RU device, control device, communication system, communication method, and program

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an RU device, a control device, and a communication method in which an appropriate energy saving mode can be selected. An RU device according to the present disclosure comprises: a management means that supports at least one power saving mode and manages power information in which identification information of the power saving mode, information pertaining to power consumption when the RU device operates in the power saving mode, and external conditions when the RU device operates in the power saving mode are associated with one another; and a communication means that transmits the power information to the control device that controls the RU device.

Description

RU device, control device, communication system, communication method and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an RU device, a control device, and a communication method.

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

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

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

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

[0006] The awake state is a state in which the O-RU operates normally (normal mode) rather than in energy saving mode. On the other hand, the sleeping state is a state in which the O-RU operates in energy saving mode. In the sleeping state, only functions related to the M-Plane are operated, and functions related to the C / U / S-Plane can be stopped to reduce power consumption (see, for example, Sections 9.1.3 and 20 of Non-Patent Document 1). For example, in the energy saving mode, the operation of some or all of the multiple antennas possessed by the O-RU may be stopped. Note that the power-state may include UNKNOWN in addition to AWAKE and SLEEPING.

[0007] Also, Non-Patent Document 1 discloses that a NETCONF client assigns an extended antenna-carrier identifier (eAxC_ID). The eAxC ID is used by a C-Plane or U-Plane application to manage eCPRI (enhanced Common Public Radio Interface) communication between an O-DU and an O-RU in the C-Plane or U-Plane. The eAxC_ID may also be used to identify a data layer transmitted between an O-RU and an O-DU.

[0008] O-RAN.WG4.MP.0-R003-v12.00, O-RAN Working Group 4 (Open Fronthaul Interfaces WG) Management Plane SpecificationO-RAN.WG4.CUS.0-R003-v12.00, O-RAN Working Group 4 (Open Fronthaul Interfaces WG) Control, User and Synchronization Plane Specification

[0009] The energy saving mode has multiple levels depending on the functions to be stopped or the number of hardware components to be stopped, etc. In other words, the energy saving mode has multiple modes, such as a mode that achieves a high power saving effect in the O-RU, a mode that achieves a low power saving effect in the O-RU, and a mode that achieves a power saving effect intermediate between these modes. The control device selects an energy saving mode to operate in the O-RU so as to increase the power saving effect in the O-RU. Here, it is desirable for the control device to select a more appropriate mode as the energy saving mode to be applied in the O-RU, thereby increasing the power saving effect.

[0010] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an RU device, a control device, and a communication method that enable a more appropriate energy saving mode to be selected.

[0011] An RU device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure supports at least one power saving mode and comprises a management means for managing power information that associates identification information of the power saving mode, information regarding power consumption when the RU device operates in the power saving mode, and external conditions when the RU device operates in the power saving mode, and a communication means for transmitting the power information to a control device that controls the RU device.

[0012] A control device according to a second aspect of the present disclosure comprises a communication means for receiving power information from an RU device that supports at least one power saving mode, the power information relating to identification information of the power saving mode, information relating to power consumption when the RU device operates in the power saving mode, and external conditions when the RU device operates in the power saving mode, and a control means for performing power saving control of the RU device using the power information.

[0013] A communication system according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is a communication system comprising an RU device and a control device that controls the RU device, wherein the RU device supports at least one power saving mode and is configured to transmit power information that associates identification information of the power saving mode, information regarding power consumption when the RU device operates in the power saving mode, and external conditions when the RU device operates in the power saving mode, and the control device is configured to receive the power information.

[0014] A communication method according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a communication method executed in an RU (Radio unit) device, wherein the RU device supports at least one power saving mode, manages power information that associates identification information of the power saving mode, information regarding power consumption when the RU device operates in the power saving mode, and external conditions when the RU device operates in the power saving mode, and transmits the power information to a control device that controls the RU device.

[0015] A program according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to manage power information that is associated with identification information of at least one power saving mode supported by an RU device, information regarding power consumption when the RU device operates in the power saving mode, and external conditions when the RU device operates in the power saving mode, and to transmit the power information to a control device that controls the RU device.

[0016] The present disclosure makes it possible to provide an RU device, a control device, and a communication method that enable a more appropriate energy saving mode to be selected.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an RU device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the flow of communication processing executed in an RU device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a control device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the flow of communication processing executed in a control device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a communication system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram related to hardware of an O-RU according to the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a start-up mechanism between an O-RU and an O-DU according to the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the flow of processing related to get-config according to the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the flow of processing related to edit-config according to the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of various devices according to the present disclosure.

[0018] (Embodiment 1) An example of the configuration of an RU device 10 will be described below with reference to Fig. 1. The RU device 10 may be software or a module in which processing is performed by a processor executing a program stored in a memory. The RU device 10 may be, for example, an O-RU node (hereinafter referred to as O-RU) defined by the O-RAN alliance. The node may correspond to an entity (device) or a function.

[0019] The RU device 10 has a management unit 11 and a communication unit 12. The management unit 11 and the communication unit 12 may be software or modules that perform processing when a processor executes a program stored in a memory. Alternatively, the management unit 11 and the communication unit 12 may be hardware such as a circuit or a chip. The management unit 11 may be a component of the RU device 10 used as management means. The communication unit 12 may be a component of the RU device 10 used as communication means.

[0020] The RU apparatus 10 operates according to several operating modes. For example, the RU apparatus 10 operates in a power saving mode or a normal mode. The RU apparatus 10 has multiple antenna elements. For example, in the normal mode, all antennas of the RU apparatus 10 may operate, and in the power saving mode, at least one of the multiple antennas of the RU apparatus 10 may be stopped. Alternatively, among all the antenna elements of the RU apparatus 10, some may operate in the normal mode and some may operate in the power saving mode. The multiple antenna elements may be arranged in an array. In other words, the multiple antenna elements may constitute at least one antenna array.

[0021] Furthermore, the power saving mode may have multiple modes. Each power saving mode may be identified by different identification information. Each power saving mode may have, for example, different power saving effects. For example, each power saving mode may have a different number of hardware components that are operated in the RU apparatus 10. Alternatively, each power saving mode may have a different number of antenna elements that are operated in the RU apparatus 10. Alternatively, each power saving mode may have a different function that is operated in the RU apparatus 10.

[0022] The RU device 10 may support at least one of multiple power saving modes. The multiple power saving modes may be, for example, all power saving modes that can be managed by the control device 20 that manages the RU device 10. For example, the power saving modes supported by the RU device 10 may differ depending on the hardware configuration, installed functions, etc. For example, the RU device 10 may support different power saving modes than other RU devices that have different hardware configurations or functions from the RU device 10. For example, the power saving modes supported by RU devices may differ depending on the vendor.

[0023] The management unit 11 manages power information that associates identification information of the power saving mode supported by the RU device 10, information on power consumption when the RU device 10 operates in the power saving mode, and external conditions when the RU device 10 operates in the power saving mode. The identification information may be, for example, information that is uniquely identified in a communication system including the RU device 10 and the control device 20.

[0024] The information regarding the power consumption when the RU device 10 operates in the power saving mode may be, for example, the amount of power consumed by the RU device 10 when the RU device 10 operates in the power saving mode for a predetermined period of time. Alternatively, the information regarding the power consumption when the RU device 10 operates in the power saving mode may be the difference between the amount of power consumed when the RU device 10 operates in the normal mode for a predetermined period of time and the amount of power consumed when the RU device 10 operates in the power saving mode for a predetermined period of time.

[0025] The power consumption when operating in the power saving mode and the power consumption when operating in the normal mode may be actual values ​​measured by the RU device 10, or may be values ​​published by a manufacturer, etc. The actual measured values ​​may be measured when the RU device 10 is specified by the control device 20 as the power saving mode or the normal mode and operates in the specified mode.

[0026] The external conditions may be, for example, information indicating external factors that affect the operation of the RU device 10. The external factors or external conditions may be weather information. Specifically, the weather information may be information indicating temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, weather, etc. For example, the RU device 10 operating in a high-temperature or high-humidity environment may have worse performance than when operating in a low-temperature or high-humidity environment. Furthermore, during rainfall, the communication conditions between the RU device 10 and a terminal device (UE (User Equipment)) (not shown) may deteriorate. In such cases, the strength of the radio waves transmitted by the RU device 10 may be increased to improve the communication conditions, which may result in higher power consumption by the RU device 10. Therefore, the RU device 10 operating in a high-temperature or high-humidity environment may experience a higher processing load and consume more power than when operating in a low-temperature or low-humidity environment. In other words, the RU device 10 operating in an appropriate temperature or humidity environment or a low temperature or low-humidity environment may consume less power than when operating in a high-temperature or high-humidity environment. In addition, the RU device 10 installed in an area where it is not raining may consume less power than the RU device 10 operating in an area where it is raining. Here, high or low temperature and humidity may mean higher or lower than a predetermined reference value, or higher or lower than a temperature and humidity to be compared. Furthermore, for example, the information indicating the weather may be information indicating the weather in the area where the RU device 10 is installed. In addition, the information indicating the weather may be information indicating the amount of precipitation in the area where the RU device 10 is installed.

[0027] If the RU device 10 supports multiple power saving modes, information related to power consumption and external conditions may be associated with each power saving mode. Also, if multiple external conditions exist, multiple external conditions and power consumption under each external condition may be associated with each power saving mode.

[0028] The communication unit 12 transmits the power information to the control device 20 that controls the RU device 10. The communication unit 12 may transmit the power information to the control device 20 when receiving a request message from the control device 20 requesting acquisition of the power information. Alternatively, the communication unit 12 may transmit the power information to the control device 20 periodically.

[0029] Next, a communication method executed in the RU device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. First, the management unit 11 associates identification information of at least one power saving mode supported by the RU device 10, information related to power consumption when the RU device 10 operates in the power saving mode, and external conditions when the RU device 10 operates in the power saving mode (S11).

[0030] Next, the communication unit 12 transmits the power information to the control device 20 that controls the RU device 10 (S12). The power information is information that associates identification information of at least one power saving mode supported by the RU device 10, information related to power consumption when the RU device 10 operates in the power saving mode, and external conditions when the RU device 10 operates in the power saving mode.

[0031] Next, a configuration example of the control device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 . The control device 20 may be software or a module in which processing is performed by a processor executing a program stored in a memory. The control device 20 may be, for example, a DU device, and more specifically, an O-DU node (hereinafter referred to as O-DU) defined by the O-RAN Alliance. Alternatively, the control device 20 may be an SMO node. A node may correspond to an entity (device) or a function. Alternatively, the control device 20 may be a RIC. Specifically, for example, when a Non-RT RIC is provided in the SMO and a Near-RT RIC is provided between the SMO and the O-DU and O-CU, the control device 20 may be at least one of the Non-RT RIC and the Near-RT RIC. That is, the control device 20 may be at least one of the O-DU, SMO, Non-RT RIC, and Near-RT RIC. Note that the RIC may be provided integrally with the O-DU. In this case, the control device 20 may be such an integrated O-DU and RIC.

[0032] The control device 20 has a communication unit 21 and a control unit 22. The communication unit 21 and the control unit 22 may be software or modules that perform processing by a processor executing a program stored in a memory. Alternatively, the communication unit 21 and the control unit 22 may be hardware such as a circuit or a chip. The communication unit 21 may be a component of the control device 20 that is used as communication means. The control unit 22 may be a component of the control device 20 that is used as control means.

[0033] The communication unit 21 receives power information from the RU device 10 that supports at least one power saving mode. The power information is information that associates identification information of the power consumption mode, information about the power consumption when the RU device 10 operates in the power saving mode, and external conditions when the RU device 10 operates in the power saving mode.

[0034] The communication unit 21 may receive the power information from the RU device 10 after transmitting a request message requesting acquisition of the power information to the RU device 10. That is, the communication unit 21 may receive a response message including the power information as a response message to the request message. Alternatively, the communication unit 21 may periodically receive the power information from the RU device 10.

[0035] The control unit 22 uses the power information to perform power saving control of the RU device 10. The power saving control may, for example, determine a power saving mode to be operated in the RU device 10. For example, the control unit 22 may select a power saving mode with the highest power saving effect based on information regarding power consumption when the RU device 10 operates in the power saving mode and external conditions. Furthermore, the power saving control may include notifying the RU device 10 of the determined power saving mode.

[0036] Here, the control device 20 may be connected to multiple RU devices 10. That is, the control device 20 may be capable of communicating with multiple RU devices 10 and may receive power information from multiple RU devices 10. In this case, the control unit 22 may select at least one RU device 10 to operate in power saving mode, for example, based on the power information received from each RU device 10. For example, the control unit 22 may select the RU device 10 that offers the highest power saving effect as the RU device 10 to operate in power saving mode. Alternatively, the control unit 22 may select at least one RU device 10 that offers a power saving effect higher than a predetermined standard as the RU device 10 to operate in power saving mode.

[0037] The power-saving mode with the highest power-saving effect may be, for example, the power-saving mode that operates with the lowest amount of power consumption among a plurality of power-saving modes, or the power-saving mode with the highest power-saving effect may be the power-saving mode that operates with the largest difference in power consumption from the normal mode among a plurality of power-saving modes.

[0038] Next, the processing flow of the communication method in the control device 20 will be explained using Fig. 4. First, the communication unit 21 receives power information from the RU device 10 that supports at least one power saving mode (S21). The power information is information that associates identification information of the power consumption mode, information related to the power consumption when the RU device 10 operates in the power saving mode, and external conditions when the RU device 10 operates in the power saving mode.

[0039] Next, the control unit 22 performs power saving control of the RU device 10 using the power information (S22).

[0040] As described above, the power information may be information that associates identification information of at least one power saving mode supported by the RU device 10, information about power consumption when the RU device 10 operates in the power saving mode, and external conditions when the RU device 10 operates in the power saving mode. Alternatively, the power information may be a portion of this information. In this case, the remaining information may be transmitted from the RU device 10 to the control device 20 separately from the power information.

[0041] When performing power saving control of the RU device 10, the control unit 22 may use, in addition to the power information, information indicating the current value or measured value of each external condition in the RU device 10. In this case, the measured temperature value may be the result of PEE measurements (e.g., PEE.AvgTemperature, PEE.MinTemperature, or PEE.MaxTemperature) in 3GPP (registered trademark) specifications (e.g., TS 28.552). Also, the measured humidity value may be the result of such PEE measurements (e.g., PEE.Humidity).

[0042] As described above, the RU apparatus 10 transmits power information relating to power consumption when operating in a supported power saving mode and associated with external conditions to the control apparatus 20. The control apparatus 20 selects a power saving mode based on the power information so as to maximize the power saving effect. Furthermore, the control apparatus 20 may select at least one RU apparatus 10 from multiple RU apparatuses 10 that maximizes the power saving effect when operated in the power saving mode.

[0043] In this way, the control device 20 performs power saving control taking external conditions into consideration, thereby enabling the selection of a power saving mode that provides a greater power saving effect or the selection of an RU device 10. As a result, the power saving effect of the entire communication system including the RU device 10 and the control device 20 can be improved.

[0044] (Embodiment 2) Next, an example of the configuration of a communication system will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The communication system of Fig. 5 illustrates the M-Plane architecture model defined by the O-RAN Alliance. The communication system of Fig. 5 includes an O-RU 30, an O-DU 40, and an SMO 50. The O-RU 30 corresponds to the RU device 10 of Fig. 1. The O-DU 40 corresponds to the control device 20 of Fig. 3. In addition, the communication system may include an O-CU node and a Near-RT RIC (near real-time RAN intelligent controller) node (not shown). Furthermore, the SMO 50 may include a Non-RT RIC (non real-time RAN intelligent controller) node (not shown). The O-RU may be simply referred to as an RU. The O-DU may be simply referred to as a DU. The O-CU may be simply referred to as a CU.

[0045] Furthermore, the O-RU 30 and the O-DU 40 may perform communications related to the C-Plane and the U-Plane. A VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) different from the VLAN assigned to the M-Plane may be assigned to the C-Plane and the U-Plane. Assigning a VLAN may mean assigning a VLAN ID. The same VLAN may be assigned to the C-Plane and the U-Plane, or different VLANs may be assigned to them.

[0046] The O-RU 30 is a logical node that performs lower-level functions of the physical layer (PHY-Low) and RF (Radio Frequency) processing. Alternatively, the O-RU 30 may be a physical device that incorporates the O-RU, which is a logical node. The lower-level functions of the physical layer may be, for example, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) / Inverse FFT (IFFT) processing, Bea Forming (BF) processing, etc.

[0047] The O-DU 40 is a logical node that performs functions in the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, and Media Access Control (MAC) layer, as well as functions higher than the physical layer. Alternatively, the O-DU 40 may be a physical device that incorporates the O-DU, which is a logical node. The functions higher than the physical layer may include, for example, encoding and modulation processing, and decoding and demodulation processing. The functions in the PDCP layer may be performed in a logical node called a Central Unit (CU) (not shown).

[0048] The SMO 50 performs maintenance and orchestration (control) of the RAN (Radio Access Network) and the RIC (RAN Intelligent Controller), which is a platform that realizes optimization of radio resource management and automation of operations. While FIG. 5 illustrates a configuration in which the O-RU 30 and the O-DU 40 are connected and the O-DU 40 and the SMO 50 are connected, the O-RU 30 and the SMO 50 may be connected as indicated by dotted lines. Also, while FIG. 5 illustrates a one-to-one configuration in which the O-RU 30, the O-DU 40, and the SMO 50 are connected, the O-RU 30 may be managed by multiple O-DUs 40. Furthermore, the O-RU 30 may be managed by multiple SMOs 50. The SMO 50 may also be replaced with an NMS.

[0049] Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the O-RU 30 will be explained using Fig. 6. The O-RU 30 has an FPU (Fronthaul Processing Unit) 31, a DPU (Digital Processing Unit) 32, and an RPU (Radio Frequency Processing Unit) 35. The FPU 31 is connected to multiple DPUs 32. Furthermore, each DPU 32 is connected to multiple RPUs 35.

[0050] The FPU 31 receives compressed or decompressed eCPRI (Enhanced Common Public Radio Interface) packets from the O-DU 40 and performs optical to electrical conversion. The eCPRI packets may be packets transmitted via User Datagram Protocol (UDP) / IP, for example. The eCPRI packets may also be referred to as frames transmitted in a layer above UDP / IP.

[0051] The DPU 32 has a digital front end (DFE) 33 and an analog front end (AFE) 34. The DFE 33 receives eCPRI packets from the FPU 31 via a packet interface. The DFE 33 performs compression or decompression, low-phy processing, digital down-conversion (DDC), digital up-conversion (DUC), crest factor reduction (CFR), and digital pre-distortion (DPD) on the received packets. The low-phy processing may be, for example, fast Fourier transform (FFT), inverse FFT (IFFT), cyclic prefix (CP) addition, CP removal, physical random access channel (PRACH) filtering, etc.

[0052] The AFE 34 performs an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) or a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The signal that has undergone ADC or DAC processing in the AFE 34 is output to the RPU 35.

[0053] The DPU 32, the AFE 34, and the RPU 35 may each be an FPGA- or ASIC-based module, and may be realized using a single SoC (System on a Chip) or multiple ICs (Integrated Circuits).

[0054] In the RPU 35, signal processing is performed using a mixer, a PA (Power Amplifier), an LNS (Low Noise Amplifier), etc. After the signal processing is performed, the signal is transmitted via an antenna element.

[0055] Next, as an example in which the O-DU 40 acquires the capability of the O-RU 30, the start-up mechanism between the O-RU 30 and the O-DU 40 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The start-up mechanism is a process that is executed, for example, when the O-RU 30 is powered on or restarted while the O-DU 40 is in operation or started up. Restart may also be referred to as rebooting or the like.

[0056] In the start-up mechanism, a Secure Shell (SSH) or Transport Layer Security (TLS) connection is established between the O-RU 30 and the O-DU 40 (S21). Next, NETCONF capability discovery is performed between the O-RU 30 and the O-DU 40. In NETCONF capability discovery, for example, the O-RU 30 transmits or advertises the NETCONF capability to the O-DU 40 using a NETCONF Hello message. The NETCONF capability may simply be referred to as a capability. The NETCONF capability is information indicating, for example, the functions or capabilities supported by the O-RU 30. Specifically, the NETCONF capability includes various information such as a writable-running capability and a startup configuration capability. Here, the NETCONF capability may include identification information that identifies at least one power saving mode supported by the O-RU 30. Furthermore, the NETCONF capability may include information regarding the power consumption when the O-RU 30 operates in each power saving mode at a predetermined temperature (e.g., air temperature). A single temperature or multiple temperatures may be set as the predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature may be set as a range of values, such as 15 degrees to 20 degrees. Furthermore, the NETCONF capability may include information regarding the power consumption when the O-RU 30 operates in normal mode at a predetermined temperature. Furthermore, the NETCONF capability may include information indicating the difference between the amount of power consumed when the O-RU 30 operates in normal mode at a predetermined temperature and the amount of power consumed when the O-RU 30 operates in power-saving mode at a predetermined temperature. If the O-RU 30 supports multiple power-saving modes ... for each power-saving mode.

[0057] Each power saving mode may operate using different hardware. For example, the DPUs and RPUs that operate, or the DPUs and RPUs that are stopped, may be determined for each power saving mode. Alternatively, the number of DPUs and the number of RPUs that operate may be determined for each power saving mode. In other words, each DPU may operate independently. "Operating independently" may mean that each DPU does not depend on the processing operations of other DPUs. Therefore, even if the operation of some DPUs is stopped, the other DPUs can still operate. Furthermore, the DPU may be configured using a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Each RPU may also operate independently.

[0058] Because the hardware configuration differs for each power-saving mode, the power consumption of the O-RU 30 differs for each power-saving mode. Furthermore, even when the O-RU 30 operates in the same power-saving mode, the power consumption differs depending on the temperature when the O-RU 30 operates in an environment with different temperatures.

[0059] The power consumption when operating in each power saving mode may be, for example, a value measured in advance using O-RU 30, an estimated value such as a theoretical value, or a performance value or catalog value determined as the capability of O-RU 30.

[0060] The NETCONF capability may also include information on power consumption depending on humidity, atmospheric pressure, or weather instead of temperature, or may include information on power consumption depending on a combination of at least two of temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, and weather. The temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, or weather may be, for example, the temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, or weather at the location where the O-RU 30 is installed. Alternatively, the temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, or weather may be the temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, or weather at any location in a predetermined area including the O-RU 30.

[0061] Furthermore, the NETCONF capability may include information indicating the power supply source used by the O-RU 30. The power supply source may be, for example, a power supply source using renewable energy, a power supply source that is stably supplied regardless of weather, etc. Furthermore, the NETCONF capability may include the amount of power supplied by each power supply source used by the O-RU 30. Furthermore, the NETCONF capability may include information regarding the maximum power consumption of the O-RU 30. Information regarding the power supply source, supply amount, and maximum power consumption may be managed by the O-RU 30.

[0062] Next, the flow of processing related to get-config included in NETCONF operations executed in the Configuration Management function will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0063] In FIG. 8 , the O-RU 30 operates as a NETCONF server, and the O-DU 40 operates as a NETCONF client. First, the O-DU 40 sends a request message to the O-RU 30 (S31). For example, an RPC (remote procedure call) get may be set in the request message. Next, the O-RU 30 sends a response message to the request message to the O-DU 30 (S32). For example, an RPC-reply may be set in the response message. The response message with an RPC-reply set contains, as data, parameters held by the O-RU 30 and the status of the O-RU 30. In other words, the O-DU 40 retrieves, from the O-RU 30, the parameters held by the O-RU 30, the status of the O-RU 30, etc., by executing the get procedure.

[0064] The parameters held by the O-RU 30 may be represented, for example, in the form of a data model (YANG data model) described using YANG. Furthermore, a YANG data model indicating parameters or states of the O-RU 30 that can be changed by the O-DU 40 may be defined as a YANG module. Specifically, a YANG data model indicating parameters or states used in the M-Plane may be defined as a reusable YANG module.

[0065] The YANG data model or YANG module may have parameters that indicate the hardware status of the O-RU 30. For example, the parameters that indicate the hardware status may be defined in o-ran-hardware. Specifically, the O-DU 40 may acquire the parameters or status defined in the o-ran-uplane-hardware.yang module from the O-RU 30.

[0066] The O-DU 40 may acquire the power state from the O-RU 30 as the state of the O-RU 30. Specifically, the O-DU 40 may acquire information indicating whether each piece of hardware constituting the O-RU 30 is in an awake state or a sleeping state.

[0067] Next, the flow of processing related to edit-config included in NETCONF operations executed in the Configuration Management function according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9 . The O-DU 40 updates the configuration information acquired from the O-RU 30 to a data model that transitions to a power-saving mode. For example, the O-DU 40 may set the parameter "active" of hardware to be put into an awake state to "ACTIVE" in accordance with the power-saving mode determined based on the NETCONF capability received from the O-RU 30. Furthermore, the O-DU 40 may set the parameter "active" of hardware to be put into a sleeping state to "INACTIVE" or "SLEEP" in accordance with the power-saving mode determined based on the NETCONF capability received from the O-RU 30. The O-DU 40 transmits a request message in which rpc edit-config is set to the O-RU 30 (S41). The request message includes the data model updated in the O-DU 40.

[0068] Next, the O-RU 30 updates the state of the hardware in accordance with the received data model (S42).

[0069] Next, the O-RU 30 transmits a response message in which rpc-reply is set to the O-DU 40 (S43).

[0070] Here, the O-DU 40 may determine the power saving mode to be set in the O-RU 30 when receiving the NETCONF capability in the startup mechanism. For example, the O-DU 40 may determine in advance the power saving mode to be set in the O-RU 30 for each temperature. The O-DU 40 may set the power saving mode with the highest power saving effect for each temperature. A high power saving effect may mean that the power consumption is less than a predetermined power consumption. Alternatively, the power saving mode with the highest power saving effect may be a power saving mode with the largest difference in power consumption from the amount of power consumed when operating in normal mode.

[0071] In this case, the O-DU 40 may periodically receive temperature information from a server that manages weather information, etc. Alternatively, the O-DU 40 may acquire temperature information around the O-RU 30 in a reply message of an RPC (remote procedure call) get. Alternatively, the O-DU 40 may acquire information indicating the temperature of the O-RU 30 or the temperature around the O-RU 30 in another message transmitted from the O-RU 30 to the O-DU 40, and use the acquired information as temperature information. Alternatively, the O-DU 40 may acquire information indicating the temperature (e.g., PEE.AvgTemperature, PEE.MinTemperature, or PEE.MaxTemperature) included in the results of PEE measurements related to the O-RU 30, and use the acquired information as temperature information. The O-DU 40 may update the current data model of the O-RU 30 to a data model that transitions to a power saving mode in accordance with a predetermined power saving mode for the current temperature.

[0072] Furthermore, the O-RU 30 may notify the O-DU 40 of information indicating the power supply source used by the O-RU 30. Specifically, for example, the NETCONF capability may include information indicating the power supply source used by the O-RU 30. In this case, the O-DU 40 may determine the power-saving mode by taking into account not only the temperature but also the information indicating the power supply source. For example, if the O-RU 30 includes a stable power supply source that is not affected by the weather, the O-DU 40 may select a power-saving mode that provides a high power-saving effect. Specifically, the O-DU 40 may select a power-saving mode that reduces the power consumption of the O-RU 30. If the O-RU 30 includes a power supply source that uses renewable energy, the O-DU 40 may select a power-saving mode that provides a power-saving effect lower than a predetermined standard. Specifically, the O-DU 40 may select a power-saving mode that results in a higher power consumption of the O-RU 30 than other power-saving modes. Alternatively, if the O-RU 30 includes a stable power supply source that is not affected by weather, etc., the O-DU 40 may select a power-saving mode with a low power-saving effect. Furthermore, if the O-RU 30 includes a power supply source that uses renewable energy, the O-DU 40 may select a low power-saving mode with a high power-saving effect.

[0073] As described above, in the startup mechanism that is executed when the O-RU 30 is started, the O-DU 40 acquires the capability of the O-RU 30. The capability includes information about the power-saving modes supported by the O-RU 30 and the power consumption when operating in the power-saving mode under specified weather conditions. By acquiring the capability of the O-RU 30, the O-DU 40 can select a power-saving mode that will maximize the power saving effect of the O-RU 30.

[0074] (Embodiment 3) Next, a description will be given of a process in which the O-DU 40 acquires a capability in get-config included in NETCONF operations executed in the Configuration Management function. The flow of the process in which the O-DU 40 acquires a capability is the same as that in Fig. 8, and therefore will be described using Fig. 8.

[0075] The request message transmitted by the O-DU 40 to the O-RU 30 in step S31 may include parameters, instruction information, etc., requesting acquisition of a capability.

[0076] In step S32, the O-RU 30 may transmit a response message including the capability to the O-DU 40.

[0077] The O-DU 40 uses the received capability to determine the power saving mode to be set in the O-RU 30. The O-DU 40 updates the current data model of the O-RU 30 to the power saving mode in accordance with the determined power saving mode. The O-DU 40 includes the updated data model in a request message in which rpc edit-config shown in Fig. 9 is set.

[0078] As described above, the capability indicating the power information in the O-RU 30 may be transmitted from the O-RU 30 to the O-DU 40 in a get procedure that requests the O-DU 40 to acquire parameters or status in the O-RU 30. Having acquired the capability indicating the power information, the O-DU 40 can implement power saving control so as to increase the power saving effect in the O-RU 30, as in the second embodiment.

[0079] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an RU device 10, a control device 20, an O-RU 30, and an O-DU 40 (hereinafter referred to as RU device 10, etc.). Referring to FIG. 10, the RU device 10, etc. includes a network interface 1201, a processor 1202, and a memory 1203. The network interface 1201 may be used to communicate with a network node. The network interface 1201 may include, for example, a network interface card (NIC) conforming to the IEEE 802.3 series. IEEE stands for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

[0080] The processor 1202 reads and executes software (computer programs) from the memory 1203 to perform the processing of the RU device 10 and the like described using flowcharts in the above-described embodiments. The processor 1202 may be, for example, a microprocessor, an MPU, or a CPU. The processor 1202 may include multiple processors.

[0081] The memory 1203 is configured by a combination of volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The memory 1203 may include storage located remotely from the processor 1202. In this case, the processor 1202 may access the memory 1203 via an I / O (Input / Output) interface (not shown).

[0082] 10, the memory 1203 is used to store software modules. The processor 1202 reads and executes these software modules from the memory 1203, thereby performing the processing of the RU device 10 and the like described in the above-described embodiment.

[0083] As explained using FIG. 10, each of the processors of the RU device 10 etc. executes one or more programs including a group of instructions for causing a computer to perform the algorithm explained using the drawing.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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 necessary 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.

[0087] Some or all of the above embodiments may be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes. (Supplementary Note 1) An RU (Radio unit) device, the RU device supporting at least one power saving mode, comprising: management means for managing power information in which identification information of the power saving mode, information regarding power consumption when the RU device operates in the power saving mode, and external conditions when the RU device operates in the power saving mode are associated; and communication means for transmitting the power information to a control device that controls the RU device. (Supplementary Note 2) The RU device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the external conditions are information indicating external factors that affect the operation of the RU device. (Supplementary Note 3) The RU device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the external conditions indicate weather information. (Supplementary Note 4) The RU device according to any one of Supplements 1 to 3, wherein the management means manages the power consumption at a first temperature at a location where the RU device is installed in association with the power consumption at a second temperature different from the first temperature. (Supplementary Note 5) The RU device according to any one of Supplements 1 to 4, wherein the management means associates and manages the power consumption at a first humidity at a location where the RU device is installed with the power consumption at a second humidity different from the first humidity. (Supplementary Note 6) The RU device according to any one of Supplements 1 to 5, wherein the management means manages information regarding the amount of power supplied to the RU device by a power supply source that supplies power to the RU device, and the communication means transmits the information regarding the amount of power supply to the control device. (Supplementary Note 7) The RU device according to any one of Supplements 1 to 6, wherein the management means manages information regarding the maximum amount of power consumption in the RU device, and the communication means transmits the information regarding the maximum amount of power consumption to the control device. (Supplementary Note 8) The RU device according to any one of Supplements 1 to 7, wherein the communication means transmits the power information to the control device when receiving a request message from the control device requesting acquisition of the power information.(Supplementary Note 9) A control device comprising: a communication means for receiving, from an RU device supporting at least one power saving mode, power information associating identification information of the power saving mode, information relating to power consumption when the RU device operates in the power saving mode, and external conditions when the RU device operates in the power saving mode; and a control means for performing power saving control of the RU device using the power information. (Supplementary Note 10) The control device according to Supplementary Note 9, wherein the external conditions are information indicating external factors that affect the operation of the RU device. (Supplementary Note 11) The control device according to Supplementary Note 9 or 10, wherein the external conditions indicate weather information. (Supplementary Note 12) The control device according to any one of Supplements 9 to 11, wherein the communication means receives from the RU device information relating to the amount of power supplied to the RU device by a power supply source that supplies power to the RU device. (Supplementary Note 13) The control device according to any one of Supplements 9 to 12, wherein the communication means receives from the RU device information relating to the maximum power consumption of the RU device. (Supplementary Note 14) The control device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 9 to 13, wherein the communication means transmits to the RU device a request message requesting acquisition of the power information from the RU device. (Supplementary Note 15) The control device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 9 to 14, wherein the communication means receives the power information from two or more of the RU devices, and the control means determines, based on the power information, which RU device to operate in the power saving mode from among the two or more RU devices. (Supplementary Note 16) A communication system comprising an RU device and a control device that controls the RU device, wherein the RU device supports at least one power saving mode and is configured to transmit power information that associates identification information of the power saving mode, information regarding power consumption when the RU device operates in the power saving mode, and external conditions when the RU device operates in the power saving mode, and the control device is configured to receive the power information.(Supplementary Note 17) A communication method executed in an RU (Radio unit) device, wherein the RU device supports at least one power saving mode, manages power information in which identification information of the power saving mode, information related to power consumption when the RU device operates in the power saving mode, and external conditions when the RU device operates in the power saving mode are associated, and transmits the power information to a control device that controls the RU device. (Supplementary Note 18) A communication method executed in a control device, receives power information in which identification information of the power saving mode, information related to power consumption when the RU device operates in the power saving mode, and external conditions when the RU device operates in the power saving mode, from an RU device that supports at least one power saving mode, and performs power saving control of the RU device using the power information. (Supplementary Note 19) A program that causes a computer to manage power information in which identification information of at least one power saving mode supported by an RU device, information regarding power consumption when the RU device operates in the power saving mode, and external conditions when the RU device operates in the power saving mode are associated, and transmit the power information to a control device that controls the RU device. (Supplementary Note 20) A program that causes a computer to receive power information in which identification information of the power saving mode, information regarding power consumption when the RU device operates in the power saving mode, and external conditions when the RU device operates in the power saving mode are associated, from an RU device that supports at least one power saving mode, and perform power saving control of the RU device using the power information.

[0088] Some or all of the elements (e.g., configurations and functions) described in Supplementary Notes 2 to 8 that are dependent on Supplementary Note 1 may also be dependent on Supplementary Notes 17 and 19 in the same dependency relationship as Supplementary Notes 2 to 8. Some or all of the elements (e.g., configurations and functions) described in Supplementary Notes 10 to 15 that are dependent on Supplementary Note 9 may also be dependent on Supplementary Notes 18 and 20 in the same dependency relationship as Supplementary Notes 10 to 15. Some or all of the elements described in any Supplementary Note may be applicable to various hardware, software, recording means for recording software, systems, and methods.

[0089] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-170387, filed September 29, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

[0090] 10 RU device 11 Management unit 12 Communication unit 20 Control device 21 Communication unit 22 Control unit 30 O-RU 31 FPU 32 DPU 33 DFE 34 AFE 35 RPU 40 O-DU 50 SMO

Claims

1. A RU (Radio unit) device, the RU device supporting at least one power saving mode, comprising: a management means for managing power information that associates identification information of the power saving mode, information regarding power consumption when the RU device operates in the power saving mode, and external conditions when the RU device operates in the power saving mode; and a communication means for transmitting the power information to a control device that controls the RU device.

2. The RU device according to claim 1, wherein the external condition is information indicating an external factor that affects the operation of the RU device.

3. The RU device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the external conditions indicate weather information.

4. An RU device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the management means manages the power consumption at a first temperature at a location where the RU device is installed in association with the power consumption at a second temperature different from the first temperature.

5. An RU device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the management means manages the power consumption at a first humidity in a location where the RU device is installed in association with the power consumption at a second humidity different from the first humidity.

6. An RU device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the management means manages information regarding the amount of power supplied to the RU device by a power supply source that supplies power to the RU device, and the communication means transmits the information regarding the amount of power supplied to the control device.

7. An RU device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the management means manages information relating to a maximum power consumption amount in the RU device, and the communication means transmits the information relating to the maximum power consumption amount to the control device.

8. An RU device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the communication means transmits the power information to the control device when a request message requesting acquisition of the power information is received from the control device.

9. A control device comprising: a communication means for receiving power information from an RU device supporting at least one power saving mode, the power information relating to the identification information of the power saving mode, information relating to the power consumption when the RU device operates in the power saving mode, and external conditions when the RU device operates in the power saving mode; and a control means for performing power saving control of the RU device using the power information.

10. The control device according to claim 9, wherein the external condition is information indicating an external factor that affects the operation of the RU device.

11. A control device as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the external conditions indicate weather information.

12. A control device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the communication means receives information from the RU device regarding the amount of power supplied to the RU device by a power supply source that supplies power to the RU device.

13. A control device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the communication means receives information relating to a maximum power consumption amount in the RU device from the RU device.

14. A control device according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the communication means transmits a request message to the RU device to request acquisition of the power information from the RU device.

15. A control device as described in any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the communication means receives the power information from two or more of the RU devices, and the control means determines, based on the power information, the RU device to be operated in the power saving mode from among the two or more RU devices.

16. A communication system comprising an RU device and a control device that controls the RU device, wherein the RU device supports at least one power saving mode and is configured to transmit power information that associates identification information of the power saving mode, information regarding power consumption when the RU device operates in the power saving mode, and external conditions when the RU device operates in the power saving mode, and the control device is configured to receive the power information.

17. A communication method executed in an RU (Radio unit) device, wherein the RU device supports at least one power saving mode, manages power information that associates identification information of the power saving mode, information regarding power consumption when the RU device operates in the power saving mode, and external conditions when the RU device operates in the power saving mode, and transmits the power information to a control device that controls the RU device.

18. A communication method executed in a control device, comprising: receiving power information from an RU device supporting at least one power saving mode, the power saving mode being associated with identification information of the power saving mode, information regarding power consumption when the RU device operates in the power saving mode, and external conditions when the RU device operates in the power saving mode; and using the power information to perform power saving control of the RU device.

19. A program that causes a computer to manage power information that associates identification information of at least one power saving mode supported by an RU device, information regarding power consumption when the RU device operates in the power saving mode, and external conditions when the RU device operates in the power saving mode, and transmit the power information to a control device that controls the RU device.

20. A program that causes a computer to receive, from an RU device that supports at least one power saving mode, power information that associates identification information of the power saving mode, information regarding power consumption when the RU device operates in the power saving mode, and external conditions when the RU device operates in the power saving mode, and to perform power saving control of the RU device using the power information.

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