Communication control device, communication control system, communication control method, and program

Abstract

The present invention achieves a technique that enables switching of a user plane function so that a communication path with power consumption is not used. A communication control device according to the present invention comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires, from each of a plurality of communication devices located on a communication path between a base station and a first user plane function related to communication of user data, power consumption of each of the plurality of communication devices; a calculation unit that refers to the power consumption of the plurality of communication devices and calculates power consumption of the communication path from the base station to the first user plane function; and a determination unit that, on the basis of the power consumption of the communication path, determines switching of connection from the first user plane function to a second user plane function.

Description

Communication control device, communication control system, communication control method, and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication control device, a communication control system, and a communication control method.

[0002] In recent years, as the traffic volume in mobile core networks has increased, the number of facilities deployed in the network has grown, the network itself has become more complex, and power consumption has increased. In particular, the traffic volume of the user plane due to high-quality video distribution and the like has a tendency to increase significantly, and measures for power reduction are required. As a related technology, there is an invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 below.

[0003] Patent Document 1 below describes that route discovery packets are generated for all routes from a transmission wireless communication device to a reception wireless communication device. And it is described that power consumption information obtained by summing the power consumption generated from the transmission power when transmitting the route discovery packet is added to the route discovery packet and transmitted, and the power consumption information for all routes is acquired.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-130406

[0005] Patent Document 1 is a technology for generating route discovery packets for all communication routes from a transmission wireless communication device to a reception wireless communication device and adding power consumption information to the route discovery packets for transmission. Therefore, there is a problem that the overhead in the communication route increases due to the route discovery packets.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an exemplary object thereof is to provide a technology capable of switching the user plane function so that a communication route with a large power consumption is not used while suppressing overhead.

[0007] A communication control device relating to an exemplary aspect of this disclosure includes: acquisition means for acquiring the power consumption of each of a plurality of communication devices located on a communication path between a base station and a first user plane function relating to user data communication; calculation means for calculating the power consumption of the communication path from the base station to the first user plane function by referring to the power consumption of the plurality of communication devices; and determination means for determining whether to switch the connection from the first user plane function to a second user plane function based on the power consumption of the communication path.

[0008] A communication control system relating to an exemplary aspect of this disclosure further comprises: a notification means for each of a plurality of communication devices on a communication path between a base station and a first user plane function relating to the communication of user data, which refers to information contained in a packet to identify a destination user plane function and notifies the destination user plane function of the power consumption of its own communication device; an acquisition means for obtaining the power consumption of each of the plurality of communication devices from each of the plurality of communication devices; a calculation means for calculating the power consumption of the communication path from the base station to the first user plane function by referring to the power consumption of the plurality of communication devices; and a determination means for determining whether to switch the connection from the first user plane function to a second user plane function based on the power consumption of the communication path.

[0009] A communication control method relating to an exemplary aspect of this disclosure obtains the power consumption of each of a plurality of communication devices located on the communication path between a base station and a first user plane function for communication of user data, calculates the power consumption of the communication path from the base station to the first user plane function by referring to the power consumption of the plurality of communication devices, and determines whether to switch the connection from the first user plane function to the second user plane function based on the power consumption of the communication path.

[0010] According to an illustrative aspect of this disclosure, one exemplary effect is that user plane functions can be switched to prevent the use of communication paths with high power consumption.

[0011] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a communication control device related to this disclosure. This is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the communication control device related to this disclosure. This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a communication control system related to this disclosure. This is a diagram showing the reference architecture of 5GC. This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a communication control system related to this disclosure. This is a diagram illustrating a method for calculating the power consumption of a communication path. This is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining the switching of a communication path. This is a diagram illustrating the switching of a communication path. This is a sequence diagram illustrating the switching of a communication path. This is a diagram showing an example of computer hardware.

[0012] The following are examples of embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. For example, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means employed in each of the exemplary embodiments shown below may also be included in the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, embodiments obtained by appropriately omitting some of the technical means employed in each of the exemplary embodiments shown below may also be included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, the effects mentioned in each of the exemplary embodiments shown below are examples of effects that can be expected in that exemplary embodiment and do not define the scope of the present invention. That is, embodiments that do not produce the effects mentioned in each of the exemplary embodiments shown below may also be included in the scope of the present invention.

[0013] [First Exemplary Embodiment] A first exemplary embodiment, which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. This exemplary embodiment is the basic form for each of the exemplary embodiments described later. The scope of application of each technical means adopted in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technical means adopted in this exemplary embodiment can also be adopted in other exemplary embodiments included in this disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical problems occur. Furthermore, each technical means shown in the drawings referenced to explain this exemplary embodiment can also be adopted in other exemplary embodiments included in this disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical problems occur.

[0014] (Configuration of Communication Control Device 1) The configuration of the communication control device 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the communication control device 1. The communication control device 1 includes an acquisition unit 11, a calculation unit 12, and a determination unit 13. This communication control device 1 may be a device corresponding to the UPF (User Plane Function) in the 5GC architecture described later.

[0015] The acquisition unit 11 acquires the power consumption of each of the multiple communication devices located on the communication path between the base station and the first user plane function related to user data communication. The network including the base station and the user plane function is the 5G (fifth generation mobile communication system) core network (hereinafter referred to as 5GC), the 4G (fourth generation mobile communication system) core network (hereinafter referred to as 4GC), local 5G in 5GC, local 4G in 4GC, etc. as defined by the 3GPP (Third Generation Mobile Communication System Partnership Project). However, it is not limited to these networks.

[0016] The base station supports, for example, gNB (next generation NodeB) and RAN (Radio Access Network) in the 5GC architecture described later. Furthermore, the user plane function supports, for example, UPF in the 5GC architecture described later. Hereafter, the user plane function will also be referred to as UPF.

[0017] Multiple communication devices on the communication path between the base station and the user plane function include, for example, switches and routers. These multiple communication devices on the communication path also include the communication devices corresponding to the base station and the user plane function.

[0018] Each of the multiple communication devices measures its own power consumption and periodically notifies the communication control device 1 of its power consumption. For example, SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) traps can be used as a method for notifying the communication control device 1 from multiple communication devices. An SNMP trap is a mechanism in which a monitored communication device sends a notification to the communication control device 1 using SNMP, a protocol for network monitoring.

[0019] Furthermore, each of the multiple communication devices can identify the UPF destination of the packet by referring to the information contained in the packet being forwarded, such as header information. If the communication control device 1 supports UPF, each of the multiple communication devices can notify the communication control device 1 of its power consumption using SNMP traps.

[0020] The calculation unit 12 calculates the power consumption of the communication path from the base station to the first user plane function by referring to the power consumption of multiple communication devices. For example, the calculation unit 12 can use the sum of the power consumption values ​​obtained from each of the multiple communication devices on the communication path between the base station and the user plane function as the power consumption of the communication path.

[0021] The determination unit 13 determines whether to switch the connection from the first user plane function to the second user plane function based on the power consumption of the communication path. For example, if the power consumption of the communication path is below a predetermined threshold, the determination unit 13 determines that a UPF switch is unnecessary. If the power consumption of the communication path is greater than the predetermined threshold, it determines that a UPF switch is necessary.

[0022] (Effects of the communication control device 1) As described above, in the communication control device 1, the determination unit 13 determines whether to switch the user plane function based on the power consumption of the communication path, so that the user plane function can be switched so that a communication path with high power consumption is not used.

[0023] (Flow of Communication Method) The flow of the communication control method S1 will be explained with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of the communication control method S1. As shown in Figure 2, the communication control method S1 includes processes S11 to S13.

[0024] First, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the power consumption of each of the multiple communication devices located on the communication path between the base station and the first user plane function related to user data communication (S11). The multiple communication devices located on the communication path between the base station and the user plane function are, for example, communication devices such as switches and routers. These multiple communication devices located on the communication path also include communication devices corresponding to the base station and the user plane function.

[0025] Next, the calculation unit 12 calculates the power consumption of the communication path from the base station to the first user plane function by referring to the power consumption of multiple communication devices (S12). For example, the calculation unit 12 can use the sum of the power consumption values ​​obtained from each of the multiple communication devices on the communication path between the base station and the user plane function as the power consumption of the communication path.

[0026] Finally, the determination unit 13 determines whether to switch the connection from the first user plane function to the second user plane function based on the power consumption of the communication path (S13). For example, the determination unit 13 determines that if the power consumption of the communication path is below a predetermined threshold, then a UPF switch is not necessary. If the power consumption of the communication path is greater than the predetermined threshold, then a UPF switch is necessary.

[0027] (Effects of the communication control method) As described above, in the communication control method S1, the determination unit 13 determines whether to switch the user plane function based on the power consumption of the communication path, so that the user plane function can be switched so that a communication path with high power consumption is not used.

[0028] (Configuration of Communication Control System 100) The configuration of the communication control system 100 will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the communication control system 100. The communication control system 100 includes a plurality of communication devices on the communication path between the base station 3 and the communication control device 1, which is a first user plane function related to the communication of user data. In Figure 3, the plurality of communication devices correspond to the communication control device 1, switch 2-1, switch 2-2, and base station 3.

[0029] The communication control device 1 includes an acquisition unit 11, a calculation unit 12, and a determination unit 13. Switch 2-1 includes a notification unit 21-1. Switch 2-2 includes a notification unit 21-2. Base station 3 includes a notification unit 31.

[0030] The acquisition unit 11, calculation unit 12, and determination unit 13 may be implemented in a single device, or they may be implemented in separate devices. Furthermore, each unit may be distributed across the cloud (i.e., on a network). For example, if implemented in the cloud or on separate devices, information from each unit is transmitted and received via the network to facilitate processing.

[0031] Each of the multiple communication devices is equipped with notification units 21-1, 21-2, and 31 that refer to the information contained in the packet to identify the destination user plane function and notify the destination user plane function of the power consumption of their own communication device. However, if the communication control device 1 supports UPF, as shown in Figure 3, it is not necessary to provide a notification unit within the communication control device 1, and it is sufficient to obtain the power consumption measured by the device itself.

[0032] The acquisition unit 11 acquires the power consumption of each of the multiple communication devices 1, 2-1, 2-2, and 3 located on the communication path between the base station 3 and the user plane function. The multiple communication devices located on the communication path between the base station 3 and the user plane function are, for example, communication devices such as switches and routers. These multiple communication devices located on the communication path also include communication devices corresponding to the base station 3 and the user plane function.

[0033] The calculation unit 12 calculates the power consumption of the communication path from the base station 3 to the first user plane function by referring to the power consumption of multiple communication devices 1, 2-1, 2-2, and 3. For example, the calculation unit 12 can use the sum of the power consumption values ​​obtained from each of the multiple communication devices on the communication path between the base station 3 and the user plane function as the power consumption of the communication path.

[0034] The determination unit 13 determines whether to switch the connection from the first user plane function to the second user plane function based on the power consumption of the communication path. For example, if the power consumption of the communication path is below a predetermined threshold, the determination unit 13 determines that a UPF switch is unnecessary. If the power consumption of the communication path is greater than the predetermined threshold, it determines that a UPF switch is necessary.

[0035] (Effects of the communication control system 100) As described above, in the communication control system 100, the determination unit 13 determines whether to switch user plane functions based on the power consumption of the communication path, so that user plane functions can be switched so that communication paths with high power consumption are not used.

[0036] [Second Exemplary Embodiment] A second exemplary embodiment, which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Components having the same function as those described in the above-described exemplary embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted as appropriate. The scope of application of each technical means adopted in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technical means adopted in this exemplary embodiment can also be adopted in other exemplary embodiments included in this disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical hindrance occurs. Furthermore, each technical means shown in each drawing referenced to describe this exemplary embodiment can also be adopted in other exemplary embodiments included in this disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical hindrance occurs.

[0037] First, let's briefly explain the architecture of the 5GC. Figure 4 shows the reference architecture of the 5GC according to this exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the 5GC according to this exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of nodes called NFs (Network Functions) and NF inter-interfaces N1 to N15 and N22.

[0038] User Equipment (UE) 5 is connected to RAN (Radio Access Network) or AN (Access Network)) 3 and Access and Mobility Function (AMF) 52.

[0039] RAN3 is a base station that utilizes new RAT (Radio Access Technology). AN3 is a base station that utilizes non-3GPP access, such as a Wi-Fi® access point.

[0040] 5GC consists of NFs called AMF 52, SMF (Session Management Function) 4, PCF (Policy Control Function) 54, AF (Application Function) 55, NSSF (Network Slice Selection Function) 56, AUSF (Authentication Server Function) 57, UDM (User Data Management) 58, and UPF (User Plane Function) 1.

[0041] In 5GC, an architecture is employed that separates the processing of the C-Plane (Control Plane) for control signal communication, such as establishing communication, and the U-Plane (User Plane) for user data communication. The C-Plane includes AMF52, SMF4, PCF54, AF55, NSSF56, AUSF57, and UDM58. The U-Plane includes UPF1.

[0042] AMF 52 is an NF that provides authentication, authorization, mobility management, etc. for UE 5 and controls SMF 4. Also, SMF 4 is an NF responsible for session management of UE 5, allocation of IP addresses, selection and control of UPF 1 for data transfer, etc. When UE 5 establishes multiple sessions, since SMF 4 manages each session independently and uses different functions for each session, AMF 52 can assign different SMF 4s to each session. In 5GC, management related to UE 5 is performed by one AMF 52, and traffic is handled by SMF 4 for each individual network slice.

[0043] PCF 54 is an NF that determines policies related to mobility management and session management to enable AMF 52 and SMF 4 to operate properly. AF 55 is an NF that provides information related to packet flows to PCF 54, which performs policy control to support QoS (Quality of Service). PCF 54 determines policies related to mobility management and session management based on the information related to packet flows provided by AF 55.

[0044] NSSF 56 is an NF that constructs multiple logical networks with different characteristics, i.e., network slices, in a single physical network and provides specific communication services for each network slice.

[0045] AUSF 57 is an NF that performs storage, management, etc. of data for the authentication of UE 5. UDM 58 is an NF that performs storage, management, etc. of the subscription information of UE 5.

[0046] UPF 1 functions as an external PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session point for interconnection to DN (Data Network) 6 and performs packet routing, forwarding, etc.

[0047] More specifically, UPF1 has functions such as allocation of UE IP address / prefix according to SMF requirements, external PDU session point for interconnection to the data network, packet routing and forwarding, packet inspection, report of traffic usage, QoS handling in the U-Plane, verification of uplink traffic, and transport level packet marking in both uplink and downlink.

[0048] DN6 is a data network outside the 5GC, including wide area networks such as the Internet and local area networks such as LAN (Local Area Network).

[0049] (Configuration of Communication Control System 100A) The configuration of communication control system 100A will be described with reference to FIG. The figure is a block diagram showing the configuration of communication control system 100A. Communication control system 100A includes communication control devices 1-1 and 1-2, switches 2-1 to 2-4, base station 3, and SMF 4. Base station 3 - switch 2-1 - switch 2-2 - communication control device 1-1 constitutes one communication path. Also, base station 3 - switch 2-3 - switch 2-4 - communication control device 1-2 constitutes another communication path.

[0050] Communication control device 1-1 includes an acquisition unit 11-1, a calculation unit 12-1, and a determination unit 13-1. Switch 2-1 includes a notification unit 21-1. Switch 2-2 includes a notification unit 21-2. Base station 3 includes a notification unit 31.

[0051] Similarly, communication control device 1-2 includes an acquisition unit 11-2, a calculation unit 12-2, and a determination unit 13-2. Switch 2-3 includes a notification unit 21-3. Switch 2-4 includes a notification unit 21-4.

[0052] The acquisition unit 11-1 acquires the power consumption of each of the multiple communication devices (communication control device 1-1, switch 2-1, switch 2-2, base station 3) located on the communication path between the base station 3 and the user plane function. The acquisition unit 11-1 may also acquire the power consumption of each of the multiple communication devices by SNMP traps related to monitoring devices on the network.

[0053] Note that if power consumption is notified via SNMP traps in all sessions, it may interfere with normal SNMP traps. Therefore, notification units 21-1 to 21-4 and 31 may limit the frequency of power consumption reporting to once every few minutes, or they may notify power consumption in response to notifications from UPF1-1. In addition, UPF1-1 may cache power consumption notifications received in the past.

[0054] The calculation unit 12-1 calculates the power consumption of the communication path from the base station 3 to the user plane function by referring to the power consumption of multiple communication devices (communication control device 1-1, switch 2-1, switch 2-2, base station 3).

[0055] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the method for calculating the power consumption of a communication path. The acquisition unit 11-1 of the communication control device (UPF) 1-1 acquires the power consumption of each communication device from the base station (gNB) 3, switch (SW) 2-1, switch (SW) 2-2, and communication control device (UPF) 1-1.

[0056] For example, if the power consumption of base station (gNB) 3 is "100", the power consumption of switch (SW) 2-1 is "30", the power consumption of switch (SW) 2-2 is "40", and the power consumption of communication control device (UPF) 1-1 is "80", then the calculation unit 12-1 will use the sum of these values, "250", as the power consumption of the communication path.

[0057] The determination unit 13-1 determines whether to switch the user plane function (UPF1-1) based on the power consumption of the communication path. If the power consumption of the communication path is below a threshold, the determination unit 13-1 determines that the first user plane function (UPF1-1) will be used continuously.

[0058] Furthermore, if the power consumption of the communication path is greater than a threshold, the determination unit 13-1 determines whether to switch the first user plane function based on the packet traffic type. For example, if the power consumption of the communication path is greater than a threshold and the packet traffic type is a packet of a type that requires low latency, such as a voice call, the determination unit 13-1 determines whether the impact of switching the UPF is significant. If switching the UPF would increase the latency, the determination unit 13-1 determines that the impact of switching the UPF is significant and decides to continue using UPF 1-1.

[0059] Furthermore, if the power consumption of the communication path is greater than the threshold, and the packet traffic type is a type of packet that does not require low latency, the determination unit 13-1 determines that the impact of switching the UPF is small and that it is necessary to switch to a UPF different from UPF 1-1.

[0060] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the method for determining whether to switch communication paths. First, the determination unit 13-1 determines the power consumption of the communication path (S21). For example, if the determination unit 13-1 determines that the power consumption of the communication path is below a predetermined threshold (S21, low power consumption), the process proceeds to step S24.

[0061] Furthermore, if the determination unit 13-1 determines that the power consumption of the communication path is greater than a predetermined threshold (S21, high power consumption), it determines the traffic type of the packet (S22). For example, if the traffic type is a packet of a type that requires low latency, and switching the UPF would increase the latency, the determination unit 13-1 determines that the impact of the switch is significant (S22, significant impact of switch), and proceeds to step S24.

[0062] Furthermore, if the traffic type is a packet of a type that does not require low latency, the determination unit 13-1 determines that the impact of the switchover will be small (S22, small impact of switchover) and decides to change the communication path (S23).

[0063] In step S24, the determination unit 13-1 determines that switching the UPF is unnecessary and decides to continue using UPF 1-1.

[0064] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the switching of the communication path. As explained using Figure 6, the calculation unit 12-1 calculates the power consumption in the communication path from base station (gNB) 3 to switch (SW) 2-1 to switch (SW) 2-2 to communication control device (UPF) 1-1 and sets it to "250".

[0065] Furthermore, the calculation unit 12-2 of the communication control device 1-2 determines that the power consumption of the base station (gNB) 3 is "100", the power consumption of the switch (SW) 2-3 is "20", the power consumption of the switch (SW) 2-4 is "20", and the power consumption of the communication control device (UPF) 1-2 is "30", so the sum of these values, "170", is taken as the power consumption of the communication path. The power consumption of the communication path calculated by the communication control devices 1-1 and 1-2 is notified to the SMF 4 as appropriate.

[0066] The SMF4 modification unit 41 changes the communication path by switching from the first user plane function (UPF1-1) to the second user plane function (UPF1-2) based on the power consumption of the communication path. In the communication path shown in Figure 8, the power consumption of the communication path including the first user plane function (UPF1-1) is greater than the power consumption of the communication path including the second user plane function (UPF1-2). Therefore, the modification unit 41 changes the communication path by switching from the first user plane function (UPF1-1) to the second user plane function (UPF1-2). Note that the functions of SMF4 may be included in either the communication control devices 1-1 and 1-2.

[0067] Furthermore, the modification unit 41 of the SMF4 measures the number of times the first user plane function or the second user plane function is switched, and controls the switching from the first user plane function to the second user plane function according to the number of switches.

[0068] The SMF4 modification unit 41 may also limit the number of UPF switching cycles by setting a threshold. For example, the modification unit 41 measures the total number of UPF switching cycles, and if the number of switching cycles in a predetermined time exceeds the threshold, it restricts the UPF switching.

[0069] Furthermore, the modification unit 41 of the SMF4 may exclude UPFs that are frequently switched from the list of switch target candidates. For example, the modification unit 41 measures the number of switches for each UPF, and if the number of switches for a particular UPF in a predetermined time exceeds a threshold, that UPF is excluded from the list of switch target candidates.

[0070] Furthermore, the modification unit 41 of the SMF4 may cancel the switching of a UPF if the candidate for the switching destination is a UPF that is frequently switched. For example, the modification unit 41 measures the number of switching cycles for each UPF, and if the number of switching cycles for a particular UPF in a predetermined time exceeds a threshold, and the UPF to be switched is that particular UPF, the switching of the UPF is canceled.

[0071] Figure 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating the switching of the communication path. First, the determination unit 13-1 of UPF1-1 determines that if the power consumption of the communication path is greater than a threshold, it will switch the UPF and notifies SMF4 of the release of the PFCP (Packet Forwarding Control Protocol) association (S31).

[0072] PFCP is a protocol established between SMF4 and UPF1-1 to UPF1-2 that controls the rules for forwarding U-plane packets. A UPF that has established a PFCP association with SMF4 can communicate with UE5. When communication between UPF and UE5 is terminated, the association is released between SMF4 and UPF.

[0073] At this time, UPF1-1 notifies via an optional parameter that the PFCP association is being released due to increased power consumption on the communication path. UPF1-1 also notifies UE5 that the PDU session is being released (S32).

[0074] When the modification unit 41 of SMF4 receives notification from UPF1-1 that the PFCP association has been released, it notifies UPF1-2, the UPF to which it is to be switched, of the establishment of the PFCP association by UPF1-1 (S33), and requests the establishment of a PDU session.

[0075] UPF1-2 notifies UE5 of the request to establish a PDU session, and the PDU session is established (S34).

[0076] (Effects of the communication control device 1-1) As described above, in the communication control device 1-1, the acquisition unit 11-1 acquires the power consumption from each of the multiple communication devices using SNMP traps. Therefore, the multiple communication devices no longer need to store their own power consumption in packets and transmit them, which prevents an increase in overhead in the communication path.

[0077] Furthermore, in the communication control device 1-1, the determination unit 13-1 determines that the user plane function (UPF 1-1) will continue to be used if the power consumption of the communication path is below a threshold. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unnecessary switching of the UPF.

[0078] Furthermore, in the communication control device 1-1, the determination unit 13-1 determines whether to switch the user plane function based on the packet traffic type if the power consumption of the communication path is greater than a threshold. For example, if the packet traffic type is a packet of a type that requires low latency, such as a voice call, and switching the UPF would increase the latency, the determination unit 13-1 determines that it will continue to use UPF 1-1. Therefore, the determination unit 13-1 can determine whether to switch the UPF by taking into account the effects of switching the UPF.

[0079] Furthermore, the modification unit 41 of the SMF4 switches from the first user plane function (UPF1-1) to the second user plane function (UPF1-2) based on the power consumption of the communication path, thereby changing the communication path. Therefore, the modification unit 41 can appropriately change the communication path from one with high power consumption to one with low power consumption.

[0080] Furthermore, the modification unit 41 of the SMF4 measures the number of times multiple user plane functions or a specific user plane function are switched, and controls the switching from the first user plane function to the second user plane function according to the number of switches. Therefore, it is possible to suppress frequent switching of user plane functions.

[0081] Furthermore, in the communication control device 1-1, the determination unit 13-1 notifies the change unit 41 to release the association between the first user plane function (UPF1-1) and the session management function (SMF4) if the power consumption of the communication path is greater than a threshold. Therefore, SMF4 can appropriately switch the UPF.

[0082] [Example of implementation by software] Some or all of the functions of the communication control devices 1, 1-1, and 1-2 may be implemented by hardware such as integrated circuits (IC chips), or by software.

[0083] In the latter case, the communication control devices 1, 1-1, and 1-2 are implemented, for example, by a computer that executes instructions for a program, which is software that realizes each function. An example of such a computer (hereinafter referred to as computer C) is shown in Figure 10. Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of computer C, which functions as the communication control devices 1, 1-1, and 1-2.

[0084] Computer C comprises at least one processor C1 and at least one memory C2. Memory C2 stores a program P for operating computer C as each of the above-mentioned systems. In computer C, the processor C1 reads program P from memory C2 and executes it, thereby realizing each of the functions of the communication control devices 1, 1-1, and 1-2.

[0085] For processor C1, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), FPU (Floating Point Number Processing Unit), PPU (Physics Processing Unit), TPU (Tensor Processing Unit), quantum processor, microcontroller, or a combination thereof can be used. For memory C2, for example, flash memory, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or a combination thereof can be used.

[0086] Furthermore, computer C may also be equipped with RAM (Random Access Memory) for loading program P at runtime and for temporarily storing various data. Computer C may also be equipped with a communication interface for sending and receiving data with other devices. Furthermore, computer C may also be equipped with an input / output interface for connecting input / output devices such as a keyboard, mouse, display, and printer.

[0087] Furthermore, program P can be recorded on a non-temporary, tangible recording medium M that is readable by computer C. Such recording medium M can include, for example, tape, disk, card, semiconductor memory, or programmable logic circuitry. Computer C can acquire program P via such recording medium M. Program P can also be transmitted via a transmission medium. Such transmission mediums can include, for example, a communication network or broadcast waves. Computer C can also acquire program P via such transmission medium.

[0088] [Addendum 1] This disclosure includes the technologies described in the following addendums. However, the present invention is not limited to the technologies described in the following addendums, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0089] (Note 1) A communication control device comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring the power consumption of each of a plurality of communication devices located on a communication path between a base station and a first user plane function relating to the communication of user data; a calculation means for calculating the power consumption of the communication path from the base station to the first user plane function by referring to the power consumption of the plurality of communication devices; and a determination means for determining whether to switch the connection from the first user plane function to a second user plane function based on the power consumption of the communication path.

[0090] (Note 2) The communication control device described in Note 1, wherein the acquisition means acquires power consumption from each of the plurality of communication devices by SNMP traps related to monitoring devices on the network.

[0091] (Note 3) The communication control device according to Note 1 or 2, wherein the determination means determines that the first user plane function will be used continuously if the power consumption of the communication path is below a threshold.

[0092] (Note 4) The communication control device according to Note 3, wherein the determination means determines whether to switch the first user plane function based on the packet traffic type when the power consumption of the communication path is greater than the threshold.

[0093] (Note 5) The communication control device according to any one of Notes 1 to 4, further comprising a means for changing the communication path by switching from the first user plane function to the second user plane function based on the power consumption of the communication path.

[0094] (Note 6) The communication control device according to Note 5, wherein the changing means measures the number of times the first user plane function or the second user plane function is switched and controls the switching from the first user plane function to the second user plane function according to the number of times the switching is performed.

[0095] (Note 7) The communication control device according to Note 5 or 6, wherein the determination means notifies the modification means of releasing the association between the first user plane function and the session management function when the power consumption of the communication path is greater than a threshold, and the modification means requests the second user plane function to establish a session when it receives notification of the release of the association.

[0096] (Appendix 8) A communication control system further comprising: a plurality of communication devices on a communication path between a base station and a first user plane function relating to the communication of user data, each of which is provided with notification means for identifying a destination user plane function by referring to information contained in a packet and notifying the destination user plane function of the power consumption of its own communication device; an acquisition means for obtaining the power consumption of each of the plurality of communication devices from each of the plurality of communication devices; a calculation means for calculating the power consumption of the communication path from the base station to the first user plane function by referring to the power consumption of the plurality of communication devices; and a determination means for determining whether to switch the connection from the first user plane function to the second user plane function based on the power consumption of the communication path.

[0097] (Note 9) The notification means is the communication control system described in Note 8, which notifies the power consumption of its own communication equipment by SNMP traps related to monitoring equipment on the network.

[0098] (Note 10) A communication control method comprising: obtaining the power consumption of each of a plurality of communication devices located on the communication path between a base station and a first user plane function relating to the communication of user data; calculating the power consumption of the communication path from the base station to the first user plane function by referring to the power consumption of the plurality of communication devices; and determining whether to switch the connection from the first user plane function to the second user plane function based on the power consumption of the communication path.

[0099] (Note 11) A control program for operating a computer as a communication control device described in any of Notes 1 to 7, the control program for causing the computer to function as each of the means described above.

[0100] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-179925, filed on 15 October 2024, and incorporates all of its disclosures herein.

[0101] 1, 1-1, 1-2 Communication control device (UPF) 2-1 to 2-4 Switch (SW) 3 Base station (RAN, gNB) 4 SMF 5 UE 6 DN 11, 11-1, 11-2 Acquisition unit 12, 12-1, 12-2 Calculation unit 13, 13-1, 13-2 Determination unit 21-1 to 21-4, 31 Notification unit 41 Modification unit 100, 100A Communication control system

Claims

1. A communication control device comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring the power consumption of each of a plurality of communication devices located on a communication path between a base station and a first user plane function relating to the communication of user data; a calculation means for calculating the power consumption of the communication path from the base station to the first user plane function by referring to the power consumption of the plurality of communication devices; and a determination means for determining whether to switch the connection from the first user plane function to a second user plane function based on the power consumption of the communication path.

2. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition means acquires power consumption from each of the plurality of communication devices by SNMP traps related to monitoring devices on the network.

3. The communication control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the determination means determines that the first user plane function will be used continuously if the power consumption of the communication path is below a threshold.

4. The communication control device according to claim 3, wherein the determination means determines whether to switch the first user plane function based on the packet traffic type if the power consumption of the communication path is greater than the threshold.

5. The communication control device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a means for changing the communication path by switching from the first user plane function to the second user plane function based on the power consumption of the communication path.

6. The communication control device according to claim 5, wherein the changing means measures the number of times the first user plane function or the second user plane function is switched, and controls the switching from the first user plane function to the second user plane function according to the number of times the switching occurs.

7. The communication control device according to claim 5, wherein the determination means notifies the modification means of releasing the association between the first user plane function and the session management function when the power consumption of the communication path is greater than a threshold, and the modification means requests the second user plane function to establish a session when it receives notification of the release of the association.

8. A communication control system comprising: a plurality of communication devices on a communication path between a base station and a first user plane function relating to the communication of user data, each of which is provided with notification means for identifying a destination user plane function by referring to information contained in a packet and notifying the destination user plane function of the power consumption of its own communication device; acquisition means for obtaining the power consumption of each of the plurality of communication devices from each of the plurality of communication devices; calculation means for calculating the power consumption of the communication path from the base station to the first user plane function by referring to the power consumption of the plurality of communication devices; and determination means for determining whether to switch the connection from the first user plane function to a second user plane function based on the power consumption of the communication path.

9. The communication control system according to claim 8, wherein the acquisition means acquires power consumption from each of the plurality of communication devices by SNMP traps related to monitoring devices on the network.

10. A communication control method comprising: obtaining the power consumption of each of a plurality of communication devices located on the communication path between a base station and a first user plane function relating to the communication of user data; calculating the power consumption of the communication path from the base station to the first user plane function by referring to the power consumption of the plurality of communication devices; and determining whether to switch the connection from the first user plane function to a second user plane function based on the power consumption of the communication path.

11. The communication control method according to claim 10, wherein power consumption is obtained from each of the plurality of communication devices by SNMP traps related to monitoring devices on the network.

12. The communication control method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein it is determined that the first user plane function will be used continuously if the power consumption of the communication path is below a threshold.

13. The communication control method according to claim 12, wherein if the power consumption of the communication path is greater than the threshold, a switching of the first user plane function is determined based on the traffic type of the packet.

14. The communication control method according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising switching from the first user plane function to the second user plane function based on the power consumption of the communication path to change the communication path.

15. The communication control method according to claim 14, comprising measuring the number of times the first user plane function or the second user plane function is switched, and controlling the switching from the first user plane function to the second user plane function according to the number of such switching.

16. The communication control method according to claim 14, wherein if the power consumption of the communication path is greater than a threshold, the first user plane function and the session management function are notified of the release of the association, and upon receiving notification of the release of the association, the second user plane function is requested to establish a session.

17. A program that causes a computer to execute: an acquisition process for acquiring the power consumption of each of a plurality of communication devices located on a communication path between a base station and a first user plane function relating to the communication of user data; a calculation means for calculating the power consumption of the communication path from the base station to the first user plane function by referring to the power consumption of the plurality of communication devices; and a determination process for determining whether to switch the connection from the first user plane function to the second user plane function based on the power consumption of the communication path.

18. The program according to claim 17, wherein the acquisition process acquires power consumption from each of the plurality of communication devices by SNMP traps related to monitoring devices on the network.

19. The program according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the determination process determines that the first user plane function will be used continuously if the power consumption of the communication path is below a threshold.

20. The program according to claim 19, wherein the determination process determines whether to switch the first user plane function based on the packet traffic type if the power consumption of the communication path is greater than the threshold.

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