CONTROL DEVICE, RU DEVICE, AND METHOD PERFORMED BY THE CONTROL DEVICE

Abstract

A transmission control unit of this control device executes a control for transmitting, to the RU device, first information pertaining to a first sleep period in which a C-plane processing unit and a U-plane processing unit of the RU device are caused to sleep. The transmission control unit also executes a control for transmitting, to the RU device, third information which expresses the possibility of transmitting second information pertaining to a second sleep period in a wake-up period of the C-plane following the first sleep period.

Description

Control device, RU device, method performed by the control device, and method performed by the RU device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device, a RU device, a method performed by the control device, and a method performed by the RU device.

[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 (O-RAN Radio Unit), which corresponds to the radio section, and the O-DU (O-RAN Distributed Unit), which corresponds 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. Note that the O-DU may also be simply referred to as the DU. The O-RU may also be simply referred to as the RU.

[0003] Furthermore, the O-RAN Alliance is discussing Network Energy Saving (NES) (for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

[0004] O-RAN.WG4.MP.0-R003-v11.00, “O-RAN Working Group 4 (Open Fronthaul Interfaces WG) Management Plane Specification”, December 2022

[0005] The inventors have studied energy saving and found various problems. For example, a use case can be considered in which the O-RU sleeps for a sleep time specified by the O-DU and then goes into further sleep mode (i.e., a mode in which the sleep period is extended (re-deactivation mode)). One method for implementing this mode is as follows: After the O-RU's sleep period ends and the O-RU wakes up, the O-DU sends a new sleep instruction to the O-RU. The O-RU then goes into sleep mode again based on that instruction. In this case, the entire O-RU wakes up and then goes into sleep mode again. This can result in unnecessary processing time and power consumption in the O-RU.

[0006] One of the objectives to be achieved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification is to provide a control device, an RU device, a method executed by the control device, and a method executed by the RU device, which contribute to solving at least one of the problems, including the problems described above. It should be noted that this objective is only one of the objectives to be achieved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification. Other objectives or objectives and novel features will become apparent from the description of this specification or the accompanying drawings.

[0007] In one aspect, the control device includes: a transmission control unit that executes control to transmit to the RU (Radio Unit) device first information regarding a first sleep period during which the C (Control)-plane and U (User)-plane of the RU device are put to sleep, and third information indicating a possibility of transmitting second information regarding a second sleep period during a wake-up period of the C-plane after the first sleep period. In another aspect, the RU (Radio Unit) device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires from a DU (Distributed Unit) device the first information regarding a first sleep period during which the C (Control)-plane and U (User)-plane of the RU device are put to sleep, and third information indicating a possibility of transmitting second information regarding a second sleep period during a wake-up period of the C-plane after the first sleep period; and a control processing unit that wakes up the C-plane while keeping the U-plane asleep during the wake-up period. In another aspect, the control device includes a transmission control unit that controls the transmission of fourth information regarding a third sleep period in which the C (Control)-plane of the RU (Radio Unit) device is put to sleep and fifth information regarding a fourth sleep period in which the U (User)-plane of the RU device is put to sleep to the RU device, and controls the transmission of sixth information regarding a fifth sleep period in which the C-plane is put to sleep and seventh information regarding a sixth sleep period in which the U-plane of the RU device is put to sleep to the RU device after the third sleep period and before the end of the fourth sleep period.In another aspect, an RU (Radio Unit) device comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires, from a DU (Distributed Unit) device, fourth information regarding a third sleep period in which the C (Control)-plane of the RU device is put to sleep, and fifth information regarding a fourth sleep period in which the U (User)-plane of the RU device is put to sleep; and a control processing unit that puts the C-plane to sleep during the third sleep period, puts the U-plane to sleep during the fourth sleep period, and wakes up the C-plane during a wake-up period of the C-plane from the end of the third sleep period to the end of the fourth sleep period, wherein the control processing unit monitors for reception of sixth information regarding a fifth sleep period in which the C-plane is put to sleep and seventh information regarding a sixth sleep period in which the U-plane of the RU device is put to sleep, which are transmitted from the DU device during the wake-up period; and when the sixth information and the seventh information are received, starts the fifth sleep period and the sixth sleep period from the timing when the fourth sleep period ends. In another aspect, the control device includes a transmission control unit that: controls to transmit to the RU (Radio Unit) device information regarding the period at which a wake-up period for waking up the C (Control)-plane of the RU device starts and the duration of the wake-up period; when waking up the U (User)-plane of the RU device, controls to transmit to the RU device an instruction to wake up the U-plane during the wake-up period; and when keeping the U-plane continuously asleep, does not control to transmit the instruction.In another aspect, an RU (Radio Unit) device comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires, from a DU (Distributed Unit) device, information regarding the period at which a wake-up period for waking up the C (Control)-plane of the RU device starts and information regarding the duration of the wake-up period; and a control processing unit that puts the U (User)-plane and the C-plane of the RU device to sleep and wakes up the C-plane during the wake-up period, wherein the control processing unit monitors for reception of an instruction to wake up the U-plane transmitted from the DU device during the wake-up period, and when the instruction is received during the wake-up period, wakes up the U-plane after the end of the wake-up period in which the instruction was received. In another aspect, a method performed by a control device includes executing control to transmit, to a Radio Unit (RU) device, first information regarding a first sleep period during which a Control (C)-plane and a User (U)-plane of the RU device are put to sleep, and third information indicating a possibility of transmitting second information regarding a second sleep period during a wake-up period of the C-plane after the first sleep period. In another aspect, a method performed by a Radio Unit (RU) device includes acquiring, from a Distributed Unit (DU) device, first information regarding a first sleep period during which a Control (C)-plane and a User (U)-plane of the RU device are put to sleep, and third information indicating a possibility of transmitting second information regarding a second sleep period during a wake-up period of the C-plane after the first sleep period; and waking up the C-plane while keeping the U-plane asleep during the wake-up period.In another aspect, a method performed by a control device includes: executing control to transmit, to the RU (Radio Unit) device, fourth information regarding a third sleep period in which a C (Control)-plane of the RU device is put to sleep and fifth information regarding a fourth sleep period in which a U (User)-plane of the RU device is put to sleep; and executing control to transmit, after the third sleep period and before the end of the fourth sleep period, sixth information regarding a fifth sleep period in which the C-plane is put to sleep and seventh information regarding a sixth sleep period in which a U-plane of the RU device is put to sleep to the RU device. In another aspect, a method performed by an RU (Radio Unit) device includes: acquiring, from a DU (Distributed Unit) device, fourth information regarding a third sleep period during which a C (Control)-plane of the RU device is put to sleep, and fifth information regarding a fourth sleep period during which a U (User)-plane of the RU device is put to sleep; putting the C-plane to sleep during the third sleep period, putting the U-plane to sleep during the fourth sleep period, and waking up the C-plane during a C-plane wake-up period from the end of the third sleep period to the end of the fourth sleep period; monitoring, during the wake-up period, for reception of sixth information regarding a fifth sleep period during which the C-plane is put to sleep and seventh information regarding a sixth sleep period during which the U-plane of the RU device is put to sleep, which are transmitted from the DU device; and, when the sixth information and the seventh information are received, starting the fifth sleep period and the sixth sleep period from the timing at which the fourth sleep period ends.In another aspect, a method performed by a control device includes: executing control to transmit, to the RU (Radio Unit) device, information regarding a period at which a wake-up period for waking up the C (Control)-plane of the RU device starts and a duration of the wake-up period; and, when waking up the U (User)-plane of the RU device, executing control to transmit, to the RU device, an instruction to wake up the U-plane during the wake-up period, while not executing control to transmit the instruction when the U-plane is to be kept asleep. In another aspect, a method performed by an RU (Radio Unit) device includes: obtaining, from a DU (Distributed Unit) device, information regarding the period at which a wake-up period for waking up a C (Control)-plane of the RU device starts and the duration of the wake-up period; putting the U (User)-plane and the C-plane of the RU device to sleep and waking up the C-plane during the wake-up period; monitoring, during the wake-up period, for receipt of an instruction to wake up the U-plane transmitted from the DU device; and, if the instruction is received during the wake-up period, waking up the U-plane after the end of the wake-up period in which the instruction was received.

[0008] The present disclosure provides a control device, an RU device, a method executed by the control device, and a method executed by the RU device that contribute to solving at least one of multiple problems, including the problems described above.

[0009] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a system of the present disclosure. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a control device of the present disclosure. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of an RU device of the present disclosure. 4 is a diagram showing an example of processing operations of the system of the present disclosure. 5 is a block diagram showing another example of a control device of the present disclosure. 6 is a block diagram showing another example of an RU device of the present disclosure. 7 is a block diagram showing another example of a processing operations of the system of the present disclosure. 8 is a block diagram showing another example of a control device of the present disclosure. 9 is a block diagram showing another example of an RU device of the present disclosure. 10 is a diagram showing an example configuration of a control device. 11 is a diagram showing an example configuration of a DU device. 12 is a diagram showing an example configuration of an RU device.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In this disclosure, the drawings may relate to one or more embodiments. Furthermore, each element in the drawings may apply to one or more embodiments. Furthermore, in the embodiments, identical or equivalent elements are given the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0011] The multiple embodiments described below can be implemented independently or in appropriate combination. These multiple embodiments have different novel features. Therefore, these multiple embodiments contribute to solving different purposes or problems and to achieving different effects.

[0012] The following embodiments are described primarily for RU devices and controllers that comply with O-RAN technical specifications, but may also be applied to other systems that support similar technologies to these RU devices and controllers.

[0013] As used herein, depending on the context, "if" may be interpreted to mean "when," "at or around the time," "after," "upon," "in response to determining," "in accordance with a determination," or "in response to detecting." These expressions may be interpreted to have the same meaning, depending on the context.

[0014] First, related art will be described, and the respective embodiments are based on these arts. In other words, these arts can be incorporated into the respective embodiments.

[0015] (Protocols) C (Control)-Plane is a protocol for transferring control signals. U (User)-Plane is a protocol for transferring user data. C / U-Plane supports a protocol stack that transmits signals used in eCPRI or RoE (Radio over Ethernet) directly over Ethernet, and an optional protocol stack that transmits via UDP (User Datagram Protocol) / IP. S (Synchronization)-Plane is a protocol for achieving synchronization between devices. S-Plane supports a protocol stack that transmits signals used in PTP (Precision Time Protocol) and SyncE (Synchronous Ethernet) over Ethernet. M (Management)-Plane is a protocol that handles maintenance and monitoring signals. M-Plane supports protocol stacks that transmit signals used in NETCONF (NETwork CONFiguration protocol) via Ethernet / IP / TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) / SSH (Secure SHell), and optionally Ethernet / IP / TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) / TLS (Transport Layer Security).

[0016] (Logical Architecture) The O-RAN (Open-Radio Access Network) Alliance adopts a configuration in which the RAN's communication processing functions can be separated into three components: the Radio Unit (RU), the Distributed Unit (DU), and the Central Unit (CU). It also defines the RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC), a platform that optimizes radio resource management and automates operations, and the Service Management and Orchestration (SMO), a framework for RAN maintenance and orchestration. The RU and DU are connected via an open fronthaul. CUS / M-Plane signals are transmitted over this open fronthaul between the RU and DU. Alternatively, the RU and SMO may be connected via an open fronthaul, and M-Plane signals may be transmitted over this open fronthaul. Even in this case, CUS-Plane signals are transmitted over the open fronthaul between the RU and DU. The DU and SMO are connected via an O1 interface. The CU and SMO are also connected via an O1 interface. The RU to be managed corresponds to a NETCONF server, and the device that manages (controls) the RU (RU control device) corresponds to a NETCONF client. The NETCONF client may be located in a DU or an SMO.

[0017] <System Configuration Example> Next, an example of a system configuration common to multiple embodiments will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a system according to the present disclosure. In Fig. 1, system 1 includes a DU device and an RU device.

[0018] The DU device may be 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 above the physical layer, or may be a physical device that includes such logical nodes. The functions above the physical layer may include, 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).

[0019] The RU device may be a logical node that performs PHY-Low and RF (Radio Frequency) processing, or a physical device that includes this logical node. The PHY-Low functions may include, for example, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) / Inverse FFT (IFFT) processing, Beam Forming (BF) processing, etc.

[0020] In Fig. 1, the DU device has a control device. Also in Fig. 1, the DU device and the RU device are connected via an open fronthaul. This open fronthaul can transmit CUS-Plane signals and M-Plane signals.

[0021] First Embodiment The system configuration may be the same as the example shown in FIG.

[0022] <Configuration example of control device> Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a control device of the present disclosure. In Fig. 2, the control device 10 has a transmission control unit 11. The control device 10 may be included in a DU device as shown in Fig. 1.

[0023] The transmission control unit 11 executes control to transmit, to the RU device 20, information regarding a sleep period in which the C-plane processing unit 21 and U-plane processing unit 22 of the RU device 20, which will be described later, are put to sleep. Hereinafter, this sleep period may be referred to as the "first sleep period." Furthermore, the information regarding this first sleep period may be referred to as the "first information." The first information is transmitted, for example, by the C-plane.

[0024] The first information may include, for example, information regarding the start timing of the first sleep period and information regarding the duration of the first sleep period. Alternatively, the information regarding the start timing of the first sleep period and information regarding the duration of the first sleep period may be transmitted to the RU device 20 separately from the first information. In this case, the information regarding the start timing of the first sleep period and information regarding the duration of the first sleep period is transmitted, for example, by the C-plane.

[0025] Furthermore, the first information may include, for example, information regarding the duration of a C-plane wake-up period, which will be described later. Alternatively, the information regarding the duration of the C-plane wake-up period may be transmitted to the RU device 20 separately from the first information. In this case, the information regarding the duration of the C-plane wake-up period is transmitted, for example, by the C-plane. Note that during this C-plane wake-up period, the U-plane is in a sleep state.

[0026] Furthermore, the transmission control unit 11 executes control to transmit, to the RU device 20, information indicating the possibility of transmitting information regarding another sleep period during a C-plane wakeup period after the first sleep period. Hereinafter, this other sleep period may be referred to as a "second sleep period." Furthermore, the information regarding this second sleep period may be referred to as "second information." Furthermore, the information indicating the possibility of transmitting this second information may be referred to as "third information." The third information is transmitted, for example, by the C-plane.

[0027] Here, when the second information is transmitted from the control device 10 to the RU device 20, the U-plane of the RU device 20 continues to sleep during the second sleep period in addition to the first sleep period and the C-plane wake-up period. That is, the second sleep period can also be called an "extended sleep period." Therefore, the third information also functions as information indicating the possibility of extending the sleep period.

[0028] Furthermore, the first information may include, for example, information regarding the sleep state of the RU device 20 in a first sleep period (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "first sleep state"). Furthermore, the second information may include, for example, information regarding the sleep state of the RU device 20 in a second sleep period (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "second sleep state"). The information regarding the first sleep state and the information regarding the second sleep state may each include information regarding components of the RU device 20 that will be shut down. The first sleep state may be different from the second sleep state. For example, the components of the RU device 20 that will be shut down in the first sleep state may be different from the components of the RU device 20 that will be shut down in the second sleep state.

[0029] The components of the RU device 20 may include either or both of a digital device unit and an analog device unit. The digital device unit may be at least one of the RU device 20's field programmable gate array (FPGA), complex programmable logic device (CPLD), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), processor, and network interface. The analog device unit may be either or both of a power amplifier (PA) and antenna elements. In the sleep state, some or all of the multiple antenna elements of the RU device 20 may be powered off. The control device 10 may instruct the RU device 20 which antenna elements will be in the sleep state.

[0030] Furthermore, the transmission control unit 11 may generate a command (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a "sleep command") including the first information and the third information. Then, the transmission control unit 11 may transmit this sleep command to the RU device 20. Alternatively, the transmission control unit 11 may include the first information and the third information in separate commands and transmit the separate commands to the RU device 20. For example, the first information may be included in one command (e.g., a sleep command), and the third information may be included in another command (e.g., a sleep extension possibility command).

[0031] Furthermore, when the third information indicates a possibility of transmitting the second information, the transmission control unit 11 executes control to transmit the second information to the RU device 20 during a C-plane wakeup period of the RU device 20. The second information is transmitted, for example, by the C-plane. Furthermore, the transmission control unit 11 may transmit the second information to the RU device 20 during the C-plane wakeup period of the RU device 20 in response to receiving a confirmation message transmitted from the RU device 20 during the C-plane wakeup period of the RU device 20. The transmission control unit 11 may generate a sleep command including the second information and transmit this sleep command to the RU device 20. This sleep command may include information indicating a possibility of transmitting information related to another sleep period during the C-plane wakeup period after the second sleep period.

[0032] <Configuration Example of RU Device> Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of an RU device of the present disclosure. In Fig. 3, the RU device 20 has a C-plane processing unit 21, a U-plane processing unit 22, and a control unit (control device) 23. The control unit 23 has an acquisition unit 23A and a control processing unit 23B.

[0033] The C-plane processing unit 21 executes processing related to the C-plane between the DU device.

[0034] The U-plane processing unit 22 executes processing related to the U-plane between the DU device.

[0035] The acquisition unit 23A acquires the first information and third information transmitted from the control device 10. The acquisition unit 23A acquires the first information and third information, for example, via the C-plane processing unit 21. The acquisition unit 23A may acquire the first information and third information by acquiring a sleep command including the first information and third information. Alternatively, as described above, the acquisition unit 23A may acquire the first information by acquiring one of the commands (e.g., a sleep command). Furthermore, the acquisition unit 23A may acquire the third information by acquiring another command (e.g., a sleep extension possibility command).

[0036] When the third information indicates that there is a possibility that the second information will be transmitted, the control processing unit 23B wakes up the C-plane processing unit 21 while keeping the U-plane processing unit 22 asleep before or at the end timing of the first sleep period. This allows the acquisition unit 23A to acquire the above-mentioned second information during the wake-up period. For example, the control processing unit 23B may wake up only a portion of the functions of the C-plane processing unit 21 for receiving the second information, rather than waking up the entire C-plane processing unit 21.

[0037] When the third information indicates that there is a possibility that the second information will be transmitted, the control processing unit 23B may monitor the second information that may be transmitted from the control device 10 during a wake-up period immediately following the first sleep period. Alternatively, when the third information indicates that there is a possibility that the second information will be transmitted, the control processing unit 23B may execute control to transmit a confirmation message to the control device 10 during a wake-up period immediately following the first sleep period. Then, the control processing unit 23B may monitor the second information that may be transmitted from the control device 10 during this wake-up period. Note that when the third information indicates that there is a possibility that the second information will be transmitted and the control processing unit 23B does not receive the second information during the wake-up period, the control processing unit 23B may wake up the U-plane processing unit 22 at the end timing of the wake-up period.

[0038] In addition, if the third information indicates that there is no possibility of transmitting the second information, the control processing unit 23B wakes up the C-plane processing unit 21 and the U-plane processing unit 22 at the end of the first sleep period.

[0039] <Example of System Operation> FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of processing operation of the system of the present disclosure.

[0040] The control device 10 transmits a first sleep command to the RU device 20 during a period when at least the C-plane of the RU device 20 is awake (step S101). This first sleep command includes at least the first information and third information described above. Here, the third information indicates that there is a possibility of transmitting information regarding the second sleep period during the C-plane wakeup period after the first sleep period.

[0041] When the control processing unit 23B in the RU device 20 receives the first sleep command, it puts the C-plane processing unit 21 and the U-plane processing unit 22 to sleep for the first sleep period indicated by the first information.

[0042] As described above, the third information indicates that there is a possibility that information regarding the second sleep period will be transmitted during the C-plane wake-up period after the first sleep period. Therefore, the control processing unit 23B in the RU device 20 wakes up the C-plane processing unit 21 before or at the end of the first sleep period.

[0043] In the RU device 20, the control processing unit 23B transmits a confirmation message to the control device 10 via the awake C-plane processing unit 21 (step S102).

[0044] When putting the C-plane to sleep during the second sleep period, the transmission control unit 11 in the control device 10 transmits a second sleep command to the RU device 20 in response to the confirmation message (step S103). This second sleep command may include the above-mentioned second information and information indicating the possibility of transmitting information regarding another sleep period during the C-plane wake-up period after the second sleep period.

[0045] In addition, in the RU device 20, if the third information indicates that there is no possibility of transmitting information regarding the second sleep period during the C-plane wake-up period after the first sleep period, the control processing unit 23B wakes up the C-plane processing unit 21 and the U-plane processing unit 22 at the end of the first sleep period.

[0046] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the transmission control unit 11 in the control device 10 executes control to transmit to the RU device 20 third information indicating the possibility of transmitting second information regarding the second sleep period during the C-plane wake-up period after the first sleep period.

[0047] With this configuration of the control device 10, the RU device 20 can avoid waking up the C-plane processing unit 21 when the third information indicates that there is no possibility of transmitting the second information. Furthermore, when the third information indicates that there is a possibility of transmitting the second information, the RU device 20 can wake up the C-plane processing unit 21 while keeping the U-plane processing unit 22 asleep. In other words, it is possible to avoid wasting processing time and power consumption in the RU device 20.

[0048] <Variation of First Embodiment> When the control processing unit 23B in the RU device 20 receives information regarding a sleep period in which the C-plane and U-plane of the RU device 20 are put to sleep, transmitted from the control device 10, the control processing unit 23B may control the C-plane sleep period and the wake-up period to be repeated. Then, the transmission control unit 11 of the control device 10 may execute control to transmit, to the RU device 20, information regarding the sleep period in which the C-plane and U-plane of the RU device 20 are put to sleep, during the first wake-up period. Then, the transmission control unit 11 may execute control to transmit, to the RU device 20, information indicating the possibility of transmitting an instruction to change the sleep state during the second wake-up period following the first wake-up period. <Second Embodiment> The system configuration may be the same as the example shown in FIG. 1.

[0049] <Configuration example of control device> Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing another example of a control device of the present disclosure. In Fig. 5, the control device 30 has a transmission control unit 31. The control device 30 may be included in the DU device as shown in Fig. 1.

[0050] The transmission control unit 31 executes control to transmit, to the RU device 40, information regarding a sleep period in which the C-plane processing unit 41 of the RU device 40, which will be described later, is put to sleep. Hereinafter, this sleep period may be referred to as the "third sleep period." Furthermore, the information regarding the third sleep period may be referred to as "fourth information." The fourth information is transmitted, for example, by the C-plane.

[0051] The transmission control unit 31 also executes control to transmit, to the RU device 40, information regarding a sleep period during which the U-plane processing unit 42 of the RU device 40, which will be described later, is put to sleep. Hereinafter, this sleep period may be referred to as the "fourth sleep period." Furthermore, the information regarding the fourth sleep period may be referred to as the "fifth information." The fifth information is transmitted, for example, by the C-plane.

[0052] The fourth information may include, for example, information regarding the start timing of the third sleep period and information regarding the duration of the third sleep period. Furthermore, the fifth information may include, for example, information regarding the start timing of the fourth sleep period and information regarding the duration of the fourth sleep period. For example, the start timing of the third sleep period is the same as the start timing of the fourth sleep period. Furthermore, if the duration of the third sleep period is X, the duration of the fourth sleep period may be X+α. The period corresponding to the time α corresponds to the wake-up period during which the C-plane of the RU device 40 wakes up.

[0053] The fourth information may include, for example, information about the sleep state of the RU device 40 during the third sleep period and the fourth sleep period. The information about the sleep state may include information about components of the RU device 40 that are shut down.

[0054] The components of the RU device 40 may include either or both of a digital device unit and an analog device unit. The digital device unit may be at least one of the RU device 40's field programmable gate array (FPGA), complex programmable logic device (CPLD), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), processor, and network interface. The analog device unit may be either or both of a power amplifier (PA) and antenna elements. In the sleep state, some or all of the multiple antenna elements of the RU device 40 may be powered off. The control device 30 may instruct the RU device 40 which antenna elements will be in the sleep state.

[0055] The transmission control unit 31 may also generate a command including the fourth information and the fifth information (hereinafter, this command may be referred to as a “third sleep command”). Then, the transmission control unit 31 may transmit this third sleep command to the RU device 40.

[0056] When the transmission control unit 31 wakes up the U-plane processing unit 42 at the end timing of the fourth sleep period, the transmission control unit 31 executes control to transmit an instruction command to the RU device 40 after the third sleep period and before the end of the fourth sleep period (i.e., during the wake-up period). Hereinafter, this instruction command may be referred to as a "wake-up instruction command."

[0057] Furthermore, when the transmission control unit 31 puts the C-plane processing unit 41 to sleep at the end timing of the fourth sleep period, the transmission control unit 31 executes control to transmit, to the RU device 40, information regarding the sleep period in which the C-plane processing unit 41 of the RU device 40 is put to sleep during the wake-up period. Hereinafter, this sleep period may be referred to as the "fifth sleep period." Furthermore, the information regarding the fifth sleep period may be referred to as "sixth information." The sixth information is transmitted, for example, by the C-plane.

[0058] Furthermore, when the transmission control unit 31 puts the U-plane processing unit 42 to sleep at the end timing of the fourth sleep period, the transmission control unit 31 executes control to transmit, to the RU device 40, information regarding the sleep period in which the U-plane processing unit 42 of the RU device 40 is put to sleep during the wake-up period. Hereinafter, this sleep period may be referred to as the "sixth sleep period." Furthermore, the information regarding the sixth sleep period may be referred to as "seventh information." The seventh information is transmitted, for example, by the C-plane.

[0059] The sixth information may include, for example, information regarding the start timing of the fifth sleep period and information regarding the duration of the fifth sleep period. Furthermore, the seventh information may include, for example, information regarding the start timing of the sixth sleep period and information regarding the duration of the sixth sleep period. For example, the start timing of the fifth sleep period is the same as the start timing of the sixth sleep period. Furthermore, if the duration of the fifth sleep period is Y, the duration of the sixth sleep period may be Y+β. The period corresponding to time β corresponds to the wake-up period during which the C-plane of the RU device 40 wakes up. Note that X = Y, α = β.

[0060] The sixth information may include, for example, information about the sleep state of the RU device 40 in the fifth sleep period and the sixth sleep period. The information about the sleep state may include information about components of the RU device 40 that are shut down.

[0061] The components of the RU device 40 may include either or both of a digital device unit and an analog device unit. The digital device unit may be at least one of the RU device 40's field programmable gate array (FPGA), complex programmable logic device (CPLD), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), processor, and network interface. The analog device unit may be either or both of a power amplifier (PA) and antenna elements. In the sleep state, some or all of the multiple antenna elements of the RU device 40 may be powered off. The control device 30 may instruct the RU device 40 which antenna elements will be in the sleep state.

[0062] The transmission control unit 31 may also generate a command including the sixth information and the seventh information (hereinafter, this command may be referred to as a “fourth sleep command”). Then, the transmission control unit 31 may transmit this fourth sleep command to the RU device 40.

[0063] <Configuration Example of RU Device> Figure 6 is a block diagram showing another example of an RU device of the present disclosure. In Figure 6, the RU device 40 has a C-plane processing unit 41, a U-plane processing unit 42, and a control unit (control device) 43. The control unit 43 has an acquisition unit 43A and a control processing unit 43B.

[0064] The C-plane processing unit 41 executes processing related to the C-plane between the DU device.

[0065] The U-plane processing unit 42 executes processing related to the U-plane between the DU device.

[0066] The acquisition unit 43A acquires the fourth information and fifth information transmitted from the control device 30. The acquisition unit 43A acquires the fourth information and fifth information, for example, via the C-plane processing unit 41. The acquisition unit 43A may acquire the fourth information and fifth information by acquiring a third sleep command including the fourth information and fifth information.

[0067] The control processing unit 43B wakes up the C-plane processing unit 41 while keeping the U-plane processing unit 42 asleep before or at the end of the third sleep period. This allows the acquisition unit 43A to acquire the above-mentioned wake-up instruction command or fourth sleep command during the wake-up period. For example, the control processing unit 43B may wake up only a portion of the functions of the C-plane processing unit 41 required to receive the above-mentioned wake-up instruction command or fourth sleep command, rather than waking up the entire C-plane processing unit 41.

[0068] The control processing unit 43B monitors for receipt of the wake-up instruction command or the fourth sleep command during the wake-up period. That is, the control processing unit 43B monitors for receipt of the sixth information and the seventh information during the wake-up period.

[0069] When the control processing unit 43B receives the above-mentioned wake-up instruction command during the wake-up period, it wakes up the U-plane processing unit 42 while keeping the C-plane processing unit 41 awake at the end of the fourth sleep period.

[0070] When the control processing unit 43B receives the fourth sleep command during the wake-up period, it puts the C-plane processing unit 41 to sleep while keeping the U-plane processing unit 42 asleep at the end of the wake-up period (i.e., at the end of the fourth sleep period). This starts the fifth sleep period and the sixth sleep period.

[0071] <Example of System Operation> FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of processing operation of the system of the present disclosure.

[0072] The control device 30 transmits a third sleep command to the RU device 40 while at least the C-plane of the RU device 40 is awake (step S201). This third sleep command includes at least the fourth information and fifth information described above.

[0073] When the control processing unit 43B in the RU device 40 receives the third sleep command, it puts the C-plane processing unit 41 to sleep for the third sleep period indicated by the fourth information. Also, when the control processing unit 43B receives the third sleep command, it puts the U-plane processing unit 42 to sleep for the fourth sleep period indicated by the fifth information.

[0074] In the RU device 40, the control processing unit 43B wakes up the C-plane processing unit 41 before or at the end timing of the third sleep period.

[0075] When the control device 30 wakes up the U-plane processing unit 42 at the end timing of the fourth sleep period, the control device 30 transmits a wake-up instruction command to the RU device 40 during the wake-up period (step S202).

[0076] When the control device 30 puts the C-plane processing unit 41 to sleep at the end of the fourth sleep period, the control device 30 transmits a fourth sleep command to the RU device 40 during the wake-up period (step S202). This fourth sleep command includes at least the sixth and seventh information described above.

[0077] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the transmission control unit 31 in the control device 30 executes control to transmit the sixth information and the seventh information to the RU device 40 after the third sleep period and before the end of the fourth sleep period (i.e., during the wake-up period).

[0078] This configuration of the control device 30 allows the RU device 40 to avoid waking up the U-plane processing unit 42 during the wake-up period of the C-plane processing unit 41. Furthermore, when the RU device 40 receives the sixth information and the seventh information during the wake-up period of the C-plane processing unit 41, it can put the C-plane processing unit 41 to sleep while keeping the U-plane processing unit 22 asleep. In other words, it is possible to avoid wasting processing time and power consumption in the RU device 40. <Third embodiment> The system configuration may be the same as the example shown in FIG. 1.

[0079] <Configuration example of control device> Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing another example of a control device of the present disclosure. In Fig. 8, the control device 50 has a transmission control unit 51. The control device 50 may be included in the DU device as shown in Fig. 1.

[0080] The transmission control unit 51 executes control to transmit information regarding the period at which a wake-up period that wakes up the C-plane processing unit 61 of the RU device 60 (described later) starts and the duration of the wake-up period to the RU device 60. The transmission control unit 51 may generate a command (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "fifth sleep command") that includes information regarding the period at which a wake-up period that wakes up the C-plane processing unit 61 starts and the duration of the wake-up period. The transmission control unit 51 may then transmit this fifth sleep command to the RU device 60.

[0081] Furthermore, when waking up the U-plane processing unit 62 of the RU device 60, the transmission control unit 51 executes control to send a wake-up instruction to wake up the U-plane to the RU device 60 during the wake-up period. On the other hand, when keeping the U-plane processing unit 62 of the RU device 60 in a continuous sleep state, the transmission control unit 51 does not execute control to send a wake-up instruction.

[0082] <Configuration Example of RU Device> Figure 9 is a block diagram showing another example of an RU device of the present disclosure. In Figure 9, an RU device 60 has a C-plane processing unit 61, a U-plane processing unit 62, and a control unit (control device) 63. The control unit 63 has an acquisition unit 63A and a control processing unit 63B.

[0083] The C-plane processing unit 61 executes processing related to the C-plane between the DU device.

[0084] The U-plane processing unit 62 executes processing related to the U-plane between the DU device.

[0085] The acquisition unit 63A acquires information regarding the cycle at which a wakeup period that wakes up the C-plane processing unit 61 starts and the duration of the wakeup period, transmitted from the control device 50. The acquisition unit 63A acquires information regarding the cycle at which a wakeup period that wakes up the C-plane processing unit 61 starts and the duration of the wakeup period, for example, via the C-plane processing unit 41. The acquisition unit 63A may acquire information regarding the cycle at which a wakeup period that wakes up the C-plane processing unit 61 starts and the duration of the wakeup period by acquiring a fifth sleep command.

[0086] During each wake-up period, the control processing unit 63B wakes up the C-plane processing unit 61 while keeping the U-plane processing unit 62 asleep. This allows the acquisition unit 63A to acquire the above-mentioned wake-up instruction during the wake-up period. For example, the control processing unit 63B may wake up only a portion of the functions of the C-plane processing unit 61 required to receive the above-mentioned wake-up instruction, rather than waking up the entire C-plane processing unit 61.

[0087] The control processing unit 63B monitors for reception of the above-mentioned wake-up instruction during the wake-up period. That is, the control processing unit 63B monitors for reception of the wake-up instruction during the wake-up period.

[0088] When the control processing unit 63B receives the above-mentioned wake-up instruction during the wake-up period, it wakes up the U-plane processing unit 62 at the end of the wake-up period while keeping the C-plane processing unit 61 awake.

[0089] As described above, according to the third embodiment, the transmission control unit 51 in the control device 50 executes control to transmit information regarding the period at which a wake-up period for waking up the C-plane processing unit 61 of the RU device 60 starts and the duration of the wake-up period to the RU device 60. When waking up the U-plane processing unit 62 of the RU device 60, the transmission control unit 51 executes control to transmit a wake-up instruction for waking up the U-plane to the RU device 60 during the wake-up period. On the other hand, when causing the U-plane processing unit 62 of the RU device 60 to continue to sleep, the transmission control unit 51 does not execute control to transmit a wake-up instruction.

[0090] This configuration of the control device 50 allows the RU device 60 to avoid waking up the U-plane processing unit 62 during the wake-up period of the C-plane processing unit 61. Furthermore, if the RU device 60 does not receive a wake-up instruction to wake up the U-plane during the wake-up period of the C-plane processing unit 61, it can put the C-plane processing unit 61 to sleep while keeping the U-plane processing unit 62 asleep. In other words, it is possible to avoid wasting processing time and power consumption in the RU device 60.

[0091] <Other Embodiments> <1> FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a control device. In FIG. 10, the control device 100 includes a processor 101 and a memory 102. The control devices 10, 30, and 50 may each have the configuration illustrated in FIG. 10. The processor 101 may be, for example, a microprocessor, a microprocessing unit (MPU), or a central processing unit (CPU). The processor 101 may include multiple processors. The memory 102 is configured by a combination of volatile memory and nonvolatile memory. The memory 102 may include multiple physically independent memory devices. The volatile memory may be, for example, static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), or a combination thereof. The nonvolatile memory may be, for example, mask read-only memory (MROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, or a hard disk drive, or any combination thereof. The memory 102 may include storage located remotely from the processor 101. In this case, the processor 101 may access the memory 102 via an I (Input) / O (Output) interface (not shown).

[0092] The memory 102 may store one or more software modules (computer programs) including instructions and data for performing processing by the control devices 10, 30, and 50 described in the above-described embodiments. In some implementations, the processor 101 may be configured to read and execute the software modules from the memory 102, thereby performing processing by the control devices 10, 30, and 50 described in the above-described embodiments.

[0093] <2> Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a DU device. In Fig. 11, a device 200 includes a network interface 201, a processor 202, and a memory 203. The DU device may have the configuration shown in Fig. 11.

[0094] The network interface 201 is used to communicate with network elements (e.g., RU devices, other RAN nodes), and may include, for example, a network interface card (NIC) compliant with the IEEE 802.3 series.

[0095] The processor 202 may be, for example, a microprocessor, an MPU, or a CPU. The processor 202 may include multiple processors.

[0096] The memory 203 is composed of volatile memory and nonvolatile memory. The memory 203 may include multiple physically independent memory devices. The volatile memory is, for example, Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Dynamic RAM (DRAM), or a combination thereof. The nonvolatile memory is, for example, Mask Read Only Memory (MROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, or a hard disk drive, or any combination thereof. The memory 203 may include storage located remotely from the processor 202. In this case, the processor 202 may access the memory 203 via the network interface 201 or an I / O interface.

[0097] The memory 203 may store one or more software modules (computer programs) including instructions and data for performing the processes of the DU device described in the above embodiments. In some implementations, the processor 202 may be configured to read and execute the software modules from the memory 203 to perform the processes of the DU device described in the above embodiments.

[0098] <3> Figure 12 shows an example configuration of an RU device. In Figure 12, the device 300 includes an antenna array 301, a radio frequency transceiver 302, a network interface 303, a processor 304, and a memory 305. The RU devices 20, 40, and 60 may each have the configuration shown in Figure 12. The RF transceiver 302 performs analog RF signal processing for communication with UEs. The RF transceiver 302 may include multiple transceivers. The RF transceiver 302 is coupled to the antenna array 301 and the processor 304. The RF transceiver 302 receives modulation symbol data from the processor 304, generates a transmit RF signal, and provides the transmit RF signal to the antenna array 301. The RF transceiver 302 also generates a baseband receive signal based on the receive RF signal received by the antenna array 301 and provides the baseband receive signal to the processor 304. The RF transceiver 302 may include an analog beamformer circuit for beamforming. The analog beamformer circuitry includes, for example, multiple phase shifters and multiple power amplifiers.

[0099] The network interface 303 is used to communicate with a network node (e.g., a DU device), and may include, for example, a network interface card (NIC) that complies with the IEEE 802.3 series.

[0100] The processor 304 performs digital baseband signal processing (data plane processing) and control plane processing for wireless communication. The processor 304 may include multiple processors. For example, the processor 304 may include a modem processor (e.g., a Digital Signal Processor (DSP)) that performs digital baseband signal processing and a protocol stack processor (e.g., a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a Micro Processing Unit (MPU)) that performs control plane processing.

[0101] The processor 304 may include a digital beamformer module for beamforming, which may include a Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) encoder and precoder.

[0102] The memory 305 is configured by a combination of volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The volatile memory is, for example, Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Dynamic RAM (DRAM), or a combination thereof. The non-volatile memory is, for example, Mask Read Only Memory (MROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, or a hard disk drive, or any combination thereof. The memory 305 may include storage located remotely from the processor 304. In this case, the processor 304 may access the memory 305 via the network interface 303 or an I / O interface (not shown).

[0103] The memory 305 may store one or more software modules (computer programs) including instructions and data for performing the processes of the RU devices 20, 40, and 60 described in the above-described embodiments. In some implementations, the processor 304 may be configured to read and execute the software modules from the memory 305 to perform the processes of the RU devices 20, 40, and 60 described in the above-described embodiments.

[0104] The antenna array 301 may correspond to a tx-array and an rx-array.

[0105] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0106] Some or all of the above embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes. (Supplementary Note 1) A control device comprising: a transmission control unit that executes control to transmit, to a Radio Unit (RU) device, first information regarding a first sleep period in which the C (Control)-plane and U (User)-plane of the RU device are put to sleep, and third information indicating a possibility of transmitting second information regarding a second sleep period during a wake-up period of the C-plane after the first sleep period. (Supplementary Note 2) The control device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the second sleep period corresponds to an extended sleep period. (Supplementary Note 3) The control device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the first information includes information regarding a first sleep state of the RU device during the first sleep period, and the second information includes information regarding a second sleep state different from the first sleep state. (Supplementary Note 4) The control device according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the information regarding the first sleep state and the information regarding the second sleep state each include information regarding a component of the RU device to be shut down. (Supplementary Note 5) The control device according to any one of Supplements 1 to 4, wherein a part of the C-plane wakes up to receive the second information during the wakeup period. (Supplementary Note 6) The control device according to any one of Supplements 1 to 5, wherein the transmission control unit controls to transmit a first sleep command including the first information and the third information to the RU device. (Supplementary Note 7) The control device according to any one of Supplements 1 to 6, wherein the transmission control unit controls to transmit the second information to the RU device during the C-plane wakeup period if the third information indicates that the second information may be transmitted. (Supplementary Note 8) The control device according to any one of Supplements 1 to 7, wherein the transmission control unit controls to transmit the second information to the RU device during the C-plane wakeup period in response to receiving a confirmation message transmitted from the RU device during the C-plane wakeup period.(Supplementary Note 9) An RU (Radio Unit) device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires, from a DU (Distributed Unit) device, first information regarding a first sleep period in which the C (Control)-plane and U (User)-plane of the RU device are put to sleep, and third information indicating a possibility of transmitting second information regarding a second sleep period during a wake-up period of the C-plane after the first sleep period; and a control processing unit that wakes up the C-plane while keeping the U-plane asleep during the wake-up period. (Supplementary Note 10) The RU device according to Supplementary Note 9, wherein the control processing unit wakes up at least a part of the C-plane to receive the second information during the wake-up period. (Supplementary Note 11) The RU device according to Supplementary Note 9 or 10, wherein the control processing unit executes control to transmit a confirmation message to the DU device when the third information indicates a possibility of transmitting the second information. (Supplementary Note 12) The RU device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 9 to 11, wherein the control processing unit wakes up the U-plane in addition to the C-plane at an end timing of the wake-up period when the third information indicates that there is no possibility of transmitting the second information. (Supplementary Note 13) A control device comprising: a transmission control unit that executes control to transmit, to the RU device, fourth information regarding a third sleep period in which a C (Control)-plane of an RU (Radio Unit) device is put to sleep and fifth information regarding a fourth sleep period in which a U (User)-plane of the RU device is put to sleep, after the third sleep period and before the end of the fourth sleep period, sixth information regarding a fifth sleep period in which the C-plane is put to sleep and seventh information regarding the sixth sleep period in which a U-plane of the RU device is put to sleep. (Supplementary Note 14) The control device according to Supplementary Note 13, wherein the transmission control unit executes control to transmit a first sleep command including the fourth information and the fifth information to the RU device, and executes control to transmit a second sleep command including the sixth information and the seventh information to the RU device.(Supplementary Note 15) An RU (Radio Unit) device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires, from a DU (Distributed Unit) device, fourth information regarding a third sleep period during which a C (Control)-plane of the RU device is put to sleep and fifth information regarding a fourth sleep period during which a U (User)-plane of the RU device is put to sleep; and a control processing unit that puts the C-plane to sleep during the third sleep period, puts the U-plane to sleep during the fourth sleep period, and wakes up the C-plane during a wake-up period of the C-plane from the end of the third sleep period to the end of the fourth sleep period, wherein the control processing unit monitors for reception of sixth information regarding a fifth sleep period during which the C-plane is put to sleep and seventh information regarding a sixth sleep period during which a U-plane of the RU device is put to sleep, both transmitted from the DU device; and when the sixth information and the seventh information are received, starts the fifth sleep period and the sixth sleep period from the timing at which the fourth sleep period ends. (Supplementary Note 16) The RU device according to Supplementary Note 15, wherein the control processing unit wakes up at least a part of the C-plane to receive the sixth information and the seventh information during the wakeup period. (Supplementary Note 17) A control device comprising: a transmission control unit that executes control to transmit, to the RU device, information regarding a period at which a wakeup period for waking up a C (Control)-plane of an RU (Radio Unit) device starts and a duration of the wakeup period, when waking up a U (User)-plane of the RU device, executes control to transmit an instruction to wake up the U-plane to the RU device during the wakeup period, and when keeping the U-plane continuously asleep, does not execute control to transmit the instruction.(Supplementary Note 18) An RU (Radio Unit) device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires, from a DU (Distributed Unit) device, information regarding a period at which a wake-up period for waking up a C (Control)-plane of the RU device starts and information regarding a time length of the wake-up period, and a control processing unit that puts a U (User)-plane and the C-plane of the RU device to sleep and wakes up the C-plane during the wake-up period, wherein the control processing unit monitors, during the wake-up period, for receipt of an instruction to wake up the U-plane transmitted from the DU device, and if the instruction is received during the wake-up period, wakes up the U-plane after the end of the wake-up period in which the instruction was received. (Supplementary Note 19) The RU device according to Supplementary Note 18, wherein the control processing unit wakes up at least a part of the C-plane to receive the instruction during the wake-up period. (Supplementary Note 20) A method executed by a control device, comprising executing control to transmit to the RU (Radio Unit) device first information regarding a first sleep period in which the C (Control)-plane and U (User)-plane of the RU device are put to sleep, and third information indicating a possibility of transmitting second information regarding a second sleep period during a wake-up period of the C-plane after the first sleep period. (Supplementary Note 21) The method of Supplementary Note 20, wherein the second sleep period corresponds to an extended sleep period. (Supplementary Note 22) The method of Supplementary Note 20 or 21, wherein the first information includes information regarding a first sleep state of the RU device during the first sleep period, and the second information includes information regarding a second sleep state different from the first sleep state. (Supplementary Note 23) The method of Supplementary Note 22, wherein the information regarding the first sleep state and the information regarding the second sleep state each include information regarding a component of the RU device to be shut down.(Supplementary Note 24) The method of any one of Supplements 20 to 23, wherein during the wakeup period, a part of the C-plane wakes up to receive the second information. (Supplementary Note 25) The method of any one of Supplements 20 to 24, wherein executing the control to transmit includes executing control to transmit a sleep command to the RU device, the sleep command including the first information and the third information. (Supplementary Note 26) The method of any one of Supplements 20 to 25, wherein executing control to transmit the second information to the RU device during the C-plane wakeup period if the third information indicates that the second information may be transmitted. (Supplementary Note 27) The method of Supplementary Note 26, wherein executing control to transmit the second information to the RU device includes executing control to transmit the second information to the RU device during the C-plane wakeup period in response to receiving a confirmation message transmitted from the RU device during the C-plane wakeup period. (Supplementary Note 28) A method executed by an RU (Radio Unit) device, comprising: acquiring, from a DU (Distributed Unit) device, first information regarding a first sleep period in which the C (Control)-plane and U (User)-plane of the RU device are put to sleep, and third information indicating a possibility of transmitting second information regarding a second sleep period during a wake-up period of the C-plane after the first sleep period; and waking up the C-plane while keeping the U-plane asleep during the wake-up period. (Supplementary Note 29) The method according to Supplementary Note 28, wherein waking up the C-plane includes waking up at least a part of the C-plane to receive the second information during the wake-up period. (Supplementary Note 30) The method according to Supplementary Note 28 or 29, comprising executing control to transmit a confirmation message to the DU device if the third information indicates a possibility of transmitting the second information.(Supplementary Note 31) The method of any one of Supplements 28 to 30, comprising waking up the U-plane in addition to the C-plane at an end timing of the wake-up period when the third information indicates that there is no possibility of transmitting the second information. (Supplementary Note 32) A method executed by a control device, comprising: executing control to transmit, to the RU (Radio Unit) device, fourth information regarding a third sleep period in which a C (Control)-plane of the RU device is put to sleep and fifth information regarding a fourth sleep period in which a U (User)-plane of the RU device is put to sleep; and executing control to transmit, after the third sleep period and before the end of the fourth sleep period, sixth information regarding a fifth sleep period in which the C-plane is put to sleep and seventh information regarding the sixth sleep period in which a U-plane of the RU device is put to sleep, to the RU device. (Supplementary Note 33) The method according to Supplementary Note 32, wherein the fourth information and the fifth information are transmitted in a first sleep command, and the sixth information and the seventh information are transmitted in a second sleep command.(Supplementary Note 34) A method executed by an RU (Radio Unit) device, comprising: acquiring, from a DU (Distributed Unit) device, fourth information regarding a third sleep period during which a C (Control)-plane of the RU device is put to sleep, and fifth information regarding a fourth sleep period during which a U (User)-plane of the RU device is put to sleep; putting the C-plane to sleep during the third sleep period, putting the U-plane to sleep during the fourth sleep period, and waking up the C-plane during a C-plane wake-up period from the end of the third sleep period to the end of the fourth sleep period; monitoring, during the wake-up period, for reception of sixth information regarding a fifth sleep period during which the C-plane is put to sleep and seventh information regarding a sixth sleep period during which a U-plane of the RU device is put to sleep, which are transmitted from the DU device; and, when the sixth information and the seventh information are received, starting the fifth sleep period and the sixth sleep period from the timing at which the fourth sleep period ends. (Supplementary Note 35) The method according to Supplementary Note 34, wherein waking up the C-plane during the wakeup period includes waking up at least a part of the C-plane to receive the sixth information and the seventh information. (Supplementary Note 36) A method executed by a control device, comprising: executing control to transmit, to the RU (Radio Unit) device, information regarding a period at which a wakeup period for waking up the C (Control)-plane of the RU device starts and a duration of the wakeup period; and, when waking up the U (User)-plane of the RU device, executing control to transmit an instruction to wake up the U-plane to the RU device during the wakeup period, while not executing control to transmit the instruction when the U-plane is to be kept asleep.(Supplementary Note 37) A method executed by an RU (Radio Unit) device, comprising: acquiring, from a DU (Distributed Unit) device, information regarding a period at which a wake-up period for waking up a C (Control)-plane of the RU device starts and a duration of the wake-up period; putting a U (User)-plane and the C-plane of the RU device to sleep and waking up the C-plane during the wake-up period; monitoring, during the wake-up period, for receipt of an instruction to wake up the U-plane transmitted from the DU device; and, if the instruction is received during the wake-up period, waking up the U-plane after the end of the wake-up period in which the instruction was received. (Supplementary Note 38) The method according to Supplementary Note 37, wherein waking up the C-plane during the wake-up period includes waking up at least a part of the C-plane to receive the instruction.

[0107] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-088785, filed on May 30, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

[0108] 1 System 10 Control device 11 Transmission control unit 20 RU device 21 C-plane processing unit 22 U-plane processing unit 23A Acquisition unit 23B Control processing unit 30 Control device 31 Transmission control unit 40 RU device 41 C-plane processing unit 42 U-plane processing unit 43 Control unit 43A Acquisition unit 43B Control processing unit 50 Control device 51 Transmission control unit 60 RU device 61 C-plane processing unit 62 U-plane processing unit 63 Control unit 63A Acquisition unit 63B Control processing unit

Claims

1. A control device comprising: a transmission control unit that executes control to transmit to an RU (Radio Unit) device first information regarding a first sleep period in which the C (Control)-plane and U (User)-plane of the RU device are put to sleep, and third information indicating the possibility of transmitting second information regarding a second sleep period during a wake-up period of the C-plane after the first sleep period.

2. the second sleep period corresponds to an extended sleep period; The control device according to claim 1 .

3. The first information includes information about a first sleep state of the RU device during the first sleep period; the second information includes information about a second sleep state different from the first sleep state; The control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The information about the first sleep state and the information about the second sleep state each include information about a component of the RU device that is to be shut down. The control device according to claim 3.

5. During the wake-up period, a part of the C-plane wakes up to receive the second information. The control device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The transmission control unit executes control to transmit a first sleep command including the first information and the third information to the RU device. The control device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. When the third information indicates that there is a possibility that the second information is to be transmitted, the transmission control unit executes control to transmit the second information to the RU device during a wake-up period of the C-plane. The control device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The transmission control unit executes control to transmit the second information to the RU device during the C-plane wake-up period in response to receiving a confirmation message transmitted from the RU device during the C-plane wake-up period. The control device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. A RU (Radio Unit) device, An acquisition unit that acquires, from a DU (Distributed Unit) device, first information regarding a first sleep period in which the C (Control)-plane and U (User)-plane of the RU device are put to sleep, and third information indicating the possibility of transmitting second information regarding a second sleep period during a wake-up period of the C-plane after the first sleep period; A control processing unit that wakes up the C-plane while keeping the U-plane asleep during the wake-up period; RU device comprising:

10. A method performed by a controller, comprising: and executing control to transmit to the RU (Radio Unit) device first information regarding a first sleep period in which the C (Control)-plane and U (User)-plane of the RU device are put to sleep, and third information indicating a possibility of transmitting second information regarding a second sleep period during a wake-up period of the C-plane after the first sleep period. method.