First and second communication devices, method for first and second communication devices, and program

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a communication device that enables enhancement of the function of managing the state of power. A communication device (10) according to the present disclosure comprises: a control unit (11) that determines an antenna element to operate in a power-saving mode, from among a plurality of antenna elements constituting at least one antenna array forming a desired radiation pattern in an RU device; and a communication unit (12) that transmits, to the RU device, setting information indicative of the antenna element to operate in the power-saving mode.

Description

COMMUNICATION DEVICE, COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, COMMUNICATION METHOD, AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIUM

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication device, a communication system, and a communication method.

[0002] In recent years, radio access networks have been adopted that separate the baseband and radio sections of base stations and connect them via a fronthaul. The O-RAN (Open-Radio Access Network) fronthaul specifications established by the O-RAN Alliance define the fronthaul specifications between the O-RU (Radio Unit), which corresponds to the radio section, and the O-DU (Distributed Unit) and O-CU (Central Unit), which correspond to the baseband section. One of the goals of the O-RAN fronthaul specifications is to facilitate the connection of O-RUs from different vendors to O-DUs, thereby realizing multi-vendor radio access networks.

[0003] In the O-RAN fronthaul, specifications are defined for the C (Control)-Plane, U (User)-Plane, S (Synchronization)-Plane, and M-Plane. Non-Patent Document 1 mainly defines specifications for the M-Plane (Management-Plane) in the O-RAN fronthaul. Below, an overview of the functions related to the M-Plane disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1 will be described.

[0004] M-Plane provides management functions for O-RUs. Specifically, M-Plane defines O-DUs or NMSs (Network Management Systems) as network devices that manage O-RUs. M-Plane also defines NETCONF (Network Configuration Protocol), a protocol commonly used for managing network devices. In NETCONF, the network device that manages the O-RUs corresponds to the NETCONF client, and the O-RUs to be managed correspond to the NETCONF server.

[0005] Here, the M-Plane has a Configuration Management function. Specifically, a NETCONF client such as an O-DU obtains information from the O-RU, such as the device status and the NETCONF functions supported by the O-RU. Furthermore, the NETCONF client sets parameters in the O-RU. NETCONF defines edit-config, which sets parameters, and get-config, which obtains parameter values. By using edit-config, the NETCONF client can change the device (hardware) state of the O-RU that can be configured or changed. For example, the configurable hardware state is the power state. Changing the power state can achieve energy saving in the O-RU. Specifically, the NETCONF client transitions the O-RU to the awake or sleeping state.

[0006] The awake state is a state in which the O-RU operates normally, not in energy saving mode. On the other hand, the sleeping state is a state in which the O-RU operates in energy saving mode. In the sleeping state, only functions related to the M-Plane are operated, and functions related to the C / U / S-Plane can be stopped to reduce power consumption (see, for example, Section 9.1.3 of Non-Patent Document 1).

[0007] O-RAN-WG4.MP.0-v09.00 O-RAN Working Group 4 (Open Fronthaul Interfaces WG) Management Plane Specification

[0008] Non-Patent Document 1 discloses that a NETCONF client achieves power saving for an O-RU by transitioning the power state of the O-RU to awake or sleeping. It is expected that the number of O-RUs installed will increase as 5G (5th Generation) communication areas expand in the future. Therefore, it is desirable to further enhance the management function in order to efficiently manage the power state of the O-RU.

[0009] In view of the above-mentioned problems, one of the objects of the present disclosure is to provide a communication device, a communication system, and a communication method that can enhance the power state management function.

[0010] A communication device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a control unit that determines which antenna elements, among a plurality of antenna elements that constitute at least one antenna array that forms a desired radiation pattern in an RU device, will operate in a power saving mode, and a communication unit that transmits configuration information indicating the antenna elements that will operate in the power saving mode to the RU device.

[0011] A communication system according to a second aspect of the present disclosure includes an RU device having a plurality of antenna elements constituting at least one antenna array that forms a desired radiation pattern, and a communication device configured to determine, from the plurality of antenna elements of the RU device, antenna elements that will operate in a power saving mode, and to transmit to the RU device configuration information indicating the antenna elements that will operate in the power saving mode.

[0012] A communication method according to a third aspect of the present disclosure determines, from among a plurality of antenna elements constituting at least one antenna array that forms a desired radiation pattern in an RU device, antenna elements that will operate in a power saving mode, and transmits configuration information indicating the antenna elements that will operate in the power saving mode to the RU device.

[0013] A program according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to determine, from among a plurality of antenna elements constituting at least one antenna array that forms a desired radiation pattern in an RU device, antenna elements that will operate in a power saving mode, and to transmit configuration information indicating the antenna elements that will operate in the power saving mode to the RU device.

[0014] The present disclosure makes it possible to provide a communication device, a communication system, and a communication method that can enhance the power state management function.

[0015] Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of a communication device according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a communication method executed in the communication device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a configuration diagram of a communication system according to a second embodiment. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a processing flow relating to get-config included in NETCONF operations according to the second embodiment. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a data model generated by an O-DU according to the second embodiment. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a data model generated by an O-DU according to the second embodiment. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a data model generated by an O-DU according to the second embodiment. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a processing flow relating to get-edit included in NETCONF operations according to the second embodiment. Fig. 9 is a configuration diagram of a communication device according to each embodiment.

[0016] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. An example configuration of a communication device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The communication device 10 may be software or a module in which processing is performed by a processor executing a program stored in a memory. The communication device 10 may be, for example, a management device or control device that manages an O-RU node (hereinafter referred to as O-RU) defined in the O-RAN Alliance, and may be referred to as an O-RU controller. The O-RU controller may be, for example, an O-DU node (hereinafter referred to as O-DU) or an SMO (Service Management and Orchestration) node (hereinafter referred to as SMO). The O-RU and O-DU may simply be referred to as RU and DU. The nodes may correspond to entities (devices) or functions.

[0017] The communication device 10 includes a control unit 11 and a communication unit 12. The control unit 11 and the communication unit 12 may be software or modules that are executed by a processor executing a program stored in a memory, or may be hardware such as a circuit or a chip.

[0018] The control unit 11 determines which of the multiple antenna elements constituting at least one antenna array in the O-RU will operate in the power saving mode.

[0019] The O-RU has a wireless communication interface and, by combining technologies such as Massive Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) and digital beamforming, it can support wide bandwidths and enable more efficient communications. Massive MIMO, for example, arranges multiple antenna elements at equal intervals on a plane and electrically controls each antenna element to direct different beams to multiple users. As a result, multiple users can connect to the O-RU simultaneously.

[0020] An antenna array consists of several antenna elements associated to form a desired radiation pattern at the O-RU. By configuring multiple antenna arrays at the O-RU, various radiation patterns can be achieved for the beams emitted from the O-RU.

[0021] The power saving mode may be, for example, an operation mode in which only some functions of the antenna element are operated and other functions are stopped. The power saving mode may be, for example, putting the antenna element into a sleeping state defined by the O-RAN Alliance. Alternatively, the power saving mode may be stopping the supply of power to the antenna element and stopping all functions of the antenna element. On the other hand, an operation mode in which the antenna element operates normally without stopping some functions may be referred to as a normal mode.

[0022] The communication unit 12 transmits configuration information indicating which antenna elements operate in power saving mode to the O-RU. The configuration information may be, for example, information indicating whether each antenna element of the O-RU operates in power saving mode. Specifically, the configuration information may be information indicating whether each antenna element of the O-RU operates in normal mode or power saving mode. Alternatively, the configuration information may be information indicating whether each antenna array operates in power saving mode, thereby indicating whether the antenna elements constituting the corresponding antenna array operate in power saving mode or normal mode. The O-RU controls the operation of the antenna elements in accordance with the received configuration information. In other words, the O-RU changes the operation mode of the antenna elements in accordance with the received configuration information.

[0023] Next, a communication method executed by the communication device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. First, the control unit 11 determines which antenna elements will operate in the power saving mode from among a plurality of antenna elements constituting at least one antenna array that forms a desired radiation pattern in the O-RU (S11). Next, the communication unit 12 transmits configuration information indicating the antenna elements that will operate in the power saving mode to the O-RU (S12).

[0024] As described above, the communication device 10 determines the antenna elements that will operate in power saving mode and notifies the O-RU of this. This allows the communication device 10 to change the antenna elements that will operate in power saving mode, making it possible to flexibly control the power consumption of the O-RU depending on, for example, the communication status, load status, battery capacity status, etc. of the O-RU.

[0025] (Second embodiment) Next, a configuration example of a communication system according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The communication system of Fig. 3 illustrates the M-Plane architecture model defined by the O-RAN Alliance. The communication system of Fig. 3 includes an O-RU 20, an O-DU 30, and an SMO 40. The O-DU 30 or the SMO 40 corresponds to the communication device 10 of Fig. 1. In addition, the communication system may include an O-CU node and a Near-RT RIC (near real-time RAN intelligent controller) node, both of which are not shown. Furthermore, the SMO 40 may include a Non-RT RIC (non real-time RAN intelligent controller) node, both of which are not shown. The O-CU may simply be referred to as a CU.

[0026] The O-RU 20 is a logical node that performs lower-level functions of the physical layer (PHY-Low) and RF (Radio Frequency) processing. Alternatively, the O-RU 20 may be a physical device that incorporates the O-RU, which is a logical node. The lower-level functions of the physical layer may be, for example, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) / Inverse FFT (IFFT) processing, Bea Forming (BF) processing, etc.

[0027] The O-DU 30 is a logical node that performs functions in the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, and Media Access Control (MAC) layer, as well as functions higher than the physical layer. Alternatively, the O-DU 30 may be a physical device that incorporates the O-DU, which is a logical node. The functions higher than the physical layer may be, for example, encoding and modulation processing, and decoding and demodulation processing. The functions in the PDCP layer may be performed in a logical node called a Central Unit (CU) (not shown).

[0028] The SMO 40 performs maintenance and orchestration (control) of the RAN (Radio Access Network) and the RIC (RAN Intelligent Controller), which is a platform that optimizes radio resource management and automates operations. FIG. 3 shows a configuration in which the O-RU 20 and the O-DU 30 are connected, and the O-DU 30 and the SMO 40 are also connected. Alternatively, the O-RU 20 and the SMO 40 may be connected as indicated by dotted lines in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 also shows a one-to-one configuration in which the O-RU 20, the O-DU 30, and the SMO 40 are connected. Alternatively, the O-RU 20 may be managed by multiple O-DUs 30. Furthermore, the O-RU 20 may be managed by multiple SMOs 40. The SMO 40 may be replaced with an NMS.

[0029] Next, the flow of processing related to get-config, which is included in NETCONF operations executed in the Configuration Management function according to the second embodiment, will be described with reference to FIG. 4 . In FIG. 4 , the O-RU 20 operates as a NETCONF Server, and the O-DU 30 operates as a NETCONF Client. First, the O-DU 30 transmits a request message to the O-RU 20 (S21). For example, an RPC (remote procedure call) get may be set in the request message. Next, the O-RU 20 transmits a response message to the request message to the O-DU 30 (S22). For example, an RPC-reply may be set in the response message. The response message with an RPC-reply set contains, as data, parameters held by the O-RU 20 and the status of the O-RU 20. In other words, the O-DU 30 retrieves the parameters held by the O-RU 20, the status of the O-RU 20, and the like from the O-RU 20 by executing the get procedure.

[0030] The parameters held by the O-RU 20 may be represented, for example, in the form of a data model (YANG data model) described using YANG. Furthermore, a YANG data model indicating parameters or states of the O-RU 20 that can be changed by the O-DU 30 may be defined as a YANG module. Specifically, a YANG data model indicating parameters or states used in the M-Plane may be defined as a reusable YANG module.

[0031] For example, the O-DU 30 fetches, receives, or acquires a list of tx-arrays and rx-arrays in o-ran-uplane-conf.yang from the O-RU 20, and determines, identifies, or extracts the tx-array elements and rx-array elements. tx-arrays indicates the entire antenna array used for transmission, and rx-arrays indicates the entire antenna array used for reception. o-ran-uplane-conf.yang indicates a YANG module specified by the O-RAN Alliance. The tx-array elements and rx-array elements may be antenna arrays configured in the O-RU 20. The tx-array elements are antenna arrays related to transmission in the O-RU 20, and the rx-array elements are antenna arrays related to reception in the O-RU 20.

[0032] Furthermore, the O-DU 30 fetches, receives, or acquires a list of static-low-level-tx-endpoints and static-low-level-rx-endpoints in o-ran-uplane-conf.yang from the O-RU 20. Furthermore, the O-DU 30 determines, identifies, or extracts static-low-level-tx-endpoint elements and static-low-level-rx-endpoint elements. The static-low-level-tx-endpoint elements are, for example, identification information of antenna elements related to transmission, and the static-low-level-rx-endpoint elements are, for example, identification information of antenna elements related to reception.

[0033] After determining the tx-array elements and static-low-level-tx-endpoint elements, O-DU 30 examines the relationship between the tx-array elements and the static-low-level-tx-endpoint elements. Furthermore, after determining the rx-array elements and static-low-level-rx-endpoint elements, O-DU 30 analyzes the relationship between the rx-array elements and the static-low-level-rx-endpoint elements.

[0034] As a result of the analysis, for example, O-DU 30 may identify a static-low-level-tx-endpoint element indicating the antenna elements that make up the tx-array element. Furthermore, O-DU 30 may identify a static-low-level-rx-endpoint element indicating the antenna elements that make up the rx-array element.

[0035] Furthermore, O-DU 30 creates or generates a low-level-tx-endpoint element for the static-low-level-tx-endpoint element and a low-level-rx-endpoint element for the static-low-level-rx-endpoint element. The low-level-tx-endpoint element and the low-level-rx-endpoint element may be used, for example, to set desired parameters or states for the static-low-level-tx-endpoint element and the static-low-level-rx-endpoint element.

[0036] Furthermore, the O-DU 30 sets an eAxC (extended Antenna-Carrier) ID to the low-level-tx-endpoint element and the low-level-rx-endpoint. When the O-DU 30 generates multiple low-level-tx-endpoint elements, it sets a different eAxC ID value for each low-level-tx-endpoint element. Similarly, when the O-DU 30 generates multiple low-level-rx-endpoint elements, it sets a different eAxC ID value for each low-level-rx-endpoint element. The eAxC ID is a 16-bit value composed of DU_Port_ID, RU_Port_ID, CC_ID, and BandSector_ID.

[0037] Furthermore, the O-DU 30 generates a tx-array-carrier and an rx-array-carrier. The tx-array-carrier and the rx-array-carrier have a parameter "active", and the parameter "active" is set to one of the values ​​"ACTIVE", "INACTIVE", or "SLEEP". The O-DU 30 generates a low-level-tx-links element and a low-level-rx-link element to associate the values ​​of the parameter "active" set in the tx-array-carrier and the rx-array-carrier with the low-level-tx-endpoint element and the low-level-rx-endpoint element. That is, the O-DU 30 associates the values ​​of the parameter "active" set in the tx-array-carrier and rx-array-carrier with the low-level-tx-endpoint element and low-level-rx-endpoint element via the low-level-tx-links element and low-level-rx-link element. "Associating" may be rephrased as "applying" or "setting," for example.

[0038] For example, when the parameter "active" is set to "ACTIVE", the antenna elements indicated by the static-low-level-tx-endpoint elements or static-low-level-rx-endpoint elements may transition to an awake state. When the parameter "active" is set to "SLEEP", the antenna elements indicated by the static-low-level-tx-endpoint elements or static-low-level-rx-endpoint elements may transition to a sleeping state. When the parameter "active" is set to "INACTIVE", all functions of the antenna elements indicated by the static-low-level-tx-endpoint elements or static-low-level-rx-endpoint elements may be stopped.

[0039] O-DU 30 associates a tx-array-carrier whose parameter "active" is set to "SLEEP" with the low-level-tx-endpoint elements associated with the antenna element to be transitioned to the sleeping state. Also, O-DU 30 associates an rx-array-carrier whose parameter "active" is set to "SLEEP" with the low-level-rx-endpoint elements associated with the antenna element to be transitioned to the sleeping state.

[0040] Here, the data model generated by the O-DU 30 based on the parameters acquired from the O-RU 20 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0041] FIG. 5 shows an example of a data model related to a transmitting antenna array in O-RU 20. The data model in FIG. 5 illustrates an example in which the transmitting antenna array in O-RU 20 is configured with two antenna arrays, tx-array #0 and tx-array #1. The data model in FIG. 5 indicates that static-low-level-tx-endpoint #0 to static-low-level-tx-endpoint #i (i is an integer equal to or greater than 1) configure tx-array #0. The data model in FIG. 5 also indicates that static-low-level-tx-endpoint #j to static-low-level-tx-endpoint #n (j and n are integers equal to or greater than 1, with n > j = i + 1) configure tx-array #1. The number of antenna elements configuring tx-array #0 may be the same as or different from the number of antenna elements configuring tx-array #1. For example, tx-array #0 and tx-array #1 may be antenna arrays with different polarization planes.

[0042] Furthermore, low-level-tx-endpoint #0, which indicates the setting of static-low-level-tx-endpoint #0, is associated with the value set to the parameter "active" in tx-array-carrier #0 via low-level-tx-link #0. Similarly, for other static-low-level-tx-endpoints, low-level-tx-endpoint #n, which indicates the setting of static-low-level-tx-endpoint #n, is associated with the value set to the parameter "active" in tx-array-carrier #n via low-level-tx-link #n.

[0043] 5 , when O-DU 30 operates some of the multiple antenna elements included in O-RU 20 in power saving mode, it transitions the state of all antenna elements that make up either tx-array #0 or tx-array #1 to sleeping. For example, when O-DU 30 transitions the state of all antenna elements that make up tx-array #0 to sleeping, it sets the value of the parameter "active" in tx-array-carriers #0 to #i to "SLEEP."

[0044] FIG. 6 shows another example of a data model related to a transmitting antenna array in the O-RU 20. The data model in FIG. 6 illustrates an example in which the transmitting antenna array in the O-RU 20 is configured with a single antenna array, tx-array #0. The data model in FIG. 6 indicates that static-low-level-tx-endpoint #0 to static-low-level-tx-endpoint #i (i is an integer equal to or greater than 1) configure tx-array #0. Here, tx-array #1 is defined as an antenna array configured with antenna elements operating in power-saving mode among the antenna elements corresponding to static-low-level-tx-endpoint #0 to static-low-level-tx-endpoint #i. In other words, a second data model corresponding to tx-array #1 may be additionally defined (i.e., separately prepared) for the first data model corresponding to tx-array #0. Furthermore, this second data model may be transmitted from the O-DU 30 to the O-RU 20 by a message. The message may be an RPC message as described above.

[0045] For example, tx-array #1 is composed of static-low-level-tx-endpoint #j to static-low-level-tx-endpoint #n. Here, static-low-level-tx-endpoint #j to static-low-level-tx-endpoint #n are each associated with one of static-low-level-tx-endpoint #0 to static-low-level-tx-endpoint #i. In "link to static-low-level-tx-endpoint #0'" shown in Fig. 6, #0' indicates that it is one of static-low-level-tx-endpoint #0 to static-low-level-tx-endpoint #i. Similarly, "link to static-low-level-tx-endpoint #i' indicates one of static-low-level-tx-endpoint #0 to static-low-level-tx-endpoint #i. static-low-level-tx-endpoint #j to static-low-level-tx-endpoint #n may be referred to as a subset indicating the static-low-level-tx-endpoints included in static-low-level-tx-endpoint #0 to static-low-level-tx-endpoint #i.

[0046] A capability indicating that a tx-array for power saving mode can be defined using static-low-level-tx-endpoint #j to #n associated as a subset of static-low-level-tx-endpoint #0 to #i may be notified from the O-RU 20 to the O-DU 30. For example, the capability may be exchanged between the O-RU 20 and the O-DU 30 using a hello message when a NETCONF session is established.

[0047] 6 also shows that one tx-array-carrier is associated with each antenna array (tx-array). Specifically, tx-array-carrier #0 is associated with low-level-tx-endpoint #0 to low-level-tx-endpoint #i via low-level-tx-link #0 to low-level-tx-link #i. tx-array-carrier #1 is associated with low-level-tx-endpoint #j to low-level-tx-endpoint #n via low-level-tx-link #j to low-level-tx-link #n. In this way, by associating tx-array-carriers with each antenna array (tx-array), the states of all antenna elements constituting one antenna array can be transitioned according to parameters set for one tx-array-carrier.

[0048] In the data model of Fig. 6, when O-DU 30 transitions O-RU 20 to the power saving mode, O-DU 30 may set the value of the parameter "active" in tx-array-carrier #0 to "ACTIVE" and set the value of "active" in tx-array-carrier #1 to "SLEEP". This allows the states of antenna elements associated with static-low-level-tx-endpoint #j to static-low-level-tx-endpoint #n, among the antenna elements corresponding to static-low-level-tx-endpoint #0 to static-low-level-tx-endpoint #i, to transition to sleeping. Alternatively, O-DU 30 may set the value of the parameter "active" in tx-array-carrier #0 to "SLEEP", and further set the value of the parameter "active" in tx-array-carrier #1 to "ACTIVE". This allows the state of antenna elements corresponding to static-low-level-tx-endpoint #0 to static-low-level-tx-endpoint #i that are not associated with static-low-level-tx-endpoint #j to static-low-level-tx-endpoint #n to transition to sleeping.

[0049] Furthermore, the eAxC IDs set for low-level-tx-endpoint#j to low-level-tx-endpoint#n may be set to the same eAxC ID value as that of low-level-tx-endpoint#0 to #i associated by "link to static-low-level-tx-endpoint". For example, if static-low-level-tx-endpoint#j is associated with static-low-level-tx-endpoint#0, low-level-tx-endpoint#j may be set to the same eAxC ID as low-level-tx-endpoint#0. This makes it possible to reduce the number of eAxC IDs.

[0050] Alternatively, eAxC IDs with values ​​different from those of low-level-tx-endpoints #0 to #i may be set to low-level-tx-endpoints #j to #n. For example, if static-low-level-tx-endpoint #j is associated with static-low-level-tx-endpoint #0, different eAxC IDs are set to low-level-tx-endpoint #j and low-level-tx-endpoint #0. In this case, O-DU 30 may determine which static-low-level-tx-endpoint associated with which eAxC ID is to be used for data transmission in the C-plane and U-plane. For example, it is assumed that the static-low-level-tx-endpoint associated with the eAxC ID set to low-level-tx-endpoint #0 is determined to be used for data transmission in the C-plane and U-plane. In this case, even if the value of the parameter "active" in tx-array-carrier#0 and tx-array-carrier#1 is left as "ACTIVE" instead of being set to "SLEEP", static-low-level-tx-endpoint#j can be operated in power saving mode.

[0051] Fig. 7 shows another example of a data model related to a transmitting antenna array in O-RU 20. The data model in Fig. 7 shows an example in which the transmitting antenna array in O-RU 20 is configured by a single antenna array, tx-array #0. The data model in Fig. 7 shows that static-low-level-tx-endpoint #0 to static-low-level-tx-endpoint #i (i is an integer equal to or greater than 1) configure tx-array #0.

[0052] Furthermore, static-low-level-tx-endpoint #0 to static-low-level-tx-endpoint #i are associated with a parameter indicating whether they can transition to sleeping in power saving mode. For example, a static-low-level-tx-endpoint with the parameter "Saving mode: used" set can transition to sleeping in power saving mode. On the other hand, a static-low-level-tx-endpoint with the parameter "Saving mode: not used" set cannot transition to sleeping in power saving mode. The data model in FIG. 7 also shows that one tx-array-carrier #0 is associated with one antenna array, tx-array #0.

[0053] In the data model of Fig. 7, when the O-DU 30 transitions the O-RU 20 to the power saving mode, it may set the value of the parameter "active" in tx-array-carrier #0 to "SLEEP". At this time, a static-low-level-tx-endpoint for which the parameter "Saving mode: not used" is set does not transition to sleeping even if the value of the parameter "active" in tx-array-carrier #0 is set to "SLEEP". In other words, when the value of the parameter "active" in tx-array-carrier #0 is set to "SLEEP", only a static-low-level-tx-endpoint for which the parameter "Saving mode: used" is set transitions to sleeping. In other words, the data model set in the O-RU 20 is a single data model used in both the normal mode and the power saving mode. Specifically, when O-RU 20 transitions to power saving mode, only the static-low-level-tx-endpoint in the data model for which the parameter "Saving mode: not used" is set is enabled even when O-RU 20 is in power saving mode.

[0054] A capability indicating that a parameter indicating whether or not the static-low-level-tx-endpoint can be associated with the static-low-level-tx-endpoint may be notified from the O-RU 20 to the O-DU 30. For example, the capability may be exchanged between the O-RU 20 and the O-DU 30 using a hello message when a NETCONF session is established.

[0055] Fig. 8 shows a data model relating to the antenna array on the receiving side in O-RU 20. The data model in Fig. 8 shows an example in which the antenna array on the transmitting side in O-RU 20 is configured with multiple antenna arrays rx-array #0 to rx-array #n. The data model in Fig. 8 shows that there is a one-to-one correspondence between static-low-level-rx-endpoint and rx-array.

[0056] The data model in FIG. 8 also shows that there is a one-to-one correspondence between rx-array-carrier and static-low-level-rx-endpoint.

[0057] 8, when the O-DU 30 transitions the O-RU 20 to the power saving mode, it sets the value of the parameter "active" in the rx-array-carrier to "SLEEP" or "ACTIVE" for each antenna array. This allows the O-DU 30 to transition to the power saving mode for each antenna array.

[0058] Next, the flow of processing related to edit-config included in NETCONF operations executed in the Configuration Management function according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. As shown in Figs. 5 to 8, the O-DU 30 updates the configuration information acquired from the O-RU 20 to a data model indicating the antenna elements to be transitioned to power saving mode. The O-DU 30 transmits a request message in which rpc edit-config is set to the O-RU 20 (S31). The request message includes the data model updated in the O-DU 30.

[0059] Next, the O-RU 20 updates the state of each antenna element according to the received data model (S32). The O-RU 20 transitions the state of each antenna element to power-saving mode. For example, the O-RU 20 transitions the state of an antenna element associated with "SLEEP" in the received data model to sleeping.

[0060] Next, the O-RU 20 transmits a response message in which rpc-reply is set to the O-DU 30 (S33).

[0061] As described above, the O-DU 30 according to the second embodiment can generate a data model that transitions the state of an antenna element associated with an antenna array to sleeping. The O-DU 30 can transition the state of all antenna elements associated with the antenna array to sleeping collectively, or can transition the state to sleeping for each antenna element. In this way, the O-DU 30 according to the second embodiment can flexibly select the antenna elements in the O-RU 20 that are to transition to sleeping, thereby efficiently transitioning the O-RU 20 to the power saving mode.

[0062] Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the communication device 10. Referring to Fig. 10, the communication device 10 includes a network interface 1201, a processor 1202, and a memory 1203. The network interface 1201 is used to communicate with a network node (e.g., eNB, MME, P-GW). The network interface 1201 may include, for example, a network interface card (NIC) conforming to the IEEE 802.3 series. Here, eNB stands for evolved Node B, MME stands for Mobility Management Entity, and P-GW stands for Packet Data Network Gateway. IEEE stands for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

[0063] The processor 1202 reads and executes software (computer programs) from the memory 1203 to perform the processing of the communication device 10 described using the flowcharts in the above-described embodiment. The processor 1202 may be, for example, a microprocessor, an MPU, or a CPU. The processor 1202 may include multiple processors.

[0064] The memory 1203 is configured by a combination of volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The memory 1203 may include storage located remotely from the processor 1202. In this case, the processor 1202 may access the memory 1203 via an I / O (Input / Output) interface (not shown).

[0065] 10, the memory 1203 is used to store software modules. The processor 1202 reads and executes these software modules from the memory 1203, thereby performing the processing of the communication device 10 described in the above embodiment.

[0066] As explained using FIG. 10, each of the processors of the communication device 10 in the above-described embodiment executes one or more programs including a set of instructions for causing a computer to perform the algorithm explained using the drawings.

[0067] The RU has the same network interface, processor, and memory as a communication device. Additionally, the RU has an antenna for wireless communication with a UE or another RU. As mentioned above, the antenna uses an antenna array (array antenna).

[0068] In the above example, the program can be stored and supplied to a computer using various types of non-transitory computer-readable media. Non-transitory computer-readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-RWs, and semiconductor memories (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, and RAMs (Random Access Memory)). The program may also be supplied to a computer by various types of transitory computer-readable media. Examples of transitory computer-readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. The transitory computer-readable media can be supplied to a computer via wired communication paths such as electric wires and optical fibers, or via wireless communication paths.

[0069] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0070] Some or all of the above embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes. (Supplementary Note 1) A communications device comprising: a control unit that determines which antenna elements, among a plurality of antenna elements constituting at least one antenna array in an RU device, will operate in a power saving mode; and a communication unit that transmits configuration information indicating the antenna elements that will operate in the power saving mode to the RU device. (Supplementary Note 2) The communications device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein, when a plurality of antenna arrays are configured in the RU device, the control unit determines all of the antenna elements that constitute at least one of the plurality of antenna arrays as antenna elements that will operate in the power saving mode. (Supplementary Note 3) The communications device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein, when a single antenna array is configured in the RU device, the control unit defines a sub-antenna array that includes at least one antenna element among the plurality of antenna elements that constitute the single antenna array, and determines all of the antenna elements that constitute the sub-antenna array as antenna elements that will operate in the power saving mode. (Supplementary Note 4) The communications device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the control unit, when one antenna array is configured in the RU device, determines to operate the one antenna array in a power saving mode, and the communication unit transmits to the RU device the configuration information including information indicating the one antenna array operating in the power saving mode and information indicating whether each antenna element constituting the one antenna array operates in the power saving mode. (Supplementary Note 5) The communications device according to any one of Supplements 1 to 4, wherein the control unit determines the correspondence between the antenna array and the multiple antenna elements constituting the antenna array using configuration information acquired from the RU device, the configuration information indicating information configured in the RU device. (Supplementary Note 6) The communications device according to any one of Supplements 1 to 5, wherein the control unit updates the configuration information acquired from the RU device, the configuration information indicating information configured in the RU device, to include information indicating the antenna element operating in the power saving mode, and the communication unit transmits the updated configuration information to the RU device.(Supplementary Note 7) The communication device according to Supplementary Note 6, wherein the control unit updates the configuration information so that the plurality of antenna elements operate in a power saving mode collectively. (Supplementary Note 8) A communication system comprising: an RU device having a plurality of antenna elements constituting at least one antenna array; and a communication device configured to determine which antenna elements of the plurality of antenna elements of the RU device will operate in a power saving mode, and transmit configuration information indicating the antenna elements operating in the power saving mode to the RU device. (Supplementary Note 9) The communication system according to Supplementary Note 8, wherein, when the RU device has a plurality of antenna arrays, the communication device determines all antenna elements constituting at least one of the plurality of antenna arrays as antenna elements that will operate in a power saving mode. (Supplementary Note 10) A communication method executed in a communication device, comprising: determining which antenna elements of a plurality of antenna elements constituting at least one antenna array in the RU device will operate in a power saving mode, and transmitting configuration information indicating the antenna elements that will operate in the power saving mode to the RU device. (Supplementary Note 11) A program that causes a computer to execute the following: determine an antenna element that operates in a power saving mode from among a plurality of antenna elements that constitute at least one antenna array in an RU device; and transmit configuration information indicating the antenna element that operates in the power saving mode to the RU device.

[0071] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the invention.

[0072] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-118911, filed on July 26, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0073] 10 Communication device 11 Control unit 12 Communication unit 20 O-RU 30 O-DU 40 SMO

Claims

1. A first communication device, At least one antenna element in the second communication device, receiving means for receiving a first message from the second communication device, the first message including first information indicating antenna elements that can be deactivated; a transmitting means for transmitting a second message to the second communication device, the second message including second information indicating antenna elements to be deactivated based on the first information; A first communication device comprising:

2. The transmitting means is When a plurality of antenna arrays are configured in the second communication device, third information indicating all antenna elements constituting at least one of the plurality of antenna arrays is included in the second information and transmitted. The first communication device according to claim 1 .

3. The transmitting means is When one antenna array is configured in the second communication device, a sub-antenna array including at least one antenna element among a plurality of antenna elements configuring the one antenna array is defined, and fourth information indicating all antenna elements configuring the sub-antenna array is included in the second information and transmitted. The first communication device according to claim 1 .

4. The transmitting means is When one antenna array is configured in the second communication device, the second message including fifth information indicating the one antenna array to be stopped and sixth information indicating whether each antenna element constituting the one antenna array operates in a power saving mode is transmitted to the second communication device. The first communication device according to claim 1 .

5. The transmission means: transmitting, to the second communication device, setting information indicating seventh information set in the second communication device, the second information being included in the setting information acquired from the second communication device; A first communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A method for a first communication device, comprising: At least one antenna element in the second communication device, receiving a first message from the second communication device, the first message including first information indicative of antenna elements that may be deactivated; sending a second message to the second communication device including second information indicating antenna elements to be deactivated based on the first information; A method of a first communication device.

7. A second communication device, a transmitting means for transmitting a first message including first information indicating an antenna element that can be stopped among at least one antenna element in the second communication device to the first communication device; receiving means for receiving a second message from the first communication device, the second message including second information indicating antenna elements to be deactivated based on the first information; A second communication device comprising:

8. A method for a second communication device, comprising: Transmitting a first message to a first communication device, the first message including first information indicating an antenna element that can be deactivated among at least one antenna element in the second communication device; receiving a second message from the first communication device, the second message including second information indicating antenna elements to be deactivated based on the first information; A method of a second communication device.

9. A program for a first communication device, comprising: At least one antenna element in the second communication device, receiving a first message from the second communication device, the first message including first information indicative of antenna elements that may be deactivated; sending a second message to the second communication device including second information indicating antenna elements that are deactivated based on the first information; A program for a first communication device, comprising:

10. A program for a second communication device, comprising: transmitting a first message to the first communication device, the first message including first information indicating which of at least one antenna element in the second communication device may be deactivated; receiving a second message from the first communication device, the second message including second information indicating antenna elements to be deactivated based on the first information; A program for a second communication device, comprising: