Network node and control method

Abstract

This network node includes: a reception unit that receives, from a second network node, a first message including a first identifier indicating a subscription request related to power information in a first network node for processing user plane data, and setting information in analysis related to scale-in of the first network node, and that receives the power information from the first network node; a control unit that executes said analysis based on the setting information and the power information and generates an information element for determining execution of the scale-in; and a transmission unit that transmits, to the second network node, a second message for notification of the information element.

Description

Network node and control method

[0001] The present invention relates to a network node and a control method in a communication system.

[0002] 3GPP (registered trademark) (3rd Generation Partnership Project) is currently studying a wireless communication system called 5G or NR (New Radio) (hereinafter, the wireless communication system will be referred to as "5G" or "NR") in order to achieve a larger system capacity, a higher data transmission speed, and a lower latency in wireless sections. Various wireless technologies are being studied for 5G to meet the requirements of achieving a throughput of 10 Gbps or more while keeping latency in wireless sections to 1 ms or less.

[0003] In NR, a network architecture including 5GC (5G Core Network) or 5GS (5G System) corresponding to EPC (Evolved Packet Core), which is the core network in the network architecture of LTE (Long Term Evolution), and NG-RAN (Next Generation - Radio Access Network) corresponding to E-UTRAN (Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network), which is the RAN (Radio Access Network) in the network architecture of LTE, is being considered (for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

[0004] 5GS also supports AI (Artificial Intelligence) and machine learning technologies to support intelligent network automation. The NWDAF (Network Data Analytics Function) collects data from data sources such as the NF (Network Function), AF (Application Function), and OAM (Operations, Administration, and Maintenance), analyzes the network data based on the input data, and provides the analysis results (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 2).

[0005] 3GPP TS 23.501 V18.3.0 (2023-09) 3GPP TS 23.288 V18.3.0 (2023-09) 3GPP TS 23.502 V18.3.0 (2023-09)

[0006] Reducing power consumption is an important issue from the perspective of energy efficiency in order to realize a sustainable society. For example, power consumption can be reduced by stopping the operation of unnecessary equipment (scale-in). 3GPP has a function to collect information such as communication volume and load status in the UPF (User Plane Function).

[0007] However, the function of collecting power-related information in the UPF is not specified, and the operation of the UPF cannot be controlled using information about power in the UPF.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and aims to perform UPF scale-in in a communication system using information related to power in the UPF.

[0009] According to the disclosed technology, there is provided a network node having: a receiver that receives a first message from a second network node, the first message including a first identifier indicating a subscription request for power information in a first network node that processes user plane data and configuration information in an analysis regarding scale-in of the first network node, and receives the power information from the first network node; a controller that performs the analysis based on the configuration information and the power information to generate an information element that determines whether to perform the scale-in; and a transmitter that transmits a second message notifying the information element to the second network node.

[0010] According to the disclosed technology, in a communication system, it is possible to scale in the UPF using information about power in the UPF.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a communication system. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a communication system in a roaming environment. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining data collection and data analysis by NWDAF. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining DCCF and MFAF. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining scale-in of UPF. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an overview of processing in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a sequence diagram in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of a first information element in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of a second information element in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of the functional configuration of a base station 10 and a network node 30 in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of the functional configuration of a terminal 20 in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of the hardware configuration of a base station 10 and a terminal 20 in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of a vehicle 2001 in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is an example, and the embodiment to which the present invention is applied is not limited to the following embodiment.

[0013] In the operation of the wireless communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention, existing technology is used as appropriate. However, the existing technology is, for example, the existing LTE, but is not limited to the existing LTE. Furthermore, the term "LTE" used in this specification has a broad meaning including LTE-Advanced, and systems subsequent to LTE-Advanced (e.g., NR), or wireless LAN (Local Area Network), unless otherwise specified.

[0014] Furthermore, in the embodiments of the present invention, "configuring" radio parameters and the like may mean that predetermined values ​​are pre-configured, or that radio parameters notified from the network node 30 or the terminal 20 are set.

[0015] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system. As shown in Fig. 1, the communication system is composed of a UE, which is a terminal 20, and multiple network nodes 30. Hereinafter, it is assumed that one network node 30 corresponds to each function, but multiple functions may be realized by one network node 30, or multiple network nodes 30 may realize one function. Furthermore, the "connection" described below may be a logical connection or a physical connection.

[0016] The RAN (Radio Access Network) is a network node 30 having a radio access function, which may include a base station 10, and is connected to a UE, an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function), and a UPF (User plane function). The AMF is a network node 30 having functions such as terminating the RAN interface, terminating the NAS (Non-Access Stratum), registration management, connection management, reachability management, and mobility management. The UPF is a network node 30 having functions such as a PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session point to the outside that interconnects with a DN (Data Network), packet routing and forwarding, and user plane QoS (Quality of Service) handling. The UPF and the DN constitute a network slice. In the wireless communication network according to the embodiment of the present invention, multiple network slices are constructed.

[0017] The AMF is connected to the UE, RAN, SMF (Session Management function), NSSF (Network Slice Selection Function), NEF (Network Exposure Function), NRF (Network Repository Function), UDM (Unified Data Management), AUSF (Authentication Server Function), PCF (Policy Control Function), and AF (Application Function). The AMF, SMF, NSSF, NEF, NRF, UDM, AUSF, PCF, and AF are network nodes 30 that are mutually connected via interfaces based on their respective services, Namf, Nsmf, Nnssf, Nnef, Nnrf, Nudm, Nausf, Npcf, and Naf.

[0018] The SMF is a network node 30 having functions such as session management, UE IP (Internet Protocol) address allocation and management, DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) function, ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) proxy, and roaming function. The NEF is a network node 30 having a function of notifying other NFs (Network Functions) of capabilities and events. The NSSF is a network node 30 having functions such as selecting a network slice to which a UE connects, determining an allowed NSSAI (Network Slice Selection Assistance Information), determining an NSSAI to be set, and determining an AMF set to which a UE connects. The PCF is a network node 30 having a function of controlling network policies. The AF is a network node 30 having a function of controlling application servers. The NRF is a network node 30 having a function of discovering NF instances that provide services. The UDM is a network node 30 that manages subscriber data and authentication data. The UDM is connected to a UDR (User Data Repository) that stores the data.

[0019] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system in a roaming environment. As shown in Fig. 2, the network is composed of a UE, which is a terminal 20, and multiple network nodes 30. Hereinafter, it is assumed that one network node 30 corresponds to each function, but multiple functions may be realized by one network node 30, or multiple network nodes 30 may realize one function. Furthermore, the "connection" described below may be a logical connection or a physical connection.

[0020] The RAN is a network node 30 having a radio access function, and is connected to the UE, the AMF, and the UPF. The AMF is a network node 30 having functions such as RAN interface termination, NAS termination, registration management, connection management, reachability management, and mobility management. The UPF is a network node 30 having functions such as a PDU session point to the outside that interconnects with the DN, packet routing and forwarding, and user plane QoS handling. The UPF and the DN constitute a network slice. In the wireless communication network according to the embodiment of the present invention, multiple network slices are constructed.

[0021] The AMF is connected to the UE, RAN, SMF, NSSF, NEF, NRF, UDM, AUSF, PCF, AF, and SEPP (Security Edge Protection Proxy). The AMF, SMF, NSSF, NEF, NRF, UDM, AUSF, PCF, and AF are network nodes 30 that are interconnected via respective service-based interfaces, Namf, Nsmf, Nnssf, Nnef, Nnrf, Nudm, Nausf, Npcf, and Naf.

[0022] The SMF is a network node 30 having functions such as session management, UE IP address allocation and management, DHCP function, ARP proxy, and roaming function. The NEF is a network node 30 having a function of notifying other NFs of capabilities and events. The NSSF is a network node 30 having functions such as selecting a network slice to which a UE connects, determining an allowed NSSAI, determining a configured NSSAI, and determining an AMF set to which a UE connects. The PCF is a network node 30 having a function of controlling network policies. The AF is a network node 30 having a function of controlling application servers. The NRF is a network node 30 having a function of discovering NF instances that provide services. The SEPP is a non-transparent proxy that filters control plane messages between PLMNs (Public Land Mobile Networks). The vSEPP shown in FIG. 2 is a SEPP in the visited network, and the hSEPP is a SEPP in the home network.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, a UE is in a roaming environment connected to a RAN and an AMF in a Visited PLMN (VPLMN). The VPLMN and a Home PLMN (HPLMN) are connected via a vSEPP and an hSEPP. The UE can communicate with a UDM in the HPLMN via the AMF in the VPLMN, for example.

[0024] In addition, the network nodes described in Figures 1 and 2 may be able to communicate with each other, including a Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF), an Operations, Administration and Maintenance (OAM), a Data Collection Coordination Function (DCCF), and a Messaging Framework Adaptor NF (MEAF).

[0025] Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining data collection and data analysis by the NWDAF. The 5G System (5GS) supports AI (Artificial Intelligence) and machine learning technologies to support intelligent network automation. As shown in Figure 3, the NWDAF collects data from data sources such as NFs, AFs, and OAMs, analyzes the collected data as input data, and provides the analysis results to the NFs, AFs, and OAMs (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 2).

[0026] Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining DCCF and MFAF. As shown in Figure 4, DCCF and MFAF are placed between NWDAF and NF, which is a data source (for example, Non-Patent Document 2). Here, DCCF has a function for coordinating data collection. MEAF has a service function that enables 5GS to interact with the messaging framework.

[0027] <First Embodiment> A first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, a procedure for scaling in a UPF in a communication system using information about power consumption in the UPF will be described. From the perspective of energy efficiency toward realizing a sustainable society, reducing power consumption is an important issue. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the scaling in of a UPF. As shown in FIG. 5, in conventional operations, when an existing UPF1 is operating between a DN (Data Network) and a UE (User Equipment, terminal), if another UE connects, if UPF1 is not on the path, a new UPF2 is activated from the OAM via the SMF. However, activating a UPF simply because a UPF is not on the path is not necessarily appropriate from the perspective of energy efficiency, and there are cases where keeping a UPF running is not essential (for example, when communication volume is small). Therefore, it is effective to stop the operation of the UPF (scale in) depending on the situation.

[0028] In addition, 3GPP has a function to collect information such as the amount of communication and the load status in the UPF between the DN and the UE. However, the function to collect power-related information in the UPF is not specified, so it is not possible to grasp the power usage status.

[0029] In the first embodiment, the NWDAF collects information on the data volume, which is the amount of communication in the UPF, and the load status in the UPF, and also collects power-related information of the UPF as an extended function. Furthermore, the NWDAF analyzes the collected data and scales in the UPF based on the analysis results. Figure 6 is a diagram for explaining an overview of the processing in this embodiment of the present invention. The processing of each step in Figure 6 will be explained below.

[0030] Step S1: The Consumer sends a message to the NWDAF requesting a subscription to data collection and data analysis for a specified information collection target. The message includes an analytics ID that specifies the information collection target and configuration information such as thresholds for data analysis. The information collection targets specified are UPF power-related information, data volume (communication volume) in the UPF, and information on the load status in the UPF. The Consumer is a network node that consumes or purchases the data collection and data analysis services provided by the NWDAF.

[0031] Step S2: The NWDAF periodically collects information on power-related information, data volume, and load status from the UPF2 and UPF2 directly, via the SMF, or via the OAM.

[0032] Step S2-a: If the Consumer is an OAM, the NWDAF may send the collected data directly to the Consumer (i.e., OAM) without analyzing the data.

[0033] Step S3: The NWDAF performs analysis of the collected data. Alternatively, if the Consumer is an OAM, the Consumer (i.e., the OAM) may perform analysis of the collected data.

[0034] Step S4: The NWDAF determines whether to scale in the UPF based on the analysis result of the data. Alternatively, if the Consumer is an OAM, the Consumer (i.e., the OAM) may determine whether to scale in the UPF based on the analysis result of the data.

[0035] Step S5: The NWDAF sends an instruction to the SMF to change the PDU session to another UPF (from UPF2 to UPF1). Alternatively, if the Consumer is the OAM, the Consumer (i.e., the OAM) may send an instruction to the SMF to change the PDU session to another UPF (from UPF2 to UPF1).

[0036] Step S6: The NWDAF instructs the OAM to stop operation of UPF2. As a result, the UPF that handles user plane data between the UE and the DN is changed from UPF2 to UPF1.

[0037] Next, the details of the processing in Example 1 will be explained using a sequence diagram. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence diagram in an embodiment of the present invention. The processing of each step in Fig. 7 will be explained below.

[0038] Step S201: User plane data is transmitted and received in UL (Upload) and UL (Download) between the UE 20 and the UPF 30D. The UPF 30D is managed by the SMF 30E.

[0039] Step S202: Consumer 30A sends to NWDAF 30B a message requesting a subscription to data collection and data analysis, the message including an analysis identifier (Analytics ID) that specifies collection of UPF power-related information (i.e., indicating a subscription request for the power information) and setting information for data analysis. The request message specifies power-related information ("EnergyRelatedInfo") as input data as the analysis identifier (Analytics ID), and may be expressed as, for example, Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe (Analytics ID="EnergyRelatedInfo", input data). The request message also specifies collection of information related to the collection of UPF power-related information, such as data volume, which is the communication volume in UPF, and load status in UPF.

[0040] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a first information element according to an embodiment of the present invention. The information element shown in FIG. 8 includes the following information as setting information for data analysis.

[0041] S-NSSAI (Single-Network Slice Selection Assistance Information) is an identifier that identifies the network slice to which analysis information is provided.

[0042] DNN (Data Network Name) is information that identifies the name of the data network (for example, the Internet) to which analysis information is provided.

[0043] The notification type is set as a type related to the timing of sending a notification, for example, a type of notification related to whether it is a periodic notification and / or a notification based on detection of threshold crossing based on data analysis. For example, 1 may be set when periodic notification is set, 2 when notification based on detection of threshold crossing is set, or 3 when both periodic notification and notification based on detection of threshold crossing are set. Information related to the period used in periodic notification may also be set.

[0044] The type of threshold crossing (Type of Crossed Reporting Threshold(s)) is set to a type related to the format for detecting threshold crossing. For example, 1 may be set for a format in which notification is made when the threshold is exceeded, 2 for a format in which notification is made when the threshold is fallen below, or 3 for a format in which notification is made when the threshold is exceeded and when the threshold is fallen below. Also, a different format may be set for each data to be analyzed (power-related information, data volume indicating UPF communication volume, and UPF load status).

[0045] The threshold value(s) is set to a threshold value (power-related information (e.g., 100 kWh), data volume indicating the communication volume of the UPF (e.g., 10 Mbps), and UPF load status (e.g., 20%)) required for data analysis (detection of threshold crossing, etc.). Furthermore, if both cases of exceeding and falling below the threshold are set for the above-mentioned types of threshold crossing, a single common threshold may be set, or a threshold may be set independently for each case.

[0046] The type of data analysis (Type of Data Analytics) is set to the type of data analysis performed by the NWDAF30B. For example, if data analysis related to scale-in is performed, 1 is set. However, if the OAM performs data analysis, this setting is not used.

[0047] The Related Analytics ID is an Analytics ID(s) corresponding to data collection and analysis performed in relation to EnergyRelatedInfo, which indicates power-related information received by the NWDAF 30B. For example, PDU session traffic, which indicates the amount of data communication in the UPF, and NF load information, which indicates additional information in the UPF, are set.

[0048] Returning to the sequence diagram of FIG.

[0049] Step S203: In response to the message received in step S202, the NWDAF 30B collects power-related information from the active UPFs (UPF 30C and UPF 30D) (see section 4.15.4.5.3 of Non-Patent Document 3). The collection may be performed, for example, directly between the NWDAF 30B and the UPFs, or via the SMF 30D or the OAM 30G. The UPFs 30C and 30D also receive a subscription request for power-related information from the NWDAF 30B directly or via another network node. The UPFs 30C and 30D then transmit the power-related information (e.g., energy [kWh]) to the NWDAF 30B directly or via another network node.

[0050] Step S204: In response to the message received in step S202, the NWDAF 30B collects information on data volume, which indicates the amount of communication in the UPF, from the active UPFs (UPF 30C and UPF 30D) (see section 6.20 of Non-Patent Document 2). For example, the collection may be performed directly between the NWDAF 30B and the UPF, or may be determined via the SMF 30D or the OAM 30G. Furthermore, the UPF 30C and UPF 30D receive a subscription request for information on data volume, which indicates the amount of communication in the UPF, from the NWDAF 30B directly or via another network node. Furthermore, the UPF 30C and UPF 30D transmit the amount of data volume, which is the amount of communication in the UPF, to the NWDAF 30B directly or via another network node.

[0051] Step S205: In response to the message received in step S202, the NWDAF 30B collects information related to the load status in the UPF from the active UPFs (UPF 30C and UPF 30D) (see section 6.5 of Non-Patent Document 2). The collection may be performed, for example, directly between the NWDAF 30B and the UPF, or may be determined via the SMF 30D or the OAM 30G. Furthermore, the UPF 30C and the UPF 30D receive a subscription request for information related to the load status in the UPF from the NWDAF 30B directly or via another network node. Furthermore, the UPF 30C and the UPF 30D transmit information related to the load status in the UPF to the NWDAF 30B directly or via another network node.

[0052] Here, if data analysis related to scale-in is set as the type of data analysis in the setting information received in step S202, the NWDAF 30B performs data analysis related to scale-in in step S206. If the type of data analysis is not set (if the Consumer 30A is the same as the OAM 30G), step S206 is skipped, and in step S207, the NWDAF 30B transmits the information collected in steps S203 to S205 to the Consumer 30A as is, and in step S208, the Consumer 30A performs data analysis related to scale-in.

[0053] Step S206: The NWDAF 30B performs data analysis related to scale-in based on the information received in steps S203 to S205 and generates analysis results (output data). If a notification based on threshold crossing detection is set as the notification type in the configuration information, the NWDAF 30B decides to send a notification when it determines that the power amount indicated by the power-related information, the data volume (communication volume in the UPF), and the load in the UPF (e.g., a value between 0 and 100%) have crossed the threshold. Here, the determination of whether the threshold has been crossed is performed based on the threshold crossing type in the configuration information, the value of each piece of information received last time, and the value of each piece of information received this time. Also, if the Consumer 30A is the OAM 30G and the OMA 30G performs the data analysis, this step may not be performed.

[0054] For example, the notification is set to be sent when the threshold crossing type for all of the power amount, data amount, and load falls below the threshold, and NWDAF30B decides to send a notification if at least one of the power amount, data amount, and load received last time was not below the threshold, and all of the power amount, data amount, and load received this time are below the threshold.

[0055] Alternatively, the threshold crossing type may be set when the power consumption exceeds a threshold, and when the data volume and load fall below a threshold. That is, if the power consumption is high even when the data volume and load in the UPF are low (not in use) (for example, in a UPF with a large device scale), scaling-in is determined to be performed. In this way, the execution (notification) of scaling-in of the UPF can be determined based on the power consumption.

[0056] Step S207: The NWDAF 30B transmits a message notifying the Consumer 30A of the data analysis result (output data). Here, if data analysis related to scale-in is set as the type of data analysis in the setting information, the notification message notifies that the conditions for executing scale-in have been met. If the notification type in the setting information is periodic notification, the amount by which each of the values ​​of power-related information, data volume, and UPF load status exceeds a threshold is notified as the data analysis result. Furthermore, the notification message may be expressed as, for example, Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Notify(output data). Furthermore, the notification message may be notified for each UPF, or the notification message may include information on multiple UPFs.

[0057] 9 is a diagram showing an example of the second information element in the embodiment of the present invention. The information element shown in FIG. 9 includes the following information as the analysis result (output data) of the data analysis.

[0058] Energy related information is information about the amount of power (for example, 100 kWh) in the UPF.

[0059] Data volume is information about the amount of communication in UPF.

[0060] The UPF load situation is information about the load situation in the UPF.

[0061] The notification type is set to indicate the trigger for sending the notification based on the notification type set in step S202 for the notification types described in Fig. 8. For example, if the set notification types include both periodic notification and notification upon detection of threshold crossing, either periodic notification or notification upon detection of threshold crossing is set.

[0062] The type of crossing threshold (Type of Crossed reporting threshold(s)) is set to indicate whether the notification including the information element is a notification when the threshold is exceeded (set value = 1) or when the threshold is below (set value = 2) with respect to the types of crossing threshold described in Fig. 8. In addition, the type may be set for each data to be analyzed (power-related information, data volume indicating the communication volume of the UPF, and UPF load).

[0063] The volume over threshold is set to the amount that exceeds the threshold when the values ​​of the power-related information, the data volume, and the UPF load state exceed the threshold.

[0064] Returning to the sequence diagram of FIG.

[0065] Step S208: If data analysis related to scale-in is not set as the type of data analysis, Consumer 30A performs data analysis related to scale-in based on the information received in step S207, and generates analysis results (output data). The data analysis is performed in the same manner as described in step S206.

[0066] The processes from step S203 to step S208 are repeatedly executed until a data analysis result indicating the execution of scale-in is obtained.

[0067] Step S209: The Consumer 30A or the NWDAF 30B decides to execute scale-in based on the result of the data analysis or the notification. Here, it is assumed that the execution of scale-in for the UPF 30D has been decided. Furthermore, the Consumer 30A or the NWDAF 30B notifies the SMF 30F that manages the UPF 30D of the execution of scale-in directly or via the OAM 30G.

[0068] Step S210: SMF30F starts the process of transferring the PDU session for transmitting and receiving user plane data from UPF30D to UPF30C based on an existing procedure (Change of SSC mode 2 PDU session anchor, see section 4.3.5.1 of non-patent document 3).

[0069] Step S211: User plane data is transmitted and received between the UE 20 and the UPF 30C in the UL (Uplink) and DL (Downlink).

[0070] Step S212: Termination of the UPF 30D is requested according to existing procedures.

[0071] Step S213: Termination of the UPF 30D is performed according to existing procedures.

[0072] According to the above-described embodiment, in a communication system, it is possible to perform scale-in of a UPF using information about power in the UPF.

[0073] (Device Configuration) Next, a description will be given of an example of the functional configuration of the base station 10, network node 30, and terminal 20 that perform the processes and operations described above. The base station 10, network node 30, and terminal 20 include functions for performing the above-described embodiments. However, the base station 10, network node 30, and terminal 20 may each be equipped with only a portion of the functions of the embodiments. The network node 30 may correspond to the above-described AC, EEC, EDN, EAS, EES, ECS, and core network.

[0074] <Base Station 10 and Network Node 30> Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the base station 10 and the network node 30. As shown in Fig. 10, the base station 10 has a transmitting unit 110, a receiving unit 120, a setting unit 130, and a control unit 140. The functional configuration shown in Fig. 10 is merely an example. As long as the operations according to the embodiment of the present invention can be performed, the names of the functional divisions and functional units may be any. Note that the network node 30 may have the same functional configuration as the base station 10. Furthermore, a network node 30 having multiple different functions in the system architecture may be composed of multiple network nodes 30 separated by function.

[0075] The transmitter 110 includes a function of generating a signal to be transmitted to the terminal 20 or another network node 30 and transmitting the signal by wire or wirelessly. The receiver 120 includes a function of receiving various signals transmitted from the terminal 20 or another network node 30 and acquiring, for example, information of a higher layer from the received signal. A communication unit including the transmitter 110 and the receiver 120 may be configured.

[0076] The setting unit 130 stores preset setting information and various setting information to be transmitted to the terminal 20 in a storage device, and reads out the information from the storage device as needed. The content of the setting information is, for example, information related to service evaluation indexes.

[0077] As described in the embodiments, the control unit 140 collects and analyzes information related to power in the UPF, and performs processing related to scaling in the UPF. The control unit 140 also performs processing related to communication with the terminal 20. A functional unit related to signal transmission in the control unit 140 may be included in the transmitting unit 110, and a functional unit related to signal reception in the control unit 140 may be included in the receiving unit 120.

[0078] <Terminal 20> Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the terminal 20. As shown in Fig. 11, the terminal 20 has a transmitting unit 210, a receiving unit 220, a setting unit 230, and a control unit 240. The functional configuration shown in Fig. 11 is merely an example. As long as the operations related to the embodiment of the present invention can be performed, the names of the functional divisions and functional units may be any. In addition, the communication device that becomes the resource holder may have the same functional configuration as the terminal 20.

[0079] The transmitter 210 creates a transmission signal from transmission data and transmits the transmission signal wirelessly. The receiver 220 receives various signals wirelessly and acquires higher layer signals from the received physical layer signals. The receiver 220 also has a function of receiving NR-PSS, NR-SSS, NR-PBCH, DL / UL control signals, reference signals, and the like transmitted from the network node 30. A communication unit including the transmitter 210 and the receiver 220 may be configured.

[0080] The setting unit 230 stores various pieces of setting information received from the network node 30 by the receiving unit 220 in a storage device and reads them out from the storage device as needed. The setting unit 230 also stores setting information that is set in advance. The content of the setting information is, for example, information related to service evaluation indexes.

[0081] As described in the embodiments, the control unit 240 performs processes related to communication with the base station 10 and the network node 30. The function unit related to signal transmission in the control unit 240 may be included in the transmitting unit 210, and the function unit related to signal reception in the control unit 240 may be included in the receiving unit 220.

[0082] (Hardware Configuration) The block diagrams (FIGS. 10 and 11) used to explain the above embodiments show functional blocks. These functional blocks (components) are realized by any combination of at least one of hardware and software. Furthermore, the method for realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized using a single device that is physically or logically coupled, or may be realized using two or more physically or logically separated devices that are directly or indirectly connected (for example, using wires, wirelessly, etc.) and these multiple devices. The functional block may be realized by combining software with the single device or the multiple devices.

[0083] Functions include, but are not limited to, judgment, determination, assessment, calculation, computation, processing, derivation, investigation, search, confirmation, reception, transmission, output, access, resolution, selection, selection, establishment, comparison, assumption, expectation, consideration, broadcasting, notifying, communicating, forwarding, configuring, reconfiguring, allocating, mapping, and assignment. For example, a functional block (component) that performs transmission is called a transmitting unit or transmitter. As mentioned above, there are no particular limitations on how these functions are implemented.

[0084] For example, the network node 30, the terminal 20, etc. according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may function as a computer that performs processing of the wireless communication method of the present disclosure. Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the base station 10 and the terminal 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The network node 30 may have the same hardware configuration as the base station 10. The above-described base station 10 and the terminal 20 may be physically configured as a computer device including a processor 1001, a storage device 1002, an auxiliary storage device 1003, a communication device 1004, an input device 1005, an output device 1006, a bus 1007, etc.

[0085] In the following description, the term "apparatus" can be interpreted as a circuit, a device, a unit, etc. The hardware configuration of the base station 10 and the terminal 20 may be configured to include one or more of the apparatuses shown in the drawings, or may be configured to exclude some of the apparatuses.

[0086] Each function in the base station 10 and the terminal 20 is realized by loading specified software (programs) onto hardware such as the processor 1001, the memory device 1002, etc., so that the processor 1001 performs calculations, controls communication by the communication device 1004, and controls at least one of reading and writing data in the memory device 1002 and the auxiliary memory device 1003.

[0087] The processor 1001 controls the entire computer by running, for example, an operating system. The processor 1001 may be configured as a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, a control device, an arithmetic unit, a register, etc. For example, the above-mentioned control unit 140, control unit 240, etc. may be realized by the processor 1001.

[0088] The processor 1001 also reads programs (program codes), software modules, data, etc. from at least one of the auxiliary storage device 1003 and the communication device 1004 into the storage device 1002 and executes various processes in accordance with the programs. The programs used are those that cause a computer to execute at least some of the operations described in the above-described embodiments. For example, the control unit 140 of the base station 10 shown in FIG. 10 may be implemented by a control program stored in the storage device 1002 and running on the processor 1001. Furthermore, for example, the control unit 240 of the terminal 20 shown in FIG. 11 may be implemented by a control program stored in the storage device 1002 and running on the processor 1001. While the above-described various processes have been described as being executed by one processor 1001, they may also be executed simultaneously or sequentially by two or more processors 1001. The processor 1001 may be implemented by one or more chips. The programs may also be transmitted from a network via a telecommunications line.

[0089] The storage device 1002 is a computer-readable recording medium and may be configured, for example, by at least one of a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a random access memory (RAM), etc. The storage device 1002 may also be called a register, a cache, a main memory, etc. The storage device 1002 can store executable programs (program codes), software modules, etc. for implementing a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] The secondary storage device 1003 is a computer-readable recording medium, and may be, for example, at least one of an optical disk such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM), a hard disk drive, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk (e.g., a compact disk, a digital versatile disk, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disk), a smart card, a flash memory (e.g., a card, a stick, a key drive), a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a magnetic strip, etc. The above-mentioned storage medium may be, for example, a database, a server, or other appropriate medium including at least one of the storage device 1002 and the secondary storage device 1003.

[0091] The communication device 1004 is hardware (transmission / reception device) for communicating between computers via at least one of a wired network and a wireless network, and is also referred to as, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, etc. The communication device 1004 may be configured to include a high-frequency switch, a duplexer, a filter, a frequency synthesizer, etc. to realize at least one of frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD). For example, a transmission / reception antenna, an amplifier unit, a transmission / reception unit, a transmission path interface, etc. may be realized by the communication device 1004. The transmission / reception unit may be implemented as a transmission unit and a reception unit that are physically or logically separated.

[0092] The input device 1005 is an input device (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a switch, a button, a sensor, etc.) that receives input from the outside. The output device 1006 is an output device (e.g., a display, a speaker, an LED lamp, etc.) that outputs to the outside. Note that the input device 1005 and the output device 1006 may be integrated into one device (e.g., a touch panel).

[0093] Furthermore, each device such as the processor 1001 and the storage device 1002 is connected by a bus 1007 for communicating information. The bus 1007 may be configured using a single bus, or may be configured using different buses between each device.

[0094] Furthermore, the base station 10 and the terminal 20 may be configured to include hardware such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and some or all of the functional blocks may be realized by the hardware. For example, the processor 1001 may be implemented using at least one of these pieces of hardware.

[0095] Fig. 13 shows an example configuration of a vehicle 2001. As shown in Fig. 13, the vehicle 2001 includes a drive unit 2002, a steering unit 2003, an accelerator pedal 2004, a brake pedal 2005, a shift lever 2006, front wheels 2007, rear wheels 2008, an axle 2009, an electronic control unit 2010, various sensors 2021 to 2029, an information service unit 2012, and a communication module 2013. Each aspect / embodiment described in the present disclosure may be applied to a communication device mounted on the vehicle 2001, and may be applied to the communication module 2013, for example.

[0096] The drive unit 2002 is configured, for example, by an engine, a motor, or a hybrid of an engine and a motor. The steering unit 2003 includes at least a steering wheel (also called a handle) and is configured to steer at least one of the front wheels and the rear wheels based on the operation of the steering wheel operated by the user.

[0097] The electronic control unit 2010 is composed of a microprocessor 2031, a memory (ROM, RAM) 2032, and a communication port (IO port) 2033. Signals are input to the electronic control unit 2010 from various sensors 2021 to 2029 provided in the vehicle 2001. The electronic control unit 2010 may also be called an ECU (Electronic Control Unit).

[0098] The signals from the various sensors 2021 to 2029 include a current signal from a current sensor 2021 that senses the current of the motor, a rotation speed signal of the front and rear wheels obtained by a rotation speed sensor 2022, an air pressure signal of the front and rear wheels obtained by an air pressure sensor 2023, a vehicle speed signal obtained by a vehicle speed sensor 2024, an acceleration signal obtained by an acceleration sensor 2025, an accelerator pedal depression amount signal obtained by an accelerator pedal sensor 2029, a brake pedal depression amount signal obtained by a brake pedal sensor 2026, a shift lever operation signal obtained by a shift lever sensor 2027, and a detection signal for detecting obstacles, vehicles, pedestrians, etc. obtained by an object detection sensor 2028.

[0099] The information service unit 2012 is composed of various devices, such as a car navigation system, an audio system, speakers, a television, and a radio, for providing (outputting) various types of information, such as driving information, traffic information, and entertainment information, and one or more ECUs for controlling these devices. The information service unit 2012 uses information acquired from external devices via the communication module 2013 or the like to provide various types of multimedia information and multimedia services to the occupants of the vehicle 2001. The information service unit 2012 may include input devices (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a switch, a button, a sensor, a touch panel, etc.) that accept input from the outside, and may also include output devices (e.g., a display, a speaker, an LED lamp, a touch panel, etc.) that output information to the outside.

[0100] The driving assistance system unit 2030 is composed of various devices that provide functions for preventing accidents and reducing the driving burden on the driver, such as millimeter-wave radar, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), cameras, positioning locators (e.g., GNSS, etc.), map information (e.g., high-definition (HD) maps, autonomous vehicle (AV) maps, etc.), gyro systems (e.g., IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), INS (Inertial Navigation System), etc.), AI (Artificial Intelligence) chips, and AI processors, as well as one or more ECUs that control these devices. In addition, the driving assistance system unit 2030 transmits and receives various information via the communication module 2013 to realize the driving assistance function or the autonomous driving function.

[0101] The communication module 2013 can communicate with the microprocessor 2031 and components of the vehicle 2001 via the communication port. For example, the communication module 2013 transmits and receives data via the communication port 2033 to and from the drive unit 2002, steering unit 2003, accelerator pedal 2004, brake pedal 2005, shift lever 2006, front wheels 2007, rear wheels 2008, axle 2009, microprocessor 2031 and memory (ROM, RAM) 2032 in the electronic control unit 2010, and sensors 2021 to 29, which are provided in the vehicle 2001.

[0102] The communication module 2013 is a communication device that can be controlled by the microprocessor 2031 of the electronic control unit 2010 and can communicate with an external device. For example, it transmits and receives various information to and from the external device via wireless communication. The communication module 2013 may be located either inside or outside the electronic control unit 2010. The external device may be, for example, a base station, a mobile station, or the like.

[0103] The communication module 2013 may transmit at least one of signals from the above-mentioned various sensors 2021-2028 input to the electronic control unit 2010, information obtained based on the signals, and information based on input from the outside (user) obtained via the information service unit 2012 to an external device via wireless communication. The electronic control unit 2010, the various sensors 2021-2028, the information service unit 2012, etc. may be referred to as input units that accept input. For example, the PUSCH transmitted by the communication module 2013 may include information based on the above-mentioned input.

[0104] The communication module 2013 receives various information (traffic information, traffic signal information, vehicle-to-vehicle information, etc.) transmitted from external devices and displays it on an information service unit 2012 provided in the vehicle 2001. The information service unit 2012 may be called an output unit that outputs information (for example, outputs information to a device such as a display or speaker based on the PDSCH (or data / information decoded from the PDSCH) received by the communication module 2013). The communication module 2013 also stores the various information received from external devices in a memory 2032 that can be used by the microprocessor 2031. Based on the information stored in the memory 2032, the microprocessor 2031 may control the drive unit 2002, steering unit 2003, accelerator pedal 2004, brake pedal 2005, shift lever 2006, front wheels 2007, rear wheels 2008, axles 2009, sensors 2021 to 2029, etc. provided in the vehicle 2001.

[0105] <Supplementary Notes> (Supplementary Item 1) A network node comprising: a receiver that receives from a second network node a first message including a first identifier indicating a subscription request for power information in a first network node that processes user plane data and configuration information in an analysis regarding scale-in of the first network node, and receives the power information from the first network node, a controller that performs the analysis based on the configuration information and the power information to generate an information element for determining whether to perform the scale-in, and a transmitter that transmits to the second network node a second message notifying the information element. (Supplementary Item 2) The network node according to Supplementary Item 1, wherein the first message further includes: a second identifier that indicates a subscription request for information regarding communication volume in the first network node, and a third identifier that indicates a subscription request for information regarding a load state in the first network node, which are associated with the first identifier; (Supplementary clause 3) A network node having: a transmitter that transmits a first message to a second network node, the first message including a first identifier indicating a subscription request for power information in a first network node that processes user plane data and configuration information in an analysis regarding scale-in of the first network node; and a receiver that receives from the second network node a second message notifying an information element that determines execution of the scale-in, the information element being generated by the analysis based on the configuration information and the power information.(Supplementary Item 4) The network node described in Supplementary Item 3, wherein the first message further includes: a second identifier associated with the first identifier, indicating a subscription request for information related to communication volume in the first network node; and a third identifier indicating a subscription request for information related to load status in the first network node; and the receiving unit receives from the second network node a second message notifying the information element generated by the analysis based on the configuration information, the power information, the information related to communication volume, and the information related to the load status. (Supplementary Item 5) A network node comprising: a transmitter that transmits to a second network node a first message including a first identifier indicating a subscription request for power information in a first network node that processes user plane data, a second identifier indicating a subscription request for information related to communication volume in the first network node, a third identifier indicating a subscription request for information related to a load state in the first network node, and configuration information in an analysis related to scale-in of the first network node; a receiver that receives the power information, the information related to the communication volume, and the information related to the load state from the second network node; and a controller that performs the analysis based on the configuration information, the power information, the information related to the communication volume, and the information related to the load state, and decides to execute the scale-in. (Supplementary clause 6) A communication method executed by a network node, comprising the steps of: receiving a first message from a second network node, the first message including a first identifier indicating a subscription request for power information in a first network node that processes user plane data and configuration information in an analysis regarding scale-in of the first network node, and receiving the power information from the first network node; performing the analysis based on the configuration information and the power information to generate an information element that determines whether to execute the scale-in; and sending a second message to the second network node notifying the information element.

[0106] Any of Supplementary Items 1 to 6 enables scaling in of the UPF in a communication system using information about power in the UPF.

[0107] (Supplementary Notes on the Embodiments) Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the disclosed invention is not limited to such embodiments, and those skilled in the art will understand various modifications, alterations, alternatives, and substitutions. While specific numerical examples have been used to facilitate understanding of the invention, unless otherwise specified, these numerical values ​​are merely examples, and any appropriate values ​​may be used. The division of items in the above description is not essential to the present invention; matters described in two or more items may be used in combination as needed, and matters described in one item may apply to matters described in another item (as long as there is no contradiction). Boundaries between functional units or processing units in functional block diagrams do not necessarily correspond to boundaries between physical components. The operations of multiple functional units may be performed by a single physical component, or the operations of a single functional unit may be performed by multiple physical components. The order of processing steps described in the embodiments may be reversed as long as there is no contradiction. For convenience of processing description, the base station 10 and terminal 20 have been described using functional block diagrams, but such devices may be realized by hardware, software, or a combination thereof. The software operated by the processor of the base station 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention and the software operated by the processor of the terminal 20 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention may each be stored in random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), EPROM, EEPROM, register, hard disk (HDD), removable disk, CD-ROM, database, server, or any other suitable storage medium.

[0108] Furthermore, the notification of information is not limited to the aspects / embodiments described in the present disclosure, and may be performed using other methods. For example, the notification of information may be performed by physical layer signaling (e.g., Downlink Control Information (DCI), Uplink Control Information (UCI)), higher layer signaling (e.g., Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, Medium Access Control (MAC) signaling), broadcast information (Master Information Block (MIB), System Information Block (SIB)), other signals, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the RRC signaling may be referred to as an RRC message, and may be, for example, an RRC Connection Setup message, an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message, or the like.

[0109] Each aspect / embodiment described in the present disclosure may be implemented using any of the following standards: LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4G (4th generation mobile communication system), 5G (5th generation mobile communication system), 6th generation mobile communication system (6G), xth generation mobile communication system (xG) (xG (x is, for example, an integer or a decimal number)), FRA (Future Radio Access), NR (new Radio), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), W-CDMA (registered trademark), GSM (registered trademark), CDMA2000, UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.17 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.19 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.21 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.22 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.23 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.24 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.25 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.26 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.27 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.28 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.29 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.30 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.31 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.32 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.33 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.34 ( The present invention may be applied to at least one of systems using 802.20, UWB (Ultra-Wide Band), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or other suitable systems, and next-generation systems that are extended, modified, created, or defined based on these systems. The present invention may also be applied to a combination of multiple systems (e.g., a combination of LTE and / or LTE-A with 5G).

[0110] The order of the procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc. of each aspect / embodiment described herein may be rearranged unless it is consistent. For example, the methods described in this disclosure present elements of various steps using an example order and are not limited to the particular order presented.

[0111] In this specification, a specific operation described as being performed by the base station 10 may be performed by its upper node in some cases. In a network consisting of one or more network nodes having the base station 10, it is clear that various operations performed for communication with the terminal 20 may be performed by at least one of the base station 10 and another network node other than the base station 10 (such as, but not limited to, an MME or an S-GW). Although the above example illustrates a case where there is one other network node other than the base station 10, the other network node may be a combination of multiple other network nodes (such as an MME and an S-GW).

[0112] The information, signals, etc. described in the present disclosure may be output from a higher layer (or a lower layer) to a lower layer (or a higher layer), or may be input / output via multiple network nodes.

[0113] Input and output information may be stored in a specific location (for example, memory) or may be managed using a management table. Input and output information may be overwritten, updated, or added to. Output information may be deleted. Input information may be transmitted to another device.

[0114] In the present disclosure, the determination may be made by a value represented by one bit (0 or 1), by a Boolean value (true or false), or by a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., comparison with a predetermined value).

[0115] Software shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise.

[0116] Software, instructions, information, etc. may also be transmitted or received over a transmission medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using wired technologies (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)), and / or wireless technologies (such as infrared, microwave), then these wired and / or wireless technologies are included within the definition of transmission media.

[0117] The information, signals, etc. described in this disclosure may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0118] Note that terms described in this disclosure and terms necessary for understanding this disclosure may be replaced with terms having the same or similar meanings. For example, at least one of a channel and a symbol may be a signal (signaling). Furthermore, a signal may be a message. Furthermore, a component carrier (CC) may be called a carrier frequency, a cell, a frequency carrier, etc.

[0119] As used in this disclosure, the terms "system" and "network" are used interchangeably.

[0120] Furthermore, the information, parameters, etc. described in the present disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, may be expressed using relative values ​​from a predetermined value, or may be expressed using other corresponding information. For example, a radio resource may be indicated by an index.

[0121] The names used for the above-described parameters are not intended to be limiting in any way. Furthermore, the mathematical expressions using these parameters may differ from those explicitly disclosed in this disclosure. The various channels (e.g., PUCCH, PDCCH, etc.) and information elements may be identified by any suitable names, and therefore the various names assigned to these various channels and information elements are not intended to be limiting in any way.

[0122] In the present disclosure, terms such as "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "base station device," "fixed station," "NodeB," "eNodeB (eNB)," "gNodeB (gNB)," "access point," "transmission point," "reception point," "transmission / reception point," "cell," "sector," "cell group," "carrier," and "component carrier" may be used interchangeably. A base station may also be referred to by terms such as a macrocell, a small cell, a femtocell, and a picocell.

[0123] A base station can accommodate one or more (e.g., three) cells. When a base station accommodates multiple cells, the overall coverage area of ​​the base station can be partitioned into multiple smaller areas, and each smaller area can also be provided with communication services by a base station subsystem (e.g., a small indoor base station (RRH: Remote Radio Head)). The terms "cell" or "sector" refer to part or all of the coverage area of ​​a base station and / or base station subsystem that provides communication services within that coverage.

[0124] In the present disclosure, the base station transmitting information to a terminal may be interpreted as the base station instructing the terminal to control or operate based on the information.

[0125] In this disclosure, the terms "Mobile Station (MS)," "user terminal," "User Equipment (UE)," "terminal," and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0126] A mobile station may also be referred to by those skilled in the art as a subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, or some other suitable terminology.

[0127] At least one of the base station and the mobile station may be referred to as a transmitting device, a receiving device, a communication device, etc. At least one of the base station and the mobile station may be a device mounted on a mobile object, the mobile object itself, etc. The mobile object refers to a movable object, and may move at any speed. Naturally, this also includes cases where the mobile object is stationary. Examples of the mobile object include, but are not limited to, vehicles, transport vehicles, automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, connected cars, excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders, dump trucks, forklifts, trains, buses, handcars, rickshaws, ships and other watercraft, airplanes, rockets, satellites, drones (registered trademark), multicopters, quadcopters, balloons, and objects mounted thereon. The mobile object may also be a mobile object that moves autonomously based on an operational command. It may be a vehicle (e.g., a car, an airplane, etc.), an unmanned mobile object (e.g., a drone, an autonomous vehicle, etc.), or a robot (manned or unmanned). At least one of the base station and the mobile station may be a device that does not necessarily move during communication operations. For example, at least one of the base station and the mobile station may be an IoT (Internet of Things) device such as a sensor.

[0128] Furthermore, a base station in the present disclosure may be read as a user terminal. For example, the aspects / embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to a configuration in which communication between a base station and a user terminal is replaced with communication between multiple terminals 20 (which may be called, for example, Device-to-Device (D2D) or Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X)). In this case, the terminal 20 may be configured to have the functions of the base station 10 described above. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" may be read as terms corresponding to terminal-to-terminal communication (for example, "side"). For example, terms such as an uplink channel and a downlink channel may be read as a side channel.

[0129] Similarly, the user terminal in the present disclosure may be read as a base station, in which case the base station may be configured to have the functions of the user terminal described above.

[0130] As used in this disclosure, the terms "determining" and "determining" may encompass a wide variety of actions. "Determining" and "determining" may include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, searching, inquiring (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), ascertaining, and the like. "Determining" and "determining" may also include receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), input, output, accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory), and the like. Furthermore, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, etc. as having been "judged" or "decided." In other words, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding some action as having been "judged" or "decided." Furthermore, "judgment (decision)" can be interpreted as "assuming," "expecting," "considering," etc.

[0131] The terms "connected," "coupled," or any variation thereof, refer to any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" to each other. The coupling or connection between elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. For example, "connected" may be read as "access." As used in this disclosure, two elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" to each other using one or more wires, cables, and / or printed electrical connections, as well as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency range, microwave range, and optical (both visible and invisible) range, as some non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

[0132] The reference signal may be abbreviated as RS (Reference Signal) or may be called a pilot depending on the applicable standard.

[0133] As used in this disclosure, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on," unless expressly stated otherwise. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on."

[0134] As used in this disclosure, any reference to an element using a designation such as "first," "second," etc. does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used in this disclosure as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements. Thus, a reference to a first and a second element does not imply that only two elements may be employed or that the first element must in some way precede the second element.

[0135] The "means" in the configuration of each of the above devices may be replaced with "part," "circuit," "device," etc.

[0136] When the terms "include," "including," and variations thereof are used in this disclosure, these terms are intended to be inclusive, similar to the term "comprising." Furthermore, when the term "or" is used in this disclosure, it is not intended to be an exclusive or.

[0137] In this disclosure, where articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, the disclosure may include that the nouns following these articles are in the plural form.

[0138] In the present disclosure, the term "A and B are different" may mean "A and B are different from each other." The term may also mean "A and B are each different from C." Terms such as "separate" and "coupled" may also be interpreted in the same way as "different."

[0139] The aspects / embodiments described in this disclosure may be used alone, in combination, or switched depending on the implementation. Notification of predetermined information (e.g., notification that "X is true") is not limited to explicit notification, but may be implicit (e.g., not notifying the predetermined information).

[0140] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative and does not have any limiting meaning on the present disclosure.

[0141] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Base station 110 Transmitter 120 Receiver 130 Setting unit 140 Controller 20 Terminal 210 Transmitter 220 Receiver 230 Setting unit 240 Controller 30 Network node 1001 Processor 1002 Storage device 1003 Auxiliary storage device 1004 Communication device 1005 Input device 1006 Output device

Claims

1. A network node having: a receiving unit that receives, from a second network node, a first message including a first identifier indicating a subscription request regarding power information in a first network node that processes user plane data, and setting information in an analysis regarding scale-in of the first network node; a control unit that executes the analysis based on the setting information and the power information to generate an information element for determining execution of the scale-in; and a transmitting unit that transmits, to the second network node, a second message notifying the information element.

2. The first message further includes a second identifier indicating a subscription request regarding information on traffic volume in the first network node, and a third identifier indicating a subscription request regarding information on a load state in the first network node, both associated with the first identifier. The receiving unit further receives, from the first network node, the information on traffic volume and the information on the load state. The control unit executes the analysis based on the setting information, the power information, the information on traffic volume, and the information on the load state to generate the information element. The network node according to claim 1.

3. A network node having: a transmitting unit that transmits, to a second network node, a first message including a first identifier indicating a subscription request regarding power information in a first network node that processes user plane data, and setting information in an analysis regarding scale-in of the first network node; and a receiving unit that receives, from the second network node, a second message notifying an information element for determining execution of the scale-in, generated by the analysis based on the setting information and the power information.

4. The first message further includes a second identifier indicating a subscription request for information regarding the traffic volume in the first network node, which is associated with the first identifier, and a third identifier indicating a subscription request for information regarding the load state in the first network node. The receiving unit receives, from the second network node, a second message for notifying the information element, which is generated by the analysis based on the setting information, the power information, the information regarding the traffic volume, and the information regarding the load state. The network node according to claim 3.

5. A transmission unit that transmits a first message including a first identifier indicating a subscription request for power information in a first network node that processes user plane data, a second identifier indicating a subscription request for information regarding the traffic volume in the first network node, a third identifier indicating a subscription request for information regarding the load state in the first network node, and setting information in an analysis regarding scale-in of the first network node to a second network node; a receiving unit that receives, from the second network node, the power information, the information regarding the traffic volume, and the information regarding the load state; and a control unit that executes the analysis based on the setting information, the power information, the information regarding the traffic volume, and the information regarding the load state, and determines the execution of the scale-in. A network node having the above components.

6. A communication method executed by a network node, the method including: receiving, from a second network node, a first message including a first identifier indicating a subscription request for power information in a first network node that processes user plane data and setting information in an analysis regarding scale-in of the first network node; receiving the power information from the first network node; executing the analysis based on the setting information and the power information to generate an information element for determining the execution of the scale-in; and transmitting a second message for notifying the information element to the second network node.

Images