Network node and communication method

Abstract

This network node comprises: a reception unit that receives, from a first network node, a message requesting registration or update of a feature related to power for use in the first network node; and a control unit that holds the feature of the first network node.

Description

Network node and communication method

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

[0002] 3GPP (registered trademark) (3rd Generation Partnership Project) has introduced 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. 5G introduces various wireless technologies to meet the requirement of achieving a throughput of 10 Gbps or more while reducing latency in wireless sections to 1 ms or less. Furthermore, 6G, a future communication system, is also being studied.

[0003] In addition, in 5G networks, an NRF (NF Repository Function) is used, which holds profiles of network functions (NFs) and responds with information about identified NFs in response to an NF discovery request.

[0004] 3GPP TS 23.501 V18.4.0 (2023-12)3GPP TS 23.502 V18.4.0 (2023-12)

[0005] Energy efficiency is attracting attention from the perspective of promoting sustainability. Therefore, it is expected that operators (telecommunications carriers) will have an increased demand for NF using green energy-generated electricity, NF using low-power-consumption servers, and the like.

[0006] However, in the conventional technology, the NRF cannot retain the characteristics of the NF, and therefore, the NRF cannot identify the NF with power-related characteristics such as green energy or low power consumption.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and aims to provide a technology that enables a network node to maintain the power-related characteristics of an NF.

[0008] According to the disclosed technique, there is provided a network node comprising: a receiver that receives a message from a first network node requesting that characteristics related to power used by the first network node be registered or updated; and a controller that stores the characteristics of the first network node.

[0009] According to the disclosed technology, a technology is provided that enables a network node to maintain the power-related characteristics of an NF.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a communication system. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of a communication system in a roaming environment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining NRF. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a problem. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an overview of an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a sequence chart of a first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a sequence chart of a second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a sequence chart of a second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a network node 100 in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a terminal 20 in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a terminal 20 and a network node 100 in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle 2001 in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] 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.

[0012] In the operation of the wireless communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention, existing technologies are used as appropriate. However, the existing technologies include, but are not limited to, the existing LTE or the existing NR.

[0013] 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 or terminal 20 are set. Hereinafter, first, a configuration example of a 5G core network, which is an example of a network to which the technology according to the present invention is applied, will be described, and then the configuration and operation according to the embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0014] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system corresponding to a core network. As shown in Fig. 1, this communication system is composed of a UE (terminal 20) and multiple network nodes. Hereinafter, it is assumed that one network node corresponds to each function, but multiple functions may be realized by one network node, or multiple network nodes may realize one function. Furthermore, the "connection" described below may be a logical connection or a physical connection.

[0015] The RAN (Radio Access Network) is a network node 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 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 having functions such as a PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session point to the outside that interconnects with the DN (Data Network), packet routing and forwarding, and user plane QoS (Quality of Service) handling. The UPF and the DN constitute a network slice.

[0016] The AMF is connected to the UE, RAN, SMF (Session Management function), NSSF (Network Slice Selection Function), NEF (Network Exposure Function) 50, NRF (Network Repository Function) 60, UDM (Unified Data Management) 30, AUSF (Authentication Server Function), PCF (Policy Control Function) 40, AF (Application Function), and UDR (User Data Repository) 70. The AMF, SMF, NSSF, NEF 50, NRF 60, UDM 30, AUSF, PCF 40, AF, and UDR 70 are network nodes connected to each other via interfaces based on their respective services, Namf, Nsmf, Nnssf, Nnef, Nnrf, Nudm, Nausf, Npcf, Naf, and Nudr.

[0017] The SMF is a network node 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 50 is a network node having a function of notifying other NFs (Network Functions) of capabilities and events. The NSSF is a network node 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 40 is a network node having a function of controlling network policies. The AF is a network node having a function of controlling application servers. The NRF 60 is a network node having a function of discovering NF instances that provide services. The UDM 30 is a network node that manages subscriber data and authentication data. The UDM 30 is connected to the UDR 70 that holds the data.

[0018] 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of a communication system in a roaming environment. As shown in Fig. 2, the network is made up of a UE, which is a terminal 20, and a plurality of network nodes.

[0019] The SEPP is a non-transparent proxy that filters control plane messages between PLMNs (Public Land Mobile Networks). The vSEPP shown in Figure 2 is a SEPP in a visited network, and the hSEPP is a SEPP in a home network.

[0020] 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.

[0021] (About NRF) As described in Non-Patent Document 1 (3GPP TS23.501), the NRF (NF Repository Function) 60 is a 5GC network node and holds profiles (identifiers, services provided, etc.) of NF instances in the network. Note that "NF" or "NF instance" may also be called a network node.

[0022] In addition, the NRF 60 has a function of discovering an NF instance and the NF service it provides in response to an NF discovery inquiry, and notifying the inquiry source.

[0023] 3, an example of the operation of the NRF 60 will be described. In S1 (step 1), the NF1 registers its profile to the NRF 60. The NRF 60 holds the profile.

[0024] In S2, the NF2 transmits an NF discovery inquiry to the NRF 60. The NRF 60 searches the information it holds, finds an NF instance corresponding to the inquiry content and an NF service provided by the NF instance, and notifies the NF2 of this in S3.

[0025] The profile information includes an NF instance identifier, an NF type, an FQDN or an IP address, and information about the NF service to be provided.

[0026] (About the Issues) Energy efficiency has recently been attracting attention from the perspective of promoting sustainability. As a result, operators (telecommunications carriers) are likely to see an increase in demand for NFs that run on electricity generated by green energy, NFs that use low-power servers, etc. Green energy refers to energy produced from sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass, and can be considered synonymous with renewable energy.

[0027] On the other hand, the existing 3GPP (registered trademark) specifications do not specify a profile that can distinguish between NF characteristics, such as the characteristics of the power used (such as the power generation method) and the characteristics of the power consumption of the server. The problems that arise from this will be explained with reference to FIG. 4.

[0028] In Figure 4, the NF200 is characterized by the use of green energy for its power. In other words, the NF200 can be said to be an NF that takes sustainability into consideration.

[0029] In S1, the NF200 registers a profile with the NRF60. However, in the conventional technology, it is not possible to register the feature of using green energy as a profile. For example, if the NF200 is an AMF, "AMF" is registered as the NF type in the profile, but the feature of using green energy is not registered, so other NFs cannot recognize that the NF200 has this feature.

[0030] Furthermore, an NF 300 that wishes to communicate with a sustainability-conscious NF cannot specify the characteristics of a "sustainability-conscious NF" in the NF discovery inquiry in S2, and therefore receives notification of an NF in S3, whether or not it is a "sustainability-conscious NF."

[0031] (Outline of the embodiment) In this embodiment, in order to solve the above problem, by registering a profile in the NRF 60, the NRF 60 can retain the characteristics of the NF, such as Green energy, and other NFs can discover NFs that have those characteristics.

[0032] An outline of the sequence in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. NF200 is an NF characterized by using green energy, and NF300 is an NF that desires to communicate with an NF that takes sustainability into consideration.

[0033] In S1, the NF 200 transmits a profile registration (or change) message including "NF feature: Green energy" to the NRF 60. As a result, the NRF 60 holds "NF feature: Green energy" as the profile of the NF 200.

[0034] In S2, the NF300 transmits an NF discovery inquiry message including "NF feature: Green energy" to the NRF60. The NRF60 discovers an NF200 having "NF feature: Green energy" based on the information it holds, and in S3, notifies the NF300 of the information about the NF200.

[0035] Hereinafter, an embodiment relating to profile registration and change (update) will be described as a first embodiment, and an embodiment relating to NF discovery will be described as a second embodiment. Note that although this specification assumes that the first and second embodiments are implemented in combination, it is not essential to implement the first and second embodiments in combination. For example, the technology according to the invention in each embodiment may be implemented independently. Each embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0036] In the first and second embodiments, an NF that performs registration / change / discovery is called an “NF service consumer.” The “NF service consumer” refers to an NF that uses (consumes) the service of an NRF.

[0037] First Embodiment An example of a processing sequence for registering / changing (updating) a profile will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The first embodiment will be described. Note that each message shown in Fig. 6 is basically the same as that described in Non-Patent Document 2 (TS23.502). However, in order to register / change features such as green energy use, the messages have a new NF feature.

[0038] In S101, the NF service consumer 200 transmits an Nnrf_NFManagement_NFRegister Request (Input data: NF feature) to the NRF 60. The Nnrf_NFManagement_NFRegister Request includes the NF profile of the NF service consumer 200. The NF profile also includes a new NF feature as input data.

[0039] The NF profile of the NF service consumer 200 is set in the NF service consumer 200 by, for example, an OAM system.

[0040] In S102, the NRF 60 holds (stores) the NF profile of the NF service consumer 200. In S103, the NRF 60 sends a Nnrf_NFManagement_NFRegister_response (Output data) to the NF service consumer 200. This message means that the registration of the NF has been accepted.

[0041] Next, the sequence for changing (updating) the NF profile will be described.

[0042] In S104, the NF service consumer 200 transmits an Nnrf_NFManagement_NFUpdate Request (Input data: NF feature) to the NRF 60. The Nnrf_NFManagement_NFUpdate Request includes the updated NF profile of the NF service consumer 200. The NF profile also includes a new NF feature as input data.

[0043] The updated NF profile of the NF service consumer 200 is set in the NF service consumer 200 by, for example, an OAM system.

[0044] In S105, the NRF 60 holds (stores) the updated NF profile of the NF service consumer 200. In S106, the NRF 60 sends a Nnrf_NFManagement_NFUpdate_response (Output data) to the NF service consumer 200. This message means that the NF update has been accepted.

[0045] <Regarding Information Elements of Input Data> In the Nnrf_NFManagement_NFRegister service operation (5.2.7.2.2 of Non-Patent Document 2) in S101 to S103 in Fig. 6, the Input data of the Nnrf_NFManagement_NFRegister Request includes, as Required data, the "NF type, NF instance ID, FQDN or IP address of NF, Names of supported NF services (if applicable), and PLMN ID" of the NF service consumer 200.

[0046] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, "NF feature: Green energy NF, low power server NF" is included in the Nnrf_NFManagement_NFRegister Request as new optional data not found in Non-Patent Document 2. Note that this data may be included as required data.

[0047] For example, if the NF service consumer 200 is a “Green energy NF” (NF that uses green energy), the NF service consumer 200 sends an Nnrf_NFManagement_NFRegister Request including “Green energy NF” as the NF feature to the NRF 60 .

[0048] Also, for example, if the NF service consumer 200 is a “low power server NF” (NF using a server with low power consumption), the NF service consumer 200 transmits to the NRF 60 an Nnrf_NFManagement_NFRegister Request including “low power server NF” as an NF feature.

[0049] In the Nnrf_NFManagement_NFUpdate service operation (5.2.7.2.3 of Non-Patent Document 2) in S104 to S106 in FIG. 6, the "NF instance ID" of the NF service consumer 200 is included as required data in the input data of the Nnrf_NFManagement_NFUpdate Request.

[0050] Additionally, as optional data, the updated NF profile is included, as explained below: "If replacing the full NF profile, the full NF profile shall be provided. If updating parts of the NF profile, the NF profile elements that need to be updated shall be provided."

[0051] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the Nnrf_NFManagement_NFUpdate Request includes "NF feature: Green energy NF, low power server NF" as new optional data not found in Non-Patent Document 2. Note that this data may also be included as required data.

[0052] For example, if the NF service consumer 200 changes from an NF that is not a "Green energy NF" to a "Green energy NF", the NF service consumer 200 sends an Nnrf_NFManagement_NFUpdate Request to the NRF 60, which includes "Green energy NF" as an NF feature.

[0053] Also, for example, if the NF service consumer 200 is changed from an NF that is not a “low power server NF” to a “low power server NF,” the NF service consumer 200 sends an Nnrf_NFManagement_NFUpdate Request to the NRF 60, which includes “low power server NF” as an NF feature.

[0054] <Effects of First Embodiment> The technology according to the first embodiment enables the NRF 60 to maintain the characteristics of the NF regarding power.

[0055] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, an example in which the NF service consumer 300 discovers an NF in the same PLMN as the PLMN to which the NF service consumer 300 belongs will be described as Example 1, and an example in which the NF service consumer 300 discovers an NF in a PLMN different from the PLMN to which the NF service consumer 300 belongs will be described as Example 2. Note that each message described in the second embodiment is basically the message described in Non-Patent Document 2 (TS23.502). However, in order to realize the discovery of an NF with features such as the use of green energy, the message has a new NF feature.

[0056] Second Embodiment: Example 1 (Same PLMN) The processing sequence in Example 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0057] In S201, the NF service consumer 300 transmits an Nnrf_NFDiscovery Request (Input data: NF feature) to the NRF 60. The Nnrf_NFDiscovery Request includes the name of the service that the NF service consumer 300 wishes to use, the type of NF, and a new NF feature.

[0058] In S202, the NRF 60 accepts the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request. In S203, the NRF 60 determines one or more NFs that match the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request, and transmits an Nnrf_NFDiscovery_response (Output data) including the NF profile of the determined NF as Output data to the NF service consumer 300.

[0059] <Second Embodiment: Example 2 (Different PLMN)> A processing sequence in Example 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Example 2 is an example in which an NF service consumer 300 connected to a serving PLMN intends to use an NF / NF service in a home PLMN.

[0060] In S301, the NF service consumer 300 transmits an Nnrf_NFDiscovery Request (Input data: NF feature) to the NRF 60. The Nnrf_NFDiscovery Request includes a new NF feature in addition to the home PLMN ID, the name of the service that the NF service consumer 300 wishes to use, and the type of NF.

[0061] In S302, the NRF 60 in the serving PLMN identifies the NRF 61 in the home PLMN based on the home PLMN ID, sends an Nnrf_NFDiscovery Request including a new NF feature to the NRF 61, and receives an Nnrf_NFDiscovery Response from the NRF 61. The Nnrf_NFDiscovery Response includes NF profiles of one or more NFs in the home PLMN that match the Nnrf_NFDiscovery Request. The procedure of S302 is the same as the procedure in Example 1 ( FIG. 7 ) when the NRF 60 in the serving PLMN is considered to be the "NF service consumer 300."

[0062] In S303, the NRF 60 transmits an Nnrf_NFDiscovery_response (Output data) to the NF service consumer 300. This Nnrf_NFDiscovery_response includes the NF profiles of one or more NFs in the home PLMN received from the NRF 61 of the home PLMN.

[0063] 7 and 8, the Input data of the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request service operation (5.2.7.3.2 of Non-Patent Document 2) includes, as Required data, "one or more target NF service name(s), NF type of the target NF, NF type of the NF service consumer." requested by the NF service consumer 300. Furthermore, if the NF service consumer 300 wants to discover NF service producers that provide all standardized services, the NF service consumer 300 includes a wildcard NF service name in the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request.

[0064] Furthermore, "NF feature: Green energy NF, low power server NF" is included in the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request as new optional data not found in Non-Patent Document 2. Note that this data may also be included as required data.

[0065] For example, when the NF service consumer 300 sends an Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request including "Green energy NF" to the NRF 60, the NRF 60 determines the NF corresponding to "Green energy NF" based on the registration information and notifies the NF service consumer 300 of the profile, etc. of the determined NF.

[0066] Furthermore, for example, when the NF service consumer 300 transmits an Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request including "low power server NF" to the NRF 60, the NRF 60 determines the NF corresponding to the "low power server NF" based on the registration information, and notifies the NF service consumer 300 of the profile, etc., of the determined NF.

[0067] <Effects of the Second Embodiment> With the technology according to the second embodiment, for example, an NF that wishes to communicate with an NF that takes sustainability into consideration can issue an NF discovery request by specifying a feature such as "Green energy NF" or "low power server NF." This allows the NF to communicate with an NF that has the desired feature such as "NF feature: Green energy NF" or "low power server NF."

[0068] (Variation) In the first and second embodiments described above, "Green energy NF" and "low power server NF" are shown as NF features that the NF service consumer includes in the Request message sent to the NRF 60, but these are merely examples.

[0069] Any of the following features may be used as the NF feature to be included in the Request message. An explanation of the feature is provided in parentheses. Note that "sustainable NF" and "renewable energy NF" are synonymous with "Green energy NF." Also, "hydro energy NF," "tidal energy NF," "geothermal energy NF," "solar energy NF," "wind energy NF," and "biomass energy NF" are all more specific examples of "Green energy NF."

[0070] - sustainable NF (NF that takes sustainability into consideration) - renewable energy NF (NF that uses renewable energy) - hydro energy NF (NF that uses hydroelectric power) - tidal energy NF (NF that uses tidal power) - geothermal energy NF (NF that uses geothermal power) - solar energy NF (NF that uses solar power) - wind energy NF (NF that uses wind power) - biomass energy NF (NF that uses biomass power) Furthermore, the NF feature included in the Request message that the NF service consumer sends to the NRF 60 is not limited to the above-mentioned power-related features. For example, the NF feature may be a feature of the NF's capabilities (such as being equipped with a GPU).

[0071] (Effects of the First and Second Embodiments) According to the first and second embodiments, it becomes possible for NFs to autonomously discover and communicate with each other as sustainable NFs via the NRF 60. Furthermore, operators (telecommunications carriers) are encouraged to reduce power consumption and to utilize green energy.

[0072] (Device Configuration) Next, a description will be given of an example of the functional configuration of the network node 100 (NRF 60, NF service consumer, etc.) that performs the processes and operations described above, and the terminal 20. Note that the terminal 20 may also be an NF service consumer.

[0073] <Network Node 100> Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the network node 100. As shown in Fig. 9, the network node 100 has a transmitting unit 110, a receiving unit 120, a setting unit 130, and a control unit 140. The functional configuration shown in Fig. 9 is merely an example. The names of the functional divisions and functional units may be any as long as they can perform the operations related to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] The transmitter 110 has a function of generating a signal to be transmitted to the terminal 20 or a network node and transmitting the signal via a wired or wireless connection. The receiver 120 has a function of receiving various signals transmitted from the terminal 20 or a network node 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.

[0075] The setting unit 130 stores pre-set setting information and various setting information to be transmitted to the terminal 20 or the network node in a storage device, and reads it from the storage device as needed. The control unit 140 controls the network node 100. The control unit 140 also holds registration information. The function unit related to signal transmission in the control unit 140 may be included in the transmitting unit 110, and the function unit related to signal reception in the control unit 140 may be included in the receiving unit 120. The transmitting unit 110 and the receiving unit 120 may also be called a transmitter and a receiver, respectively.

[0076] <Terminal 20> Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the terminal 20. As shown in Fig. 10, 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. 20 is merely an example. The names of the functional divisions and functional units may be any as long as they can perform the operations related to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] 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 a network node. A communication unit including the transmitter 210 and the receiver 220 may be configured.

[0078] The setting unit 230 stores various setting information received from the network node by the receiving unit 220 in a storage device, and reads it out from the storage device as needed. The setting unit 230 also stores setting information that is set in advance.

[0079] The control unit 240 controls the terminal 20. The functional unit in the control unit 240 related to signal transmission may be included in the transmitting unit 210, and the functional unit in the control unit 240 related to signal reception may be included in the receiving unit 220. The transmitting unit 210 and the receiving unit 220 may be called a transmitter and a receiver, respectively.

[0080] (Hardware Configuration) The block diagrams (FIGS. 9 and 10) 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] For example, the network node 100 and the terminal 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may function as a computer that performs processing of the communication method of the present disclosure. Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the network node 100 and the terminal 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The network node 100 and the terminal 20 described above 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.

[0083] In the following description, the term "apparatus" can be read as a circuit, a device, a unit, etc. The hardware configuration of the network node 100 and the terminal 20 may be configured to include one or more of the apparatuses shown in the figure, or may be configured to exclude some of the apparatuses.

[0084] Each function in the network node 100 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 via 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] Furthermore, the processor 1001 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 network node 100 shown in FIG. 9 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. 10 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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).

[0091] 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.

[0092] Furthermore, the network node 100 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.

[0093] 12 shows an example configuration of a vehicle 2001. As shown in FIG. 12, 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. For example, the network node 100 or the terminal 20 may be included in the communication module 2013.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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).

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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 terminal, a network node, or the like.

[0101] The communication module 2013 may transmit, via wireless communication, to an external device at least one of signals from the 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. 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] Furthermore, when the communication module 2013 includes the network node 100 (or the terminal 20), the communication module 2013 can perform the operations of the network node 100 (or the terminal 20) described above.

[0104] This specification discloses at least the configurations described in Supplementary Notes 1 and 2 below.

[0105] <Supplementary Note 1: Corresponding to the first embodiment> (Supplementary Note 1) A network node comprising: a receiving unit that receives, from a first network node, a message requesting that a feature related to the power used by the first network node be registered or updated; and a control unit that holds the feature of the first network node. (Supplementary Note 2) The network node according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the feature related to the power is a feature indicating the use of green energy or a feature indicating low power consumption. (Supplementary Note 3) A network node comprising: a transmitting unit that transmits, to a specific network node, a message requesting that a feature related to the power used be registered or updated; and a receiving unit that receives a response from the specific network node after the feature has been held in the specific network node. (Supplementary Note 4) A communication method executed by a network node, comprising: receiving, from a first network node, a message requesting that a feature related to the power used by the first network node be registered or updated; and holding the feature of the first network node. (Supplementary clause 5) A communication method executed by a network node, comprising: a step of sending a message to a specific network node requesting that characteristics related to power used be registered or updated; and a step of receiving a response from the specific network node after the characteristics have been retained in the specific network node.

[0106] Supplementary Items 1 to 5 all provide technology that enables a network node to retain power-related characteristics of NFs. Supplementary Item 2 makes it possible to retain information on NFs that use green energy or information on NFs with low power consumption. <Supplementary Item 2: Corresponding to Second Embodiment> (Supplementary Item 1) A network node comprising: a receiver that receives a network node discovery request including power-related characteristics from a first network node; a controller that determines a second network node having the characteristics based on the retained information; and a transmitter that transmits information on the second network node to the first network node. (Supplementary Item 2) The network node according to Supplementary Item 1, wherein the power-related characteristics are characteristics indicating the use of green energy or characteristics indicating low power consumption. (Supplementary Item 3) A network node comprising: a transmitter that transmits a network node discovery request including power-related characteristics to a first network node; and a receiver that, in the first network node, receives information on the second network node from the first network node after a second network node having the characteristics has been determined. (Supplementary clause 4) A communication method executed by a network node, comprising the steps of: receiving a network node discovery request including power-related characteristics from a first network node, determining a second network node having the characteristics based on held information, and transmitting information about the second network node to the first network node. (Supplementary clause 5) A communication method executed by a network node, comprising the steps of: sending a network node discovery request including power-related characteristics to a first network node, and receiving, in the first network node, information about the second network node from the first network node after a second network node having the characteristics has been determined.

[0107] Any of Supplementary Items 1 to 5 provides a technique that enables a network node to acquire information about NFs that have desired power characteristics. Supplementary Item 2 makes it possible to acquire information about NFs that use green energy or NFs that consume low power.

[0108] (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 replacements. 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 physically by a single component, or the operations of a single functional unit may be performed physically by multiple components. The order of processing procedures described in the embodiments may be reversed as long as there is no contradiction. For convenience of processing description, the network node 100 and the terminal 20 have been described using functional block diagrams. However, such devices may be realized by hardware, software, or a combination thereof. The software operated by the processor of the network node 100 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, registers, hard disk (HDD), removable disk, CD-ROM, database, server or any other suitable storage medium.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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).

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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).

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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).

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] As used in this disclosure, the terms "system" and "network" are used interchangeably.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] In this disclosure, the terms "Mobile Station (MS)," "user terminal," "User Equipment (UE)," "terminal," and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0127] 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.

[0128] Either the network node 100 or the terminal 20 may be referred to as a transmitting device, a receiving device, a communication device, or the like. Note that either the network node 100 or the terminal 20 may be a device mounted on a mobile object, the mobile object itself, or the like. 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, handcarts, 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 travels autonomously based on an operational command. Furthermore, the mobile object 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). Note that at least one of the base station and the mobile station may also include devices that do 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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.

[0131] 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.

[0132] 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.

[0133] The reference signal may be abbreviated as RS (Reference Signal) or may be called a pilot depending on the applicable standard.

[0134] 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."

[0135] 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.

[0136] The "means" in the configuration of each of the above devices may be replaced with "part," "circuit," "device," etc.

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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."

[0140] 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).

[0141] 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.

[0142] 10 Base Station 20 Terminal 30 UDM 40 PCF 50 NEF 60 NRF 70 UDR 100 Network Node 110 Transmitter 120 Receiver 130 Setting Unit 140 Controller 210 Transmitter 220 Receiver 230 Setting Unit 240 Controller 300 NWDAF 400 Consumer 1001 Processor 1002 Storage Device 1003 Auxiliary Storage Device 1004 Communication Device 1005 Input Device 1006 Output Device

Claims

1. A network node comprising: a receiver that receives a message from a first network node requesting that characteristics related to power used by the first network node be registered or updated; and a controller that stores the characteristics of the first network node.

2. The network node according to claim 1, wherein the power-related characteristic is a characteristic indicating the use of green energy or a characteristic indicating low power consumption.

3. A network node comprising: a transmitter that transmits a message to a specific network node requesting that characteristics related to power usage be registered or updated; and a receiver that receives a response from the specific network node after the characteristics are maintained in the specific network node.

4. A communication method performed by a network node, comprising the steps of: receiving a message from a first network node requesting that characteristics related to power used by said first network node be registered or updated; and maintaining said characteristics of said first network node.

5. A communication method executed by a network node, comprising the steps of: sending a message to a specific network node requesting that characteristics related to power usage be registered or updated; and receiving a response from the specific network node after the characteristics have been maintained in the specific network node.

Images