Switching O-RU to multiple power saving modes

Abstract

This radio access network control device that controls an O-RAN including O-RUs as radio units comprises at least one processor that causes a power-saving information notification unit to notify the O-RUs of power-saving information about the power-saving mode supported by the O-RUs. The at least one processor causes a power-saving mode switching unit to switch each of the O-RUs to the power-saving mode supported by the O-RUs and causes a communication function reconfiguration unit to reconfigure a communication function of the O-RUs according to the power-saving mode to which the O-RUs have been switched. The radio access network control device is provided to at least any one of Service Management and Orchestration (SMO), a Non-Real Time RAN intelligent controller (Non-RT RIC), a Near-Real Time RAN Intelligent Controller (Near-RT RIC), an O-CU, and an O-DU (fig.4).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to switching the O-RU to multiple power saving modes. [Background technology]

[0002] With the aim of opening up radio access networks (RANs) in mobile communication systems, various concepts such as "Open RAN," "O-RAN," and "vRAN" are being considered. In this specification, "O-RAN" is used as a comprehensive term to represent these various "open radio access networks." Therefore, "O-RAN" in this specification is not interpreted to be limited to the standards and specifications of the same name developed by the O-RAN Alliance.

[0003] In O-RAN, the Radio Unit (RU) is called an O-RU and provides a communication cell to the User Equipment (UE). The O-RU is controlled by a RAN node, which consists of an O-CU (Central Unit) and / or an O-DU (Distributed Unit). Furthermore, the RAN node is controlled by a higher-level controller, such as a Near-RT RIC (Near-Real Time RAN Intelligent Controller) and / or a Non-RT RIC (Non-Real Time RAN Intelligent Controller). O-RAN also provides a virtualization platform called O-Cloud, which virtually manages a collection of multiple RAN nodes. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-83058 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] Conventional O-RAN systems lacked a well-defined mechanism for managing power consumption in O-RUs.

[0006] This disclosure is made in light of these circumstances and aims to provide a wireless access network control device, etc., that can effectively manage power consumption in O-RUs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, a wireless access network control device in one aspect of the present disclosure is a wireless access network control device that controls an O-RAN including an O-RU as a wireless unit, and comprises at least one processor that performs the following: switching the O-RU to one of a plurality of power saving modes in which at least one of the components of the O-RU that are switched to the off state and the duration differs by a power saving mode switching unit.

[0008] According to this embodiment, power consumption in the O-RU can be effectively managed by switching the O-RU to one of several power-saving modes in which at least one of the O-RU components that can be switched to the off state and the duration differs.

[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a wireless access network control method. This method is a wireless access network control method for controlling an O-RAN including an O-RU as a wireless unit, and comprises switching the O-RU to one of a plurality of power-saving modes in which at least one of the components of the O-RU that are switched to an off state and the duration of each mode is different.

[0010] A further aspect of the present disclosure is a storage medium, which stores a radio access network control program that controls an O-RAN including an O-RU as a radio unit, and which causes a computer to switch the O-RU to one of a plurality of power-saving modes in which at least one of the components of the O-RU that are switched off and the duration of each mode is different.

[0011] Furthermore, any combination of the above components, as well as any representations thereof converted into methods, apparatus, systems, recording media, computer programs, etc., are also included in this disclosure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to this disclosure, power consumption in the O-RU can be effectively managed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of a wireless access network control device is shown. [Figure 2] This diagram schematically illustrates the various functions implemented by SMO and / or Non-RT RIC and O-Cloud. [Figure 3] A schematic diagram illustrates the internal configuration and / or functions of the SMO and / or Non-RT RIC. [Figure 4] This is a schematic functional block diagram illustrating a wireless access network control device. [Figure 5] This shows specific examples of O-RU power saving modes included in the power saving information notified by the power saving information notification unit. [Figure 6] Here are some other specific examples of the multiple power-saving modes that O-RU can support. [Figure 7] A schematic representation of the first embodiment of the transition scheme between the O-RU's normal mode and the four power-saving modes is shown. [Figure 8] A schematic representation of a second embodiment of the transition scheme between the O-RU's normal mode and the four power-saving modes is shown.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described in accordance with "O-RAN", which is a standard and specification formulated by the O-RAN Alliance. For this reason, in this embodiment, well-known terms defined in "O-RAN" are used for convenience, but the technology according to the present disclosure can also be applied to other existing radio access networks such as "Open RAN" and "vRAN", and the same type of radio access networks that may be developed in the future.

[0015] FIG. 1 schematically shows an overview of a radio access network control device according to this embodiment. This radio access network 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 to make each part operate cooperatively. 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 with a relatively long control period (for example, 1 second or more) issues guidelines, policies, guidance, etc. regarding the operation of each RAN node (O-CU and / or O-DU described later). Specifically, the Non-RT RIC executes application software called rApp and issues operation guidelines for each RAN node to the Near-RT RIC (Near-Real Time RAN Intelligent Controller) through the A1 interface. The Near-RT RIC with a relatively short control period (for example, less than 1 second) executes application software called xApp and controls general-purpose hardware, etc. in each RAN node (O-CU / O-DU) itself and the radio unit (O-RU) connected to each RAN node through the E2 interface.

[0016] The illustrated RAN node comprises 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, which constitutes the control plane (CP), and an O-CU-UP, which constitutes the user plane (UP). The O-CU and O-DU may also be configured integrally as a single baseband processing unit. Furthermore, an O-eNB, which is a base station compliant with O-RAN and the fourth-generation mobile communication system (4G), may be provided as a RAN node. One or more O-RUs are connected to each RAN node (O-CU / O-DU), and are controlled by the Near-RT RIC via each RAN node. The communication devices (UE: User Equipment) within the communication cells provided by each O-RU can connect to the respective O-RU and communicate with the core network (not shown) via each RAN node (O-CU / O-DU).

[0017] Each RAN node (O-CU / O-DU) and Near-RT RIC provides operational data for each RAN node, O-RU, and UE to the SMO via the O1 interface for FCAPS (Fault, Configuration, Accounting, Performance, Security). Based on the operational data obtained via the O1 interface, the SMO updates the operational guidelines for each RAN node issued by the Non-RT RIC to the Near-RT RIC via the A1 interface as needed. Note that O-RUs may also be connected to the SMO and FCAPS via the O1 interface or other interfaces (such as Open Fronthaul M-Plane).

[0018] 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 the multiple RAN nodes (O-CU / O-DU) obtained from O-Cloud via the O2 interface, SMO generates resource allocation guidelines and load management guidelines for the allocation of resources to the multiple RAN nodes, and issues them to O-Cloud via the O2 interface.

[0019] Figure 2 schematically illustrates the various functions implemented by SMO and / or Non-RT RIC and O-Cloud. SMO primarily implements three functions: FOCOM (Federated O-Cloud Orchestration and Management), NFO (Network Function Orchestrator), and OAM Function. O-Cloud primarily implements two functions: IMS (Infrastructure Management Services) and DMS (Deployment Management Services).

[0020] FOCOM manages resources in O-Cloud while receiving services from O-Cloud's IMS via the O2 interface (O2ims). NFO manages the coordinated operation of a set of network functions (NFs) through multiple NF deployments in O-Cloud while receiving services from O-Cloud's DMS via the O2 interface (O2dms). NFO may use OAM functions to access deployed NFs through the O1 interface. OAM functions are responsible for FCAPS management of O-RAN managed entities such as RAN nodes. In this embodiment, the OAM function can be a functional block that provides callbacks to receive data on failures and operational status of multiple RAN nodes virtually managed by O-Cloud by monitoring the procedures or steps of O2ims and / or O2dms. IMS is responsible for managing O-Cloud resources (hardware) and the software used to manage them, and primarily provides services to SMO's FOCOM. DMS is responsible for managing multiple NF Deployments in O-Cloud, specifically initiating, monitoring, and terminating them, and primarily provides services to SMOs' NFOs.

[0021] Figure 3 schematically illustrates the internal configuration and / or functions of the SMO and / or Non-RT RIC. The SMO or SMO Framework includes the Non-RT RIC. The Non-RT RIC is divided into the Non-RT Framework or Non-RT RIC Framework and rApp. In this figure, solid lines represent functional blocks and connections defined in O-RAN. In this figure, dashed lines represent functional blocks and connections that can be implemented in this embodiment.

[0022] The SMO framework, excluding the Non-RT RIC, includes O1 Termination, O1 Related Functions, O2 Termination, O2 Related Functions, and Other SMO Framework Functions. The O1 Termination is the end of the O1 interface in the SMO framework. As shown in Figure 1, Near-RT RICs and / or E2 nodes (RAN nodes such as O-CU / O-DU and O-RU, etc.) are connected to the O1 Termination via the O1 interface. The O1 Related Functions, directly connected to the O1 Termination, provide various functions related to the O1 interface, Near-RT RICs, E2 nodes, etc. The O2 Termination is the end of the O2 interface in the SMO framework. As shown in Figure 1, O-Cloud is connected to the O2 Termination via the O2 interface. The O2 Related Functions, directly connected to the O2 Termination, provide various functions related to the O2 interface, O-Cloud, etc. Other SMO framework functions provide functions other than O1-related and O2-related functions. These other SMO framework functions are connected via the A2 termination and A2 interface described later in the Non-RT RIC. Various functions of the SMO framework, such as O1-related functions, O2-related functions, and other SMO framework functions, are connected to the main bus MB, which extends into the Non-RT RIC. Each of these function blocks can exchange data with other function blocks inside and outside the SMO framework (or inside and outside the Non-RT RIC) via the main bus MB.

[0023] The Non-RT Framework, which is the area of ​​Non-RT RIC excluding rApp, includes A1 Termination, A1 Related Functions, A2 Termination, A2 Related Functions, R1 Termination, R1 Service Exposure Functions, External Terminations, Data Management & Exposure Functions, AI / ML Workflow Functions, and Other Non-RT RIC Framework Functions.

[0024] The A1 termination is the termination of the A1 interface in the Non-RT framework. As shown in Figure 1, the Near-RT RIC is connected to the A1 termination via the A1 interface. A1-related functions directly connected to the A1 termination provide various functions related to the A1 interface, Near-RT RIC, etc. The A2 termination is the termination of the A2 interface in the Non-RT framework. Other SMO framework functions are connected to the A2 termination via the A2 interface. A2-related functions directly connected to the A2 termination provide various functions related to the A2 interface, other SMO framework functions, etc.

[0025] The R1 termination is the termination of the R1 interface in the Non-RT framework. rApps running on the Non-RT RIC are connected to the R1 termination via the R1 interface. In other words, the R1 interface constitutes the API (Application Programming Interface) of the rApp. The R1 service disclosure function, provided in conjunction with the R1 termination, provides the functionality to disclose data related to services such as the R1 interface and rApps to the main bus MB, and / or to disclose data from the main bus MB to the R1 termination for the R1 interface, rApps, and other services. External terminations are the terminations of various external interfaces (not shown) in the Non-RT framework.

[0026] The data management / disclosure function manages various types of data on the main bus MB and provides the functionality to disclose them in a manner appropriate to the access rights of each functional block. The artificial intelligence / machine learning workflow function provides the functionality to manage workflows executed using artificial intelligence (AI) and / or machine learning (ML) capabilities implemented in Non-RT RIC and / or Near RT RIC. Other Non-RT RIC framework functions provide functions other than those described above for the various Non-RT framework functions. Various Non-RT framework functions such as A1-related functions, A2-related functions, R1 termination, R1 service disclosure function, external termination, data management / disclosure function, artificial intelligence / machine learning workflow function, and other Non-RT RIC framework functions are connected to the main bus MB, which extends outside of Non-RT RIC. Each of these functional blocks can exchange data with other functional blocks inside and outside of Non-RT RIC via the main bus MB.

[0027] Figure 4 is a schematic functional block diagram showing the wireless access network control device 1 according to this embodiment. The wireless access network control device 1 includes a power saving information notification unit 11, a power saving mode switching unit 12, and a communication function reconfiguration unit 13. These functional blocks are realized through the cooperation of hardware resources such as a processor such as a central processing unit of a computer, memory, input devices, output devices, and peripheral devices connected to the computer, and software executed using them. Regardless of the type or location of the computer, each of the above functional blocks may be realized with the hardware resources of a single computer, or it may be realized by combining hardware resources distributed across multiple computers. In particular, in this embodiment, some or all of the functional blocks of the wireless access network control device 1 may be realized in a distributed or centralized manner on computers or processors located in any part of an O-RAN such as a RAN node or O-Cloud composed of SMO, Non-RT RIC, Near-RT RIC, O-CU, and / or O-DU, or they may be realized in a distributed or centralized manner on computers or processors located outside the O-RAN that can communicate with the O-RAN. In Figure 4, the wireless access network control device 1 and the O-RU are shown as separate components for convenience. However, some or all of the functional blocks of the wireless access network control device 1 may be implemented in a distributed or centralized manner by a computer or processor located in the O-RU.

[0028] The power saving information notification unit 11 causes the O-RU to notify the O-RU of power saving information relating to one or more power saving modes that the O-RU can support. Specifically, the power saving information notification unit 11 notifies the O-RU of power saving information 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 installed in the O-RU and actively notify the SMO, etc. outside the O-RU of power saving information, or it may be installed outside the O-RU and passively notify the SMO, etc. outside the O-RU of power saving information.

[0029] Figure 5 shows a specific example of an O-RU power saving mode included in the power saving information notified by the power saving information notification unit 11. Figure 5 illustrates five power saving levels (Sleep Levels) or power saving modes (SM: Sleep Mode) SM1-SM5. The number of power saving modes is arbitrary, and the content and parameters of each power saving mode, which are detailed below, are also arbitrary. In the illustrated example, the power saving levels increase in stages 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 power saving mode SM1-SM5 includes a first transition time (Deactivation Duration) to that power saving mode, a second transition time (Activation Duration) from that power saving mode, a minimum sleep duration for that power saving mode, power saving options or reconfiguration options for that power saving mode, and the power consumption of the O-RU in that power saving mode.

[0030] The first transition time (Deactivation Duration) is the time required to transition each O-RU from normal mode or other power saving modes to each power saving mode. The second transition time (Activation Duration) is the time required to transition each O-RU from each power saving mode to normal mode or other power saving modes. The minimum sleep duration is the minimum time that each O-RU is maintained in each power saving mode, for example, the minimum sleep duration of the communication function of each O-RU that is reconfigured by the communication function reconfiguration unit 13 (described later) according to each power saving mode. For example, an O-RU that has been switched to the first power saving mode SM1 by the power saving mode switching unit 12 will transition from normal mode or the like to the first power saving mode SM1 during the first transition time of "35.5 μs", be maintained in the first power saving mode SM1 for at least the minimum sleep duration of "71 μs", and then transition or return from the first power saving mode SM1 to normal mode or the like during the second transition time of "35.5 μs".

[0031] In the second power saving mode SM2, the first and second transition times are "0.5 ms" and the minimum duration is "1 ms". In the third power saving mode SM3, the first and second transition times are "5 ms" and the minimum duration is "10 ms". In the fourth power saving mode SM4, the first and second transition times are "0.5 s" and the minimum duration is "1 s". In the fifth power saving mode SM5, the first and second transition times are any time of "0.5 s" or more and the minimum duration is any time of "1 s" or more.

[0032] As described above, it is preferable that the first transition time and the second transition time in each power saving mode are equal to each other, and that their sum is equal to the minimum duration. Furthermore, it is preferable that the minimum duration in each power saving mode is an integer multiple of the duration of at least one of the frames, subframes, slots, or symbols that the O-RU can communicate with. In particular, in the illustrated example, the minimum duration in several power saving modes is the same as the duration of at least one of the frames, subframes, slots, or symbols. Specifically, the minimum duration of "10ms" in the third power saving mode SM3 is the same as the duration of a frame in 5G, etc. Also, the minimum duration of "1ms" in the second power saving mode SM2 is the same as the duration of a subframe in 5G, etc. Furthermore, the minimum duration of "71μs" in the first power saving mode SM1 is the same as the duration of a symbol in 5G, etc. (when one subframe is composed of one slot containing 14 OFDM symbols).

[0033] In 5G, depending on the subcarrier interval set in the network, one subframe contains one slot (when the subcarrier interval is 15kHz), two slots (when the subcarrier interval is 30kHz), four slots (when the subcarrier interval is 60kHz), eight slots (when the subcarrier interval is 120kHz), and sixteen slots (when the subcarrier interval is 240kHz). Therefore, the duration of the slots will be "1ms" (subcarrier interval 15kHz), "0.5ms" (subcarrier interval 30kHz), "0.25ms" (subcarrier interval 60kHz), "0.125ms" (subcarrier interval 120kHz), and "0.0625ms" (subcarrier interval 240kHz), depending on the subcarrier interval. These slot durations, or integer multiples thereof, may be set as the minimum duration in power saving mode.

[0034] Furthermore, each slot contains 14 OFDM symbols regardless of the subcarrier interval. Therefore, the symbol durations are "71μs" (subcarrier interval 15kHz), "36μs" (subcarrier interval 30kHz), "18μs" (subcarrier interval 60kHz), "9μs" (subcarrier interval 120kHz), and "4μs" (subcarrier interval 240kHz), depending on the subcarrier interval. These symbol durations, or integer multiples thereof, may be set as the minimum duration in power-saving mode.

[0035] 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, for the first power saving mode SM1, four options are shown exemplarily: "Entirely off," "Partly off," "HW reconfiguration," and "SW reconfiguration." Although not shown in the illustration, similar options can be set for the other power saving modes SM2-SM5.

[0036] The "Entirely off" power-saving option reduces the power consumption of an O-RU by cutting off power to all components and / or all communication functions of the O-RU being saved. The "Partly off" power-saving option reduces the power consumption of an O-RU by cutting off power to some components and / or some communication functions of the O-RU being saved. Thus, the presence or absence of the "Entirely off" and "Partly off" power-saving options indicates whether the O-RU's communication functions can be disabled in power-saving mode.

[0037] Here, all or some of the components whose power is cut off or reduced in the "fully off" mode or "partially off" mode only need to contribute to power saving in the O-RU when switched off. 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.

[0038] When a specific frequency band and / or carrier is switched to the OFF state by a Non-RT RIC or similar, the use of such "off-frequency bands" and / or "off-carriers" by the O-RU is prohibited or restricted (or users are encouraged to refrain from using them as much as possible). In this case, the hardware and / or software components of the O-RU are basically kept ON to continue communication processing related to "on-frequency bands" and / or "on-carriers" other than "off-frequency bands" and / or "off-carriers" (in other words, the M-Plane, S-Plane, and C / U-Plane, described later, are all kept in an active state). However, as the frequency bands and / or carriers to be processed decrease, the amount of communication and communication speed decrease (or, the hardware and / or software components dedicated to "off-frequency bands" and / or "off-carriers" are switched to the OFF state), thus reducing the power consumption of the O-RU.

[0039] On the other hand, in "fully off" mode or "partially off" mode, if hardware and / or software components in the O-RU are switched off by the Non-RT RIC and / or O-DU, etc., the power supply to those components is effectively cut off. However, even in such cases, it is preferable that a minimum amount of power is supplied to maintain the management plane (M-Plane) function of the component in the on state (active state). By maintaining the M-Plane in an active state, if a component that was off is switched back on, the management information held by the M-Plane allows for the synchronous plane (S-Plane) function and the control / user plane (C / U-Plane) function to be quickly restarted, and the component can be quickly returned to a communicable state.

[0040] Furthermore, when hardware and / or software components in an O-RU are switched off, the S-Plane function of the component may be kept active in addition to the M-Plane function. By keeping the S-Plane active, synchronization information regarding clocks, etc., between the O-RU 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 keep the S-Plane active, the component that has been switched back on from the off state can be returned to a communication-ready state more quickly.

[0041] As described above, switching hardware and / or software components to the off state can significantly reduce the power consumption of the O-RU. On the other hand, switching these components back to the on state requires additional processing and time. In contrast, the option to switch specific frequency bands and / or specific carriers to the off state keeps the hardware and / or software components on, resulting in less power savings for the O-RU, but seamlessly maintaining the O-RU's communicative state. In light of this trade-off, for example, when transitioning from normal mode to power-saving mode (for the first time), the option to switch specific frequency bands and / or specific carriers to the off state may be used to maintain the O-RU's communicative state. Then, if further power savings are required, or if it is acceptable to temporarily disable the O-RU's communicative state, the option to switch hardware and / or software components to the off state may be used to maximize the O-RU's power savings. By adopting this stepwise approach, power-saving mode can be implemented in an appropriate manner depending on the situation.

[0042] The "Hardware Reconfiguration" power saving option reduces the power consumption of an O-RU by reconfiguring its hardware. For example, if an O-RU has an integrated circuit that includes reconfigurable hardware such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) 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 the normal mode. The "Software Reconfiguration" power saving option reduces the power consumption of an O-RU by reconfiguring the software that the O-RU runs on. For example, the power consumption of the O-RU can be reduced by rewriting the software to perform the same processing as the normal mode with lower power consumption while reducing processing speed, etc.

[0043] As described above, when a single power saving mode includes multiple power saving options, the aforementioned first transition time, second transition time, minimum duration, and power consumption (described later) may be set for each power saving option. Alternatively, a power saving mode may be set for each power saving option.

[0044] Power Consumption refers to the power consumption of the O-RU in each power saving mode. In the example shown, for the first power saving mode SM1, the "Total Power Consumption of the O-RU" (XXX Watts), "Power Consumption of Component A" (xxx Watts), "Power Consumption of Component B" (yyy Watts), and "Power Consumption of Component C" (zzz Watts) are shown as examples. The "Total Power Consumption of the O-RU" is equal to the sum of the "Power Consumption of Component A," "Power Consumption of Component B," and "Power Consumption of Component C." Although not shown in the diagram, similar power consumption values ​​are entered for the other power saving modes SM2-SM5.

[0045] The power consumption of the entire O-RU subject to power saving, as well as the power consumption of each component and / or communication function of the O-RU, is statistical data based, for example, on simulations or measurements from past actual operation. In addition to or instead of the power consumption of the O-RU in power saving mode as in this example, statistical data of the power consumption during the transition of the O-RU from another mode to the power saving mode (first transition time) and / or the power consumption during the transition of the O-RU from the power saving mode to another mode (second transition time: more precisely, the period from when the O-RU receives a restart command from the O-DU, etc., until a communicable carrier is established) may be included in the power saving information notified by the power saving information notification unit 11. Furthermore, the power consumption of the O-RU in normal mode (not power saving mode) may be included in the power saving information notified by the power saving information notification unit 11 for comparison with the power consumption of the O-RU in power saving mode.

[0046] As will be described later, when the O-RU is switched to a certain power-saving mode by the power-saving mode switching unit 12 and / or the communication function reconfiguration unit 13, the power consumption of the entire O-RU, each component, and each communication function may be measured in real time by the O-RU and the wireless access network control device 1. This real-time measurement data of power consumption is shared with the wireless access network control device 1 via the power-saving information notification unit 11, etc., and compared with the statistical data of power consumption in the corresponding power-saving mode shown in Figure 5. If there is a significant discrepancy between this real-time measurement data and the statistical data, the statistical data considered when the power-saving mode was selected may not be reliable, and therefore the power-saving mode switching unit 12 and / or the communication function reconfiguration unit 13 may discontinue the power-saving mode.

[0047] The power saving information for the various O-RUs described above is typically notified to the wireless access network control device 1, such as the SMO, via the O1 interface, Open Fronthaul M-Plane, Open Fronthaul CUS-Plane, etc., as previously mentioned. However, the power saving information for the O-RUs may also be notified to the wireless access network control device 1 via other interfaces. For example, a RAN node (O-CU / O-DU) that controls an O-RU may function as a power saving information notification unit 11 and notify the SMO of the power saving information for the controlled O-RU via the O1 interface, or notify the Near-RT RIC via the E2 interface. Furthermore, the Near-RT RIC may function as a power saving information notification unit 11 and notify the SMO of the power saving information for the O-RUs received via the E2 interface via the O1 interface, or notify the Non-RT RIC via the A1 interface. Alternatively, O-Cloud, which virtually manages RAN nodes (O-CU / O-DU), may function as a power saving information notification unit 11 and notify the SMO of the power saving information of the O-RU acquired by the managed RAN node via the O2 interface.

[0048] When O-Cloud functions as a power saving information notification unit 11, it is preferable to notify the SMO of O-RU power saving information through the O2dms interface in Figure 2. In this case, the SMO (NFO) may obtain O-RU power saving information from the DMS by making various O2dms queries (Query O2dms) to the DMS of O-Cloud through the O2dms interface, which will be specifically illustrated below.

[0049] According to the first O2dms query, "Query O2dms_Deployment Inventory related Services," the SMO's NFO can obtain information about the inventory details of various NF Deployments, which may include O-RU power saving information, from the O-Cloud's DMS via the O2 interface (O2dms).

[0050] According to the second O2dms query, "Query O2dms_Deployment Monitoring related Services," the SMO's NFO can obtain information regarding telemetry reports for each NF Deployment, which may include O-RU power saving information, from the O-Cloud's DMS via the O2 interface (O2dms).

[0051] According to the third O2dms query, "Query O2dms_InfrastructureLifecycleManagement Services," the SMO's NFO can obtain information from the O-Cloud's DMS via the O2 interface (O2dms) regarding procedural support for automating NF Deployment lifecycle events, which may include O-RU energy saving information.

[0052] 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 notification unit 11 can support, and / or a power saving mode that the O-RU is compatible with, which is recognized in advance by the SMO, Non-RT RIC, Near-RT RIC, O-CU, O-DU, O-Cloud, etc., on which the power saving mode switching unit 12 is provided.

[0053] The communication function reconfiguration unit 13, provided in SMO, Non-RT RIC, Near-RT RIC, O-CU, O-DU, O-Cloud, etc., reconfigures the communication functions of the O-RUs. As mentioned above with respect to Figure 5, examples of options for reconfiguring the O-RU's communication functions include "completely off," "partially off," "hardware reconfiguration," and "software reconfiguration." By selecting the "completely off" or "partially off" reconfiguration option, the communication function reconfiguration unit 13 can disable all or part of the communication functions of at least one of the multiple O-RUs. Conversely, by not selecting the "completely off" or "partially off" reconfiguration option, the communication function reconfiguration unit 13 can enable all or part of the communication functions of at least one of the multiple O-RUs. The communication function reconfiguration unit 13 may also reconfigure the O-RU's communication functions according to the reconfiguration option or power saving option (Figure 5) corresponding to the power saving mode switched by the power saving mode switching unit 12, or it may reconfigure the O-RU's communication functions independently of such power saving mode switching.

[0054] The power saving mode switching unit 12 and / or the communication function reconfiguration unit 13 switch the power saving mode of the O-RU and / or reconfigure the communication function of the O-RU according to various criteria for optimizing the operation of the O-RU and guidelines based on artificial intelligence and / or machine learning. In particular, in order to optimize or minimize the power consumption of the O-RU, the power saving mode switching unit 12 selects the mode with the smallest power consumption ("Power Consumption" in Figure 5) from among the (multiple) power saving modes that can meet the communication demands of the O-RU, and the communication function reconfiguration unit 13 selects a reconfiguration option ("Reconfiguration Options" in Figure 5) corresponding to that power saving mode.

[0055] Such reconfiguration guidelines and / or necessary information generated based on artificial intelligence and / or machine learning may be directly reflected or provided to the O-RU by a host in the Non-RT RIC (e.g., the aforementioned artificial intelligence / machine learning workflow function) via the Open Fronthaul or O1 interface, or indirectly reflected or provided to the O-RU via the A1 interface, Near-RT RIC, or RAN node. The first embodiment of the former and the second embodiment of the latter will be described below.

[0056] In the first embodiment, the Non-RT RIC functions as follows: • To train and learn artificial intelligence / machine learning models that support energy efficiency (EE) / energy saving (ES) functions, configuration, performance metrics, and measurement reports (e.g., information on cell load, traffic information, EE / EC (Energy Consumption) measurement reports, geolocation information) are collected from SMO, RAN nodes, and O-RU. • Train artificial intelligence / machine learning models for EE / ES. • Analyze the data received from the SMO and E2 nodes to determine whether the O-RU's transmit array (transmitting circuit) and / or receive array (receiving circuit) can be reconfigured or shut down. • Reconfigure RAN nodes via the O1 interface and reconfigure O-RUs via Open Fronthaul or the O1 interface. These reconfigurations include shutting down all or part of the O-RU's transmit array and / or receive array.

[0057] In the first embodiment, the RAN node functions as follows: • Reports information on cell load and traffic per cell and / or carrier via the O1 interface. • Reports EE / EC measurement reports for RAN nodes via the O1 interface. • Supports the actions necessary to perform reconfiguration (including on / off control) of the O-RU transmit array and / or receive array. • Supports actions required due to changes in antenna configuration (e.g., the relationship between the number of SSB (Synchronization Signal Blocks), endpoint addressing, power per antenna, number of MIMO data layers, number of spatial streams, and maximum number of MU-MIMO layers).

[0058] In the first embodiment, the O-RU functions as follows: • Report information regarding EC and / or EE via the Open Fronthaul M-Plane or O1 interface. • Supports the actions necessary to perform reconfiguration (including on / off control) of the O-RU transmit array and / or receive array. • Supports actions required due to changes in antenna configuration (e.g., the relationship between the number of SSBs, endpoint addressing, power per antenna, number of MIMO data layers, number of spatial streams, and maximum number of MU-MIMO layers).

[0059] In the second embodiment, the Non-RT RIC functions as follows: • To train and learn artificial intelligence / machine learning models that support EE / ES functions, configuration, performance metrics, and measurement reports (e.g., information on cell load, traffic information, EE / EC measurement reports, geolocation information) are collected from SMO, RAN nodes, and O-RU. • Train artificial intelligence / machine learning models for EE / ES. • Analyze data received from SMO and E2 nodes to determine whether the O-RU transmit array and / or receive array need to be reconfigured or switched on / off. • Provides guidance or necessary information for the reconfiguration (including on / off control) of the O-RU transmit array and / or receive array via the A1 interface. • Provides guidelines or necessary information for actions such as transferring communication equipment at the cell edge to another carrier via the A1 interface.

[0060] In the second embodiment, the Near-RT RIC functions as follows: Based on information received from the A1 interface, the E2 interface provides guidance or necessary information for configuring the O-RAN node to reflect the reconfiguration (including on / off control) of the O-RU transmit array and / or receive array.

[0061] In the second embodiment, the RAN node functions as follows: • Reports information on cell load and traffic per cell and / or carrier via the E2 interface. • Reports EE / EC measurement reports via the E2 interface. • Supports the actions necessary to perform reconfiguration (including on / off control) of the O-RU transmit array and / or receive array. • Perform SSB reconfiguration, O-RU antenna power modification, transmit / receive endpoint mapping, MIMO data layer, spatial stream, and control of up to MU-MIMO layers.

[0062] In the second embodiment, the O-RU functions as follows: • Report information regarding EC and / or EE through Open Fronthaul M-Plane. • Supports the actions necessary to perform reconfiguration (including on / off control) of the O-RU transmit array and / or receive array. • Supports actions such as updating transmit / receive endpoint mappings and changing antenna power.

[0063] The control of the O-RU by the power saving mode switching unit 12 and / or the communication function reconfiguration unit 13 is typically performed by Non-RT RICs, Near-RT RICs, RAN nodes (O-CU / O-DU), etc., connected by the A1 interface and E2 interface. However, the control of the O-RU by the power saving mode switching unit 12 and / or the communication function reconfiguration unit 13 may also be performed by other components of the O-RAN through other interfaces. For example, the SMO, Non-RT RIC, Near-RT RIC, RAN nodes (O-CU / O-DU), etc., which are provided with the power saving mode switching unit 12 and / or the communication function reconfiguration unit 13, may directly control the O-RU through the O1 interface, Open Fronthaul M-Plane, Open Fronthaul CUS-Plane, etc. Furthermore, the O-Cloud, which virtually manages the RAN nodes (O-CU / O-DU), may function as the power saving mode switching unit 12 and / or the communication function reconfiguration unit 13, allowing the managed RAN nodes to indirectly control the O-RU.

[0064] When O-Cloud functions as a power saving mode switching unit 12 and / or a communication function reconfiguration unit 13, it is preferable that the NFO of SMO provides control information for switching the power saving mode of O-RU and / or reconfiguring the communication function of O-RU to the DMS of O-Cloud via the O2dms interface in Figure 2.

[0065] According to this embodiment, power consumption in the O-RU can be effectively managed based on power saving information regarding compatible power saving modes notified from the O-RU by the power saving information notification unit 11. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the communication function reconfiguration unit 13 can flexibly reconfigure the communication function of the O-RU.

[0066] Figure 6 shows other specific examples of the multiple power saving modes that O-RU can support. Some or all of the contents described in this figure may apply to the power saving modes described in Figure 5, and some or all of the contents described in Figure 5 may apply to the power saving modes described in this figure.

[0067] Figure 6 illustrates four power saving levels (Sleep Levels) or power saving modes (SM: Sleep Mode) SM1-SM4. The number of power saving modes is arbitrary, and the content and parameters of each power saving mode, detailed below, are also arbitrary. In the illustrated example, the power saving levels increase in stages from the lowest power saving mode SM1 to the highest power saving mode SM4. For convenience, the first power saving mode SM1 is named "Micro Sleep," the second power saving mode SM2 is named "Light Sleep," the third power saving mode SM3 is named "Deep Sleep," and the fourth power saving mode SM4 is named "Hibernate Sleep."

[0068] Each power saving mode SM1-SM4 includes the sleep duration, the hardware component of the O-RU that can be turned off, the MIMO setting, the presence or absence of a clock, and the active planes. This information constitutes power saving information as shown in Figure 5 and is notified by the power saving information notification unit 11.

[0069] The sleep duration is the duration of each power saving mode SM1-SM4. The minimum of these durations corresponds to the minimum sleep duration in Figure 5. The sleep duration in at least one of the power saving modes SM1-SM4 is an integer multiple of the duration of at least one of the following: frame (10ms in 5G), subframe (1ms in 5G), slot (0.0625ms to 1ms in 5G), or symbol (4μs to 71μs in 5G). Specifically, the sleep duration of the first power saving mode SM1 is an integer multiple of the symbol duration and shorter than the slot duration. That is, in 5G where a slot contains 14 OFDM symbols, the sleep duration of the first power saving mode SM1 is N times the symbol duration, where N is an integer between 1 and 13. In particular, in the shortest case N=1, the duration of a single symbol (a minimum of "4μs" in 5G) becomes the duration of the first power-saving mode SM1. In this way, by using extremely short symbol lengths as the unit, "Micro Sleep" can be efficiently introduced during the gaps when the O-RU is not communicating, thus effectively saving power to the O-RU.

[0070] The duration of the second power saving mode SM2 is longer than that of the first power saving mode SM1, for example, up to 5-10 ms. The duration of the third power saving mode SM3 is longer than that of the second power saving mode SM2, for example, up to 50-100 ms. The duration of the fourth power saving mode SM4 is longer than that of the third power saving mode SM3, for example, up to 1000 ms. In the third power saving mode SM3 and the fourth power saving mode SM4, which may have durations exceeding 50 ms, it is preferable that information sharing and cooperative operation with adjacent cells are performed to avoid adverse effects on the user experience. While the shutdown of hardware components and switching of MIMO settings in each power saving mode SM1-SM4 can be performed using existing technologies such as 5G and O-RAN, in particular, in power saving modes SM2-SM4, where the duration is longer than or equal to the slot length (more precisely, an integer multiple of the duration of at least one of the slot, subframe, or frame), the power saving mode switching unit 12 can switch the O-RU components to the off state by performing a transmission blanking process during that duration.

[0071] Transmit blanking is a technique available for "Section Type 0" in O-RAN, where the O-DU notifies the O-RU that a specific PRB (Physical Resource Block) or symbol in the downlink or uplink will not be used during an idle or guard period. Upon recognizing that communication will be interrupted during the idle or guard period notified by the O-DU, the O-RU can reduce power consumption by transitioning to a power-saving mode SM2-SM4 with a duration appropriate to that idle or guard period. Furthermore, by extending transmit blanking using "Section Extension 7" in O-RAN, power-saving modes can be efficiently applied to multiple "eAxC IDs" in the case of multi-component carriers or array carriers.

[0072] It is preferable to use frequency control such as traffic shaping of the UE (Enabled User) group and carrier aggregation, under the control of Non-RT RIC or Near-RT RIC, so that each O-RU can transition to a power-saving mode with the longest possible duration. For example, in order to transition a particular O-RU to a high-power-saving mode such as "Deep Sleep" or "Hibernate Sleep," it is possible to guide or aggregate the traffic of the UE group to other O-RUs or other time slots. Also, when transitioning a specific carrier of an O-RU to the off state, the necessary frequency capacity can be secured by performing carrier aggregation with other O-RUs for the carriers that remain on.

[0073] The O-RU hardware components that can be switched off correspond to the O-RU hardware components that can be switched off in the "Entirely off" or "Partly off" power saving options in Figure 5, or to the O-RU hardware components that are no longer used as a result of "HW reconfiguration". Although only hardware components are exemplified as components that can be switched off in Figure 6, other components as described above in Figure 5, specifically software components and frequency components such as frequency bands / carriers, may also be specifically designated as components to be turned off in each power saving mode SM1-SM4.

[0074] In the first power-saving mode SM1 shown in Figure 6, most amplification circuits, such as power amplifiers and low-noise amplifiers, are switched to the off state by cutting off their power supply. For the first power-saving mode SM1, which has the shortest duration, rapid and frequent switching between the on state (normal mode) and the off state (first power-saving mode SM1) is required. Therefore, it is preferable that analog circuits such as amplification circuits that can quickly return to an operating state (normal mode) by restoring power even from a power-off state (first power-saving mode SM1) are designated as the ones to be turned off.

[0075] In the second power-saving mode SM2 shown in Figure 6, in addition to the amplifier circuit and other components that were switched off in the first power-saving mode SM1, most of the transmitting and / or receiving circuits, such as the transceiver circuit, are switched off by cutting off their power supply. Thus, the number of O-RU components switched off in the second power-saving mode SM2 is greater than the number of O-RU components switched off in the first power-saving mode SM1. In the second power-saving mode SM2, the time until returning to normal mode (corresponding to the second transition time (Activation Duration) in Figure 5) is longer than in the first power-saving mode SM1, but because more components are switched off for a longer duration than in the first power-saving mode SM1, a greater reduction in power consumption is achieved.

[0076] In the third power-saving mode SM3 shown in Figure 6, almost all hardware components of the O-RU, including the amplification circuit, transmission circuit, and reception circuit that were switched off in the second power-saving mode SM2, are switched off by cutting off their power supply. Thus, the number of O-RU components switched off in the third power-saving mode SM3 is greater than the number of O-RU components switched off in the second power-saving mode SM2. In the third power-saving mode SM3, the time until returning to normal mode (second transition time) is longer than in the second power-saving mode SM2, but because more components are switched off for a longer duration than in the second power-saving mode SM2, a greater reduction in power consumption is achieved. In addition, even in the third power-saving mode SM3, the synchronization circuit that maintains the clock between the O-RU and / or between the O-RU and O-DU remains on. Therefore, the synchronization establishment process is not required when the O-RU returns to normal mode from the third power-saving mode SM3.

[0077] In the fourth power-saving mode SM4 shown in Figure 6, all hardware components of the O-RU (and all software components and all frequency components), including the synchronous circuit that could not be switched off in the third power-saving mode SM3, are switched off by cutting off their power supply. Thus, in the fourth power-saving mode SM4, which has the longest duration among the multiple power-saving modes SM1-SM4, all components of the O-RU are switched off by the power-saving mode switching unit 12. Therefore, the number of O-RU components switched off in the fourth power-saving mode SM4 is greater than the number of O-RU components switched off in the third power-saving mode SM3. In the fourth power-saving mode SM4, although the time until returning to normal mode (second transition time) is longer than in the third power-saving mode SM3, more components are switched off over a longer duration than in the third power-saving mode SM3, resulting in a greater reduction in power consumption.

[0078] MIMO setting corresponds to the antenna reconfiguration included in "HW reconfiguration" in the power saving options shown in Figure 5. Specifically, for example, the number of antennas that remain active (on) out of the many (e.g., 128) antennas used for MIMO is specifically specified as power saving information for each power saving mode SM1-SM4.

[0079] In the example shown in Figure 6, 64 antennas are kept active in the first power-saving mode SM1, 16 antennas are kept active in the second power-saving mode SM2, 4 antennas are kept active in the third power-saving mode SM3, and 0 antennas are kept active in the fourth power-saving mode SM4 (all antennas are switched to an inactive (off) state). As will be described later, the user plane (U-Plane) function is temporarily suspended in each power-saving mode SM1-SM4, but some or all of the other planes such as the control plane (C-Plane), synchronization plane (S-Plane), and management plane (M-Plane) may be kept active, so the antennas kept active may be used to meet the communication demands of these planes. Furthermore, even if the antennas kept active in each power-saving mode SM1-SM4 are not used for actual communication, there is the advantage that the active antennas do not need to be restarted when returning to normal mode.

[0080] The presence or absence of the clock corresponds to the state of the synchronization circuit in the "O-RU hardware component to be turned off" and the state of the synchronization plane in the "Active planes" described later. Specifically, in power saving modes SM1-SM3, the clock is maintained by the ON state synchronization circuit and synchronization plane, while in power saving mode SM4, the clock is not maintained by the OFF state synchronization circuit and synchronization plane. As mentioned above, when the O-RU returns to normal mode from power saving modes SM1-SM3 with the clock ON, synchronization establishment processing is unnecessary. On the other hand, when the O-RU returns to normal mode from power saving mode SM4 with the clock OFF, synchronization establishment processing is necessary, but since all components are switched to the OFF state for a longer duration than in power saving modes SM1-SM3, more power consumption is reduced.

[0081] Active planes are planes that remain on in each power saving mode SM1-SM4 without being switched off. For example, among the user plane (U-Plane), control plane (C-Plane), synchronization plane (S-Plane), and management plane (M-Plane), all or part of the user plane functions related to the transmission and reception of user data are switched off in all power saving modes SM1-SM4.

[0082] In the first power saving mode SM1 and the second power saving mode SM2 in Figure 6, at least a portion of the functions of the control plane, synchronous plane, and management plane, other than the user plane, are kept in the ON state. However, in the second power saving mode SM2, it is preferable that the proportion of each plane's functions kept in the ON state is lower than in the first power saving mode SM1. In the third power saving mode SM3 in Figure 6, at least a portion of the synchronous plane function and the management plane function are kept in the ON state. In the fourth power saving mode SM4 in Figure 6, at least a portion of the management plane function (only) is kept in the ON state. In the example in Figure 6, since at least a portion of the management plane function is kept in the ON state in all power saving modes SM1-SM4, the management information held by the management plane can quickly restart other plane functions that are in the OFF state, and the O-RU can be quickly returned to normal mode. The mapping of power saving modes SM1-SM4 and active plane functions in Figure 6 is an example, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. However, it is preferable to follow the principle that the number of active plane functions decreases as the power saving level increases (SM1 → SM4).

[0083] Figure 7 schematically shows a first embodiment of the transition scheme between the normal mode of the O-RU, represented as "Active," and the four power-saving modes SM1-SM4 as shown in Figure 6. In this embodiment, the O-RU in normal mode is directly transitioned by the power-saving mode switching unit 12 to an appropriate power-saving mode according to the power-saving level required by the O-DU, etc. Furthermore, when the duration of each power-saving mode (for example, "Sleep Duration" in Figure 6) has elapsed or new traffic that the O-RU needs to process has arisen, the power-saving mode switching unit 12 directly transitions the O-RU from that power-saving mode to the normal mode.

[0084] Figure 8 schematically shows a second embodiment of the transition scheme between the normal mode of the O-RU, labeled "Active," and the four power-saving modes SM1-SM4 as shown in Figure 6. In this embodiment, the O-RU in normal mode has a predetermined idle time T IDLE0 If the state remains idle for a certain period, the 0th transition time TTRANSITION0 (corresponding to "Deactivation Duration" in FIG. 5) is applied to transition to the first power-saving mode SM1 (Micro Sleep). Subsequently, if the O-RU in the first power-saving mode SM1 has been in an idle state for a predetermined first idle time T IDLE1 , it is applied with the first transition time T TRANSITION1 to transition to the second power-saving mode SM2 (Light Sleep). Subsequently, if the O-RU in the second power-saving mode SM2 has been in an idle state for a predetermined second idle time T IDLE2 , it is applied with the second transition time T TRANSITION2 to transition to the third power-saving mode SM3 (Deep Sleep). Subsequently, if the O-RU in the third power-saving mode SM3 has been in an idle state for a predetermined third idle time T IDLE3 , it is applied with the third transition time T TRANSITION3 to transition to the fourth power-saving mode SM4 (Hibernate Sleep).

[0085] As described above, in this embodiment, when the power-saving mode switching unit 12 transitions the O-RU from the normal mode (Active) in which all components of the O-RU are in an on state to the power-saving modes SM2 - SM4 with a high power-saving level, it causes the O-RU to pass through the power-saving modes SM1 - SM3 with a lower power-saving level. The longer the time the O-RU remains in an idle state, the more it automatically or adaptively transitions to a power-saving mode with a higher power-saving level, so that the power reduction amount in the O-RU can be optimized.

[0086] When a situation occurs where the idle state of the O-RU in each power-saving mode should be released, such as when new traffic to be processed by the O-RU occurs, the power-saving mode switching unit 12 causes the O-RU to transition from each power-saving mode to the normal mode. At this time, as shown in the figure, the O-RU may return to the normal mode via the power-saving mode with a lower power-saving level from the power-saving mode with a higher power-saving level. The transition time between each mode (corresponding to "Activation Duration" in FIG. 5) is preferably the aforementioned first transition time T TRANSITION0 , the second transition time T TRANSITION1 , the third transition time T TRANSITION2, the third transition time T TRANSITION3 It is equal to, but may be different. Also, when the O-RU of each power saving mode returns to normal mode, it may transition directly from each power saving mode to normal mode, as in Figure 7.

[0087] The present disclosure has been described above based on embodiments. Various modifications are possible for each component and each combination of processes in the exemplary embodiments, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such modifications are included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0088] The configuration, operation, and function of each device and method described in the embodiments can be realized by hardware resources or software resources, or by the cooperation of hardware resources and software resources. Hardware resources include, for example, processors, ROMs, RAMs, and various integrated circuits. Software resources include, for example, operating systems and application programs.

[0089] This disclosure may be expressed as follows:

[0090] Item 1: A radio access network control device that controls an O-RAN including an O-RU as a wireless unit, The power saving mode switching unit switches the O-RU to one of several power saving modes in which at least one of the components of the O-RU that can be switched to the off state and the duration is different. A wireless access network control device comprising at least one processor that performs the following. Item 2: The radio access network control device according to item 1, wherein the duration in at least one of the plurality of power saving modes is an integer multiple of the duration of at least one of the frames, subframes, slots, or symbols that the O-RU can communicate with. Item 3: The wireless access network control device according to item 2, wherein the duration in at least one of the plurality of power saving modes is an integer multiple of the duration of the symbol and shorter than the duration of the slot. Item 4: The wireless access network control device according to item 2 or 3, wherein the duration in at least one of the plurality of power saving modes is equal to the duration of the symbol. Item 5: The wireless access network control device according to any one of items 2 to 4, wherein the duration in at least one of the plurality of power saving modes is an integer multiple of the duration of at least one of the frame, subframe, or slot, and the power saving mode switching unit switches the components of the O-RU to an off state by a transmit blanking process during the duration. Item 6: A radio access network control device according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the component that is switched to an off state in the O-RU, which has been switched to one of the power saving modes by the power saving mode switching unit, includes at least one of the hardware components of the O-RU, the software components of the O-RU, and the frequencies available to the O-RU. Item 7: The hardware components of the O-RU include at least one of an antenna, an amplification circuit, a transmitting circuit, a receiving circuit, and a synchronization circuit, as described in item 6, for the radio access network control device. Item 8: A wireless access network control device according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein in the power saving mode with the longest duration among the multiple power saving modes, all components of the O-RU are switched to the off state by the power saving mode switching unit. Item 9: The aforementioned multiple power saving modes include a first power saving mode and a second power saving mode, The number of O-RU components that are switched to the off state in the first power saving mode is less than the number of O-RU components that are switched to the off state in the second power saving mode. A wireless access network control device as described in any of items 1 through 8. Item 10: The aforementioned multiple power saving modes include a first power saving mode and a second power saving mode, The duration of the first power saving mode is shorter than the duration of the second power saving mode. A wireless access network control device as described in any of items 1 through 9. Item 11: The power saving mode switching unit causes the O-RU to go through the first power saving mode when transitioning the O-RU from a normal mode in which all components of the O-RU are turned on to the second power saving mode, as described in item 9 or 10. Item 12: The wireless access network control device according to any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the management plane function of the O-RU, which has been switched to one of the power saving modes by the power saving mode switching unit, is maintained. Item 13: The wireless access network control device according to item 12, wherein the synchronization plane function of the O-RU is maintained when it is switched to one of the power saving modes by the power saving mode switching unit. Item 14: The at least one processor further causes the power saving information notification unit to notify the O-RU of power saving information regarding the components of the O-RU that are switched to the off state and their duration for each of the multiple power saving modes that the O-RU can support, The power saving mode switching unit switches the O-RU to one of the plurality of power saving modes based on the power saving information. A wireless access network control device as described in any of items 1 through 13. Item 15: The wireless access network control device according to item 14, wherein the power saving information includes at least one of a first transition time to each power saving mode and a second transition time from the power saving mode. Item 16: The wireless access network control device according to item 15, wherein the first transition time is equal to the second transition time. Item 17: The power saving information includes the power consumption of the O-RU in each of the power saving modes, as described in any of items 14 to 16 of the Wireless Access Network Control Device. Item 18: The wireless access network control device according to any one of items 1 to 17, wherein the at least one processor further performs, by a communication function reconfiguration unit, reconfigures the communication function of the O-RU in accordance with the power saving mode switched by the power saving mode switching unit. Item 19: A wireless access network control method for controlling an O-RAN including an O-RU as a wireless unit, Switching the O-RU to one of several power-saving modes in which at least one of the O-RU components that can be switched to the off state and the duration of the O-RU is different, A wireless access network control method comprising: Item 20: A wireless access network control program that controls an O-RAN including an O-RU as a wireless unit, Switching the O-RU to one of several power-saving modes in which at least one of the O-RU components that can be switched to the off state and the duration of the O-RU is different, A storage medium that stores a wireless access network control program that causes a computer to execute it.

[0091] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-021185 filed on 15 February 2022, PCT International Application PCT / JP2022 / 028091 filed on 19 July 2022, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-119061 filed on 26 July 2022, which are invoked by reference to the entire contents of these basic applications. [Industrial applicability]

[0092] This disclosure relates to switching the O-RU to multiple power saving modes. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 1 Wireless access network control device, 11 Power saving information notification unit, 12 Power saving mode switching unit, 13 Communication function reconfiguration unit.

Claims

1. A radio access network control device that controls an O-RAN including an O-RU as a wireless unit, The power saving mode switching unit switches the O-RU to one of several power saving modes. It has at least one processor that performs the following: Each of the aforementioned power saving modes is a wireless access network control device that specifies the duration and a different combination of components from among the multiple components of the O-RU that can be switched to a selectable off state.

2. The wireless access network control device according to claim 1, wherein the duration in at least one of the plurality of power saving modes is an integer multiple of the duration of at least one of the frames, subframes, slots, and symbols that the O-RU can communicate with.

3. The wireless access network control device according to claim 2, wherein the duration in at least one of the plurality of power saving modes is an integer multiple of the duration of the symbol and shorter than the duration of the slot.

4. The wireless access network control device according to claim 3, wherein the duration in at least one of the plurality of power saving modes is equal to the duration of the symbol.

5. The wireless access network control device according to claim 2, wherein the duration in at least one of the plurality of power saving modes is an integer multiple of the duration of at least one of the frame, subframe, or slot, and the power saving mode switching unit switches the components of the O-RU to an off state by a transmit blanking process during the duration.

6. The plurality of components that are switched to the off state in the O-RU, which has been switched to one of the power saving modes by the power saving mode switching unit, include the hardware components of the O-RU and the software components of the O-RU. Each of the power saving modes specifies different combinations of hardware components of the O-RU that are switched off, software components of the O-RU that are switched off, and the duration of each mode. The wireless access network control device according to claim 1.

7. The wireless access network control device according to claim 6, wherein the hardware components of the O-RU include at least one of an antenna, an amplification circuit, a transmitting circuit, a receiving circuit, and a synchronization circuit.

8. The wireless access network control device according to claim 1, wherein in the power saving mode with the longest duration among the multiple power saving modes, all components of the O-RU are switched to the off state by the power saving mode switching unit.

9. The aforementioned multiple power saving modes include a first power saving mode and a second power saving mode. The number of O-RU components that are switched to the off state in the first power saving mode is less than the number of O-RU components that are switched to the off state in the second power saving mode. The wireless access network control device according to claim 1.

10. The aforementioned multiple power saving modes include a first power saving mode and a second power saving mode. The duration of the first power saving mode is shorter than the duration of the second power saving mode. The wireless access network control device according to claim 9.

11. The wireless access network control device according to claim 9, wherein the power saving mode switching unit causes the O-RU to go through the first power saving mode when transitioning the O-RU from a normal mode in which all components of the O-RU are turned on to the second power saving mode.

12. The wireless access network control device according to claim 1, wherein the management plane function of the O-RU, which has been switched to one of the power saving modes by the power saving mode switching unit, is maintained.

13. The wireless access network control device according to claim 12, wherein the synchronization plane function of the O-RU is maintained when it is switched to one of the power saving modes by the power saving mode switching unit.

14. The at least one processor further causes the power saving information notification unit to notify the O-RU of power saving information regarding the components of the O-RU that are switched to the off state and their duration for each of the multiple power saving modes that the O-RU can support, The power saving mode switching unit switches the O-RU to one of the plurality of power saving modes based on the power saving information. The wireless access network control device according to claim 1.

15. The wireless access network control device according to claim 14, wherein the power saving information includes at least one of a first transition time to each power saving mode and a second transition time from the power saving mode.

16. The wireless access network control device according to claim 15, wherein the first transition time is equal to the second transition time.

17. The wireless access network control device according to claim 14, wherein the power saving information includes the power consumption of the O-RU in each of the power saving modes.

18. The wireless access network control device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one processor further performs, by a communication function reconfiguration unit, reconfigures the communication function of the O-RU in accordance with the power saving mode switched by the power saving mode switching unit.

19. A wireless access network control method for controlling an O-RAN including an O-RU as a wireless unit, Switching the O-RU to one of several power-saving modes in which at least one of the O-RU components that can be switched to the off state and the duration of the O-RU is different, Equipped with, Each of the aforementioned power saving modes is a wireless access network control method that specifies a duration and a different combination of components from among the multiple components of the O-RU that can be switched to an off state.

20. A radio access network control program that controls an O-RAN including an O-RU as a wireless unit, Switching the O-RU to one of several power-saving modes in which at least one of the O-RU components that can be switched to the off state and the duration of the O-RU is different, Have the computer run it, Each of the aforementioned power saving modes is a storage medium that stores a wireless access network control program that specifies the duration and different combinations of components from among the multiple components of the O-RU that can be switched to an off state.

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