Electronic device and method for setting low power mode

Abstract

A method performed in an electronic device of a first network node, according to one embodiment, may comprise an operation for receiving, from a second network node and through an optic transceiver of the electronic device, a message for setting a low power mode of the first network node. The method may comprise an operation for switching the operation mode of the first network node from a normal mode to the low power mode on the basis of the message for setting the low power mode of the first network node. The method may comprise an operation for identifying an optical level related to the amount of light transmitted from the second network node by using the optic transceiver while operating in the low power mode according to the message for setting the low power mode of the first network node. The method may comprise an operation for switching the operation mode of the first network node from the low power mode to the normal mode on the basis of the optical level.

Description

Electronic device and method for setting a low power mode

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and method for setting a low power mode.

[0002] As transmission capacity increases in wireless communication systems, functional splitting, which functionally separates base stations, is being implemented. Through functional splitting, base stations can be divided into digital units (DUs) and radio units (RUs). A fronthaul interface is defined for communication between the DUs and RUs.

[0003] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0004] According to one embodiment, an electronic device of a first network node may include an optical transceiver configured to communicate with a second network node, a memory storing instructions and including at least one storage medium, and at least one processor including a processing circuit. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to receive, from the second network node via the optical transceiver, a message for setting a low power mode of the first network node. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to change an operating mode of the first network node from a normal mode to the low power mode based on the message for setting the low power mode of the first network node. The optical transceiver may be used to: identify an optical level related to an amount of light transmitted from the second network node, and, based on the optical level, cause the at least one processor to change the operating mode of the first network node from the low power mode to the normal mode, while operating in the low power mode according to the message for setting the low power mode of the first network node.

[0005] According to one embodiment, an electronic device of a second network node may include an optical transceiver configured to communicate with a first network node, a memory storing instructions and including at least one storage medium, and at least one processor including a processing circuit. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to transmit a message to the first network node via the optical transceiver, for setting a low power mode of the first network node. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to change an optical level associated with an amount of light transmitted from the second network node within a specific range using the optical transceiver while the first network node is operating in the low power mode. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to change the operating mode of the first network node from the low power mode to the normal mode based on changing the optical level within the specific range while the first network node is operating in the low power mode.

[0006] According to one embodiment, a method performed in an electronic device of a first network node may include receiving a message for setting a low power mode of the first network node from a second network node via an optical transceiver of the electronic device. The method may include changing an operation mode of the first network node from a normal mode to the low power mode based on the message for setting the low power mode of the first network node. The method may include identifying an optical level associated with an amount of light transmitted from the second network node using the optical transceiver while the first network node is operating in the low power mode according to the message for setting the low power mode. The method may include changing the operation mode of the first network node from the low power mode to the normal mode based on the optical level.

[0007] According to one embodiment, a method performed in an electronic device of a second network node may include transmitting a message for setting a low power mode of a first network node to the first network node via an optical transceiver of the electronic device. The method may include changing an optical level related to an amount of light transmitted from the second network node within a specific range using the optical transceiver while the first network node operates in the low power mode. The method may include changing the operation mode of the first network node from the low power mode to a normal mode based on changing the optical level within the specific range while the first network node operates in the low power mode.

[0008] According to one embodiment, an electronic device of a first network node may include an optical transceiver configured to communicate with a second network node, a memory storing instructions and including at least one storage medium, and at least one processor including a processing circuit. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to receive, from the second network node via the optical transceiver, a message for setting a low power mode for disabling at least one component of the first network node. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to change an operating mode of the first network node from a normal mode to the low power mode based on the message for setting the low power mode. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to identify whether an optical level regarding an amount of light transmitted from the second network node changes to a specific range while operating in the low power mode within a time period set according to the message for setting the low power mode. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to receive, from the second network node through the optical transceiver, a message for setting the normal mode of the first network node within the time period based on the optical level changing to the specific range.The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to transmit a message to the second network node through the optical transceiver, requesting whether to change the operating mode of the first network node to the normal mode after a constant time interval has elapsed, based on the light level not changing within the specific range.

[0009] According to one embodiment, an electronic device of a second network node may include an optical transceiver configured to communicate with a first network node, a memory storing instructions and including at least one storage medium, and at least one processor including a processing circuit. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to transmit, to the first network node via the optical transceiver, a message for setting a low power mode of the first network node. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to determine, using the optical transceiver, whether to change an optical level regarding an amount of light transmitted from the second network node within a specific range while the first network node operates in the low power mode within a time period set according to the message for setting the low power mode of the first network node. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to transmit, to the first network node via the optical transceiver, a message for setting the normal mode within the time interval based on determining to change the light level within the specific range within the time interval.The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to receive a message from the first network node through the optical transceiver, requesting whether to change the operating mode of the first network node to the normal mode after a constant time interval has elapsed, based on determining that the light level will not change within the specific range within the time interval.

[0010] According to one embodiment, an electronic device of a first network node may include an optical transceiver configured to communicate with a second network node, a power circuit, a controller for controlling the power circuit, a memory storing instructions and including at least one storage medium, and at least one processor including a processing circuit. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to receive, from the second network node via the optical transceiver, a message for setting a low power mode of the first network node. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to transmit a control signal to the controller to change an operating mode of the first network node from a normal mode to the low power mode based on the message for setting the low power mode of the first network node. The controller may be configured to control the power circuit to cease supplying power to the at least one processor in order to change the operation mode of the first network node from the normal mode to the low power mode. The controller may be configured to receive, within the low power mode, a signal from the optical transceiver indicating that the amount of light transmitted from the second network node is outside an operating range. The controller may be configured to control the power circuit, in response to the signal, to supply power to the at least one processor in order to change the operation mode of the first network node from the low power mode to the normal mode.

[0011] Figure 1 illustrates a wireless communication system.

[0012] Figure 2a illustrates the interface between an upper network node and a lower network node.

[0013] Figure 2b illustrates the fronthaul interface of an O(open)-RAN(radio access network).

[0014] Figure 3a illustrates the functional configuration of an upper network node.

[0015] Figure 3b illustrates the functional configuration of a sub-network node.

[0016] Figure 4 illustrates an example of function split between DU and RU.

[0017] Figure 5a illustrates an example of a passive WDM system.

[0018] Figure 5b illustrates an example of an active WDM system.

[0019] Figures 5c and 5d illustrate examples of semi-active WDM systems.

[0020] Figure 6 illustrates an example of a system for disabling at least one component of a radio unit (RU).

[0021] Figures 7a to 7d illustrate the functional configuration of a radio unit (RU) activated in low power mode.

[0022] Figure 7e illustrates an example of the operation of the controller for low power mode.

[0023] Figure 8a illustrates an example of signaling between a distributed unit (DU) and a radio unit (RU) to switch to normal mode based on counter information.

[0024] Figure 8b illustrates an example of signaling between a distributed unit (DU) and a radio unit (RU) to switch to normal mode based on a response message.

[0025] Figure 9 illustrates a flowchart regarding the operation of a DU (distributed unit) for reducing power consumption of a base station.

[0026] Figure 10 illustrates an example of a flowchart regarding the operation of a radio unit (RU) for reducing power consumption of a base station.

[0027] Figure 11 illustrates an example of signaling between a distributed unit (DU) and a radio unit (RU) to switch to normal mode based on light level.

[0028] Figure 12 illustrates an example flowchart regarding the operation of a sub-network node to change the operating mode based on the light level.

[0029] Figure 13 illustrates an example of a flowchart regarding the operation of an upper network node to change the operating mode based on the light level.

[0030] Figure 14 illustrates an example flowchart regarding the operation of a sub-network node to change the operating mode based on the light level.

[0031] Figure 15 illustrates an example of a flowchart regarding the operation of an upper network node for changing the operation mode based on the light level.

[0032] The terms used in this disclosure are used only to describe specific embodiments and may not be intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. The singular expression may include the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art described in this disclosure. Terms defined in general dictionaries among the terms used in this disclosure may be interpreted as having the same or similar meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this disclosure. In some cases, even if a term is defined in this disclosure, it cannot be interpreted to exclude embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] The various embodiments of the present disclosure described below illustrate a hardware-based approach as an example. However, since the various embodiments of the present disclosure include techniques utilizing both hardware and software, the various embodiments of the present disclosure do not exclude a software-based approach.

[0034] In the following description, terms referring to signals (e.g., signal, information, message, signaling), terms referring to OAM processors (operation, administration, maintenance processor) (e.g., OAM processor, OA&M (operation, administration and maintenance processor), OAM&P (operation, administration, maintenance and processor), O&M (operation and maintenance processor), OM (operation, maintenance processor), OAMP (operation, administration, maintenance processor), OAMPT (operation, administration, maintenance, troubleshooting processor), DU control processor), terms referring to resources (e.g., symbol, slot, subframe, radio frame, subcarrier, RE (resource element), RB (resource block), BWP (bandwidth part), occasion), terms for operational states (e.g., step, operation, procedure), terms referring to data (e.g., packet, user stream, information, bit), Terms referring to symbols, codewords), channels, network entities, low-power modes (low-power mode, power saving mode, sleep mode, idle mode, adaptive mode),Terms referring to optimization mode, normal mode (normal mode, connected mode, awake mode), and terms referring to components of the device are provided for convenience of explanation. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the terms described below, and other terms having equivalent technical meanings may be used.

[0035] In the following description, terms referring to parts of electronic devices (e.g., substrate, PCB (printed circuit board), FPCB (flexible PCB), module, antenna, antenna element, circuit, processor, chip, component, device), terms referring to the shape of parts (e.g., structure, structure, support, contact, protrusion), terms referring to connections between structures (e.g., connection, contact, support, contact structure, conductive member, assembly), terms referring to circuits (e.g., PCB, FPCB, signal line, feeding line, data line, RF signal line, antenna line, RF path, RF module, RF circuit, splitter, divider, coupler, combiner), etc. are examples for convenience of description. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the terms described below, and other terms having equivalent technical meanings may be used. In addition, the terms '...bu', '...gi', '...mul', '...che', etc. used below may mean at least one shape structure or a unit that processes a function.

[0036] In addition, in the present disclosure, expressions such as "more than" or "less than" may be used to determine whether a specific condition is satisfied or fulfilled, but this is merely a description for expressing an example and does not exclude descriptions such as "more than" or "less than." A condition described as "more than" may be replaced with "more than," a condition described as "less than" may be replaced with "less than," and a condition described as "more than and less than" may be replaced with "more than and less than." In addition, hereinafter, "A" to "B" mean at least one of elements from A (including A) to B (including B). hereinafter, "C" and / or "D" mean at least one of "C" or "D," that is, including {"C", "D", "C" and "D"}.

[0037] Although the present disclosure describes various embodiments using terms used in some communication standards (e.g., 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), extensible radio access network (xRAN), open-radio access network (O-RAN), etc.), these are merely examples for explanation. The various embodiments of the present disclosure can be easily modified and applied to other communication systems.

[0038] Hereinafter, various embodiments disclosed in this document are described with reference to the attached drawings. For convenience of explanation, the components depicted in the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced in size, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to the drawings.

[0039] Figure 1 illustrates a wireless communication system.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 illustrates a base station (110) and a terminal (120) as some of the nodes utilizing a wireless channel in a wireless communication system. Although FIG. 1 illustrates only one base station, the wireless communication system may further include other base stations identical or similar to the base station (110).

[0041] The base station (110) is a network infrastructure that provides wireless access to terminals (120). The base station (110) has coverage defined based on the distance at which a signal can be transmitted. In addition to the base station, the base station (110) includes an 'access point (AP)', an 'eNodeB (eNB)', and a '5G node (5 th It may be referred to as 'next generation node (gNB)', 'wireless point', 'transmission / reception point (TRP)' or other terms having equivalent technical meaning.

[0042] The terminal (120) is a device used by a user and communicates with the base station (110) via a wireless channel. The link from the base station (110) to the terminal (120) is referred to as a downlink (DL), and the link from the terminal (120) to the base station (110) is referred to as an uplink (UL). In addition, although not shown in FIG. 1, the terminal (120) and another terminal may communicate with each other via a wireless channel. In this case, the link between the terminal (120) and another terminal (device-to-device link, D2D) is referred to as a sidelink, and the sidelink may be used interchangeably with the PC5 interface. In some other embodiments, the terminal (120) may be operated without the involvement of a user. According to one embodiment, the terminal (120) is a device that performs machine type communication (MTC) and may not be carried by the user. Additionally, according to one embodiment, the terminal (120) may be an NB (narrowband)-IoT (internet of things) device.

[0043] The terminal (120) may be referred to as a terminal, or other terms such as 'user equipment (UE),' 'customer premises equipment (CPE),' 'mobile station,' 'subscriber station,' 'remote terminal,' 'wireless terminal,' 'electronic device,' or 'user device,' or other terms having equivalent technical meanings.

[0044] The base station (110) and the terminal (120) can perform beamforming. The base station (110) and the terminal (120) can transmit and receive wireless signals in a relatively low frequency band (e.g., FR 1 (frequency range 1) of NR). In addition, the base station (110) and the terminal (120) can transmit and receive wireless signals in a relatively high frequency band (e.g., FR 2 (or, FR 2-1, FR 2-2, FR 2-3), FR 3 of NR), millimeter wave (mmWave) band (e.g., 28 GHz, 30 GHz, 38 GHz, 60 GHz)). To improve channel gain, the base station (110) and the terminal (120) can perform beamforming. Here, the beamforming can include transmission beamforming and reception beamforming. The base station (110) and the terminal (120) can impart directionality to the transmitted or received signal. To this end, the base station (110) and the terminal (120) can select serving beams through a beam search or beam management procedure. After the serving beams are selected, subsequent communication can be performed through resources that have a QCL relationship with the resource that transmitted the serving beams.

[0045] If large-scale characteristics of a channel carrying a symbol on a first antenna port can be inferred from a channel carrying a symbol on a second antenna port, the first antenna port and the second antenna port can be evaluated to have a QCL relationship. For example, the large-scale characteristics may include at least one of delay spread, Doppler spread, Doppler shift, average gain, average delay, and a spatial receiver parameter.

[0046] Although both the base station (110) and the terminal (120) are described as performing beamforming in FIG. 1, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto. In some embodiments, the terminal may or may not perform beamforming. Furthermore, the base station may or may not perform beamforming. That is, either only one of the base station and the terminal may perform beamforming, or neither the base station nor the terminal may perform beamforming.

[0047] In the present disclosure, a beam refers to a spatial flow of a signal in a wireless channel, and is formed by one or more antennas (or antenna elements), and this forming process may be referred to as beamforming. Beamforming may include at least one of analog beamforming and digital beamforming (e.g., precoding). Reference signals transmitted based on beamforming may include, for example, a demodulation-reference signal (DM-RS), a channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS), a synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel (SS / PBCH), and a sounding reference signal (SRS). In addition, as a configuration for each reference signal, an IE such as a CSI-RS resource or an SRS-resource may be used, and this configuration may include information associated with the beam. Information associated with a beam may mean whether the configuration (e.g., a CSI-RS resource) uses the same spatial domain filter as another configuration (e.g., another CSI-RS resource within the same CSI-RS resource set) or a different spatial domain filter, or whether it is quasi-co-located (QCL) with a reference signal, and if so, what type it is (e.g., QCL type A, B, C, D).

[0048] In the past, in communication systems with relatively large cell radius of base stations, each base station was installed to include the functions of a digital processing unit (or DU (digital unit / distributed unit)) and an RF (radio frequency) processing unit (or RU (radio unit)). However, in 4G (4 th As higher frequency bands are used in the 5G generation and / or subsequent communication systems (e.g., 5G) and the cell coverage of base stations decreases, the number of base stations to cover a specific area has increased. The installation costs for operators to install base stations have also increased. In order to minimize the installation costs of base stations, a structure has been proposed in which the upper network node (e.g., DU) and the lower network node (e.g., RU) of the base station are separated, one or more lower network nodes are connected to one upper network node via a wired network, and one or more lower network nodes are geographically distributed to cover a specific area. Hereinafter, the deployment structure and expansion examples of base stations according to various embodiments of the present disclosure are described through FIGS. 2A and 2B.

[0049] Figure 2a illustrates an interface between an upper network node and a lower network node. The interface between the upper network node and the lower network node may include a fronthaul interface. Fronthaul refers to entities between a wireless LAN and a base station, unlike backhaul between a base station and a core network. While Figure 2a illustrates an example of a fronthaul structure between an upper network node (210) and one lower network node (220), this is merely for convenience of explanation and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other words, embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied to a fronthaul structure between one upper network node and multiple lower network nodes. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to a fronthaul structure between one upper network node and two lower network nodes. Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied to a fronthaul structure between one upper network node and three lower network nodes.

[0050] For example, an upper network node may include a digital unit / distributed unit (DU). The upper network node may be referred to as a DU. A lower network node may include a radio unit (RU) or a massive MIMO unit (MMU). The lower network node may be referred to as a RU or an MMU.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 2A, a base station (110) may include an upper network node (210) and a lower network node (220). A fronthaul (215) between the upper network node (210) and the lower network node (220) may be operated via an Fx interface. For operation of the fronthaul (215), an interface such as an enhanced common public radio interface (eCPRI) or radio over ethernet (ROE) may be used, for example.

[0052] As communication technology develops, mobile data traffic increases, and accordingly, the bandwidth demand required in the fronthaul between the digital unit and the wireless unit has increased significantly. In a deployment such as a centralized / cloud radio access network (C-RAN), an upper network node (210) performs functions for packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), radio link control (RLC), media access control (MAC), and physical (PHY), and a lower network node (220) may be implemented to perform functions for the PHY layer in addition to the RF (radio frequency) function.

[0053] The upper network node (210) may be responsible for upper layer functions of a wireless network. For example, the upper network node (210) may perform functions of the MAC layer and a part of the PHY layer. Here, a part of the PHY layer refers to functions performed at a higher level among the functions of the PHY layer, and may include, for example, channel encoding (or channel decoding), scrambling (or descrambling), modulation (or demodulation), and layer mapping (or layer demapping). According to an embodiment, when the upper network node (210) complies with the O-RAN standard, it may be referred to as an O-DU (O-RAN DU) (or DU). The upper network node (210) may be replaced with a first network entity or DU for a base station (e.g., gNB) in embodiments of the present disclosure, as needed.

[0054] The lower network node (220) may be responsible for lower layer functions of the wireless network. For example, the lower network node (220) may perform a part of the PHY layer, an RF function. Here, a part of the PHY layer refers to functions of the PHY layer that are performed at a relatively lower level than the upper network node (210), and may include, for example, iFFT transformation (or FFT transformation), CP (cyclic prefix) insertion (CP removal), and digital beamforming. An example of such specific functional separation is described in detail in FIG. 4. The lower network node (220) may be referred to as an 'access unit (AU)', an 'access point (AP)', a 'transmission / reception point (TRP)', a 'remote radio head (RRH)', a 'radio unit (RU)', or other terms having an equivalent technical meaning thereto. In one embodiment, if a lower network node (220) complies with the O-RAN standard, it may be referred to as an O-RU (O-RAN RU) (or RU). The lower network node (220) may be replaced with a second network entity or RU for a base station (e.g., gNB) in embodiments of the present disclosure, as needed.

[0055] Although the above example describes that the upper network node (210) includes a DU and the lower network node (220) includes an RU, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. A base station according to the embodiments may be implemented in a distributed deployment according to a centralized unit (CU) configured to perform functions of upper layers of an access network (e.g., packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), radio resource control (RRC)) and a distributed unit (DU) configured to perform functions of lower layers. At this time, the distributed unit (DU) may include a digital unit (DU) and a radio unit (RU). Between a core (e.g., 5GC (5G core) or NGC (next generation core)) network and a radio network (RAN), the base station may be implemented in a structure in which CU, DU, and RU are arranged in that order. The interface between the CU and the distributed unit (DU) may be referred to as an F1 interface.

[0056] For example, a centralized unit (CU) may be connected to one or more DUs and may be responsible for functions at a higher layer than the DU. For example, the CU may be responsible for functions at the RRC (radio resource control) and PDCP (packet data convergence protocol) layers, while the DU and RU may be responsible for functions at lower layers. The DU may perform some functions (high PHY) of the RLC (radio link control), MAC (media access control), and PHY (physical) layers, and the RU may be responsible for the remaining functions (low PHY) of the PHY layer. In addition, for example, a digital unit (DU) may be included in a distributed unit (DU) depending on the implementation of a distributed deployment of a base station. Hereinafter, unless otherwise defined, the operations of DU and RU are described, but various embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to both a base station deployment including a CU and a deployment in which the DU is directly connected to the core network (i.e., a base station in which the CU and DU are integrated into a single entity (e.g., an NG-RAN node)).

[0057] Figure 2b illustrates the fronthaul interface of an open RAN (radio access network). A base station (110) according to a distributed deployment is exemplified as an eNB or gNB.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 2b, the base station (110) may include an O-DU (251) and O-RUs (253-1, ..., 253-n). Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the operation and function of the O-RU (253-1) may be understood as a description of each of the other O-RUs (e.g., O-RU (253-n)).

[0059] The O-DU (251) is a logical node that includes functions, excluding functions exclusively assigned to the O-RU (253-1), among the functions of a base station (e.g., eNB, gNB) according to FIG. 4 described below. The O-DU (251) can control the operation of the O-RUs (253-1, ..., 253-n). The O-DU (251) may be referred to as an LLS (lower layer split) CU (central unit). The O-RU (253-1) is a logical node that includes a subset of the functions of a base station (e.g., eNB, gNB) according to FIG. 4 described below. Real-time aspects of control plane (C-plane) communication and user plane (U-plane) communication with the O-RU (253-1) can be controlled by the O-DU (251).

[0060] The O-DU (251) can communicate with the O-RU (253-1) through an LLS interface. The LLS interface corresponds to a fronthaul interface. The LLS interface refers to a logical interface between the O-DU (251) and the O-RU (253-1) that utilizes lower layer functional split (i.e., intra-PHY based functional split). The LLS-C between the O-DU (251) and the O-RU (253-1) provides the C-plane through the LLS interface. The LLS-U between the O-DU (251) and the O-RU (253-1) provides the U-plane through the LLS interface.

[0061] In FIG. 2B, to explain the O-RAN, entities of the base station (110) are described as O-DU and O-RU. However, these names are not to be construed as limiting the embodiments of the present disclosure. In the embodiments described below, it is obvious that the operations of the upper network node (210) can be performed by the O-DU (251). The description of the upper network node (210) can be applied to the O-DU (251). Similarly, in the embodiments described below, it is obvious that the operations of the lower network node (220) can be performed by the O-RU (253-1). The description of the lower network node (220) can be applied to the O-DU (253-1).

[0062] Fig. 3a illustrates the functional configuration of an upper network node. The configuration illustrated in Fig. 3a can be understood as the configuration of the upper network node (210) of Fig. 2a (or O-DU (250) of Fig. 2b) as part of a base station. Terms such as "...unit" and "...unit" used hereinafter mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which can be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 3A, the upper network node (210) may include a transceiver (310), a memory (320), and a processor (330). The upper network node (210) may include a digital unit / distributed unit (DU). The upper network node may be referred to as a DU.

[0064] The transceiver (310) may perform functions for transmitting and receiving signals in a wired communication environment. The transceiver (310) may include a wired interface for controlling direct connection between devices via a transmission medium (e.g., copper wire, optical fiber). For example, the transceiver (310) may transmit an electrical signal to another device via copper wire, or may perform conversion between an electrical signal and an optical signal. The upper network node (210) may communicate with the lower network node (220) via the transceiver (310). As a non-limiting example, if the upper network node (210) is a DU, the upper network node (210) may be connected to a core network or a centralized node (e.g., CU) of a distributed arrangement via the transceiver (310).

[0065] The transceiver (310) may perform functions for transmitting and receiving signals in a wireless communication environment. For example, the transceiver (310) may perform a conversion function between a baseband signal and a bit stream according to the physical layer specifications of the system. For example, when transmitting data, the transceiver (310) generates complex symbols by encoding and modulating the transmitted bit stream. In addition, when receiving data, the transceiver (310) restores the received bit stream by demodulating and decoding the baseband signal. In addition, the transceiver (310) may include multiple transmission and reception paths. Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the transceiver (310) may be connected to the core network or other nodes (e.g., an integrated access backhaul (IAB).

[0066] The transceiver (310) can transmit and receive signals. For example, the transceiver (310) can transmit a management plane (M-plane) message. For example, the transceiver (310) can transmit a management plane (S-plane) message. For example, the transceiver (310) can transmit a control plane (C-plane) message. For example, the transceiver (310) can transmit a user plane (U-plane) message. For example, the transceiver (310) can receive a user plane message. Although only the transceiver (310) is illustrated in FIG. 3A, according to another implementation example, the upper network node (210) may include two or more transceivers.

[0067] The transceiver (310) transmits and receives signals as described above. Accordingly, all or part of the transceiver (310) may be referred to as a "communication unit," a "transmitter," a "receiver," or a "transmitter-receiver unit." Furthermore, in the following description, transmission and reception performed via a wireless channel are used to mean that the transceiver (310) performs the processing described above.

[0068] Although not illustrated in FIG. 3A, the transceiver (310) may further include a backhaul transceiver for connection to the core network or other base stations. The backhaul transceiver provides an interface for communicating with other nodes within the network. That is, the backhaul transceiver converts a bit stream transmitted from the base station to other nodes, such as other access nodes, other base stations, upper nodes, the core network, etc., into a physical signal, and converts a physical signal received from other nodes into a bit stream.

[0069] The memory (320) stores data such as basic programs, application programs, and setting information for the operation of the upper network node (210). The memory (320) may be referred to as a storage unit. The memory (320) may be composed of volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or a combination of volatile memory and non-volatile memory. In addition, the memory (320) provides stored data upon request from the processor (330).

[0070] The processor (330) controls the overall operations of the upper network node (210). The processor (380) may be referred to as a control unit. For example, the processor (330) transmits and receives signals through the transceiver (310) (or through a backhaul communication unit). In addition, the processor (330) records and reads data from the memory (320). In addition, the processor (330) may perform the functions of the protocol stack required by the communication standard. Although only the processor (330) is illustrated in FIG. 3A, the upper network node (210) may include two or more processors according to other implementation examples.

[0071] The configuration of the upper network node (210) illustrated in FIG. 3A is merely an example, and examples of upper network nodes performing embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 3A. In some embodiments, certain configurations may be added, deleted, or changed.

[0072] Fig. 3b illustrates the functional configuration of a lower network node. The configuration illustrated in Fig. 3b can be understood as the configuration of the lower network node (220) of Fig. 2b (or O-RU (253-1) of Fig. 2b) as part of a base station. Terms such as "... unit" and "... unit" used hereinafter mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and this can be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 3b, the lower network node (220) may include an RF transceiver (360), a fronthaul transceiver (365), a memory (370), and a processor (380). For example, the RF transceiver (360) may be referred to as a wireless transceiver. The fronthaul transceiver (365) may be referred to as an optical transceiver.

[0074] The RF transceiver (360) performs functions for transmitting and receiving signals via a wireless channel. For example, the RF transceiver (360) upconverts a baseband signal into an RF band signal and transmits it via an antenna, and downconverts an RF band signal received via the antenna into a baseband signal. For example, the RF transceiver (360) may include a transmit filter, a receive filter, an amplifier, a mixer, an oscillator, a DAC, an ADC, and the like.

[0075] The RF transceiver (360) may include multiple transmission and reception paths. Furthermore, the RF transceiver (360) may include an antenna unit. The RF transceiver (360) may include at least one antenna array composed of multiple antenna elements. In terms of hardware, the RF transceiver (360) may be composed of digital circuits and analog circuits (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)). Here, the digital circuits and analog circuits may be implemented in a single package. In addition, the RF transceiver (360) may include multiple RF chains. The RF transceiver (360) may perform beamforming. The RF transceiver (360) may apply beamforming weights to a signal to be transmitted and received in order to impart directionality according to the settings of the processor (380). According to one embodiment, the RF transceiver (360) may include a radio frequency (RF) block (or RF section).

[0076] According to one embodiment, the RF transceiver (360) can transmit and receive signals on a radio access network. For example, the RF transceiver (360) can transmit a downlink signal. The downlink signal can include a synchronization signal (SS), a reference signal (RS) (e.g., a cell-specific reference signal (CRS), a demodulation (DM)-RS), system information (e.g., a MIB, a SIB, remaining system information (RMSI), other system information (OSI)), a configuration message, control information, or downlink data. In addition, for example, the RF transceiver (360) can receive an uplink signal. The uplink signal may include a random access related signal (e.g., a random access preamble (RAP) (or Msg1 (message 1)), Msg3 (message 3)), a reference signal (e.g., a sounding reference signal (SRS), DM-RS), or a power headroom report (PHR). Although only the RF transceiver (360) is illustrated in FIG. 3b, in other implementation examples, the lower network node (220) may include two or more RF transceivers.

[0077] According to embodiments, the RF transceiver (460) may transmit a RIM-RS. The RF transceiver (460) may transmit a first type of RIM-RS (e.g., RIM-RS type 1 of 3GPP) to indicate the detection of far-field interference. The RF transceiver (460) may transmit a second type of RIM-RS (e.g., RIM-RS type 2 of 3GPP) to indicate the presence or absence of far-field interference.

[0078] The fronthaul transceiver (365) can transmit and receive signals. According to one embodiment, the fronthaul transceiver (365) can transmit and receive signals on the fronthaul interface. For example, the fronthaul transceiver (365) can receive a management plane (M-plane) message. For example, the fronthaul transceiver (365) can receive a management plane (S-plane) message. For example, the fronthaul transceiver (365) can receive a control plane (C-plane) message. For example, the fronthaul transceiver (365) can transmit a user plane (U-plane) message. For example, the fronthaul transceiver (365) can receive a user plane message. Although only the fronthaul transceiver (365) is shown in FIG. 3b, according to other implementation examples, the lower network node (220) may include two or more fronthaul transceivers.

[0079] The RF transceiver (360) and the fronthaul transceiver (365) transmit and receive signals as described above. Accordingly, all or part of the RF transceiver (360) and the fronthaul transceiver (365) may be referred to as a 'communication unit', a 'transmitter unit', a 'receiver unit', or a 'transmitter-receiver unit'. In addition, in the following description, transmission and reception performed through a wireless channel are used to mean that the processing as described above is performed by the RF transceiver (360). In the following description, transmission and reception performed through a wireless channel are used to mean that the processing as described above is performed by the RF transceiver (360).

[0080] The memory (370) stores data such as basic programs, application programs, and setting information for the operation of the lower network node (220). The memory (370) may be referred to as a storage unit. The memory (370) may be configured as volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or a combination of volatile memory and non-volatile memory. In addition, the memory (370) provides the stored data according to a request from the processor (380). According to one embodiment, the memory (370) may include a memory for conditions, commands, or setting values ​​related to the SRS transmission method.

[0081] The processor (380) controls the overall operations of the lower network node (220). The processor (380) may be referred to as a control unit. For example, the processor (380) transmits and receives signals through the RF transceiver (360) or the fronthaul transceiver (365). In addition, the processor (380) records and reads data in the memory (370). In addition, the processor (380) may perform functions of the protocol stack required by the communication standard. Although only the processor (380) is illustrated in FIG. 3B, the lower network node (220) may include two or more processors according to other implementation examples. The processor (380) may be a set of instructions or codes stored in the memory (370), or may be a storage space that stores instructions / codes that are at least temporarily residing in the processor (380), or may be a part of the circuitry that constitutes the processor (380). Additionally, the processor (380) may include various modules for performing communication. The processor (380) may control the lower network node (220) to perform operations according to the embodiments described below.

[0082] The configuration of the lower network node (220) illustrated in FIG. 3b is merely an example, and examples of RUs performing embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 3b. In some embodiments, some configurations may be added, deleted, or changed.

[0083] Figure 4 illustrates an example of functional splitting between a DU and an RU. The DU may be an example of the upper network node (210) of Figures 2a and 3a. The RU may be an example of the lower network node (220) of Figures 2a and 3b.

[0084] As wireless communication technology advances (e.g. 5G (5 thWith the introduction of 5G communication systems (or NR (new radio) communication systems), the frequency bands used have increased further. As the cell radius of the base station has become significantly smaller, the number of RUs required for installation has also increased further. Furthermore, in the 5G communication system, the amount of data transmitted has increased by a factor of up to ten, significantly increasing the transmission capacity of the wired network transmitted to the fronthaul. Due to the factors described above, the installation cost of the wired network in the 5G communication system may increase significantly. Therefore, in order to lower the transmission capacity of the wired network and reduce the installation cost of the wired network, 'function split' can be utilized, which transfers some of the functions of the modem of the DU to the RU, thereby lowering the transmission capacity of the fronthaul.

[0085] To reduce the burden on the DU, the role of the RU, which is traditionally solely responsible for RF functions, can be expanded to include some physical layer functions. As the RU performs higher-layer functions, its throughput increases, which can increase transmission bandwidth in the fronthaul while reducing latency requirements due to response processing. However, as the RU performs higher-layer functions, virtualization gains decrease, and the RU's size, weight, and cost increase. Considering the trade-offs between the advantages and disadvantages described above, implementing an optimal functional separation is required.

[0086] Referring to Figure 4, the functional separation in the physical layer below the MAC layer is illustrated. For the downlink (DL) that transmits a signal to a terminal through a wireless network, the base station can sequentially perform channel encoding / scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, antenna mapping, RE mapping, digital beamforming (e.g., precoding), iFFT transform / CP insertion, and RF transform. For the uplink (UL) that receives a signal from a terminal through a wireless network, the base station can sequentially perform RF transform, FFT transform / CP removal, digital beamforming (pre-combining), RE demapping, channel estimation, layer demapping, demodulation, and decoding / descrambling. The separation of uplink and downlink functions can be defined in various types depending on the needs of vendors, discussions in standards, etc., according to the above-mentioned trade-offs.

[0087] In the first functional separation (405), the RU performs the RF function, and the DU performs the PHY function. The first functional separation is one in which the PHY function is not substantially implemented in the RU, and may be referred to as Option 8, for example. In the second functional separation (410), the RU performs iFFT conversion / CP insertion in the DL and FFT conversion / CP removal in the UL of the PHY function, and the DU performs the remaining PHY functions. As an example, the second functional separation (410) may be referred to as Option 7-1. In the third functional separation (420a), the RU performs iFFT conversion / CP insertion in the DL and FFT conversion / CP removal and digital beamforming in the UL of the PHY function, and the DU performs the remaining PHY functions. As an example, the third functional separation (420a) may be referred to as Option 7-2x Category A. In the fourth functional separation (420b), the RU performs up to digital beamforming in both the DL and UL, and the DU performs upper PHY functions after the digital beamforming. For example, the fourth functional separation (420b) may be referred to as Option 7-2x Category B. In the fifth functional separation (425), the RU performs up to RE mapping (or RE demapping) in both the DL and UL, and the DU performs upper PHY functions after RE mapping (or RE demapping). For example, the fifth functional separation (425) may be referred to as Option 7-2. In the sixth functional separation (430), the RU performs up to modulation (or demodulation) in both the DL and UL, and the DU performs upper PHY functions after modulation (or demodulation). For example, the sixth functional separation (430) may be referred to as Option 7-3. In the seventh functional separation (440), the RU performs encoding / scrambling (or decoding / descrambling) in both the DL and UL, and the DU performs subsequent upper PHY functions up to modulation (or demodulation). For example, the seventh functional separation (440) may be referred to as Option 6.

[0088] In one embodiment, when a large amount of signal processing is expected, such as in the FR 1 MMU, functional separation at a relatively high layer (e.g., the fourth functional separation (420b)) may be required to reduce fronthaul capacity. In addition, functional separation at too high a layer (e.g., the sixth functional separation (430)) may complicate the control interface and cause a burden on the implementation of the RU due to the inclusion of a large number of PHY processing blocks within the RU. Therefore, appropriate functional separation may be required depending on the arrangement and implementation method of the DU and the RU.

[0089] In one embodiment, if the precoding of data received from the DU cannot be processed (i.e., if the precoding capability of the RU is limited), the third functional separation (420a) or a lower functional separation (e.g., the second functional separation (410)) may be applied. Conversely, if the DU has the capability to process the precoding of data received from the DU, the fourth functional separation (420b) or a higher functional separation (e.g., the sixth functional separation (430)) may be applied.

[0090] Hereinafter, embodiments in the present disclosure are described based on the third functional separation (420a) (which may be referred to as category A (CAT-A)) or the fourth functional separation (420b) (which may be referred to as category B (CAT-B)) for performing beamforming processing in an RU unless otherwise specified. The O-RAN standard distinguishes the types of O-RUs depending on whether the precoding function is located at the interface of the O-DU or the O-RU interface. An O-RU that does not perform precoding (i.e., has low complexity) may be referred to as a CAT-A O-RU. An O-RU that performs precoding may be referred to as a CAT-B O-RU.

[0091] Hereinafter, the term "upper-PHY" refers to physical layer processing handled in the DU of the fronthaul interface. For example, the upper-PHY may include FEC encoding / decoding, scrambling, and modulation / demodulation. Hereinafter, the term "lower-PHY" refers to physical layer processing handled in the RU of the fronthaul interface. For example, the lower-PHY may include FFT / iFFT, digital beamforming, PRACH (physical random access channel) extraction, and filtering. However, the above-described criteria do not exclude embodiments through other functional separations. The functional configuration, signaling, or operation of the embodiments described below may be applied not only to the third functional separation (420a) or the fourth functional separation (420b), but also to other functional separations.

[0092] Embodiments of the present disclosure exemplarily describe the standards of eCPRI and O-RAN as fronthaul interfaces when transmitting messages between a DU, which is an example of an upper network node (210) of FIG. 2A, and a RU, which is an example of a lower network node (220). The Ethernet payload of the message may include an eCPRI header, an O-RAN header, and additional fields. Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure are described using the standard terms of eCPRI or O-RAN, but other expressions having equivalent meanings to each term may be used instead in the various embodiments of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure are described using the standard terms of eCPRI or O-RAN, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in various embodiments of the present disclosure, the CPRI standard may be used as the fronthaul interface.

[0093] The fronthaul transport protocol can use Ethernet and eCPRI, which are easy to share with networks. The Ethernet payload can include an eCPRI header and an O-RAN header. The eCPRI header can be located at the beginning of the Ethernet payload. The contents of the eCPRI header are as follows.

[0094] 1) ecpriVersion (4 bits): This parameter indicates the eCPRI protocol version.

[0095] 2) ecpriReserved (3 bits): This parameter is reserved for further use by eCPRI.

[0096] 3) ecpriConcatenation (1 bit): This parameter indicates when eCPRI concatenation is in use.

[0097] 4) ecpriMessage (1 byte): This parameter indicates the type of service carried by the message type. For example, the parameter indicates an IQ data message, a real-time control data message, or a transmission network delay measurement message.

[0098] 5) ecpriPayload (2 bytes): This parameter indicates the byte size of the payload portion of the eCPRI message.

[0099] 6) ecpriRtcid / ecpriPcid (2 bytes): This parameter is the eAxC (extended antenna-carrier) identifier (eAxC ID) and identifies a specific data flow associated with each C-plane (ecpriRtcid) or U-plane (ecpriPcid) message.

[0100] 7) ecpriSeqid (2 bytes): This parameter provides unique message identification and ordering at both levels. The first octet of this parameter is a sequence ID used to identify the order of messages within the eAxC message stream. The sequence ID is used to ensure that all messages are received and to reorder out-of-order messages. The second octet of this parameter is a subsequence ID. The subsequence ID is used to ensure ordering and implement reordering when radio-transport-level (eCPRI or IEEE-1914.3) fragmentation occurs.

[0101] The eAxC identifier (ID) includes a band and sector identifier ('BandSector_ID'), a component carrier identifier ('CC_ID'), a spatial stream identifier ('RU_Port_ID'), and a distributed unit identifier ('DU_Port_ID'). The bit allocation of the eAxC ID can be distinguished as follows.

[0102] 1) DU_port ID: The DU_port ID is used to distinguish processing units (e.g., different baseband cards) in the O-DU. The O-DU is expected to allocate bits for the DU_port ID, and the O-RU is expected to append the same value to the UL U-plane message carrying the same sectionId data.

[0103] 2) BandSector_ID: Aggregated cell identifier (band and sector distinction supported by O-RU).

[0104] 3) CC_ID: CC_ID identifies the carrier component supported by the O-RU.

[0105] 4) RU_port ID: The RU_port ID specifies logical flows such as data layer or spatial streams, and signaling channels that require separate numerologies (e.g. PRACH) or special antenna allocation such as SRS.

[0106] The application protocol of the fronthaul may include a control plane (C-plane), a user plane (U-plane), a synchronization plane (S-plane), and a management plane (M-plane).

[0107] The control plane may be configured to provide scheduling information and beamforming information via control messages. The control plane refers to real-time control between DUs and RUs. The user plane may include IQ sample data transmitted between DUs and RUs. The user plane may include user downlink data (IQ data or SSB / RS), uplink data (IQ data or SRS / RS), or PRACH data. A weight vector of the beamforming information described above may be multiplied by the user's data. The synchronization plane generally refers to traffic between DUs and RUs for a synchronization controller (e.g., IEEE grand master). The synchronization plane may be related to timing and synchronization. The management plane refers to non-real-time control between DUs and RUs. The management plane may be related to initial setup, non-realtime reset or reset, and non-realtime report.

[0108] Control plane messages, or C-plane messages, can be encapsulated based on a two-layer header approach. The first layer can consist of the eCPRI common header or the IEEE 1914.3 common header, which contains fields used to indicate the message type. The second layer is the application layer, which contains fields necessary for control and synchronization. Within the application layer, sections define the characteristics of U-plane data transmitted or received on a beam with a single pattern ID. The following section types are supported within the C-plane:

[0109] Section Type can indicate the purpose of control messages transmitted on the control plane. For example, the purposes of each Section Type are as follows.

[0110] 1) sectionType=0: Used to indicate resource blocks or symbols not used in DL or UL.

[0111] 2) sectionType=1: Used for most DL / UL wireless channels. Here, "most" refers to channels that do not require time or frequency offsets, such as those required for mixed numerology channels.

[0112] 3) sectionType=2: reserved for further use

[0113] 4) sectionType=3: PRACH and mixed-numerology channels. Channels that require a time or frequency offset or differ from the nominal SCS value(s).

[0114] 5) sectionType=4: reserved for further use

[0115] 6) sectionType=5: UE scheduling information. UE scheduling information is transmitted so that the RU can calculate BF weight in real time (O-RAN optional BF method).

[0116] 7) sectionType=6: Transmits UE-specific channel information. Periodically transmits UE channel information to enable the RU to perform real-time BF weight calculations (O-RAN optional BF method).

[0117] 8) sectionType=7: Used for LAA support

[0118] According to one embodiment, a 5G fronthaul network may be configured for signal transmission from an RU to a DU. For example, Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) may be used for the 5G fronthaul network. The WDM network architecture may include passive WDM, active WDM, and / or semi-active WDM. Examples of WDM network architectures will be described in FIGS. 5A to 5D . In FIG. 5A , a specific example of passive WDM will be described. In FIG. 5B , a specific example of active WDM will be described. In FIGS. 5C and 5D , specific examples of semi-active WDM will be described. In the following description, it will be described that an upper network node is configured with a DU, which is an example of an upper network node, and a lower network node is configured with an RU, which is an example of a lower network node. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the lower network node may be an MMU.

[0119] Figure 5a illustrates an example of a passive WDM system.

[0120] Figure 5b illustrates an example of an active WDM system.

[0121] Figures 5c and 5d illustrate examples of semi-active WDM systems.

[0122] Referring to FIGS. 5A to 5D , a DU (510) may be connected to one or more RUs (520) via a fronthaul interface (550). The fronthaul interface (550) may be configured based on optical communication. The DU (510) may be connected to one or more RUs (520) via an optical fiber. For example, the one or more RUs (520) may include an RU (521), an RU (522), and an RU (523).

[0123] Referring to Fig. 5a, a passive WDM system can be configured end-to-end based on a passive scheme without relay amplification and dispersion compensation. Since at least one component for relay amplification and dispersion compensation is not configured, optical fiber resources can be saved.

[0124] One or more RUs (520) may include a fixed or tunable optical transceiver connected to a passive multiplexer and / or a passive demultiplexer via an optical cable. The DU (510) may include the passive multiplexer and / or the passive demultiplexer. The DU (510) may establish a one-to-one optical wavelength connection with one or more RUs (520) by performing wavelength multiplexing and / or demultiplexing using the passive multiplexer and / or the passive demultiplexer.

[0125] For example, the DU (510) may include a color optical transceiver. For example, the DU (510) and the plurality of RUs (520) may include a tunable optical transceiver having an active communication channel that exists within the optical carrier channel but does not affect traffic. The DU (510) may use the tunable optical transceiver having the active communication channel to exchange health, command, and control status information with the plurality of RUs (520) without using a supervisory channel.

[0126] In the above-described passive WDM system, a high-speed transmission line with high channel capacity can be constructed at low cost and can be configured based on a plug-and-play system.

[0127] In FIG. 5B, the WDM device (531) and the WDM device (532) are depicted as being distinct from the DU (510) and / or one or more RUs (520), but are not limited thereto. The WDM device (531) may be included in at least some of the one or more RUs (520). The WDM device (532) may be included in the DU (510).

[0128] Referring to FIG. 5b, a WDM device (531) and a WDM device (532) may be configured between a DU (510) and one or more RUs (520). The WDM device (531) and the WDM device (532) may be configured for multiplexing of electrical layers and / or optical layers. In an active WDM system, by configuring the WDM device (531) and the WDM device (532), the number of optical fibers may be reduced and management functions between the WDM device (531) and the WDM device (532) may be provided.

[0129] In the above-described active WDM system, since more wavelength channels can be supported, the bandwidth of the active WDM system is greater than that of the passive WDM system, and the optical fiber utilization rate can be high.

[0130] Referring to FIGS. 5c and 5d, a semi-active WDM system can be used in the fronthaul interface (550) when a large number (e.g., thousands) of nodes are required to be connected. A semi-active WDM system can be configured by simplifying an active WDM system and enhancing a passive WDM system.

[0131] According to one embodiment, a semi-active WDM system may include a first type of semi-active WDM system as in FIG. 5c and a second type of semi-active WDM system as in FIG. 5d. For example, in the first type of semi-active WDM system, a WDM device (533) may be configured between a DU (510) and one or more RUs (520). The WDM device (533) may support query, configuration, and OAM (operation, administration, maintenance) information transmission. For example, in the second type of semi-active WDM system, an activator (534) may be configured between the DU (510) and one or more RUs (520). The activator (534) may include a power detector and a microcontroller unit (MCU). An activator (534) may be used to transmit OAM information to a DU (510) and / or one or more RUs (520).

[0132] According to one embodiment, the WDM device (5330) (or the activator (534)) can transmit a management request to one or more RUs (520) and manage an optical module (e.g., an optical transceiver) included in one or more RUs (520). The one or more RUs (520) can receive the management request from the WDM device (533) (or the activator (534)) through the optical module. The one or more RUs (520) can transmit OAM information of the optical module to the WDM device (533) (or the activator (534)) based on the management request. The OAM information of the optical module can include a wavelength and an output power of a transmitting device (e.g., the DU (510), the WDM device (533), or the activator (534)). For example, an optical module (e.g., an optical transceiver) included in each of the DU (510) and one or more RUs (520) may transmit OAM information of the optical module to the WDM device (533) (or the activating device (534)) based on a specified time interval when the power is turned on.

[0133] When the semi-active WDM system described above is used, the burden on optical fiber resources is reduced, and a wide bandwidth can be provided at a low cost.

[0134] Figure 6 illustrates an example of a system for disabling at least one component of a radio unit (RU).

[0135] Referring to FIG. 6, a system operator (601) may input a signal to control software (605) that controls a distributed unit (DU) (603) to set a low power mode of an RU (e.g., RU (607), RU (609), or RU (611)). The DU (603) may perform some functions (high PHY) of a radio link control (RLC), a media access control (MAC), and a physical (PHY) layer. The DU (603) may be associated with an upper network node (210) of FIG. 2A. The control software (605) may be configured to control the DU (603). For example, the control software may include an OAM (processor for operation, administration, and maintenance), but is not limited thereto.

[0136] RUs (e.g., RUs (607), RUs (609), and / or RUs (611)) may be responsible for the remaining functions (low PHY) that the DU (603) does not perform in the PHY layer. Each of the RUs (607), RUs (609), and RUs (611) may transmit messages to the DU (603). Each of the RUs (607), RUs (609), and RUs (611) may receive messages from the DU (603). For example, the RU (607) may activate or deactivate at least one component included in the RU (607) based on a message received from the DU (603). For example, the RU (609) may activate or deactivate at least one component included in the RU (609) based on a message received from the DU (603). For example, RU (611) may activate or deactivate at least one component included in RU (611) based on a message received from DU (603).

[0137] According to one embodiment, when the traffic of an RU (e.g., RU (607), RU (609), or RU (611)) is temporarily low, the DU (603) may receive a signal to set a low power mode of the RU through the control software (605). For example, the DU (603) may receive a signal to set a low power mode of the RU through the control software (605) based on an input received from the system operator (601). For example, the DU (603) may receive a signal to set a low power mode of the RU through the control software (605) from an external device (e.g., a non-real time RAN intelligent controller (RIC), a near-real-time RIC, or a centralized unit (CU)). A message to set the low power mode of the RU can be transmitted from the DU (603) to the RU via a common public radio interface (CPRI), an e-CPRI interface, or an open-radio access network (O-RAN) interface.

[0138] For example, the traffic of RU (609) may be temporarily low during late night hours. For example, the traffic of RU (609) located in a residential area may be temporarily low during morning hours. For example, the traffic of RU (609) located in a business area may be temporarily low during evening hours. The DU (603) may receive a signal to set a low power mode of the RU (609). For example, the DU (603) may receive a signal (or input) from the system operator (601) through the software (605) to set the low power mode of the RU (609) during a time period when the traffic of the RU (609) is temporarily low.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the control software (605) may include instructions that cause the DU (603) to send a message to the RU for setting the low power mode of the RU. The message for setting the low power mode of the RU may include period information for indicating a transmission period of the inspection request message and counter information for indicating a maximum number of transmissions of the inspection request message.

[0140] For example, a message for setting a low power mode of an RU may include period information for indicating a transmission period of about 1 hour and counter information of 5 times. The message for setting a low power mode of an RU may include RU identifier information for identifying the RU and information on a frequency band for setting the low power mode. As an example, the message for setting a low power mode of an RU may include a port ID (identification) of the RU and information on a band of about 3.5 GHZ (giga-hertz). The port ID of the RU may be used to determine whether a message for setting the low power mode of the RU has been received from an RU for which the low power mode is to be set. The information on the frequency band may be used to indicate a frequency band on which a service is to be stopped among a plurality of frequency bands when one RU provides a service for a plurality of frequency bands.

[0141] For example, the plurality of frequency bands may include frequency bands of about 800 MHz (Mega-Hertz), about 900 MHz, about 1.8 GHz (Giga-Hertz), about 1.9 GHz, about 2.6 GHz, and / or about 3.5 GHz. In one embodiment, components for a frequency of about 3.5 GHz may be disabled during late-night hours, as coverage decreases with higher frequencies.

[0142] According to one embodiment, an RU may provide a service for a single frequency band. For example, an RU (607) may provide a service for a frequency band of about 1.8 GHz. An RU (609) may provide a service for a frequency band of about 1.9 GHz. An RU (611) may provide a service for a frequency band of about 3.5 GHz. A DU (603) may suspend a service for a frequency band of 3.5 GHz within a specified time period. In order to suspend the service for a frequency band of 3.5 GHz within a specified time period, the DU (603) may transmit a message to the RU (611) to set the RU (611) providing the service for the frequency band of 3.5 GHz to a low power mode. Based on the received message, the RU (611) may change the operation mode of the RU (611) from a normal mode to a low power mode.

[0143] According to one embodiment, an RU (e.g., RU (607), RU (609), or RU (611)) may disable at least one component of the RU based on a message for setting a low power mode of the RU. For example, the at least one component may be a component other than an optical transceiver. As an example, the at least one component may include a radio frequency transceiver. For example, the RU may include an optical transceiver, an RF transceiver, an amplifier, a counter block, a memory, and / or a digital block. The RU may disable components other than the optical transceiver, the counter block, and the memory. According to an embodiment, the optical transceiver may be included in a power supply. The optical transceiver may be enabled while the RU operates in the low power mode. The optical transceiver can monitor the optical level, which indicates the amount of light transmitted from the DU (603), while the RU is operating in low power mode.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the RU can identify a test point based on period information while operating in a low-power mode. Based on the period information, the RU can transmit a test request message to the DU (603) to request whether to change the RU's operating mode to a normal mode. Based on the period information, the RU can change the RU's operating mode from the low-power mode to a standby mode. The RU can perform a test while operating in the standby mode.

[0145] For example, the RU may identify counter information indicating the maximum number of transmissions of the inspection request message based on a message for setting the low power mode of the RU. The RU may set the operation mode of the RU to the normal mode based on transmitting the inspection request message the maximum number of transmissions. In an embodiment, the RU may set the operation mode of the RU to the normal mode based on transmitting the inspection request message a number of times exceeding the maximum number of transmissions.

[0146] For example, the RU may identify the inspection performance cycle as 1 hour based on the cycle information. The RU may identify the maximum number of transmissions of the inspection request message as 2 based on the counter information. The RU may change the operation mode of the RU from the low power mode to the standby mode every hour and transmit the inspection request message to the DU (603). The RU may receive an inspection response message from the DU (603) based on transmitting the inspection request message. For example, the RU may change the operation mode of the RU from the standby mode to the normal mode based on receiving a inspection response message indicating the normal mode from the DU (603). For example, the RU may change the operation mode of the RU from the standby mode to the low power mode based on receiving a inspection response message indicating the low power mode from the DU (603).

[0147] The RU can change its operating mode from low power mode to standby mode in order to transmit a test request message every hour. The RU can operate in low power mode again based on receiving a test response message indicating low power mode. Since the RU transmits a test request message every hour, after 3 hours, the RU can transmit the test request message 3 times. The RU can identify that the number of times it transmits the test request message exceeds the maximum number of times the test request message is transmitted, which is 2. The RU can perform a reboot based on identifying that the number of times it transmits the test request message exceeds the maximum number of times the test request message is transmitted. For example, the reboot can be performed through a booter, which is an operating system (OS) for rebooting. According to an embodiment, if the number of times the RU transmits the test request message exceeds the maximum number of times the test request message is transmitted, the RU can receive a test response message indicating normal mode. The RU can set the operating mode of the RU to normal mode based on the inspection response message indicating normal mode.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the RU may transmit a test request message to the DU (603) based on a specified time (e.g., 1 hour) according to the period information. The DU (603) may transmit a test response message to indicate whether to maintain the low power mode of the RU based on the test request message. For example, the DU (603) may transmit a test response message indicating the normal mode to change the operation mode of the RU. The DU (603) may change the operation mode of the RU from the low power mode (or standby mode) to the normal mode based on transmitting the test response message indicating the normal mode.

[0149] According to the above-described embodiment, since the RU cannot receive messages while operating in the low power mode, the DU (603) can change the operation mode of the RU from the low power mode (or standby mode) to the normal mode only at a specified time according to the period information. The DU (603) can change the light level within a specified range to change the operation mode of the RU within the specified time according to the period information. For example, the optical transceiver of the RU may be activated even when the RU operates in the low power mode. The RU can identify that the light level indicating the amount of light transmitted from the DU (603) while operating in the low power mode has changed within a specified range. For example, the operation cycle of the optical transceiver of the RU may be changed while operating in the low power mode. As the operation cycle of the optical transceiver of the RU increases, message exchange with the DU (603) may not be performed. However, the RU can monitor the light level indicating the amount of light transmitted from the DU (603) even if the operating cycle of the RU's optical transceiver increases.

[0150] For example, while the RU is operating in a low power mode, the DU (603) can transmit light of a specified light level to the RU. The RU can identify that the light level indicating the amount of light transmitted from the DU (603) is maintained while operating in the low power mode. The DU (603) can change the light level indicating the amount of light transmitted from the DU (603) to be below the specified level to set the operation mode of the RU to a normal mode. Based on identifying that the light level has changed below the specified level, the RU can change the operation mode of the RU from the low power mode (or standby mode) to the normal mode. The DU (603) can change the operation mode of the RU to the normal mode by changing the light level even before the specified time according to the period information has elapsed.

[0151] Figures 7a to 7d illustrate the functional configuration of a radio unit (RU) activated in low power mode.

[0152] Figure 7e illustrates an example of the operation of the controller for low power mode.

[0153] Referring to FIG. 7A, the RU (700) may include a counter block (701), a controller (702), an optical transceiver (703), a power circuit (704), an RF transceiver (705), a processor (706), and / or a memory (707). The RU (700) may include the RU (607), the RU (609), and / or the RU (611) of FIG. 6.

[0154] For example, the counter block (701) may be an operating system (OS) within an FPGA (field programmable gate array) chip. The controller (702) may be configured to control the operation of the power circuit (704) in a low power mode. The optical transceiver (703) may be configured for a fronthaul interface between the RU (700) and the DU (603). The power circuit (704) may be configured to supply power to components of the RU (700) (e.g., the counter block (701), the controller (702), the optical transceiver (703), the RF transceiver (705), the processor (706), and / or the memory (707)). The RF transceiver (705) may be configured for communication with at least one terminal connected to the RU (700). The memory (707) can be used to store information (e.g., cycle information or counter information) included in a message for setting the low power mode of the RU (700).

[0155] According to one embodiment, the counter block (701) may be used to identify whether an inspection point determined based on period information has been reached. When the inspection point has been reached, the RU (700) may activate at least one component required for transmitting an inspection request message and receiving an inspection response message based on the period information stored in the memory (707). For example, the RU (700) may activate a first function among a first function related to the management plane, a second function related to the control plane, and a third function related to the user plane based on the period information stored in the memory (707). The RU (700) may activate at least one component of the RU (700) for activating the first function.

[0156] According to one embodiment, the controller (702) may be configured to control the operation of the power circuit (704).

[0157] For example, in low power mode, the controller (702) may acquire (or receive) a signal from the counter block (701) indicating that the inspection point has been reached. Based on the acquired signal, the controller (702) may control the power circuit (704) to supply power to at least some of the components (e.g., the RF transceiver (705), the processor (706), and / or the memory (707)) that were powered off in the low power mode.

[0158] For example, in a low power mode, the controller (702) may acquire (or receive) a signal regarding an optical level from the optical transceiver (703). Based on the acquired signal, the controller (702) may control the power circuit (704) to supply power to at least some of the components (e.g., the RF transceiver (705), the processor (706), and / or the memory (707)) that were powered off in the low power mode.

[0159] For example, the power circuit (704) can supply power (or electric power) to the RU (700) in a DC (direct current) bus manner. The power circuit (704) can provide a plurality of voltages based on a voltage of 48 V. For example, the power circuit (704) can provide at least one voltage of 3.3 V, 5 V, 12 V, 24 V, and / or 48 V. The power circuit (704) can receive power of 48 V from the power supply. The power circuit (704) can provide at least one voltage of 3.3 V, 5 V, 12 V, 24 V, and / or 48 V based on performing a voltage transformation. For example, the power circuit (704) can control at least one path for at least one voltage.

[0160] A specific example of the operation of the controller (702) to control the power circuit (704) to supply power to at least some of the components (e.g., RF transceiver (705), processor (706), and / or memory (707)) that were previously powered off in low power mode will be described later in FIG. 7e.

[0161] According to one embodiment, the memory (707) may store periodic information. For example, the memory (707) may store periodic information that reaches the inspection point approximately every hour. The memory (707) may be located outside the FPGA (field programmable gate array) chip. The memory (707) may be a flash memory. The FPGA chip may include a counter block (701).

[0162] According to one embodiment, the RU (700) can communicate with the DU (603) (e.g., the upper network node (210) of FIG. 2A) via the optical transceiver (703). The RU (700) can receive messages from the DU (603) using the optical transceiver (703). For example, the RU (700) can identify a light level indicating the amount of light transmitted from the DU (603) using the optical transceiver (703).

[0163] According to one embodiment, after the RU (700) receives a message from the DU (603) to set a low power mode, the RU (700) may disable components (e.g., processor (706) or memory (707)) including the RF transceiver (705) to save power. For example, the components including the RF transceiver (705) may not include the counter block (701), the controller (702), the optical transceiver (703), and / or the power circuit (704). In the low power mode, the counter block (701), the controller (702), the optical transceiver (703), and / or the power circuit (704) may not be disabled. In the low power mode, the counter block (701), the controller (702), the optical transceiver (703), and / or the power circuit (704) may be enabled.

[0164] According to an embodiment, in the low power mode, only some of the circuits (or components) included in the RU (700) may be activated. In the low power mode, only circuits for detecting a change in the light level indicating the amount of light transmitted from the DU (603) (e.g., the controller (702), the optical transceiver (703), and / or the power circuit (704)) may be activated. In the low power mode, the processor (706) for coding or decoding a message based on optical communication may be deactivated. Therefore, in the low power mode, the RU (700) may not receive a message based on optical communication from the DU (603) or transmit a message based on optical communication to the DU (603). However, in the low power mode, the RU (700) may monitor (or detect) a change in the light level indicating the amount of light transmitted from the DU (603) using the optical transceiver (703).

[0165] According to one embodiment, the processor (706) may transmit a signal to the controller (702) to set the low power mode based on receiving a message to set the low power mode. The controller (702) may control the power circuit (704) based on the signal to set the low power mode. The controller (702) may cut off power supplied to components that are deactivated in the low power mode (e.g., the RF transceiver (705), the processor (706), and / or the memory (707)) based on controlling the power circuit (704). The controller (702) may maintain power supplied to components that are activated in the low power mode (e.g., the counter block (701), the controller (702), the optical transceiver (703), and / or the power circuit (704)) based on controlling the power circuit (704).

[0166] According to one embodiment, the operating modes of the RU (700) may include a normal mode, a standby mode, and a low power mode. For example, in the normal mode, a first function related to the management plane (m-plane) of the RU (700), a second function related to the control plane (C-plane) of the RU (700), and a third function related to the user plane (U-plane) of the RU (700) may all be activated. For example, in the standby mode, the first function among the first, second, and third functions may be activated. For example, in the low power mode, the first, second, and third functions may all be deactivated. For example, the first, second, and third functions may be performed by the processor (706). In the low power mode, the processor (706) may be deactivated. In the standby mode, the processor (706) may only perform the first function. In normal mode, the processor (706) can perform all of the first function, the second function, and the third function.

[0167] For example, in normal mode, the RU (700) can receive a message (or signal) regarding the management plane, a message (or signal) regarding the control plane, and / or a message (or signal) regarding the user plane from the DU (603) using the optical transceiver (703). In normal mode, the RU (700) can transmit a message (or signal) regarding the management plane, a message (or signal) regarding the control plane, and / or a message (or signal) regarding the user plane to the DU (603) using the optical transceiver (703). In normal mode, the RU (700) can transmit data included in a message regarding the user plane to at least one terminal connected to the RU (700) using the RF transceiver (705).

[0168] For example, the standby mode may represent an intermediate mode between the low power mode and the normal mode. The standby mode may be a mode for checking whether an RU (700) operating in the low power mode will maintain the low power mode at a specified time interval. The standby mode may be a mode for checking whether an RU (700) operating in the low power mode will change the operation mode of the RU (700) to the standby mode at a specified time interval.

[0169] In standby mode, the RU (700) can receive a message (or signal) regarding the management plane from the DU (603) using the optical transceiver (703). The RU (700) can transmit a message (or signal) regarding the management plane to the DU (603) using the optical transceiver (703). In standby mode, the RU (700) can transmit a test request message to the DU (603). The test request message can be used to request whether to change the operation mode of the RU (700) to the normal mode. In standby mode, the RU (700) can receive a test response message from the DU (603). The test response message can indicate one of the normal mode and the low power mode. In standby mode, the RU (700) can change the operation mode of the RU (700) from the standby mode (or low power mode) to the normal mode based on receiving a test response message indicating the normal mode from the DU (603). In standby mode, the RU (700) can maintain the operation mode of the RU (700) in the low power mode for a specified period of time based on receiving a test response message indicating the low power mode from the DU (603).

[0170] For example, in low power mode, the RU (700) may not be able to receive a message from the DU (603) or transmit a message to the DU (603) using the optical transceiver (703). In low power mode, the RU (700) may not be able to transmit a signal (or message) to at least one terminal or receive a signal (or message) from at least one terminal using the RF transceiver (705). In low power mode, the RU (700) may be able to monitor (or identify) a light level indicating the amount of light transmitted from the DU (603) using the optical transceiver (703). In low power mode, the RU (700) may only activate at least some functions of the optical transceiver (703). For example, in low power mode, the RU (700) may only activate a component for the function of monitoring the light level in the optical transceiver (703). For example, in low power mode, the RU (700) may increase the operating cycle of the optical transceiver (703). As the operating cycle of the optical transceiver (703) increases in low power mode, the RU (700) may not be able to perform message exchange with the DU (603). As the operating cycle of the optical transceiver (703) increases in low power mode, the RU (700) may only identify the light level received from the DU (603).

[0171] Referring to FIG. 7b, the RU (700) may include a control circuit (710) including a counter block (701) and a controller (702). For example, the control circuit (710) including the counter block (701) and the controller (702) may be configured as one module (e.g., an FPGA chip).

[0172] For example, in a low power mode, the optical transceiver (703) can receive light from the DU (603). The optical transceiver (703) can identify whether a light level regarding the amount of light received from the DU (603) changes within a specified range (e.g., (e.g., less than a specified level)). The optical transceiver (703) can generate a control signal based on the light level that has changed within the specified range. The optical transceiver (703) can transmit (or forward) the control signal to a port of the control circuit (710). The control circuit (710) can receive (or acquire) the control signal through one of at least one port of the control circuit (710). The control circuit (710) can store instructions regarding an operation corresponding to the control signal. For example, the control circuit (710) may include instructions that cause the RU (700) to change its operating mode from a low power mode to a normal mode in response to a control signal. The instructions may be changed (or updated) by a device (or user) for managing the RU (700).

[0173] For example, the control circuit (710) may transmit a control signal to the power circuit (704) in response to a control signal obtained from the optical transceiver (703). The power circuit (704) may supply power to components that are disabled in a low power mode based on the control signal.

[0174] For example, the power circuit (704) can supply power (or electric power) to the RU (700) in a DC (direct current) bus manner. The power circuit (704) can provide a plurality of voltages based on a voltage of 48 V. For example, the power circuit (704) can provide at least one voltage of 3.3 V, 5 V, 12 V, 24 V, and / or 48 V. The power circuit (704) can receive power of 48 V from the power supply. The power circuit (704) can provide at least one voltage of 3.3 V, 5 V, 12 V, 24 V, and / or 48 V based on performing a voltage transformation. For example, the power circuit (704) can control at least one path for at least one voltage.

[0175] Referring to FIG. 7c, the RU (700) may not include a counter block (701). For example, the controller (702) may perform at least some or all of the functions of the counter block (701) illustrated in FIG. 7a. Depending on the embodiment, the controller (702) may not perform the functions of the counter block (701). Depending on the embodiment, the power circuit (704) may perform at least some or all of the functions of the counter block (701) illustrated in FIG. 7a.

[0176] Referring to FIG. 7D, the power circuit (704) may include a power supply circuit (711) and / or a power supply control circuit (712). For example, the power supply circuit (711) may supply power (or electric power) to the RU (700) in a direct current (DC) bus manner. The power supply circuit (711) may provide a plurality of voltages based on a voltage of 48 V. For example, the power supply circuit (711) may provide at least one voltage of 3.3 V, 5 V, 12 V, 24 V, and / or 48 V. The power supply circuit (711) may receive power of 48 V from a power supply unit. The power supply circuit (711) may provide at least one voltage of 3.3 V, 5 V, 12 V, 24 V, and / or 48 V based on performing a voltage transformation. For example, the power supply control circuit (712) can control at least one path for at least one voltage provided from the power supply circuit (711). The operation of the power supply control circuit (712) will be described later in FIG. 7e.

[0177] According to one embodiment, the controller (702) can control the power supply control circuit (712) to cut off power supplied to components that are deactivated in the low power mode (e.g., the RF transceiver (705), the processor (706), and / or the memory (707)). For example, the controller (702) can control the power supply control circuit (712) to cut off a path for supplying voltage to the components that are deactivated in the low power mode. For example, the power supply control circuit (712) can include a switching circuit for connecting or cutting off at least one path for supplying voltage to at least one component. The controller (702) can control the switching circuit to connect or cut off the path for supplying voltage to the components that are deactivated in the low power mode.

[0178] In one embodiment, in a low power mode, the optical transceiver (703) can monitor (or identify) the light level. For example, the optical transceiver (703) can identify that the light level changes within a specified range. Based on identifying that the light level changes within the specified range, the optical transceiver (703) can transmit a signal regarding the light level to the controller (702). The controller (702) can control the power supply control circuit (712) based on the signal regarding the light level to provide power to at least some of the components that are disabled in the low power mode. For example, the controller (702) can provide power only to the processor (706) and the memory (707) based on the signal regarding the light level for a standby mode.

[0179] According to one embodiment, the optical transceiver (703) may transmit information indicating a light level to the controller (702) based on at least one bit. The controller (702) may control the power supply control circuit (712) to change the operation mode of the RU (700) based on the at least one bit. For example, the optical transceiver (703) may transmit two-bit information indicating a light level to the controller (702). For example, when the two-bit information indicating the light level is '00', the controller (702) may not transmit a control signal to the power supply control circuit (712) to maintain the operation mode of the RU (700) in a low power mode. For example, when the 2-bit information indicating the light level is '01', the controller (702) can transmit a control signal to the power supply control circuit (712) to provide power to at least some of the components disabled in the low power mode in order to change the operation mode of the RU (700) from the low power mode to the standby mode. For example, when the 2-bit information indicating the light level is '10', the controller (702) can transmit a control signal to the power supply control circuit (712) to provide power to all of the components disabled in the low power mode in order to change the operation mode of the RU (700) from the low power mode to the normal mode.

[0180] Referring to FIG. 7E, the power supply circuit (711) can provide at least one voltage of 3.3 V, 5 V, 12 V, 24 V, and / or 48 V. For example, the power supply circuit (711) can provide a voltage of 3.3 V through a path (751). The power supply circuit (711) can provide a voltage of 5 V through a path (752). For example, the power supply circuit (711) can provide a voltage of 12 V through a path (753). For example, the power supply circuit (711) can provide a voltage of 24 V through a path (754). For example, the power supply circuit (711) can provide a voltage of 48 V through a path (755). FIG. 7E illustrates an example in which multiple paths are configured based on voltage, but is not limited thereto. Depending on the embodiment, multiple paths may be configured based on components.

[0181] For example, for a low power mode, the controller (702) can block at least one of the plurality of paths (751, 752, 753, 754, 755) by controlling the power supply control circuit (712). According to one embodiment, for a low power mode, the controller (702) can maintain paths for components that are activated in the low power mode and block paths for components that are deactivated in the low power mode.

[0182] In some embodiments, components activated in low power mode may be powered through a path distinct from the power supply control circuit (712). For example, power for components activated in low power mode may be maintained regardless of the operation of the controller (702).

[0183] According to one embodiment, the processor (706) of the RU (700) may receive a message for setting a low power mode of the RU (700) from the DU (603) through the optical transceiver (703). Based on the message for setting the low power mode of the RU (700), the processor (706) may transmit a control signal to the controller (702) to change the operation mode of the RU (700) from a normal mode to the low power mode.

[0184] The controller (702) can control the power circuit (704) to stop supplying power to the processor (706) in order to change the operation mode of the RU (700) from the normal mode to the low power mode. The controller (702) can receive, within the low power mode, a signal from the optical transceiver (703) indicating that the amount of light transmitted from the DU (603) is outside the operating range. In response to the signal, the controller (702) can control the power circuit (704) to supply power to the processor (706) in order to change the operation mode of the RU (700) from the low power mode to the normal mode.

[0185] For example, the controller (702) may control the power supply control circuit (712) to stop supplying power to the processor (706) in order to change the operation mode of the RU (700) from the normal mode to the low power mode. The controller (702) may control the power supply control circuit (712) to supply power to the processor (706) in order to change the operation mode of the RU (700) from the low power mode to the normal mode.

[0186] For example, the power supply circuit (711) may be configured to provide multiple voltages (e.g., 3.3 V, 5 V, 12 V, 24 V, or 48 V). The power supply control circuit (711) may be configured to control multiple paths for the multiple voltages.

[0187] For example, the power circuit (704) can supply power to the optical transceiver (703) regardless of the operating mode of the RU (700). The power circuit (704) can supply power to the optical transceiver (703) and / or the controller (702) even in a low power mode.

[0188] For example, the optical transceiver (703) may be used to receive at least one message from the DU (603). The at least one message may be decoded by the processor (706) within the normal mode. Since the processor (706) is not supplied with power to perform decoding within the low power mode, the at least one message may not be decoded within the low power mode. Depending on the embodiment, the processor (706) may not be completely powered off during the low power mode. For example, in the low power mode, the processor (706) may be provided with power that makes it difficult to decode a message received using the optical transceiver (703). However, this is not limited thereto.

[0189] For example, the controller (702) may control the power circuit (704) to supply power to the processor (706) to change the operating mode of the RU (700) from the low power mode to the normal mode, based on the elapsed time period following the message for setting the low power mode of the RU (700) after the power supply to the processor (706) is cut off.

[0190] Figure 8a illustrates an example of signaling between a distributed unit (DU) and a radio unit (RU) to switch to normal mode based on counter information.

[0191] Referring to FIG. 8A, in operation 801, the DU (603) (e.g., the upper network node (210) of FIG. 2A) may receive an input (or signal) indicating a low power mode. According to one embodiment, the system operator (601) may input a low power mode signal to the DU (603) to set the RU (700) to the low power mode when the traffic of the RU (700) (e.g., the lower network node (220) of FIG. 2A, the RUs (607, 609, 611) of FIG. 6) is temporarily low. For example, the traffic of the RU (700) may be temporarily low during late night hours. For example, the traffic of the RU (700) located in a residential area may be temporarily low during the morning hours. For example, traffic of an RU (700) located in a business area may be temporarily low during evening hours. The system operator may input a low-power mode signal to the DU (603) to set the operating mode of the RU (700) to low-power mode during the time when traffic of the RU (700) is temporarily low.

[0192] In operation 803, the DU (603) may transmit a message to the RU (700) for setting the low power mode of the RU (700). The message for setting the low power mode of the RU (700) may include period information for indicating the transmission period of the inspection request message and counter information for indicating the maximum number of transmissions of the inspection request message. For example, the message for setting the low power mode of the RU (700) may include period information for indicating a transmission period of about 1 hour and counter information twice.

[0193] According to one embodiment, the message for setting the low power mode of the RU (700) may further include RU (700) identifier information for identifying the RU (700). For example, the message for setting the low power mode of the RU (700) may include the port ID (identification) of the RU (700). The DU (603) may include the RU (700) identifier information in the message for setting the low power mode of the RU (700) to explicitly indicate the RU for deactivation.

[0194] According to one embodiment, a message for setting a low power mode of the RU (700) may additionally include information on a frequency band for setting the low power mode. For example, the message for setting the low power mode of the RU (700) may include a port ID (identification) of the RU (700) and information on a band of about 3.5 GHZ (giga-hertz). The RU (700) may support multiple frequency bands. For example, the RU (700) may support dual bands. The port ID of the RU (700) may be used to determine whether a message for setting the low power mode of the RU (700) has been received by the RU (700) for which the low power mode is to be set. The information on the frequency band may be used to determine whether to deactivate at least one component of the RU (700) for a band when one RU (700) services multiple frequency bands. For example, the RU (700) can provide services for multiple frequency bands among frequency bands of about 800 MHz (Mega-Hertz), about 900 MHz, about 1.8 GHz (Giga-Hertz), about 1.9 GHz, about 2.6 GHz, and about 3.5 GHz. Information on the frequency band included in the message for setting the low power mode of the RU (700) can indicate for which band among the frequency bands served by the RU (700) the low power mode is to be set. Since the coverage decreases as the frequency increases, components for the frequency of about 3.5 GHz may be deactivated during late-night hours. The message for setting the low power mode of the RU (700) can be transmitted from the DU (603) to the RU (700) through a common public radio interface (CPRI), an e-CPRI interface, or an open-radio access network (O-RAN) interface.

[0195] According to an embodiment, the DU (603) may establish a connection with a plurality of RUs. Each of the plurality of RUs may provide a service of one frequency band. For example, the DU (603) may establish a connection with a first RU (e.g., RU (607) of FIG. 6) to provide a service of a first frequency band (e.g., 1.9 GHz band). The DU (603) may establish a connection with a second RU (e.g., RU (609) of FIG. 6) to provide a service of a second frequency band (e.g., 2.6 GHz band). The DU (603) may establish a connection with a third RU (e.g., RU (611) of FIG. 6) to provide a service of a third frequency band (e.g., 3.5 GHz band). The DU (603) may set the operation mode of the third RU to a low power mode in order to suspend the service of the third frequency band. DU (603) can transmit a message to the third RU to set the low power mode in order to set the operation mode of the third RU to the low power mode.

[0196] In operation 805, the RU (700) may transmit a configuration response message to the DU (603). The RU (700) may transmit the configuration response message to the DU (603) in response to the message for setting the low power mode. After transmitting the configuration response message, the RU (700) may set the operation mode of the RU (700) to the low power mode.

[0197] According to one embodiment, the RU (700) may enter the low power mode after receiving a message for setting the low power mode of the RU (700). In the low power mode, the RU (700) may deactivate at least one component of the RU (700) to save power. For example, the at least one component may include the RF transceiver (705). For example, the at least one component may be a component other than the counter block (701), the optical transceiver (703), or the memory (707). For example, the RU (700) may deactivate components other than the counter block (701), the optical transceiver (703), and the memory (707) to save power. The counter block (701) or the memory (707) may be excluded from the at least one component to be deactivated to identify the inspection time point based on the period information. The optical transceiver (703) may be excluded from at least one deactivated component to identify a light level indicating the amount of light transmitted from the DU (603). For example, the RU (700) may increase the operating cycle of the optical transceiver (703). By increasing the operating cycle of the optical transceiver (703), the RU (700) may be unable to receive messages from the DU (603) or transmit messages to the DU (603).

[0198] In operation 807, the RU (700) may transmit an inspection request message to the DU (603). For example, the RU (700) may change the operation mode of the RU (700) from a low power mode to a standby mode after a specified time (e.g., time T) has elapsed based on the period information. In the standby mode, the RU (700) may transmit the inspection request message to the DU (603).

[0199] For example, the RU (700) may transmit a check request message to the DU (603) to identify a transition to normal mode based on period information. The RU (700) may only activate functions related to the management plane in standby mode. The RU (700) may transmit a check request message based on the management plane to the DU (603).

[0200] For example, the RU (700) can identify an inspection point using the counter block (701) and the memory (707). The counter block (701) can identify whether an inspection point determined based on period information has been reached. When the inspection point has been reached, the counter block (701) can be used to activate at least one component required for transmitting an inspection request message and receiving an inspection response message.

[0201] In operation 809, the DU (603) may transmit a test response message to the RU (700). According to one embodiment, the DU (603) may, in response to the test request message, transmit a test response message to the RU (700) indicating a low power mode. For example, the RU (700) may change the operation mode of the RU (700) from the standby mode to the low power mode based on the test response message indicating the low power mode. For example, the RU (700) may reset the operation mode of the RU (700) to the low power mode for a specified time (e.g., time T) based on the test response message indicating the low power mode. The RU (700) may, in the standby mode, request the DU (603) whether to maintain the low power mode and, based on the test response message, set the operation mode of the RU (700).

[0202] In the above-described embodiment, it has been described that the RU (700) receives a test response message indicating a low power mode and sets the operation mode of the RU (700) based on the test response message, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the test response message may not be received from the DU (603) to the RU (700). When the test response message is not received, the RU (700) can identify that the DU (603) instructs the RU (700) to operate in the low power mode. Based on the fact that the test response message is not received, the RU (700) can operate in the low power mode again for a specified period of time.

[0203] In operation 811, the RU (700) may transmit a test request message to the DU (603). The RU (700) may identify the test time based on the cycle time. The test time may be the second time the cycle time has been reached since entering the low power mode. Operation 811 may correspond to operation 807. In response to transmitting the test request message, the RU (700) may identify that the test request message has been transmitted twice.

[0204] In operation 813, DU (603) may transmit a test response message to RU (700). DU (603) may transmit a test response message corresponding to the second transmitted test request message to RU (700). The test response message may indicate a low power mode. Operation 813 may correspond to operation 809.

[0205] At step 815, the RU (700) may transmit a test request message to the DU (603). The RU (700) may identify the test time based on the cycle time. The test time may be the third time the cycle time has been reached since entering the low power mode. Step 815 may correspond to step 807. In response to transmitting the test request message, the RU (700) may identify that the test request message has been transmitted three times.

[0206] In operation 817, DU (603) may transmit a test response message to RU (700). DU (603) may transmit a test response message corresponding to the second transmitted test request message to RU (700). Operation 817 may correspond to operation 809.

[0207] According to one embodiment, when the number of transmissions of the inspection request message exceeds the maximum number of transmissions, the RU (700) may set the operation mode of the RU (700) to the normal mode. The message for setting the low power mode of the RU (700) may instruct to switch to the normal mode when the number of transmissions of the inspection request message exceeds the maximum number of transmissions. For example, the period information may indicate 1 hour. The counter information may indicate that the maximum number of transmissions is 2. After receiving the message for setting the low power mode of the RU (700), the inspection request message may be transmitted once per hour. The RU (700) may set the operation mode of the RU (700) to the normal mode based on transmitting the inspection request message three times.

[0208] According to one embodiment, the RU (700) may reboot the RU (700) when the number of transmissions of the inspection request message exceeds the maximum number of transmissions. Based on the reboot, the RU (700) may set the operation mode of the RU (700) to the normal mode. The reboot may be performed through the booter. The booter may be an operating system (OS) for rebooting.

[0209] Figure 8b illustrates an example of signaling between a distributed unit (DU) and a radio unit (RU) to switch to normal mode based on a response message.

[0210] Referring to FIG. 8B, in operation 851, the DU (603) (e.g., the upper network node (210) of FIG. 2A) may receive a signal indicating a low power mode. According to one embodiment, the system operator (601) may input a low power mode signal to the DU (603) to set the operation mode of the RU (700) to the low power mode when the traffic of the RU (700) (e.g., the lower network node (220) of FIG. 2A, the RUs (607, 609, 611) of FIG. 6) is temporarily low. Operation 851 may correspond to operation 801 of FIG. 8A.

[0211] In operation 853, the DU (603) may transmit a message to the RU (700) for setting the low power mode of the RU (700). The message for setting the low power mode of the RU (700) may include period information for indicating the transmission period of the inspection request message and counter information for indicating the maximum number of transmissions of the inspection request message. Operation 853 may correspond to operation 803 of FIG. 8A.

[0212] In operation 855, the RU (700) may transmit a configuration response message to the DU (603). In response to the message for setting the low power mode, the RU (700) may transmit the configuration response message to the DU (603). After transmitting the configuration response message, the RU (700) may set the operation mode of the RU (700) to the low power mode. Operation 855 may correspond to operation 805 of FIG. 8A.

[0213] In operation 857, the RU (700) may transmit an inspection request message to the DU (603). For example, the RU (700) may change the operation mode of the RU (700) from a low power mode to a standby mode after a specified time (e.g., time T) has elapsed based on the period information. In the standby mode, the RU (700) may transmit the inspection request message to the DU (603). Operation 857 may correspond to operation 807 of FIG. 8A.

[0214] In operation 859, the DU (603) may transmit a test response message to the RU (700). According to one embodiment, the DU (603) may, in response to the test request message, transmit a test response message to the RU (700) indicating a low power mode. For example, the RU (700) may change the operation mode of the RU (700) from the standby mode to the low power mode based on the test response message indicating the low power mode. For example, the RU (700) may reset the operation mode of the RU (700) to the low power mode for a specified time (e.g., time T) based on the test response message indicating the low power mode. The RU (700) may, in the standby mode, request the DU (603) whether to maintain the low power mode and, based on the test response message, set the operation mode of the RU (700). Action 859 may correspond to action 809 of FIG. 8a.

[0215] In operation 861, the DU (603) may receive a signal indicating a normal mode. For example, the DU (603) may receive an input indicating a normal mode. Based on the input indicating a normal mode, the DU (603) may receive a signal indicating a normal mode.

[0216] For example, DU (603) may receive an input from system operator (601) instructing to set the operation mode of RU (700) to normal mode while RU (700) is operating in low power mode. DU (603) may not be able to transmit messages while RU (700) is operating in low power mode. Accordingly, DU (603) may wait until a test request message transmitted while the operation mode of RU (700) is in standby mode is received.

[0217] In operation 863, the RU (700) may transmit an inspection request message to the DU (603). For example, the RU (700) may change the operation mode of the RU (700) from the low power mode to the standby mode after a specified time (e.g., time T) has elapsed from the time when the operation mode of the RU (700) enters the low power mode based on the period information. In the standby mode, the RU (700) may transmit the inspection request message to the DU (603). Operation 863 may correspond to operation 857.

[0218] In operation (865), RU (700) may transmit a test response message to DU (603). DU (603) may transmit a test response message indicating a normal mode based on the signal (or input) received in operation 861. The test response message indicating a normal mode may correspond to an input indicating a normal mode.

[0219] According to one embodiment, the RU (509) may activate at least one component of the RU (509) based on receiving a test response message indicating a normal mode. When a test response message indicating a normal mode is received, the RU (509) may activate at least one component even if the number of transmissions of the test request message does not exceed the maximum number of transmissions. The RU (509) may activate at least one component that is deactivated to save power in a low-power mode in the normal mode.

[0220] According to one embodiment, the RU (509) may reboot the RU (509) based on receiving a test response message indicating normal mode. The RU (700) may set the operating mode of the RU (700) to normal mode based on the reboot. The reboot may be performed through the booter, which is an operating system (OS).

[0221] Figure 9 illustrates a flowchart regarding the operation of a DU (distributed unit) for reducing power consumption of a base station.

[0222] Referring to FIG. 9, in operation 901, a processor (processor (330) of FIG. 3A) (or at least one processor) of a DU (603) (e.g., upper network node (210) of FIG. 2A) may acquire a low power mode input. According to one embodiment, the system operator (601) may input a low power mode signal to the DU (603) to set the low power mode of the RU (700) when the traffic of the RU (700) is temporarily low.

[0223] In operation 903, the processor of the DU (603) may transmit a message to the RU (700) for setting the low power mode of the RU (700). The message for setting the low power mode of the RU (700) may include period information for indicating a transmission period of the inspection request message, counter information for indicating a maximum number of transmissions of the inspection request message, RU identifier information for identifying the RU, and / or information on a frequency band for setting the low power mode. For example, the message for setting the low power mode of the RU (700) may include period information for indicating a transmission period of about 1 hour and counter information of 4 times. For example, the message for setting the low power mode of the RU (700) may include a port ID (identification) of the RU (700) and information on a band of about 3.5 GHZ (giga-hertz). The port ID of the RU (700) can be used to determine whether a message for setting the low power mode of the RU (700) has been received by the RU (700) that wants to set the low power mode. The information on the frequency band can be used to determine whether to disable at least one component of the RU (700) for a band when the RU (700) services multiple frequency bands. For example, the RU (700) can provide services for multiple frequency bands including frequency bands of about 800 MHz (Mega-Hertz), about 900 MHz, about 1.8 GHz (Giga-Hertz), about 1.9 GHz, about 2.6 GHz, and about 3.5 GHz. The information on the frequency band included in the message for setting the low power mode of the RU (700) can indicate for which band among the frequency bands serviced by the RU (700) the low power mode is to be set. Because coverage decreases as the frequency increases, components for frequencies around 3.5 GHz (e.g., RF transceivers for the 3.5 GHz band) may be disabled during late-night hours.A message for setting the low power mode of the RU (700) can be transmitted from the DU (603) to the RU via a common public radio interface (CPRI), an e-CPRI interface, or an open-radio access network (O-RAN) interface.

[0224] At operation 905, the processor of the DU (603) may receive a test request message from the RU (700). The RU (700) set to the low power mode may transmit the test request message based on the period information to determine whether to switch to the normal mode. The processor may receive the test request message to request whether to change the operation mode of the RU (700) to the normal mode. For example, the RU (700) may activate a component that was deactivated (e.g., a component for the first function related to the management plane) about once every hour and transmit the test request message to the DU (603). The processor may receive the test request message from the RU (700).

[0225] At operation 907, the processor of the DU (603) can identify whether it has acquired an input indicating a normal mode. Based on the input indicating a normal mode, the processor of the DU (603) can perform operation 909. If it has not acquired an input indicating a normal mode, the processor of the DU (603) can perform operation 911.

[0226] At operation 909, the processor of the DU (603) may transmit a check response message indicating a normal mode. The normal mode may be a state in which the base station normally services the cell. The check response message indicating the normal mode may change the operation mode of the RU (509) to the normal mode even if the number of transmissions of the check request message does not exceed the maximum number of transmissions.

[0227] In operation 911, the processor of DU (603) may transmit a test response message indicating a low power mode. According to one embodiment, the test response message indicating the low power mode may be transmitted to RU (700) in response to a test request message. Although DU (603) is described as transmitting a test response message indicating the low power mode, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, when in the low power mode, the test response message may not be received from DU (603) to RU (700).

[0228] Figure 10 illustrates an example of a flowchart regarding the operation of a radio unit (RU) for reducing power consumption of a base station.

[0229] Referring to FIG. 10, in operation 1001, a processor (e.g., a processor (380) of FIG. 3b) (or at least one processor) of an RU (700) (e.g., a lower network node (220) of FIG. 2a) may receive a message to set a low power mode from a DU (e.g., a DU (603) of FIG. 6). Operation 1001 may be related to operation 903 of FIG. 9.

[0230] In operation 1003, the processor of the RU (700) may set the operation mode of the RU (700) to a low power mode. The processor may control at least one component of the RU (700) to be deactivated. According to one embodiment, after receiving a message for setting the low power mode, the RU (700) may deactivate at least one component of the RU (700). For example, the at least one component may include an RF transceiver (705). For example, the at least one component may be a component other than the counter block (701), the optical transceiver (703), or the memory (707). The counter block (701) or the memory (707) may be excluded from the at least one component to be deactivated in order to identify the inspection time point based on the period information. The optical transceiver (703) may be excluded from the at least one component to be deactivated in order to identify a light level indicating the amount of light transmitted from the DU (603). For example, in low power mode, the RU (700) may increase the operating cycle of the optical transceiver (703). By increasing the operating cycle of the optical transceiver (703), the RU (700) may not be able to receive messages from the DU (603) or transmit messages to the DU (603).

[0231] In operation 1005, the processor of the RU (700) may transmit an inspection request message to the DU (603) based on the period information. For example, the processor may transmit the inspection request message to the DU (603) after a specified time identified based on the period information has elapsed. The processor may change the operation mode of the RU (700) from a low power mode to a standby mode, and transmit the inspection request message to the DU (603) in the standby mode.

[0232] For example, RU (509) can change the operation mode of RU (700) from low power mode to standby mode approximately once every hour, and transmit an inspection request message to DU (603) in the standby mode. RU (700) can use the counter block (701) to identify whether an inspection time determined based on period information has arrived. Based on the arrival of the inspection time, RU (700) can change the operation mode of RU (700) from low power mode to standby mode. RU (700) can change the operation mode of RU (700) to standby mode by activating only components for functions related to the management plane.

[0233] In operation 1007, the processor of the RU (700) can identify whether the number of transmissions of the inspection request message exceeds the maximum number of transmissions. If the number of transmissions of the inspection request message exceeds the maximum number of transmissions, the processor of the RU (700) can perform operation 1011. If the number of transmissions of the inspection request message does not exceed the maximum number of transmissions, the processor of the RU (700) can perform operation 1009. The message for setting the low power mode of the RU (700) can instruct to switch the operation mode of the RU (700) to the normal mode if the number of transmissions of the inspection request message exceeds the maximum number of transmissions.

[0234] At operation 1009, the processor of the RU (700) may identify whether it has received a test response message indicating the normal mode from the DU (603). If it has received a test response message indicating the normal mode from the DU (603), the processor of the RU (700) may perform operation 1011. If it has received a test response message indicating the low power mode from the DU (603), the processor of the RU (700) may perform operation 1003. If it has received a test response message indicating the low power mode, the RU (700) may set the operation mode of the RU (700) to the low power mode. The RU (700) may set the operation mode of the RU (700) to the low power mode based on receiving the test response message indicating the low power mode. The RU (700) may set the operating mode of the RU (700) from the standby mode to the low power mode based on receiving a test response message indicating the low power mode. That is, the RU (700) may deactivate at least one component of the RU (700) to save power.

[0235] In operation 1011, the RU (700) processor may set the operation mode of the RU (700) to the normal mode. For example, the operation mode of the RU (700) may be set to the normal mode by activating at least one component of the RU (700). The RU (700) may activate the components of the RU (700) to normally service the cell.

[0236] Figure 11 illustrates an example of signaling between a distributed unit (DU) and a radio unit (RU) to switch to normal mode based on light level.

[0237] Referring to FIG. 11, in operation 1101, a DU (603) (e.g., an upper network node (210) of FIG. 2a) may receive a signal indicating a low power mode. According to one embodiment, a system operator (601) may input a low power mode signal to the DU (603) to set the operation mode of the RU (700) to the low power mode when the traffic of the RU (700) (e.g., a lower network node (220) of FIG. 2a, RUs (607, 609, 611) of FIG. 6) is temporarily low. Operation 1101 may correspond to operation 801 of FIG. 8a.

[0238] In operation 1103, the DU (603) may transmit a message to the RU (700) for setting the low power mode of the RU (700). For example, the message for setting the low power mode of the RU (700) may include period information for indicating a transmission period of a test request message and counter information for indicating a maximum number of transmissions of the test request message. For example, the message for setting the low power mode may instruct to maintain the low power mode for a time period (1107) set according to the period information. For example, the message for setting the low power mode of the RU (700) may include period information for indicating a transmission period of about 1 hour and counter information twice. When the message for setting the low power mode of the RU (700) includes period information for indicating a transmission period of about 1 hour and counter information twice, the time period (1107) may be set to 1 hour. Action 1103 may correspond to action 803 of FIG. 8a.

[0239] In operation 1105, the RU (700) may transmit a configuration response message to the DU (603). In response to the message for setting the low power mode, the RU (700) may transmit the configuration response message to the DU (603). After transmitting the configuration response message, the RU (700) may set the operation mode of the RU (700) to the low power mode. Operation 1105 may correspond to operation 805 of FIG. 8A.

[0240] In operation 1109, the DU (603) may receive a signal indicating a normal mode. For example, the DU (603) may receive an input indicating a normal mode. Based on the input indicating a normal mode, the DU (603) may receive a signal indicating a normal mode.

[0241] For example, DU (603) may receive an input from the system operator (601) instructing to set the operating mode of RU (700) to normal mode while RU (700) is operating in low power mode. DU (603) may not be able to transmit messages while RU (700) is operating in low power mode.

[0242] In operation 1111, the DU (603) can change the light level indicating the amount of light transmitted from the upper network node since the message cannot be transmitted while the RU (700) is operating in the low power mode. For example, the DU (603) can change the light level within a specified range using the optical transceiver while the RU (700) is operating in the low power mode. The DU (603) can change the light level below a specified level using the optical transceiver while the RU (700) is operating in the low power mode. The RU (700) can monitor the light level using the optical transceiver (703) while operating in the low power mode.

[0243] The RU (700) can identify that the light level has changed within a specified range. Based on identifying that the light level is below the specified level, the RU (700) can change the operation mode of the RU (700) from a low power mode to a standby mode. Based on identifying that the light level is below the specified level, the RU (700) can enter a standby mode. For example, the RU (700) can identify that the light level has changed within a specified range and has been maintained for a specific period of time. Based on identifying that the light level is below the specified level and has been maintained for a specific period of time, the RU (700) can change the operation mode of the RU (700) from a low power mode to a standby mode. In some embodiments, the light level may be maintained at a specific level while the RU (700) is operating in the low power mode. DU (603) can cause RU (700) to change the operating mode of RU (700) by changing the light level below a specified level.

[0244] In operation 1113, the DU (603) may transmit a message to the RU (700) to set the normal mode. For example, the DU (603) may transmit the message to set the normal mode while the operation mode of the RU (700) is set to the standby mode based on a change in the light level. For example, in the standby mode, a first function among a first function related to the management plane, a second function related to the control plane, and a third function related to the user plane may be activated. Accordingly, the message to set the normal mode may be configured based on the management plane. The DU (603) may be configured based on the management plane and transmit the message to the RU (700) to set the normal mode.

[0245] In operation 1115, the RU (700) may transmit a setup response message to the DU (603) in response to the message for setting the normal mode. Based on transmitting the setup response message to the DU (603), the RU (700) may switch the operation mode of the RU (700) to the normal mode.

[0246] According to the above-described embodiment, the RU (700) can identify a time interval (1107) based on a message for setting a low power mode. The RU (700) can be set to operate in the low power mode during the time interval (1107). The DU (603) can change the light level within a specified range, such as operation 1111, to change the operation mode of the RU (700) from the low power mode to the normal mode within the time interval (1107).

[0247] Figure 12 illustrates an example flowchart regarding the operation of a sub-network node to change the operating mode based on the light level.

[0248] Referring to FIG. 12, in operation 1210, a lower network node (e.g., RU (700)) (or an electronic device of the lower network node) may receive a message for setting a low power mode of the lower network node. For example, the lower network node may receive a message for setting a low power mode of the lower network node from an upper network node (e.g., DU (603)) via an optical transceiver.

[0249] For example, a message for setting a low-power mode for a subnetwork node may include information about the duration of the low-power mode and / or the maximum number of times the low-power mode can be transitioned to standby mode. For example, the message for setting a low-power mode may be configured based on the management plane.

[0250] According to one embodiment, the operating modes of the lower network node may include a low power mode, a standby mode, and a normal mode. For example, the low power mode may be configured such that a first function relating to the management plane of the lower network node, a second function relating to the control plane of the lower network node, and a third function relating to the user plane of the lower network node are all disabled. In the low power mode, the first function, the second function, and the third function may all be disabled. For example, the standby mode may be configured such that only the first function among the first, second, and third functions is activated. In the standby mode, only the first function among the first, second, and third functions may be activated. For example, the normal mode may be configured such that all the first, second, and third functions are activated. In the normal mode, the first, second, and third functions may all be activated.

[0251] At operation 1230, the sub-network node may change the operating mode of the sub-network node from normal mode to low power mode. For example, the sub-network node may change the operating mode of the sub-network node from normal mode to low power mode based on a message for setting the low power mode of the sub-network node.

[0252] For example, a lower network node may send a configuration response message to a higher network node in response to a message for setting the lower network node's low power mode. Based on the transmission of the configuration response message in response to the message for setting the lower network node's low power mode, the lower network node may change the operating mode of the lower network node from the normal mode to the low power mode.

[0253] For example, a sub-network node may identify a time interval for maintaining the low-power mode based on a message for setting the low-power mode of the sub-network node. The sub-network node may maintain the low-power mode during the identified time interval. The time interval may be related to the transmission period of the inspection request message. For example, the time interval may correspond to the inspection request message. In some embodiments, the time interval may be the product of the transmission period and the maximum number of times the sub-network node transitions to the standby mode.

[0254] At operation 1250, the lower network node may monitor the light level while operating in a low-power mode. For example, the lower network node may monitor the light level, which indicates the amount of light transmitted from the upper network node, using an optical transceiver while operating in the low-power mode within a set time interval according to a message for setting the low-power mode of the lower network node.

[0255] For example, a lower network node can use an optical transceiver to determine whether a light level indicating the amount of light transmitted from an upper network node is maintained. While the lower network node operates in a low-power mode, the light level can be maintained at a constant level. The upper network node can maintain the light level constant while the lower network node operates in a low-power mode. For example, a lower network node can use an optical transceiver to determine whether a light level is maintained constant. For example, a lower network node can use an optical transceiver to determine whether a light level is within a specified range (e.g., below a specified level).

[0256] For example, a lower network node may increase the duty cycle of an optical transceiver while operating in a low-power mode. Based on the increased duty cycle of the optical transceiver, the lower network node may reduce its power. As the duty cycle of the optical transceiver increases, the lower network node may not be able to exchange messages with the upper network node. Even if the duty cycle of the optical transceiver increases, the lower network node may monitor the light level. Based on the monitoring of the light level, the lower network node can identify whether the light level changes within a specified range (e.g., below a specified level).

[0257] At operation 1270, the subordinate network node can change the operation mode of the subordinate network node from the low power mode to the normal mode based on identifying that the light level is within a specified range. For example, the subordinate network node can change the operation mode of the subordinate network node from the low power mode to the normal mode based on identifying that the light level is within a specified range (e.g., less than a specified level) while operating in the low power mode within a set time interval according to a message for setting the low power mode of the subordinate network node. For example, the subordinate network node can change the operation mode of the subordinate network node from the low power mode to the normal mode based on identifying that the light level remains within a specified range (e.g., less than a specified level) for a specified time interval while operating in the low power mode within a set time interval according to a message for setting the low power mode of the subordinate network node.

[0258] According to one embodiment, the lower network node can change the operation mode of the lower network node from the low power mode to the standby mode based on identifying that the light level is within the specified range within a set time period according to a message for setting the low power mode of the lower network node. The lower network node can receive a message for setting the normal mode of the lower network node from the upper network node through the optical transceiver while the operation mode of the lower network node is in the standby mode. The lower network node can change the operation mode of the lower network node from the standby mode to the normal mode based on the message for setting the normal mode of the lower network node.

[0259] For example, a lower network node may activate only the first function related to the management plane in standby mode. To save power, the lower network node may operate in standby mode first, rather than in normal mode. The lower network node may first operate in standby mode to receive a message from the upper network node to set the lower network node to normal mode. While operating in standby mode with the first function activated, the lower network node may change its operating mode from standby mode to normal mode based on the message to set the lower network node to normal mode.

[0260] In some embodiments, while the lower network node is operating in standby mode, the lower network node may receive a message from the upper network node to set the lower network node to a low power mode. When the lower network node receives a message from the upper network node to set the lower network node to a low power mode, the operating mode of the lower network node may be changed from a standby mode to a low power mode instead of a normal mode, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0261] In one embodiment, a lower network node may not identify that the light level is within a specified range while operating in a low power mode. The lower network node may identify that a set time interval has elapsed based on a message for setting the low power mode of the lower network node. Based on identifying that the time interval has elapsed, the lower network node may change the operating mode of the lower network node from the low power mode to the standby mode. While operating in the standby mode, the lower network node may transmit a message to the upper network node for requesting whether to change the operating mode of the lower network node to the normal mode. The lower network node may receive a message instructing to change the operating mode of the lower network node to the normal mode. Based on receiving the message instructing to change the operating mode of the lower network node to the normal mode, the lower network node may change the operating mode of the lower network node from the low power mode to the normal mode. The message for requesting whether to change the operating mode of the lower network node to the normal mode may correspond to the inspection request message of FIG. 8A.

[0262] According to the above-described embodiment, while the lower network node is operating in the low power mode, the lower network node can change its operating mode from the low power mode to the normal mode based on identifying that the light level is within a specified range rather than a message containing information.

[0263] Figure 13 illustrates an example of a flowchart regarding the operation of an upper network node to change the operating mode based on the light level.

[0264] Referring to FIG. 13, in operation 1310, an upper network node may transmit a message to set a low power mode of a lower network node. For example, the upper network node may transmit a message to the lower network node via an optical transceiver to set a low power mode of the lower network node.

[0265] For example, a higher-level network node may receive an input for setting a low-power mode for a lower-level network node. Based on the received input, the higher-level network node may transmit a message to the lower-level network node via an optical transceiver for setting the low-power mode for the lower-level network node.

[0266] For example, a higher-level network node may receive a signal from a centralized network node (or core network node) higher than the higher-level network node to set a low-power mode for a lower-level network node. Based on the received signal, the higher-level network node may transmit a message to the lower-level network node via an optical transceiver to set the low-power mode for the lower-level network node.

[0267] For example, a message for setting a low-power mode of a lower network node may include information about the time interval during which the low-power mode is maintained (e.g., period information) and / or information about the maximum number of times the lower network node is switched to a standby mode (e.g., counter information). Based on transmitting a message for setting a low-power mode of the lower network node to the lower network node, the upper network node may change the operation mode of the lower network node to the low-power mode for the time interval set according to the message. For example, the message for setting a low-power mode may be configured based on the management plane.

[0268] According to one embodiment, the operating modes of the lower network node may include a low power mode, a standby mode, and a normal mode. For example, the low power mode may be configured such that a first function relating to the management plane of the lower network node, a second function relating to the control plane of the lower network node, and a third function relating to the user plane of the lower network node are all disabled. In the low power mode, the first function, the second function, and the third function may all be disabled. For example, the standby mode may be configured such that only the first function among the first, second, and third functions is activated. In the standby mode, only the first function among the first, second, and third functions may be activated. For example, the normal mode may be configured such that all the first, second, and third functions are activated. In the normal mode, the first, second, and third functions may all be activated.

[0269] At operation 1330, the upper network node can change the light level within a specified range while the lower network node operates in a low power mode. For example, the upper network node can change the light level, which indicates the amount of light transmitted from the upper network node, within a specified range using an optical transceiver within a set time period according to a message for setting the low power mode of the lower network node while the lower network node operates in the low power mode.

[0270] In one embodiment, a higher-level network node may not transmit messages to lower-level network nodes within a set time period according to a message for setting a low-power mode of the lower-level network node. During the time period, while the lower-level network node is operating in low-power mode, the higher-level network node may change the light level within a specified range to change the operating mode of the lower-level network node.

[0271] In one embodiment, the upper network node can maintain a constant light level while the lower network node operates in a low-power mode. The upper network node can change the light level within a specified range (e.g., below a specified level) to change the operation mode of the lower network node from the low-power mode to a normal mode. The upper network node can maintain the light level within a specified range (e.g., below a specified level) for a specified period of time to change the operation mode of the lower network node from the low-power mode to a normal mode. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The specified range may also be set to a range exceeding the specified level.

[0272] In operation 1340, the upper network node can change the operation mode of the lower network node from the low power mode to the normal mode. For example, the upper network node can change the operation mode of the lower network node from the low power mode to the normal mode based on changing the optical level within a specified range while the lower network node operates in the low power mode within a set time interval according to a message for setting the low power mode of the lower network node.

[0273] According to one embodiment, in response to an optical level changing within a specified range while the lower network node is operating in a low power mode, the operation mode of the lower network node may be changed from the low power mode to the standby mode. The upper network node may transmit a message to the lower network node for setting the normal mode of the lower network node while the lower network node is operating in the standby mode. The upper network node may change the operation mode of the lower network node from the standby mode to the normal mode based on transmitting the message to the lower network node for setting the normal mode of the lower network node. The message for setting the normal mode of the lower network node may be configured based on the management plane. The upper network node may transmit the message for setting the normal mode of the lower network node to the lower network node through the management plane.

[0274] According to one embodiment, the upper network node can maintain the light level within a specified range for a set time period according to a message for setting the low power mode of the lower network node. After the time period has elapsed, the operation mode of the lower network node can be changed from the low power mode to a standby mode. While the lower network node is operating in the standby mode, the upper network node can receive a message from the lower network node for requesting whether to change the operation mode of the lower network node to a normal mode. The upper network node can transmit a message instructing to change the operation mode of the lower network node to the normal mode to the lower network node. Based on the transmission of the message instructing to change the operation mode of the lower network node to the normal mode, the upper network node can set (or change) the operation mode of the lower network node to the normal mode.

[0275] Figure 14 illustrates an example flowchart regarding the operation of a sub-network node to change the operating mode based on the light level.

[0276] Referring to FIG. 14, in operation 1410, a lower network node (e.g., a lower network node (220) or RU (700) of FIG. 3b) (or an electronic device of the lower network node) may receive a message for setting a low power mode for disabling at least one component of the lower network node. For example, the lower network node may receive the message for setting a low power mode for disabling at least one component of the lower network node via an optical transceiver. For example, at least one component of the lower network node may include an RF transceiver.

[0277] For example, a message for configuring a low-power mode may include information about the duration of the low-power mode and / or the maximum number of times the low-power mode can be transitioned to standby mode. For example, the message for configuring a low-power mode may be configured based on the management plane.

[0278] According to one embodiment, the operating modes of the lower network node may include a low power mode, a standby mode, and a normal mode. For example, the low power mode may be configured such that a first function relating to the management plane of the lower network node, a second function relating to the control plane of the lower network node, and a third function relating to the user plane of the lower network node are all disabled. In the low power mode, the first function, the second function, and the third function may all be disabled. For example, the standby mode may be configured such that only the first function among the first, second, and third functions is activated. In the standby mode, only the first function among the first, second, and third functions may be activated. For example, the normal mode may be configured such that all the first, second, and third functions are activated. In the normal mode, the first, second, and third functions may all be activated.

[0279] In operation 1420, the subordinate network node may change its operating mode from normal mode to low power mode. For example, the subordinate network node may change its operating mode from normal mode to low power mode based on a message for setting the low power mode. Operation 1420 may be related to operation 1230 of FIG. 12.

[0280] For example, a sub-network node can change its operating mode from normal mode to low-power mode by disabling all of the first, second, and third functions. The sub-network node can disable at least one component of the sub-network node that performs the first, second, and third functions.

[0281] For example, a lower network node may send a configuration response message to a message for configuring a low-power mode to a higher network node. Based on the transmission of the configuration response message to the message for configuring a low-power mode, the lower network node may change its operating mode from normal mode to low-power mode.

[0282] For example, a lower network node may identify a time interval for maintaining the low power mode based on a message for setting the low power mode. The lower network node may maintain the low power mode during the identified time interval. The time interval may be related to a transmission period of a test request message. For example, the time interval may correspond to a transmission period of the test request message. In some embodiments, the time interval may be the product of the transmission period and the maximum number of times the node transitions to a standby mode.

[0283] At operation 1430, the sub-network node can determine whether the light level changes to a specified range within a set time interval according to a message for setting a low-power mode. For example, the sub-network node can determine whether the light level changes below a specified level within the set time interval.

[0284] For example, while a lower network node operates in low-power mode, the light level can be maintained at a constant level. The upper network node can maintain the light level constant while the lower network node operates in low-power mode. By identifying whether the light level changes below a specified level while operating in low-power mode, the lower network node can determine whether to change the operating mode of the lower network node to standby mode.

[0285] In operation 1440, if the light level changes to a specified range within a time interval set according to a message for setting a low-power mode, the lower network node may receive a message for setting a normal mode of the lower network node within the time interval set according to the message for setting a low-power mode. For example, based on identifying that the light level changes to a specified range within the time interval, the message for setting a normal mode of the lower network node may be received from the upper network node via an optical transceiver within the time interval.

[0286] According to one embodiment, the lower network node can change the operation mode of the lower network node from the low power mode to the standby mode based on identifying that the light level while operating in the low power mode is within the specified range within a set time period according to a message for setting the low power mode of the lower network node. The lower network node can receive a message for setting the normal mode of the lower network node from the upper network node through the optical transceiver while the operation mode of the lower network node is in the standby mode. The lower network node can change the operation mode of the lower network node from the standby mode to the normal mode based on the message for setting the normal mode of the lower network node.

[0287] For example, a lower network node may activate only the first function related to the management plane in standby mode. To save power, the lower network node may operate in standby mode first, rather than in normal mode. The lower network node may first operate in standby mode to receive a message from the upper network node to set the lower network node to normal mode. While operating in standby mode with the first function activated, the lower network node may change its operating mode from standby mode to normal mode based on the message to set the lower network node to normal mode.

[0288] In operation 1450, if the light level does not change to a specified range within a time interval set according to a message for setting a low-power mode, the lower network node may transmit a message to the upper network node for requesting whether to change the operation mode of the lower network node to a normal mode after the time interval set according to the message for setting a low-power mode has elapsed. For example, the lower network node may transmit a message to the upper network node for requesting whether to change the operation mode of the lower network node to a normal mode after the time interval set according to the message for setting a low-power mode has elapsed based on identifying that the light level does not change to a specified range within a time interval set according to the message for setting a low-power mode.

[0289] For example, a lower network node may not identify that the light level does not change within a specified range while operating in a low power mode within a time interval set according to a message for setting a low power mode. The lower network node may identify that the time interval set according to the message for setting a low power mode of the lower network node has elapsed. Based on identifying that the time interval has elapsed, the lower network node may change the operating mode of the lower network node from the low power mode to the standby mode. While operating in the standby mode, the lower network node may transmit a message to the upper network node for requesting whether to change the operating mode of the lower network node to the normal mode. The lower network node may receive a message instructing to change the operating mode of the lower network node to the normal mode. Based on receiving the message instructing to change the operating mode of the lower network node to the normal mode, the lower network node may change the operating mode of the lower network node from the low power mode to the normal mode.

[0290] Figure 15 illustrates an example of a flowchart regarding the operation of an upper network node for changing the operation mode based on the light level.

[0291] Referring to FIG. 15, in operation 1510, an upper network node may transmit a message to set a low-power mode to disable at least one component of a lower network node. For example, the upper network node may transmit the message to set the low-power mode via an optical transceiver. For example, at least one component of the lower network node may include an RF transceiver (or wireless transceiver) (e.g., the RF transceiver (705) of FIGS. 7A to 7D ).

[0292] For example, a message for configuring a low-power mode may include information about the duration of the low-power mode and / or the maximum number of times the low-power mode can be transitioned to standby mode. For example, the message for configuring a low-power mode may be configured based on the management plane.

[0293] According to one embodiment, the operating modes of the lower network node may include a low power mode, a standby mode, and a normal mode. For example, the low power mode may be configured such that a first function relating to the management plane of the lower network node, a second function relating to the control plane of the lower network node, and a third function relating to the user plane of the lower network node are all disabled. In the low power mode, the first function, the second function, and the third function may all be disabled. For example, the standby mode may be configured such that only the first function among the first, second, and third functions is activated. In the standby mode, only the first function among the first, second, and third functions may be activated. For example, the normal mode may be configured such that all the first, second, and third functions are activated. In the normal mode, the first, second, and third functions may all be activated.

[0294] In operation 1520, the upper network node may determine whether to change the optical level within a specified range while the lower network node operates in the low power mode within a set time interval according to a message for setting the low power mode. For example, the upper network node may determine whether to change the optical level, which indicates the amount of light transmitted from the upper network node, within a specified range using an optical transceiver while the lower network node operates in the low power mode within a set time interval according to a message for setting the low power mode.

[0295] For example, a higher-level network node may determine whether to change the light level within a specified range based on whether it has received an input for setting a low-power mode of a lower-level network node. For example, a higher-level network node may determine whether to change the light level within a specified range based on whether it has received a signal for setting a low-power mode of a lower-level network node from a centralized node (or core network node) higher than the higher-level network node.

[0296] In operation 1530, if the upper network node determines to change the light level to a specified range within the time interval, the upper network node may transmit a message for setting a normal mode within the time interval set according to the message for setting a low-power mode. Based on the determination that the light level to be changed to a specified range within the time interval, the upper network node may transmit a message for setting a normal mode to the lower network node within the time interval set according to the message for setting a low-power mode.

[0297] For example, the upper network node may change the light level to a specified range within a set time interval according to a message for setting a low-power mode, and then transmit a message to the lower network node for setting the normal mode of the lower network node within the set time interval according to the message for setting a low-power mode.

[0298] According to one embodiment, the lower network node can change the operation mode of the lower network node from the low power mode to the standby mode based on identifying that the light level while operating in the low power mode is within the specified range within a set time period according to a message for setting the low power mode of the lower network node. The upper network node can transmit a message for setting the normal mode of the lower network node to the lower network node via an optical transceiver while the operation mode of the lower network node is in the standby mode. The upper network node can control the lower network node to change the operation mode of the lower network node from the standby mode to the normal mode based on the message for setting the normal mode of the lower network node.

[0299] In operation 1540, if the upper network node determines that the light level will not be changed to a specified range within the time interval, the upper network node may receive a message requesting whether to change the operation mode of the lower network node to a normal mode after the time interval set according to the message for setting the low power mode has elapsed. For example, the upper network node may receive, through the optical transceiver, a message requesting whether to change the operation mode of the lower network node to a normal mode after the time interval set according to the message for setting the low power mode has elapsed based on the determination that the light level will not be changed to a specified range within the time interval.

[0300] After the above time interval has elapsed, the lower network node may change the operation mode of the lower network node from the low power mode to the standby mode. While the lower network node is operating in the standby mode, the upper network node may receive a message from the lower network node requesting whether to change the operation mode of the lower network node to the normal mode. The upper network node may transmit to the lower network node either a message instructing to change the operation mode of the lower network node to the normal mode or a message instructing to change the operation mode of the lower network node to the low power mode. For example, the upper network node may reset the operation mode of the lower network node to the low power mode based on the message instructing to change the operation mode of the lower network node to the normal mode. For example, the upper network node may set the operation mode of the lower network node to the normal mode based on the message instructing to change the operation mode of the lower network node to the low power mode.

[0301] According to one embodiment, an electronic device of a lower network node may include an optical transceiver for connection with an upper network node, a memory storing one or more programs and including a storage medium, and at least one processor including a processing circuit. The one or more programs, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to receive a message for setting a low power mode of the lower network node from the upper network node through the optical transceiver. The one or more programs, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to change an operation mode of the lower network node from a normal mode to the low power mode based on the message for setting the low power mode of the lower network node. The one or more programs, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to monitor an optical level indicating an amount of light transmitted from the upper network node using the optical transceiver while operating in the low power mode within a time period set in accordance with the message for setting the low power mode of the lower network node. The one or more programs, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to change the operating mode of the lower network node from the low power mode to the normal mode based on identifying that the optical level is within a specified range while operating in the low power mode within a time period set in accordance with the message for setting the low power mode of the lower network node.

[0302] In one embodiment, the one or more programs, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to change the operating mode of the lower network node from the low power mode to the normal mode based on identifying that the light level is below a specified level while operating in the low power mode within the time period set in accordance with the message for setting the low power mode of the lower network node.

[0303] In one embodiment, the one or more programs, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to transmit a message to the upper network node for requesting whether to change the operation mode of the lower network node to the normal mode, in response to the elapse of the time interval set according to the message for setting the low power mode of the lower network node. The one or more programs, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to change the operation mode of the lower network node from the low power mode to the normal mode, based on receiving a message instructing to change the operation mode of the lower network node to the normal mode.

[0304] In one embodiment, the one or more programs, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to change the operating mode of the lower network node from the low power mode to the standby mode based on identifying that the light level is within the specified range while operating in the low power mode within a time period set in accordance with the message for setting the low power mode of the lower network node. The one or more programs, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to receive, from the upper network node via the optical transceiver, a message for setting the normal mode of the lower network node while the operating mode of the lower network node is in the standby mode. The one or more programs, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to change the operating mode of the lower network node from the standby mode to the normal mode based on the message for setting the normal mode of the lower network node.

[0305] According to one embodiment, the low power mode may be configured such that a first function relating to the management plane of the lower network node, a second function relating to the control plane of the lower network node, and a third function relating to the user plane of the lower network node are all disabled. The standby mode may be configured such that the first function among the first function, the second function, and the third function is activated. The normal mode may be configured such that the first function, the second function, and the third function are all activated.

[0306] According to one embodiment, the one or more programs, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to receive the message for setting the normal mode of the lower network node while operating in the standby mode with the first function activated. The message for setting the normal mode of the lower network node may be configured based on the management plane.

[0307] According to one embodiment, an electronic device of an upper network node may include an optical transceiver for connection with a lower network node, a memory storing one or more programs and including a storage medium, and at least one processor including a processing circuit. The one or more programs, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to transmit a message for setting a low power mode of the lower network node to the lower network node through the optical transceiver. The one or more programs, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to change an optical level indicating an amount of light transmitted from the upper network node within a specified range using the optical transceiver while the lower network node operates in the low power mode within a set time period according to the message for setting the low power mode of the lower network node. The one or more programs, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to change the operating mode of the lower network node from the low power mode to the normal mode based on changing the optical level within the specified range while the lower network node operates in the low power mode within the time period set in accordance with the message for setting the low power mode of the lower network node.

[0308] In one embodiment, the one or more programs, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to change the optical level to below a specified level while the lower network node operates in the low power mode within the time period set in accordance with the message for setting the low power mode of the lower network node. The one or more programs, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to change the operating mode of the lower network node from the low power mode to a normal mode based on changing the optical level to below the specified level while the lower network node operates in the low power mode within the time period set in accordance with the message for setting the low power mode of the lower network node.

[0309] In one embodiment, the one or more programs, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to receive a message from the lower network node for requesting whether to change the operation mode to the normal mode, in response to the passage of the time interval set in accordance with the message for setting the low power mode of the lower network node. The one or more programs, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to transmit to the lower network node one of a message instructing to change the operation mode of the lower network node to the normal mode and a message instructing to maintain the operation mode in the low power mode, based on the message for requesting whether to change the operation mode to the normal mode.

[0310] In one embodiment, the operating mode of the lower network node may be changed from the low power mode to the standby mode based on changing the optical level within the specified range. The one or more programs, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to transmit a message for setting the normal mode of the lower network node to the lower network node via the optical transceiver. The one or more programs, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to change the operating mode of the lower network node from the standby mode to the normal mode based on the message for setting the normal mode of the lower network node.

[0311] According to one embodiment, the low power mode may be configured such that a first function relating to the management plane of the lower network node, a second function relating to the control plane of the lower network node, and a third function relating to the user plane of the lower network node are all disabled. The standby mode may be configured such that the first function among the first function, the second function, and the third function is activated. The normal mode may be configured such that the first function, the second function, and the third function are all activated.

[0312] According to one embodiment, the one or more programs, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to transmit the message for setting the normal mode while the lower network node is operating in the standby mode with the first function activated. The message for setting the normal mode of the lower network node may be configured based on the management plane.

[0313] According to one embodiment, a method performed in an electronic device of a lower network node may include receiving a message for setting a low power mode of the lower network node from an upper network node through an optical transceiver of the electronic device. The method may include changing an operation mode of the lower network node from a normal mode to the low power mode based on the message for setting the low power mode of the lower network node. The method may include monitoring an optical level indicating an amount of light transmitted from the upper network node using the optical transceiver while operating in the low power mode within a time period set according to the message for setting the low power mode of the lower network node. The method may include changing the operation mode of the lower network node from the low power mode to the normal mode based on identifying that the optical level is within a specified range while operating in the low power mode within a time period set according to the message for setting the low power mode.

[0314] According to one embodiment, the method may include an operation of changing the operating mode of the lower network node from the low power mode to the normal mode based on identifying that the light level is below a specified level while operating in the low power mode within the time period set according to the message for setting the low power mode.

[0315] According to one embodiment, the method may include, in response to the passage of the time interval set according to the message for setting the low power mode of the lower network node, transmitting a message to the upper network node for requesting whether to change the operation mode of the lower network node to the normal mode. The method may include, based on receiving a message instructing to change the operation mode of the lower network node to the normal mode, changing the operation mode of the lower network node from the low power mode to the normal mode.

[0316] According to one embodiment, the method may include an operation of changing the operation mode of the lower network node from the low power mode to a standby mode based on identifying that the light level is within the specified range while operating in the low power mode within a time period set according to the message for setting the low power mode of the lower network node. The method may include an operation of receiving, from the upper network node through the optical transceiver, a message for setting the normal mode of the lower network node while the operation mode of the lower network node is the standby mode. The method may include an operation of changing the operation mode of the lower network node from the standby mode to the normal mode based on the message for setting the normal mode of the lower network node.

[0317] According to one embodiment, the low power mode may be configured such that a first function relating to the management plane of the lower network node, a second function relating to the control plane of the lower network node, and a third function relating to the user plane of the lower network node are all disabled. The standby mode may be configured such that the first function among the first function, the second function, and the third function is activated. The normal mode may be configured such that the first function, the second function, and the third function are all activated.

[0318] According to one embodiment, the method may include receiving a message for setting the normal mode while the first function is operating in the standby mode with the first function activated. The message for setting the normal mode of the lower network node may be configured based on the management plane.

[0319] According to one embodiment, a method performed in an electronic device of an upper network node may include transmitting a message for setting a low power mode of a lower network node to the lower network node via an optical transceiver of the electronic device. The method may include changing an optical level indicating an amount of light transmitted from the upper network node to within a specified range using the optical transceiver while the lower network node operates in the low power mode within a time period set according to the message for setting the low power mode of the lower network node. The method may include changing the operation mode of the lower network node from the low power mode to a normal mode based on changing the optical level to within the specified range while the lower network node operates in the low power mode within the time period set according to the message for setting the low power mode of the lower network node.

[0320] According to one embodiment, the method may include an operation of changing the optical level to below a specified level while the lower network node operates in the low power mode within the time period set according to the message for setting the low power mode of the lower network node. The method may include an operation of changing the operation mode of the lower network node from the low power mode to a normal mode based on changing the optical level to below the specified level while the lower network node operates in the low power mode within the time period set according to the message for setting the low power mode of the lower network node.

[0321] According to one embodiment, the method may include, in response to the passage of the time interval set according to the message for setting the low power mode of the lower network node, receiving a message from the lower network node for requesting whether to change the operation mode to the normal mode. The method may include, based on the message for requesting whether to change the operation mode to the normal mode, transmitting to the lower network node one of a message instructing to change the operation mode of the lower network node to the normal mode and a message instructing to maintain the operation mode in the low power mode.

[0322] According to one embodiment, the operation mode of the lower network node may be changed from the low power mode to the standby mode based on changing the optical level within the specified range. The method may include transmitting a message for setting the normal mode of the lower network node to the lower network node via the optical transceiver. The method may include changing the operation mode of the lower network node from the standby mode to the normal mode based on the message for setting the normal mode of the lower network node.

[0323] According to one embodiment, the low power mode may be configured such that a first function relating to the management plane of the lower network node, a second function relating to the control plane of the lower network node, and a third function relating to the user plane of the lower network node are all disabled. The standby mode may be configured such that the first function among the first function, the second function, and the third function is activated. The normal mode may be configured such that the first function, the second function, and the third function are all activated.

[0324] According to one embodiment, the method may include transmitting the message for setting the normal mode while the lower network node is operating in the standby mode with the first function activated. The message for setting the normal mode of the lower network node may be configured based on the management plane.

[0325] According to one embodiment, an electronic device of a lower network node may include an optical transceiver for connection with an upper network node, a memory storing one or more programs and including a storage medium, and at least one processor including a processing circuit. The one or more programs, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to receive, from the upper network node through the optical transceiver, a message for setting a low power mode for disabling at least one component of the lower network node. The one or more programs, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to change an operation mode of the lower network node from a normal mode to the low power mode based on the message for setting the low power mode. The one or more programs, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to identify whether an optical level indicating an amount of light transmitted from the upper network node changes to a specified range while operating in the low power mode within a time period set according to the message for setting the low power mode. The one or more programs, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to receive, within the time period, a message for setting the normal mode of the lower network node from the upper network node through the optical transceiver, based on identifying that the optical level changes to the specified range within the time period.The one or more programs, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to transmit a message to the upper network node through the optical transceiver, requesting whether to change the operation mode of the lower network node to the normal mode after a constant time interval has elapsed, based on identifying that the light level does not change within the specified range within the time interval.

[0326] According to one embodiment, an electronic device of an upper network node may include an optical transceiver for connection with a lower network node, a memory storing one or more programs and including a storage medium, and at least one processor including a processing circuit. The one or more programs, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to transmit a message to the lower network node via the optical transceiver for setting a low power mode for disabling at least one component of the lower network node. The one or more programs, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to determine whether to change an optical level indicating an amount of light transmitted from the upper network node within a specified range using the optical transceiver while the lower network node operates in the low power mode within a set time period according to the message for setting the low power mode. The one or more programs, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to transmit, to the lower network node via the optical transceiver, a message for setting the normal mode, within the time interval, based on determining to change the light level within the specified range within the time interval.The one or more programs, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to receive a message from the lower network node through the optical transceiver for requesting whether to change the operating mode of the lower network node to the normal mode after a constant time interval has elapsed, based on determining that the light level will not change within the specified range within the time interval.

[0327] According to one embodiment, an electronic device of a first network node may include an optical transceiver configured to communicate with a second network node, a memory storing instructions and including at least one storage medium, and at least one processor including a processing circuit. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to receive, from the second network node via the optical transceiver, a message for setting a low power mode of the first network node. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to change an operating mode of the first network node from a normal mode to the low power mode based on the message for setting the low power mode of the first network node. The optical transceiver may be used to: identify an optical level related to an amount of light transmitted from the second network node, and, based on the optical level, cause the at least one processor to change the operating mode of the first network node from the low power mode to the normal mode, while operating in the low power mode according to the message for setting the low power mode of the first network node.

[0328] In one embodiment, the optical transceiver may be used to identify the light level associated with the amount of light transmitted from the second network node within a time interval set in accordance with a message for setting the low power mode of the first network node.

[0329] In one embodiment, the optical transceiver, while operating in the low power mode, may cause the at least one processor to change the operating mode of the first network node from the low power mode to a standby mode in response to the light level being within a specific range. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to receive, from the second network node via the optical transceiver, a message for setting the normal mode of the first network node while the operating mode of the first network node is in the standby mode. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to change the operating mode of the first network node from the standby mode to the normal mode based on the message for setting the normal mode of the first network node.

[0330] In one embodiment, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to transmit a message to the second network node requesting whether to change the operating mode of the first network node after the time interval based on the light level remaining outside the specific range within the time interval. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to change the operating mode of the first network node from the low power mode to the normal mode based on receiving a message instructing to change the operating mode of the first network node to the normal mode.

[0331] According to one embodiment, the low power mode may be configured such that a first function relating to a management plane of the first network node, a second function relating to a control plane of the first network node, and a third function relating to a user plane of the first network node are all disabled. The standby mode may be configured such that the first function among the first function, the second function, and the third function is activated. The normal mode may be configured such that the first function, the second function, and the third function are all activated.

[0332] In one embodiment, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to receive the message for setting the normal mode of the first network node while operating in the standby mode with the first function activated. The message for setting the normal mode of the first network node may be configured based on the management plane.

[0333] According to one embodiment, an electronic device of a second network node may include an optical transceiver configured to communicate with a first network node, a memory storing instructions and including at least one storage medium, and at least one processor including a processing circuit. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to transmit a message to the first network node via the optical transceiver, for setting a low power mode of the first network node. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to change an optical level associated with an amount of light transmitted from the second network node within a specific range using the optical transceiver while the first network node is operating in the low power mode. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to change the operating mode of the first network node from the low power mode to the normal mode based on changing the optical level within the specific range while the first network node is operating in the low power mode.

[0334] In one embodiment, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to change the optical level below a threshold value while the first network node operates in the low power mode within the time interval set in accordance with the message for setting the low power mode of the first network node. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to change the operating mode of the first network node from the low power mode to a normal mode within the time interval based on changing the optical level below the threshold value while the first network node operates in the low power mode within the time interval.

[0335] In one embodiment, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to receive a message from the first network node requesting whether to change the operating mode to the normal mode after the time interval, based on the light level remaining outside the specific range during the time interval. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to transmit to the first network node, based on the message requesting whether to change the operating mode to the normal mode, one of a message instructing to change the operating mode of the first network node to the normal mode and a message instructing to maintain the operating mode in the low power mode.

[0336] In one embodiment, the operating mode of the first network node may be changed from the low power mode to the standby mode based on changing the optical level within the specific range. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to transmit, to the first network node via the optical transceiver, a message for setting the normal mode of the first network node. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to change the operating mode of the first network node from the standby mode to the normal mode based on the message for setting the normal mode of the first network node.

[0337] According to one embodiment, the low power mode may be configured such that a first function relating to a management plane of the first network node, a second function relating to a control plane of the first network node, and a third function relating to a user plane of the first network node are all disabled. The standby mode may be configured such that the first function among the first function, the second function, and the third function is activated. The normal mode may be configured such that the first function, the second function, and the third function are all activated.

[0338] In one embodiment, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to transmit the message for setting the normal mode of the first network node while the first network node is operating in the standby mode with the first function activated. The message for setting the normal mode of the first network node may be configured based on the management plane.

[0339] According to one embodiment, a method performed in an electronic device of a first network node may include receiving a message for setting a low power mode of the first network node from a second network node via an optical transceiver of the electronic device. The method may include changing an operation mode of the first network node from a normal mode to the low power mode based on the message for setting the low power mode of the first network node. The method may include identifying an optical level associated with an amount of light transmitted from the second network node using the optical transceiver while the first network node is operating in the low power mode according to the message for setting the low power mode. The method may include changing the operation mode of the first network node from the low power mode to the normal mode based on the optical level.

[0340] According to one embodiment, the method may include an operation of identifying, using the optical transceiver, the light level associated with the amount of light transmitted from the second network node within a set time interval according to a message for setting the low power mode of the first network node.

[0341] The method may include, while operating in the low power mode, changing the operation mode of the first network node from the low power mode to a standby mode in response to the light level being within a specific range. The method may include, while the operation mode of the first network node is in the standby mode, receiving, from the second network node via the optical transceiver, a message for setting the normal mode of the first network node. The method may include, based on the message for setting the normal mode of the first network node, changing the operation mode of the first network node from the standby mode to the normal mode.

[0342] In one embodiment, the method may include an action of transmitting a message to the second network node for requesting whether to change the operation mode of the first network node after the time interval based on the light level remaining outside the specific range within the time interval. The method may include an action of changing the operation mode of the first network node from the low power mode to the normal mode based on receiving a message instructing to change the operation mode of the first network node to the normal mode.

[0343] According to one embodiment, the low power mode may be configured such that a first function relating to a management plane of the first network node, a second function relating to a control plane of the first network node, and a third function relating to a user plane of the first network node are all disabled. The standby mode may be configured such that the first function among the first function, the second function, and the third function is activated. The normal mode may be configured such that the first function, the second function, and the third function are all activated.

[0344] According to one embodiment, the method may include receiving a message for setting the normal mode while the first function is operating in the standby mode with the first function activated. The message for setting the normal mode of the first network node may be configured based on the management plane.

[0345] According to one embodiment, a method performed in an electronic device of a second network node may include transmitting a message for setting a low power mode of a first network node to the first network node via an optical transceiver of the electronic device. The method may include changing an optical level related to an amount of light transmitted from the second network node within a specific range using the optical transceiver while the first network node operates in the low power mode. The method may include changing the operation mode of the first network node from the low power mode to a normal mode based on changing the optical level within the specific range while the first network node operates in the low power mode.

[0346] According to one embodiment, the method may include an operation of changing the optical level to below a threshold value while the first network node operates in the low power mode within the time interval set according to the message for setting the low power mode of the first network node. The method may include an operation of changing the operation mode of the first network node from the low power mode to a normal mode within the time interval based on changing the optical level to below the threshold value while the first network node operates in the low power mode within the time interval.

[0347] In one embodiment, the method may include receiving, based on the light level remaining outside the specific range during the time period, a message from the first network node requesting whether to change the operation mode to the normal mode after the time period. The method may further include transmitting, based on the message requesting whether to change the operation mode to the normal mode, one of a message instructing to change the operation mode of the first network node to the normal mode and a message instructing to maintain the operation mode to the low power mode, to the first network node.

[0348] According to one embodiment, the operation mode of the first network node may be changed from the low power mode to the standby mode based on changing the optical level within the specific range. The method may include transmitting a message for setting the normal mode of the first network node to the first network node via the optical transceiver. The method may include changing the operation mode of the first network node from the standby mode to the normal mode based on the message for setting the normal mode of the first network node.

[0349] According to one embodiment, the low power mode may be configured such that a first function relating to a management plane of the first network node, a second function relating to a control plane of the first network node, and a third function relating to a user plane of the first network node are all disabled. The standby mode may be configured such that the first function among the first function, the second function, and the third function is activated. The normal mode may be configured such that the first function, the second function, and the third function are all activated.

[0350] According to one embodiment, the method may include transmitting the message for setting the normal mode of the first network node while the first network node is operating in the standby mode with the first function activated. The message for setting the normal mode of the first network node may be configured based on the management plane.

[0351] According to one embodiment, an electronic device of a first network node may include an optical transceiver configured to communicate with a second network node, a memory storing instructions and including at least one storage medium, and at least one processor including a processing circuit. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to receive, from the second network node via the optical transceiver, a message for setting a low power mode for disabling at least one component of the first network node. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to change an operating mode of the first network node from a normal mode to the low power mode based on the message for setting the low power mode. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to identify whether an optical level regarding an amount of light transmitted from the second network node changes to a specific range while operating in the low power mode within a time period set according to the message for setting the low power mode. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to receive, from the second network node through the optical transceiver, a message for setting the normal mode of the first network node within the time period based on the optical level changing to the specific range.The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to transmit a message to the second network node through the optical transceiver, requesting whether to change the operating mode of the first network node to the normal mode after a constant time interval has elapsed, based on the light level not changing within the specific range.

[0352] According to one embodiment, an electronic device of a second network node may include an optical transceiver configured to communicate with a first network node, a memory storing instructions and including at least one storage medium, and at least one processor including a processing circuit. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to transmit, to the first network node via the optical transceiver, a message for setting a low power mode of the first network node. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to determine, using the optical transceiver, whether to change an optical level regarding an amount of light transmitted from the second network node within a specific range while the first network node operates in the low power mode within a time period set according to the message for setting the low power mode of the first network node. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to transmit, to the first network node via the optical transceiver, a message for setting the normal mode within the time interval based on determining to change the light level within the specific range within the time interval.The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to receive a message from the first network node through the optical transceiver, requesting whether to change the operating mode of the first network node to the normal mode after a constant time interval has elapsed, based on determining that the light level will not change within the specific range within the time interval.

[0353] According to one embodiment, an electronic device of a first network node may include an optical transceiver configured to communicate with a second network node, a power circuit, a controller for controlling the power circuit, a memory storing instructions and including at least one storage medium, and at least one processor including a processing circuit. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to receive, from the second network node via the optical transceiver, a message for setting a low power mode of the first network node. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to transmit a control signal to the controller to change an operating mode of the first network node from a normal mode to the low power mode based on the message for setting the low power mode of the first network node. The controller may be configured to control the power circuit to cease supplying power to the at least one processor in order to change the operation mode of the first network node from the normal mode to the low power mode. The controller may be configured to receive, within the low power mode, a signal from the optical transceiver indicating that the amount of light transmitted from the second network node is outside an operating range. The controller may be configured to control the power circuit, in response to the signal, to supply power to the at least one processor in order to change the operation mode of the first network node from the low power mode to the normal mode.

[0354] According to one embodiment, the power circuit may include a power supply circuit and a power supply control circuit.

[0355] In one embodiment, the controller may be configured to control the power supply control circuit to cease supplying power to the at least one processor in order to change the operation mode of the first network node from the normal mode to the low power mode. The controller may be configured to control the power supply control circuit to supply power to the at least one processor in order to change the operation mode of the first network node from the low power mode to the normal mode.

[0356] In one embodiment, the power supply circuit may be configured to provide a plurality of voltages. The power supply control circuit may be configured to control a plurality of paths for the plurality of voltages.

[0357] According to one embodiment, the power circuit may be configured to supply power to the optical transceiver regardless of the operating mode of the first network node.

[0358] In one embodiment, the optical transceiver may be used to receive at least one message from the second network node. The at least one message may be decoded by the at least one processor within the normal mode. The at least one message may not be decoded within the low-power mode.

[0359] According to one embodiment, the operating mode of the electronic device may further include a standby mode.

[0360] According to one embodiment, the low power mode may be configured such that a first function relating to a management plane of the first network node, a second function relating to a control plane of the first network node, and a third function relating to a user plane of the first network node are all disabled. The standby mode may be configured such that the first function among the first function, the second function, and the third function is activated. The normal mode may be configured such that the first function, the second function, and the third function are all activated.

[0361] In one embodiment, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to receive the message for setting the normal mode of the first network node while operating in the standby mode with the first function activated. The message for setting the normal mode of the first network node may be configured based on the management plane.

[0362] In one embodiment, the controller may be configured to control the power circuit to supply power to the at least one processor to change the operating mode of the first network node from the low power mode to the normal mode after a time period according to the message for setting the low power mode of the first network node.

[0363] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0364] The methods according to the embodiments described in the claims or specification of the present disclosure may be implemented in the form of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0365] When implemented in software, a computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs (software modules) may be provided. The one or more programs stored in the computer-readable storage medium are configured to be executed by one or more processors within an electronic device. The one or more programs include instructions that cause the electronic device to execute methods according to embodiments described in the claims or specification of the present disclosure. The one or more programs may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a commodity. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created in a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0366] These programs (software modules, software) may be stored in random access memory, non-volatile memory including flash memory, read only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), magnetic disc storage devices, compact disc-ROM (CD-ROM), digital versatile discs (DVDs) or other forms of optical storage devices, magnetic cassettes, or may be stored in memories formed by a combination of some or all of these. In addition, each configuration memory may include multiple copies.

[0367] Additionally, the program may be stored on an attachable storage device that is accessible via a communication network, such as the Internet, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a storage area network (SAN), or a combination thereof. Such a storage device may be connected to a device performing an embodiment of the present disclosure via an external port. Additionally, a separate storage device on the communication network may be connected to a device performing an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0368] In the specific embodiments of the present disclosure described above, components included in the disclosure are expressed in the singular or plural form, depending on the specific embodiment presented. However, the singular or plural expressions are selected to suit the presented situation for convenience of explanation, and the present disclosure is not limited to singular or plural components. Components expressed in the plural form may be composed of singular elements, or components expressed in the singular form may be composed of plural elements.

[0369] According to embodiments, one or more of the components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0370] Meanwhile, although the detailed description of the present disclosure has described specific embodiments, it is obvious that various modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. In the electronic device of the first network node, An optical transceiver configured to communicate with a second network node; A memory storing instructions and including at least one storage medium; and At least one processor comprising a processing circuit, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, Receive a message for setting a low power mode of the first network node from the second network node through the optical transceiver, Causing the electronic device to change the operation mode of the first network node from the normal mode to the low power mode based on the message for setting the low power mode of the first network node; While the optical transceiver operates in the low power mode according to the message for setting the low power mode of the first network node: Identifying an optical level associated with the amount of light transmitted from the second network node, Based on the light level, the at least one processor is used to cause the operating mode of the first network node to change from the low power mode to the normal mode. Electronic devices.

2. In the first paragraph, the optical transceiver, used to identify the light level associated with the amount of light transmitted from the second network node within a time interval set according to a message for setting the low power mode of the first network node; Electronic devices.

3. In the second paragraph, the optical transceiver, while operating in said low power mode, in response to said light level being within a specific range, causing said at least one processor to change said operating mode of said first network node from said low power mode to a standby mode; The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, While the operation mode of the first network node is the standby mode, a message for setting the normal mode of the first network node is received from the second network node through the optical transceiver, Causing the electronic device to change the operation mode of the first network node from the standby mode to the normal mode based on the message for setting the normal mode of the first network node. Electronic devices.

4. In the third paragraph, when the instructions are individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, Based on the light level remaining outside the specific range within the time interval, transmitting a message to the second network node to request whether to change the operation mode of the first network node after the time interval; Causing the electronic device to change the operation mode of the first network node from the low power mode to the normal mode based on receiving a message instructing to change the operation mode of the first network node to the normal mode; Electronic devices.

5. In any one of the third to fourth paragraphs, the low power mode is: A first function regarding the management plane of the first network node, a second function regarding the control plane of the first network node, and a third function regarding the user plane of the first network node are all set to be disabled, The above standby mode is, Among the first function, the second function, and the third function, the first function is set to be activated, The above normal mode is, The first function, the second function, and the third function are all set to be activated, Electronic devices.

6. In the fifth paragraph, when the instructions are individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, Causing the electronic device to receive the message for setting the normal mode of the first network node while operating in the standby mode with the first function activated; The message for setting the normal mode of the first network node is: Based on the above management plane, Electronic devices.

7. In the electronic device of the second network node, An optical transceiver configured to communicate with a first network node; A memory that stores instructions and includes at least one storage medium; At least one processor comprising a processing circuit, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, Transmitting a message to the first network node to set a low power mode of the first network node through the optical transceiver, While the first network node operates in the low power mode, the optical level related to the amount of light transmitted from the second network node is changed to a specific range using the optical transceiver, Causing the electronic device to change the operation mode of the first network node from the low power mode to the normal mode based on changing the optical level within the specific range while the first network node is operating in the low power mode. Electronic devices.

8. In the 7th paragraph, when the instructions are individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, While the first network node operates in the low power mode within the time interval set according to the message for setting the low power mode of the first network node, changing the light level to below a threshold value, Causing the electronic device to change the operating mode of the first network node from the low power mode to the normal mode within the time interval based on changing the optical level below the threshold value while the first network node is operating in the low power mode within the time interval; Electronic devices.

9. In the 8th paragraph, when the instructions are individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, Based on the light level remaining outside the specific range during the time interval, after the time interval, receiving a message from the first network node to request whether to change the operation mode to the normal mode; Causing the electronic device to transmit to the first network node one of a message instructing to change the operation mode of the first network node to the normal mode and a message instructing to maintain the operation mode in the low power mode, based on the message for requesting whether to change the operation mode to the normal mode. Electronic devices.

10. In any one of paragraphs 7 to 9, the operation mode of the first network node is: Based on changing the optical level within the specific range, the low power mode is changed to standby mode, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, Transmitting a message to the first network node to set the normal mode of the first network node through the optical transceiver, Causing the electronic device to change the operation mode of the first network node from the standby mode to the normal mode based on the message for setting the normal mode of the first network node. Electronic devices.

11. In the 10th paragraph, the low power mode is A first function regarding the management plane of the first network node, a second function regarding the control plane of the first network node, and a third function regarding the user plane of the first network node are all set to be disabled, The above standby mode is, Among the first function, the second function, and the third function, the first function is set to be activated, The above normal mode is, The first function, the second function, and the third function are all set to be activated, Electronic devices.

12. In the 11th paragraph, when the instructions are individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, Causing the electronic device to transmit the message for setting the normal mode of the first network node while the first network node is operating in the standby mode with the first function activated; The message for setting the normal mode of the first network node is: Based on the above management plane, Electronic devices.

13. In a method performed in an electronic device of a first network node, An action of receiving a message for setting a low power mode of the first network node from a second network node through an optical transceiver of the electronic device; An operation of changing the operation mode of the first network node from the normal mode to the low power mode based on the message for setting the low power mode of the first network node; An operation of identifying an optical level related to the amount of light transmitted from the second network node using the optical transceiver while operating in the low power mode according to the message for setting the low power mode of the first network node; and Based on the light level, including an operation of changing the operation mode of the first network node from the low power mode to the normal mode, method.

14. In the 13th paragraph, the method, An operation of identifying the light level associated with the amount of light transmitted from the second network node within a time interval set according to a message for setting the low power mode of the first network node using the optical transceiver, method.

15. In a method performed in an electronic device of a second network node, An action of transmitting a message for setting a low power mode of a first network node to the first network node via an optical transceiver of the electronic device; An operation of changing an optical level related to the amount of light transmitted from the second network node within a specific range using the optical transceiver while the first network node operates in the low power mode; and An operation of changing the operation mode of the first network node from the low power mode to the normal mode based on changing the optical level within the specific range while the first network node is operating in the low power mode, method.

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