Information processing method, information processing device, and program

Abstract

To enable suitable use of renewable energy.SOLUTION: In an information processing method, an information processing device acquires information indicating the utilization status of renewable energy for each of a plurality of selection candidates for components constituting a cellular network; and selects a selection candidate that can utilize a large amount of renewable energy among the plurality of selection candidates based on the information indicating the utilization status of renewable energy.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing method, an information processing device, and a program. [Background technology]

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

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-189845 [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] Green energy driven cellular networks with JT CoMP technique, AbuJahida, Abdullah BinShams, Md. Farhad Hossain, Physical Communication Volume 28, June 2018,Pages 58-68 [Non-patent document 2] Sustainable communication and networking in two-tier greencellular networks, Zhongming Zheng; Xiaoxia Zhang; Lin X. Cai; Ran Zhang; Xuemin Shen; IEEE Wireless Communications (Volume: 21, Issue: 4, August 2014) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide an information processing method, an information processing device, and a program that enable suitable use of renewable energy for components that make up a cellular network. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing method in which an information processing device acquires information indicating the usage status of renewable energy for each of multiple selection candidates of components that make up a cellular network, and selects a selection candidate from the multiple selection candidates that can utilize a large amount of renewable energy based on the information indicating the usage status of the renewable energy.

[0007] Furthermore, one aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device including a control unit that acquires information indicating the usage status of renewable energy for each of a plurality of selection candidates for components that constitute a cellular network, and selects a selection candidate that can utilize a large amount of renewable energy from among the plurality of selection candidates based on the information indicating the usage status of the renewable energy.

[0008] Furthermore, one aspect of the present disclosure is a program that causes an information processing device to execute the steps of acquiring information indicating the usage status of renewable energy for each of a plurality of selection candidates for components that constitute a cellular network, and selecting a selection candidate that can utilize a large amount of renewable energy from among the plurality of selection candidates based on the information indicating the usage status of the renewable energy.

[0009] Aspects of the present disclosure may include an information processing system including the information processing device described above, a recording medium on which the program described above is recorded, and the like. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, renewable energy can be suitably utilized for components that make up a cellular network. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams of a fifth generation mobile communication system network (5G network). [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the information processing system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device, and FIG. 3B is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing a communication traffic control method. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by an information processing device operating as an NWDAF. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by an information processing device or a terminal operating as an external server or a UE. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating NF selection. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing SMF selection. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating UPF selection. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The information processing method according to the embodiment includes the following. (1) An information processing device acquires information indicating the utilization status of renewable energy for each of a plurality of selection candidates of components that constitute a cellular network. (2) A selection candidate that can utilize a large amount of renewable energy is selected from the plurality of selection candidates based on the information indicating the utilization status of the renewable energy.

[0013] According to the information processing method, candidates that can utilize a large amount of renewable energy (green energy) are selected from among multiple component candidates. This enables the active consumption of renewable energy for component operation. In other words, it is possible to utilize renewable energy that is suitable for the component.

[0014] Renewable energy includes natural energy such as sunlight, solar heat, wind power, tidal power, and geothermal heat, biomass energy, and recycled energy such as waste-to-energy generation.

[0015] The cellular network is, for example, a 5G network, but may be other than a 5G network. Below, the 5G network will be described as an example of a cellular network. The information indicating the renewable energy usage status is, for example, information indicating the amount of renewable energy available for operating the 5G network. Alternatively, the information indicating the renewable energy usage status is the renewable energy usage rate in the 5G network (the proportion of energy consumed for operation that is covered by renewable energy (the proportion of renewable energy in consumed energy)). However, the information indicating the renewable energy usage status may be other than these.

[0016] The information processing method may adopt the following configuration: That is, the component may be any of AMF, SMF, UPF, and PCF, which respectively constitute a 5G network.

[0017] The information processing device may also acquire information indicating multiple selection candidates from an NRF that constitutes a 5G network. The information may be provided by a source other than the NRF. The information processing device may also acquire information indicating the renewable energy usage status for each of the multiple selection candidates from an NWDAF that constitutes a 5G network.

[0018] The information processing device may also be configured to operate as an AMF constituting a 5G network and select an SMF as a component.The information processing device may also be configured to operate as an SMF constituting a 5G network and select an UPF as a component.

[0019] Hereinafter, an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The configuration of the embodiment is an example, and the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the embodiment.

[0020] <Configuration of information processing system> FIG. 1A shows components that make up a fifth-generation mobile communication system network (5G network). In FIG. 1, UE (User Equipment) 2 is a terminal of a user (subscriber). RAN (Radio Access Network) 3 is an access network to a 5G core network (5GC). RAN 3 is composed of a base station (gNB) 3A. The 5G network consists of a 5G core network (5GC) and an access network ((R)AN), and UE 2, DN 5, and AL 12 are connected to the 5G network. Each of NFs 11a to 11k is a function realized by one or more computers (information processing devices) executing a program.

[0021] 5GC is composed of a set of components with specific functions called NFs (Network Functions). Figure 1 shows the following NFs 11 that make up 5GC. In Figure 1A, they are shown as bold rectangles. UPF((User Plane Function)11a AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function)11b SMF (Session Management Function)11c PCF(Policy Control Function)11d NEF(Network Exposure Function)11e NRF(Network Repository Function)11g NSSF(Network Slice Selection Function)11h AUSF(Authentication Server Function)11i UDM(Unified Data Management)11j NWDAF(Network Data Analytics Function)11k

[0022] The UPF 11a performs routing and forwarding of user packets (user plane packets sent and received by the UE 2), packet inspection, and QoS processing. The AMF 11b is a device that accommodates the UE in the 5GC1 (Figure 2). The AMF 11b accommodates the RAN 3 and performs subscriber authentication control and UE 2 location (mobility) management. The UDM 12 provides subscriber information, and acquires, registers, deletes, and changes the UE status.

[0023] The SMF 11c manages PDU (Protocol Data Unit) sessions and controls the UPF 11a to implement QoS (Quality of Service) control and policy control. The PDU session is a virtual communication path for exchanging data between the UE 2 and a DN (Data Network) 5. The DN 5 is a data network (such as the Internet) external to the 5GC.

[0024] The PCF 11d performs QoS control, policy control, and billing control under the control of the SMF 11c. QoS control involves controlling the quality of communication, such as priority packet forwarding. Policy control involves controlling communication, such as QoS based on network or subscriber information, whether packet forwarding is possible, and billing. The NEF 11e controls functions such as the AF (Application Function) 12. It acts as an intermediary for communication between external nodes and nodes within the control plane. AF12 is an application server (external server) outside of 5GC.

[0025] The NRF 11g stores and manages information about NFs (e.g., AMF, SMF, UPF, etc.) within the 5GC1 (Figure 2). In response to an inquiry about an NF that the NRF 11g wishes to use, the NRF 11g can return multiple NF candidates to the inquiry source.

[0026] The NSSF11h has the function of selecting the network slice to be used by the subscriber from among the network slices generated by network slicing. A network slice is a virtual network with specifications according to the application.

[0027] The AUSF 11i is a subscriber authentication server that performs subscriber authentication under the control of the AMF 11b. The UDM 11j holds subscriber-related information. The NWDAF 11k has the function of collecting and analyzing data from each NF 11, the OAM (Operations, Administration, and Maintenance) terminal 8 (Figure 2), the external server 12a (Figure 2), etc. It is an NF that provides network analysis information.

[0028] Each NF forming 5GC is composed of one or more information processing devices (such as servers and network devices). The information processing devices are installed in a special building called a data center. A data center is also called a station building. As shown in Figure 1B, one or more data centers 6 are placed within the communication area of ​​5GC (Figure 1B shows an example of 3), and the data centers 6 are connected by communication lines 7. Each data center 6 is provided with an OAM terminal 8. The OAM terminal 8 has the function of operating, managing, and maintaining the network (5GC).

[0029] In 5GC, multiple NFs of the same type may be prepared. For example, an NF 11 may be prepared for each data center 6. Also, one NF 11 may be shared between data centers 6. Also, multiple NFs 11 of the same type may be configured in one data center 6. The number of data centers 6, the number of NFs 11, and the correspondence between the NFs 11 and the data centers 6 may be set as appropriate.

[0030] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an information processing system according to an embodiment. 5GC1 shown in FIG. 2 has NF11 (11a to 11k) shown in FIG. 1A. UE2 is wirelessly connected to base station 3A constituting RAN3, and can exchange data with a communication partner (DN5) through 5GC1. In the example shown in FIG. 2, UE2 is mounted on vehicle 9, but UE2 does not have to be an in-vehicle terminal. Vehicle 9 may be a vehicle driven by a person or an autonomous vehicle.

[0031] In an embodiment, part of the power required to operate the 5G network (5GC1 and RAN3), i.e., to operate the information processing devices that make up the 5G network, can be supplied using renewable energy.

[0032] The NWDAF (data analysis unit) 11k collects and analyzes information (usage status information, an example of first information) indicating the usage status of renewable energy in the entire 5G network or a part of it. The renewable energy usage status information is at least one of the amount of available renewable energy and the renewable energy usage rate (the proportion of electricity used that is generated by renewable energy). The NWDAF 11k transmits the information obtained by the analysis (an example of second information) to a device (an example of a second device) that performs processing related to communications via the 5G network.

[0033] The NWDAF 11k can acquire usage status information from at least one (corresponding to a first device) of the NF 11 (for example, the UPF 11a, the SMF 11c, the AMF 11b, the PCF 11d, the UDM 11j, etc.), the base station 3A, and the external server 2 (see FIG. 3). <1> The type of NF11 is not limited to the above examples, and may be a novel NF.

[0034] The usage status information is acquired, for example, by receiving usage status information periodically transmitted from the providing device. Alternatively, the NWDAF 11k may transmit a request for provision and acquire usage status information transmitted from the providing device in response to the request. The number of providing device and the range (unit) of usage status information held by the providing device can be set as appropriate.

[0035] The scope of the usage status information is the entire 5G network or a part of the 5G network (for example, in units of NF). The source of the usage status information may be the OAM terminal 8. From the OAM terminal 8, it is possible to acquire information indicating the usage status of renewable energy in units of data center (station) 6 and the information processing devices (NFs 11 corresponding to the information processing devices) installed (accommodated) in the data center 6. In this way, the scope (area) of the usage status and communication control can be set as appropriate.

[0036] The usage status information may be information indicating the usage status of the entire 5G network, or information indicating the usage status of a portion of the network. The number of source devices may be one or two or more. The NFDAF 11k may obtain information indicating the usage status of the entire 5G network by aggregating the usage status information (indicating the partial usage status of the 5G network) collected from multiple source devices.

[0037] The NWDAF 11k can collect weather forecast information (forecasts of solar radiation, wind speed, etc.) from an external server 12a connected to the 5GC via the NEF 11e. The external server 12a is an example of a first device, and the weather forecast information is an example of first information.

[0038] The NWDAF 11k uses (analyzes) the collected information (first information) to generate at least one of information indicating the current usage status (available amount and usage rate of renewable energy) and information indicating a prediction of the usage status at a future time (FIG. 3 <2> ) The number of future points in time (prediction points in time) and the length of time between prediction points in time (time elapsed from the present time) can be set as appropriate. However, if at least one of the available amount and utilization rate of renewable energy in the current usage situation is calculated and no prediction is made, obtaining weather forecast information can be omitted.

[0039] The NWDAF 11k transmits information indicating at least one of the current usage status and the future usage status (an example of second information) to a predetermined destination (see FIG. 3). <3> The predetermined destination is, for example, at least one of the external server 12b, the UE2, and the predetermined NF 11 connected via the NADAF 11k and the NEF 11e. Each of the external server 12b, the UE2, and the predetermined NF 11 is an example of a "device that performs processing related to communication." The NF 11 is, for example, the UPF 11b, the SMF 11c, the AMF 11b, the PCF 11d, the UDM 11j, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0040] The NWDAF11k may transmit information to a predetermined destination that encourages an increase or decrease in communication volume via the 5G network based on information indicating the current or future usage status. At this time, information specifying a time period for increasing or decreasing communication volume may be included.

[0041] The second information can be transmitted using either the Subscribe / Notify method or the Request / Response method (similar to the provisions of TS23.288, Chapter 6.1). When the Subscribe / Notify method is applied, information (an example of the second information) encouraging an increase in communication volume is transmitted when, for example, the available amount or utilization rate of renewable energy exceeds a first threshold. Also, information (an example of the second information) encouraging a decrease in communication volume is transmitted when, for example, the available amount or utilization rate of renewable energy falls below a second threshold. The first threshold and the second threshold may be the same value or different values. Also, different values ​​are prepared for the first and second utilization rates, depending on the available amount and utilization rate. Also, when the Request / Response method is applied, the NWDAF11k transmits the second information to the destination of the second information in response to a request from the destination.

[0042] The external server 12b and the UE 2 can control the communication based on the second information (see FIG. 3). <4> For example, when the external server 12b receives the second information and receives information encouraging an increase in communication volume, the external server 12b increases the transmission rate of packets transmitted on the downlink during a designated time period. Alternatively, the UE 2 that receives the second information increases the transmission rate of packets transmitted on the uplink during a designated time period.

[0043] An increase in the transmission rate increases the amount of packets transmitted per unit time. This increases the load of packet forwarding processing on the packet forwarding path of the 5G network (for example, the base station 3A, the UPF 11a, and the NEF 11e), resulting in increased power consumption. This allows renewable energy to be consumed appropriately for packet forwarding. Conversely, the transmission of the second information reduces the packet transmission rate of the external server 12b and the UE 2. Packet transmission may be stopped. This reduces the load of forwarding processing in the 5G network and reduces power consumption using sources other than renewable energy. By increasing or decreasing the transmission rate (stopping or resuming communication) in this way, renewable energy can be consumed efficiently. Furthermore, information prompting an increase or decrease in communication volume may be transmitted to the NF 11 (for example, the PCF 11d, the SMF 11c, the UPF 11a, etc.).

[0044] <Configuration of information processing device and terminal> 3A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device that can operate as each of NFs 11a to 11k, OAM terminal 8, and external servers 12a and 12b. In FIG. 3A, information processing device 20 can be configured using a dedicated or general-purpose information processing device (computer) such as a personal computer (PC), a workstation (WS), or a server machine. However, information processing device 20 may also be a collection (cloud) of one or more computers.

[0045] The information processing device 20 includes a processor 21 as a processing unit or control unit (controller), a storage device 22, a communication interface 23 (communication IF23), an input device 24, and a display 25, which are interconnected via a bus 26.

[0046] The storage device 22 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The main storage device is used as at least one of a storage area for programs and data, a program development area, a program work area, and a buffer area for communication data. The main storage device is configured with RAM (Random Access Memory) or a combination of RAM and ROM (Read Only Memory). The auxiliary storage device is used as a storage area for data and programs. A non-volatile storage medium is used as the auxiliary storage device. Examples of non-volatile storage media include a hard disk, a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, and an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). The storage device 22 may also include a drive device for a disk recording medium.

[0047] The communication IF 23 is a circuit that performs communication processing. For example, the communication IF 23 is a network interface card (NIC). The communication IF 23 may also be a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication (5G, wireless LAN (Wi-Fi), BLE, etc.). F23 may be a combination of a circuit that performs wired communication processing and a wireless communication circuit.

[0048] The input device 24 includes keys, buttons, a pointing device, a touch panel, etc., and is used to input information. The display 25 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, etc., and displays information and data.

[0049] The processor 21 (an example of a control unit) performs various processes by executing various programs stored in the storage device 22. By executing the program, the information processing device 20 can operate as each of the NFs 11a to 11k, the OAM terminal 8, and the external servers 12a and 12b.

[0050] 3B is a diagram showing an example configuration of a terminal 40 operable as a UE 2. The terminal 40 includes a processor 41, a storage device 42, a communication interface 43 (communication IF 43), an input device 44, and a display 45, which are interconnected via a bus 46. The processor 41, the storage device 42, the communication IF 43, the input device 44, and the display 45 can be similar to the processor 21, the storage device 22, the communication IF 23, the input device 24, and the display 25. Therefore, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0051] The processors 21 and 41 are, for example, Central Processing Units (CPUs). The U is also called a Microprocessor Unit (MPU). The processors 21 and 41 are a single processor. The processors 21 and 41 may have a single processor configuration or a multiprocessor configuration. Also, a single physical CPU connected via a single socket may have a multi-core configuration. The processors 21 and 41 may include arithmetic units of various circuit configurations, such as a digital signal processor (DSP) or a graphics processing unit (GPU). The processors 21 and 41 may also have a configuration in which they cooperate with at least one of an integrated circuit (IC), other digital circuit, and analog circuit. Integrated circuits include LSI, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), programmable logic device (PLD), etc. PLD The processors 21 and 4 include, for example, a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). 1 also includes, for example, what is called a microcontroller (MCU), SoC (System-on-a-chip), system LSI, or chipset.

[0052] <Processing example> 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in the information communication system. A predetermined NF 11 and a base station 3A in the 5GC1 periodically transmit information (usage status information) indicating the usage status of renewable energy that they hold (store) to the NWDAF 11k (FIG. 4 <1> The transmission of usage information may be made at the request of the NWDAF 11k.

[0053] The external server 12a periodically transmits the weather forecast information that it holds (stores) to the NWDAF 11k (see FIG. 4). <2> The weather forecast information may be transmitted in response to a request from the NWDAF 11k. If no forecast is to be made based on the weather forecast information, reception of the weather forecast information may be omitted.

[0054] The NWDAF 11k analyzes the usage information and the weather forecast information to generate second information (see FIG. 4 <3> For example, the NWDAF 11k generates communication control information (for example, information that encourages an increase in communication volume during a predetermined time period) from the usage status information and weather forecast information.

[0055] The NWDAF 11k transmits communication control information to the external server 12b and the UE 2 (see FIG. 4). <4> The external server 12b and the UE2 each perform communication control based on the communication control information (see FIG. 4). <5> ). For example, the communication control information may include information indicating that in areas and time periods where renewable energy is sufficiently available, restrictions on the type of data are lifted (to encourage an increase in the amount of communication). In this case, the external server 12b and the UE2 transmit all types of data. On the other hand, in areas and time periods where renewable energy is insufficient, the communication control information may include information indicating that low-latency data is transmitted and transmission of data other than low-latency data is stopped (to encourage a decrease in the amount of communication). The external server 12b and the UE2 transmit only low-latency data.

[0056] Here, as an example of communication control, a threshold value for the available amount of renewable energy is set in advance, and when the available amount exceeds the threshold value, each of the external server 12b and the UE2 transmits packets. A configuration can be adopted in which communication control information is transmitted so that packet transmission can be performed without any restrictions. If the threshold is less than the threshold, a restriction is set on packet transmission. Also, a configuration can be adopted in which the renewable energy utilization rate is divided into several stages, the type of data that can be transmitted for each stage is defined, and the type of data transmitted is determined according to the utilization rate.

[0057] Furthermore, a configuration may be adopted in which the NWDAF 11k transmits communication control information when the base station 3A, the UPF 11a, etc. are changed (the communication path is changed) due to handover of the UE 2 or the like.

[0058] Furthermore, the NWDAF 11k may use a location information prediction function to determine the base station 3A and UPF 11a that the UE 2 will use in the future, and use the determined base station and UPF 11a for future communication control.

[0059] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the information processing device 20 operating as the NWDAF 11k. <3> 5 is executed by the processor 21 of the information processing device 20.

[0060] In step S01, the processor 21 calculates information indicating the available amount or utilization rate (utilization status) of renewable energy at a certain time. A certain time refers to the present time and one or more future time points, and the number of future time points is set in advance. In this embodiment, it is set to predict 30 minutes and 1 hour from the present time. In the first step S01, information indicating the utilization status at the present time is calculated.

[0061] In step S02, processor 21 determines whether the value indicating the renewable energy available amount or utilization rate is greater than a first threshold (greater than or equal to the first threshold). If it is determined that the value indicating the renewable energy available amount or utilization rate is greater than the first threshold, the process proceeds to step S07; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S03.

[0062] In step S03, processor 21 determines whether the value indicating the renewable energy available amount or utilization rate is below the second threshold (less than the second threshold). If it is determined that the value indicating the renewable energy available amount or utilization rate is below the second threshold, the process proceeds to step S04; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S07.

[0063] In step S04, processor 21 generates communication control information that encourages an increase in communication volume during a time period that includes a certain point in time, and proceeds to step S07. The communication control information may include, for example, information indicating an increase or maintenance of the transmission rate during the time period, or information indicating the resumption of communication.

[0064] In step S05, processor 21 generates communication control information that prompts a reduction in the amount of communication during a time period that includes a certain point in time, and proceeds to step S07. The communication control information is, for example, information that indicates a reduction in the transmission rate or a temporary suspension of communication during the time period.

[0065] In step S06, processor 21 determines whether there is a next time point (in this embodiment, 30 minutes and 1 hour later) at which the processing of steps S01 to S05 should be performed. If it is determined that there is a next time point, the processing returns to step S01, and if not, the processing proceeds to step S07. If the processing returns to step S01, the processor 21 determines the next time point (for example, 30 minutes later from the current time point) based on weather forecast information. A prediction of the amount or rate of energy available is calculated.

[0066] In step S07, the processor 21 transmits the communication control information corresponding to each time point to a predetermined destination (for example, at least one of the external server 12b and the UE 2). After that, the process shown in FIG.

[0067] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the information processing device 20 operating as the external server 12b and the terminal 40 operating as the UE 2. In FIG. 6, communication control in the external server 12b or the UE 2 (see FIG. 4) is performed. <5> 6 is executed by the processor 21 of the information processing device 20 (external server 12b) or the processor 41 of the terminal 40 (UE2). The following description will exemplify the processing in the processor 21 of the information processing device 20. The processing by the processor 41 is also similar.

[0068] In step S101, processor 21 receives communication control information. In step S102, a certain point in time included in the communication control information is identified. In this embodiment, processor 21 identifies the current point in time, a point in time 30 minutes from now, and a point in time 1 hour from now. In the first processing of S101, the current point in time is identified.

[0069] In step S103, it is determined whether the communication control at the time point identified in step S102 is an increase in communication volume. If it is determined that the communication volume is an increase, the process proceeds to step S104, and if not (a decrease in communication volume), the process proceeds to step S107.

[0070] In step S104, the processor 21 waits for the current time to reach the start time of the time slot corresponding to the point in time identified in step S102, as the timing for the change.

[0071] In step S105, the processor 21 performs processing to increase communication traffic, such as increasing the packet transmission rate or lifting restrictions on the types of packets that can be transmitted. At this time, if the transmission rate has reached its upper limit or if the restrictions have already been lifted, the transmission rate or the lifted state is maintained. Then, the processing proceeds to step S106.

[0072] In step S104, processor 21 determines whether there is a next time point at which the processing of steps S102 to S108 should be performed (in this embodiment, the time points are 30 minutes and 1 hour later). If it is determined that there is a next time point, the processing returns to step S102; if not, the processing of Fig. 6 ends. If the processing returns to step S01, the next time point (for example, 30 minutes from the current time point) is identified, and the processing of step S103 and subsequent steps is performed.

[0073] In step S107, the processor 21 waits for the current time to reach the start time of the time slot corresponding to the point in time identified in step S102, as the timing for the change.

[0074] In step S108, the processor 21 performs processing to reduce communication traffic, such as lowering the packet transmission rate, restricting the types of packets that can be transmitted (strengthening the restriction), or temporarily suspending packet transmission. At this time, if the transmission rate has reached the lower limit, or is in a limited or temporarily suspended state, the transmission rate, limited or temporarily suspended state is maintained. Then, the processing proceeds to step S106.

[0075] <NF selection according to renewable energy usage status> FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process related to the selection of an NF. It is assumed that, in the 5G network shown in FIG. 1A, multiple NFs 11 of the same type are prepared and available for selection. Information about each NF 11 is stored in the NRF 11g. Each NF 11 sends a message (NFDiscovery_Request) to the NRF 11g requesting information about the desired NF. (Figure 7 <1> ).

[0076] When the NRF 11g receives the provision request, it reads information about the multiple NFs 11 corresponding to the provision request from the storage device. The information about the multiple NFs 11 is included in a response message (NFDiscovery_Response) and is sent to the requesting NF 11 (see FIG. 7). <2> ).

[0077] The NF11 receives information on multiple NF11s as information on multiple selection candidates. The NF11 generates a message (GreenEnergyinfo_Request) requesting information indicating the renewable energy usage status for each of the multiple selection candidate NF11s, and sends it to the NWDAF11k. (Figure 7) <3> ).

[0078] Upon receiving the request message, the NWDAF 11k refers to the information of the multiple NFs 11 that are candidates for selection and collects information indicating the renewable energy usage status for these multiple NFs 11 (see FIG. 7 <4> ).

[0079] In this embodiment, each NF11 (device capable of operating as an NF11) can cover its own operating power from renewable energy and non-renewable energy. Each NF11 stores information indicating the proportion of consumed energy (power consumption) covered by renewable energy, i.e., the renewable energy utilization rate. In response to an inquiry (information request) from the NWDAF 11k, each NF11 provides the NWDAF 11k with information indicating the stored utilization rate.

[0080] Note that, instead of the utilization rate of renewable energy, information indicating the amount of renewable energy that can be used in each NF 11 may be used. Furthermore, the information indicating the utilization rate may be stored in a storage location other than the NF 11, and the NWDAF 11k may acquire the information from a storage location other than the NF 11.

[0081] The NWDAF 11k transmits information indicating the utilization rates of the multiple candidate NFs 11 (an example of information indicating the utilization status of renewable energy) to the requesting NF 11 (FIG. 7 <5> , see response message “GreenEnergyinfo_Response”).

[0082] NF11 compares the utilization rates of multiple candidate NF11s and selects the NF11 with the highest utilization rate (Figure 7 <6> This allows the selection of NF11, which has the best renewable energy utilization rate, from among multiple options.

[0083] 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process related to the selection of the SMF 11c by the AMF 11b. The AMF 11b provides authentication, authorization, mobility management, etc. for the UE 2. The AMF 11b also controls the SMF 11c. The SMF 11c manages the PDU session (hereinafter referred to as the session) of the UE 2, assigns an IP address, and selects and controls the UPF 11a for data (user packet) forwarding.

[0084] A session is established between the UE 2 and the DN 5 via the UPF 11a, and one or more service data flows (SDFs) are set within the session. The UPF 11a transfers packets.

[0085] The AMF 11b sends a message to the NRF 11g requesting the provision of information about the SMF 11c (see Figure 8 <1> ).

[0086] When the NRF 11g receives the provision request, it transmits information on the multiple SMFs 11c corresponding to the provision request (information on the multiple SMFs 11c of selection candidates) to the AMF 11b (see FIG. 8 <2> ).

[0087] The AMF 11b generates a message requesting information indicating the renewable energy usage status for each of the multiple candidate SMFs 11c, and transmits the message to the NWDAF 11k (see FIG. 8). <3> ).

[0088] Upon receiving the request message, the NWDAF 11k collects information indicating the utilization status of renewable energy for the multiple SMFs 11c included in the request message as candidates for selection (see FIG. 8). <4> For example, the NWDAF 11k acquires information indicating the usage status (usage rate) from each of the multiple selection candidate SMFs 11c.

[0089] The NWDAF 11k transmits information indicating the utilization rates of the multiple selection candidates for the SMF 11c to the AMF 11b (see FIG. 8). <5> ).

[0090] The AMF 11b compares the utilization rates of the SMFs 11c among the multiple selection candidates and selects the SMF 11c with the highest utilization rate (see FIG. 8). <6> This allows the selection of SMF11c, which has the best renewable energy utilization rate, from among multiple options.

[0091] The AMF 11b connects to the selected SMF 11c and controls the SMF 11c regarding session management for the UE 2. As a result, the selected SMF 11c performs processing to establish and manage the session for the UE 2 under the control of the AMF 11b. In this way, the utilization rate of the renewable energy of the selected candidate can be taken into consideration when selecting the SMF 11c.

[0092] 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process related to the selection of the UPF 11a by the SMF 11c. As described above, the SMF 11c selects and controls the UPF 11a for data (user packet) forwarding.

[0093] The SMF 11c sends a message to the NRF 11g requesting the provision of information about the UPF 11a (see FIG. 9). <1> ).

[0094] When the NRF 11g receives the provision request, it transmits information on the plurality of UPFs 11a corresponding to the provision request (information on the plurality of UPFs 11a as selection candidates) to the SMF 11c (see FIG. 9 <2> ).

[0095] The SMF 11c generates a message requesting information indicating the renewable energy usage status for each of the multiple UPFs 11a that are candidates for selection, and transmits the message to the NWDAF 11k (see FIG. 8). <3> ).

[0096] Upon receiving the request message, the NWDAF 11k collects information indicating the utilization status of renewable energy for the multiple UPFs 11a included in the request message as candidates for selection (see FIG. 9). <4> For example, the NWDAF 11k acquires information indicating the usage status (usage rate) from each of the multiple selection candidate UPFs 11a.

[0097] The NWDAF 11k transmits information indicating the utilization rates of the UPFs 11a of the multiple selection candidates to the SMF 11c (see FIG. 9). <5> ).

[0098] The SMF 11c compares the utilization rates of the UPFs 11a among multiple selection candidates and selects the UPF 11a with the highest utilization rate (see FIG. 9). <6> This allows the user to select the UPF11a with the best renewable energy utilization from among multiple options.

[0099] The SAM 11c connects to the selected UPF 11a and controls the UPF 11a for session management of the UE 2. In this way, the utilization rate of renewable energy among the selection candidates can also be taken into consideration when selecting the UPF 11c.

[0100] Although the selection of the SMF 11c and the UPF 11a has been described, the procedure shown in the sequence diagram of FIG. 7 can also be applied to the AMF 11b, the PCF 11d, and other NFs 11.

[0101] <Effects of the embodiment> In the information processing system according to the embodiment, an information processing device operating as NF11 acquires information indicating the utilization rate of renewable energy for each of a plurality of selection candidates of a component (NF11) constituting a 5G network. Furthermore, based on the information indicating the utilization rate, the information processing device can select a selection candidate that can utilize a large amount of renewable energy from the plurality of selection candidates, i.e., a candidate with the best utilization rate. This enables proactive consumption of renewable energy and optimal utilization of renewable energy.

[0102] Furthermore, in the information processing system according to the embodiment, it is possible to select the NF 11 such as AMF, SMF, UPF, and PCF in consideration of the utilization rate of renewable energy.

[0103] The above-described embodiment and modifications are merely examples, and the present disclosure may be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the processes and means described in the present disclosure may be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0104] Furthermore, a process described as being performed by one device may be shared and executed by multiple devices. Alternatively, a process described as being performed by different devices may be executed by one device. In a computer system, the hardware configuration (server configuration) by which each function is realized can be flexibly changed.

[0105] The present disclosure can also be realized by providing a computer program implementing the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer, and having one or more processors in the computer read and execute the program. Such a computer program may be provided to the computer via a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium connectable to the computer's system bus or via a network. Non-transitory computer-readable storage media include any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions, such as any type of disk, including magnetic disks (e.g., floppy disks, hard disk drives (HDDs), etc.), optical disks (e.g., CD-ROMs, DVDs, Blu-ray disks), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic cards, flash memory, or optical cards. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1···5GC, 2···UE, 3···RAN, 3A···Base Station, 11a to 11k···NF, 12a, 12b···External Server, 21, 41···Processor, 22, 42···Storage Device

Claims

1. The information processing device Obtaining information indicating a renewable energy usage status for each of a plurality of selection candidates for components constituting a cellular network; selecting a selection candidate that can utilize a large amount of renewable energy from among the plurality of selection candidates based on information indicating the utilization status of the renewable energy; An information processing method that performs the above.

2. The information indicating the utilization status of renewable energy is information indicating the amount of renewable energy available for each of the plurality of selection candidates or the utilization rate of renewable energy. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

3. The component is any one of AMF, SMF, UPF, and PCF that respectively constitute the cellular network. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

4. The information processing device acquires information indicating the plurality of selection candidates from an NRF that constitutes the cellular network. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

5. The information processing device acquires information indicating the usage status of renewable energy for each of the plurality of selection candidates from the NWDAF constituting the 5G. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

6. The information processing device operates as an AMF that configures the cellular network, The component is an SMF. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

7. the information processing device operates as an SMF constituting the cellular network, The component is a UPF. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

8. Obtaining information indicating a renewable energy usage status for each of a plurality of selection candidates for components constituting a cellular network; selecting a selection candidate that can utilize a large amount of renewable energy from among the plurality of selection candidates based on information indicating the utilization status of the renewable energy; A control unit that executes An information processing device comprising:

9. The information indicating the utilization status of renewable energy is information indicating the amount of renewable energy available for each of the plurality of selection candidates or the utilization rate of renewable energy. The information processing device according to claim 8 .

10. The component is any one of AMF, SMF, UPF, and PCF that respectively constitute the cellular network. The information processing device according to claim 8 .

11. The control unit acquires information indicating the plurality of selection candidates from an NRF that configures the cellular network. The information processing device according to claim 8 .

12. The control unit acquires information indicating the usage status of renewable energy for each of the plurality of selection candidates from the NWDAF constituting the 5G. The information processing device according to claim 8 .

13. The information processing device operates as an AMF that configures the cellular network, The component is an SMF. The information processing device according to claim 8 .

14. the information processing device operates as an SMF constituting the cellular network, The component is a UPF. The information processing device according to claim 8 .

15. A step of acquiring information indicating a renewable energy usage status for each of a plurality of selection candidates for components constituting a cellular network; selecting a selection candidate that can utilize a large amount of renewable energy from among the plurality of selection candidates based on information indicating the utilization status of the renewable energy; A program that causes an information processing device to execute the above.

16. The information indicating the utilization status of renewable energy is information indicating the amount of renewable energy available for each of the plurality of selection candidates or the utilization rate of renewable energy. The program according to claim 15.

17. The component is any one of AMF, SMF, UPF, and PCF that respectively constitute the cellular network. The program according to claim 15.

18. The program according to claim 15, causing the information processing device to execute a step of acquiring information indicating the plurality of selection candidates from an NRF that constitutes the cellular network.

19. A step of acquiring information indicating the usage status of renewable energy for each of the plurality of selection candidates from the NWDAF constituting the 5G. The program according to claim 15, which causes the information processing device to execute the steps of:

20. The information processing device operates as an AMF that configures the cellular network, The component is an SMF that can be controlled by the AMF. The program according to claim 15.

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