Terminal device, wireless communication system, and method

Abstract

Provided are a terminal device, a wireless communication system, and a method capable of achieving more ecological communication. The terminal is a terminal in a wireless communication system including upper-level networks, terminals, and a base station. The terminal includes a reference unit and a selection unit. The reference unit refers to energy-related information relating to the upper-level networks of the base station. The selection unit selects an upper-level network to connect to.

Description

Terminal device, wireless communication system and method

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

[0002] As a related technology, for example, Patent Document 1 describes that a network platform switches communications between some terminal devices to other mobile communication networks such as those of a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) depending on the network load.

[0003] Meanwhile, 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.

[0004] International Publication No. 2021 / 200099

[0005] However, related technologies such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1 can only switch the connection destination of a terminal depending on the load on the network, and therefore cannot realize more eco-friendly communication by taking into account information related to the energy of the wireless communication system.

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

[0007] A terminal device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a reference unit that references energy-related information related to an upper network of a base station, and a selection unit that selects the upper network to connect to.

[0008] A wireless communication system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a wireless communication system including a base station and a terminal device, wherein the terminal device includes a reference unit that references energy-related information regarding an upper network of the base station, and a selection unit that selects the upper network to connect to.

[0009] A method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a method in a terminal device, which refers to energy-related information regarding an upper network of a base station and selects the upper network to connect to.

[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 terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of a terminal 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 sequence diagram showing an example of an operation of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment. FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a configuration of a core network according to an embodiment. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment. FIG. 14 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 embodiments) First, an outline of the embodiments will be described. Fig. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system according to some embodiments. Fig. 2 shows an example of the configuration of a terminal 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 terminal 20. The upper network 30 is a network higher than the base station 10 and 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 a base station function to the terminal 20. For example, the base station 10 may be a next generation Node B (gNB) or an evolved Node B (eNB).

[0016] The terminal 20 is a mobile station that performs wireless communication with the base station 10. For example, the terminal 20 is a UE (User Equipment), etc. In the example of FIG. 2 , the terminal 20 includes a reference unit 21 and a selection unit 22.

[0017] The reference unit 21 refers to energy-related information related to the upper network 30 of the base station 10. The reference unit 21 may refer to energy-related information related to the upper network 30 connected to the base station 10, or may refer to energy-related information related to the upper network 30 connected to another base station different from the base station 10 (e.g., an adjacent base station). The reference unit 21 may refer to energy-related information acquired from another device, or may refer to energy-related information stored in a memory unit of the terminal 20. For example, the reference unit 21 may refer to energy-related information notified or broadcast from the base station 10.

[0018] The selection unit 22 selects the upper network 30 to connect to. For example, the selection unit 22 selects the upper network 30 to connect to based on the referenced energy-related information. The selection unit 22 may select the upper network 30 to connect to in accordance with predetermined energy-related conditions that are selection criteria for the upper network. The energy-related conditions may be held (stored) in a holding unit (storage unit) provided in the terminal 20.

[0019] 3 shows an example of the operation of a terminal according to some embodiments. In the example of FIG. 3, the terminal 20 refers to energy-related information related to the upper network 30 of the base station 10 (S11). The referred energy-related information is information related to energy supplied to components of the upper network 30. For example, the energy-related information may be the type of energy supplied to the components of the upper network 30, the amount of power generated from the supplied energy, the surplus amount of energy supplied, an environmental performance index of the supplied energy, or the amount of CO2 emissions resulting from the power generation of the supplied energy.

[0020] Next, the terminal 20 selects the upper network 30 to connect to (S12). For example, the terminal 20 may select the upper network 30 to connect to based on the referenced energy-related information in accordance with the energy-related conditions stored in the storage unit.

[0021] In this manner, in the embodiment, the terminal refers to the energy-related information of the upper network, which is the core network above the base station, and selects the upper network to connect to. For example, the terminal selects the upper network to connect to based on the referred energy-related information. This allows the terminal to select an ecological core network, thereby realizing more ecological communication.

[0022] (First Embodiment) Next, a description will be given of a first embodiment. In this embodiment, for example, a terminal selects a core network to connect to based on energy-related information of a core network above a base station.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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).

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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 .

[0033] 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).

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Fig. 9 shows an example of functions for realizing a terminal according to some embodiments. In the example of Fig. 9, the terminal 200 includes a storage unit 201, an acquisition unit 202, a selection unit 203, and a connection unit 204. The terminal 200 also includes other functions necessary for a terminal.

[0042] The storage unit 201 stores information necessary for the operation of the terminal 200. In this example, the storage unit 201 stores preference setting information. The preference setting information is information for setting the operation of the terminal 200. The preference setting information is set in advance and may be set, for example, in response to a user operation. For example, the preference setting information includes an operation mode of the terminal 200. The operation mode is a mode that specifies the selection criteria (energy-related conditions) of the core network 300 in the selection unit 203. For example, the operation mode includes a normal mode for performing normal communication and an eco mode for performing more ecological communication than normal. Note that the preference setting information is not limited to the operation mode and may also include selection conditions (selection criteria) of energy-related information for selecting the core network 300. For example, the preference setting information may include conditions for the type of energy (renewable energy, etc.), a reference value for the amount of power generated by renewable energy, a reference value for the amount of surplus renewable energy, a reference value for CO2 emissions, etc.

[0043] The acquisition unit 202 acquires energy-related information of the core network 300 above the base station 100 from the base station 100. For example, the acquisition unit 202 acquires energy-related information of a plurality of core networks 300a and 300b connected to the base station 100 that is accessed (wirelessly communicated) from the base station 100. The acquisition unit 202 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. The acquisition unit 202 may also receive the energy-related information through broadcast information broadcast from the base station 100. The acquisition unit 202 may acquire the energy-related information of the core network 300 from a storage unit in the terminal 200 or another external device. For example, energy-related information input by a user or the like may be stored in the storage unit, and the acquisition unit 202 may function as a reference unit that references the energy-related information stored in the storage unit.

[0044] The selection unit 203 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 202. When connecting to the core network 300 via multiple paths, such as multiple bearers, the selection unit 203 may select the core network 300 to connect to for each bearer (path). In this example, the selection unit 203 selects the core network 300 to connect to based on the energy-related information of the core network 300 in accordance with the preference setting information stored in the storage unit 201. For example, when the operation mode of the preference setting information is the eco mode, the selection unit 203 selects the core network 300 to connect to via the base station 100 based on the energy-related information of the multiple core networks 300 connected to the base station 100 to be accessed. When the operation mode is other than the eco mode, for example, the normal mode, the selection unit 203 may select the core network 300 to connect to without using the energy-related information of the core network 300. For example, the selection unit 203 may select the core network 300 to connect to based on a specification from a user or an application.

[0045] When the operation mode is the eco mode, the selection unit 203 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. Specifically, when the operation mode is the eco mode, the selection unit 203 may select the core network 300 to connect to based on any one or a combination of the energy-related information, such as the type of energy, the amount of energy, the CO2 emissions due to the power generation of the energy, and the environmental performance index of the energy. For example, when the operation mode is the eco mode, the selection unit 203 may select, from among the multiple core networks 300, the core network 300 that uses renewable energy, the core network 300 that generates the most renewable energy, the core network 300 that has the largest surplus amount of renewable energy, or the core network 300 that emits the least CO2.

[0046] When the preference setting information includes a selection condition for energy-related information, the selection unit 203 may select a core network 300 in accordance with the selection condition for energy-related information. For example, when the energy type condition is set to renewable energy, the selection unit 203 selects a core network 300 that uses renewable energy. When a reference value for the amount of power generation from renewable energy is set, the selection unit 203 selects a core network 300 in which the amount of power generation from renewable energy is greater than the reference value. When a reference value for the amount of surplus renewable energy is set, the selection unit 203 selects a core network 300 in which the amount of surplus renewable energy is greater than the reference value. When a reference value for CO2 emissions is set, the selection unit 203 selects a core network 300 in which the amount of CO2 emissions is less than the reference value.

[0047] Note that the core network 300 may be selected based on other selection criteria, not limited to the preference setting information. For example, the selection unit 203 may display the acquired energy-related information of the core network 300, and select the core network 300 specified by the user from the displayed core network 300. Furthermore, when the terminal 200 includes an execution unit (processor or the like) that executes an application (program) that communicates with the core network 300, the selection unit 203 may select the core network 300 according to the application being executed. For example, the selection unit 203 may determine whether or not to perform ecological communication for each application, and, for an application that performs ecological communication, may select the core network 300 in the same way as in the case of the eco mode.

[0048] The connection unit 204 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 204 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 204 may request the base station 100 to connect to the core network 300 selected by the selection unit 203, and connect to the requested core network 300.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] Next, the terminal 200 selects a core network 300 to connect to (S106). For example, when the acquisition unit 202 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.

[0057] Then, the selection unit 203 refers to the preference setting information in the storage unit 201, and 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 in accordance with the preference setting information. 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.

[0058] For example, when the operation mode in the preference setting information is the eco mode, the selection unit 203 selects the more ecological core network 300 from the core network 300a and the core network 300b. Specifically, when the operation mode is the eco mode, the selection unit 203 may select the more ecological 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. When the operation mode is the eco mode, the selection unit 203 may select the more ecological core network 300a when the amount of power generation from renewable energy included in the energy-related information of the core network 300a is greater than the amount of power generation from renewable energy included in the energy-related information of the core network 300b. When the operation mode is the eco mode, the selection unit 203 may select the more ecological core network 300a if 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.When the operation mode is the eco mode, the selection unit 203 may select the more ecological core network 300a if the CO2 emissions included in the energy-related information of the core network 300a are less than the CO2 emissions included in the energy-related information of the core network 300b.

[0059] Next, the terminal 200 requests the base station 100 to connect to the core network 300 (S107). For example, when the connecting unit 204 selects the core network 300a based on the preference setting information and the energy-related information, the connecting unit 204 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 procedure for connecting the terminal 200 and the core network 300a is not limited. For example, the connecting unit 204 may transmit a registration request message specifying the core network 300a to connect to the base station 100 in order to register the terminal 200 in the core network 300a.

[0060] 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.

[0061] As described above, in this embodiment, a terminal acquires energy-related information of a core network above a base station, and selects a core network to connect to based on the acquired energy-related information of the core network. This allows the terminal to appropriately select a core network to connect to in accordance with the 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.

[0062] In addition, by selecting a core network according to energy-related information in accordance with preference setting information set on the terminal, it is possible to switch in the settings whether or not communication is to be performed using an ecological core network.

[0063] (Embodiment 2) Next, embodiment 2 will be described. In this embodiment, for example, a base station to which a terminal is to be handed over is selected based on energy-related information of a core network higher than the base station to which the terminal is connected 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 the configurations shown in embodiment 1 may be used as appropriate.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 12 illustrates an example of the operation of a wireless communication system according to some embodiments, in which a handover is performed from a base station 100a (a source base station, a handover source base station, or a serving base station) to a base station 100b (a target base station or a handover destination base station).

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] Next, the terminal 200 selects a base station 100 to connect to (S208). For example, when the acquisition unit 202 receives an energy-related information notification from the base station 100a, the acquisition unit 202 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 202 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.

[0078] Then, the selection unit 203 selects a base station 100 as a handover destination 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 203 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 destination to connect to is the same as S106 in Fig. 10 . That is, the selection unit 203 selects a core network 300 and a base station 100 based on the acquired energy-related information of the core network 300a and the energy-related information of the core network 300b, in accordance with the preference setting information in the storage unit 201. For example, when the operating mode of the preference setting information is eco mode, and the type of energy included in the energy-related information of the core network 300a connected to the base station 100a is fossil energy, and the type of energy included in the energy-related information of the core network 300b connected to the base station 100b is renewable energy, the selection unit 203 selects the core network 300b and also selects the base station 100b connected to the core network 300b.

[0079] Next, the terminal 200 requests a handover to the base station 100b (S209). For example, if the selection unit 203 selects a base station 100b different from the currently connected base station 100a, the connection unit 204 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 203 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] As described above, in this embodiment, a base station to which a terminal is to be handed over is selected based on energy-related information of a core network higher than the base station to which the terminal is connected and energy-related information of core networks higher than other base stations. This allows the terminal to appropriately select a base station to which the terminal is to be handed over, depending on the energy-related information of the core network. For example, by selecting a base station connected to a core network that uses renewable energy and performing a handover, more eco-friendly communication can be achieved.

[0082] (Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, for example, when a terminal roams, the terminal selects a home core network to connect to based on energy-related information of the home core network. 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] Next, the terminal 200 selects a core network 300 to connect to (S308). As in S106 of FIG. 10 , when the selection unit 203 receives the energy-related information notification from the base station 100, the selection unit 203 selects a home-side core network 300 to connect to based on the received energy-related information in accordance with the preference setting information in the storage unit 201. The method of selecting a core network 300 is the same as the example described in the first embodiment. That is, when the operation mode in the preference setting information is the eco mode, the selection unit 203 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. For example, when the operation mode in the preference setting information is the eco mode, the selection unit 203 may select the core network 300a if the energy type included in the energy-related information of the home-side core network 300a is renewable energy and the energy type included in the energy-related information of the home-side core network 300b is fossil energy. The home core network 300 to connect to may be selected based on the energy-related information of the destination core network 300c.

[0096] 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, the connection unit 204 selects the home-side core network 300a based on the preference setting information and the energy-related information, and then transmits a connection request to the base station 100 to connect to the selected home-side core network 300a. For example, the connection request includes identification information of the home-side core network 300a acquired from the received energy-related information notification.

[0097] 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.

[0098] As described above, in this embodiment, when a terminal roams, the terminal selects a home core network to connect to based on the energy-related information of the home core network. This allows the terminal to appropriately select a home core network to connect to in accordance with the energy-related information of the core network, thereby achieving more ecological communication.

[0099] (Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, for example, a terminal selects a core network to connect to based on energy-related information and location information of a core network upstream of a 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, as in the second embodiment, a base station to which the terminal is to hand over may be selected based on energy-related information and location information of a core network upstream of a base station to which the terminal is connected and energy-related information and location information of a core network upstream of another base station. As in the third embodiment, when the terminal roams, the terminal may select a home core network to connect to based on energy-related information and location information of the home core network.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] Next, the terminal 200 selects a core network 300 to connect to (S406). Similar to S106 in FIG. 10 , upon receiving 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 203 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 in accordance with the preference setting information in the storage unit 201. For example, if the operation mode in the preference setting information is the eco mode and 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 between the core networks 300a and 300b is within a predetermined range, the core network 300 may be selected based on the location information. A selection condition (selection criterion) for the location information may be set in the preference setting information. For example, when the operating mode is eco mode and 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 delay between the terminal and the core network can be reduced. When a reference value for the distance between the terminal 200 and the core network 300 is set as a selection condition for location information, the core network 300 whose distance between the terminal 200 and the core network 300 is closer than the reference value may be selected. 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] As described above, in this embodiment, a terminal selects a core network to connect to based on energy-related information and location information of a core network above a base station. This allows the terminal to appropriately select a core network to connect to by taking into account the location information of the core network as well as the energy-related information of the core network, thereby achieving more ecological communication.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] The processor 312 may be, for example, a microprocessor, a microprocessing unit (MPU), or a CPU. The processor 312 may include multiple processors.

[0113] 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).

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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).

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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.

[0131] Some or all of the above embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes. (Supplementary Note 1) A terminal device comprising: a reference unit that references energy-related information related to an upper network of a base station; and a selection unit that selects the upper network to connect to. (Supplementary Note 2) The terminal device according to Supplementary Note 1, 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, a surplus amount of the energy, an environmental performance index of the energy, or CO2 emissions due to power generation of the energy. (Supplementary Note 3) The terminal device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the selection unit selects the upper network to connect to based on the energy-related information. (Supplementary Note 4) The terminal device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, comprising: a storage unit that stores energy-related conditions as selection criteria for the upper network; and the selection unit selects the upper network to connect to depending on the energy-related conditions. (Supplementary Note 5) The terminal device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, comprising: an execution unit that executes an application that communicates with the upper network; and the selection unit selects the upper network to connect to depending on the executed application. (Supplementary Note 6) The terminal device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the reference unit references the energy-related information notified or broadcast from the base station. (Supplementary Note 7) The terminal device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the energy-related information includes energy-related information related to an upper network of a neighboring base station adjacent to the base station, and the selection unit selects a base station to connect to based on the energy-related information. (Supplementary Note 8) The terminal device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the terminal device is configured to be able to roam, the energy-related information includes energy-related information related to an upper network on a home side connected to an upper network of the base station, and the selection unit selects the upper network on the home side to connect to via the base station. (Supplementary Note 9) The terminal device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the reference unit references location information of the upper network, and the selection unit selects the upper network to connect to based on the energy-related information and the location information.(Supplementary Note 10) A wireless communication system comprising a base station and a terminal device, wherein the terminal device comprises: a reference unit that references energy-related information related to an upper network of the base station; and a selection unit that selects the upper network to connect to. (Supplementary Note 11) A method in a terminal device, comprising: referring to energy-related information related to an upper network of the base station; and selecting the upper network to connect to.

[0132] Some or all of the elements (e.g., configurations and functions) described in Supplementary Notes 2 to 9 that are dependent on Supplementary Note 1 (terminal device) may also be dependent on Supplementary Note 10 (wireless communication system) and Supplementary Note 11 (method) in the same dependency relationship as Supplementary Note 2 to Supplementary Note 9. 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.

[0133] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-144586, filed September 6, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0134] 1, 2 Wireless communication system 10 Base station 20 Terminal 21 Reference unit 22 Selection unit 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 Storage unit 202 Acquisition unit 203 Selection unit 204 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 terminal device comprising: a reference unit that references energy-related information regarding an upper network of a base station; and a selection unit that selects the upper network to connect to.

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

3. The terminal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the selection unit selects the upper network to connect to based on the energy-related information.

4. The terminal device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a storage unit that stores energy-related conditions as selection criteria for the upper network, and the selection unit selects the upper network to connect to in accordance with the energy-related conditions.

5. The terminal device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an execution unit that executes an application for communicating with the upper network, wherein the selection unit selects the upper network to connect to depending on the application being executed.

6. The terminal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reference unit refers to the energy-related information notified or broadcast by the base station.

7. A terminal device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the energy-related information includes energy-related information regarding an upper network of an adjacent base station adjacent to the base station, and the selection unit selects a base station to connect to based on the energy-related information.

8. A terminal device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the terminal device is configured to be capable of roaming, the energy-related information includes energy-related information regarding a home-side upper network connected to an upper network of the base station, and the selection unit selects the home-side upper network to connect to via the base station.

9. The terminal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reference unit refers to location information of the upper network, and the selection unit selects the upper network to connect to based on the energy-related information and the location information.

10. A wireless communication system comprising a base station and a terminal device, wherein the terminal device comprises: a reference unit that references energy-related information regarding an upper network of the base station; and a selection unit that selects the upper network to connect to.

11. A method in a terminal device, comprising: referring to energy-related information regarding an upstream network of a base station; and selecting the upstream network to connect to.

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