Management device, management method, and management program

Abstract

This management device comprises an acquisition unit, a determination unit, and a control unit. The acquisition unit acquires operation information of a first wireless device, a second wireless device, a first wireless control unit, and a second wireless control unit, and operation rates of a first computer resource and a second computer resource. The determination unit determines whether or not to switch a wireless control unit that controls the first wireless device from the first wireless control unit to the second wireless control unit, on the basis of the operation information of the first wireless device, the second wireless device, the first wireless control unit, and the second wireless control unit, and the operation rates of the first computer resource and the second computer resource. The control unit performs control to switch the wireless control unit that controls the first wireless device from the first wireless control unit to the second wireless control unit in accordance with determination by the determination unit. The control unit may operate an application that performs machine learning or the like by using the first computer resource after switching the wireless control unit that controls the first wireless device from the first wireless control unit to the second wireless control unit.

Description

Management Device, Management Method, and Management Program

[0001] The present invention relates to a management device, a management method, and a management program.

[0002] Patent Document 1 below discloses that "a data collection device 100 includes an information acquisition unit that acquires gate passing information of an object detected by a detection device 400 capable of detecting that the object passes through a gate, and a communication processing unit that transmits information regarding the gate passing information to a base station 200. The base station 200 controls wireless communication, changes or switches the area of a cell, and controls the power consumption of the base station 200 based on the information."

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-145998

[0004] In one aspect, the management device disclosed in the present application includes an acquisition unit, a determination unit, and a control unit. The acquisition unit acquires the operation information of a first wireless device, the operation information of a second wireless device, the operation information of a first wireless control unit that controls the first wireless device and operates on a first computer resource, the operation information of a second wireless control unit that controls the second wireless device and operates on a second computer resource, the operation rate of the first computer resource, and the operation rate of the second computer resource. The determination unit determines whether to switch the wireless control unit that controls the first wireless device from the first wireless control unit to the second wireless control unit based on the operation information of the first wireless device, the operation information of the second wireless device, the operation information of the first wireless control unit, the operation information of the second wireless control unit, the operation rate of the first computer resource, and the operation rate of the second computer resource. The control unit performs control to switch the wireless control unit that controls the first wireless device from the first wireless control unit to the second wireless control unit when it is determined by the determination unit that the wireless control unit that controls the first wireless device is to be switched from the first wireless control unit to the second wireless control unit.

[0005] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of a wireless communication system in Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the impact on user terminals due to cell shutdown. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for predicting the operating state. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a first management method. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a first management method. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of a wireless communication system in Embodiment 2. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a second management method. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a second management method. Figure 9 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a computer that implements a management device.

[0006] The following describes in detail, with reference to the drawings, embodiments of the management device, management method, and management program disclosed in this application. However, the disclosed technology is not limited by the following embodiments. Furthermore, each embodiment can be appropriately combined as long as the processing content is not inconsistent.

[0007] [Wireless Communication System 1] Figure 1 shows an example of wireless communication system 1 in Embodiment 1. Wireless communication system 1 comprises a plurality of CU (Centralized Unit) 21-1 and CU21-2, a plurality of DU (Distributed Unit) 41-1 and DU41-2, and a plurality of RU60-1 to RU60-4. Wireless communication system 1 also comprises a plurality of computer resources 20-1 and computer resources 20-2, SW30, a plurality of computer resources 40-1 and computer resources 40-2, and SW50.

[0008] In the following explanation, CU21 will be used to refer to CU21-1 and CU21-2 collectively without distinction, DU41-1 and DU41-2 collectively without distinction, and RU60-1 to RU60-4 collectively without distinction. Furthermore, in the following explanation, computer resource 20-1 and computer resource 20-2 collectively without distinction will be referred to as computer resource 20, and computer resource 40-1 and computer resource 40-2 collectively without distinction will be referred to as computer resource 40.

[0009] The wireless communication system 1 illustrated in Figure 1 comprises two CUs 21, two DUs 41, and four RUs 60, but the disclosed technology is not limited thereto, and the wireless communication system 1 may comprise three or more CUs 21, three or more DUs 41, and five or more RUs 60. Furthermore, the wireless communication system 1 illustrated in Figure 1 comprises two computer resources 20, one switch 30, two computer resources 40, and one switch 50, but the disclosed technology is not limited thereto, and the wireless communication system 1 may comprise three or more computer resources 20, two or more switches 30, three or more computer resources 40, and two or more switches 50.

[0010] RU60-1 forms cell 61-1, RU60-2 forms cell 61-2, RU60-3 forms cell 61-3, and RU60-4 forms cell 61-4. In this embodiment, cells 61-1 and 61-3 cover approximately the same region using different frequencies, while cells 61-2 and 61-4 cover approximately the same region using different frequencies. Each RU60 communicates wirelessly with a user terminal 70 within cell 61.

[0011] SW50 is, for example, an L2 switch, and controls communication between RU60 and DU41. DU41 controls one or more RU60s and controls communication of user terminals 70 via RU60. Hereinafter, the control and management of RU60 by DU41 is described as "accommodating," and the change of the DU41 being controlled and managed by RU60 to another DU41 is described as "accommodation change." In the example in Figure 1, DU41-1 accommodates RU60-1 and RU60-2, and DU41-2 accommodates RU60-3 and RU60-4.

[0012] DU41 operates on one of the computer resources 40. In the example in Figure 1, DU41-1 operates on computer resource 40-1, and DU41-2 operates on computer resource 40-2. In the example in Figure 1, one DU41 operates on one computer resource 40, but in other examples, multiple DU41s may operate on one computer resource 40.

[0013] SW30 is, for example, an L2 switch, and switches the communication between CU21 and DU41. CU21 controls one or more DU41s and controls the communication between the user terminal 70 and the core network CN via RU60 and DU41. Hereinafter, the control and management of DU41 by CU21 is described as "accommodating," and the change of the controlled and managed CU21 in a DU41 to another CU21 is described as "accommodating change." In the example in Figure 1, CU21-1 accommodates DU41-1, and CU21-2 accommodates DU41-2. Note that CU21 may accommodate two or more DU41s.

[0014] CU21 operates on one of the computing resources 20. In the example in Figure 1, CU21-1 operates on computing resource 20-1, and CU21-2 operates on computing resource 20-2. In the example in Figure 1, one CU21 operates on one computing resource 20, but in other examples, multiple CU21s may operate on one computing resource 20.

[0015] In this embodiment, the computing resource 20 and computing resource 40 are computers having, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, and a communication interface.

[0016] The management device 10 includes an acquisition unit 11, a prediction unit 12, a determination unit 13, a control unit 14, and a storage unit 15. The management device 10 may be implemented as part of a function such as an SMO (Service Management and Orchestration) or a RIC (RAN Intelligent Controller). The acquisition unit 11 acquires operational information for each computer resource 40, each DU 41, and each RU 60, and stores the acquired operational information in the storage unit 15.

[0017] The operational information for each RU60 includes information about the DU41 being controlled (i.e., housed), information about the cell 61 being formed, and so on. The information about the cell 61 being formed includes information about the cell 61's region and the frequency being used.

[0018] The operational information for each DU41 includes information about the CU21 being controlled (i.e., accommodated), information about the RU60 being controlled (i.e., accommodated), and the amount of communication traffic.

[0019] The operational information for each computing resource 40 includes information on the utilization rate of resources such as the processor and memory.

[0020] The prediction unit 12 predicts the operating status of the computer resource 40 and DU 41 based on the operating information stored in the memory unit 15. The operating status of the computer resource 40 includes the utilization rate of the computer resource 40, and the operating status of the DU 41 includes the amount of communication traffic managed by the DU 41.

[0021] In this embodiment, the prediction unit 12 predicts the operating status of the computer resources 40 and DU41 from the operating information of the computer resources 40, DU41, and RU60, but the disclosed technology is not limited thereto. As another example, the acquisition unit 11 may further acquire event information from an external server that provides information on the holding of events and store it in the storage unit 15, and the prediction unit 12 may further use the event information to predict the operating status of the computer resources 40 and DU41. For example, if an event is scheduled in or around cell 61, the expected crowd size for that event may be further taken into account when predicting the operating status of the computer resources 40 and DU41.

[0022] The determination unit 13 determines whether it is possible to change the allocation for resource consolidation based on the operating status of the computer resources 40 and DU 41 predicted by the prediction unit 12. For example, the determination unit 13 determines whether there is a computer resource 40 (hereinafter referred to as the first computer resource 40) on which DU 41 operates whose utilization rate is less than a first threshold (e.g., 20%). If a first computer resource 40 exists, the determination unit 13 determines whether there is a computer resource 40 (hereinafter referred to as the second computer resource 40) on which the utilization rate would be less than a second threshold (e.g., 70%) if the allocation of RU 60 accommodated by DU 41 operating on the first computer resource 40 were changed.

[0023] If a second computing resource 40 exists, the determination unit 13 determines whether the change in the accommodation of RU 60 will affect the services currently being provided. If it determines that the change in the accommodation of RU 60 will not affect the services currently being provided, the determination unit 13 determines that the accommodation change for resource consolidation is possible. During the accommodation change, the DU 41 that accommodates RU 60 is changed, so the cell 61 provided by RU 60 will be temporarily shut down. The accommodation change may take at least several minutes.

[0024] Therefore, for example, as shown in Figure 2, if cells 61-1 to 61-4 are formed in different areas by RU 60-1 to 60-4, then if cell 61 is shut down, wireless communication service will be interrupted in the area where cell 61 was located. This will result in a decrease in the quality of service provided to users. Therefore, in cases like Figure 2, when changing the configuration of RU 60, if the configuration change is essential, planning work is carried out to announce in advance that cell 61 will be shut down before carrying out the configuration change.

[0025] On the other hand, for example, if cells 61-1 and 61-3 shown in Figure 1 cover almost the same area using different frequencies, even if one cell 61 stops working, the other cell 61 can continue to provide wireless communication services to the user terminal 70.

[0026] However, during peak hours such as lunchtime on weekdays, when communication traffic is high, a decrease in one cell 61 can cause communication traffic to concentrate on the other cell 61, potentially leading to congestion. Therefore, even with the cell 61 arrangement shown in Figure 1, service will be affected unless it is during off-peak hours such as late at night when communication traffic is low.

[0027] Furthermore, the determination unit 13 determines whether or not a change in the configuration for load balancing is possible based on the utilization rate of the computer resources 40 and the traffic volume of DU 41 predicted by the prediction unit 12. For example, the determination unit 13 determines whether or not there is a computer resource 40 (hereinafter referred to as the third computer resource 40) among the computer resources 40 that accommodate DU 41 whose utilization rate is 90% or higher. If a third computer resource 40 exists, the determination unit 13 determines whether or not there is a computer resource 40 (hereinafter referred to as the fourth computer resource 40) whose utilization rate would fall below a fourth threshold (60%) if the RU 60 accommodated by DU 41 running on the third computer resource 40 were changed.

[0028] If a fourth computing resource 40 exists, the determination unit 13 determines whether or not the change in the accommodation of RU 60 will affect the services currently being provided. If it determines that the change in the accommodation of RU 60 will not affect the services currently being provided, the determination unit 13 determines that the accommodation change for load balancing is possible.

[0029] If the determination unit 13 determines that a resource consolidation change is possible, the control unit 14 instructs the RU 60 to be relocated to stop cell 61 and to the destination DU 41, provided there are no user terminals 70 currently communicating within the cell 61 of the RU 60 to be relocated. The control unit 14 also notifies the source DU 41 and the destination DU 41 of the information about the RU 60 to be relocated and instructs them to proceed with the relocation. Furthermore, the control unit 14 controls the SW 50 to switch communication between the source DU 41 and the RU 60 to be relocated, and to switch communication between the destination DU 41 and the RU 60 to be relocated.

[0030] Meanwhile, if there is a user terminal 70 in communication in the cell 61 of the RU 60 to be reassigned, the control unit 14 instructs the DU 41, which controls the RU 60 to be reassigned, to transfer the user terminal 70 to the cell 61 of another RU 60. Then, after there are no longer any user terminals 70 in communication in the cell 61 of the RU 60 to be reassigned, the control unit 14 executes the aforementioned resource consolidation reassignment process.

[0031] When a change in resource allocation is implemented to consolidate resources, the control unit 14 controls the first computer resource 40 to run other applications. These other applications include applications that generate training data used when controlling the wireless communication system 1 using artificial intelligence and machine learning. This allows the available computer resource 40 to be allocated to generating training data, which requires a large amount of computing resources, thus enabling effective utilization of computing resources.

[0032] Furthermore, if a change in resource allocation is implemented for resource consolidation, the control unit 14 may switch the first computer resource 40 to a power-saving mode. This reduces the power consumption of the wireless communication system 1.

[0033] Furthermore, if the determination unit 13 determines that a change in the configuration for load balancing is possible, the control unit 14 activates the destination DU 41 in the fourth computing resource 40 if there are no user terminals 70 currently communicating within the cell 61 of the RU 60 to be changed. The control unit 14 then instructs the RU 60 to be changed to stop cell 61 and activate the destination DU 41. The control unit 14 also notifies the source DU 41 and the destination DU 41 of the information about the RU 60 to be changed and instructs them to make the change. The control unit 14 also controls the SW 50 to switch communication between the source DU 41 and the RU 60 to be changed, and between the destination DU 41 and the RU 60 to be changed.

[0034] On the other hand, if there is a user terminal 70 in communication in cell 61 of the RU 60 to be reassigned, the control unit 14 instructs the DU 41, which controls the RU 60 to be reassigned, to transfer the user terminal 70 to cell 61 of another RU 60. Then, after there are no longer any user terminals 70 in communication in cell 61 of the RU 60 to be reassigned, the control unit 14 executes the aforementioned load balancing reassignment process. This prevents the computer resource 40 from becoming overloaded and improves the continuity of service to users.

[0035] [Operating Status Prediction Procedure] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operating status prediction procedure. The procedure illustrated in Figure 3 is mainly performed by the acquisition unit 11 and prediction unit 12 of the management device 10.

[0036] First, the acquisition unit 11 acquires operational information for each of the computer resources 40, each of the DU 41, and each of the RU 60 (step S10), and stores the acquired operational information in the storage unit 15 (step S11). Step S10 is an example of the acquisition process and acquisition procedure.

[0037] Next, the prediction unit 12 predicts the operating status of the computer resource 40 and DU 41 based on the operating information stored in the storage unit 15 (step S12). In this embodiment, the operating status of the computer resource 40 includes the utilization rate of the computer resource 40, and the operating status of the DU 41 includes the amount of communication traffic passing through the DU 41. Then, the process shown in step S10 is executed again.

[0038] [Management Method] Figures 4 and 5 are flowcharts illustrating an example of the first management method. The management method illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 is mainly performed by the determination unit 13 and control unit 14 of the management device 10.

[0039] First, the determination unit 13 determines whether there is a first computer resource 40 among the computer resources 40 on which DU 41 operates whose utilization rate is less than a first threshold (for example, 20%) (step S20).

[0040] If a first computing resource 40 exists (step S20: Yes), the determination unit 13 determines whether there is a second computing resource 40 whose utilization rate falls below a second threshold (e.g., 70%) when the RU 60 accommodated by the DU 41 operating on the first computing resource 40 is changed (step S21).

[0041] If a second computing resource 40 exists (step S21: Yes), the determination unit 13 determines whether the change in the accommodation of RU 60 will affect the services currently being provided (step S22). Steps S20 to S22 are examples of determination steps and determination procedures.

[0042] If there is no impact on the service being provided (step S22: No), the control unit 14 performs control to change the RU 60 accommodated in the DU 41 operating on the first computer resource 40 to be accommodated in the DU 41 operating on the second computer resource 40 (step S23).

[0043] In step S23, the control unit 14 instructs the RU 60 accommodated in the DU 41 operating on the first computer resource 40 to stop the cell 61 and, as the DU 41 to be the accommodation change destination, the information of the DU 41 operating on the second computer resource 40. Further, the control unit 14 notifies the DU 41 operating on the first computer resource 40 and the DU 41 operating on the second computer resource 40 of the information of the RU 60 to be accommodated and instructs the accommodation change. Further, the control unit 14 controls the SW 50 to switch the communication between the DU 41 operating on the first computer resource 40 and the RU 60 to be accommodated to the communication between the DU 41 operating on the second computer resource 40 and the RU 60 to be accommodated.

[0044] Next, the control unit 14 controls the first computer resource 40 to operate other applications (step S24), and the process shown in step S20 is executed again.

[0045] If there is an impact on the service being provided (step S22: Yes), the determination unit 13 determines whether the accommodation change is essential (step S25). For example, when the service can be maintained without performing the accommodation change, or when other applications can be operated on other computer resources 40 other than the first computer resource 40, it is determined that the accommodation change is not essential. On the other hand, when the service cannot be maintained unless the processing of a specific application is performed, and the application cannot be operated on other computer resources 40 other than the first computer resource 40, it is determined that the accommodation change is essential.

[0046] When accommodation change is essential (step S25: Yes), planning operations are carried out (step S26), and the processes shown in step S20 are executed again. In the planning operations, accommodation change is carried out after announcing in advance that the cell 61 will stop. On the other hand, when accommodation change is not essential (step S25: No), the processes shown in step S20 are executed again.

[0047] When the first computer resource 40 does not exist (step S20: No), or when the second computer resource 40 does not exist (step S21: No), the determination unit 13 determines whether there is a third computer resource 40 among the computer resources 40 in which the DU 41 is operating and the operating rate is equal to or higher than a third threshold value (for example, 90%) (step S27). When the third computer resource 40 does not exist (step S27: No), the processes shown in step S20 are executed again.

[0048] When the third computer resource 40 exists (step S27: Yes), the determination unit 13 determines whether there is a fourth computer resource 40 in which the operating rate becomes less than a fourth threshold value (for example, 60%) when a part of the RUs 60 accommodated by the DUs 41 operating on the third computer resource 40 is changed in accommodation (step S28). When the fourth computer resource 40 does not exist (step S28: No), the processes shown in step S20 are executed again.

[0049] When the fourth computer resource 40 exists (step S28: Yes), the determination unit 13 determines whether there is an impact on the services being provided due to the accommodation change of the RUs 60 (step S29). When there is an impact on the services being provided (step S29: Yes), the processes shown in step S25 are executed.

[0050] On the other hand, when there is no impact on the services being provided (step S29: No), the control unit 14 performs control to change the accommodation of a part of the RUs 60 accommodated in the DUs 41 operating on the third computer resource 40 to the DUs 41 operating on the fourth computer resource 40 (step S30). Then, the processes shown in step S20 are executed again.

[0051] The first embodiment has been described above. According to this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of service quality to users due to changes in the accommodation of the RU 60 that provides the cell 61. This can contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9, "Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation."

[0052] In Example 1, the arrangement of DU41, which houses RU60, is modified, but in Example 2, the arrangement of CU21, which houses DU41, is also modified. The following explanation will focus on the differences from Example 1.

[0053] [Wireless Communication System 1] Figure 6 shows an example of wireless communication system 1 in Embodiment 2. In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 11 acquires operational information for each of the computer resources 20, each of the CUs 21, each of the computer resources 40, each of the DUs 41, and each of the RUs 60, and stores the acquired operational information in the storage unit 15.

[0054] The operational information for each DU41 includes information about the RU60 it houses, the amount of communication traffic, and information about the CU21 that houses that DU41.

[0055] The operational information for each CU21 includes information such as the DU41 it houses and the amount of communication traffic.

[0056] The operational information for each computing resource 20 includes information on the utilization rate of resources such as the processor and memory.

[0057] The prediction unit 12 predicts the operating status of the computer resources 20 and CU 21, in addition to the operating status of the computer resources 40 and DU 41, based on the operational information stored in the storage unit 15. The operating status of computer resource 20 includes the utilization rate of computer resource 20, and the operating status of CU 21 includes the amount of communication traffic managed by CU 21.

[0058] The determination unit 13 further determines whether it is possible to change the allocation for resource aggregation based on the operating status of the computer resources 20 and CU 21 predicted by the prediction unit 12. For example, the determination unit 13 determines whether there is a computer resource 20 (hereinafter referred to as the fifth computer resource 20) among the computer resources 20 on which CU 21 operates whose utilization rate is less than a fifth threshold (e.g., 20%). If a fifth computer resource 20 exists, the determination unit 13 determines whether there is a computer resource 20 (hereinafter referred to as the sixth computer resource 20) whose utilization rate would be less than a sixth threshold (e.g., 70%) if the allocation of DU 41 accommodated by CU 21 operating on the fifth computer resource 20 were changed.

[0059] If a sixth computing resource 20 exists, the determination unit 13 determines whether the change in the accommodation of DU41 will affect the services currently being provided. If it determines that the change in the accommodation of DU41 will not affect the services currently being provided, the determination unit 13 determines that the accommodation change for resource consolidation is possible. In the accommodation change of DU41, the cell 61 provided by RU60 which DU41 accommodates will be temporarily shut down.

[0060] Furthermore, the determination unit 13 determines whether or not a change in the configuration for load balancing is possible based on the operating status of the computer resources 20 and CU 21 predicted by the prediction unit 12. For example, the determination unit 13 determines whether or not there is a computer resource 20 (hereinafter referred to as the seventh computer resource 20) among the computer resources 20 that accommodate CU 21 whose utilization rate is 90% or higher. If a seventh computer resource 20 exists, the determination unit 13 determines whether or not there is a computer resource 20 (hereinafter referred to as the eighth computer resource 20) whose utilization rate would fall below the eighth threshold (60%) if the DU 41 accommodated by CU 21 operating on the seventh computer resource 20 were changed.

[0061] If an eighth computing resource 20 exists, the determination unit 13 determines whether or not the change in the accommodation of DU41 will affect the services currently being provided. If it determines that the change in the accommodation of DU41 will not affect the services currently being provided, the determination unit 13 determines that the accommodation change for load balancing is possible.

[0062] If the determination unit 13 determines that a change in the allocation for resource consolidation is possible, the control unit 14 instructs the RU 60 to stop cell 61 if there are no user terminals 70 currently communicating within cell 61 of the RU 60 to which the DU 41 to be allocated will be allocated. The control unit 14 also notifies the source CU 21 and the destination CU 21 of the information about the DU 41 to be allocated and instructs them to make the allocation change. The control unit 14 also controls the SW 30 to switch communication between the source CU 21 and the DU 41 to be allocated, and between the destination CU 21 and the DU 41 to be allocated.

[0063] Meanwhile, if there is a user terminal 70 in communication in cell 61 of RU60 to which the DU41 to be reassigned is to be located, the control unit 14 instructs the DU41 to reassign the user terminal 70 to another cell 61. Then, after there are no longer any user terminals 70 in communication in cell 61 of RU60 to which the DU41 to be reassigned is to be located, the control unit 14 executes the aforementioned resource consolidation reassignment process.

[0064] Then, if a change in resource allocation is implemented for resource consolidation, the control unit 14 controls the fifth computing resource 20 to run other applications. These other applications include applications that generate training data used when controlling the wireless communication system 1 using artificial intelligence and machine learning. This allows the computing resource 20 to be allocated to generating training data, which requires a large amount of computing resources, and enables effective utilization of computing resources.

[0065] Furthermore, if a change in resource allocation is implemented for resource consolidation, the control unit 14 may switch the fifth computer resource 20 to a power-saving mode. This reduces the power consumption of the wireless communication system 1.

[0066] Furthermore, if the determination unit 13 determines that a change in the configuration for load balancing is possible, the control unit 14 activates the destination CU 21 in the eighth computing resource 40 if there are no user terminals 70 currently communicating within the cell 61 of the RU 60 that the DU 41 to be changed will be housed in. The control unit 14 then instructs the RU 60 that the DU 41 to be changed will be housed in to stop cell 61. The control unit 14 also notifies the source CU 21 and the destination CU 21 of the information about the DU 41 to be changed and instructs them to make the change. The control unit 14 also controls the SW 30 to switch communication between the source CU 21 and the DU 41 to be changed, and to communication between the destination CU 21 and the DU 41 to be changed.

[0067] On the other hand, if there is a user terminal 70 in communication in cell 61 of RU 60 that the DU 41 to be reassigned to is located in, the control unit 14 instructs the DU 41 to reassign to another cell 61. Then, after there are no longer any user terminals 70 in communication in cell 61 of RU 60 that the DU 41 to be reassigned to is located in, the control unit 14 executes the aforementioned load balancing reassignment process. This prevents the computer resources 20 from becoming excessively overloaded and improves the continuity of service to users.

[0068] [Procedure for Predicting Operating Status] The procedure for predicting the operating status in this embodiment is the same as the procedure in Embodiment 1, which was explained using Figure 3. Therefore, the procedure for predicting the operating status in this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 3.

[0069] First, the acquisition unit 11 acquires operational information for each of the computer resources 20, CU 21, 40, DU 41, and RU 60 (step S10), and stores the acquired operational information in the storage unit 15 (step S11).

[0070] Next, the prediction unit 12 predicts the operating status of the computer resource 20, CU 21, computer resource 40, and DU 41 based on the operating information stored in the storage unit 15 (step S12). In this embodiment, the operating status of computer resource 20 includes the utilization rate of computer resource 20, the operating status of CU 21 includes the amount of communication traffic passing through CU 21, the operating status of computer resource 40 includes the utilization rate of computer resource 40, and the operating status of DU 41 includes the amount of communication traffic passing through DU 41. Then, the process shown in step S10 is executed again.

[0071] [Management Method] Figures 7 and 8 are flowcharts illustrating an example of the second management method. The management method illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 is mainly performed by the determination unit 13 and control unit 14 of the management device 10. In this embodiment, in addition to the management method illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the management method illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 is performed. The management method illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 will be described below.

[0072] First, the determination unit 13 determines whether there is a fifth computing resource 20 among the computing resources 20 on which CU 21 operates whose utilization rate is less than a fifth threshold (for example, 20%) (step S40).

[0073] If a fifth computing resource 20 exists (step S40: Yes), the determination unit 13 determines whether there is a sixth computing resource 20 in which the utilization rate will fall below the sixth threshold (e.g., 70%) when the DU 41 accommodated by the CU 21 operating on the fifth computing resource 20 is changed (step S41).

[0074] If a sixth computing resource 20 exists (step S41: Yes), the determination unit 13 determines whether changing the accommodation of DU41 will affect the services currently being provided (step S42). If there is no impact on the services currently being provided (step S42: No), the control unit 14 controls the accommodation of DU41, which is currently housed in CU21 running on the fifth computing resource 20, to CU21 running on the sixth computing resource 20 (step S43).

[0075] In step S43, the control unit 14 instructs the RU 60, which is housed in the DU 41 housed in the CU 21 operating on the fifth computer resource 20, to stop cell 61. The control unit 14 also instructs the DU 41 housed in the CU 21 operating on the fifth computer resource 20 to provide information on the CU 21 operating on the sixth computer resource 20 as the destination CU 21 for the house change. The control unit 14 also notifies the CU 21 operating on the fifth computer resource 20 and the CU 21 operating on the sixth computer resource 20 of the information on the DU 41 to be housed and instructs them to change the house. The control unit 14 also controls the SW 30 to switch the communication between the CU 21 operating on the fifth computer resource 20 and the DU 41 to be housed to, to the communication between the CU 21 operating on the sixth computer resource 20 and the DU 41 to be housed to.

[0076] Next, the control unit 14 controls the fifth computing resource 20 to run another application (step S44), and the process shown in step S40 is executed again.

[0077] If the service being provided is affected (Step S42: Yes), the determination unit 13 determines whether or not a change in accommodation is necessary (Step S45). If a change in accommodation is necessary (Step S45: Yes), the planning work is carried out (Step S46), and the process shown in Step S40 is executed again. On the other hand, if a change in accommodation is not necessary (Step S45: No), the process shown in Step S40 is executed again.

[0078] If the fifth computing resource 20 does not exist (step S40: No), or if the sixth computing resource 20 does not exist (step S41: No), the determination unit 13 determines whether there is a seventh computing resource 20 among the computing resources 20 on which the CU 21 operates whose utilization rate is equal to or greater than the seventh threshold (for example, 90%) (step S47). If the seventh computing resource 20 does not exist (step S47: No), the process shown in step S40 is executed again.

[0079] If a seventh computing resource 20 exists (step S47: Yes), the determination unit 13 determines whether there is an eighth computing resource 20 in which the utilization rate would fall below the fourth threshold (e.g., 60%) if some of the DU 41 accommodated by the CU 21 operating on the seventh computing resource 20 were changed (step S48). If an eighth computing resource 20 does not exist (step S48: No), the process shown in step S40 is executed again.

[0080] If an eighth computing resource 20 exists (step S48: Yes), the determination unit 13 determines whether the change in the accommodation of DU41 will affect the services currently being provided (step S49). If the services currently being provided will be affected (step S49: Yes), the process shown in step S45 is executed.

[0081] On the other hand, if there is no impact on the services being provided (step S49: No), the control unit 14 controls a change in the allocation of some of the DU41 units located in the CU21 operating on the seventh computing resource 20 to the CU21 operating on the eighth computing resource 20 (step S50). Then, the process shown in step S40 is executed again.

[0082] The second embodiment has been described above. According to this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of service quality to users due to changes in the configuration of DU41.

[0083] [Hardware] The management device 10 in the above-described embodiments 1 and 2 is implemented by a computer 100 having a configuration such as that shown in Figure 9. Figure 9 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the computer 100 that implements the management device 10. The computer 100 includes a CPU 101, RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, ROM (Read Only Memory) 103, and auxiliary storage device 104. The computer 100 also includes a communication interface (I / F) 105, an input / output interface (I / F) 106, and a media interface (I / F) 107.

[0084] The CPU 101 operates based on programs stored in the ROM 103 or auxiliary storage device 104, and controls each part. The ROM 103 stores boot programs executed by the CPU 101 when the computer 100 starts up, as well as programs that depend on the computer 100's hardware.

[0085] The auxiliary storage device 104 is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), and stores the program executed by the CPU 101 and the data used by the program. The CPU 101 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 104, loads it onto the RAM 102, and executes the loaded program. The communication interface 105 receives signals and data from the computer resources 20, CU 21, computer resources 40, DU 41, and RU 60, etc., via a communication line such as a LAN (Local Area Network), and sends them to the CPU 101. The communication interface 105 also transmits signals and data generated by the CPU 101 to the computer resources 20, CU 21, SW 30, computer resources 40, DU 41, SW 50, and RU 60, etc., via the communication line.

[0086] The CPU 101 controls the input and output devices via the input / output interface 106. The CPU 101 receives signals from the input devices via the input / output interface 106 and sends them to the CPU 101. The CPU 101 also outputs the generated data to the output devices via the input / output interface 106.

[0087] The media interface 107 reads programs or data stored in the storage medium 108 and stores them in the auxiliary storage device 104. The storage medium 108 is, for example, an optical recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disk), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

[0088] The CPU 101 of computer 100 executes programs loaded onto RAM 102 to implement the processes illustrated in the flowcharts of Figures 3 to 6, 7, and 8. The management programs for implementing the processes illustrated in the flowcharts of Figures 3 to 6, 7, and 8 are stored in the storage medium 108. The CPU 101 of computer 100 reads the programs loaded onto RAM 102 from the storage medium 108 and stores them in the auxiliary storage device 104. As another example, the CPU 101 of computer 100 may acquire programs from other devices via a communication line and store them in the auxiliary storage device 104.

[0089] [Other] The disclosed technology is not limited to the embodiments described above, and numerous modifications are possible within the scope of its essence.

[0090] For example, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically in each of the embodiments described above can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by known methods. In addition, the processing procedures, specific names, and various data and parameters shown in the above document and drawings can be changed at will unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each figure is not limited to the information shown.

[0091] Furthermore, the components of each illustrated device are functionally conceptual and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each device are not limited to those shown, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage conditions.

[0092] Furthermore, the management device 10 described above may be implemented using multiple server computers, and depending on the function, it may be implemented by calling external platforms via API (Application Programming Interface) or network computing, allowing for flexible configuration changes.

[0093] CN Core Network 1 Wireless Communication System 10 Management Device 11 Acquisition Unit 12 Prediction Unit 13 Judgment Unit 14 Control Unit 15 Storage Unit 20 Computer Resources 21 CU 30 SW 40 Computer Resources 41 DU 50 SW 60 RU 61 Cell 70 User Terminal 100 Computer 101 CPU 102 RAM 103 ROM 104 Auxiliary Storage Device 105 Communication Interface 106 Input / Output Interface 107 Media Interface 108 Storage Medium

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires operational information of a first wireless device, operational information of a second wireless device, operational information of a first wireless control unit that controls the first wireless device and is operating on a first computer resource, operational information of a second wireless control unit that controls the second wireless device and is operating on a second computer resource, the utilization rate of the first computer resource, and the utilization rate of the second computer resource; a determination unit that determines whether or not to switch the wireless control unit that controls the first wireless device from the first wireless control unit to the second wireless control unit based on the operational information of the first wireless device, the operational information of the second wireless device, the operational information of the first wireless control unit, the operational information of the second wireless control unit, the utilization rate of the first computer resource, and the utilization rate of the second computer resource; A management device comprising: a control unit that performs control to switch the wireless control unit that controls the first wireless device from the first wireless control unit to the second wireless control unit when the determination unit determines that the wireless control unit that controls the first wireless device should be switched from the first wireless control unit to the second wireless control unit; and a control unit that performs control to switch the wireless control unit that controls the first wireless device from the first wireless control unit to the second wireless control unit.

2. The management device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines that the area of ​​cells provided by the first wireless device is covered by cells of other wireless devices, and the utilization rate of the second computing resource when the wireless control unit that controls the first wireless device is switched from the first wireless control unit to the second wireless control unit falls below a second threshold.

3. The determination unit determines, after switching the wireless control unit that controls the first wireless device from the first wireless control unit to the second wireless control unit, that the area of ​​cells provided by the second wireless device is covered by cells of other wireless devices and the utilization rate of the second computing resource is equal to or greater than the second threshold, to switch the wireless control unit that controls the first wireless device from the second wireless control unit to the first wireless control unit; and the control unit performs control to switch the wireless control unit that controls the first wireless device from the second wireless control unit to the first wireless control unit when the determination unit determines that the wireless control unit that controls the first wireless device should be switched from the second wireless control unit to the first wireless control unit.

4. The management device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs control to switch the wireless control unit that controls the first wireless device from the first wireless control unit to the second wireless control unit, and performs control to run other applications on the first computing resources.

5. The management device according to claim 4, wherein the application includes an application that performs a process of generating a learning model used for controlling the first wireless device, the second wireless device, the first wireless control unit, and the second wireless control unit, using data including operating information of the first wireless device, operating information of the second wireless device, operating information of the first wireless control unit, and operating information of the second wireless control unit.

6. The management device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs control to switch the wireless control unit that controls the first wireless device from the first wireless control unit to the second wireless control unit, and performs control to switch the first computing resource to a power saving mode.

7. The management device according to claim 1, further comprising a prediction unit that predicts the operating status of the first wireless device, the second wireless device, the first wireless control unit, and the second wireless control unit using data including operating information of the first wireless device, operating information of the second wireless device, operating information of the first wireless control unit, and operating information of the second wireless control unit, wherein the determination unit further determines whether or not to switch the wireless control unit that controls the first wireless device from the first wireless control unit to the second wireless control unit using the operating status of the first wireless device, the second wireless device, the first wireless control unit, and the second wireless control unit predicted by the prediction unit.

8. The management device according to claim 7, wherein the acquisition unit acquires event information from a server that provides information regarding the holding of an event, and the prediction unit further uses the event information acquired by the acquisition unit to predict the operating status of the first wireless device, the second wireless device, the first wireless control unit, and the second wireless control unit.

9. The acquisition unit further acquires operational information of the first communication control unit which controls communication via the first wireless control unit and is operating on the third computer resource, and operational information of the second communication control unit which controls communication via the second wireless control unit and is operating on the fourth computer resource, and the determination unit determines whether or not to switch the communication control unit that controls communication via the first wireless control unit from the first communication control unit to the second communication control unit based on the operational information of the first wireless device, the operational information of the second wireless device, the operational information of the first wireless control unit, the operational information of the second wireless control unit, the operational information of the first communication control unit, the operational information of the second communication control unit, the utilization rate of the third computer resource, and the utilization rate of the fourth computer resource, and the control unit, The management device according to claim 1, which further performs control to switch the communication control unit that controls communication via the first wireless control unit from the first communication control unit to the second communication control unit when the determination unit determines that the communication control unit that controls communication via the first wireless control unit should be switched from the first communication control unit to the second communication control unit.

10. The management device according to claim 9, wherein the first communication control unit and the second communication control unit are a CU (Central Unit), the first wireless control unit and the second wireless control unit are a DU (Distributed Unit), and the first wireless device and the second wireless device are a RU (Radio Unit).

11. An acquisition step of acquiring operational information of a first wireless device, operational information of a second wireless device, operational information of a first wireless control unit that controls the first wireless device and is operating on a first computer resource, operational information of a second wireless control unit that controls the second wireless device and is operating on a second computer resource, the utilization rate of the first computer resource, and the utilization rate of the second computer resource; a determination step of determining whether or not to switch the wireless control unit that controls the first wireless device from the first wireless control unit to the second wireless control unit based on the operational information of the first wireless device, the operational information of the second wireless device, the operational information of the first wireless control unit, the operational information of the second wireless control unit, the utilization rate of the first computer resource, and the utilization rate of the second computer resource; A management method including a control step of performing control to switch the wireless control unit that controls the first wireless device from the first wireless control unit to the second wireless control unit when it is determined that the wireless control unit that controls the first wireless device should be switched from the first wireless control unit to the second wireless control unit.

12. An acquisition procedure for acquiring operational information of a first wireless device, operational information of a second wireless device, operational information of a first wireless control unit that controls the first wireless device and is operating on a first computer resource, operational information of a second wireless control unit that controls the second wireless device and is operating on a second computer resource, the utilization rate of the first computer resource, and the utilization rate of the second computer resource; a determination procedure for determining whether or not to switch the wireless control unit that controls the first wireless device from the first wireless control unit to the second wireless control unit based on the operational information of the first wireless device, the operational information of the second wireless device, the operational information of the first wireless control unit, the operational information of the second wireless control unit, the utilization rate of the first computer resource, and the utilization rate of the second computer resource; A management program that causes a computer to execute a control procedure to switch the wireless control unit that controls the first wireless device from the first wireless control unit to the second wireless control unit when it is determined that the wireless control unit that controls the first wireless device should be switched from the first wireless control unit to the second wireless control unit.

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