Base station, wireless communication system, and method

Abstract

Provided are a base station, a wireless communication system, and a method with which it is possible to achieve more ecological communication. This wireless communication system comprises a host network, a base station connected to the host network, and a mobile station that receives information issued or reported from the base station. The mobile station selects the connected base station or the host network. The base station is provided with a transmission unit that issues or reports energy-related information relating to the host network.

Description

Base station, wireless communication system and method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a base station, a wireless communication system and a method.

[0002] In recent years, global warming has become a serious social issue, and efforts are underway to utilize green energy, such as renewable energy, in various systems and services.

[0003] As a related technique, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique in which a base station acquires greenness information of the base station in a wireless communication system and sets handover determination parameters based on the acquired greenness information. Also, Patent Document 2 describes a technique in which the power consumption of each terminal device is equalized in a wireless communication system configured by connecting multiple terminal devices in multiple stages.

[0004] JP 2012-005120 A JP 2009-081790 A

[0005] However, related technologies such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1 only consider information related to the energy of the base station itself, and therefore cannot realize more ecological communications by considering information related to the energy of other components that make up the wireless communication system.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, one of the objects of the present disclosure is to provide a base station, a wireless communication system, and a method that can realize more ecological communication.

[0007] A base station according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a base station in a wireless communication system that includes an upper network, a base station connected to the upper network, and a mobile station that receives information broadcast from the base station, and that selects a base station or upper network to which the mobile station connects, and that includes a transmitting unit that notifies or broadcasts energy-related information regarding the upper network.

[0008] A wireless communication system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises an upper network, a base station connected to the upper network, and a mobile station that receives information notified or broadcast from the base station, and the mobile station selects the base station or upper network to connect to, and the base station comprises a transmitting unit that notifies or broadcasts energy-related information regarding the upper network.

[0009] A method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a method executed by a base station in a wireless communication system comprising an upper network, a base station connected to the upper network, and a mobile station that receives information broadcast from the base station, the method selecting a base station or upper network to which the mobile station connects, and notifying or broadcasting energy-related information regarding the upper network.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, more ecological communication can be realized.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a configuration of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a configuration of a base station according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a configuration of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a configuration of a core network according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a configuration of a core network according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a configuration of a base station according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a configuration of a terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a configuration of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a configuration of a core network according to an embodiment. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted as necessary.

[0013] (Outline of the embodiment) First, an outline of the embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system according to some embodiments, and Fig. 2 shows an example of the configuration of a base station in the wireless communication system according to some embodiments.

[0014] In the example of Fig. 1, the wireless communication system 1 includes an upper network 30, a base station 10, and a mobile station 20. The upper network 30 is a network higher than the base station 10 and is connected to the base station 10. The upper network 30 is a core network in the wireless communication system 1, and may be, for example, a 5G Core network (5GC) or an Evolved Packet Core (EPC). The upper network 30 is composed of multiple devices (nodes). Note that the configuration or operation of any device in the upper network (core network) may be described as the configuration or operation of the upper network (core network).

[0015] The base station 10 is connected to an upper network 30 and provides base station functions to the mobile station 20. For example, the base station 10 may be a next generation Node B (gNB) or an evolved Node B (eNB). In the example of FIG. 2 , the base station 10 includes a transmitter 11. The transmitter 11 notifies or broadcasts energy-related information related to the upper network 30. The transmitter 11 may notify or broadcast energy-related information related to the upper network 30 connected to the base station itself, or may notify or broadcast energy-related information related to the upper network 30 connected to another base station different from the base station itself (e.g., an adjacent base station). The transmitter 11 may notify or broadcast energy-related information acquired from the upper network 30, etc.

[0016] The mobile station 20 is a terminal that performs wireless communication with the base station 10. For example, the mobile station 20 is a terminal such as a UE (User Equipment). The mobile station 20 receives information such as energy-related information notified or broadcast from the base station 10.

[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of operation of a wireless communication system according to some embodiments. In the example of FIG. 3 , the base station 10 notifies or broadcasts energy-related information related to the upper network 30 (S10). The energy-related information notified or broadcast from the base station 10 is information related to energy supplied to components of the upper network 30, such as the type of energy supplied, the amount of power generated from the supplied energy, the surplus amount of energy supplied, the environmental performance index of the supplied energy, or the amount of CO2 emissions resulting from the power generation of the supplied energy. The base station 10 may notify a specific mobile station 20 of the energy-related information using a control message such as RRC (Radio Resource Control), or may broadcast the energy-related information to surrounding mobile stations 20 using a broadcast message such as SIB (System Information Block). The mobile station 20 may receive the energy-related information notified or broadcast from the base station 10 and, for example, select an upper network 30 to connect to based on the received energy-related information.

[0018] As described above, in the embodiment, the base station notifies or broadcasts energy-related information of an upper network, which is a core network, and the mobile station receives the notified or broadcast energy-related information. This enables ecological communication, i.e., environmentally friendly communication, to be realized in a wireless communication system. For example, the mobile station can select an upper network that uses more ecological energy based on the received energy-related information. For example, to realize ecological communication, it is necessary to consider the energy of the entire system in end-to-end communication, not just between a terminal and a base station. Therefore, by considering the energy-related information of the upper network, which is the core network, it becomes possible to realize more ecological communication.

[0019] (First Embodiment) Next, a description will be given of a first embodiment. In this embodiment, for example, a base station notifies a terminal of energy-related information of a core network higher than the base station.

[0020] Fig. 4 shows an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system according to some embodiments. In the example of Fig. 4, the wireless communication system 2 includes a plurality of core networks 300 (e.g., 300a and 300b), a base station 100, and a terminal 200. Note that the wireless communication system 2 is a system defined by, for example, 5G (5th Generation) or LTE (Long Term Evolution) standards, but is not limited to these systems. For example, the wireless communication system 2 may be a system defined by a next-generation standard including 6G, or may be a system defined by a standard of another generation.

[0021] The core network 300 and the base station 100 are communicatively connected via a backhaul. The core network 300 and the base station 100 are communicatively connected, for example, via an S1 or NG interface. Note that an interface is a connection interface defined by a communication protocol for transmitting and receiving data and messages, and includes logical transmission paths and networks, as well as physical transmission paths and networks. In this example, core networks 300a and 300b are connected to the base station 100 via the S1 or NG interface, respectively. Note that the number of core networks 300 is not limited to two, and any number of core networks 300 may be connected to the base station 100.

[0022] The core network 300 is a backbone network in the wireless communication system 2. The core network 300 is an upper network arranged above (upstream of) the base station 100, and accommodates a radio access network (RAN) including the base station 100. The core network 300 may accommodate multiple base stations 100 (radio access networks). The core network 300 is connected to an upstream data network such as the Internet, and transfers user data of the terminal 200 between the data network and the core network 300.

[0023] Core network 300 is composed of multiple functions. Core network 300 including multiple functions may be implemented by a single device or multiple devices. The multiple devices that make up core network 300 may be located in the same location or in different locations. The devices that make up core network 300 may include physical devices (computers) or virtual machines running on a virtualization platform. For example, core network 300 is implemented by a data center (computer system) that provides physical devices or virtual machines. Core network 300a and core network 300b may be implemented by different data centers. That is, core network 300a (first core network) may be configured in a first data center (first computer system), and core network 300b (second core network) may be configured in a second data center (second computer system).

[0024] The core network 300 may be, for example, 5GC, which is a 5G core network, or EPC, which is an LTE core network, or may be another core network. FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration of 5GC as an example of the configuration of a core network according to some embodiments. In the example of FIG. 5, the core network 300 may include an AMF 31, an SMF 32, and a UPF 33 that configure 5GC. The AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) 31 is connected to a radio access network including the base station 100 and performs access authentication and mobility management for the terminal 200. The SMF (Session Management Function) 32 is connected to the UPF 33 and performs session management. The UPF (User Plane Function) 33 performs user data transfer processing between the radio access network and an upstream data network. The core network 300 is not limited to these, and may also include other functions (devices) necessary for 5GC. For example, the core network 300 may include a Network Exposure Function (NEF), a Network Repository Function (NRF), a Unified Data Management (UDM), an Authentication Server Function (AUSF), a Policy Control Function (PCF), an Application Function (AF), etc.

[0025] FIG. 6 shows an example of the configuration of an EPC as another example of the configuration of a core network according to some embodiments. In the example of FIG. 6, the core network 300 may include an MME 34, an S-GW 35, and a P-GW 36 that constitute the EPC. The MME (Mobility Management Entity) 34 is connected to a radio access network including a base station 100 and performs mobility management, authentication, bearer management, etc. for the terminal 200. The S-GW (Serving Gateway) 35 is connected to the radio access network and performs relay processing of user data between the radio access network and the P-GW 36. The P-GW (Packet Data Network Gateway) 36 is connected to an upstream data network and performs relay processing of user data between the S-GW 35 and the data network. The core network 300 is not limited to these, and may also include other functions (devices) necessary for the EPC. For example, the core network 300 may include a PCRF (Policy and Charging Rules Function) etc.

[0026] Fig. 7 shows an example of functions for realizing core network 300 according to some embodiments. In the example of Fig. 7, core network 300 includes a providing unit 301 and a connecting unit 302. The providing unit 301 and the connecting unit 302 may be included in any of the devices included in core network 300. Core network 300 also includes other functions required for a core network, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6.

[0027] The providing unit 301 provides energy-related information of the core network 300 to the base station 100 accommodated by the core network 300. The providing unit 301 is a transmitting unit that transmits the energy-related information. The providing unit 301 transmits the energy-related information via the S1 or NG interface between the base station 100 and the core network 300. The providing unit 301 may periodically transmit the energy-related information to the base station 100. The cycle for transmitting the energy-related information may be a preset cycle, or may be a cycle instructed by the base station 100 or another device. The providing unit 301 may also transmit the energy-related information upon a predetermined event. For example, the providing unit 301 may transmit the energy-related information when requested by the base station 100, or may transmit the energy-related information when there is a change in the energy-related information.

[0028] The energy-related information is information about the energy supplied to the components constituting the core network 300, for example, the functions (devices) shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 . For example, the energy-related information may be information about the energy supplied to all devices included in the core network 300, or information about the energy supplied to any device included in the core network 300. If the core network 300 is implemented as a data center, the energy-related information is information about the energy supplied to the data center. The device (power generation facility) that generates and supplies energy may be installed on the same premises as the data center or may be installed externally. The energy-related information may be acquired from the power generation facility, or may be set or measured in any device of the core network 300. For example, the energy-related information may be the type of energy supplied. Energy types include renewable energy and fossil energy. Renewable energy is energy derived from resources that are always present in nature, such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, and biomass, and is energy that does not emit CO2. Renewable energy is also called green energy or non-fossil energy. Fossil energy is energy derived from finite resources such as oil, coal, and natural gas, and emits CO2. The energy-related information may also be the amount of energy supplied. The amount of energy may be the amount of power generated by renewable energy or the amount of surplus renewable energy. The amount of energy may be the ratio between the amount of power generated by renewable energy and the amount of power generated by fossil energy, or the ratio between the amount of surplus renewable energy and the amount of surplus fossil energy. The energy-related information may also be the amount of CO2 emissions (greenhouse gas emissions) emitted by the power generation of the supplied energy. The energy-related information may also be an environmental performance index of the supplied energy. The environmental performance index may be a level indicating the greenness of the energy, the degree of environmental protection, or the degree of environmental friendliness. The energy-related information may also be an index based on any combination of the type of energy, the amount of energy, the CO2 emissions from the power generation of the energy, the environmental performance index of the energy, etc.

[0029] The connection unit 302 performs connection processing necessary for a connection for the terminal 200. The connection for the terminal 200 is a connection necessary for the terminal 200 to communicate with any device or network. The connection for the terminal 200 may include any of a connection for communication between the terminal 200 and the base station 100, a connection for communication between the terminal 200 and the core network 300, and a connection for communication between the terminal 200 and another network or another terminal. The connection for the terminal 200 may include a connection at any layer. For example, the connection for the terminal 200 may include a connection such as a session or a bearer. The connection unit 302 performs processing specified to be performed by a function of the core network 300 in a predetermined connection procedure. For example, the connection procedure may include any of a registration procedure, an attach procedure, a PDU session establishment procedure, a bearer establishment procedure, a PDN connectivity procedure, a handover procedure, or another connection procedure. For example, the connection unit 302 may connect the terminal 200 to the core network 300 in response to a request from the terminal 200 via the base station 100 .

[0030] The base station 100 constitutes a radio access network in the radio communication system 2. The radio access network may include multiple base stations 100. The base station 100 is connected to the core network 300 and performs radio communication with the terminal 200. The base station 100 provides a cell capable of radio communication with the terminal 200 and provides base station functions necessary for the terminal 200 to communicate. The base station 100 may be, for example, a gNB (next generation Node B), which is a 5G base station, an eNB (evolved Node B), which is an LTE base station, or another base station (NB; Node B, etc.). The base station 100 is configured with multiple functions. The base station 100 including multiple functions may be realized by a single device or by multiple devices. The multiple devices constituting the base station 100 may be located in the same location or in different locations. The devices constituting the base station 100 may include a physical device (computer) or a virtual machine operating on a virtualization platform. For example, the base station 100 may include a remote radio head (RRH) and a base band unit (BBU). The base station 100 may also include a radio unit (RU), a distributed unit (DU), and a centralized unit (CU). The base station 100 may also include a virtual DU (vDU) and a virtual CU (vCU) that constitute a virtual RAN (vRAN). The base station 100 may also include an O-RAN DU (O-DU) and an O-RAN CU (O-CU) that constitute an Open RAN (O-RAN).

[0031] Fig. 8 shows an example of functions for realizing a base station according to some embodiments. In the example of Fig. 8, base station 100 includes an acquisition unit 101, a notification unit 102, and a connection unit 103. Base station 100 also includes other functions necessary for a base station.

[0032] The acquisition unit 101 acquires energy-related information of the core network 300 from the core network 300 above the base station. For example, the acquisition unit 101 acquires energy-related information from multiple core networks 300a and 300b connected to the base station. The acquisition unit 101 receives the energy-related information via the S1 or NG interface between the base station 100 and the core network 300.

[0033] Like the providing unit 301 of the core network 300, the acquiring unit 101 may periodically receive the energy-related information. The cycle for receiving the energy-related information may be a preset cycle, or the acquiring unit 101 may instruct the core network 300. The acquiring unit 101 may also receive the energy-related information at the time of a predetermined event. For example, when the terminal 200 or the base station 100 needs the energy-related information, the acquiring unit 101 may request the energy-related information from the core network 300 and receive the energy-related information in response to the request. The acquiring unit 101 may acquire the energy-related information from a storage unit in the base station 100 or another external device.

[0034] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 101 may predict current or future energy-related information from energy-related information acquired in the past. That is, the acquisition unit 101 may include a prediction unit. For example, the current or future energy power generation amount may be predicted from the history of the energy power generation amount for the past month or the history of the energy power generation amount for the same month last year. The prediction of the energy-related information may be performed using a predetermined algorithm or simulation, or may be performed using a prediction model that is machine-learned to predict current or future data from past data. The prediction of the energy-related information may be performed by the core network 300, and the predicted energy-related information may be acquired by the acquisition unit 101.

[0035] The notifying unit 102 notifies the terminal 200 of the energy-related information of the core network 300 acquired by the acquiring unit 101. The notifying unit 102 is a transmitting unit that transmits the energy-related information. For example, the notifying unit 102 notifies the terminal 200 of energy-related information of multiple core networks 300a and 300b connected to the base station 100. The notifying unit 102 may transmit the energy-related information to a specific terminal 200 by using, for example, a control message. The control message may be an upper layer signaling message or a physical layer signaling message. The upper layer signaling message may be an RRC message, a MAC (Medium Access Control) signaling message, or the like. The physical layer signaling message may be DCI (Downlink Control Information), UCI (Uplink Control Information), or the like. Furthermore, the notifying unit 102 may notify any terminal 200 of the energy-related information by using, for example, broadcast information. The broadcast information may be an SIB, an MIB (Master Information Block), or the like.

[0036] The connection unit 103 performs connection processing necessary for a connection for the terminal 200. Similar to the connection unit 302 of the core network 300, the connection for the terminal 200 is a connection necessary for the terminal 200 to communicate with any device or network. The connection unit 103 performs processing defined as being performed by the function of the base station 100 in a predetermined connection procedure. As in the above, for example, the connection procedure may include any one of a registration procedure, an attach procedure, a PDU session establishment procedure, a bearer establishment procedure, a PDN connection procedure, a handover procedure, or other connection procedures. For example, the connection unit 103 may connect the terminal 200 to any core network 300 in response to a request from the terminal 200.

[0037] The terminal 200 is a mobile station that accesses a radio access network including the base station 100 and communicates with a data network or the like via the base station 100 and the core network 300. The terminal 200 performs wireless communication with the base station 100 in a cell provided by the base station 100. For example, the terminal 200 may be a UE, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, an IoT (Internet of Things) terminal, or the like. The terminal 200 may also be an application device such as a robot, a drone, or an autonomous vehicle that implements terminal functions.

[0038] Fig. 9 shows an example of functions for realizing a terminal according to some embodiments. In the example of Fig. 9, terminal 200 includes an acquisition unit 201, a selection unit 202, and a connection unit 203. Terminal 200 also includes other functions necessary for a terminal.

[0039] The acquisition unit 201 acquires energy-related information of a core network 300 above the base station 100 from the base station 100. For example, the acquisition unit 201 acquires energy-related information of a plurality of core networks 300a and 300b connected to the base station 100 that is accessed (in wireless communication) from the base station 100. The acquisition unit 201 may receive the energy-related information through a control message transmitted from the base station 100 to the terminal 200, similar to the notification unit 102 of the base station 100. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 201 may receive the energy-related information through broadcast information broadcast from the base station 100.

[0040] The selection unit 202 selects (determines) the core network 300 to connect to based on the energy-related information of the core network 300 acquired by the acquisition unit 201. For example, the selection unit 202 selects the core network 300 to connect to via the base station 100 based on the energy-related information of the multiple core networks 300a and 300b connected to the base station 100 to be accessed. The selection unit 202 compares the energy-related information of the core network 300a with the energy-related information of the core network 300b, and selects the more ecological core network 300. The selection unit 202 may select the core network 300 to connect to based on any one or a combination of the energy type, amount of energy, CO2 emissions due to power generation of the energy, environmental performance index of the energy, etc., included in the energy-related information. For example, from among multiple core networks 300, a core network 300 that uses renewable energy may be selected, a core network 300 that generates the most renewable energy may be selected, a core network 300 that has the most surplus renewable energy may be selected, or a core network 300 that emits the least CO2 may be selected.

[0041] The connection unit 203 executes connection processing necessary for connection for the terminal 200. Similar to the connection unit 302 of the core network 300 and the connection unit 103 of the base station 100, the connection for the terminal 200 is a connection necessary for the terminal 200 to communicate with any device or network. The connection unit 203 executes processing specified as being performed by the functions of the terminal 200 in a predetermined connection procedure. As in the above, for example, the connection procedure may include any one of a registration procedure, an attach procedure, a PDU session establishment procedure, a bearer establishment procedure, a PDN connection procedure, a handover procedure, or other connection procedures. For example, the connection unit 203 may request the base station 100 to connect to the core network 300 selected by the selection unit 202, and connect to the requested core network 300.

[0042] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of operation of a wireless communication system according to some embodiments. In the example of FIG. 10 , the base station 100 transmits an energy-related information request to the core network 300a (S101). For example, the acquisition unit 101 transmits the energy-related information request to the core network 300a connected to the base station 100 via the S1 or NG interface between the base station 100 and the core network 300a. Specifically, the energy-related information request is transmitted to any device included in the core network 300a. The energy-related information request is a message for requesting energy-related information from the core network 300. The energy-related information request may be included in a message defined by the S1 or NG interface. For example, the transmitted message may specify the requested information or the timing for transmitting the information. For example, the acquisition unit 101 may periodically request energy-related information from the core network 300a. When the acquisition unit 101 receives an energy-related information request from the terminal 200, the acquisition unit 101 may transmit the energy-related information request to the core network 300a. The energy-related information request may be sent to either the core network 300a or the core network 300b first, or may be sent to both the core network 300a and the core network 300b in parallel.

[0043] Next, the core network 300a transmits an energy-related information response to the base station 100 (S102). For example, when the providing unit 301 of the core network 300a receives the energy-related information request from the base station 100, the providing unit 301 transmits an energy-related information response including energy-related information of the core network 300a to the base station 100 via the S1 or NG interface between the base station 100 and the core network 300a. The energy-related information response is a message for providing energy-related information of the core network 300 in response to the energy-related information request. The energy-related information response may be included in a message specified by the S1 or NG interface. The energy-related information response includes the requested energy-related information. For example, the energy-related information response may include any of the type of energy, the amount of energy, CO2 emissions due to power generation of the energy, and an environmental performance index of the energy. If the requested information is specified in the energy-related information request, the providing unit 301 may transmit the specified information. If a transmission timing is specified in the energy-related information request, the providing unit 301 may transmit the energy-related information response at the specified timing.

[0044] Next, the base station 100 transmits an energy-related information request to the core network 300b (S103). As in S101, for example, the acquisition unit 101 transmits the energy-related information request to the core network 300b connected to the base station 100 via the S1 or NG interface between the base station 100 and the core network 300b.

[0045] Next, the core network 300b transmits an energy-related information response to the base station 100 (S104). As in S102, for example, the providing unit 301 of the core network 300b transmits the energy-related information response including the energy-related information of the core network 300b to the base station 100 via the S1 or NG interface between the base station 100 and the core network 300b.

[0046] Next, the base station 100 transmits an energy-related information notification to the terminal 200 (S105). For example, when the acquisition unit 101 receives an energy-related information response from the core network 300a, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the energy-related information of the core network 300a included in the received energy-related information response. Furthermore, when the acquisition unit 101 receives an energy-related information response from the core network 300b, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the energy-related information of the core network 300b included in the received energy-related information response.

[0047] Then, the notifying unit 102 transmits the energy-related information notification to the terminal 200 via an information transmission means between the base station 100 and the terminal 200. For example, the notifying unit 102 may include the energy-related information notification in an RRC message and transmit it to the terminal 200, or may include the energy-related information notification in an SIB and broadcast it. The energy-related information notification is a message for notifying the energy-related information of the core network 300. The energy-related information notification may be included in a message defined as an information transmission means (RRC message or SIB) between the base station 100 and the terminal 200. The transmitted energy-related information notification includes the acquired energy-related information of the core network 300a and the energy-related information of the core network 300b. For example, the energy-related information notification includes information elements of the core network 300a including identification information of the core network 300a and the energy-related information of the core network 300a, and information elements of the core network 300b including identification information of the core network 300b and the energy-related information of the core network 300b.

[0048] The notifying unit 102 may transmit an energy-related information notification to the terminal 200 when acquiring energy-related information from the core networks 300a and 300b, or may transmit an energy-related information notification to the terminal 200 when receiving an energy-related information request from the terminal 200. The energy-related information of the core network 300a and the energy-related information of the core network 300b may be transmitted in separate messages. For example, when an energy-related information response is received from the core network 300a, the notifying unit 102 may transmit an energy-related information notification including the energy-related information of the core network 300a, and when an energy-related information response is received from the core network 300b, the notifying unit 102 may transmit an energy-related information notification including the energy-related information of the core network 300b.

[0049] Next, the terminal 200 selects a core network 300 to connect to (S106). For example, when the acquisition unit 201 receives an energy-related information notification from the base station 100, it acquires the energy-related information of the core network 300a and the energy-related information of the core network 300b included in the received energy-related information notification. For example, from the energy-related information notification, it acquires information elements of the core network 300a including identification information of the core network 300a and the energy-related information of the core network 300a, and information elements of the core network 300b including identification information of the core network 300b and the energy-related information of the core network 300b.

[0050] Then, the selection unit 202 selects the core network 300 to connect to based on the acquired energy-related information of the core network 300a and the energy-related information of the core network 300b. Note that the core network 300 may be selected when an energy-related information notification is received, or the energy-related information included in the received energy-related information notification may be stored and the core network 300 may be selected at another timing. For example, the core network 300 may be selected when a user performs an operation for communication or when a predetermined application starts communication.

[0051] For example, the selection unit 202 may select the core network 300a when the type of energy included in the energy-related information of the core network 300a is renewable energy and the type of energy included in the energy-related information of the core network 300b is fossil energy. The selection unit 202 may select the core network 300a when the amount of renewable energy power generation included in the energy-related information of the core network 300a is greater than the amount of renewable energy power generation included in the energy-related information of the core network 300b. The selection unit 202 may select the core network 300a when the surplus amount of renewable energy included in the energy-related information of the core network 300a is greater than the surplus amount of renewable energy included in the energy-related information of the core network 300b. The selection unit 202 may select the core network 300a when the amount of CO2 emissions included in the energy-related information of the core network 300a is less than the CO2 emissions included in the energy-related information of the core network 300b.

[0052] Next, the terminal 200 requests the base station 100 to connect to the core network 300 (S107). For example, when the connection unit 203 selects the core network 300a based on the energy-related information, the connection unit 203 transmits a connection request to the base station 100 to connect to the selected core network 300a. For example, the connection request includes identification information of the core network 300a acquired from the received energy-related information notification. The connection procedure between the terminal 200 and the core network 300a is not limited. For example, the connection unit 203 may transmit a registration request message specifying the core network 300a to connect to, to the base station 100, in order to register the terminal 200 in the core network 300a.

[0053] Next, the base station 100 connects the terminal 200 to the core network 300 (S108). For example, when the connection unit 103 receives a connection request from the terminal 200 to connect to the core network 300a, the connection unit 103 requests the core network 300a to connect to the terminal 200, thereby connecting the terminal 200 to the core network 300a. For example, when the connection unit 103 receives a registration request message from the terminal 200, the connection unit 103 transmits the registration request message to the core network 300 in accordance with information specified in the registration request message. When the core network 300a receives the registration request message from the base station 100, it executes processing required for registration and registers the terminal 200.

[0054] As described above, in this embodiment, a base station acquires energy-related information of a core network above the base station and notifies a terminal of the acquired energy-related information of the core network. This allows the terminal to appropriately select a core network to connect to based on the received energy-related information of the core network. For example, by selecting and connecting to a core network that uses renewable energy, more eco-friendly communication can be achieved.

[0055] (Embodiment 2) Next, embodiment 2 will be described. In this embodiment, for example, a base station notifies a terminal of energy-related information of a core network higher than the base station itself and energy-related information of core networks higher than other base stations. Note that this embodiment can be implemented in combination with embodiment 1, and each configuration shown in embodiment 1 may be used as appropriate.

[0056] 11 shows an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system according to some embodiments. In the example of Fig. 11, the wireless communication system 2 includes a plurality of core networks 300 (e.g., 300a and 300b), a plurality of base stations 100 (e.g., 100a and 100b), and a terminal 200.

[0057] The base stations 100 are communicatively connected to each other via, for example, an X2 or Xn interface. In this example, the base station 100a and the base station 100b are connected to each other via an X2 or Xn interface. The number of base stations 100 is not limited to two, and any number of base stations 100 may be deployed and connected to each other via an X2 or Xn interface. For example, the base station 100a and the base station 100b are adjacent base stations. In an area where the cells provided by the base station 100a and the base station 100b overlap, the terminal 200 is capable of handover. Furthermore, for example, a core network 300a is connected to the base station 100a, and a core network 300b is connected to the base station 100b. As in the example described in the first embodiment, any number of core networks 300 may be connected to each of the base stations 100a and 100b. The configurations of the core network 300, the base station 100, and the terminal 200 are the same as those in the example described in the first embodiment.

[0058] 12 illustrates an example of the operation of a wireless communication system according to some embodiments, which illustrates a handover from base station 100a (source base station or serving base station) to base station 100b (target base station).

[0059] 12, the base station 100a transmits an energy-related information request to the core network 300a (S201). As in S101 of Fig. 10, for example, the acquisition unit 101 of the base station 100a transmits the energy-related information request to the core network 300a connected to the base station 100a via the S1 or NG interface between the base station 100a and the core network 300a.

[0060] Next, the core network 300a transmits an energy-related information response to the base station 100a (S202). Similar to S102 in Fig. 10 , for example, the providing unit 301 of the core network 300a transmits the energy-related information response including the energy-related information of the core network 300a to the base station 100a via the S1 or NG interface between the base station 100a and the core network 300a.

[0061] Next, the base station 100a transmits an energy-related information request to the base station 100b (S203). For example, the acquisition unit 101 transmits the energy-related information request to the neighboring base station 100b via the X2 or Xn interface between the base station 100a and the base station 100b. The energy-related information request may be included in a message defined by the X2 or Xn interface. As with a message transmitted from the base station 100 to the core network 300, the energy-related information request may specify, for example, the requested information or the timing of transmitting the information. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 101 may periodically request the energy-related information from the base station 100b, or may transmit the energy-related information request to the base station 100b upon receiving the energy-related information request from the terminal 200. Note that the base station 100b may transmit the energy-related information request to the base station 100a. That is, the base station 100b may acquire the energy-related information from the base station 100a and notify the terminal 200 of the energy-related information.

[0062] Next, the base station 100b transmits an energy-related information request to the core network 300b (S204). As in S201, for example, when the acquisition unit 101 of the base station 100b receives the energy-related information request from the base station 100a, the acquisition unit 101 transmits the energy-related information request to the core network 300b connected to the base station 100b via the S1 or NG interface between the base station 100b and the core network 300b. The transmitted energy-related information request includes the same information as the energy-related information request received from the base station 100a.

[0063] Next, the core network 300b transmits an energy-related information response to the base station 100b (S205). As in S202, for example, the providing unit 301 of the core network 300b transmits the energy-related information response including the energy-related information of the core network 300b to the base station 100b via the S1 or NG interface between the base station 100b and the core network 300b.

[0064] Next, the base station 100b transmits an energy-related information response to the base station 100a (S206). For example, when the acquisition unit 101 of the base station 100b receives the energy-related information response from the core network 300b, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the energy-related information of the core network 300b included in the received energy-related information response.

[0065] Then, the notification unit 102 of the base station 100b transmits an energy-related information response to the base station 100a via the X2 or Xn interface between the base station 100a and the base station 100b. The energy-related information response may be included in a message defined by the X2 or Xn interface. The transmitted energy-related information response includes the acquired energy-related information of the core network 300b. For example, the energy-related information response includes information elements of the core network 300b including identification information of the core network 300b and the energy-related information of the core network 300b. When energy-related information is acquired from multiple core networks 300, the transmitted energy-related information response may include the acquired energy-related information of the multiple core networks 300b.

[0066] Next, the base station 100a transmits an energy-related information notification to the terminal 200 (S207). For example, when the acquisition unit 101 of the base station 100a receives an energy-related information response from the core network 300a, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the energy-related information of the core network 300a included in the received energy-related information response. Furthermore, when the acquisition unit 101 receives an energy-related information response from the base station 100b, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the energy-related information of the core network 300b connected to the base station 100b included in the received energy-related information response. For example, from the energy-related information response, the acquisition unit 101 acquires information elements of the core network 300b including identification information of the core network 300b and the energy-related information of the core network 300b.

[0067] 10 , the notification unit 102 of the base station 100a transmits an energy-related information notification to the terminal 200 via an information transmission means between the base station 100a and the terminal 200. The transmitted energy-related information notification includes energy-related information of the core network 300a connected to the base station 100a and energy-related information of the core network 300b connected to the base station 100b. For example, the energy-related information notification includes information elements of the core network 300a including identification information of the base station 100a, identification information of the core network 300a, and energy-related information of the core network 300a, and information elements of the core network 300b including identification information of the base station 100b, identification information of the core network 300b, and energy-related information of the core network 300b.

[0068] The notifying unit 102 may transmit an energy-related information notification to the terminal 200 when acquiring energy-related information from the core network 300a and the base station 100b, or may transmit an energy-related information notification to the terminal 200 when receiving an energy-related information request from the terminal 200. Note that the energy-related information of the core network 300a connected to the own station and the energy-related information of the core network 300b connected to the base station 100b may be transmitted in separate messages. For example, when receiving an energy-related information response from the core network 300a, the notifying unit 102 may transmit an energy-related information notification including the energy-related information of the core network 300a, and when receiving an energy-related information response from the base station 100b, the notifying unit 102 may transmit an energy-related information notification including the energy-related information of the core network 300b connected to the base station 100b.

[0069] Next, the terminal 200 selects a base station 100 to connect to (S208). For example, when the acquisition unit 201 receives an energy-related information notification from the base station 100a, the acquisition unit 201 acquires energy-related information of the core network 300a connected to the base station 100a and energy-related information of the core network 300b connected to the base station 100b, which are included in the received energy-related information notification. For example, from the energy-related information notification, the acquisition unit 201 acquires information elements of the core network 300a including identification information of the base station 100a, identification information of the core network 300a, and energy-related information of the core network 300a, and information elements of the core network 300b including identification information of the base station 100b, identification information of the core network 300b, and energy-related information of the core network 300b.

[0070] Then, the selection unit 202 selects a base station 100 to connect to based on the acquired energy-related information of the core network 300a connected to the base station 100a and the energy-related information of the core network 300b connected to the base station 100b. Specifically, the selection unit 202 selects a core network 300 to connect to and also selects a base station 100 subordinate to that core network 300. The method of selecting a connection destination is the same as S106 in FIG. 10 . For example, when the energy-related information of the core network 300a connected to the base station 100a indicates that the energy type is fossil energy and the energy-related information of the core network 300b connected to the base station 100b indicates that the energy type is renewable energy, the selection unit 202 selects the core network 300b and also selects the base station 100b connected to the core network 300b.

[0071] Next, the terminal 200 requests a handover to the base station 100b (S209). For example, if the selection unit 202 selects a base station 100b that is different from the currently connected base station 100a, the connection unit 203 transmits a handover request message to the selected base station 100b. For example, the handover request includes identification information of the base station 100b and identification information of the core network 300b, both of which are acquired from the received energy-related information notification. Note that if the selection unit 202 selects the currently connected base station 100a, no handover is necessary, and therefore the operation is the same as the example described in the first embodiment.

[0072] Next, the base station 100b connects the terminal 200 to the core network 300b (S210). For example, when the connection unit 103 of the base station 100b receives the handover request from the terminal 200, the connection unit 103 executes the processing required for the handover, switches the base station to which the terminal 200 is connected to the base station 100b, and connects the terminal 200 to the core network 300b.

[0073] As described above, in this embodiment, a base station notifies a terminal of energy-related information of its upper core network and energy-related information of the upper core networks of other base stations. This allows the terminal to appropriately select a base station to connect to based on the received core network energy-related information. For example, by selecting a base station connected to a core network that uses renewable energy and performing handover, more eco-friendly communication can be achieved.

[0074] (Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, for example, when a terminal roams, a base station notifies the terminal of energy-related information of a core network on the home side. Note that this embodiment can be implemented in combination with the first or second embodiment, and the configurations shown in the first or second embodiment may be used as appropriate.

[0075] Fig. 13 shows an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system according to some embodiments. In the example of Fig. 13, the wireless communication system 2 includes multiple core networks 300 (e.g., 300a, 300b, and 300c), a base station 100, and a terminal 200. This example illustrates a case where a terminal 200 of a user in Japan roams from Japan (home) to the United States (destination). For example, the core networks 300a and 300b are located in Japan, the home side, and the core network 300c is located in the United States, the destination side.

[0076] The destination core network 300c and the home core networks 300a and 300b are connected via an interface between the core networks. The number of home core networks 300 is not limited to two, and any number of home core networks 300 may be connected to the destination core network 300. The configurations of the base station 100 and the terminal 200 are the same as those in the example described in the first embodiment.

[0077] Fig. 14 shows an example of the configuration of a core network according to some embodiments. In the example of Fig. 14, the core network 300 includes an acquisition unit 303 in addition to the provision unit 301 and connection unit 302 described in the example of Fig. 7. Fig. 14 shows, for example, an example of the configuration of a destination core network 300c. The home-side core networks 300a and 300c may have the same configuration as the example of Fig. 7.

[0078] The acquisition unit 303 acquires energy-related information of the core network 300 from the home-side core network 300. For example, the acquisition unit 303 acquires energy-related information from a plurality of home-side core networks 300a and 300b connected to the terminal's own network (the destination core network). The acquisition unit 303 receives the energy-related information via an interface between the core networks. For example, the acquisition unit 303 may acquire the energy-related information from the home-side core network 300 when requested by the base station 100, or may acquire the energy-related information from the home-side core network 300 when the terminal 200 roams.

[0079] Fig. 15 shows an example of operation of a wireless communication system according to some embodiments. In the example of Fig. 15, the base station 100 transmits an energy-related information request to the core network 300c (S301). As in S101 of Fig. 10, for example, the acquisition unit 101 transmits the energy-related information request to the destination core network 300c connected to the base station 100 via the S1 or NG interface between the base station 100 and the core network 300c. If the terminal 200 is a roaming terminal, the energy-related information request may request energy-related information from the home core network 300.

[0080] Next, the core network 300c transmits an energy-related information request to the core network 300a (S302). For example, when the acquisition unit 303 of the core network 300c receives the energy-related information request from the base station 100, if the terminal 200 is a roaming terminal or if the energy-related information request requests energy-related information of the home core network 300, the acquisition unit 303 transmits the energy-related information request to the home core network 300a via the interface between the destination core network 300c and the home core network 300a. The transmitted energy-related information request may include the same information as the energy-related information request received from the base station 100.

[0081] Next, the core network 300a transmits an energy-related information response to the core network 300c (S303). As in S102 of Fig. 10 , for example, when the providing unit 301 of the core network 300a receives the energy-related information request from the destination core network 300c, the providing unit 301 transmits the energy-related information response including the energy-related information of the core network 300a to the destination core network 300c via the interface between the destination core network 300c and the home core network 300a.

[0082] Next, the core network 300c transmits an energy-related information request to the core network 300b (S304). As in S302, for example, when the acquisition unit 303 of the core network 300c receives the energy-related information response from the core network 300a, the acquisition unit 303 transmits the energy-related information request to the home core network 300b via the interface between the destination core network 300c and the home core network 300b.

[0083] Next, the core network 300b transmits an energy-related information response to the core network 300c (S305). As in S303, for example, when the providing unit 301 of the core network 300b receives the energy-related information request from the destination core network 300c, the providing unit 301 transmits the energy-related information response including the energy-related information of the core network 300b to the destination core network 300c via the interface between the destination core network 300c and the home core network 300b.

[0084] Next, the core network 300c transmits an energy-related information response to the base station 100 (S306). For example, when the acquisition unit 303 of the core network 300c receives the energy-related information response from the core network 300a, the acquisition unit 303 acquires the energy-related information of the core network 300a included in the received energy-related information response. Furthermore, when the acquisition unit 303 of the core network 300c receives an energy-related information request from the core network 300b, the acquisition unit 303 acquires the energy-related information of the core network 300b included in the received energy-related information response.

[0085] Then, the providing unit 301 of the core network 300c transmits an energy-related information response to the base station 100 via the S1 or NG interface between the base station 100 and the core network 300c. The transmitted energy-related information response includes the acquired energy-related information of the home-side core network 300a and the energy-related information of the core network 300b. For example, the energy-related information response includes information elements of the core network 300a including identification information of the core network 300a and the energy-related information of the core network 300a, and information elements of the core network 300b including identification information of the core network 300b and the energy-related information of the core network 300b. The energy-related information response may further include energy-related information of the destination core network 300c.

[0086] Next, the base station 100 transmits an energy-related information notification to the terminal 200 (S307). Similar to S105 in FIG. 10 , when the notification unit 102 receives the energy-related information response from the core network 300c, it transmits the energy-related information notification to the terminal 200 via the information transmission means between the base station 100 and the terminal 200. The transmitted energy-related information notification includes the energy-related information included in the received energy-related information response. That is, the energy-related information notification includes the energy-related information of the home-side core network 300a and the energy-related information of the home-side core network 300b. For example, the energy-related information notification includes information elements of the home-side core network 300a including identification information of the home-side core network 300a and the energy-related information of the core network 300a, and information elements of the home-side core network 300b including identification information of the home-side core network 300b and the energy-related information of the core network 300b. The energy-related information notification may further include energy-related information of the destination core network 300c.

[0087] Next, the terminal 200 selects a core network 300 to connect to (S308). As in S106 of FIG. 10 , when the selection unit 202 receives the energy-related information notification from the base station 100, it selects a home-side core network 300 to connect to based on the received energy-related information. That is, it selects a home-side core network 300 to connect to based on the energy-related information of the home-side core network 300a and the energy-related information of the core network 300b. The method of selecting a core network 300 is the same as the example described in the first embodiment. For example, when the energy-related information of the home-side core network 300a indicates renewable energy and the energy-related information of the home-side core network 300b indicates fossil energy, the selection unit 202 may select the core network 300a. Note that the home-side core network 300 to connect to may also be selected based on the energy-related information of the destination core network 300c.

[0088] Next, the terminal 200 requests the base station 100 to connect to the home-side core network 300 (S309). As in S107 in Fig. 10 , for example, when the connection unit 203 selects the home-side core network 300a based on the energy-related information, the connection unit 203 transmits a connection request for connecting to the selected home-side core network 300a to the base station 100. For example, the connection request includes identification information of the home-side core network 300a acquired from the received energy-related information notification.

[0089] Next, the base station 100 connects the terminal 200 to the core network 300 (S310). As in S108 in Fig. 10 , for example, when the connection unit 103 receives a connection request from the terminal 200 to connect to the home-side core network 300a, the connection unit 103 connects the terminal 200 to the core network 300a by requesting the home-side core network 300a to connect to the terminal 200 via the core network 300c.

[0090] As described above, in this embodiment, when a terminal roams, a base station notifies the terminal of energy-related information of a home core network. This allows the terminal to appropriately select a home core network to connect to based on the received energy-related information of the home core network, thereby achieving more eco-friendly communication.

[0091] (Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, for example, a base station notifies a terminal of energy-related information and location information of a core network higher than the base station. Note that this embodiment can be implemented in combination with any of the first to third embodiments, and each configuration shown in any of the first to third embodiments may be used as appropriate. In this example, the wireless communication system 2 will be described as having the same configuration as the example described in the first embodiment, but this embodiment may also be applied to the configuration of the example described in the second or third embodiment. That is, similar to the second embodiment, a base station may notify a terminal of energy-related information and location information of a core network higher than the base station and energy-related information and location information of core networks higher than another base station. Similar to the third embodiment, when a terminal roams, the base station may notify the terminal of energy-related information and location information of a core network on the home side.

[0092] FIG. 16 illustrates an example of the operation of a wireless communication system according to some embodiments. In the example of FIG. 16, the base station 100 transmits a request for energy-related information and location information to the core network 300a (S401). Similar to S101 of FIG. 10, the acquisition unit 101 transmits the request for energy-related information and location information to the core network 300a connected to the base station 100 via the S1 or NG interface between the base station 100 and the core network 300a. The energy-related information and location information request is a message for requesting the energy-related information and location information of the core network 300. The energy-related information of the core network 300 and the location information of the core network 300 may be requested in separate messages. Because the location information of the core network 300 is unlikely to change, the acquired location information may be stored, and subsequent acquisition of location information from the core network 300 may be omitted.

[0093] Next, the core network 300a transmits an energy-related information and location information response to the base station 100 (S402). Similar to S102 in FIG. 10 , when the providing unit 301 of the core network 300a receives the energy-related information and location information request from the base station 100, the providing unit 301 transmits an energy-related information and location information response including the energy-related information and location information of the core network 300a to the base station 100 via the S1 or NG interface between the base station 100 and the core network 300a. The energy-related information and location information response is a message for providing the energy-related information and location information of the core network 300 in response to the energy-related information and location information request. The energy-related information and location information response includes the requested energy-related information and location information. The location information may be, for example, location information of a data center implementing the core network 300, or location information of a device (power generation facility) that supplies energy to the data center. Note that the energy-related information of the core network 300 and the location information of the core network 300 may be transmitted in separate messages.

[0094] Next, the base station 100 transmits the energy-related information and the location information request to the core network 300b (S403). As in S401, for example, the acquisition unit 101 transmits the energy-related information and the location information request to the core network 300b connected to the base station 100 via the S1 or NG interface between the base station 100 and the core network 300b.

[0095] Next, the core network 300b transmits the energy-related information and the location information response to the base station 100 (S404). As in S402, for example, when the providing unit 301 of the core network 300b receives the energy-related information and the location information request from the base station 100, the providing unit 301 transmits the energy-related information and the location information response, including the energy-related information and the location information of the core network 300b, to the base station 100 via the S1 or NG interface between the base station 100 and the core network 300b.

[0096] Next, the base station 100 transmits energy-related information and a location information notification to the terminal 200 (S405). Similar to S105 in Fig. 10 , when the acquisition unit 101 receives the energy-related information and the location information response from the core network 300a, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the energy-related information and the location information of the core network 300a included in the received energy-related information and the location information response. Furthermore, when the acquisition unit 101 receives the energy-related information and the location information response from the core network 300b, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the energy-related information and the location information of the core network 300b included in the received energy-related information and the location information response.

[0097] Then, the notification unit 102 transmits the energy-related information and location information notification to the terminal 200 via information transmission means between the base station 100 and the terminal 200. The energy-related information and location information notification is a message for notifying the energy-related information and location information of the core network 300. The transmitted energy-related information and location information notification includes the acquired energy-related information and location information of the core network 300a and the energy-related information and location information of the core network 300b. For example, the energy-related information and location information notification includes information elements of the core network 300a including identification information of the core network 300a and the energy-related information and location information of the core network 300a, and information elements of the core network 300b including identification information of the core network 300b and the energy-related information and location information of the core network 300b. Note that the energy-related information of the core networks 300a and 300b and the location information of the core networks 300a and 300b may be transmitted in separate messages.

[0098] Next, the terminal 200 selects a core network 300 to connect to (S406). As in S106 of Fig. 10 , when the terminal 200 receives the energy-related information and location information notification from the base station 100 via the information transmission means between the base station 100 and the terminal 200, the selection unit 202 selects a core network 300 to connect to based on the acquired energy-related information and location information of the core networks 300a and 300b. For example, if the energy-related information of the core networks 300a and 300b is the same or similar, the core network 300 may be selected based on the location information. If the energy-related information of the core networks 300a and 300b both indicate renewable energy or if the difference in the amount of power generation of renewable energy of the core networks 300a and 300b is within a predetermined range, the core network 300 may be selected based on the location information. For example, if the energy-related information of the core networks 300a and 300b both indicates renewable energy, the location information of the core networks 300a and 300b may be compared to select the core network 300 (e.g., 300a) that is closer to the terminal 200. By selecting a closer core network, communication delays between the terminal and the core network can be reduced. Furthermore, the amount of power generated by renewable energy may be estimated from the location information of the core networks 300a and 300b. For example, the weather at each location may be obtained from an external weather information server or the like based on the location information of the core networks 300a and 300b, the amount of power generated by solar power may be estimated from the weather at each location, and the core network 300 (e.g., 300a) with the highest estimated amount of power generation may be selected.

[0099] Next, the terminal 200 requests the base station 100 to connect to the selected core network 300 (e.g., 300a) (S407), similar to S107 in Fig. 10. Next, the base station 100 connects the terminal 200 to the core network 300 (e.g., 300a) (S408), similar to S108 in Fig. 10.

[0100] As described above, in this embodiment, a base station notifies a terminal of energy-related information and location information of a core network above the base station. This allows the terminal to appropriately select a core network to connect to by taking into account the received core network energy-related information as well as the core network location information, thereby achieving more eco-friendly communication.

[0101] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Each configuration in the above-described embodiments may be configured with hardware, software, or both, and may be configured with a single piece of hardware or software, or may be configured with multiple pieces of hardware or software. For example, each element (function) of a core network, a base station, a terminal, etc. may be implemented by a computer having a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory serving as a storage device. For example, each element may be implemented by storing a program for performing processing (methods) in the core network, a base station, a terminal, etc. in the memory, and executing the program stored in the memory on the processor. Each element may be implemented, for example, as a network element on dedicated hardware, as a software instance running on the dedicated hardware, or as a virtualization function instantiated on an application platform.

[0102] 17 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a core network (core network device) according to some embodiments. In the example of FIG. 17, a core network 300 includes a network interface 311, a processor 312, and a memory 313.

[0103] The network interface 311 is used to communicate with other network devices (e.g., base stations) that make up the communication system. The network interface 311 may include, for example, a network interface card (NIC) that complies with the IEEE 802.3 series. IEEE stands for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The network interface 311 may also include an S1 / NG interface for communication between a core network and the base station.

[0104] The processor 312 may be, for example, a microprocessor, a microprocessing unit (MPU), or a CPU. The processor 312 may include multiple processors.

[0105] The memory 313 is configured by a combination of volatile memory and nonvolatile memory. The memory 313 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, a hard disk drive, or a solid-state drive (SSD), or any combination thereof. The memory 313 may include storage located remotely from the processor 312. In this case, the processor 312 may access the memory 313 via an I / O (Input / Output) interface (not shown).

[0106] The memory 313 may store software modules (computer programs) including instructions and data for performing the processes of the core network 300 described in the above-described embodiments. In some implementations, the processor 312 may be configured to read and execute the software modules from the memory 313, thereby performing the processes of the core network 300 described in the above-described embodiments.

[0107] 18 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a base station according to some embodiments. In the example of FIG. 18, the base station 100 includes an RF transceiver 114, a network interface 111, a processor 112, and a memory 113.

[0108] The RF transceiver 114 performs analog RF signal processing for communication with the terminal 200. The RF transceiver 114 may include multiple transceivers. The RF transceiver 114 is coupled to the antenna 114a and the processor 112. The RF transceiver 114 receives a baseband transmit signal from the processor 112, generates a transmit RF signal, and provides the transmit RF signal to the antenna 114a. The RF transceiver 114 also generates a baseband receive signal based on the receive RF signal received by the antenna 114a and provides the baseband receive signal to the processor 112.

[0109] The network interface 111 is used to communicate with network nodes (e.g., core network nodes, other base stations). The network interface 111 may include, for example, a network interface card (NIC) conforming to the IEEE 802.3 series. The network interface 111 may include an S1 / NG interface for communication between the core network and base stations, and an X2 / Xn interface for communication between base stations.

[0110] The processor 112 performs data plane processing, including digital baseband signal processing, and control plane processing for wireless communication. For example, in the case of LTE and 5G, the digital baseband signal processing by the processor 112 may include signal processing of a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, a Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, a MAC layer, and a PHY layer. Furthermore, the control plane processing by the processor 112 may include processing of an RRC protocol and MAC CE.

[0111] The processor 112 may include multiple processors. For example, the processor 112 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 CPU or MPU) that performs control plane processing.

[0112] The memory 113 is configured by a combination of volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The memory 113 may include multiple physically independent memory devices. The memory 113 may also include storage located remotely from the processor 112. In this case, the processor 112 may access the memory 113 via the network interface 111 or an I / O interface (not shown).

[0113] The memory 113 may store software modules (computer programs) including instructions and data for performing the processes of the base station 100 described in the above-described embodiments. In some implementations, the processor 112 may be configured to read and execute the software modules from the memory 113 to perform the processes of the base station 100 described in the above-described embodiments.

[0114] 19 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a terminal according to some embodiments. In the example of FIG. 19, a terminal 200 includes an RF transceiver 211, a processor 212, and a memory 213.

[0115] The RF transceiver 211 performs analog RF signal processing for communication with the base station 100. The RF transceiver 211 is coupled to the antenna 211a and the processor 212. The RF transceiver 211 receives a baseband transmit signal from the processor 212, generates a transmit RF signal, and provides the transmit RF signal to the antenna 211a. The RF transceiver 211 also generates a baseband receive signal based on the receive RF signal received by the antenna 211a and provides the baseband receive signal to the processor 212.

[0116] The processor 212 includes a baseband processor and an application processor. The baseband processor performs data plane processing, including digital baseband signal processing, and control plane processing for wireless communication. For example, in the case of LTE and 5G, the digital baseband signal processing by the baseband processor may include signal processing of the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, the MAC layer, and the PHY layer. The control plane processing by the baseband processor may also include processing of the Non-Access Stratum (NAS) protocol, the RRC protocol, and MAC CE. The baseband processor may include a modem processor (e.g., a DSP) that performs digital baseband signal processing and a protocol stack processor (e.g., a CPU or MPU) that performs control plane processing.

[0117] The application processor is also referred to as a CPU, MPU, microprocessor, or processor core. The application processor may include multiple processors (multiple processor cores). The application processor executes a system software program (operating system (OS)) and various application programs read from the memory 213 or a memory not shown, thereby realizing various functions of the terminal 200. The application programs may be, for example, a call application, a web browser, a mailer, a camera operation application, or a music playback application.

[0118] The memory 213 is a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof. The memory 213 may include a plurality of physically independent memory devices. For example, the memory 213 may include an external memory device accessible from the processor 212. The memory 213 may also include an internal memory device integrated within the processor 212.

[0119] The memory 213 may store software modules (computer programs) including instructions and data for performing the processes described in the above-described embodiments by the terminal 200. In some implementations, the processor 212 may be configured to read and execute the software modules from the memory 213, thereby performing the processes of the terminal 200 described in the above-described embodiments.

[0120] In the above examples, the program includes instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform one or more functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium. By way of example and not limitation, computer-readable medium or tangible storage medium includes random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray disc or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage device. The program may also be transmitted on a transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium. By way of example and not limitation, transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium includes electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals.

[0121] 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.

[0122] It should be noted that each drawing is merely an example for describing one or more embodiments. Each drawing may not relate to only one particular embodiment, but may also relate to one or more other embodiments. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, various features or steps described with reference to any one drawing can be combined with features or steps shown in one or more other drawings to create, for example, an embodiment not explicitly shown or described. Not all features or steps shown in any one drawing are necessarily required to describe an exemplary embodiment, and some features or steps may be omitted. The order of steps described in any drawing may be changed as appropriate.

[0123] Some or all of the above embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes. (Supplementary Note 1) A base station in a wireless communication system comprising an upper network, a base station connected to the upper network, and a mobile station receiving information notified or broadcast from the base station, the base station being in a state in which the mobile station selects a base station or an upper network to connect to, the base station comprising: a transmitter for notifying or broadcasting energy-related information related to the upper network. (Supplementary Note 2) The base station according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the upper network is either an upper network of the base station itself or an upper network of a base station different from the base station itself. (Supplementary Note 3) The base station according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the energy-related information includes a type of energy supplied to components of the upper network, an amount of power generated from the energy, an amount of surplus energy, an environmental performance index of the energy, or CO2 emissions resulting from power generation of the energy. (Supplementary Note 4) The base station according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the transmitter notifies the mobile station of the energy-related information using a control message or broadcasts the energy-related information using a broadcast message. (Supplementary Note 5) The base station according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, further comprising an acquisition unit that acquires the energy-related information. (Supplementary Note 6) The base station according to Supplementary Note 5, wherein the acquisition unit, when the mobile station is roaming, acquires energy-related information related to an upper network on a home side connected to an upper network of the mobile station, and the transmission unit notifies or broadcasts the acquired energy-related information. (Supplementary Note 7) The base station according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the transmission unit notifies or broadcasts location information of the upper network. (Supplementary Note 8) A wireless communication system comprising an upper network, a base station connected to the upper network, and a mobile station that receives information notified or broadcast from the base station, the wireless communication system selecting a base station or upper network to which the mobile station connects, wherein the base station comprises: a transmission unit that notifies or broadcasts energy-related information related to the upper network.(Supplementary Note 9) The wireless communication system according to Supplementary Note 8, wherein the upper network is either an upper network of the own station or an upper network of a base station different from the own station. (Supplementary Note 10) A method executed by a base station in a wireless communication system comprising an upper network, a base station connected to the upper network, and a mobile station receiving information notified or broadcast from the base station, for selecting a base station or upper network to be connected to by the mobile station, the method comprising notifying or broadcasting energy-related information regarding the upper network.

[0124] Some or all of the elements (e.g., configurations and functions) described in Supplementary Notes 2 to 7 that are dependent on Supplementary Note 1 (base station) may also be dependent on Supplementary Note 8 (wireless communication system) and Supplementary Note 10 (method) in the same dependency relationship as Supplementary Notes 2 to 7. Some or all of the elements described in any Supplementary Note may be applied to various hardware, software, recording means for recording software, systems, and methods.

[0125] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-144584, filed September 6, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0126] 1, 2 Wireless communication system 10 Base station 11 Transmitter 20 Mobile station 30 Upper network 31 AMF 32 SMF 33 UPF 34 MME 35 S-GW 36 P-GW 100, 100a, 100b Base station 101 Acquisition unit 102 Notification unit 103 Connection unit 111 Network interface 112 Processor 113 Memory 114 RF transceiver 114a Antenna 200 Terminal 201 Acquisition unit 202 Selection unit 203 Connection unit 211 RF transceiver 211a Antenna 212 Processor 213 Memory 300, 300a, 300b, 300c Core network 301 Provision unit 302 Connection unit 303 Acquisition unit 311 Network interface 312 processor 313 memory

Claims

1. A base station in a wireless communication system comprising an upper network, a base station connected to the upper network, and a mobile station that receives information notified or broadcast from the base station, the base station selecting a base station or upper network to which the mobile station connects, the base station comprising a transmitting unit that notifies or broadcasts energy-related information regarding the upper network.

2. The base station according to claim 1, wherein the upstream network is either an upstream network of the base station itself or an upstream network of a base station different from the base station itself.

3. The base station according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the energy-related information includes a type of energy supplied to components of the upper network, an amount of energy generated, a surplus amount of energy, an environmental performance index of the energy, or an amount of CO2 emissions caused by the power generation of the energy.

4. The base station according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transmitting unit notifies the mobile station of the energy-related information by using a control message, or broadcasts the energy-related information by using a broadcast message.

5. The base station according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an acquisition unit that acquires the energy-related information.

6. The base station according to claim 5, wherein the acquisition unit acquires energy-related information relating to a higher-level network on the home side connected to the higher-level network of the base station when the mobile station is roaming, and the transmission unit notifies or broadcasts the acquired energy-related information.

7. The base station according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transmitting unit notifies or reports location information of the upper network.

8. A wireless communication system comprising an upper network, a base station connected to the upper network, and a mobile station that receives information notified or broadcast from the base station, the wireless communication system selecting a base station or upper network to which the mobile station connects, the base station comprising a transmitting unit that notifies or broadcasts energy-related information regarding the upper network.

9. The wireless communication system according to claim 8, wherein the upper network is either an upper network of the own station or an upper network of a base station different from the own station.

10. A method executed by a base station in a wireless communication system comprising an upper network, a base station connected to the upper network, and a mobile station that receives information notified or broadcast from the base station, the method selecting a base station or upper network to which the mobile station connects, the method notifying or broadcasting energy-related information regarding the upper network.

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