manages REs (refer to the hatching or shading in FIG. 10. The hatching or shading pattern represents the REs separately). When collectively referring to UEs 1, UE2, UE3,..., UEn, it is called UE 10. The antenna 20 is an antenna and a transceiver that performs wireless communication with the UE 10 (hereinafter, the "antenna" collectively refers to the antenna, the transceiver, and its power supply unit). The transmitted and received data is connected to the base station 30 by, for example, a dedicated cable.

[0005] The base station 30 is a fixed wireless station established on land that communicates with the UE 10. The base station 30 is dedicated hardware (a dedicated device) that performs radio signal processing. Or, the base station 30 is a vRAN (virtual Radio Access Network) that processes radio signal processing in a radio access system such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) or 5G (five generation) using a general-purpose server. In vRAN (described later), a general-purpose server that is inexpensive and can be obtained in large quantities can be used as the hardware of the base station 30. The base station 30 includes hardware (HW) 31, an OS etc. 32, and a base station processing application 33.

[0006] The core network 40 is an EPC (Evolved Packet Core) / (in the following description, " / " represents "or") 5GC (5G Core Network) or the like.

[0007] <vran> Describe vRAN. In a wireless access system for mobile communication, since high latency requirements and throughput are demanded, it has been common for a base station (BBU) that performs wireless signal processing to use dedicated hardware (a dedicated device). In recent years, with the widespread adoption of general-purpose servers (IA: Intel Architecture servers (Intel: trademark)), the performance of general-purpose servers has improved dramatically, and it has become possible to obtain them at low cost through mass production. As a result, the consideration of vRAN that performs the wireless signal processing of BBU in wireless access systems such as LTE and 5G using general-purpose servers has been progressing.

[0008] In vRAN, since it is possible to use general-purpose servers that are inexpensive and available in large quantities as the hardware of BBU, a BBU pool can be constructed by aggregating regional DCs (Data Centers) and communication buildings within a radius of several tens of kilometers from the antenna, setting up server racks, and installing multiple general-purpose servers in advance (this concept may be referred to as C-RAN (Centralized-RAN)).

[0009] Since it is possible to prepare multiple base station hardwares (general-purpose servers) in advance for the BBU pool, it has potential advantages that enable flexible operations such as rapid hardware replacement (switching) in case of hardware failure and dynamic scale-out / in according to the increase and decrease of traffic.

[0010] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an overview of resource scheduling in the base station 30 of the wireless access system 1 of FIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 11, the base station 30 allocates and manages resources multiplexed in the time domain (horizontal axis) × frequency domain (vertical axis) for the transmission carrier timing of the signals exchanged with the UE 10 for each UE 10. The number of REs can be set in various ways depending on the numerology, radio band, etc. Also, in order to enable efficient transmission, the base station measures the noise level of the signals received from the UE and performs control such as allocating suitable REs for each UE (for example, feedback loop control by HARQ (Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request)).

[0011] Patent Document 1 defines the configuration of 5G mobile communication (3GPP specification (38.211)).

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0012]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0013] In the prior art, RE allocation for improving noise resistance due to radio wave interference and diffraction, and RE allocation considering the service priority (QoS: Quality of Service) for each UE have been realized. However, RE allocation control targeting power saving has not been performed. Hereinafter, RE allocation control targeting power saving will be described.

[0014] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a case where the radio access system 1 in FIG. 11 is equipped with a function of achieving power saving by sleeping (resting) while there is no data transmission / reception between the UE / base station / core network. For example, in the UE10 shown in FIG. 12, there is a request to put the UE in a dormant state when there is no data transmission or reception. Similarly, in the antenna 20 shown in FIG. 12, there is a request to put the antenna in a dormant state (turn off the power of the antenna) when there is no data transmission or reception, in the hardware 31 of the base station 30, there is a request to put the base station in a dormant state when there is no data transmission or reception, and in the core network 40, there is a request to put the nodes of the core network in a dormant state when there is no data transmission or reception. Thus, when the terminal / base station / core network is equipped with a function to achieve power saving by sleeping during data transmission and reception, it is desired to maximize the utilization of these functions to achieve power saving. However, the current RE allocation logic does not assume these situations.

[0015] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of resource scheduling in the base station 30 of the radio access system 1 in FIG. 10, and is an example of performing RE allocation without considering power saving performance when the traffic is low. As described above, the carrier timing of the signals exchanged between the base station 30 and the UE10 is managed by the base station 30 by allocating resources multiplexed in the time domain (horizontal axis) × frequency domain (vertical axis) for each UE10. In the resource scheduling example shown in FIG. 13, as can be seen by comparison with the resource scheduling example shown in FIG. 11, a small number of UE allocations occur in each time slot, and UE allocations exist in any time slot. In FIG. 13, only one RE is allocated to a UE in each time slot. Therefore, cases where the UE / base station / core network cannot sleep are assumed.

[0016] As a prior art for achieving power saving, there is DRX (Discontinuous Reception) in the LTE specifications defined by 3GPP. DRX is a function that allows the UE (terminal) to sleep while not engaged in data communication. The UE needs to keep the power on at all times so that it can respond whenever data (PDCCH: Physical Downlink Control CHannel) arrives from the base station even when there is no data communication. As a countermeasure, through an agreement called DRX, the timing (period) at which data arrives from the base station to the UE is determined in advance through negotiation, and during periods other than that timing (period), the UE can turn off the power (sleep). DRX is for the purpose of reducing the power consumption of the UE and not for the purpose of power saving in the base station itself or the core network. DRX only determines in advance the timing (period) at which data arrives from the base station to the UE through an agreement between the UE and the base station.

[0017] Thus, in the conventional radio access system, at present, the base station does not perform RE allocation control targeting power saving performance.

[0018] In view of such a background, the present invention has been made, and an object of the present invention is to ensure a long power saving mode state by sleep and enhance the power saving effect.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0019] To solve the above-described problems, a radio access scheduling device for a base station that schedules radio access signals between a terminal and a base station, The radio access scheduling device disposed in the base station is, Resource Elements (REs) multiplexed in the time domain and the frequency domain are allocated for each terminal, and when the traffic between the terminal and the base station is below a predetermined value, scheduling is performed to allocate resources by shifting them in the time axis direction. A resource allocation calculation unit, and a sleep control unit that distributes the scheduling result of the resource allocation calculation unit to each functional unit capable of sleeping in the base station as resource allocation information or sleepable time information. A radio access scheduling apparatus characterized by comprising:

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to ensure a long power-saving mode state by sleep and enhance the power-saving effect.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

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Figure 13

[0022] Hereinafter, a radio access system and the like in an embodiment for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described with reference to the drawings. [Overview] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a radio access system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment is applicable to a radio access system for EPC / 5GC mobile communication. The same components as those in FIG. 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 1, the radio access system 1000 includes a terminal (UE) 10, an antenna 20, a base station (BBU) 100, and a core network 40.

[0023] The base station 100 includes hardware 101, an OS or the like 102, a resource scheduling unit 110 (radio access scheduling device), and an L1 / L2 / L3 radio signal processing unit 120. The resource scheduling unit 110 of the base station 100 is a radio access scheduling device of the base station 100 that allocates REs multiplexed in the time domain and the frequency domain for each UE10 and schedules the radio access signal between the UE10 and the base station 100.

[0024] The resource scheduling unit 110 includes a communication quality reception unit 111, an external information reception unit 112, a resource allocation calculation unit 113, an allocation information distribution unit 114, and a sleep control unit 115.

[0025] The communication quality reception unit 111 receives radio access communication quality information such as CQI (Channel Quality Indicator) (see arrow a in FIG. 1) and transmits this radio access communication quality information to the resource allocation calculation unit 113.

[0026] The external information reception unit 112 receives external information related to RAN (Radio Access Network) resource allocation, such as QoS information and server resource information, and transmits this external information to the resource allocation calculation unit 113.

[0027] When the traffic between the UE10 and the base station 100 is below a predetermined value (a set value set in advance by the operator) (when resources can be shifted in the time direction), the resource allocation calculation unit 113 performs scheduling to shift and allocate resources in the time axis direction.

[0028] The resource allocation calculation unit 113 allocates suitable resources to the UE that has changed. The resource allocation calculation unit 113 not only reallocates REs for the UE that has changed, but also for existing REs for which resource allocation has already been completed by the MAC scheduler. The resource allocation calculation unit 113 periodically reviews the REs for which allocation has already been completed and reallocates the REs.

[0029] When a plurality of antennas 20 are connected to the base station 100, the resource allocation calculation unit 113 has an RE allocation table 50 (see FIG. 7 described later) that stores RE allocation information for each antenna 20, and refers to the RE allocation table 50 to allocate resources by shifting them in the time axis direction for each antenna 20 (see FIG. 7 described later).

[0030] When a plurality of antennas 20 are connected to the base station 100, the resource allocation calculation unit 113 aggregates in the time direction and allocates time slots for each antenna 20 (see FIG. 8 described later).

[0031] The resource allocation calculation unit 113 selects a time slot with a small noise content in the radio connection with the UE 10, and allocates it while shifting it in the frequency direction so that the RE does not spread in the frequency direction (see the right figure of FIG. 4 described later).

[0032] The allocation information distribution unit 114 notifies the L1 / L2 / L3 radio signal processing unit 120 of the resource allocation information of the target UE (see arrow b in FIG. 1).

[0033] The sleep control unit 115 distributes the scheduling result allocated by the resource allocation calculation unit 113 as resource allocation information or sleepable time information to each functional unit (L1 / L2 / L3 radio signal processing unit 120, hardware 101, accelerator, network device, polling thread for high-speed data communication, etc.) of the base station 100 that can sleep.

[0034] In addition, the sleep control unit 115 distributes the resource allocation information or sleepable time information to at least one of the UE 10, the antenna 20, and the core network 40 as an external functional unit outside the base station 100 that can sleep and is connected to the base station 100. Although the antenna 20 is classified as an external functional unit that can sleep, it may be classified into each functional unit of the base station 100 that can sleep.

[0035] Specifically, the sleep control unit 115 distributes resource allocation information or sleepable time information to each sleepable functional unit of the base station 100, that is, distributes it to the L1 / L2 / L3 radio signal processing unit 120 (see the dashed arrow c in FIG. 1), and distributes it to, for example, an accelerator of the hardware 101 (see the dashed arrow e in FIG. 1). Further, the sleep control unit 115 distributes to external functional units outside the base station that can be put to sleep and are connected to the base station 100, that is, distributes it to the antenna 20 (see the dashed arrow d in FIG. 1) and distributes it to the core network 40 (see the dashed arrow f in FIG. 1).

[0036] Here, the above resource allocation information is distributed to each functional unit of the base station 100, and the above sleepable time information is distributed to external functional units outside the base station that can be put to sleep and are connected to the base station 100 (UE10, antenna 20, core network 40). However, the names of the resource allocation information and the sleepable time information are for convenience, and they may have the same name.

[0037] Here, when the resource can be shifted in the time direction, the above resource allocation calculation unit 113 performs a calculation to shift and allocate the resource in the time direction. In contrast, the sleep control unit 115 actually distributes the result allocated by the resource allocation calculation unit 113 as resource allocation information or sleepable time information to each sleepable functional unit of the base station 100 and to external functional units outside the base station that can be put to sleep and are connected to the base station 100.

[0038] The L1 / L2 / L3 radio signal processing unit 120 is a protocol processing unit such as PHY (processing such as modulation method, coding method, antenna multiplexing), MAC (Medium Access Control), RLC (Radio Link Control), PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol), etc. The L1 / L2 / L3 radio signal processing unit 120 performs protocol processing of L2 / L3 / L4 defined by, for example, the OSI reference model.

[0039] The communication quality reception unit 111, the allocation information distribution unit 114, and the L1 / L2 / L3 radio signal processing unit 120 may communicate using the memory space provided by the OS 102 etc. (refer to the reference signs a and b in FIG. 1), or may communicate using the memory space independently managed in the User space that can be used by the user on a server equipped with an OS (for example, Host OS).

[0040] Hereinafter, the operation of the radio access system 1000 configured as described above will be described. (Principle explanation) FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of resource scheduling in the base station 100 of the radio access system 1000 in FIG. 1. The carrier timing of the signals exchanged between the base station 100 and the UE 10 is managed by the base station 100 by allocating resources multiplexed in the time domain (horizontal axis) × frequency domain (vertical axis) for each UE 10.

[0041] When the traffic is light, the resource scheduling unit 110 (radio access scheduling device) shifts the resource allocation in the time direction. Thereby, each functional unit of the base station (L1 / L2 / L3 radio signal processing unit 120, hardware 101, accelerator, network device, polling thread for high-speed data communication, etc.) and external functional units outside the base station that can sleep (UE 10, antenna 20, core network 40, etc.) can sleep for as long as possible. In the resource scheduling example of FIG. 2, the resource scheduling example shown in FIG. 13 is shifted in the time direction so that the sleepable time becomes longer in each functional unit of the base station and external functional units outside the base station that can sleep. By shifting the resource allocation in the time direction, as indicated by <sleep possible> of the arrow in FIG. 2, the sleepable time can be generated in each of the above functional units and external functional units.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the radio access scheduling process by the resource scheduling unit 110 of the base station 100. This process starts with any of the following as a trigger. That is, it starts with the arrival of startup communication quality information (Tri1), the attachment of a new UE (Tri2), the arrival of a communication request from the UE (Tri3), the change of QoS (Quality of Service) information for the UE (Tri4), or the change of the resource amount or performance conditions of the server infrastructure (Tri5). Here, the change of QoS information for the UE (Tri4) is obtained by receiving from RIC (RAN Intelligent Controller), SMO (Service Management Orchestration), etc. The change of the resource amount or performance conditions of the server infrastructure (Tri5) is, for example, the change of the number of available CPU cores.

[0043] Triggered by the arrival of startup communication quality information (Tri1), at step S11, the communication quality receiving unit 111 of the resource scheduling unit 110 receives radio access communication quality information such as CQI (Channel Quality Indicator), and transmits this radio access communication quality information to the resource allocation calculation unit 113 of the resource scheduling unit 110 and proceeds to step S13.

[0044] Triggered by the attachment of a new UE (Tri2) or the arrival of a communication request from the UE (Tri3), proceed to step S13.

[0045] Triggered by the arrival of the change of QoS information for the UE (Tri4) or the change of the resource amount or performance conditions of the server infrastructure (Tri5), at step S12, the external information receiving unit 112 of the resource scheduling unit 110 receives external information related to RAN (Radio Access Network) resource allocation, such as QoS information and server resource information, and transmits this external information to the resource allocation calculation unit 113 and proceeds to step S13.

[0046] In step S13, the resource allocation calculation unit 113 allocates suitable resources to the UEs 10 that have changed, and when the traffic between the UEs 10 and the base station 100 is equal to or less than a predetermined value, it determines that the resources can be shifted in the time direction, and performs scheduling to shift and allocate the resources in the time axis direction. That is, when the resources can be shifted in the time direction, the resource allocation calculation unit 113 shifts and allocates the resources in the time direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the resource allocation is shifted and allocated in the time direction. By shifting the resource allocation in the time direction, as shown by <sleep possible> in the arrow in FIG. 2, it is possible to generate a sleepable time in each of the above functional units.

[0047] In step S14, the resource allocation calculation unit 113 reallocates the REs not only to the UEs that have changed but also to the existing REs for which the resource allocation from the MAC scheduler has already been completed. Further, when there is a possibility of extending the sleepable time or reducing the noise content of the radio signal, the resource allocation calculation unit 113 may reallocate the REs.

[0048] In step S15, the resource allocation calculation unit 113 determines whether there is a change in the resource allocation. If there is no change in the resource allocation (S15: No), the process of this flow ends.

[0049] If there is a change in the resource allocation (S15: Yes), in step S16, the allocation information distribution unit 114 notifies the L1 / L2 / L3 radio signal processing unit 120 of the resource allocation information of the target UE (see reference symbol c in FIG. 1).

[0050] In step S17, the sleep control unit 115 distributes the resource allocation information (or sleepable time information) to each functional unit that can sleep and to external functional units outside the base station that can sleep, that is, distributes it to the antenna 20 (see reference symbol d in FIG. 1), distributes it to, for example, an accelerator of the hardware 101 (see reference symbol e in FIG. 1), and distributes it to the core network 40 (see reference symbol f in FIG. 1), and ends the process of this flow. In addition, the sleep control unit 115 may distribute sleep enable time information to each functional unit of the base station 100 capable of sleep and external functional units capable of sleep outside the base station, instruct a transition to power-off or the sleep mode, and control each functional unit of the base station 100 and external functional units capable of sleep outside the base station.

[0051] <Examples of functional units capable of sleep> Examples of functional units capable of sleep (including external functional units) will be described. The functional units capable of sleep include (1) the UE 10, (2) the transmission device, (3) the base station 100, and (4) the core network 40. In addition, the (3) base station 100 includes (3-1) the L1 / L2 / L3 radio signal processing unit 120, (3-2) the accelerator, (3-3) the network device, and (3-4) the polling thread for high-speed data communication. They will be described in order below.

[0052] (1) UE10 Whether the UE has a sleep-capable function depends on the type. Many terminals driven by a battery such as a smartphone are devices equipped with a function in which the CPU etc. sleeps while there is no data communication.

[0053] (2) Transmission device Transmission devices such as L2 switches and PON (Passive Optical Network) are devices that can transition to a power-saving mode during periods without data communication to enhance the power-saving effect.

[0054] (3) Base station 100 (3-1) L1 / L2 / L3 radio signal processing unit 120 The L1 / L2 / L3 radio signal processing unit 120 can reduce CPU power consumption by sleeping without using the CPU during periods without data communication.

[0055] (3-2) Accelerator The CPU offloads processing to accelerators such as FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) / GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) / ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) for encoding / decoding processes such as FEC (Forward Error Correction) with a large amount of parallel computing in the base station. During periods without data communication, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the accelerator by putting the accelerator to sleep.

[0056] (3-3) Network device The network device puts network devices such as NIC (Network Interface Card) to sleep during periods without data communication. This makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of the network device.

[0057] (3-4) Polling thread for high-speed data communication The polling thread for high-speed data communication puts the polling thread for high-speed data communication to sleep during periods without data communication. This makes it possible to reduce the CPU power consumption.

[0058] (4) Core network 40 During periods without data communication, the core network nodes are put to sleep. There are devices that can expect power savings in this way.

[0059] Through the resource scheduling of the resource scheduling unit 110 (radio access scheduling device), it is possible to create periods without data communication. Therefore, in each functional unit of the base station that can be put to sleep and external functional units outside the base station that can be put to sleep, it is expected that the power-saving effect can be enhanced by transitioning to sleep or the power-saving mode.

[0060] In addition, the sleep control unit 115 may cooperate with each sleep-capable functional unit of the base station and external functional units outside the base station that can be put to sleep, and execute proactive sleep control by receiving the resource allocation information (or sleepable time information) of the sleep control unit 115.

[0061] [RE Allocation] The RE allocation will be described.

[0062] <Example of newly allocating RE to a UE> FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a resource scheduling example when newly allocating RE. The left diagram of FIG. 4 is a resource scheduling example before allocating RE to the UE. The reference symbol g in FIG. 4 is the RE of the new UE to be allocated to the resource scheduling example in the left diagram of FIG. 4. The right diagram of FIG. 4 is a resource scheduling example after newly allocating RE.

[0063] · Shift in the <time direction> As shown by the reference symbol h in the right diagram of FIG. 4, within one subframe, the resource allocation is shifted in the time direction. Here, in the shift in the <time direction>, the RE of the new UE (see the reference symbol g in the right diagram of FIG. 4) is allocated to the time slot already allocated to the UE (the time slot in the first row within one subframe) as much as possible. By allocating the RE of the new UE to the time slot already allocated to the UE, it is possible to obtain the effect that the sleepable time secured by the shift in the time direction is not shortened.

[0064] · Shift in the <frequency direction> As shown by the reference symbol i in the right diagram of FIG. 4, within one subframe, it is also possible to shift the resource allocation in the <frequency direction>. The shift in the <frequency direction> has the following characteristics. That is, when selecting a slot with low noise content (strong radio wave intensity) in the radio connection with the UE, allocate it while shifting it in the frequency direction so that the REs do not spread in the frequency direction as much as possible. By allocating while shifting in the frequency direction, the frequency band to be used is restricted. As a result, the possibility of turning off the circuits for transmitting / receiving waves of the antenna can be increased.

[0065] In this way, resource allocation can be in a mode of shifting not in the time direction but in the frequency domain. Also, it is possible to use both shifting in the time direction and shifting in the frequency domain in combination. By shifting in the frequency domain, the frequency for transmitting waves from the antenna can be reduced, and it becomes possible to reduce the power consumption of the antenna and the UE.

[0066] <Example of optimization of existing REs that have already been allocated> FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a resource scheduling example of the optimization of existing REs that have already been allocated. The left diagram of FIG. 5 is a resource scheduling example before the optimization of the existing REs that have already been allocated, and the right diagram of FIG. 5 is a resource scheduling example after the optimization of the existing REs that have already been allocated.

[0067] In the case of mobile communication, since the REs move between base stations, deletion of REs that have moved and are no longer in service or registration of newly in-service REs are repeated. In this process, as shown in the left diagram of FIG. 5, within one subframe, due to RE depletion, the second column of time slots is also used, and REs are allocated to the second column of time slots (see reference numeral j in the left diagram of FIG. 5). With the deletion of the REs in the first column of time slots (see reference numeral k in the left diagram of FIG. 5), a situation is assumed where the first column of time slots becomes empty.

[0068] Therefore, the RE (refer to reference sign j in the left diagram of FIG. 5) for which the allocation has already been completed is periodically reviewed to optimize the RE allocation. For example, as shown in the right diagram of FIG. 5, within one subframe, by reallocating the RE (refer to reference sign j in the left diagram of FIG. 5) in the time slot of the second column as indicated by arrow l in the right diagram of FIG. 5, it becomes possible to leave the second column of the time slot empty (refer to reference sign m in the right diagram of FIG. 5). As a result, an extension of the sleepable time may be expected.

[0069] <Example of the case where a base station accommodates a plurality of antennas> · RE allocation example (when having an RE allocation table for each antenna) FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of base station 100 and antenna 20 when a base station accommodates a plurality of antennas. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the RE allocation table 50 (RE allocation storage unit) provided in base station 100 of FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of antennas 20 (antenna #1 to #4) are connected to base station 100, and base station 100 holds an RE allocation table 50 (FIG. 7) for each of antennas #1 to #4. The resource scheduling unit 110 (FIG. 5) of base station 100 performs the shift in the <time direction> described in FIG. 4 for each of antennas #1 to #4 using the RE allocation table 50 (FIG. 7) for each of antennas #1 to #4.

[0070] · RE allocation example (when managing a plurality of antennas with one RE allocation table) FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram when base station 100 of FIG. 6 manages a plurality of antennas with one RE allocation table. As a specific example of managing a plurality of antennas with one RE allocation table, there may be a case of using an FHM (FrontHaul Maltiplexer). The FHM distributes and combines wireless signals on the front haul, for example, up to 16 at most.

[0071] When a plurality of antennas are accommodated in one base station, an FHM or the like is utilized, and they are managed with one RE allocation table, as shown in FIG. 8, time slots are allocated by aggregating in the time direction for each antenna.

[0072] For each antenna, by aggregating the RE allocations in the time direction, it becomes possible to extend the sleepable time of the antenna. For example, in FIG. 8, since there is no RE allocation in the second to fourteenth columns of the time slot for antenna #1, it is possible to sleep during this period.

[0073] <Example of the same time slot allocation per antenna> In the wireless access system 1000, it may be possible to separate the base station function into RU (Radio Unit) / DU (Distributed Unit) / CU (Centralized Unit).

[0074] Users to be accommodated may be allocated to the same time slot in units of antennas (or in units of RUs in the case of a configuration where the RU and vDU are separated in an O-RAN (Open-RAN)-compliant vRAN system). This makes it possible to extend the sleepable time of the antenna / RU when the antenna / RU has a sleepable function.

[0075] [Hardware Configuration] The resource scheduling unit 110 (wireless access scheduling device) according to the above embodiment is realized by a computer 900 having a configuration as shown in FIG. 9, for example. FIG. 9 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer 900 that realizes the functions of the resource scheduling unit 110. The computer 900 includes a CPU 901, a ROM 902, a RAM 903, an HDD 904, a communication interface (I / F) 906, an input / output interface (I / F) 905, and a media interface (I / F) 907.

[0076] The CPU 901 operates based on programs stored in the ROM 902 or the HDD 904, and controls each part of the resource scheduler unit 110 shown in FIG. 1. The ROM 902 stores a boot program executed by the CPU 901 when the computer 900 is started up, programs dependent on the hardware of the computer 900, and the like.

[0077] The CPU 901 controls an input device 910 such as a mouse or a keyboard, and an output device 911 such as a display, via the input / output I / F 905. The CPU 901 acquires data from the input device 910 via the input / output I / F 905, and outputs the generated data to the output device 911. Note that, together with the CPU 901, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or the like may be used as a processor.

[0078] The HDD 904 stores programs executed by the CPU 901 and data used by the programs. The communication I / F 906 receives data from other devices via a communication network (for example, NW (Network) 920) and outputs it to the CPU 901, and transmits data generated by the CPU 901 to other devices via the communication network.

[0079] The media I / F 907 reads a program or data stored in the recording medium 912 and outputs it to the CPU 901 via the RAM 903. The CPU 901 loads a program related to the target processing from the recording medium 912 onto the RAM 903 via the media I / F 907, and executes the loaded program. The recording medium 912 is an optical recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or a PD (Phase change rewritable Disk), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto Optical disk), a magnetic recording medium, a conductor memory tape medium, or a semiconductor memory or the like.

[0080] For example, when the computer 900 functions as the resource scheduling unit 110 configured as one device according to the present embodiment, the CPU 901 of the computer 900 realizes the functions of the resource scheduling unit 110 by executing a program loaded on the RAM 903. Also, the HDD 904 stores the data in the RAM 903. The CPU 901 reads and executes a program related to the target process from the recording medium 912. In addition, the CPU 901 may read a program related to the target process from another device via the communication network (NW920).

[0081] [Effect] As described above, the resource scheduling unit 110 of the base station 100 is a radio access scheduling device of the base station 100 that schedules radio access signals between the UE 10 and the base station 100, and allocates REs multiplexed in the time domain and the frequency domain for each UE 10. When the traffic between the terminal (UE 10) and the base station 100 is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the resource scheduling unit 110 performs scheduling to allocate resources by shifting them in the time axis direction. The resource scheduling unit 110 includes a resource allocation calculation unit 113 that performs such scheduling, and a sleep control unit 115 that distributes the scheduling result of the resource allocation calculation unit 113 to each functional unit of the base station 100 that can sleep as resource allocation information or sleepable time information.

[0082] By doing so, when traffic is low, resource allocation is scheduled to be skewed in the time direction so that each functional unit capable of sleeping in base station 100 (L1 / L2 / L3 radio signal processing unit 120, hardware 101, accelerator, network device, polling thread for high-speed data communication, etc.) can sleep for as long as possible. As a result, it is possible to create a period without data communication, and in each of the above functional units, power saving due to long-term sleep can be expected. That is, when L1 / L2 / L3 radio signal processing unit 120, hardware 101, accelerator, network device, polling thread for high-speed data communication, etc. have the function of sleeping / transitioning to the power-saving mode during the absence of data communication, according to the present invention, it is possible to ensure the sleep / power-saving mode state for a long time, so that the power-saving effect can be enhanced.

[0083] Since the present invention is implemented within the base station without modifying the terminal or the core network, it is also excellent in terms of cost. Since the terminal uses the radio resources allocated by the MAC scheduler of base station 100 in a subordinate manner, no modification is required on the terminal side.

[0084] In radio access system 1000, the sleep control unit 115 of resource schedule unit 110 (radio access scheduling device) distributes resource allocation information or sleepable time information to at least one of UE 10, antenna 20, and core network 40, which are external functional units capable of sleeping outside the base station connected to base station 100.

[0085] By doing so, it is possible to create a period without data communication. Therefore, when external functional units (UE10, antenna 20, core network 40, etc.) that can sleep outside the base station have the function of sleeping / transitioning to the power-saving mode during the period without data communication, it becomes possible to ensure the sleep / power-saving mode state for a long time. As a result, in the UE10, antenna 20, core network 40, etc. of the external functional units that can sleep outside the base station, it is possible to ensure the power-saving mode state due to sleep for a long time and enhance the power-saving effect.

[0086] In the radio access system 1000, the resource allocation calculation unit 113 of the resource scheduling unit 110 (radio access scheduling device) periodically reviews the REs for which the allocation has already been completed and reallocates the REs.

[0087] By doing so, it becomes possible to realize a resource allocation that dynamically adapts to changes in the data communication requirement volume of the UE10, changes in QoS, and changes in the resource volume of the server infrastructure.

[0088] In the radio access system 1000, when a plurality of antennas 20 are connected to the base station 100, the resource allocation calculation unit 113 of the resource scheduling unit 110 (radio access scheduling device) has an RE allocation storage unit that stores the allocation information of the REs for each antenna 20, and refers to the RE allocation storage unit to allocate the resources shifted in the time axis direction for each antenna 20.

[0089] By doing so, it is possible to allocate an optimal time slot for each antenna 20, ensure the power-saving mode state due to sleep for a long time, and enhance the power-saving effect more.

[0090] In the radio access system 1000, when a plurality of antennas 20 are connected to the base station 100, the resource allocation calculation unit 113 of the resource scheduling unit 110 (radio access scheduling device) allocates time slots by aggregating them in the time direction for each antenna 20.

[0091] By doing so, for each antenna, by aggregating RE allocations in the time direction, it becomes possible to extend the sleepable time of the antenna.

[0092] In the radio access system 1000, the resource allocation calculation unit 113 of the resource scheduling unit 110 (radio access scheduling device) selects a time slot with a low noise content in the radio connection with the UE 10, and allocates it by shifting it in the frequency direction so that the RE does not spread in the frequency direction.

[0093] By doing so, by allocating while shifting in the frequency direction, it is possible to limit the frequency band to be used and increase the possibility of turning off the circuit for transmitting / receiving waves of the antenna.

[0094] Note that, among the respective processes described in the above embodiment, all or part of the processes described as being automatically performed can also be manually performed, or all or part of the processes described as being manually performed can be automatically performed by a known method. In addition, regarding the processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, information including various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings, they can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified. In addition, each component of each device shown in the drawings is a functional concept, and it is not necessarily physically configured as shown in the drawings. That is, the specific form of dispersion / integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the drawings, and all or part of it can be functionally or physically dispersed / integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage situations.

[0095] Further, each of the above-described configurations, functions, processing units, processing means, etc. may be realized in hardware by designing a part or all of them, for example, by using an integrated circuit. Also, each of the above-described configurations, functions, etc. may be realized by software for a processor to interpret and execute a program for realizing each function. Information such as a program, table, file, etc. for realizing each function can be held in a memory, a recording device such as a hard disk, SSD (Solid State Drive), or a recording medium such as an IC (Integrated Circuit) card, SD (Secure Digital) card, or optical disk.

Explanation of Signs

[0096] 10 UE (Terminal) (External functional unit capable of sleep outside the base station) 20 Antenna (External functional unit capable of sleep outside the base station) 40 Core network (External functional unit capable of sleep outside the base station) 50 RE Allocation Table (RE Allocation Storage Unit) 100 Base Station (BBU) 101 Hardware (Functional unit of the base station capable of sleep) 102 OS, etc. 110 Resource Scheduling Unit (Radio Access Scheduling Device) 120 L1 / L2 / L3 Radio Signal Processing Unit (Functional unit of the base station capable of sleep) 111 Communication Quality Reception Unit 112 External Information Reception Unit 113 Resource Allocation Calculation Unit 114 Allocation Information Distribution Unit 115 Sleep Control Unit 1000 Radio Access System #1, #2, #3, #4 Antenna< / vran>

Claims

1. A radio access scheduling device for a base station that schedules radio access signals between a terminal and the base station, wherein the radio access scheduling device arranged in the base station allocates Resource Elements (REs) multiplexed in the time domain and the frequency domain to each terminal, a resource allocation calculation unit that performs scheduling to allocate resources by shifting them in the time axis direction when the traffic between the terminal and the base station is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and a sleep control unit that distributes the scheduling result of the resource allocation calculation unit to each functional unit capable of sleeping in the base station as resource allocation information or sleepable time information. A radio access scheduling device characterized by the above.

2. The sleep control unit distributes the resource allocation information or the sleepable time information to at least one of an L1 / L2 / L3 radio signal processing unit, an accelerator, a network device, and a polling thread as each functional unit capable of sleeping in the base station. The radio access scheduling device according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The sleep control unit distributes the resource allocation information or the sleepable time information to at least one of a transmission device, an antenna, and a core network as an external functional unit capable of sleeping outside the base station connected to the base station. The radio access scheduling device according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

4. The resource allocation calculation unit periodically reviews the REs for which the allocation has already been completed and reallocates the REs. The radio access scheduling device according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

5. When a plurality of antennas are connected to the base station, the resource allocation calculation unit has an RE allocation storage unit that stores the allocation information of the REs for each antenna, and refers to the RE allocation storage unit to allocate resources by shifting them in the time axis direction for each antenna. The radio access scheduling device according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

6. When a plurality of antennas are connected to the base station, the resource allocation calculation unit allocates time slots by aggregating them in the time direction for each antenna. The radio access scheduling device according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

7. The resource allocation operation unit selects a time slot with less noise content in the wireless connection with the terminal, and allocates it while shifting it in the frequency direction so that the RE does not spread in the frequency direction. The wireless access scheduling apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that.

8. A wireless access system for scheduling a wireless access signal between a terminal and a base station, The base station includes a wireless access scheduling apparatus, and allocates RE (Resource Element) multiplexed in the time domain and the frequency domain to each terminal. The wireless access scheduling apparatus arranged in the base station, A resource allocation operation unit that performs scheduling to allocate resources with a shift in the time axis direction when the traffic between the terminal and the base station is equal to or less than a predetermined value, A sleep control unit that distributes the scheduling result of the resource allocation operation unit to each functional unit capable of sleeping in the base station as resource allocation information or sleepable time information. The wireless access system, characterized in that.

9. A wireless access scheduling method for a wireless access scheduling apparatus of a base station that schedules a wireless access signal between a terminal and a base station, The wireless access scheduling apparatus arranged in the base station, RE (Resource Element) multiplexed in the time domain and the frequency domain is allocated to each terminal. When the traffic between the terminal and the base station is equal to or less than a predetermined value, performing scheduling to allocate resources with a shift in the time axis direction, Distributing the scheduling result of allocating resources with a shift in the time axis direction to each functional unit capable of sleeping in the base station as resource allocation information or sleepable time information. The wireless access scheduling method, characterized in that.

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