Grouping multiple communication devices for power saving mode

Abstract

This communication control device (figure 2) comprises at least one processor that executes: by means of a power saving ID setting unit, setting a shared power saving ID for a plurality of communicators to which a shared power saving mode should be applied; by means of a power saving mode designation unit, designating a shared power saving mode to be applied to the plurality of communicators; by means of a scrambling processing unit, subjecting control information including designation information for the power saving mode to a scrambling process based on the power saving ID; and, by means of a power saving information sharing unit, causing the plurality of communicators to descramble the control information so as to share at least one of the power saving ID and the designation information for the power saving mode.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] SUMMARY The present disclosure relates to grouping multiple communicators for power saving modes. [Background technology]

[0002] The number, types, and uses of wireless communication devices or mobile communication equipment (hereinafter referred to as "communications devices"), such as smartphones and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, are steadily increasing, and wireless communication standards are continually being expanded and improved. For example, commercial service for the fifth-generation mobile communication system known as "5G" began in 2018, and standardization is still underway at the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). In addition, efforts have begun to develop standards for "6G," or sixth-generation mobile communication systems, as the next-generation wireless communication standard following 5G. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-278886 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As the number of communication devices and the amount of communication per device increase, the amount of power consumed by the network also increases. Although many power-saving methods have been devised for each communication device or base station (or communication cell), they are not sufficient, and further methods for reducing power consumption on the network side are required.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of these circumstances, and aims to provide a communication control device and the like that can effectively reduce power consumption on the network side. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, a communication control device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes at least one processor that executes, via a power saving mode designation unit, designating a common power saving mode to be applied to a plurality of communication devices.

[0007] In this aspect, by specifying a common power saving mode for a plurality of communication devices, it is possible to perform effective power saving control for each group of communication devices.

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a communication control method, which includes setting a common power-saving ID for multiple communication devices to which a common power-saving mode should be applied, specifying the common power-saving mode to be applied to the multiple communication devices, and sharing at least one of the power-saving ID and the power-saving mode specification information among the multiple communication devices.

[0009] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a storage medium that stores a communication control program that causes a computer to set a common power-saving ID for multiple communication devices to which a common power-saving mode should be applied, specify the common power-saving mode to be applied to the multiple communication devices, and share at least one of the power-saving ID and the power-saving mode specification information among the multiple communication devices.

[0010] Any combination of the above components, or any conversion of these expressions into methods, devices, systems, recording media, computer programs, etc., are also encompassed within the present disclosure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present disclosure, power consumption on the network side can be effectively reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic overview of a communication control device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a communication control device. [Figure 3] Specific examples of power saving modes of the O-RU included in the power saving information notified by the power saving information notifying unit are shown below. [Figure 4] Examples of NES-RNTI and DCI used for NES control are shown below. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] A communication control device according to the present disclosure can be used for power saving control in any mobile communication (hereinafter also referred to as mobile communication) network for communication devices such as mobile or portable communication devices, such as smartphones and mobile phones. For example, the communication control device according to the present disclosure is expected to be applicable to currently commercially available 4G mobile communication networks (hereinafter also referred to as 4G networks) and 5G mobile communication networks (hereinafter also referred to as 5G networks), as well as mobile communication networks such as 6G that will be commercialized in the future. In these mobile communication networks (hereinafter also referred to as networks for simplicity), terrestrial base stations installed on the ground and non-terrestrial base stations flying on communication satellites, aircraft, etc. provide communication cells to communication devices.

[0014] The power saving control on the network side described in this embodiment is mainly intended to reduce the power consumption of base stations such as terrestrial base stations and non-terrestrial base stations. However, the power saving control method according to this embodiment can also reduce the power consumption of communication devices that communicate with the network, and can also reduce the power consumption of any device on the network side, for example, a distributed unit (DU) or central unit (CU) that can configure a radio access network (RAN) as part of a base station, a relay station, an intermediate station, a gateway, etc. that can configure a RAN together with a base station, and various information communication devices that configure a core network (CN).

[0015] With the aim of achieving so-called openness in RAN, including base stations, studies are underway on terms such as "Open RAN," "O-RAN," and "vRAN." In this specification, "O-RAN" is used as a comprehensive term to refer to such various "open radio access networks." Therefore, "O-RAN" in this specification should not be interpreted as being limited to the standards and specifications of the same name formulated by the O-RAN Alliance.

[0016] The radio unit (RU) in O-RAN is called O-RU and provides a communication cell to the communication device (UE: User Equipment). The O-RU is controlled by a RAN node consisting of an O-CU, which is an aggregation unit, and / or an O-DU, which is a distributed unit. The RAN node is further controlled by upper controllers such as Near-RT RIC (Near-Real Time RAN Intelligent Controller) and / or Non-RT RIC (Non-Real Time RAN Intelligent Controller). O-RAN also provides a virtualization platform called O-Cloud that virtually manages a collection of multiple RAN nodes.

[0017] In this embodiment, power saving control for O-RAN will be described as an example. The main targets of power saving control in O-RAN are O-RU, which corresponds to a radio unit in a base station, O-DU, which corresponds to a distributed unit in a base station, and O-CU, which corresponds to an aggregation unit in a base station. As mentioned above, the application of this disclosure is not limited to O-RAN. For example, when applying this disclosure to a general mobile communication network other than O-RAN (e.g., a 5G network), the following descriptions regarding O-RU / O-DU / O-CU in O-RAN can be read as radio units / distributed units / aggregation units in terrestrial base stations or non-terrestrial base stations, respectively.

[0018] The following description of the present embodiment is based on "O-RAN," a standard and specification established by the O-RAN Alliance. Therefore, while the present embodiment uses well-known terms defined in "O-RAN" for convenience, the technology disclosed herein can also be applied to other existing radio access networks, such as "Open RAN" and "vRAN," as well as similar radio access networks that may be developed in the future. Furthermore, O-RAN in the present embodiment is primarily a 5G RAN that complies with 5G. Therefore, while the present embodiment uses well-known terms defined in 5G for convenience, the technology disclosed herein can also be applied to other existing mobile communication networks, such as 4G, as well as mobile communication networks that may be developed in the future, such as 6G. In networks other than O-RAN or 5G, similar technical elements may use terms different from those used in O-RAN or 5G. However, this does not prevent the application of the present disclosure as long as at least some of the technical configurations, actions, and effects are similar regardless of the differences in terminology.

[0019] FIG. 1 shows a schematic overview of a communication control device according to this embodiment. This communication control device is a RAN control device that controls a radio access network compliant with O-RAN. SMO (Service Management and Orchestration) controls the entire RAN control device or the entire O-RAN and coordinates the operations of each unit. The SMO includes a Non-RT RIC (Non-Real Time RAN Intelligent Controller) that functions as an overall control processor responsible for overall control. The Non-RT RIC has a relatively long control period (e.g., one second or more) and issues guidelines, policies, guidance, etc. regarding the operation of each RAN node (O-CU and / or O-DU, described below). Specifically, the Non-RT RIC runs application software called rApp and issues operation guidelines for each RAN node to the Near-RT RIC (Near-Real Time RAN Intelligent Controller) via the A1 interface. The Near-RT RIC, which has a relatively short control period (for example, less than one second), runs application software called xApp to control each RAN node (O-CU / O-DU) itself and general-purpose hardware in the radio unit (O-RU) connected to each RAN node through the E2 interface.

[0020] The illustrated RAN node includes an O-CU, which is an O-RAN-compliant central unit (CU), and / or an O-DU, which is an O-RAN-compliant distributed unit (DU). Both the O-CU and O-DU are responsible for baseband processing in O-RAN, but the O-CU is located on the core network side (not shown), and the O-DU is located on the O-RU side, which is an O-RAN-compliant radio unit (RU). The O-CU may be divided into an O-CU-CP that constitutes the control plane (CP) and an O-CU-UP that constitutes the user plane (UP). The O-CU and O-DU may be integrated into a single baseband processing unit. Alternatively, the RAN node may include an O-eNB, which is a base station compliant with O-RAN and the fourth-generation mobile communication system (4G). One or more O-RUs are connected to each RAN node (O-CU / O-DU), and are controlled by a Near-RT RIC via the RAN node. A communication device (UE: User Equipment) within a communication cell provided by each O-RU can be connected to each O-RU and can perform mobile communication with a core network (not shown) via each RAN node (O-CU / O-DU).

[0021] Each RAN node (O-CU / O-DU) and Near-RT RIC provides operation data of each RAN node, each O-RU, and each UE to the SMO via the O1 interface for so-called FCAPS (Fault, Configuration, Accounting, Performance, Security). Based on the operation data obtained via the O1 interface, the SMO updates the operation guidelines of each RAN node issued by the Non-RT RIC to the Near-RT RIC via the A1 interface as needed. Note that the O-RU may be connected to the SMO for FCAPS via the O1 interface or another interface (such as Open Fronthaul M-Plane).

[0022] O-Cloud, a virtualization platform that virtually manages a collection of multiple RAN nodes (O-CU / O-DU), is connected to SMO via the O2 interface. Based on the operational status of multiple RAN nodes (O-CU / O-DU) obtained from O-Cloud via the O2 interface, SMO generates resource allocation guidelines for resource allocation of the multiple RAN nodes and load management guidelines for workload management, and issues them to O-Cloud via the O2 interface.

[0023] 2 is a functional block diagram schematically illustrating a communication control device 1 according to this embodiment. The communication control device 1 includes a power-saving information notification unit 11, a power-saving mode switching unit 12, a descrambling processing unit 13, a power-saving mode support unit 14, a detailed information providing unit 15, and a power-saving mode execution unit 16. These functional blocks are realized by the cooperation of hardware resources, such as a processor (e.g., a central processing unit) of a computer, a memory, an input device, an output device, and peripheral devices connected to the computer, and software executed using these resources. Regardless of the type of computer or its installation location, each of the above functional blocks may be realized by the hardware resources of a single computer or by combining hardware resources distributed across multiple computers. In particular, in this embodiment, some or all of the functional blocks of the communication control device 1 may be realized in a distributed or centralized manner by a computer or processor provided in any part of the O-RAN, such as a RAN node composed of an SMO, Non-RT RIC, Near-RT RIC, O-CU and / or O-DU, an O-RU, or an O-Cloud, or may be realized in a distributed or centralized manner by a computer or processor in a communication device (UE) or the like that is provided outside the O-RAN and is capable of communicating with the O-RAN.

[0024] The communication control device 1 does not need to include all of the illustrated functional blocks to achieve at least some of the functions and / or effects described below. Those skilled in the art can configure a desired communication control device by selecting the necessary illustrated or unillustrated functional blocks according to the functions and / or effects they want to achieve, referring to this disclosure. Furthermore, for convenience, the internal structure of the communication control device 1 will be described below as being divided into a network side and a communication device side. However, as long as at least some of the functions and / or effects described below for each functional block are achieved, some or all of the functional blocks may be implemented on a side other than the illustrated side. Specifically, some or all of the power-saving information notification unit 11, power-saving mode switching unit 12, detailed information providing unit 15, and power-saving mode execution unit 16, which are provided on the network side below, may be implemented on the communication device side. Furthermore, some or all of the descrambling processing unit 13 and power-saving mode support unit 14, which are provided on the communication device side below, may be implemented on the network side.

[0025] In the illustrated example, the network side is configured, from the upper side closest to the core network (not shown), by a control unit "Controller" configured by an SMO, a Non-RT RIC, a Near-RT RIC, etc., L RAN nodes "RAN Node 1" to "RAN Node L" (L is any natural number) configured by an O-CU, an O-DU, etc., and M radio units "Radio Unit 1" to "Radio Unit M" (M is any natural number) configured by an O-RU, etc. As described above, the control unit and the RAN nodes are communicatively connected by an O1 interface or an E2 interface, and the RAN nodes and radio units are communicatively connected by an O1 interface, an Open Fronthaul M-Plane, an Open Fronthaul CUS-Plane, etc. The communication device side in the illustrated example is configured by N communication device groups "UE Group 1" to "UE Group N" (N is any natural number) described later, which are formed by grouping multiple communication devices (UEs). The O-RU on the network side and the communication device side are communicatively connected by radio waves such as high frequency waves.

[0026] The power-saving information notification unit 11 causes the O-RU to notify the O-RU of power-saving information related to one or more power-saving modes that the O-RU can support. Specifically, the power-saving information notification unit 11 notifies the power-saving information from the O-RU to at least one of the SMO, Non-RT RIC, Near-RT RIC, O-CU, and O-DU via the O1 interface, Open Fronthaul M-Plane, Open Fronthaul CUS-Plane, etc. The power-saving information notification unit 11 may be provided in the O-RU and actively notify the SMO, etc. outside the O-RU of power-saving information, or it may be provided outside the O-RU and cause the O-RU to passively notify the SMO, etc. outside the O-RU of power-saving information.

[0027] FIG. 3 shows a specific example of the power saving modes of the O-RU included in the power saving information notified by the power saving information notifying unit 11. Five power saving levels (Sleep Levels) or power saving modes (SM) SM1-SM5 are shown as examples. The number of power saving modes is arbitrary, and the contents and parameters of each power saving mode, which will be described in detail below, are also arbitrary. In the example shown, the power saving levels increase stepwise from the first power saving mode SM1, which has the lowest power saving level, to the fifth power saving mode SM5, which has the highest power saving level. Each of the power saving modes SM1-SM5 includes a first transition time to the power saving mode (Deactivation Duration), a second transition time from the power saving mode (Activation Duration), a minimum duration of the power saving mode (Minimum Sleep Duration), power saving options or reconfiguration options for the power saving mode, and the power consumption of the O-RU in the power saving mode.

[0028] The first transition time (Deactivation Duration) is the time required for each O-RU to transition from normal mode or another power-saving mode to the corresponding power-saving mode. The second transition time (Activation Duration) is the time required for each O-RU to transition from a power-saving mode to normal mode or another power-saving mode. The minimum sleep duration is the minimum time for each O-RU to be maintained in a power-saving mode, e.g., the minimum duration of the communication function of each O-RU reconfigured according to the power-saving mode. For example, an O-RU switched to the first power-saving mode SM1 by the power-saving mode switching unit 12 transitions from the normal mode or the like to the first power-saving mode SM1 during the first transition time of 35.5 μs, remains in the first power-saving mode SM1 for at least the minimum duration of 71 μs, and then transitions to or returns from the first power-saving mode SM1 to the normal mode or the like during the second transition time of 35.5 μs.

[0029] In the second power saving mode SM2, the first transition time and the second transition time are 0.5 ms and the minimum duration is 1 ms. In the third power saving mode SM3, the first transition time and the second transition time are 5 ms and the minimum duration is 10 ms. In the fourth power saving mode SM4, the first transition time and the second transition time are 0.5 s and the minimum duration is 1 s. In the fifth power saving mode SM5, the first transition time and the second transition time are any time greater than or equal to 0.5 s and the minimum duration is any time greater than or equal to 1 s.

[0030] As described above, the first transition time and the second transition time in each power saving mode are preferably equal to each other, and their sum is preferably equal to the minimum duration. Furthermore, the minimum duration in each power saving mode is preferably an integer multiple of the duration of at least one of a frame, subframe, slot, or symbol that the O-RU can communicate with. In the illustrated example, the minimum duration in some power saving modes is the same as the duration of at least one of a frame, subframe, slot, or symbol. Specifically, the minimum duration of 10 ms in the third power saving mode SM3 is the same as the duration of a frame in 5G or the like. Furthermore, the minimum duration of 1 ms in the second power saving mode SM2 is the same as the duration of a subframe in 5G or the like. Furthermore, the minimum duration of 71 μs in the first power saving mode SM1 is the same as the duration of a symbol in 5G or the like (where one subframe is composed of one slot including 14 OFDM symbols).

[0031] In 5G, a subframe contains one slot (when the subcarrier spacing is 15 kHz), two slots (when the subcarrier spacing is 30 kHz), four slots (when the subcarrier spacing is 60 kHz), eight slots (when the subcarrier spacing is 120 kHz), or 16 slots (when the subcarrier spacing is 240 kHz), depending on the subcarrier spacing. Therefore, depending on the subcarrier spacing, the slot duration is 1 ms (subcarrier spacing 15 kHz), 0.5 ms (subcarrier spacing 30 kHz), 0.25 ms (subcarrier spacing 60 kHz), 0.125 ms (subcarrier spacing 120 kHz), or 0.0625 ms (subcarrier spacing 240 kHz). These slot durations or integer multiples thereof may be set as the minimum duration in power saving mode.

[0032] Each slot contains 14 OFDM symbols, regardless of the subcarrier spacing. Therefore, depending on the subcarrier spacing, the symbol duration is 71 μs (subcarrier spacing 15 kHz), 36 μs (subcarrier spacing 30 kHz), 18 μs (subcarrier spacing 60 kHz), 9 μs (subcarrier spacing 120 kHz), or 4 μs (subcarrier spacing 240 kHz). These symbol durations or integer multiples thereof may be set as the minimum duration in power saving mode.

[0033] The power saving options or reconfiguration options are power saving or reconfiguration options for each O-RU in each power saving mode. In the illustrated example, four options are shown for the first power saving mode SM1: "Entirely off," "Partly off," "HW reconfiguration," and "SW reconfiguration." Although not shown, similar options can be set for the other power saving modes SM2-SM5. Note that the power saving options and / or reconfiguration options for each O-RU may be set to indicate whether or not support is available for time domain power saving control, frequency domain power saving control, and spatial domain power saving control, which will be described later, and the supported content.

[0034] The "Entirely off" power saving option reduces the power consumption of the O-RU by cutting off power to all components and / or all communication functions of the O-RU targeted for power saving. The "Partly off" power saving option reduces the power consumption of the O-RU by cutting off power to some components and / or some communication functions of the O-RU targeted for power saving. Thus, the presence or absence of the "Entirely off" and "Partial off" power saving options indicates whether the communication functions of the O-RU can be disabled in power saving mode.

[0035] Here, all or some of the components whose power is cut off or reduced in the "fully off" mode or the "partially off" mode may contribute to power saving in the O-RU when switched to the off state. Examples of such components include, but are not limited to, hardware components in the O-RU, software components in the O-RU, and specific frequency bands and / or specific carriers available to the O-RU.

[0036] When a non-RT RIC or other device switches a specific frequency band and / or specific carrier to the off state, the O-RU is prohibited or restricted from using such "off frequency band" and / or "off carrier" (or is guided to refrain from using it as much as possible). In this case, the hardware and / or software components in the O-RU are basically kept in the on state to continue communication processing related to the "on frequency band" and / or "on carrier" other than the "off frequency band" and / or "off carrier" (in other words, the M-Plane, S-Plane, and C / U-Plane are all kept in the active state). However, as the frequency bands and / or carriers targeted for communication processing decrease, the communication volume and communication speed decrease (or the hardware and / or software components dedicated to the "off frequency band" and / or "off carrier" are switched to the off state), and the power consumption of the O-RU decreases.

[0037] On the other hand, in the "total off" mode or the "partial off" mode, when a hardware component and / or software component in the O-RU is switched off by a Non-RT RIC and / or an O-DU, etc., the power supply to the component is essentially cut off. However, even in such a case, it is preferable to supply a minimum amount of power to maintain the management plane (M-Plane) function of the component in an on state (active state). By maintaining the M-Plane in an active state, when an off-state component is switched on again, the synchronization plane (S-Plane) function and the control / user plane (C / U-Plane) function can be quickly restarted using the management information held by the M-Plane, and the component can quickly return to a communication-enabled state.

[0038] When a hardware component and / or software component in an O-RU is switched off, the S-Plane function of that component may be maintained in an active state in addition to the M-Plane function. By maintaining the S-Plane in an active state, synchronization information related to clocks and the like between O-RUs and / or between the O-RU and O-DU is maintained, eliminating the need for synchronization establishment processing after the component is switched back on. In this way, although additional power is required to maintain the S-Plane in an active state, components that are switched back on from an off state can be restored to a communication-enabled state more quickly.

[0039] As described above, switching off hardware and / or software components can significantly reduce the power consumption of the O-RU. However, additional processing and time are required to switch those components back on. In contrast, the option of switching off specific frequency bands and / or specific carriers keeps the hardware and / or software components on, reducing the amount of power saved by the O-RU but seamlessly maintaining the O-RU's communication capabilities. In consideration of this trade-off, for example, when initially transitioning from normal mode to power-saving mode, the option of switching off specific frequency bands and / or specific carriers may be executed to maintain the O-RU's communication capabilities. Then, when further power savings are required or when temporarily terminating the O-RU's communication capabilities is acceptable, the option of switching off hardware and / or software components may be executed to maximize the O-RU's power savings. This tiered approach allows the power-saving mode to be executed in an appropriate manner depending on the situation.

[0040] The "hardware reconfiguration" power-saving option reduces the power consumption of the O-RU by reconfiguring its hardware. For example, if the O-RU is equipped with an integrated circuit containing reconfigurable hardware such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or a reconfigurable processor, the power consumption of the O-RU can be reduced by switching to a hardware configuration that has lower processing performance but lower power consumption than normal mode. The "software reconfiguration" power-saving option reduces the power consumption of the O-RU by reconfiguring the software executed by the O-RU. For example, the power consumption of the O-RU can be reduced by rewriting the software to one that can perform the same processing as normal mode while consuming less power, while slowing down the processing speed.

[0041] As described above, when one power-saving mode includes multiple power-saving options, the first transition time, second transition time, and minimum duration, as well as the power consumption amount described below, may be set for each power-saving option. Alternatively, a power-saving mode may be set for each power-saving option.

[0042] Power Consumption is the power consumption of the O-RU in each power saving mode. In the illustrated example, for the first power saving mode SM1, "power consumption of the entire O-RU" (Total: XXX Watts), "power consumption of component A" (Component A: xxx Watts), "power consumption of component B" (Component B: yyy Watts), and "power consumption of component C" (Component C: zzz Watts) are shown as examples. "Power consumption of the entire O-RU" is equal to the sum of "power consumption of component A," "power consumption of component B," and "power consumption of component C." Although not shown in the figure, similar power consumptions are entered for the other power saving modes SM2-SM5.

[0043] The power consumption of the entire O-RU targeted for power saving, and of each component and / or each communication function of the O-RU, is statistical data based on, for example, simulations or measurements during past actual operation. Note that in addition to or instead of the power consumption of the O-RU in the power saving mode as in this example, statistical data on the power consumption during the period when the O-RU transitions from another mode to the power saving mode (first transition time) and / or the power consumption during the period when the O-RU transitions from the power saving mode to another mode (second transition time: strictly speaking, the period from when the O-RU receives a restart command from the O-DU or the like to when a carrier capable of communication is established) may be included in the power saving information notified by the power saving information notifying unit 11. Furthermore, the power consumption of the O-RU in a normal mode other than the power saving mode may be included in the power saving information notified by the power saving information notifying unit 11 for comparison with the power consumption of the O-RU in the power saving mode.

[0044] When the power-saving mode switching unit 12 switches the O-RU to a certain power-saving mode, the power consumption of the O-RU as a whole, each component, and each communication function may be measured in real time by the O-RU or other parts of the communication control device 1. This real-time measurement data of power consumption is shared with the communication control device 1 via the power-saving information notification unit 11, etc., and is compared with the statistical data of power consumption in the corresponding power-saving mode in Fig. 3. If there is a significant discrepancy between this real-time measurement data and the statistical data, the statistical data taken into account when the power-saving mode was selected may be unreliable, and therefore the power-saving mode switching unit 12 may cancel the power-saving mode.

[0045] The above-mentioned various types of O-RU power saving information are typically notified to a control unit in the communication control device 1, such as an SMO, via the O1 interface, open fronthaul M-Plane, open fronthaul CUS-Plane, etc., as described above. However, the O-RU power saving information may also be notified to the control unit in the communication control device 1 via another interface. For example, the RAN node (O-CU / O-DU) that controls the O-RU may function as the power saving information notifying unit 11 and notify the SMO of the power saving information of the O-RU to be controlled via the O1 interface, or may notify the Near-RT RIC via the E2 interface. Furthermore, the Near-RT RIC may function as the power saving information notifying unit 11 and notify the SMO of the O-RU power saving information received via the E2 interface, or may notify the Non-RT RIC via the A1 interface. Also, O-Cloud, which virtually manages RAN nodes (O-CU / O-DU), may function as the power saving information notifying unit 11 and notify the SMO of the power saving information of the O-RU acquired by the RAN node under management via the O2 interface. When O-Cloud functions as the power saving information notifying unit 11, it is preferable to notify the SMO of the power saving information of the O-RU via the O2dms interface in Fig. 2.

[0046] The power saving mode switching unit 12 switches the O-RU to a power saving mode that the O-RU notified by the power saving information notifying unit 11 can support and / or a power saving mode that the O-RU can support and that is recognized in advance by the SMO, Non-RT RIC, Near-RT RIC, O-CU, O-DU, O-Cloud, etc. in which the main part of the power saving mode switching unit 12 is provided. The power saving mode switching unit 12 includes a power saving ID setting unit 121, a power saving mode designation unit 122, a scrambling processing unit 123, and a power saving information sharing unit 124.

[0047] The power saving ID setting unit 121 sets a common power saving ID for multiple communication devices (UEs) to which a common power saving mode should be applied. The power saving ID is configured as an RNTI (Radio Network Temporary Identifier) temporarily assigned to multiple communication devices. RNTIs are used in existing wireless communication standards such as 5G. In this embodiment, a new RNTI "NES-RNTI" that can be used for network energy saving (hereinafter also referred to as NES (Network Energy Saving)) control is newly established while utilizing the existing RNTI framework, thereby achieving effective NES control through grouping of communication devices. As will be described later, information on a specific power saving mode to be applied to each communication device group is set through DCI (Downlink Control Information) or RRC (Radio Resource Control) signals used in existing wireless communication standards such as 5G, and shared among each communication device group. In this way, the NES control according to this embodiment can be smoothly implemented while maintaining existing frameworks such as RNTI, DCI, and RRC.

[0048] Fig. 4 shows examples of NES-RNTIs and DCIs used for NES control according to this embodiment. The energy-saving ID setting unit 121 sets N NES-RNTIs to form N communication device groups in the example of Fig. 2. Here, the N NES-RNTIs may have different values or may have the same value. Regardless of the value of the NES-RNTI, the communication devices that should form the communication device group are indirectly specified through a masking process or the like in the scrambling process of DCI, which will be described later.

[0049] The power saving mode designation unit 122 designates a common power saving mode to be applied to each communication device group. The power saving mode designation unit 122 is provided on the network side that can communicate with the communication devices, and designates the common power saving mode after recognizing a common power saving mode that can be supported by multiple communication devices belonging to the communication device group. The power saving modes that each communication device can support are shared by any communication means between each communication device and the network side. This information may be notified from each communication device to the network side in approximately real time, or information that has been notified or shared by each communication device in the past and saved or registered on the network side (typically a core network) may be used.

[0050] In the example of FIG. 4, seven candidate power saving modes applicable to each communication device group are shown. The power saving mode designation unit 122 selects one or more power saving modes to be applied to each of the communication device groups "UE Group 1" to "UE Group N" from the illustrated options "1" to "7." The power saving mode designation or selection information by the power saving mode designation unit 122 is set in the DCI in the form of a DCI format corresponding to each power saving mode or other power saving mode specific information. Note that the illustrated DCI formats "DCI2_7" and "DCI4_2" are given as examples and do not exist in existing wireless communication standards. Conversely, in implementing the NES control according to this embodiment, it is preferable to newly create and assign unique DCI formats to at least some of the power saving modes.

[0051] Before describing the subsequent processing of the power-saving mode switching unit 12, the seven power-saving modes in the example of Fig. 4 will be described. Note that the power-saving modes available in this embodiment are not limited to those shown in Fig. 4, but may be those shown in Fig. 3, any combination of Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, or may include elements that are available or conceivable to those skilled in the art but are not shown in Fig. 3 or Fig. 4. The power-saving modes shown in Fig. 4 include those involving time-domain power-saving control for a communication device group, those involving frequency-domain power-saving control for a communication device group, and those involving space-domain power-saving control for a communication device group.

[0052] The power saving mode "1" in Fig. 4 relates to power saving control in the frequency domain. Specifically, the power saving mode "1" involves at least one of simultaneous switching of PCells (Primary Cells) for each communication device group and simultaneous activation / deactivation of SCells (Secondary Cells) for each communication device group in carrier aggregation. For example, when it becomes necessary to save power on a PCell to which a communication device group is connected, the communication device group is simultaneously switched to another PCell. Furthermore, when it becomes necessary to save power on an SCell to which a communication device group is connected, the SCell is simultaneously deactivated for the communication device group. Furthermore, when it becomes unnecessary to save power on an SCell that has been simultaneously deactivated for a communication device group, the SCell is simultaneously activated for the communication device group.

[0053] In order for a communication device group to support power saving mode "1," it is necessary to acquire detailed information exemplarily listed in the "Possible Information Elements" column. Specifically, examples include an SCell status indicated by a bitmap, a PCell switching instruction accompanied by a cell ID, and a candidate cell ID. As will be described later, these detailed information may be included in the DCI itself instructing execution of the power saving mode, or may be included in an RRC signal received by each communication device when establishing an initial connection with a base station (O-RU / -DU / O-CU, etc.).

[0054] The power saving mode "2" in FIG. 4 relates to power saving control in the time domain. Specifically, the power saving mode "2" synchronizes the timing of discontinuous reception for each communication device group. In existing wireless communication standards such as 4G and 5G, discontinuous reception is also called DRX (Discontinuous Reception), and derivative technologies such as cDRX (Connected Mode DRX) and eDRX (Extended DRX) exist. These DRX technologies contribute to power saving for the communication devices and the network by periodically transitioning idle communication devices into a short sleep state. In this embodiment, the timing of discontinuous reception is synchronized for each communication device group, so that the communication device group simultaneously transitions into a sleep state. During this period, the base station (O-RU / -DU / O-CU, etc.) on the network side can also generally suspend communication with the communication device group, thereby achieving effective power saving.

[0055] In order for a communication device group to support power saving mode "2," it is necessary to acquire detailed information exemplarily described in the "Possible Information Elements" column. Specifically, a cDRX command and a cDRX configuration common to the communication device group are exemplified. As will be described later, these detailed information may be included in the DCI itself that instructs execution of the power saving mode, or may be included in the RRC signal that each communication device receives when establishing an initial connection with a base station (O-RU / -DU / O-CU, etc.).

[0056] The power saving mode "3" in FIG. 4 relates to power saving control in the frequency domain. Specifically, the power saving mode "3" allocates a common BWP (Bandwidth Part) to each communication device group. For example, when each communication device in a communication device group uses a different BWP, by switching each communication device's connection destination to a common BWP, communication can be concentrated on the common BWP, improving utilization efficiency, while at the same time significantly reducing power consumption related to the BWP that is no longer in use. Furthermore, when it becomes necessary to save power on the common BWP to which a communication device group is connected, the communication device group may be switched to another common BWP all at once. Furthermore, power saving efficiency may be improved by aligning (commoning) the frequency band and power spectral density used in actual communication with the communication device group via the common BWP on a communication device group basis.

[0057] In order for a communication device group to support power saving mode "3," it is necessary to acquire detailed information exemplarily listed in the "Possible Information Elements" column. Specifically, examples include a BWP switching instruction, BWP candidates (bit mask for selection), and PDSCH (Physical Downlink Shared Channel) transmit power / EPRE (Energy Per Resource Element). As will be described later, these detailed information may be included in the DCI itself that instructs execution of the power saving mode, or may be included in an RRC signal that each communication device receives when establishing an initial connection with a base station (O-RU / -DU / O-CU, etc.).

[0058] The power saving mode "4" in FIG. 4 relates to power saving control in the spatial domain. Specifically, the power saving mode "4" realizes L1 signaling common to a communication group for power saving control in the spatial domain. In power saving control in the spatial domain, the power saving ID setting unit 121 preferably sets a common power saving ID to multiple communication devices within the same directional range relative to a base station (e.g., O-RU) and groups them, and the power saving mode specifying unit 122 preferably specifies a common power saving mode (e.g., this power saving mode "4") to be applied to the communication device group. Note that, in order for the network side (power saving ID setting unit 121) to appropriately group the communication devices within the same directional range relative to the base station, it is preferable that each communication device share information indicating the relative position of the communication device and the base station with the network side. Examples of such information include CSI (Channel State Information) measured by each communication device and a scheduling request from each communication device.

[0059] By using the L1 signaling common to a group of communication devices within the same directional range of the base station as described above, the base station can appropriately perform spatial domain power saving control for that group of communication devices. For example, if the communication volume of a group of communication devices within a certain directional range of the base station is low, the base station can effectively reduce power consumption by reducing the communication resources (antennas, transmission circuits, transmission power, frequency bands, communication channels, communication time, etc.) allocated and operated within that directional range.

[0060] Furthermore, if a base station can transmit multiple beams within multiple directional ranges around the base station, power consumption may be reduced by terminating the beam in at least one direction. For example, if the communication volume of a group of communication devices within a certain directional range relative to the base station is low, the base station can effectively reduce power consumption by terminating at least one of the one or more beams assigned within that directional range. Furthermore, the base station can effectively reduce power consumption by terminating the beam assigned within a directional range where no communication device group exists.

[0061] Note that communication devices based on 3GPP Release 18 or later can recognize and access a base station even if the base station or beam is effectively stopped. Therefore, even if a communication device group exists within a certain directional range of a base station, if the group includes only communication devices based on Release 18 or later (assuming that all devices are idle) that can access the stopped base station, stopping a beam assigned to the directional range does not pose a significant problem. On the other hand, if a communication device group includes a communication device based on a version prior to Release 18, even if the device is idle, stopping a beam assigned to the directional range may cause the base station to be lost, which may actually increase the communication load for reconnection, etc. Therefore, if a communication device group includes a communication device based on a version prior to Release 18, it is preferable not to stop all beams assigned to the directional range (maintain at least one beam).

[0062] In order for a communication device group to support power saving mode "4," it is necessary to acquire detailed information exemplarily listed in the "Possible Information Elements" column. Specifically, examples include "SS-PBCH-BlockPower (Bitmap)" ("SS" stands for "Synchronization Signal," and "PBCH" stands for "Physical Broadcast Channel") and "powerControlOffsetSS (Bitmap)." As will be described later, these detailed information may be included in the DCI itself that instructs the execution of the power saving mode, or may be included in the RRC signal that each communication device receives when establishing an initial connection with a base station (O-RU / -DU / O-CU, etc.).

[0063] The power saving mode "5" in FIG. 4 relates to a common configuration of the space domain power saving control, the frequency domain power saving control and / or the power domain power saving control in units of communication device groups (for example, the power saving mode "6" described later).

[0064] In order for a communication device group to support power saving mode "5," it is necessary to acquire detailed information exemplarily listed in the "Possible Information Elements" column. Specifically, examples include a cell sleep pattern or cell sleep state indication in a bit mask, relative spatial domain information such as a beam ID, and frequency domain information such as a BWP or adaptive frequency band. As will be described later, these detailed information may be included in the DCI itself that instructs execution of the power saving mode, or may be included in an RRC signal that each communication device receives when establishing an initial connection with a base station (O-RU / -DU / O-CU, etc.).

[0065] The power saving mode "6" in Figure 4 relates to power saving control of the power domain. Specifically, power saving mode "6" enables the specification of an upper limit on the total transmission power from the base station (O-RU, etc.) for each communication device group. Communication with the communication device group is realized within the range of the total transmission power allowed for the communication device group, preventing excessive power consumption at the base station.

[0066] In order for a communication device group to support power saving mode "6," it is necessary to acquire detailed information exemplarily listed in the "Possible Information Elements" column. Specifically, PDSCH transmission power / EPRE is exemplified. As will be described later, these detailed information may be included in the DCI itself that instructs execution of the power saving mode, or may be included in the RRC signal that each communication device receives when establishing an initial connection with a base station (O-RU / -DU / O-CU, etc.).

[0067] The power saving mode "7" in Figure 4 relates to power saving control in the spatial domain. Specifically, the power saving mode "7" disables at least one TRP (Transmission and Reception Point) among multiple TRPs that the base station can configure using technologies such as MIMO (Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output) for a group of communication devices within the same directional range of the base station (e.g., O-RU). For example, if the communication volume of a group of communication devices within a certain directional range of the base station is low, the base station can effectively reduce power consumption by disabling at least one of one or more TRPs assigned within the directional range. In addition, the base station can effectively reduce power consumption by disabling TRPs assigned within a directional range where no group of communication devices exists.

[0068] In order for a communication device group to support power saving mode "7," it is necessary to acquire detailed information exemplarily described in the "Possible Information Elements" column. Specifically, selection of "s-TRP" or "m-TRP" is exemplified. As will be described later, these detailed information may be included in the DCI itself that instructs execution of the power saving mode, or may be included in the RRC signal that each communication device receives when establishing an initial connection with a base station (O-RU / -DU / O-CU, etc.).

[0069] Returning to the explanation of the power saving mode switching unit 12 in Fig. 2, the scrambling unit 123 performs scrambling processing based on the power saving ID set by the power saving ID setting unit 121 on control information including power saving mode designation information by the power saving mode designation unit 122. In this embodiment, the control information used is DCI transmitted (broadcast) to the communication device via a PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel), which is a downlink channel from the base station. Also, as described above, in this embodiment, the NES-RNTI based on the existing RNTI framework is used (newly established) as the power saving ID. Scrambling processing of DCI based on RNTI has been established in existing wireless communication standards such as 4G and 5G, and can also be used for scrambling processing of DCI based on NES-RNTI in this embodiment, as will be briefly explained below.

[0070] The DCI in this embodiment is configured according to Fig. 4. Specifically, the DCI in this embodiment is configured according to a DCI format "DCI Format" corresponding to the power saving mode specified by the power saving mode specification unit 122, and includes the power saving mode specification information (for example, the power saving mode number "No." and detailed information "Possible Information Elements") specified by the power saving mode specification unit 122 in the payload as needed (note that the DCI format itself can also be considered as the power saving mode specification information). Cyclic redundancy check (CRC) bits are added to the payload. The CRC bits are further scrambled by the NES-RNTI. The scrambled CRC bits are configured using various known methods so that only communication devices belonging to the communication device group to which the NES-RNTI should be set can descramble (decode). For example, when scrambling the CRC bits, a masking process (CRC Scrambling Mask) for the communication device group to which the NES-RNTI should be set may be additionally performed.

[0071] The power saving information sharing unit 124 causes a plurality of communication devices belonging to a communication device group to which the NES-RNTI should be set to descramble the control information (specifically, the CRC bits scrambled in the DCI) and shares at least one of the power saving ID (NES-RNTI) and the power saving mode designation information. Specifically, the power saving information sharing unit 124, which is configured by an O-RU or the like on the network side, transmits (reports) the DCI after being scrambled by the scrambling unit 123 to the communication devices via the PDCCH.

[0072] The descrambling processing unit 13 provided in each communication device that receives the scrambled DCI from the power-saving information sharing unit 124 accesses the DCI in a search space accessible to each communication device and attempts to descramble (decode) the scrambled CRC bits. As described above, the CRC bits are configured so that only communication devices that belong to the communication device group to which the NES-RNTI should be set can descramble them, so these communication devices succeed in descrambling the CRC bits and can recognize the power-saving ID (NES-RNTI) and / or power-saving mode designation information as being addressed to them. On the other hand, communication devices that do not belong to the communication device group to which the NES-RNTI should be set fail to descramble the CRC bits, and are therefore not subject to the application of the power-saving mode specified by the NES-RNTI and DCI.

[0073] Each communication device in the communication device group that has successfully descrambled the CRC bits corresponds to the power saving mode that the network side (power saving mode execution unit 16, described later) executes for that communication device by the power saving mode response unit 14. Specifically, the power saving mode response unit 14 adjusts the configuration and operation of that communication device to the power saving mode executed by the network side, based on the detailed information on each power saving mode in Fig. 4, "Possible Information Elements," which may be included in the DCI that each communication device receives from the power saving information sharing unit 124 on the network side.

[0074] It is also expected that the amount of detailed information required for the communication device to handle the power saving mode will be large. In such a case, it is undesirable to consume a large amount of limited communication resources in the physical layer, such as DCI and / or PDCCH, for detailed information about the power saving mode. Therefore, the communication control device 1 may use detailed information providing unit 15 provided on the network side to provide detailed information about the power saving mode in advance to the communication device from the base station through another signal, such as an RRC (Radio Resource Control) signal. The RRC signal including detailed information about the power saving mode is provided from the base station to each communication device when each communication device establishes an initial connection with the base station. Each communication device stores the detailed information about the power saving mode included in the RRC signal in a storage device or the like that it can access. Then, each communication device that has successfully decoded the DCI by the descrambling processing unit 13 handles the power saving mode by the power saving mode handling unit 14 using the detailed information about the power saving mode read from the storage device or the like (details provided in advance by the detailed information providing unit 15).

[0075] Note that, for sharing detailed information on the power saving mode with the communication devices, any other signal or channel, such as a MAC CE (MAC Control Element(s)) signal, may be used, not limited to a PDCCH or an RRC signal. Also, instead of or in addition to the PDCCH and DCI, a MAC CE signal or a MAC CE command configured for a specific communication device group may be used for specifying a power saving ID or a power saving mode by the power saving mode switching unit 12.

[0076] The power saving mode execution unit 16 on the network side executes the power saving mode specified by the power saving mode specification unit 122 for a communication device group for which a common power saving ID (NES-RNTI) has been set by the power saving ID setting unit 121. On the communication device side, each communication device belonging to the communication device group corresponds to the power saving mode by the power saving mode compatibility unit 14. In this way, according to this embodiment, the network side and the communication device side can appropriately cooperate with each other regarding the power saving mode for each communication device group.

[0077] The present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments. Various modifications are possible to the combinations of the components and processes in the exemplary embodiments, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such modifications are included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0078] In the above-described embodiment, the communication device group is formed based on the power saving ID (NES-RNTI, etc.) set by the power saving ID setting unit 121, but the method of grouping the communication devices is not limited to this. Typically, the power saving mode specifying unit 122, which is provided on the network side and essentially responsible for grouping the communication devices, can form a desired communication device group using any communication means with each communication device to be grouped. For example, the network-side power saving mode specifying unit 122 can form a desired communication device group while sharing information necessary for grouping with each communication device by combining, as necessary, broadcast information such as SIB (System Information Block) that is periodically or non-periodically transmitted or notified to communication devices within a communication cell, and RRC signals that are transmitted to each communication device.

[0079] The configuration, operation, and function of each device and method described in the embodiments can be realized by hardware resources, software resources, or a combination of hardware and software resources. Examples of hardware resources include processors, ROMs, RAMs, and various integrated circuits. Examples of software resources include operating systems, applications, and other programs.

[0080] This disclosure may be expressed in the following terms:

[0081] Item 1: A communication control device comprising at least one processor that executes, via a power saving mode designation unit, designating a common power saving mode to be applied to a plurality of communication devices. Item 2: The at least one processor: setting a common power-saving ID for the plurality of communication devices by a power-saving ID setting unit; a power-saving information sharing unit sharing at least one of the power-saving ID and the power-saving mode designation information with the plurality of communication devices; To execute Item 1. The communication control device according to item 1. Item 3: the at least one processor executes, by a scramble processing unit, scrambling control information including designation information of the power saving mode based on the power saving ID; a power-saving information sharing unit causing the plurality of communication devices to descramble the control information and share at least one of the power-saving ID and the power-saving mode designation information; Item 2. A communication control device. Item 4: 4. The communication control device according to item 2 or 3, wherein the power saving ID is configured as a Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI) temporarily assigned to the plurality of communication devices. Item 5: the control information is DCI (Downlink Control Information) transmitted from a base station to the plurality of communication devices; the power saving mode designation unit designates the common power saving mode to be applied to the plurality of communication devices based on a DCI format corresponding to the power saving mode. Item 3. The communication control device according to item 3. Item 6: 6. The communication control device according to any one of items 2 to 5, wherein the common power saving mode involves time domain power saving control for the plurality of communication devices. Item 7: 7. The communication control device according to item 6, wherein the time domain power saving control includes synchronizing the timing of intermittent reception of the plurality of communication devices. Item 8: 8. The communication control device according to any one of items 2 to 7, wherein the common power saving mode involves frequency domain power saving control for the plurality of communication devices. Item 9: 9. The communication control device according to item 8, wherein the power saving control in the frequency domain includes allocating a common BWP (Bandwidth Part) to the plurality of communication devices. Item 10: The communication control device according to item 8 or 9, wherein the frequency domain power saving control includes at least one of simultaneous switching of PCells (Primary Cells) of the plurality of communication devices and simultaneous stopping of SCells (Secondary Cells) of the plurality of communication devices in carrier aggregation. Item 11: 11. The communication control device according to any one of items 2 to 10, wherein the common power saving mode involves spatial domain power saving control for the plurality of communication devices. Item 12: Item 12. The communication control device according to item 11, wherein the spatial domain power saving control includes stopping at least one directional beam among a plurality of beams that the base station can transmit. Item 13: Item 13. A communication control device according to item 12, wherein when the plurality of communication devices includes only communication devices that can access the base station that is in a stopped state, the beams directed toward the plurality of communication devices are stopped in the power saving control in the spatial domain. Item 14: 14. The communication control device according to any one of items 11 to 13, wherein the spatial domain power saving control includes stopping at least one TRP (Transmission and Reception Point) among a plurality of TRPs that can be configured by a base station. Item 15: the power-saving ID setting unit sets the common power-saving ID to the plurality of communication devices that are within the same directional range with respect to the base station; the power-saving mode designation unit designates the common power-saving mode involving the power-saving control in the spatial domain to be applied to the plurality of communication devices. 15. A communication control device according to any one of items 11 to 14. Item 16: 16. The communication control device according to any one of items 2 to 15, wherein the common power saving mode involves power domain power saving control for the plurality of communication devices. Item 17: Item 17. The communication control device according to item 16, wherein the power saving control of the power domain includes specifying an upper limit of total transmission power from a base station to the plurality of communication devices. Item 18: The at least one processor executes a detailed information providing unit to provide detailed information of the power saving mode from a base station to the plurality of communication devices in advance through an RRC (Radio Resource Control) signal; the plurality of communication devices that have acquired the power saving mode designation information by descrambling the control information acquire detailed information of the power saving mode from the detailed information providing unit; Item 6. The communication control device according to item 3 or 5. Item 19: The communication control device described in any one of items 1 to 18, wherein the power saving mode designation unit is provided on the network side capable of communicating with the communication device, and designates the common power saving mode after recognizing the common power saving mode that the plurality of communication devices can commonly support. Item 20: setting a common power saving ID for a plurality of communication devices to which a common power saving mode should be applied; specifying the common power saving mode to be applied to the plurality of communication devices; Sharing at least one of the power saving ID and the power saving mode designation information with the plurality of communication devices; A communication control method comprising: Item 21: setting a common power saving ID for a plurality of communication devices to which a common power saving mode should be applied; specifying the common power saving mode to be applied to the plurality of communication devices; Sharing at least one of the power saving ID and the power saving mode designation information with the plurality of communication devices; A storage medium that stores a communication control program that causes a computer to execute the above.

[0082] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-128396, filed on August 10, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference. [Industrial Applicability]

[0083] SUMMARY The present disclosure relates to grouping multiple communicators for power saving modes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1 communication control device, 11 power saving information notification unit, 12 power saving mode switching unit, 13 descrambling processing unit, 14 power saving mode response unit, 15 detailed information providing unit, 16 power saving mode execution unit, 121 power saving ID setting unit, 122 power saving mode designation unit, 123 scrambling processing unit, 124 power saving information sharing unit.

Claims

1. at least one processor that executes, by a power-saving mode designation unit, designating a common power-saving mode to be applied to a plurality of communication devices; The at least one processor: setting a common power-saving ID for the plurality of communication devices by a power-saving ID setting unit; a power-saving information sharing unit sharing at least one of the power-saving ID and the power-saving mode designation information with the plurality of communication devices; Run the common power save mode involves spatial domain power save control for the plurality of transceivers; the spatial domain power saving control includes stopping a beam in at least one direction among a plurality of beams that can be transmitted by a base station; A communication control device that stops beams directed toward the plurality of communication devices in the spatial domain power saving control when the plurality of communication devices includes only communication devices that can access the base station that is in a stopped state.

2. the at least one processor executes, by a scramble processing unit, scrambling control information including designation information of the power saving mode based on the power saving ID; a power-saving information sharing unit causing the plurality of communication devices to descramble the control information and share at least one of the power-saving ID and the power-saving mode designation information; The communication control device according to claim 1 .

3. The communication control device according to claim 1 , wherein the power saving ID is configured as a Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI) temporarily assigned to the plurality of communication devices.

4. the control information is DCI (Downlink Control Information) transmitted from a base station to the plurality of communication devices, the power saving mode designation unit designates the common power saving mode to be applied to the plurality of communication devices based on a DCI format corresponding to the power saving mode. The communication control device according to claim 2 .

5. The communication control device of claim 1 , wherein the common power saving mode involves time-domain power saving control for the plurality of communication devices.

6. The communication control device according to claim 5 , wherein the power saving control in the time domain includes synchronizing timings of discontinuous reception of the plurality of communication devices.

7. The communication control device according to claim 1 , wherein the common power saving mode involves frequency domain power saving control for the plurality of communication devices.

8. The communication control device according to claim 7 , wherein the power saving control in the frequency domain includes allocating a common BWP (Bandwidth Part) to the plurality of communication devices.

9. 8. The communication control device according to claim 7, wherein the power saving control in the frequency domain includes at least one of simultaneous switching of PCells (Primary Cells) of the plurality of communication devices and simultaneous stopping of SCells (Secondary Cells) of the plurality of communication devices in carrier aggregation.

10. The communication control device according to claim 1 , wherein the power saving control in the spatial domain includes stopping at least one TRP (Transmission and Reception Point) among a plurality of TRPs configurable by a base station.

11. the power-saving ID setting unit sets the common power-saving ID to the plurality of communication devices that are within the same directional range with respect to the base station; the power-saving mode designation unit designates the common power-saving mode involving the power-saving control in the spatial domain to be applied to the plurality of communication devices. The communication control device according to claim 1 .

12. The communication control device according to claim 1 , wherein the common power saving mode involves power domain power saving control for the plurality of communication devices.

13. The communication control device according to claim 12 , wherein the power saving control of the power domain includes specifying an upper limit of total transmission power from a base station to the plurality of communication devices.

14. The at least one processor executes a detailed information providing unit to provide detailed information of the power saving mode from a base station to the plurality of communication devices in advance through an RRC (Radio Resource Control) signal; the plurality of communication devices that have acquired the power saving mode designation information by descrambling the control information acquire detailed information of the power saving mode from the detailed information providing unit; The communication control device according to claim 2 .

15. 2. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein the power saving mode designation unit is provided on a network side capable of communicating with the communication devices, and designates the common power saving mode after recognizing the common power saving mode that the plurality of communication devices can commonly support.

16. setting a common power saving ID for a plurality of communication devices to which a common power saving mode should be applied; specifying the common power saving mode to be applied to the plurality of communication devices; Sharing at least one of the power saving ID and the power saving mode designation information with the plurality of communication devices; setting a common power saving ID for the plurality of communication devices; Sharing at least one of the power saving ID and the power saving mode designation information with the plurality of communication devices; is executed by a computer, the common power save mode involves spatial domain power save control for the plurality of transceivers; the spatial domain power saving control includes stopping a beam in at least one direction among a plurality of beams that can be transmitted by a base station; A communication control method that stops beams directed toward a plurality of communication devices in the spatial domain power saving control when the plurality of communication devices includes only communication devices that can access the base station that is in a stopped state.

17. setting a common power saving ID for a plurality of communication devices to which a common power saving mode should be applied; specifying the common power saving mode to be applied to the plurality of communication devices; Sharing at least one of the power saving ID and the power saving mode designation information with the plurality of communication devices; setting a common power saving ID for the plurality of communication devices; Sharing at least one of the power saving ID and the power saving mode designation information with the plurality of communication devices; on the computer, the common power save mode involves spatial domain power save control for the plurality of transceivers; the spatial domain power saving control includes stopping a beam in at least one direction among a plurality of beams that can be transmitted by a base station; A storage medium storing a communication control program that stops beams directed toward the plurality of communication devices in the spatial domain power saving control when the plurality of communication devices includes only communication devices that can access the base station that is in a stopped state.

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