Network node and communication method

Abstract

This network node comprises: a reception unit that receives a network quality analysis request transmitted from a control function which performs control on a computing resource; and a transmission unit that transmits, to the control function, network quality analysis results based on network quality information about a terminal.

Description

Network node and communication method

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

[0002] The 3GPP (registered trademark) (3rd Generation Partnership Project) has introduced a wireless communication system called 5G or NR (New Radio) (hereinafter, the wireless communication system is referred to as "5G" or "NR") to achieve even larger system capacity, even faster data transmission speeds, and even lower latency in wireless sections. In 5G, various wireless technologies have been introduced to meet the requirements of achieving a throughput of 10 Gbps or more while reducing latency in wireless sections to 1 ms or less. Furthermore, various network (NW) functions have been introduced and delivered. Furthermore, 6G, a future communication system, is also being studied.

[0003] Traditionally, carrier networks have handled data transfer independently of data processing, such as applications on devices or in the cloud. This fixed division of functions has prevented device services and cloud services from working closely together. Meanwhile, in preparation for 6G, there is a need for devices and clouds to work closely together to further reduce E2E processing times and expand device / cloud processing capabilities in order to realize advanced services such as CPS (Cyber-Physical System).

[0004] 3GPP TS 23.288 V18.5.0 (2024-03)

[0005] To solve the above problems, a technology called In-Network Computing (INC) is being considered, which places computing resources dedicated to users within a mobile network and substitutes terminal or cloud processing resources with network resources.

[0006] However, the conventional technology is unable to provide the control function of the INC with information about network quality, which indicates the communication status of the user, etc. As a result, the control function of the INC is unable to appropriately control computing resources.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and aims to provide a technology that enables a control function that controls computing resources to obtain information about a user's network quality.

[0008] According to the disclosed technology, a network node is provided that includes a receiving unit that receives a network quality analysis request transmitted from a control function that controls computing resources, and a transmitting unit that transmits a network quality analysis result based on network quality information about a terminal to the control function.

[0009] The disclosed technology provides a technology that enables a control function that controls computing resources to obtain information about a user's network quality.

[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 an example of the configuration of a communication system in a first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing Figure 6.6.4-1: Procedure for subscription to network performance analytics in 3GPP TS 23.288. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the communication system in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of a communication system in a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the communication system in the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of the functional configuration of a network node 100 in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of the functional configuration of a terminal 20 in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of the hardware configuration of the terminal 20 and the network node 100 in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining 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] In the following, we will first explain an example of the configuration of a 5G core network, which is an example of a network (NW) in which computing resources can be placed in this embodiment, and then explain the configuration and operation related to this embodiment.

[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 (R)AN (Radio) Access Network) 10 is a network node having a radio access function, and may include a base station 10. It is connected to a UE 20, an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) 30, and a UPF (User plane function) 40. The AMF 30 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 40 is a network node having functions such as a PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session point to the outside that interconnects with a DN (Data Network), packet routing and forwarding, and user plane QoS (Quality of Service) handling. The UPF 40 and the DN constitute a network slice.

[0016] The AMF 30 is connected to the UE 20, the (R)AN 10, an SMF (Session Management function), an NSSF (Network Slice Selection Function) 35, an NEF (Network Exposure Function) 60, an NRF (Network Repository Function) 50, an UDM (Unified Data Management), an AUSF (Authentication Server Function), a PCF (Policy Control Function), and an AF (Application Function). The AMF 30, the SMF 35, the NSSF, the NEF 60, the NRF 50, the UDM, the AUSF, the PCF, and the AF are network nodes connected to each other via interfaces, Namf, Nsmf, Nnssf, Nnef, Nnrf, Nudm, Nausf, Npcf, and Naf, based on their respective services.

[0017] 1 also shows a Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) 70. The NWDAF 70 is capable of communicating with the AMF 30 and the like as shown in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the NWDAF 70 is also capable of communicating with the (R)AN 10 (base station).

[0018] The SMF 35 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 60 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 the UE 20 connects, determining an allowed NSSAI (Network Slice Selection Assistance Information), determining an NSSAI to be set, and determining an AMF set to which the UE 20 connects. The PCF 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 50 is a network node having a function of discovering NF instances that provide services. The UDM is a network node that manages subscriber data and authentication data. The UDM is connected to a UDR (User Data Repository) that stores the data.

[0019] The NWDAF 70 is a network node that collects and analyzes data from the NF (Network Function) or the OAM (Operation, Administration and Management). As described above, the NWDAF 70 can also collect data from the (R)AN 10. Note that the OAM may also be called a maintenance operation management function.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 2, the UE 20 is in a roaming environment connected to an (R)AN and an AMF 30 in a Visited PLMN (VPLMN). The VPLMN and the Home PLMN (HPLMN) are connected via a vSEPP and an hSEPP. The UE 20 can communicate with the UDM of the HPLMN via the AMF of the VPLMN, for example.

[0023] (Regarding Issues) As mentioned above, a technology called In-Network Computing (INC) is being studied, which allocates computing resources dedicated to users within a mobile network and substitutes terminal or cloud processing resources with network resources.

[0024] If INC could dynamically control the computing resources provided to users according to the user's communication status, network usage status, traffic volume, etc., it would be beneficial in terms of resource efficiency, optimization of computing function deployment, and improvement of user experience, etc. However, conventional technology (existing specifications) cannot provide information on network quality indicating the user's communication status, etc. to the INC's control function, making dynamic control difficult.

[0025] (Outline of the Embodiments) As technologies according to the embodiments for solving the above-mentioned problems, a technology according to a first embodiment and a technology according to a second embodiment will be described. An outline of each embodiment is as follows.

[0026] <Outline of First Embodiment> The first embodiment is an embodiment in which the INC control function is located outside the 3GPP (registered trademark) core network. In the first embodiment, the function of the NEF 60 is extended so that network quality information can be notified to the INC control function, which is an external application.

[0027] Also, network quality information is introduced as disclosure information of the NEF 60. Furthermore, in order to enable dynamic control by the INC control function, a reporting period is presented to the NWDAF 70, enabling periodic disclosure from the NWDAF 70.

[0028] <Outline of Second Embodiment> The second embodiment is an embodiment in which the INC control function is located in a core network of 3GPP (registered trademark). In the second embodiment, the INC control function is defined as, for example, a new NF, and the INC control function is extended so that a network quality information analysis request can be made to the NWDAF 70.

[0029] In the second embodiment, an interface is added between the INC control function and the NWDAF 70. In addition, in order to enable dynamic control in the INC control function, a reporting period is presented to the NWDAF 70, enabling periodic disclosure from the NWDAF 70.

[0030] The first and second embodiments will be described in detail below.

[0031] (First embodiment: system configuration) Fig. 3 shows an example of the configuration of a communication system in the first embodiment. Note that Fig. 3 shows only NF / network nodes related to the operation of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the communication system in the first embodiment includes an (R)AN 10, a UE 20, an AMF 30, an SMF 35, a UPF 40, an NRF 50, an NEF 60, an NWDAF 70, an INC control function 80, computing resources 90, and an OAM 95.

[0032] The AMF 30, the SMF 35, the UPF 40, the NRF 50, the NEF 60, and the NWDAF 70 are provided within the core NW. The INC control function 80 is provided outside the core NW. The computing resources 90 may be located within or outside the core NW. The UPF 40 is connected to the computing resources 90.

[0033] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the core NW, the (R)AN 10, and the computing resource 90 are constructed on a cloud, but the present invention is not limited to this assumption.

[0034] (First embodiment: operation example) Next, an operation example of the communication system in the first embodiment will be described. Note that the operation of the communication system in the first embodiment (and the second embodiment) is based on the operation in "Figure 6.6.4-1: Procedure for subscription to network performance analytics" disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1 (3GPP TS 23.288) shown in Fig. 4. However, the operation of the communication system in the first embodiment (and the second embodiment) is not limited to the operation based on the operation shown in "Figure 6.6.4-1: Procedure for subscription to network performance analytics".

[0035] An example of the operation of the communication system in the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. In Fig. 5, a general AF may be used instead of the INC control function 80. The "general AF" may be referred to as the INC control function 80. Furthermore, another new or existing NF may be used instead of the NEF 60.

[0036] In S101, the INC control function 80 transmits a NW quality information disclosure request including a reporting period to the NEF 60. The NW quality information disclosure request may also be called a NW quality analysis request.

[0037] In S102, the NEF 60 transmits a registration request and a NW quality information collection and analysis request including a reporting period to the NWDAF 70. The NW quality information collection and analysis request may be referred to as a NW quality analysis request.

[0038] In S103, NF discovery and NF registration procedures are executed between the NWDAF 70 and the NRF 60. This procedure is the same as procedure 2 of TS 23.288 cl 6.6.4-1.

[0039] More specifically, in S103, NWDAF 70 discovers AMF(s) belonging to AMF Region(s) including the area of ​​interest (Area of ​​Interest) from NRF 60, and subscribes to NF load and status information for those AMF(s) from NRF 60.

[0040] The above steps S101 to S103 are steps for advance registration to the NWDAF 70. Steps S104 to S108 described below are steps that the NWDAF 70 periodically performs based on the reporting period notified by the INC control function 80 in step S101.

[0041] In S104, the NWDAF 70 acquires NW quality information from the OAM 95 or the (R)AN 10. The NW quality information acquired here is, for example, NW quality information about each terminal 20 under the control of the AMF(s) discovered in S103.

[0042] The network quality information is, for example, any one or more or all of the following: throughput, delay, jitter, wireless section state (signal strength, SNR, number of RBs), number of users in the cell in which the target terminal 20 is located, number of sessions of all terminals in the cell in which the target terminal 20 is located.

[0043] In addition, in S104 , the NWDAF 70 may acquire, from the OAM 95 , load information of each NF (each network node) in the core NW.

[0044] In S105, the NWDAF 70 obtains the number of terminals in the Area of ​​Interest from the AMF 30. This procedure is the same as procedure 4 of TS 23.288 cl 6.6.4-1.

[0045] In S106, the NWDAF 70 performs NW quality analysis. The NW quality analysis method here is not limited to a specific NW quality analysis method. For example, the NW quality analysis may be a statistical analysis or a prediction of future NW quality. Furthermore, the NWDAF 70 may directly transfer the NW quality information acquired from the OAM 95 or the (R)AN 10 to the NEF 60 as the NW quality analysis result.

[0046] In S107, the NWDAF 70 transfers the NW quality analysis result to the NEF 60 for each reporting period.

[0047] In S108, the NEF 60 transfers (discloses) the NW quality analysis result received from the NWDAF 70 to the INC control function 80.

[0048] An example of the operation of the INC control function 80 will now be described. Here, for example, it is assumed that a certain terminal 20 uses a video distribution service provided by a server on the Internet by using communication via the core NW.

[0049] 5, the INC control function 80 periodically acquires NW quality information (NW quality analysis results) in the terminal 20. For example, when the terminal 20 moves to a location with a poor wireless environment, the INC control function 80 detects that the NW quality in the terminal 20 has deteriorated.

[0050] The INC control function 80 instructs the computing resource 90 located between the terminal 20 and the server to compress and transfer the video data for the terminal 20 at a higher compression rate than the current compression rate. This reduces the amount of data for the terminal 20, so that even if the network quality deteriorates, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the quality of the video experienced by the terminal 20.

[0051] In addition, when the INC control function 80 determines that processing is required for many terminals and that the amount of resources in the computing resource 90 is insufficient, it may instruct the network node to use the resources of a network node with a low usage rate (low load) as the computing resource 90.

[0052] In the above example, the NWDAF 70 periodically (cyclically) transmits the NW quality analysis result to the INC control function 80 based on the reporting period, but this is just an example and the reporting method is not limited to this. For example, the NWDAF 70 may transmit the NW quality analysis result to the INC control function 80 at the timing when it detects that the NW quality of the terminal 20 has deteriorated below a threshold.

[0053] <Effects of First Embodiment> According to the technology of the first embodiment, it becomes possible to provide the INC control function 80 with NW quality information of the terminal 20. This makes it possible to appropriately (for example, dynamically) control the computing resources 90.

[0054] (Second embodiment: system configuration) Next, a second embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 shows an example of the configuration of a communication system in the second embodiment. Note that FIG. 6 only shows NF / network nodes related to the operation of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the communication system in the second embodiment includes an (R)AN 10, a UE 20, an AMF 30, an SMF 35, a UPF 40, an NRF 50, an NWDAF 70, an INC control function 80, computing resources 90, and an OAM 95.

[0055] The AMF 30, the SMF 35, the UPF 40, the NRF 50, the NWDAF 70, and the INC control function 80 are provided in the core NW. The computing resource 90 may be located in the core NW or outside the core NW.

[0056] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the core NW, the (R)AN 10, and the computing resource 90 are constructed on a cloud, but the present invention is not limited to this assumption.

[0057] (Second embodiment: operation example) Next, an operation example of the communication system in the second embodiment will be described. An operation example of the communication system in the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7 .

[0058] In S201, the INC control function 80 transmits a registration request and a NW quality information disclosure request including a reporting period to the NWDAF 70. The NW quality information disclosure request may also be called a NW quality analysis request.

[0059] In S202, NF discovery and NF registration procedures are executed between the NWDAF 70 and the NRF 60. This procedure is the same as procedure 2 of TS 23.288 cl 6.6.4-1.

[0060] The above steps S201 to S202 are steps for advance registration to the NWDAF 70. Steps S203 to S206 described below are steps that the NWDAF 70 periodically performs based on the reporting period notified by the INC control function 80 in step S201.

[0061] In S203, the NWDAF 70 acquires NW quality information from the OAM 95 or the (R)AN 10. The NW quality information acquired here is the same as that in the first embodiment, and is, for example, NW quality information about each terminal 20 under the control of the AMF(s) discovered in S202.

[0062] The network quality information is, for example, any one or more or all of the following: throughput, delay, jitter, wireless section state (signal strength, SNR, number of RBs), number of users in the cell in which the target terminal 20 is located, number of sessions of all terminals in the cell in which the target terminal 20 is located.

[0063] In addition, in S203, the NWDAF 70 may acquire, from the OAM 95, load information of each NF (each network node) in the core NW.

[0064] In S204, the NWDAF 70 obtains the number of terminals in the area of ​​interest from the AMF 30. This procedure is the same as procedure 4 of TS 23.288 cl 6.6.4-1.

[0065] In S205, the NWDAF 70 performs NW quality analysis. The NW quality analysis method here is not limited to a specific NW quality analysis method. For example, the NW quality analysis may be a statistical analysis or a prediction of future NW quality. Furthermore, the NWDAF 70 may transfer the NW quality information acquired from the OAM 95 or the (R)AN directly to the INC control function 80 as the NW quality analysis result.

[0066] In S206, the NWDAF 70 transfers the NW quality analysis result to the INC control function 80.

[0067] As a specific example of the operation of the INC control function 80, the example of the operation described in the first embodiment can also be implemented in the second embodiment.

[0068] Similarly to the first embodiment, the reporting method is not limited to the NWDAF 70 periodically (periodically) transmitting the NW quality analysis result to the INC control function 80. For example, the NWDAF 70 may transmit the NW quality analysis result to the INC control function 80 at the timing when it is detected that the NW quality of the terminal 20 has deteriorated below a threshold value.

[0069] Effect of Second Embodiment According to the technology according to the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, it becomes possible to provide the INC control function 80 with NW quality information of the terminal 20. This makes it possible to appropriately (for example, dynamically) control the computing resource 90.

[0070] (Device Configuration) Next, a description will be given of an example of the functional configuration of the NEF 60, the NWDAF 70, and the INC control function 80, which perform the processes and operations described above. Hereinafter, network nodes such as the NEF 60, the NWDAF 70, and the INC control function 80 will be collectively referred to as the "network node 100."

[0071] <Network Node 100> FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the network node 100. As shown in FIG.

[0072] As shown in Fig. 8, the network node 100 includes a transmitting unit 110, a receiving unit 120, a setting unit 130, and a control unit 140. The functional configuration shown in Fig. 8 is merely an example. The names of the functional divisions and functional units may be any names as long as they can perform the operations according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] The transmitter 110 has a function of generating a signal to be transmitted to the terminal 20 or another 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 another 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.

[0074] The setting unit 130 stores pre-set setting information and various setting information to be transmitted to the terminal 20 in a storage device, and reads out the information from the storage device as needed. The control unit 140 controls the network node 100. 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 be called a transmitter and a receiver, respectively.

[0075] <Terminal 20> Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the terminal 20. As shown in Fig. 9, 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. 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.

[0076] 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 has a function of receiving NR-PSS, NR-SSS, NR-PBCH, DL / UL control signals, reference signals, etc. transmitted from a network node. A communication unit including the transmitter 210 and the receiver 220 may be configured.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] (Hardware Configuration) The block diagrams (FIGS. 8 and 9) 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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. 10 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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. 8 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. 9 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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).

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 11 shows an example configuration of a vehicle 2001. As shown in FIG. 11 , 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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).

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] This specification discloses at least the configurations described in the appendices below.

[0104] <Additional Notes> (Additional Item 1) A network node comprising: a receiving unit that receives a network quality analysis request transmitted from a control function that controls computing resources; and a transmitting unit that transmits, to the control function, a network quality analysis result based on network quality information for a terminal. (Additional Item 2) The network node according to Additional Item 1, wherein the network quality analysis request includes a reporting period, and the transmitting unit transmits the network quality analysis result in the reporting period. (Additional Item 3) The network node according to Additional Item 1, wherein the receiving unit receives the network quality information from a maintenance, operation, and management function or a base station. (Additional Item 4) A network node comprising: a transmitting unit that transmits a network quality analysis request to a specific network node that performs network quality analysis; and a receiving unit that receives, from the specific network node, a network quality analysis result based on network quality information for the terminal. (Additional Item 5) The network node according to Additional Item 4, further comprising: a control unit that controls computing resources that execute processing for the terminal based on the network quality analysis result. (Supplementary Item 6) A communication method executed by a network node, comprising: a step of receiving a network quality analysis request sent from a control function that controls computing resources; and a step of sending a network quality analysis result based on network quality information about a terminal to the control function.

[0105] Any of Supplementary Items 1 to 6 provides a technique that enables a control function that controls computing resources to acquire information about a user's network quality. Supplementary Item 2 makes it possible to periodically acquire network quality analysis results. Supplementary Item 3 makes it possible to acquire network quality information from a maintenance operation management function or a base station. Supplementary Item 5 makes it possible to control computing resources.

[0106] (Supplementary Notes on the Embodiments) Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the disclosed invention is not limited to such embodiments, and those skilled in the art will understand various modifications, alterations, alternatives, and substitutions. While specific numerical examples have been used to facilitate understanding of the invention, unless otherwise specified, these numerical values ​​are merely examples, and any appropriate values ​​may be used. The division of items in the above description is not essential to the present invention; matters described in two or more items may be used in combination as needed, and matters described in one item may apply to matters described in another item (as long as there is no contradiction). Boundaries between functional units or processing units in functional block diagrams do not necessarily correspond to boundaries between physical components. The operations of multiple functional units may be performed 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 EES 30 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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).

[0109] 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.

[0110] In this specification, a specific operation described as being performed by the base station 10 ((R)AN 10) may also be performed by its upper node in some cases. In a network consisting of one or more network nodes having a base station 10, it is clear that various operations performed for communication with a 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 (for example, an MME and an S-GW).

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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).

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] As used in this disclosure, the terms "system" and "network" are used interchangeably.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] In this disclosure, the terms "Mobile Station (MS)," "user terminal," "User Equipment (UE)," "terminal," and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0125] 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.

[0126] At least one of the base station and the mobile station (terminal 20) may be referred to as a transmitting device, a receiving device, a communication device, etc. At least one of the base station and the mobile station may be a device mounted on a mobile object, the mobile object itself, etc. The mobile object refers to a movable object, and may move at any speed. Naturally, this also includes cases where the mobile object is stationary. Examples of the mobile object include, but are not limited to, vehicles, transport vehicles, automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, connected cars, excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders, dump trucks, forklifts, trains, buses, handcars, rickshaws, ships and other watercraft, airplanes, rockets, satellites, drones (registered trademark), multicopters, quadcopters, balloons, and objects mounted thereon. The mobile object may also be a mobile object that travels autonomously based on an operational command. 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). At least one of the base station and the mobile station may be a device that does not necessarily move during communication operations. For example, at least one of the base station and the mobile station may be an IoT (Internet of Things) device such as a sensor.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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.

[0131] The reference signal may be abbreviated as RS (Reference Signal) or may be called a pilot depending on the applicable standard.

[0132] 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."

[0133] 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.

[0134] The "means" in the configuration of each of the above devices may be replaced with "part," "circuit," "device," etc.

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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."

[0138] 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).

[0139] 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.

[0140] 10 Base station ((R)AN) 20 Terminal (UE) 30 AMF 35 SMF 40 UPF 50 NRF 60 NEF 70 NWDAF 80 INC control function 90 Computing resource 95 OAM 100 Network node 110 Transmitter 120 Receiver 130 Setting unit 140 Controller 210 Transmitter 220 Receiver 230 Setting unit 240 Controller 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 receiving unit that receives a network quality analysis request transmitted from a control function that controls computing resources; and a transmitting unit that transmits a network quality analysis result based on network quality information for a terminal to the control function.

2. The network node according to claim 1, wherein the network quality analysis request includes a reporting period, and the transmitting unit transmits the network quality analysis result in the reporting period.

3. The network node according to claim 1, wherein the receiving unit receives the network quality information from a maintenance, operation and management function or a base station.

4. A network node comprising: a transmitting unit that transmits a network quality analysis request to a specific network node that performs network quality analysis; and a receiving unit that receives a network quality analysis result based on network quality information about a terminal transmitted from the specific network node.

5. The network node according to claim 4, further comprising: a control unit that controls computing resources that execute processing related to the terminal based on the network quality analysis result.

6. A communication method performed by a network node, comprising: receiving a network quality analysis request sent from a control function that controls computing resources; and sending a network quality analysis result based on network quality information about a terminal to the control function.

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