Information processing device and method

Abstract

The present invention reduces the influence on a communication service of processing for energy-saving on a network. This information processing device is provided with a control unit that executes: determining non-execution of first processing for a first communication service when the first communication service satisfies a first condition relating to a communication service that is the object to be avoided from being affected by execution of first processing related to energy-saving of a network; and determining execution of the first processing for the first communication service and executing predetermined processing related to the first processing when the first communication service does not satisfy the first condition.

Description

Information processing device and method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to communication network systems.

[0002] In a multi-radio access technology-dual connectivity, it is disclosed that QoS parameters for a first radio resource and QoS parameters for a second radio resource to be provided to a user equipment (UE) are determined based on a first set of downgraded QoS levels, QoS parameters currently supported in a first network node, a second set of downgraded QoS levels, and QoS parameters currently supported in a second network node (e.g., Patent Literature 1).It is also disclosed that, when an Energy Efficiency Control Function (EECF) detects that energy consumption of traffic of a target UE or a target Packet Data Unit (PDU) session is equal to or greater than a threshold, the EECF releases or deactivates the corresponding PDU session for energy saving (e.g., Non-Patent Literature 1).

[0003] Special Publication No. 2023-547053

[0004] 3GPP TR 23.700-66 V0.3.0 (2024-01)

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing device and method that can reduce the impact on communication services caused by the execution of processing for energy saving in a network.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device having a control unit that performs the following: when a first communication service satisfies a first condition related to a communication service that is a target for avoiding the impact of implementing a first process related to energy saving in a network, decides not to implement the first process for the first communication service; and when the first communication service does not satisfy the first condition, decides to implement the first process for the first communication service and executes a predetermined process related to the first process.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method including: a computer determining not to perform a first process for a first communication service when the first communication service satisfies a first condition related to the communication service that is the target of avoiding the effects of performing a first process related to energy saving in a network; and determining to perform the first process for the first communication service and executing a predetermined process related to the first process when the first communication service does not satisfy the first condition.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the impact on services caused by the execution of processing for energy saving in a network.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the architecture of a fifth-generation mobile communication system. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of correspondence between NFs capable of executing service impact-based determination processing, energy saving processes selectable by the NFs, and traffic attribute information used by the NFs for the service impact-based determination processing. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of level classification of the impact of energy saving processing on services. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device capable of operating as an NF capable of executing service impact-based determination processing. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of an NF capable of executing service impact-based determination processing. FIG. 6 is an example of a flowchart of service impact-based determination processing. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sequence for implementing energy saving processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sequence for implementing energy saving processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sequence for implementing energy saving processing according to the third embodiment.

[0010] For example, in Non-Patent Document 1, when the energy consumption of the traffic of a target UE or the energy consumption of the target PDU session is equal to or greater than a threshold, the corresponding PDU session is released or deactivated for energy saving. For example, even if a user receiving a service by the PDU session is a priority user or the service is a priority service or an emergency service, the PDU session is released or deactivated for energy saving. This may degrade the user experience of the communication service.

[0011] In view of the above problem, one aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device that determines whether to perform a process related to network energy saving, taking into consideration an impact on a communication service. More specifically, one aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device that includes a control unit that, when a first communication service satisfies a first condition related to the communication service that is a target for avoiding an impact of performing a first process related to network energy saving, determines not to perform a first process for the first communication service, and, when the first communication service does not satisfy the first condition, determines to perform the first process for the first communication service and executes a predetermined process related to the first process.

[0012] The information processing device is, for example, a computer that operates as any NF (Network Function) in a core network of a mobile communication system of a generation after 5G (5th Generation). The NF is, for example, an instance that performs a predetermined function in the core network of the mobile communication system. The NF instance is realized, for example, by executing virtualized computing such as a container on the information processing device. When the system is a 5G core network system, the information processing device is, for example, an ECCF, a PCF (Policy Control Function), an SMF (Session Management Function), an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function), a NEF (Network Exposure Function), and an NWDAF (Network Data Analytics Function). However, the system and the NF as the information processing device are not limited to the above.

[0013] The control unit is, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The first process related to network energy saving includes, for example, at least one of a PDU (Packet Data Unit) session change, a PDU session release, a PDU session deactivation, a denial of UE (User Equipment) registration to the network, a deregistration of the UE from the network, and a denial of UE handover. The communication service refers to communication provided to the UE through the use of the network and processing related to the communication. More specifically, the communication service includes a preparatory process for UE communication, a process related to the communication itself, and a process for terminating the communication, which are performed in the network. The preparatory process for UE communication on the network side includes, for example, registration to the network and handover. Furthermore, the communication service may refer to, for example, one PDU session, one or more PDU sessions of one UE, and traffic of a predetermined group of UEs, such as one or more UEs belonging to one cell.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, if a first communication service satisfies a first condition, i.e., if the first communication service is a communication service for which an impact of the first process is to be avoided, the first process related to energy saving is not performed for the first communication service. As a result, the determination of whether to perform the first process is made taking into account the impact on the communication service, and it is possible to reduce the impact of the first process on the communication service.

[0015] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the first condition may include one or more conditions related to attributes of the communication service. In this case, the control unit may determine whether the first communication service satisfies at least one of the one or more conditions included in the first condition based on attribute information related to the first communication service. The one or more conditions related to the attributes of the communication service may include at least one condition related to whether the first communication service is a priority user, whether the first communication service is a priority service, whether the first communication service is an emergency service, an aggregate maximum bit rate (AMBR) of traffic related to the user, a network slice, a data network name (DNN), a QoS flow parameter, and a PDU session parameter. All of these conditions indicate that the first communication service is a service in which maintaining communication quality is prioritized over energy saving.

[0016] By including one or more conditions relating to the attributes of the communication service in the first condition, it is possible to finely set the communication service for which the influence of the execution of the energy-saving process is to be avoided.

[0017] In one aspect of the present disclosure, when the control unit determines to perform the first processing, the control unit may determine whether the first communication service can tolerate an impact of the first processing. If the first communication service can tolerate an impact of the first processing, the control unit may execute a predetermined process related to the first processing. If the first communication service cannot tolerate an impact of the first processing, the control unit may change the content of the first processing. The control unit may determine whether the first communication service can tolerate an impact of the first processing based on an acceptable level of an impact of the first processing on the first communication service. As a result, the first communication service performs a first processing whose impact is acceptable, thereby making it possible to keep the impact of the first processing on the first communication service to an acceptable level. Note that the acceptable level of an impact on the communication service caused by the first processing may be indicated by a numerical value such as a score or a cost, a level, or the like.

[0018] In this case, the control unit may determine the tolerance of the effect of the first process of the first communication service based on attribute information related to the first communication service. This allows the first process to be performed according to the attribute of the first communication service. Note that the tolerance of the effect of the first communication service does not necessarily have to be determined by the information processing device, and may be set in advance by, for example, a network administrator or the like.

[0019] In addition, in one aspect of the present disclosure, when the information processing device operates as an EECF, an NEF, or an NWDAF, the control unit may send an instruction to execute the first process to the PCF as a predetermined process related to the first process. When the information processing device operates as a PCF, the control unit may send an instruction to execute the first process to the AMF and the SMF as a predetermined process related to the first process.

[0020] When the information processing device operates as an AMF, the control unit may perform at least one of refusing registration of the UE to the network, deregistering the UE from the network, and refusing handover of the UE as the predetermined processing related to the first processing. When the information processing device operates as an SMF, the control unit may perform at least one of modifying, releasing, and deactivating one or more PDU sessions included in the first communication service as the predetermined processing related to the first processing.

[0021] In another aspect of the present disclosure, when a reduction in the amount of energy consumed by the first communication service is determined, the control unit may determine whether the first communication service satisfies a first condition. For example, when the information processing device operates as an ECCF, a NEF, or an NWDAF, the information processing device may determine a reduction in the amount of energy consumed by the first communication service. For example, when the information processing device operates as a PCF, an SMF, or an AMF, the ECCF, the NEF, or the NWDAF may determine a reduction in the amount of energy consumed by the first communication service, and may receive, directly or indirectly, a notification that a reduction in the amount of energy consumed by the first communication service has been determined.

[0022] In another aspect, the present disclosure can be specified as a method for a computer to execute the processing of the information processing device. The method includes, when the first communication service satisfies a first condition related to the communication service that is a target for avoiding an impact of execution of a first processing related to network energy saving, determining not to execute a first processing for the first communication service, and when the first communication service does not satisfy the first condition, determining to execute the first processing for the first communication service and executing a predetermined processing related to the first processing. Furthermore, in another aspect, the present disclosure can be specified as a system including the information processing device, a program for causing a computer to execute the method, and a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having the program recorded thereon.

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The configurations of the following embodiments are examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments.

[0024] <Common features of all embodiments> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the architecture of a fifth-generation mobile communication system. The fifth-generation mobile communication network is hereinafter referred to as a 5G network. A 5G network communication system 100 has a 5G core network (5GC) and an access network ((R)AN). A UE (User Equipment) 50, a DN (Data Network), and an AF 1 are connected to the 5G network. The UE 50 is a terminal of a user (subscriber). The RAN (Radio Access Network) is an access network to the 5GC. The RAN includes a base station (gNB).

[0025] FIG. 1 shows some of the components included in 5GC. Also, in FIG. 1, the components according to all embodiments are labeled with reference numerals. In 5G, the software that realizes network functions and the hardware on which the software runs are separated using hardware abstraction technology. This allows various network function software to run on common hardware resources, regardless of the configuration of each hardware product. FIG. 1 shows the network functions (NFs) included in 5GC. Each of the multiple NFs included in 5GC is realized by one or more computers (information processing devices) executing a program. However, a single computer may realize any two or more NFs.

[0026] The UPF (User Plane Function) 20 performs routing, transfer, packet inspection, and QoS processing of user packets. User packets are user plane packets that are transmitted and received by the UE 50.

[0027] The AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) 7 accommodates the RAN and performs registration management, connection management, and mobility management of UEs in 5GC. The AMF 7 also relays messages between the SMF 6 and the UE 50.

[0028] The SMF (Session Management Function) 6 manages PDU (Packet Data Unit) sessions, allocates and manages IP addresses to UEs, and selects and controls the UPF 20. PDU session management includes the establishment, modification, and release of PDU sessions. For example, when a policy is changed, a PDU session change occurs, and the QoS or policy change is applied to the UPF 20 through the SMF 6. The PDU session is a virtual communication path for exchanging data between the UE 50 and the DN. The DN is a data network (cloud, Internet, etc.) external to 5GC.

[0029] The PCF (Policy Control Function) 5 provides each NF with a policy rule to implement the policy rule. The policy rule includes, for example, rules related to QoS, filtering, routing, charging, etc. When a policy rule is to be registered, changed, or deleted, the PCF 5 is first notified, and the PCF 5 controls the corresponding UPF 20 via the SMF 6 to set, change, or delete the policy.

[0030] The UDM (Unified Data Management) 2 manages subscriber information, certificate information, etc. related to subscribers who subscribe to the operator. The subscriber information includes, for example, access and mobility subscription data used for registration and mobility management of the UE 50, slice selection subscription data used for slice selection, SMF selection subscription data used for selecting the SMF 6, session management subscription data used for establishing a PDU session, and energy related subscription data used for processing related to communication of the UE 50.

[0031] The UDR 4 stores and provides retrieval of data used by the UDM 2, PCF 5, and NEF 3. More specifically, the data held by the UDR 4 includes, for example, subscriber information, authentication information, and policy data.

[0032] NEF 3 provides a function to securely disclose capabilities and event information disclosed by network functions within the 5G system to external applications such as AF (Application Function) 1. NEF 3 also provides a function to receive information from authorized external applications into the network. AF 1 is an application server (external server) that provides auxiliary services other than those specified in the 5GC specification.

[0033] The NWDAF 8 provides analysis information within the network. The analysis information within the network provided by the NWDAF 8 includes, for example, communication delay, throughput, jitter, traffic load level, and energy-related information in each section. The energy-related information includes, for example, energy efficiency, energy consumption, and the proportion of renewable energy.

[0034] Energy consumption is the amount of energy consumed in a given system. Energy consumption is expressed, for example, in joules (J) or watt-hours (Wh). Energy efficiency is, for example, the ratio of useful output to energy consumption in a given system. Useful output is, for example, the amount of transmitted data, throughput, etc. Renewable energy ratio is the ratio of renewable energy consumption to energy consumption in a given system.

[0035] The predetermined system is, for example, an NF, a network slice, a 5G core network, etc. Therefore, the energy-related information can be obtained per NF, per network slice, per 5G core network, per NG-RAN, per UE, per PDU session, and per QoS flow.

[0036] The ECCF 9, for example, collects energy consumption assistance information from other NFs and determines whether to perform energy saving operations. The energy consumption assistance information is collected, for example, on a UE-by-UE basis or a PDU session-by-PDU basis. The energy consumption assistance information includes, for example, data volume and bit rate. The energy saving operation is a process for reducing the energy consumption of the traffic of a target UE or a target PDU session. The process for reducing energy consumption can also be referred to as a process for energy saving. The ECCF 9 determines to perform energy saving operations, for example, when the energy consumption assistance information of a target UE or a target PDU session exceeds a predetermined threshold. The energy saving operations include, for example, releasing a PDU session, deactivating a PDU session, modifying a PDU session, denying the UE registration to the network, deregistering the UE from the network, and denying handover.

[0037] In 5GC, multiple NFs of the same type may be prepared. For example, one NF may be prepared for each data center (station). Also, one NF may be shared between data centers. Also, one data center may configure multiple NFs of the same type. The correspondence between NFs and data centers can be set as appropriate.

[0038] In the present disclosure, when the ECCF 9 determines to perform energy saving processing, any of the ECCF 9, the PCF 5, the AMF 7, the SMF 6, the NEF 3, and the NWDAF 8 determines whether to perform energy saving processing, taking into consideration the impact on a target communication service. For example, if the target communication service is a communication service in which maintaining current communication quality takes priority over reducing energy consumption, it is determined not to perform energy saving processing. Whether the target communication service is a communication service in which maintaining current communication quality takes priority over reducing energy consumption is defined by service attribute information indicating attributes of the communication service, such as whether the user is a priority user, whether the service is a priority service, whether the service is an emergency service, or whether a communication quality equal to or higher than a predetermined level is guaranteed.

[0039] In the present disclosure, a communication service refers to communication provided to a UE through use of the network of communication system 100, and processing related to the communication performed in communication system 100. More specifically, a communication service includes preparation processing for UE communication, processing related to the communication itself, and processing for terminating the communication performed in communication system 100. Examples of preparation processing for UE communication on the network side include registration with the network and handover. Furthermore, a communication service may refer to the communication itself, such as one PDU session, one or more PDU sessions of one UE, and traffic of a predetermined group of UEs, such as one or more UEs belonging to one cell. A UE corresponding to a target communication service will hereinafter be simply referred to as a target UE.

[0040] Hereinafter, the process of determining whether to perform energy saving processing by the ECCF 9 is referred to as energy saving processing execution determination process. Hereinafter, the process of determining whether to perform energy saving processing taking into account the impact on communication services, which is performed in response to a decision to perform energy saving processing as a result of the energy saving processing execution determination process by the ECCF 9, is referred to as service influence-based determination process. Hereinafter, the conditions for a communication service in which maintaining the current communication quality takes priority over reducing energy consumption, i.e., a communication service that avoids the impact of performing energy saving processing, are referred to as service impact avoidance conditions. The target communication service is an example of a "first communication service." The energy saving processing is an example of a "first process." The service impact avoidance conditions are an example of a "first condition."

[0041] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of correspondence between NFs capable of performing a service impact-based determination process, energy saving processes selectable by the NFs, and service attribute information used by the NFs for the service impact-based determination process. In the present disclosure, the NFs capable of performing the service impact-based determination process are AMF, SMF, PCF, NEF, NWDAF, and EECF. The selectable energy saving processes include, for example, denial of UE registration to the network, deregistration of the UE from the network (DEREGISTRATION), denial of handover, change of PDU session without interruption, change of PDU session with interruption, and release of the PDU session.

[0042] In the case of denial of UE network registration, a registration request from the target UE is denied, and the target UE is not registered in the communication system 100. As a result, the target UE cannot communicate using the network provided by the communication system 100, and energy consumption for the traffic of the target UE can be reduced.

[0043] When a UE is deregistered from the network, the registration of the target UE is deleted. As a result, the target UE is no longer registered in the communication system 100. For example, if the target UE is currently communicating, the communication is terminated, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the traffic of the target UE.

[0044] In the case of handover denial, if the target UE moves from the cell where it is currently located to another cell, the handover is denied. This prevents the target UE from continuing communication when it moves to another cell, and reduces the energy consumption of the target UE's traffic after moving to another cell.

[0045] A change in a PDU session without interruption is caused, for example, by a change in QoS parameters. Changing the QoS parameters of a PDU session to limit the amount of data flowing for that PDU session can achieve energy saving for that PDU session. A change in a PDU session with interruption is caused, for example, by UPF replacement. Switching the UPF where the PDU session is established to a more power-saving UPF can achieve energy saving for that PDU session.

[0046] When a PDU session is deactivated or released, communication using the PDU session of the target UE is disconnected, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the disconnected PDU session.

[0047] Energy saving procedures related to access and mobility, such as denial of UE registration to a network, deregistration of a UE from a network, and denial of handover, are performed by the AMF. Energy saving procedures related to session management, such as interruption-free PDU session modification, interruption-free PDU session modification, PDU session release, and PDU session deactivation, are performed by the SMF. The PCF can control policies to cause the AMF to perform the energy saving procedures related to access and mobility. The PCF can also control policies to cause the SMF to perform the energy saving procedures related to session management. The EECF, NEF, and NWDAF can instruct the PCF to cause the AMF to perform the energy saving procedures related to access and mobility and / or to cause the SMF to perform the energy saving procedures related to session management.

[0048] In addition, the service impact-based determination process may be performed by the AMF for energy saving processes related to access and mobility, and by the SMF for energy saving processes related to session management, or may be performed by another NF (NEF, NWDAF, EECF, or PCF, etc.) for energy saving processes related to access and mobility and energy saving processes related to session management.

[0049] The energy saving operations that the AMF can select include, for example, denial of registration of the UE to the network, deregistration of the UE from the network, and denial of handover, because these energy saving operations can be performed by the AMF. Types of service attribute information used by the AMF for the service impact-based determination process include, for example, priority user, priority service, emergency service, and information indicating traffic of a specific slice or DNN (Data Network Name).

[0050] The energy saving operations that the SMF can select include, for example, PDU session change without interruption, PDU session change with interruption, PDU session release, and PDU session deactivation. These energy saving operations are executable by the SMF. The types of service attribute information used by the SMF for the service impact-based determination process include, for example, priority user, priority service, emergency service, information indicating traffic of a specific slice or DNN, UE-AMBR (Aggregate Maximum Bit Rate), QoS flow parameters, PDU session parameters, etc.

[0051] The energy saving operations that can be selected by the PCF, EECF, NEF, and NWDAF include, for example, denial of UE registration to the network, deregistration of the UE from the network, denial of handover, change of PDU session without interruption, change of PDU session with interruption, release of PDU session, and deactivation of PDU session. Types of service attribute information used by the PCF, EECF, NEF, and NWDAF for service impact-based determination processing include, for example, priority user, priority service, emergency service, information indicating traffic of a specific slice or DNN, QoS flow parameters, PDU session parameters, etc.

[0052] A priority user and a priority service are, for example, a user and a service that are guaranteed to be able to communicate preferentially even when congestion occurs in the network of the communication system 100. A priority user is determined, for example, when signing a contract to use the communication system 100. Examples of priority services include MPS (Multimedia Priority Services) and MCX (Mission Critical Service). Note that a priority user and a priority service may be determined, for example, by whether the priority assigned to each user is equal to or higher than a predetermined priority.

[0053] QoS flow parameters used in the service impact-based determination process include, for example, 5QI (5G QoS Identifier), ARP (Allocation and Retention Priority), GBR (Guaranteed Bit Rate) or non-GBR, GFBR (Guaranteed Flow Bit Rate), etc. PDU session parameters used in the service impact-based determination process include, for example, PDU session type, SSC mode, and IP address or prefix, etc. PDU session types include IPv4, IPv6, IPv4v6, Ethernet, and Unstructured.

[0054] The service impact avoidance condition includes a condition for one or more service attributes among the service attribute information used in the service impact-based determination process. The conditions for the service attributes include, for example, that the service is a priority user communication service, that the service is a priority service, that the service is an emergency service, that the traffic is a specific network slice or DNN, that the UE-AMBR is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, that each QoS parameter is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and that each PDU session parameter is a predetermined value. For example, when at least one condition among the conditions for one or more service attributes included in the service impact avoidance condition is satisfied, the target communication service is determined to satisfy the service impact avoidance condition. The service impact avoidance condition may be set, for example, in the NF that performs the service impact-based determination process, common to all communication services, or may be set by the AF or the like for each target communication service.

[0055] The service attribute information of the target service used in the service impact-based determination process is partially or entirely stored in, for example, the UDM, AMF, SMF, and PCF, or is included in the registration request from the UE. The UDM stores service attribute information such as priority user, priority service, emergency service, and information indicating traffic of a specific slice or DNN, QoS flow parameters, and PDU session parameters. The AMF stores, for example, information indicating an emergency service and service attribute information such as slice or DNN as information included in the UE context. The SMF stores QoS flow parameters and PDU session parameters as information included in the SM context. The PCF stores UE-AMBR as information included in access mobility-related policy information, QoS flow parameters as information included in the PCC rule, and PDU session type, SSC mode, and the like as policy control subscription information. The registration request from the UE includes information indicating emergency service traffic as the registration type, user priority information (Priority indicator), and the like.

[0056] When performing service impact-based determination processing, the AMF, SMF, PCF, NEF, NWDAF, and EECF may use service attribute information that they hold, or may acquire missing service attribute information from, for example, the UDM, PCF, etc. Note that the NFs capable of performing the service impact-based determination processing, the selectable energy saving processing, and the service attribute information used in the service impact-based determination processing are not limited to those shown in FIG.

[0057] In this specification, a first embodiment will be described in which the ECCF executes the service impact-based determination process. A second embodiment will be described in which the PCF executes the service impact-based determination process. A third embodiment will be described in which the AMF and the SMF execute the service impact-based determination process.

[0058] FIG. 3 shows an example of the level classification of the impact on communication services of selectable energy saving processes in the communication system 100. For example, there are multiple energy saving processes selectable by the AMF, SMF, PCF, NEF, NWDAF, and EECF shown in FIG. 2 . The selectable energy saving processes can be classified into levels based on the magnitude of the impact on the service. Therefore, in FIG. 3 , service impact levels 1, 2, and 3 are set as the levels of impact on the service. The service impact level increases in the order of 1 < 2 < 3. For example, energy saving processes of service impact level 1 include PDU session change without interruption. For example, energy saving processes of service impact level 2 include handover rejection, PDU session change with interruption, and network registration rejection. For example, energy saving processes of service impact level 3 include PDU session release, PDU session deactivation, and deregistration from the network. Note that the level classification of energy saving processes is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 3 .

[0059] In the first embodiment, when the AMF, SMF, PCF, NEF, NWDAF, and EECF decide to perform an energy saving process on a target communication service in consideration of the impact in the service impact-based determination process, they each further determine whether the target communication service can tolerate the impact of the energy saving process of the candidate for implementation. If the target communication service can tolerate the impact of the energy saving process of the candidate for implementation, they decide to perform the energy saving process of the candidate for implementation. If the target communication service cannot tolerate the impact of the energy saving process of the candidate for implementation, they change the energy saving process of the candidate for implementation, and then they again determine whether the target communication service can tolerate the impact of the energy saving process of the candidate for implementation.

[0060] The candidate energy-saving process may be a predetermined process set in advance, or may be selected from the plurality of energy-saving processes described above. In the first embodiment, whether or not the target communication service can tolerate the impact of the candidate energy-saving process is determined based on the tolerance of the impact of the candidate energy-saving process on the target communication service and the service impact level of the candidate energy-saving process.

[0061] The tolerance of the impact of the implementation of the energy saving process of the target communication service may be expressed, for example, by a score, a level, etc. Hereinafter, the tolerance of the impact of the implementation of the energy saving process of the target communication service will be simply referred to as the impact tolerance of the target communication service.

[0062] For example, the impact tolerance of the target communication service may indicate that the larger the value, the higher the tolerance, i.e., the greater the impact caused by the implementation of the allowable energy-saving process. Furthermore, without being limited thereto, the impact tolerance of the target communication service may indicate that the smaller the value, the higher the tolerance, i.e., the greater the impact caused by the implementation of the allowable energy-saving process.

[0063] The impact tolerance of the target communication service may be stored in advance by the NF that executes the service impact-based determination process based on a setting from the AF or the like, or may be calculated, for example.

[0064] The information used to calculate the impact tolerance of the target communication service may be the same as, for example, the service attribute information used in the service impact-based determination process. When the impact tolerance of the target communication service is expressed as a score, for example, a score may be calculated for each piece of service attribute information of the target communication service, and a score indicating the impact tolerance of the target communication service may be calculated based on the score. When the impact tolerance of the target communication service is expressed as a level, for example, classification conditions may be set for each level, and the level at which the attribute information of the target communication service satisfies the classification conditions may be determined as the impact tolerance of the target communication service. Furthermore, the impact tolerance of the target communication service may be determined using a machine learning model that has learned the relationship between the service attribute information of the target communication service and the impact tolerance. The method of calculating the impact tolerance of the target communication service is not limited to a predetermined method.

[0065] The service impact level of the energy-saving process and the impact tolerance of the communication service are associated in advance. For example, if the service impact level of the energy-saving process of the candidate for implementation is equal to or lower than the service impact level corresponding to the impact tolerance of the target communication service, it can be determined that the target communication service can tolerate the impact of the energy-saving process of the candidate for implementation.

[0066] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device that can operate as an NF capable of executing service impact-based determination processing. The information processing device 110 can be configured using an information processing device (computer) such as a personal computer (PC), a workstation (WS), or a server machine. The information processing device 110 may be a collection (cloud) of one or more computers. Note that the NF in the 5G core network may be a device equipped with an electric circuit such as a dedicated FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) that executes the corresponding processing.

[0067] The information processing device 110 includes, as its hardware configuration, a processor 101, a memory 102, an auxiliary storage device 103, and a communication unit 104. The memory 102 and the auxiliary storage device 103 are computer-readable recording media. The processor 101, the auxiliary storage device 103, and the communication unit 104 are electrically connected by a bus.

[0068] The auxiliary storage device 103 stores programs used to operate as either each NF or AF 1 in the 5G core network, and data used by the processor 101 when executing each program. The auxiliary storage device 103 is, for example, an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), a hard disk drive, or a solid state drive (SSD). Programs held in the auxiliary storage device 103 include, for example, an operating system (OS) and a control program for the corresponding NF or AF.

[0069] The memory 102 is a storage device that provides the processor 101 with a storage area and a working area for loading programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 103, and is used as a buffer. The memory 102 includes, for example, semiconductor memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0070] The processor 101 loads into the memory 102 an OS stored in the auxiliary storage device 103 and a program related to either one of the NFs or AFs 1 in the 5G core network and executes the programs, thereby executing processing corresponding to each NF or AF 1 in the 5G core network. The processor 101 is, for example, a CPU or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The number of processors 101 is not limited to one, and multiple processors 101 may be provided.

[0071] The communication unit 104 is, for example, a network interface card (NIC), an optical line interface, etc. The communication unit 104 may be, for example, a wireless communication circuit that connects to a wireless network such as a wireless LAN. The hardware configuration of the information processing device 110 that realizes the functions of each NF and AF 1 in the 5G core network is not limited to that shown in FIG. 4.

[0072] 5 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an NF capable of executing service impact-based determination processing. In FIG. 5, functional components related to the service impact-based determination processing are extracted from the functional configuration of an NF capable of executing service impact-based determination processing. The NF capable of executing service impact-based determination processing includes a service impact determination unit 11 as a functional configuration. The processing of the service impact determination unit 11 is achieved by the processor 101 of the information processing device 110 operating as an NF capable of executing service impact-based determination processing executing a program for the service impact-based determination processing.

[0073] When the ECCF 9 determines that energy saving processing should be performed on a target communication service, the service impact determination unit 11 executes a service impact-based determination process. In the service impact-based determination process, the service impact determination unit 11 acquires service attribute information of the target communication service and determines whether the target communication service satisfies the service impact avoidance conditions. If the target communication service satisfies the service impact avoidance conditions, the service impact determination unit 11 decides not to perform energy saving processing on the target communication service. If the target communication service does not satisfy the service impact avoidance conditions, the service impact determination unit 11 decides to implement energy saving processing on the target communication service and determines whether the target communication service can tolerate the impact of the energy saving processing candidate for implementation. If the communication service can tolerate the impact of the energy saving processing candidate for implementation, the service impact determination unit 11 transmits an instruction to perform energy saving processing to another NF or another functional component that performs energy saving processing within the own NF.

[0074] The functional configuration of an NF capable of executing the service impact-based determination process is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 5. In Fig. 5, the functional configuration related to the service impact-based determination process is extracted and shown, but an NF capable of executing the service impact-based determination process also has functional components that perform processing as the corresponding NF.

[0075] Fig. 6 is an example of a flowchart of the service impact-based determination process. The process shown in Fig. 6 is started, for example, when an energy saving process execution notification is received, notifying that it has been decided to execute energy saving process for a target communication service, as a result of execution of the energy saving process execution determination process by the ECCF 9. The process shown in Fig. 6 is executed mainly by the processor 101 of the information processing device 110, which operates as an NF capable of executing the service impact-based determination process. However, for convenience, the process will be described mainly focusing on the functional components.

[0076] In OP11, the service effect determination unit 11 acquires service attribute information of the target communication service. If the information held by the own NF is insufficient, the service effect determination unit 11 may acquire the service attribute information of the target communication service from, for example, the UDM 2 and the PCF 5.

[0077] In OP12, the service impact determination unit 11 determines whether or not the target communication service satisfies the service impact avoidance condition based on the acquired service attribute information. If the target communication service satisfies the service impact avoidance condition (OP12: YES), the service impact determination unit 11 decides not to perform energy saving processing for the target communication service, and then the processing shown in Fig. 6 ends. Note that if it is decided not to perform energy saving processing for the target communication service, the service impact determination unit 11 may, for example, notify the EECF 9 that energy saving processing will not be performed. The EECF 9, which has received the notification of not performing energy saving processing, may, for example, notify the AF that inputs an instruction to perform energy saving processing to the communication system 100 that energy saving processing will not be performed.

[0078] If the target communication service does not satisfy the service impact avoidance condition (OP12: NO), the service impact determiner 11 decides to perform energy-saving processing on the target communication service. In OP13, the service impact determiner 11 acquires an impact tolerance for the target communication service. The impact tolerance for the target communication service may be acquired from, for example, an AF or the like, which is set in advance, or may be calculated by the service impact determiner 11. When the service impact determiner 11 calculates the impact tolerance for the target communication service, if attribute information to be used for the calculation is insufficient, the service impact determiner 11 may acquire the impact tolerance from, for example, a UDM or a PCF.

[0079] In OP14, the service impact determination unit 11 selects an energy-saving process to be implemented. For example, if the energy-saving process to be implemented is set as one predetermined energy-saving process for the entire communication system 100, and if the energy-saving process to be implemented is designated as one predetermined process by AF or the like, the service impact determination unit 11 selects the predetermined process as the energy-saving process to be implemented.

[0080] When a candidate energy-saving process can be selected from a plurality of energy-saving processes, the service impact determination unit 11 selects the candidate energy-saving process from the plurality of energy-saving processes, for example, based on the magnitude of the energy-saving effect and / or the degree of the impact on the communication service. For example, the service impact determination unit 11 may select the energy-saving process that has the largest amount of energy reduction as the candidate energy-saving process. The amount of energy reduced by performing each energy-saving process can be obtained from, for example, the EECF 9 or the NWDAF 8. For example, when changing the QoS parameters of a PDU session and releasing the PDU session, the amount of reduction in energy consumption is greater when the PDU session is released.

[0081] For example, the service impact determination unit 11 may use a service impact level as information indicating the degree of impact on the communication service, and select an energy-saving process that has the least impact on the communication service, i.e., the lowest service impact level, as a candidate energy-saving process to be implemented. Furthermore, for example, the service impact determination unit 11 may first narrow down the energy-saving processes based on either the largest amount of energy reduction or the lowest service impact level, and if multiple energy-saving processes remain after narrowing down the energy-saving processes, select a candidate energy-saving process based on the other criterion. Note that the method of selecting a candidate energy-saving process from multiple energy-saving processes is not limited to these.

[0082] In OP15, the service impact determination unit 11 determines whether the target communication service can tolerate the impact of the energy saving process of the candidate implementation, for example, based on the impact tolerance of the target communication service and the service impact level of the energy saving process of the candidate implementation. For example, the service impact determination unit 11 may determine that the target communication service can tolerate the impact of the energy saving process of the candidate implementation if the service impact level of the energy saving process of the candidate implementation is equal to or lower than the service impact level corresponding to the impact tolerance of the target communication service. The service impact determination unit 11 may determine that the target communication service cannot tolerate the impact of the energy saving process of the candidate implementation if the service impact level of the energy saving process of the candidate implementation is higher than the service impact level corresponding to the impact tolerance of the target communication service. Note that the method of determining whether the target communication service can tolerate the impact of the energy saving process of the candidate implementation is not limited to this.

[0083] If the target communication service can tolerate the impact of the energy saving processing of the implementation candidate (OP15: YES), the processing proceeds to OP16. In OP16, the service impact determination unit 11 transmits an instruction to implement energy saving processing to another predetermined NF or another functional component that executes energy saving processing within the NF. Thereafter, the processing shown in FIG. 6 ends.

[0084] If the target communication service cannot tolerate the impact of the candidate energy-saving process (OP15: NO), the processing proceeds to OP17. In OP17, the service impact determination unit 11 determines whether or not there is a selectable energy-saving process. For example, if the candidate energy-saving process is set to one predetermined energy-saving process, and if, among the multiple energy-saving processes, there is no unselected energy-saving process whose service impact level is equal to or lower than the service impact level corresponding to the impact tolerance of the target communication service, a negative determination is made in OP17. If there is no selectable energy-saving process (OP17: NO), the service impact determination unit 11 decides not to perform the energy-saving process for the target communication service, and the processing illustrated in FIG. 6 ends.

[0085] If there is a selectable energy-saving process (OP17: YES), the processing proceeds to OP14, where the service impact determination unit 11 reselects an energy-saving process as a candidate for implementation. For example, the service impact determination unit 11 may select, from among the multiple energy-saving processes, an unselected energy-saving process whose service impact level is equal to or lower than the service impact level corresponding to the impact tolerance of the target communication service as the candidate for implementation. Alternatively, the service impact determination unit 11 may select an energy-saving process as a candidate for implementation from among the unselected energy-saving processes using the same criteria as when the processing of OP14 was executed for the first time. Thereafter, the processing from OP15 onwards is executed for the reselected candidate for implementation.

[0086] Note that the service impact-based determination process shown in FIG. 6 is an example, and the service impact-based determination process is not limited to the example shown in FIG.

[0087] According to each embodiment of the present disclosure, in consideration of the impact of energy-saving processing on services, energy-saving processing is not performed for communication services in which maintaining communication quality takes priority over energy saving, even in situations where energy-saving processing is required, thereby reducing the impact of energy-saving processing on services.

[0088] First Embodiment In the first embodiment, the NF that executes the service-impact-based determination process is the ECCF 9. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of performing the energy-saving process according to the first embodiment.

[0089] In S101, the AF 1 transmits an Nnef_EnergySaving request message to the NEF 3 requesting the execution of energy saving processing. Information identifying a target communication service and an energy consumption threshold used by the ECCF 9 to determine whether to execute energy saving processing are also transmitted along with the Nnef_EnergySaving request message. Examples of the information identifying the target communication service include UE identification information, a UE address, an S-NSSAI, and a DNN. The energy consumption threshold is specified, for example, by an administrator of the communication system 100 or a customer of the communication system 100. Upon receiving the Nnef_EnergySaving request message, the NEF 3 transmits an Nnef_EnergySaving response message to the AF 1 in response. The target communication service is, for example, communication and processing related to one UE or one PDU session. However, the target communication service is not limited to this, and may also be processing related to traffic of multiple UEs or communication and processing related to communication of multiple PDU sessions.

[0090] In S102, the NEF 3 transmits a Neecf_EnergySaving request message to the ECCF 9, requesting the execution of energy saving processing. The information provided by the AF 1 in S101 is also transmitted together with the Neecf_EnergySaving request message. Upon receiving the Neecf_EnergySaving request message, the ECCF 9 transmits a Neecf_EnergySaving response message to the NEF 3 as a response.

[0091] In S103, the ECCF 9 transmits a Nudm_SDM_Get request message to the UDM 2 requesting acquisition of energy saving authorization information for the target UE. The energy saving authorization information is information that authorizes the application of energy-related policies. The UDM 2 transmits the requested energy saving authorization information to the ECCF 9. The energy consumption threshold may be acquired from the UDM 2 as one piece of energy saving authorization information.

[0092] In S104, the ECCF 9 collects auxiliary energy consumption information from each NF for the target communication service, such as data volume and bit rate.

[0093] In S105, the ECCF 9 performs an energy saving process execution determination process using the auxiliary energy consumption information and the energy consumption threshold value acquired from the AF 1 or the UDM 2. If the value indicated by the auxiliary energy consumption information is equal to or greater than the energy consumption threshold value, the ECCF 9 determines whether to execute the energy saving process. In the example shown in Fig. 7, it is assumed that the execution of the energy saving process is determined for the target communication service as a result of the energy saving process execution determination process.

[0094] In S106, the ECCF 9 executes a service impact-based determination process for the target communication service, since the execution of the energy saving process is determined as a result of the energy saving process execution determination process for the target communication service ( FIG. 6 ). In this case, an energy saving process execution notification, which triggers the start of the service impact-based determination process, is transmitted to the service impact determination unit 11 from the functional component that executes the energy saving process execution determination process of the ECCF 9. In the example shown in FIG. 7 , it is assumed that the target communication service does not satisfy the service impact avoidance condition ( FIG. 6 , OP12: NO), the execution of the energy saving process is determined, and the energy saving process to be executed is selected, for example, based on the impact tolerance of the target communication service and the service impact level of the energy saving process ( FIG. 6 , OP13 to OP15). Note that if there is insufficient service attribute information for the target communication service to be used in the service impact-based determination process, the ECCF 9 may acquire the missing service attribute information from the UDM 2.

[0095] In S107, the ECCF 9 transmits an energy saving process execution instruction to the PCF 5 (FIG. 6, OP16). Together with the energy saving process execution instruction, energy control information for adjusting an Access and Mobility (AM) policy used in the AMF 7 is also transmitted. The energy control information transmitted in S107 includes, for example, parameters to be set or changed in the AMF 7 to perform a selected energy saving process for a target communication service, or a denial of registration of the target UE to the network, a deregistration of the target UE from the network, or a trigger for handover of the target UE (in the case of UE registration denial). In S107, the energy saving process execution instruction and the energy control information are transmitted by an Npcf_AMPolicyAuthorization Create / Update message.

[0096] In addition, when energy saving processing related to PDU session management is selected, if the value of a parameter controllable by an AM policy such as UE-AMBR of the target communication service is changed to a smaller value as a result of the energy saving processing related to PDU session management, the energy control information includes the value of the parameter. Also, if energy saving processing related to PDU session management is selected as the energy saving processing and energy saving processing related to access and mobility is not selected, and the value of a parameter controllable by an AM policy is not changed as a result of the energy saving processing related to PDU session management, no update of the AM policy occurs, and therefore the processing of S107 does not need to be executed. Whether or not the value of a parameter controllable by an AM policy is changed as a result of the energy saving processing related to PDU session management depends on the settings of the administrator or customer of the communication system 100.

[0097] In S108, the ECCF 9 transmits an energy saving process execution instruction to the PCF 5 (FIG. 6, OP16). Together with the energy saving process execution instruction, energy control information for adjusting the SM (Session Management) policy used in the SMF 6 is also transmitted. The energy control information transmitted in S108 includes, for example, adjusted QoS parameters (in the case of a PDU session change without interruption), a UPF switching trigger and information on the UPF after switching (in the case of a PDU session change without interruption), or a PDU session release or deactivation trigger (in the case of a PDU session release or deactivation). In S108, the energy saving process execution instruction and the energy control information are transmitted by an Npcf_PolicyAuthorization Create / Update message. Note that if energy saving processing related to access and mobility, such as denial of UE network registration, is selected as the energy saving processing, and energy saving processing related to PDU session management is not selected, no SM policy update occurs for the PDU session included in the target communication service, and therefore the processing of S108 does not need to be performed.

[0098] In S109, the PCF 5 updates the AM policy for the target UE based on the energy control information received from the ECCF 9 via the PCF 5 in S107, and transmits an Npcf_AMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify message including the updated AM policy to the AMF 7. Upon receiving the Npcf_AMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify message from the PCF 5, the AMF 7 updates the AM policy for the target UE, and as a result, a process related to the AMF 7 is performed among the energy saving processes selected in S106. For example, if denial of registration of the UE to the network is selected as the energy saving process to be performed in S106, the AMF 7 denies a registration request from the target UE after receiving the Npcf_AMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify message in S109. As a result, the target UE is not registered in the communication system 100, so that traffic of the target UE is not generated, and energy consumption due to traffic of the target UE can be reduced. If the process of S107 is not executed, the process of S109 is also not executed.

[0099] In S110, the PCF 5 updates the SM policy for the PDU session included in the target communication service based on the energy control information received from the ECCF 9 via the PCF 5 in S108, and transmits an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify message including the updated SM policy to the SMF 6. Upon receiving the Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify message from the PCF 5, the SMF 6 updates the SM policy for the PDU session included in the target communication service, and as a result, the processing related to the SMF 6 among the energy saving processing selected in S106 is performed. Note that if the processing of S108 is not performed, the processing of S110 is also not performed.

[0100] For example, if a PDU session change without interruption is selected as the energy saving process to be performed in S106, the SMF 6 changes the QoS flow parameters of the corresponding PDU session when it receives the Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify message in S110. The QoS flow parameters are changed to values ​​that reduce the energy consumption of the corresponding PDU session. As a result, the energy consumption of the corresponding PDU session is reduced, and the energy consumption of the target communication service is reduced.

[0101] For example, if a change of PDU session accompanied by a momentary interruption is selected as the energy saving process to be performed in S106, upon receiving the Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify message in S110, the SMF 6 executes a process of switching the corresponding PDU session to a new UPF 20. A UPF that reduces the energy consumption of the corresponding PDU session is selected as the UPF 20 that will newly handle the corresponding PDU session. As a result, the energy consumption of the corresponding PDU session is reduced, and the energy consumption of the target communication service is also reduced.

[0102] For example, if PDU session release is selected as the energy saving process to be performed in S106, the SMF 6 executes the release procedure for the corresponding PDU session upon receiving the Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify message in S110. As a result, the energy consumption by the corresponding PDU session is reduced, and the energy consumption of the target communication service is reduced.

[0103] In addition, if the ECCF 9 determines in S106 that energy saving processing will not be performed for the target communication service, processing from S107 onwards is not performed. In this case, the energy consumption of the target communication service is not reduced, but the communication quality of the target communication service is maintained. In addition, in this case, since processing from S107 onwards is not performed, it is possible to minimize the number of messages flowing through the communication system 100, and it is possible to simplify the processing of the entire communication system 100. In addition, in S101, if the target communication service specified by the AF is a service for multiple UEs or a service for multiple PDU sessions, energy saving processing performed for each UE or each PDU session may be selected.

[0104] <Modification of First Embodiment> The ECCF 9 does not have to be an independent NF, and the ECCF 9 may be, for example, one of the functional components of the NEF 3 or the NWDAF. In this case, for example, in the sequence shown in Fig. 7, the processes (S102 to S108) performed by the ECCF 9 are performed by the NEF 3 or the NWDAF. In other words, instead of the ECCF 9, the NEF 3 or the NWDAF may execute the energy saving process execution determination process and the service impact-based determination process.

[0105] Second Embodiment In a second embodiment, the NF that executes the service-impact-based determination process is the PCF 5. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of performing the energy-saving process according to the second embodiment.

[0106] The processes from S201 to S205 are the same as those from S101 to S105 in Fig. 7. In the example shown in Fig. 8, as in the example shown in Fig. 7, it is assumed that in S205, as a result of the energy saving process execution determination process, it is determined that energy saving process should be executed for the target communication service.

[0107] In S206, the ECCF 9 transmits an energy saving process execution notification indicating that it has been determined that energy saving process execution is to be performed as a result of the energy saving process execution determination process to the PCF 5. In S206, the energy saving process execution notification is transmitted by an Npcf_AMPolicyAuthorization Create / Update message. The Npcf_AMPolicyAuthorization Create / Update message may include energy control information.

[0108] In S207, the ECCF 9 transmits an energy saving process execution notification to the PCF 5, indicating that it has been determined that energy saving process execution is to be performed as a result of the energy saving process execution determination process. In S207, the energy saving process execution notification is transmitted by an Npcf_PolicyAuthorization Create / Update message. Note that only one of the processes in S206 and S207 may be performed.

[0109] In S208, the PCF 5 executes a service impact-based determination process for the target communication service ( FIG. 6 ). In this case, the energy saving process execution notification, which triggers the start of the service impact-based determination process, is an Npcf_AMPolicyAuthorization Create / Update message and / or an Npcf_PolicyAuthorization Create / Update message including an energy saving process execution notification from the ECCF 9. In the example shown in FIG. 8 , similar to the example shown in FIG. 7 , it is assumed that the target communication service does not satisfy the service impact avoidance condition ( FIG. 6 , OP12: NO), the execution of energy saving process is determined, and the energy saving process is selected, for example, based on the impact tolerance of the target communication service and the service impact level of the energy saving process ( FIG. 6 , OP13 to OP15). Note that if there is insufficient service attribute information for the target communication service used in the service impact-based determination process, the PCF 5 may acquire the missing service attribute information from the UDM 2.

[0110] In S209, the PCF 5 updates the AM policy for the target UE in accordance with the content of the energy saving process determined in S208, and transmits an Npcf_AMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify message including the updated AM policy as an instruction to perform the energy saving process to the AMF 7 (FIG. 6, OP16). Upon receiving the Npcf_AMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify message from the PCF 5, the AMF 7 performs energy saving processes related to access and mobility for the target UE in accordance with the updated AM policy.

[0111] For example, in S208, if energy saving processing related to access and mobility is selected as the energy saving processing, PCF 5 updates the AM policy to include a trigger for energy saving processing related to access and mobility for the target UE. If energy saving processing related to PDU session management is selected as the energy saving processing, and the value of a parameter controllable by the AM policy is changed to a smaller value in conjunction with the energy saving processing related to PDU session management, PCF 5 updates the AM policy for the target UE to include the value of the parameter. Also, if energy saving processing related to PDU session management is selected as the energy saving processing, and energy saving processing related to access and mobility is not selected, and the value of a parameter controllable by the AM policy is not changed in conjunction with the energy saving processing related to PDU session management, no update of the AM policy occurs, and therefore the processing of S209 does not need to be executed.

[0112] In S210, the PCF 5 updates the SM policy for the target UE in accordance with the content of the energy saving process selected in S208, and transmits an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify message including the updated SM policy as an instruction to perform the energy saving process to the SMF 6. Upon receiving the Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify message from the PCF 5, the SMF 6 updates the SM policy for the PDU session included in the target communication service, and as a result, the process related to the SMF 6 among the energy saving processes selected in S208 is performed.

[0113] For example, in S208, if a change of a PDU session without interruption is selected as the energy saving process, the PCF 5 updates the SM policy to include the adjusted QoS parameters. For example, in S208, if a change of a PDU session with interruption is selected as the energy saving process, the PCF 5 updates the SM policy to include the trigger for UPF switching and information on the UPF after switching. For example, in S208, if a release of a PDU session is selected as the energy saving process, the PCF 5 updates the SM policy to include the trigger for PDU session release. Note that if energy saving processes related to access and mobility are selected as the energy saving process and processes related to PDU session management are not selected, no update of the SM policy for the PDU session of the target communication service occurs, and therefore the process of S210 does not need to be executed.

[0114] If the PCF 5 determines in S208 that the energy saving process is not to be performed for the target communication service, the processes of S209 and S210 are not performed.

[0115] Third Embodiment In a third embodiment, the NFs that execute the service impact-based determination process are the SMF 6 and the AMF 7. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of performing the energy saving process according to the third embodiment.

[0116] The processes from S301 to S307 are the same as those from S201 to S207 in Fig. 8. In the example shown in Fig. 9, as in the examples shown in Figs. 7 and 8, it is assumed that in S305, as a result of the energy saving process execution determination process, it is determined that energy saving process should be executed for the target communication service.

[0117] In S308, the PCF 5 uses an Npcf_AMPolicyAuthorization Create / Update message to transmit the energy saving process execution notification included in the Npcf_AMPolicyAuthorization Create / Update message received from the ECCF 9 in S306 to the AMF 7. In S309, the PCF 5 uses an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify message to transmit the energy saving process execution notification included in the Npcf_PolicyAuthorization Create / Update message received from the ECCF 9 in S307 to the SMF 6.

[0118] In S311, the AMF 7 executes a service impact-based determination process for the target communication service ( FIG. 6 ). In FIG. 9 , it is assumed that the target communication service does not satisfy the service impact avoidance condition ( FIG. 6 , OP12: NO), the implementation of energy saving processing is determined, and, for example, either the energy saving processing related to access or mobility is selected based on the impact tolerance of the target communication service and the service impact level of the energy saving processing ( FIG. 6 , OP13 to OP15). Note that, if there is insufficient service attribute information of the target communication service used in the service impact-based determination process, the AMF 7 may acquire the missing service attribute information from the UDM 2.

[0119] In S312, the AMF 7 updates the AM policy for the target UE so as to include a trigger for the energy saving process for the access and mobility selected in S311, and thereafter performs the energy saving process for the selected access and mobility for the target UE in accordance with the updated AM policy (FIG. 6, OP16). In this case, the energy saving process execution instruction is transmitted from the service impact determination unit 11 of the AMF 7 to the functional component that executes the energy saving process for the selected access and mobility. Note that, when it is determined in S311 that the energy saving process is not to be executed for the target communication service, the process of S312 is not executed.

[0120] In S314, the SMF 6 executes a service impact-based determination process for the target communication service ( FIG. 6 ). In FIG. 9 , it is assumed that the target communication service does not satisfy the service impact avoidance condition ( FIG. 6 , OP12: NO), the implementation of energy saving processing is determined, and one of the energy saving processes for the PDU session is selected based on the impact tolerance of the target communication service and the service impact level of the energy saving processing ( FIG. 6 , OP13 to OP15). Note that if there is insufficient service attribute information for the target communication service used in the service impact-based determination process, the SMF 6 may acquire the missing service attribute information from the UDM 2.

[0121] In S315, the SMF 6 updates the SM policy for the target PDU session in accordance with the energy saving process related to the management of the PDU session selected in S314, and thereafter executes the selected energy saving process in accordance with the updated SM policy (FIG. 6, OP16). In this case, an instruction to execute the energy saving process is sent from the service impact determination unit 11 of the SMF 6 to the functional component that executes the selected energy saving process. The updated content of the SM policy is the same as the updated content of the SM policy of the PCF 5 in the second embodiment. Note that, if it is determined in S314 that the energy saving process is not to be executed for the target communication service, the process of S315 is not executed.

[0122] Other Embodiments The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and the present disclosure can be implemented with appropriate modifications within the scope of the gist thereof.

[0123] The processes and means described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0124] Furthermore, a process described as being performed by one device may be shared and executed by multiple devices. Alternatively, a process described as being performed by different devices may be executed by a single device. In a computer system, the hardware configuration (server configuration) by which each function is realized can be flexibly changed.

[0125] The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a computer program that implements the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer, and having one or more processors in the computer read and execute the program. Such a computer program may be provided to the computer on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium connectable to the computer's system bus or via a network. Non-transitory computer-readable storage media include, for example, any type of disk, such as a magnetic disk (e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk drive (HDD), etc.), an optical disk (e.g., a CD-ROM, a DVD disk, a Blu-ray disk), a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an EPROM, an EEPROM, a magnetic card, a flash memory, an optical card, or any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions.

[0126] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 AF 2 UDM 3 NEF 4 UDR 5 PCF 6 SMF 7 AMF 8 NWDAF 9 ECCF 11 Service impact determination unit 50 UE 100 Communication system 101 Processor 102 Memory 103 Auxiliary storage device 104 Communication unit 110 Information processing device

Claims

1. An information processing device having a control unit that performs the following: when a first communication service satisfies a first condition related to a communication service that is the target of avoiding the impact of implementing a first process related to network energy saving, deciding not to implement the first process for the first communication service; and when the first communication service does not satisfy the first condition, deciding to implement the first process for the first communication service and executing a specified process related to the first process.

2. The information processing device of claim 1, wherein the first condition includes one or more conditions related to attributes of the communication service, and the control unit determines whether the first communication service satisfies at least one of the one or more conditions included in the first condition based on attribute information related to the first communication service.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the one or more conditions relating to the attributes of the communication service include conditions relating to at least one of whether the user is a priority user, whether the service is a priority service, whether the service is an emergency service, the aggregate maximum bit rate (AMBR) of traffic relating to the user, a network slice, a DNN (Data Network Name), QoS flow parameters, and PDU session parameters.

4. The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein the conditions related to the QoS flow parameters include conditions related to at least one of 5G QoS Identifier, Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP), GBR / non-GBR, and Guaranteed Flow Bit Rate (GFBR).

5. The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein the conditions related to the PDU session parameters include conditions related to at least one of a PDU session type, an SSC mode, an IP address, and an IP prefix.

6. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the first processing includes at least one of modifying a PDU session, releasing a PDU session, deactivating a PDU session, refusing to register the UE with the network, deregistering the UE from the network, and refusing to handover the UE.

7. The information processing device of claim 1, wherein the control unit, when deciding to perform the first processing, determines whether the first communication service can tolerate the impact of performing the first processing, executes the specified processing related to the first processing if the first communication service can tolerate the impact of performing the first processing, and changes the content of the first processing if the first communication service cannot tolerate the impact of performing the first processing.

8. The information processing device according to claim 7, wherein the control unit determines whether the first communication service can tolerate the impact of the execution of the first processing based on the tolerance level of the impact of the execution of the first processing for the first communication service.

9. The information processing device according to claim 8, wherein the control unit determines the tolerance of the effect of the first processing of the first communication service on the basis of attribute information relating to the first communication service.

10. The information processing device of claim 1, wherein when there are multiple types of the first processing, the control unit selects the first processing to be performed based on the amount of energy consumption reduction achieved by performing the first processing or the degree of impact on communication services achieved by performing the first processing.

11. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device operates as an EECF (Energy Efficiency Control Function), an NEF (Network Exposure Function), or an NWDAF (Network Data Analytics Function), and the control unit sends an instruction to a PCF (Policy Control Function) to execute the first processing as the specified processing related to the first processing.

12. The information processing device described in claim 11, wherein the control unit further determines a reduction in the amount of energy consumed for the first communication service, and when a reduction in the amount of energy consumed for the first communication service is determined, determines whether the first communication service satisfies the first condition.

13. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device operates as a PCF (Policy Control Function), and the control unit transmits an instruction to execute the first process to an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) and an SMF (Session Management Function) as the predetermined process related to the first process.

14. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device operates as an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function), and the control unit performs at least one of refusing to register the UE with the network, deleting the UE from the network, and refusing handover of the UE as the predetermined processing related to the first processing.

15. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device operates as an SMF (Session Management Function), and the control unit performs at least one of modifying, releasing, and deactivating one or more PDU sessions included in the first communication service as the predetermined processing related to the first processing.

16. The information processing device according to claim 13, wherein the control unit determines whether the first communication service satisfies the first condition when another NF determines that the amount of energy consumed for the first communication service is reduced.

17. A method comprising: a computer determining not to implement a first process for a first communication service when the first communication service satisfies a first condition related to the communication service that is the target of avoiding the effects of implementing a first process related to network energy saving; and a computer determining to implement the first process for the first communication service and executing a predetermined process related to the first process when the first communication service does not satisfy the first condition.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first condition includes one or more conditions related to attributes of the communication service, and the computer determines whether the first communication service satisfies the first condition based on attribute information related to the first communication service.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the first processing includes at least one of modifying a PDU session, releasing a PDU session, deactivating a PDU session, denying registration of the UE to the network, deregistering the UE from the network, and denying handover of the UE.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the computer, when deciding to perform the first processing, determines whether the first communication service can tolerate the impact of performing the first processing; if the first communication service can tolerate the impact of performing the first processing, executes the specified processing related to the first processing; and if the first communication service cannot tolerate the impact of performing the first processing, changes the content of the first processing.

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