Network node, base station, and communication method

Abstract

This network node comprises: a reception unit that receives, from a base station, information related to traffic; a control unit that generates, on the basis of the information related to the traffic, at least one of a policy related to a reduction in energy consumption and a machine learning model for executing control for reducing energy consumption; and a transmission unit that transmits, to another network node, said at least one of the policy and the machine learning model.

Description

Network Node, Base Station, and Communication Method

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

[0002] In a wireless communication system NR (New Radio) (also referred to as "5G") and a successor system of NR (for example, "6G") based on the 3GPP (registered trademark) standard, as requirements, technologies that satisfy a large-capacity system, high data transmission speed, low latency, simultaneous connection of a large number of terminals, low cost, power saving, etc. are being studied (for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

[0003] Also, the network architectures in 5GC (5G Core Network) or 5GS (5G System), which is the core network in 5G, and 6GC (6G Core Network) or 6GS (6G System), which is a successor to 5G, are being studied.

[0004] On the other hand, reducing the energy consumption of a mobile communication network is an important issue, and in particular, the consumption of the RAN (Radio Access Network), which is a wireless access network, is large. Also, sustainability is emphasized for 6G, and reduction of the operator's operating costs and carbon dioxide emissions are also required. In the O-RAN (Open Radio Access Network) architecture, it is particularly important to improve the energy efficiency of the radio unit (O-RAN Radio Unit (O-RU)), and the O-RAN Alliance is conducting studies on energy saving.

[0005] 3GPP TS 38.300 V18.3.0 (2024-09)

[0006] With the increasing energy consumption of mobile communication networks, sustainability is a key consideration in 6G. To improve energy efficiency in RAN (especially O-RU), it is necessary to efficiently and flexibly support the energy saving functions defined in 3GPP Rel-18 on the O-RAN architecture. Existing technologies lack sufficient mechanisms to flexibly combine real-time capabilities, long-term strategies, or policy-based planned operations when applying energy saving functions, making it difficult to respond to diverse situations such as seasonal and temporal fluctuations, and localized traffic surges.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above points, and aims to reduce energy consumption at base stations in wireless communication networks.

[0008] According to the disclosed technology, a network node is provided having: a receiving unit that receives information about traffic from a base station; a control unit that generates at least one of the following based on the information about traffic: a policy for reducing energy consumption and a machine learning model for performing control for reducing energy consumption; and a transmitting unit that transmits at least one of the policy and the machine learning model to other network nodes.

[0009] According to the disclosed technology, energy consumption at base stations in wireless communication networks can be reduced.

[0010] This figure shows an example configuration (1) of a wireless communication system in an embodiment of the present invention. This figure shows an example configuration (2) of a wireless communication system in an embodiment of the present invention. This figure shows an example of a logical architecture in O-RAN. This figure illustrates the network power saving function (1) of 3GPP Rel-18. This figure illustrates the network power saving function (2) of 3GPP Rel-18. This figure illustrates the network power saving function (3) of 3GPP Rel-18. This figure illustrates the network power saving function (4) of 3GPP Rel-18. This figure shows an example of a sequence diagram (1) in an embodiment of the present invention. This figure shows an example of a message (1) in an embodiment of the present invention. This figure shows an example of a sequence diagram (2) in an embodiment of the present invention. This figure shows an example of a message (2) in an embodiment of the present invention. This figure shows an example of a sequence diagram (3) in an embodiment of the present invention. This figure shows an example of a message (3) in an embodiment of the present invention. This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of a base station 10 and a network node 30 in an embodiment of the present invention. This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of a terminal 20 in an embodiment of the present invention. This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of a base station 10 and a terminal 20 in an embodiment of the present invention. This figure shows an example of the configuration of a vehicle 2001 in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are examples, and the embodiments to which the present invention is applied are not limited to those described below.

[0012] In the operation of the wireless communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention, existing technologies may be used as appropriate. However, such existing technologies may include, for example, existing LTE or existing NR, but are not limited to existing LTE or NR.

[0013] Furthermore, in the embodiments of the present invention described below, terms such as SS (Synchronization signal), PSS (Primary SS), SSS (Secondary SS), PBCH (Physical broadcast channel), PRACH (Physical random access channel), PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel), PDSCH (Physical Downlink Shared Channel), PUCCH (Physical Uplink Control Channel), and PUSCH (Physical Uplink Shared Channel), which are used in existing LTE systems, will be used. This is for convenience of description, and similar signals, functions, etc., may be called by other names. Also, the above terms in NR correspond to NR-SS, NR-PSS, NR-SSS, NR-PBCH, NR-PRACH, etc. However, even if a signal is used in NR, it is not necessarily explicitly stated as "NR-".

[0014] Furthermore, in the embodiments of the present invention, the duplex system may be a TDD (Time Division Duplex) system, an FDD (Frequency Division Duplex) system, or any other system (for example, a Flexible Duplex).

[0015] Furthermore, in embodiments of the present invention, "configuring" wireless parameters means that predetermined values ​​are pre-configured, or that wireless parameters notified from the base station 10 or terminal 20 are configured. Also, in the following description, " / " means "and / or" unless otherwise specified, or unless it is clear from the context that it has a different meaning.

[0016] Figure 1 shows an example configuration (1) of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a base station 10 and a terminal 20, as shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 shows one base station 10 and one terminal 20, but this is an example, and there may be multiple base stations 10 and terminals 20.

[0017] Base station 10 is a communication device that provides one or more cells and communicates wirelessly with terminal 20. The physical resources of the wireless signal are defined in the time domain and the frequency domain. The time domain may be defined by the number of OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) symbols, and the frequency domain may be defined by the number of subcarriers or resource blocks. Base station 10 transmits synchronization signals and system information to terminal 20. Synchronization signals are, for example, NR-PSS and NR-SSS. System information is transmitted, for example, in NR-PBCH and is also called broadcast information. Synchronization signals and system information may also be called SSB (SS / PBCH block). As shown in Figure 1, base station 10 transmits control signals or data to terminal 20 via DL (Downlink) and receives control signals or data from terminal 20 via UL (Uplink). Both base station 10 and terminal 20 are capable of transmitting and receiving signals using beamforming. Furthermore, both the base station 10 and the terminal 20 can apply MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) communication to DL or UL. Also, both the base station 10 and the terminal 20 may communicate via Carrier Aggregation (CA) through secondary cells (SCell) and primary cells (PCell). Additionally, the terminal 20 may communicate via Dual Connectivity (DC) through the primary cell of base station 10 and the primary secondary cell group cell (PSCell) of another base station 10.

[0018] Terminal 20 is a communication device equipped with wireless communication capabilities, such as a smartphone, mobile phone, tablet, wearable device, or M2M (Machine-to-Machine) communication module. As shown in Figure 1, Terminal 20 receives control signals or data from the base station 10 via DL and transmits control signals or data to the base station 10 via UL, thereby utilizing various communication services provided by the wireless communication system. Terminal 20 also receives various reference signals transmitted from the base station 10 and performs propagation path quality measurement based on the reception results of said reference signals.

[0019] Furthermore, various requirements are being considered for the next generation of 6G. For example, these requirements may include ultra-broadband communication, mission-critical communication, ultra-massive connection, universal coverage, intelligent connection, and ubiquitous sensing.

[0020] Furthermore, these requirements may include ultra-high-speed communication, large-capacity communication, ultra-wide coverage, ultra-low power consumption, cost reduction, ultra-low latency, ultra-high reliability communication, ultra-high connectivity, and sensing.

[0021] To meet these requirements, the new concept aims for extensibility (e.g., making it more effective for future use), ease of operation, customizability (e.g., making it easier to operate), and sustainability (e.g., cost reduction, a more robust configuration, and resilience). Furthermore, guaranteed communication, ensuring a minimum level of performance at all times, is being considered.

[0022] Figure 2 shows an example configuration (2) of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 shows an example configuration of a wireless communication system when DC (Dual connectivity) is performed. As shown in Figure 2, a base station 10A that will be an MN (Master Node) and a base station 10B that will be an SN (Secondary Node) are provided. Base stations 10A and 10B are each connected to the core network. Terminal 20 can communicate with both base station 10A and base station 10B.

[0023] A cell group provided by base station 10A, which is an MN (Mobile Network), is called an MCG (Master Cell Group), and a cell group provided by base station 10B, which is an SN (Mobile Network), is called an SCG (Secondary Cell Group). In a data center, an MCG consists of one PCell and one or more SCells, and an SCG consists of one PSCell (Primary SCG Cell) and one or more SCells.

[0024] Figure 3 shows an example of the logical architecture in O-RAN. As shown in Figure 3, at base station 10, distributed units (O-DUs) and radio units (O-RUs) are connected via an open fronthaul interface. This interface also transmits and receives control signals, user data, and synchronization signals in the open fronthaul control / user / synchronization plane (Open FH CUS-Plane), and management signals in the open fronthaul management plane (Open FH M-Plane). Furthermore, the Service Management and Orchestration (SMO), which manages and integrates services, communicates with the O-RUs via the Open FH M-Plane, with the O-DUs via the O1 interface, and with the O-Cloud via the O2 interface. Furthermore, the Non-Real Time RIC (RAN Intelligent Controller) in the SMO communicates with the Near-Real Time RIC via the A1 interface. The O-CU control plane (O-CU-CP) and the O-CU user plane (O-CU-UP) communicate with the O-DU via the F1-c and F1-u interfaces, respectively. The Near-Real Time RIC communicates with the O-DU and O-CU-CP, etc., via the E2 interface. Additionally, the rApp, an application running in the Non-Real Time RIC, performs processing related to network operation and management, while the xApp, running in the Near-Real Time RIC, performs processing related to network optimization.

[0025] O-DU, O-CU, O-RU, SMO, and RIC may be deployed on the same base station, on different base stations, or in different locations other than base stations (nearby, remote, etc.). They may be treated as base station equipment or as network nodes. Furthermore, O-DU and O-CU may be deployed on a virtualization infrastructure and may be denoted as vDU (virtual DU) and vCU (virtual CU), for example.

[0026] (Energy saving function defined in 3GPP Rel-18) (First function) Intermittent transmission and reception of base stations (cell DTX / DRX) Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the network power saving function (1) of 3GPP Rel-18. As shown in Figure 4, the power consumption of the base station is reduced by notifying the terminal of the ON / OFF pattern of the base station's downlink (DL) transmission / uplink (UL) reception, and by explicitly setting a base station sleep period while suppressing the impact on communication quality.

[0027] (Second function) SSB-less SCell operation in inter-band CA. Diagram 5 illustrates the network power saving function (2) of 3GPP Rel-18. As shown in Figure 5, when a terminal receives synchronization information from a colocation cell, it stops the transmission of periodic synchronization signals (SS / PBCH Block (SSB)) in the secondary cell (SCell), thereby creating a period of downtime for the base station in a given carrier, and thus reduces the power consumption of the base station.

[0028] (Third Function) Spatial and Power Domain Technology (Dynamic Adaptation of Number of Transmitting Antennas / Transmitting Power) Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the network power saving function (3) of 3GPP Rel-18. As shown in Figure 6, by efficiently acquiring channel state information (CSI, quality impact on terminals) that indicates the communication quality at terminals when the number of transmitting antennas / transmitting power is reduced, the power consumption of the base station is reduced by supporting the operation of dynamic antenna number / power adaptation at the base station.

[0029] (Fourth Function) NES cell access / mobility management. Diagram 7 illustrates the network power saving function (4) of 3GPP Rel-18. As shown in Figure 7, only NES (Network Energy Saving) terminals that support the first function are allowed to access the NES cell. In addition, when the first function is enabled and when the cell is normally turned OFF, a conditional handover (CHO) is triggered simultaneously on terminals connected via RRC to move them to other cells.

[0030] (Example 1) Control using Non-RT RIC In this example, the Non-RT RIC provides the Near-RT RIC / O-CU / O-DU with machine learning models / policies generated by analyzing long-term network data, thereby supporting the 3GPP Rel-18 energy saving functions (cell DTX / DRX, SSB-less SCell operation, and spatial and power domain technologies (dynamic adaptation of the number of transmitting antennas / transmit power)). This enables the formulation of planned DTX / DRX patterns / beamforming settings, reducing transmit power during off-peak periods, and predictive measures during seasonal events.

[0031] The newly defined messages used in this embodiment will now be described. Figure 8 shows an example of a message (1) in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 shows four message names as newly defined messages: MLModelProvisionRequest, PolicyProvisionRequest, CellDTXDRXConfigRequest, and BeamformingPowerControlRequest. Furthermore, for these four messages, the type indicating the transmission section and direction, a description of the message, and an example of the information set in the message are described.

[0032] MLModelProvisionRequest and PolicyProvisionRequest are policy-related messages sent from Non-RT RICs to Near-RT RICs and O-CUs / O-DUs.

[0033] MLModelProvisionRequest is a message used to provide a trained machine learning (ML) model. It contains information such as the model ID (model identifier), training date (the date the model was trained, e.g., 12 / 13), and validity period (the period during which the model can be applied, e.g., 12 / 13 to 12 / 31). For example, if the training date is old and environmental conditions / traffic patterns have changed significantly, Non-RT RIC will determine that an updated model needs to be provided again and will retrain the model using the new data.

[0034] A PolicyProvisionRequest is a message used to send an energy control policy, and it contains information such as the time-of-day transmission power reduction rate (e.g., 20% reduction from midnight to 6am) and the DRX cycle extension factor (e.g., 1.5 times).

[0035] CellDTXDRXConfigRequest and BeamformingPowerControlRequest are control messages sent from the Near-RT RIC to the O-CU / O-RU.

[0036] CellDTXDRXConfigRequest is a message that instructs settings regarding the pattern of intermittent transmission (DTX (Discontinuous Transmission) / DRX (Discontinuous Reception)), and sets information such as the DTX cycle length and DRX cycle length (e.g., DTX cycle 10ms, DRX cycle 2x).

[0037] The BeamformingPowerControlRequest message instructs settings related to beamforming and transmit power optimization, and sets information such as beam direction limitations and transmit power reduction rates (e.g., 15% reduction in transmit power in a specific area). By setting beam direction limitations, it is possible to restrict the beam direction by limiting the area to which the beam is transmitted based on the terminal's location information. Here, it is assumed that the Near-RT RIC has acquired the terminal's location information.

[0038] The Near-RT RIC may send the message at time intervals according to the policy received from the Non-RT RIC. Alternatively, the O-CU / O-DU / O-RU may receive instructions as described in the policy and perform the actions as instructed. Or, the Near-RT RIC may decide on specific actions based on the policy and send instructions to the O-CU / O-DU / O-RU. For example, the Near-RT RIC may decide to limit the frequency direction, reduce the overall power density, or change the modulation scheme based on the current traffic load. Alternatively, the Near-RT RIC may decide on specific instructions to satisfy the policy based on a pre-configured table showing the relationship between specific processing and power reduction rates. Alternatively, the O-CU / O-DU / O-RU may autonomously decide on and perform specific power-saving actions based on the instructions received from the Near-RT RIC. For example, in response to a 20% reduction instruction from the Near-RT RIC, the O-CU / O-DU / O-RU may decide on specific actions to achieve a 20% reduction.

[0039] The details of the processing in Example 1 will be described below using a sequence diagram. Figure 9 shows an example of a sequence diagram (1) in an embodiment of the present invention. In this sequence diagram, the SMO, Non-RT RIC, Near-RT RIC, O-DU / O-CU, O-RU, and terminal are denoted by reference numerals as SMO30A, Non-RT RIC30B, Near-RT RIC30C, O-DU / O-CU10A, O-RU10B, and terminal 20, respectively. The processing performed by Non-RT RIC30B may also be the processing performed by SMO30A. The processing of each step in Figure 9 will be described below.

[0040] S101: Terminal 20 transmits uplink data to O-RU10B. O-RU10B transmits the uplink data received from terminal 20 to O-DU / O-CU10A. O-DU / O-CU10A transmits information about the uplink data received from terminal 20 and the downlink data transmitted to terminal 20 (for example, average throughput over a predetermined period) to Non-RT RIC30B as network traffic information (network data). This step may be performed periodically.

[0041] S102: The Non-RT RIC30B may collect and analyze the network data received in S101 and set policies for energy optimization / energy consumption reduction in response to seasonal / temporal variations. For example, the Non-RT RIC30B may decide on a policy to reduce transmission power by 20% between midnight and 6am and extend the DRX cycle by 1.5 times during certain periods (weekends / holidays). Alternatively, the Non-RT RIC30B may decide on a policy to operate in normal mode during the day and reduce power by 20% and extend the DRX cycle by 1.5 times at night when there are many people in a tourist area during the day but few at night. The Non-RT RIC30B may also collect and analyze the network data received in S101 and generate a machine learning (ML) model for executing controls to reduce energy consumption at the base station.

[0042] S103: The Non-RT RIC 30B sends a message (MLModelProvisionRequest) containing information about the machine learning model and a message (PolicyProvisionRequest) containing information about the policy, which were generated in S102, to the Near-RT RIC 30C. Further, the Near-RT RIC 30C sends the received messages (MLModelProvisionRequest and PolicyProvisionRequest) to the O-DU / O-CU 10A.

[0043] S104: The terminal 20 sends uplink data to the O-RU 10B. The O-RU 10B sends the uplink data received from the terminal 20 to the O-DU / O-CU 10A. The O-DU / O-CU 10A sends information about the uplink data received from the terminal 20 and the downlink data transmitted to the terminal 20 (e.g., average throughput in a predetermined period, etc.) as information about network data to the Near-RT RIC 30C. The processing of this step may be executed, for example, at a shorter period than S101.

[0044] S105: The Near-RT RIC 30C may determine settings related to reduction of energy consumption (optimal DTX / DRX pattern / beamforming settings, etc.) based on the machine learning model / policy received in S104 and the network data received in S104.

[0045] Here, the Near-RT RIC 30C may execute the determination using the predicted value of traffic output by the machine learning model with the actual real-time traffic data (counter values, number of terminals, throughput statistics, etc. obtained from the O-DU / O-CU 10A) as input.

[0046] Alternatively, the Near-RT RIC 30C may execute the determination using the power consumption that can be reduced and output by the machine learning model with the actual real-time traffic data as input.

[0047] Alternatively, the Near-RT RIC 30C may execute the determination using only the policy without using a machine learning model.

[0048] Alternatively, the Near-RT RIC 30C may determine to instruct a power reduction amount corresponding to a predicted value of the traffic state (e.g., one hour later) output by the machine learning model using a policy indicating the relationship between the time zone, the traffic state, and the power reduction amount.

[0049] S106: The Near-RT RIC 30C may generate a control message (CellDTXDRXConfigRequest) instructing settings related to the intermittent transmission / reception (DTX / DRX) pattern based on the DTX / DRX pattern determined in S105, and transmit the generated control message to the O-CU / O-DU 10A. For example, when the condition "extend the DRX cycle if the traffic is 30% or less of the maximum value" is defined in the policy, the Near-RT RIC 30C generates a CellDTXDRXConfigRequest when the condition is satisfied.

[0050] Also, the Near-RT RIC 30C may generate a control message (BeamformingPowerControlRequest) instructing settings related to beamforming and transmission power optimization based on the beamforming setting determined in S105, and transmit the generated control message to the O-CU / O-DU 10A and / or the O-RU 10B. For example, when the machine learning model predicts "a decrease in communication demand in a specific area during the idle period" and the policy defines "reduce the transmission power by 10% by reducing the number of beams to the area when the communication demand decreases", the Near-RT RIC 30C generates a BeamformingPowerControlRequest assuming that the communication demand decreases as predicted at the timing when the traffic falls below a predetermined threshold.

[0051] Thereby, the base station 10 can reduce the transmission power transmission power by, for example, extending the DRX cycle at night and limiting beamforming during the idle period based on the policy.

[0052] S107: Based on the control message received in S106, the O-DU / O-CU10A performs settings / processing related to the DTX / DRX pattern and / or beamforming. Alternatively, the O-DU / O-CU10A may perform the same settings / processing using the machine learning model / policy received in S103.

[0053] S108: O-DU / O-CU10A transmits the control message received in S106 to O-RU10B.

[0054] S109: Based on the control message received in S108, O-RU10B performs settings / processing related to the DTX / DRX pattern and / or beamforming.

[0055] S110: O-DU / O-CU10A sends the result of the control message executed in S107 to Near-RT RIC30C. O-RU10B sends the result of the control message executed in S109 to Near-RT RIC30C via O-DU / O-CU10A.

[0056] S111: Based on the control message received in S108, O-RU10B sends an instruction to terminal 20 to change the DTX / DRX pattern and / or beamforming settings using an RRC message.

[0057] S112: Terminal 20 performs configuration changes / processing related to the DTX / DRX pattern and / or beamforming based on the instructions received in S111.

[0058] S113: Terminal 20 sends feedback of the results of the operation performed in S112 to Near-RT RIC30C via O-RU10B and O-DU / O-CU10A.

[0059] (Example 2) Control using Near-RT RIC In this example, the Near-RT RIC analyzes the network status in real time and enables the application of 3GPP Rel-18 energy saving functions (cell DTX / DRX, SSB-less SCell operation, and NES cell access / mobility management (conditional handover)) in near real time. This enables a rapid response to short-term changes in conditions, such as sudden traffic fluctuations or immediate energy saving measures during nighttime hours.

[0060] The newly defined messages used in this embodiment will now be described. Figure 10 shows an example (2) of a message in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 shows three message names as newly defined messages: SSBLessSCellControlRequest, CellDTXDRXConfigRequest, and ConditionalHandoverConfigRequest. Furthermore, for these three messages, the type indicating the transmission section and direction, a description of the message, and an example of the information set in the message are described. These three messages are control messages transmitted from the Near-RT RIC to the O-CU / O-DU.

[0061] SSBLessSCellControlRequest is a message that provides instructions for SSB-less SCell operation, and for example, it sets the time period during which SSB will be stopped (e.g., 2 AM to 5 AM).

[0062] CellDTXDRXConfigRequest is a message that controls intermittent transmission and reception (DTX / DRX). For example, it sets traffic thresholds related to the control of intermittent transmission and reception (e.g., DTX doubled when the peak ratio is less than 20%).

[0063] A ConditionalHandoverConfigRequest is a message that sets up a conditional handover. For example, the condition for performing a handover might be set as the duration of an energy-saving state (e.g., 30 minutes). Alternatively, a Near-RT RIC may set a policy that if a cell enters an energy-saving state (e.g., sleep state / significant power reduction state) for 30 minutes, it will change the conditional handover setting for terminals on that cell, allowing the terminals to hand over to another cell as needed. Furthermore, the Near-RT RIC can send a ConditionalHandoverConfigRequest to the O-CU / O-DU, which can then instruct the terminal to update the conditional handover setting if the cell maintains an energy-saving state for a certain period of time. Alternatively, this message may be a message from the base station instructing the terminal to perform a handover.

[0064] The details of the process in Example 2 will be explained below using a sequence diagram. Figure 11 shows an example (2) of a sequence diagram in an embodiment of the present invention. In this sequence diagram, the Near-RT RIC, O-DU / O-CU, O-RU, and terminal are denoted by reference numerals such as Near-RT RIC30C, O-DU / O-CU10A, O-RU10B, and terminal 20, respectively. The process of each step in Figure 11 will be explained below.

[0065] S201: Terminal 20 transmits information to O-RU10B regarding the network traffic status (e.g., throughput), terminal capabilities, and cell energy consumption status (e.g., power saving function settings). O-RU10B transmits the information received from terminal 20 to O-DU / O-CU10A. O-DU / O-CU10A transmits the information received from O-RU10B to Non-RT RIC30B. This step may be performed periodically.

[0066] S202: Near-RT RIC30C may analyze the information received by S201 (traffic status / terminal capacity / cell energy consumption status) in real time and decide on policies for reducing energy consumption, such as "apply SSB-less SCell operation during nighttime hours (2am to 5am)", "double the DTX cycle when traffic decreases (below 20% of peak)", and "perform a conditional handover when an energy-saving state lasts for 30 minutes or more".

[0067] S203: Based on the policy determined in S202, the Near-RT RIC30C monitors the current traffic status and, if the conditions set in the policy are met, sends a control message (SSBLessSCellControlRequest / CellDTXDRXConfigRequest / ConditionalHandoverConfigRequest) to the O-CU / O-DU10A.

[0068] S204: Based on the control message received in S203, the O-CU / O-DU10A decides to stop SSB transmission to the specified SCell and / or update the DTX / DRX pattern and / or set up a conditional handover, and to notify the terminal of the settings that have been performed.

[0069] S205: O-CU / O-DU10A sends a message to terminal 20 via O-RU10B containing instructions regarding the settings performed in S204.

[0070] S206: O-CU / O-DU10A sends a report of the results of the instructions executed in S205 to Near-RT RIC30C.

[0071] S207: Based on the message received in S205, O-RU10B stops SSB transmission to the specified SCell and / or updates the DTX / DRX pattern and / or sets up a conditional handover.

[0072] S208: Terminal 20 performs DTX / DRX pattern update / conditional handover configuration based on the message received in S205. Terminal 20 performs handover if the configured conditions are met.

[0073] (Modifications) In Example 1, the processing performed by SMO30A / Non-RT RIC30B may be performed by Near-RT RIC30C. Also, in Example 2, the processing performed by Near-RT RIC30C may be performed by SMO30A / Non-RT RIC30B.

[0074] (Example 3) Policy-based control from SMO In this example, O-CU / O-DU / O-RU autonomously execute 3GPP Rel-18 energy saving functions based on policies from the SMO. This makes it possible to improve operational efficiency based on centralized policy management and to achieve planned energy saving by region and time of day.

[0075] A newly defined message used in this embodiment will now be described. Figure 12 shows an example (3) of a message in an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 12, PolicyProvisionRequest is shown as the newly defined message name. Furthermore, the message is described with a type indicating the transmission section and direction, a description of the message, and an example of the information set in the message. This message is a control message sent from SMO to O-CU / O-DU / O-RU.

[0076] A PolicyProvisionRequest is a message from the SMO to provide policies, and it contains information such as the time period during which the SSB will be shut down at night (10pm to 6am), the DRX extension factor (1.2x), and the conditions for executing conditional handovers.

[0077] The details of the processing in Example 3 will be described below using a sequence diagram. Figure 13 shows an example (3) of a sequence diagram in an embodiment of the present invention. In this sequence diagram, the SMO, Non-RT RIC, Near-RT RIC, O-DU / O-CU, O-RU, and terminal are denoted by reference numerals as SMO30A, Non-RT RIC30B, Near-RT RIC30C, O-DU / O-CU10A, O-RU10B, and terminal 20, respectively. The processing performed by SMO30A may also be the processing performed by Non-RT RIC30B. The processing of each step in Figure 13 will be described below.

[0078] S301: SMO30A determines policies for reducing energy consumption, including conditions related to time of day, traffic conditions, and the energy consumption status of cells. For example, based on the characteristics of each cell and trends by day of the week and time of day, SMO30A determines policies such as "Stop SSB transmission from 10pm to 6am," "Extend DRX by 1.2 times if traffic is below the threshold for 3 consecutive hours," and "Apply conditional handover to cells that continue in energy reduction mode." Furthermore, SMO30A sends a message (PolicyProvisionRequest) with the determined policy set to O-DU / O-CU10A. O-DU / O-CU10A sends the received message to O-RU10B.

[0079] S302: O-DU / O-CU10A and / or O-RU10B store the policy received in S301 in an internal database. Furthermore, O-RU10B monitors, analyzes, and evaluates the time of day, traffic, and energy status in real time, and if the conditions set in the policy are met, it decides to execute the corresponding action (SSB-less SCell operation / DRX extension / conditional handover).

[0080] S303: O-RU10B sends an instruction to terminal 20 to change the settings related to the process determined in S302.

[0081] S304: Terminal 20 executes the processing based on the instructions received in S303 (SSB-less SCell operation, DTX / DRX pattern, and settings related to conditional handover). Terminal 20 may also perform a handover when the configured handover conditions are met.

[0082] (Effects) The effects of the above-described examples and modifications will be explained.

[0083] (Improved energy reduction effectiveness) By combining long-term policy formulation using Non-RT RIC, real-time optimization using Near-RT RIC, and policy-based control from SMO, it becomes possible to finely control energy consumption according to various situations such as time of day, season, and events, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.

[0084] (Maintaining and improving service quality) By applying functions such as the DTX / DRX mechanism and conditional handover at the optimal timing, appropriate communication quality can be ensured in accordance with user requirements.

[0085] (Improved operational efficiency) By utilizing long-term strategy formulation with Non-RT RIC, instantaneous response with Near-RT RIC, and optimization across multiple layers through centralized policy control by SMO, it is expected that the operational burden on operators will be reduced and network management / maintainability will be improved.

[0086] (Contribution to Sustainability) As energy consumption is reduced, a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions can be expected, which will enable environmentally conscious network operations required in the 6G era.

[0087] In other words, by the above-described embodiments and modifications, it is possible to reduce energy consumption at base stations in a wireless communication network.

[0088] (Device Configuration) Next, an example of the functional configuration of the base station 10, network node 30, and terminal 20 that perform the processing and operations described above will be explained. The base station 10, network node 30, and terminal 20 include the functions to perform the embodiments described above. However, the base station 10, network node 30, and terminal 20 may each have only some of the functions in the embodiments.

[0089] <Base Station 10 and Network Node 30> Figure 14 shows an example of the functional configuration of a base station 10 and a network node 30. As shown in Figure 14, the base station 10 has a transmitting unit 110, a receiving unit 120, a setting unit 130, and a control unit 140. The functional configuration shown in Figure 14 is merely an example. The functional classifications and names of the functional units can be anything as long as they can perform the operations according to the embodiment of the present invention. The network node 30 may have the same functional configuration as the base station 10. Furthermore, a network node 30 having multiple different functions on the system architecture may be composed of multiple network nodes 30 separated by function.

[0090] The transmitting unit 110 includes the function of generating a signal to be transmitted to the terminal 20 or other network node 30 and transmitting the signal by wire or wireless. The receiving unit 120 includes the function of receiving various signals transmitted from the terminal 20 or other network node 30 and obtaining information from the received signal, for example, information from a higher layer. A communication unit including the transmitting unit 110 and the receiving unit 120 may be configured.

[0091] The setting unit 130 stores pre-configured setting information and various setting information to be transmitted to the terminal 20 in a storage device, and reads them from the storage device as needed.

[0092] The control unit 140 performs the processing described in the embodiment. The signal transmission function in the control unit 140 may be included in the transmission unit 110, and the signal reception function in the control unit 140 may be included in the reception unit 120.

[0093] <Terminal 20> Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of terminal 20. As shown in Figure 15, terminal 20 has a transmitting unit 210, a receiving unit 220, a setting unit 230, and a control unit 240. The functional configuration shown in Figure 15 is merely an example. Any functional classification and name of functional unit is acceptable as long as it can perform the operations according to the embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, a communication device that acts as a resource holder may have a functional configuration similar to that of terminal 20.

[0094] The transmitting unit 210 creates a transmission signal from the transmission data and transmits the transmission signal wirelessly. The receiving unit 220 wirelessly receives various signals and obtains signals from higher layers from the received physical layer signals. The receiving unit 220 also has the function of receiving NR-PSS, NR-SSS, NR-PBCH, DL / UL control signals or reference signals transmitted from the network node 30. A communication unit including the transmitting unit 210 and the receiving unit 220 may be configured.

[0095] The setting unit 230 stores various setting information received from the network node 30 by the receiving unit 220 in its storage device and reads it from the storage device as needed. The setting unit 230 also stores pre-configured setting information.

[0096] The control unit 240 performs the processing described in the embodiment. The signal transmission function in the control unit 240 may be included in the transmission unit 210, and the signal reception function in the control unit 240 may be included in the reception unit 220.

[0097] (Hardware Configuration) The block diagrams (Figures 14 and 15) used in the description of the above embodiments show functional units. These functional blocks (components) are realized by any combination of at least one of hardware and software. Furthermore, the method of realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized using one device that is physically or logically coupled, or it may be realized using two or more physically or logically separated devices that are directly or indirectly connected (for example, using wired or wireless connections). A functional block may be realized by combining the above one device or the above multiple devices with software.

[0098] Functions include, but are not limited to, judgment, decision, determination, calculation, calculation, processing, derivation, investigation, exploration, confirmation, reception, transmission, output, access, resolution, selection, selection, establishment, comparison, assumption, expectation, assumption, broadcasting, notifying, communicating, forwarding, configuring, reconfiguring, allocating (mapping), and assigning. For example, a functional block (configuration part) that enables transmission is called a transmitting unit or transmitter. In all cases, as mentioned above, the method of implementation is not particularly limited.

[0099] For example, the network node 30, terminal 20, etc. in one embodiment of the present disclosure may function as a computer that processes the wireless communication method of the present disclosure. Figure 16 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a base station 10 and terminal 20 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The network node 30 may have the same hardware configuration as the base station 10. The above-mentioned base station 10 and terminal 20 may be physically configured as a computer device including a processor 1001, a storage device 1002, an auxiliary storage device 1003, a communication device 1004, an input device 1005, an output device 1006, a bus 1007, etc.

[0100] In the following explanation, the term "device" can be read as "circuit," "device," "unit," etc. The hardware configuration of the base station 10 and terminal 20 may include one or more of the devices shown in the figure, or it may be configured without some of the devices.

[0101] Each function in the base station 10 and terminal 20 is realized by loading predetermined software (programs) onto hardware such as the processor 1001 and storage device 1002, which allows the processor 1001 to perform calculations, control communication by the communication device 1004, and control at least one of data reading and writing in the storage device 1002 and auxiliary storage device 1003.

[0102] The processor 1001 controls the entire computer, for example, by running an operating system. The processor 1001 may consist of a central processing unit (CPU) that includes interfaces with peripheral devices, control devices, arithmetic units, registers, etc. For example, the control unit 140, control unit 240, etc., described above may be implemented by the processor 1001.

[0103] Furthermore, the processor 1001 reads programs (program code), software modules, or data from at least one of the auxiliary storage device 1003 and the communication device 1004 into the storage device 1002, and executes various processes accordingly. The program used is one that causes the computer to execute at least a part of the operations described in the above embodiment. For example, the control unit 140 of the base station 10 shown in Figure 14 may be implemented by a control program stored in the storage device 1002 and operated by the processor 1001. Also, for example, the control unit 240 of the terminal 20 shown in Figure 15 may be implemented by a control program stored in the storage device 1002 and operated by the processor 1001. Although the above-described processes have been explained as being executed by one processor 1001, they may be executed simultaneously or sequentially by two or more processors 1001. The processor 1001 may be implemented by one or more chips. The program may also be transmitted from the network via a telecommunications line.

[0104] The storage device 1002 is a computer-readable recording medium and may consist of at least one of the following: ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The storage device 1002 may also be called a register, cache, main memory, etc. The storage device 1002 can store executable programs (program code), software modules, etc., for implementing a communication method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0105] The auxiliary storage device 1003 is a computer-readable recording medium and may consist of at least one of the following: an optical disc such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM), a hard disk drive, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk (e.g., a compact disk, a digital multipurpose disk, a Blu-ray® disk), a smart card, flash memory (e.g., a card, a stick, a key drive), a floppy® disk, a magnetic strip, etc. The above-mentioned storage medium may also be a database, server, or other suitable medium that includes at least one of the storage device 1002 and the auxiliary storage device 1003.

[0106] The communication device 1004 is hardware (transmitting / receiving device) for communicating between computers via at least one of a wired network and a wireless network, and is also referred to as a network device, network controller, network card, communication module, etc. The communication device 1004 may be configured to include, for example, a high-frequency switch, duplexer, filter, frequency synthesizer, etc., in order to implement at least one of frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD). For example, the transmitting and receiving antenna, amplifier section, transmitting and receiving section, transmission path interface, etc., may be implemented by the communication device 1004. The transmitting and receiving section may be implemented in a physically or logically separated manner, with a transmitting section and a receiving section.

[0107] The input device 1005 is an input device that accepts input from an external source (e.g., a keyboard, mouse, microphone, switch, button, sensor, etc.). The output device 1006 is an output device that outputs to an external source (e.g., a display, speaker, LED lamp, etc.). The input device 1005 and the output device 1006 may be configured as an integrated unit (e.g., a touch panel).

[0108] Furthermore, each device, such as the processor 1001 and the storage device 1002, is connected by a bus 1007 for communicating information. The bus 1007 may be configured using a single bus, or different buses may be configured for each device.

[0109] Furthermore, the base station 10 and terminal 20 may be configured to include hardware such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), and an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and some or all of each functional block may be realized by such hardware. For example, the processor 1001 may be implemented using at least one of these hardware components.

[0110] O-CU may be interpreted as CU, control device, communication device, aggregation device, central device, management device, etc. Each of these devices may be rephrased as a unit, node, etc. For example, O-CU may be interpreted as a central unit, aggregation node, etc.

[0111] O-DU may be interpreted as DU, control device, communication device, distributed device, high-PHY device, etc. Each of these devices may be rephrased as unit, node, etc. For example, O-DU may be interpreted as distributed unit, distributed node, etc.

[0112] O-RU may be interpreted as RU, radio equipment, RF (Radio Frequency) equipment, low PHY equipment, etc. Each piece of equipment may be rephrased as a unit, node, etc. For example, O-RU may be interpreted as a radio unit, radio node, etc.

[0113] SMO may be interpreted as a control device, communication device, or management device. Each of these devices may be rephrased as a unit, node, etc. For example, SMO may be interpreted as a management unit, management node, etc.

[0114] Non-Real Time RIC may be interpreted as RIC, non-real-time control device, control device, or communication device. Each of these devices may be rephrased as a unit, node, etc. For example, Non-Real Time RIC may be interpreted as a control unit, control node, etc.

[0115] Near-Real Time RIC may be interpreted as RIC, quasi-real-time control device, control device, or communication device. Each of these devices may be rephrased as a unit, node, etc. For example, Non-Real Time RIC may be interpreted as a control unit, control node, etc.

[0116] Figure 17 shows an example of the configuration of vehicle 2001. As shown in Figure 17, vehicle 2001 includes an operating unit 2002, a steering unit 2003, an accelerator pedal 2004, a brake pedal 2005, a shift lever 2006, front wheels 2007, rear wheels 2008, an axle 2009, an electronic control unit 2010, various sensors 2021 to 2029, an information service unit 2012, and a communication module 2013. Each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be applied to a communication device mounted on vehicle 2001, for example, to the communication module 2013.

[0117] The operating unit 2002 consists of, for example, an engine, a motor, or a hybrid of an engine and a motor. The steering unit 2003 includes at least a steering wheel (also called a handle) and is configured to steer at least one of the front wheels and the rear wheels based on the operation of the steering wheel, which is operated by the user.

[0118] The electronic control unit 2010 consists of a microprocessor 2031, memory (ROM, RAM) 2032, and communication ports (IO ports) 2033. Signals from various sensors 2021 to 2029 installed in the vehicle 2001 are input to the electronic control unit 2010. The electronic control unit 2010 may also be called an ECU (Electronic Control Unit).

[0119] Signals from various sensors 2021 to 2029 include current signals from current sensor 2021 for sensing motor current, front and rear wheel rotation speed signals acquired by rotation speed sensor 2022, front and rear wheel air pressure signals acquired by air pressure sensor 2023, vehicle speed signals acquired by vehicle speed sensor 2024, acceleration signals acquired by acceleration sensor 2025, accelerator pedal depression signals acquired by accelerator pedal sensor 2029, brake pedal depression signals acquired by brake pedal sensor 2026, shift lever operation signals acquired by shift lever sensor 2027, and detection signals acquired by object detection sensor 2028 for detecting obstacles, vehicles, pedestrians, etc.

[0120] The Information Service Unit 2012 consists of various devices for providing (outputting) various types of information such as driving information, traffic information, and entertainment information, including a car navigation system, audio system, speakers, television, and radio, and one or more ECUs that control these devices. The Information Service Unit 2012 uses information acquired from external devices via a communication module 2013, etc., to provide various multimedia information and multimedia services to the occupants of the vehicle 2001. The Information Service Unit 2012 may include input devices that accept input from the outside (e.g., keyboard, mouse, microphone, switch, button, sensor, touch panel, etc.) and output devices that perform output to the outside (e.g., display, speaker, LED lamp, touch panel, etc.).

[0121] The driver assistance system unit 2030 consists of various devices that provide functions to prevent accidents or reduce the driver's workload, such as millimeter-wave radar, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), cameras, positioning locators (e.g., GNSS), map information (e.g., high-definition (HD) maps, autonomous vehicle (AV) maps), gyro systems (e.g., IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), INS (Inertial Navigation System)), AI (Artificial Intelligence) chips, and AI processors, as well as one or more ECUs that control these devices. The driver assistance system unit 2030 also transmits and receives various information via the communication module 2013 to realize driver assistance functions or autonomous driving functions.

[0122] The communication module 2013 can communicate with the microprocessor 2031 and components of the vehicle 2001 via its communication port. For example, the communication module 2013 sends and receives data via the communication port 2033 between the moving parts 2002, steering parts 2003, accelerator pedal 2004, brake pedal 2005, shift lever 2006, front wheels 2007, rear wheels 2008, axle 2009, the microprocessor 2031 and memory (ROM, RAM) 2032 in the electronic control unit 2010, and sensors 2021-29 provided in the vehicle 2001.

[0123] The communication module 2013 is a communication device that can be controlled by the microprocessor 2031 of the electronic control unit 2010 and can communicate with external devices. For example, it can send and receive various types of information with external devices via wireless communication. The communication module 2013 may be located either inside or outside the electronic control unit 2010. The external device may be, for example, a base station or a mobile station.

[0124] The communication module 2013 may transmit at least one of the following to an external device via wireless communication: signals from the various sensors 2021-2028 input to the electronic control unit 2010, information obtained based on said signals, and information based on input from an external source (user) obtained via the information service unit 2012. The electronic control unit 2010, the various sensors 2021-2028, the information service unit 2012, etc., may also be called input units that accept input. For example, the PUSCH transmitted by the communication module 2013 may include the information based on the above input.

[0125] The communication module 2013 receives various information (traffic information, signal information, inter-vehicle information, etc.) transmitted from an external device and displays it on the information service unit 2012 provided in the vehicle 2001. The information service unit 2012 may also be called an output unit, which outputs information (for example, outputs information to devices such as displays and speakers based on the PDSCH (or data / information decoded from the PDSCH) received by the communication module 2013). The communication module 2013 also stores the various information received from the external device in a memory 2032 that can be used by the microprocessor 2031. Based on the information stored in the memory 2032, the microprocessor 2031 may control the operating unit 2002, steering unit 2003, accelerator pedal 2004, brake pedal 2005, shift lever 2006, front wheels 2007, rear wheels 2008, axles 2009, sensors 2021-2029, etc., provided in the vehicle 2001.

[0126] <Notes> (Note 1) A network node having: a receiving unit that receives traffic information from a base station; a control unit that generates at least one of a policy for reducing energy consumption and a machine learning model for performing control for reducing energy consumption based on the traffic information; and a transmitting unit that transmits at least one of the policy and the machine learning model to other network nodes. (Note 2) A base station having: a transmitting unit that transmits traffic information to a network node; a receiving unit that receives a message from the network node instructing settings for reducing energy consumption, which are determined based on at least one of a policy for reducing energy consumption and a machine learning model for performing control for reducing energy consumption; and a control unit that performs settings for reducing energy consumption based on the message. (Note 3) A network node having: a receiving unit that receives information from a base station regarding traffic, terminal capabilities, and the energy consumption status of a cell; a control unit that determines a policy for reducing energy consumption based on the received information; and a transmitting unit that sends at least one message to the base station instructing it to perform one of the following: a setting for stopping synchronization signals in a secondary cell, a setting for intermittent transmission and reception at the base station, and a setting for conditional handover, based on the policy and the current traffic status. (Note 4) A base station having: a receiving unit that receives at least one message from a network node instructing it to perform one of the following: a setting for stopping synchronization signals in a secondary cell, a setting for intermittent transmission and reception at the base station, and a setting for conditional handover; a control unit that performs the setting based on the received instruction; and a transmitting unit that sends a message to a terminal including instructions regarding the performed setting.(Note 5) A base station having: a receiving unit that receives from a base station a policy for reducing energy consumption, which includes a condition relating to at least one of time period, traffic, and energy consumption state of a cell; a control unit that monitors at least one of time period, traffic, and energy consumption state of a cell and, when the condition is met, decides to execute a process corresponding to the condition; and a transmitting unit that transmits instructions to a terminal for changing settings related to the process. (Note 6) A communication method executed by a network node having: the step of receiving information about traffic from a base station; the step of generating at least one of a policy for reducing energy consumption and a machine learning model for executing control for reducing energy consumption based on the information about traffic; and the step of transmitting at least one of the policy and the machine learning model to another network node.

[0127] Any of the provisions of Appendix 1 to Appendix 6 can reduce energy consumption at base stations in a wireless communication network.

[0128] (Supplement to Embodiments) Embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the disclosed invention is not limited to such embodiments, and those skilled in the art will understand various modifications, alterations, alternatives, substitutions, etc. Specific numerical examples have been used to facilitate understanding of the invention, but unless otherwise specified, these numerical values ​​are merely examples, and any appropriate values ​​may be used. The division of items in the above description is not essential to the present invention, and matters described in two or more items may be combined as needed, and matters described in one item may be applied to matters described in another item (as long as they do not contradict each other). The boundaries of functional units or processing units in the functional block diagram do not necessarily correspond to the boundaries of physical parts. The operation of multiple functional units may be physically performed by one part, or the operation of one functional unit may be physically performed by multiple parts. The processing procedures described in the embodiments may be rearranged as long as they do not contradict each other. For the convenience of explaining the processing, the base station 10 and terminal 20 have been described using functional block diagrams, but such devices may be realized in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. The software operated by the processor of the base station 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention and the software operated by the processor of the terminal 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be stored in any suitable storage medium such as random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), EPROM, EEPROM, register, hard disk (HDD), removable disk, CD-ROM, database, server, or other appropriate storage medium.

[0129] Furthermore, notification of information is not limited to the embodiments / models described herein and may be carried out by other means. For example, notification of information may be carried out by physical layer signaling (e.g., DCI (Downlink Control Information), UCI (Uplink Control Information)), upper layer signaling (e.g., RRC (Radio Resource Control) signaling, MAC (Medium Access Control) signaling), broadcast information (MIB (Master Information Block), SIB (System Information Block)), other signals, or combinations thereof. Also, RRC signaling may be called RRC messages, and may be, for example, RRC Connection Setup messages, RRC Connection Reconfiguration messages, etc.

[0130] Each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure refers to LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (LTE-Advanced), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4G (4th generation mobile communication system), 5G (5th generation mobile communication system), 6th generation mobile communication system (6G), xth generation mobile communication system (xG) (xG (where x is, for example, an integer or decimal)), FRA (Future Radio Access), NR (new Radio), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), W-CDMA (registered trademark), GSM (registered trademark), CDMA2000, UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20 may apply to at least one system utilizing UWB (Ultra-WideBand), Bluetooth®, or other appropriate systems, and to next-generation systems extended, modified, created, or defined based thereon. Alternatively, multiple systems may be applied in combination (e.g., a combination of at least one of LTE and LTE-A with 5G).

[0131] The processing procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc., of each aspect / embodiment described herein may be reordered, provided they are consistent with each other. For example, the methods described herein present various step elements in an exemplary order and are not limited to that specific order.

[0132] In this specification, specific operations performed by the base station 10 may, in some cases, be performed by its upper node. In a network consisting of one or more network nodes having a base station 10, it is clear that various operations performed for communication with the terminal 20 can be performed by the base station 10 and at least one of the other network nodes (for example, an MME or S-GW, but not limited to these). Although the above example illustrates the case where there is one other network node besides the base station 10, the other network node may be a combination of multiple other network nodes (for example, an MME and an S-GW).

[0133] The information or signals described in this disclosure may be output from a higher layer (or lower layer) to a lower layer (or higher layer). They may also be input and output via multiple network nodes.

[0134] Input and output information may be stored in a specific location (e.g., memory) or managed using a management table. Input and output information may be overwritten, updated, or appended to. Output information may be deleted. Input information may be transmitted to other devices.

[0135] The determination in this disclosure may be made by a value represented by one bit (0 or 1), by a Boolean value (true or false), or by a numerical comparison (for example, a comparison with a predetermined value).

[0136] Software should be broadly interpreted to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, execution threads, procedures, functions, and so on, whether they are called software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or by any other name.

[0137] Furthermore, software, instructions, information, etc., may be transmitted and received via a transmission medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using at least one of wired technology (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, or digital subscriber line (DSL)) and wireless technology (such as infrared or microwave), then at least one of these wired and wireless technologies is included in the definition of a transmission medium.

[0138] The information, signals, etc. described in this disclosure may be represented using any of the various different techniques. For example, the data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0139] In addition, terms used in this disclosure and terms necessary for understanding this disclosure may be replaced with terms having the same or similar meanings. For example, at least one of the channel and symbol may be a signal (signaling). Also, a signal may be a message. Furthermore, a component carrier (CC) may be called a carrier frequency, cell, frequency carrier, etc.

[0140] The terms “system” and “network” as used in this disclosure are interchangeable.

[0141] Furthermore, the information, parameters, etc., described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, relative values ​​from a given value, or other corresponding information. For example, wireless resources may be indicated by an index.

[0142] The names used for the parameters described above are not restrictive in any way. Furthermore, the formulas and other expressions using these parameters may differ from those expressly disclosed in this disclosure. Various channels (e.g., PUCCH, PDCCH, etc.) and information elements can be identified by any suitable name, and therefore, the various names assigned to these various channels and information elements are not restrictive in any way.

[0143] In this disclosure, terms such as "Base Station (BS)", "wireless base station", "base station equipment", "fixed station", "NodeB", "eNodeB (eNB)", "gNodeB (gNB)", "access point", "transmission point", "reception point", "transmission / reception point", "cell", "sector", "cell group", "carrier", and "component carrier" may be used interchangeably. Base stations may also be referred to by terms such as macrocell, small cell, femtocell, and picocell.

[0144] A base station can accommodate one or more (e.g., three) cells. If a base station accommodates multiple cells, the entire coverage area of ​​the base station can be divided into multiple smaller areas, each of which may also be provided with communication services by a base station subsystem (e.g., a Remote Radio Head (RRH)). The terms “cell” or “sector” refer to part or all of the coverage area of ​​at least one of the base station and / or base station subsystems that provide communication services in that coverage.

[0145] In this disclosure, the transmission of information by a base station to a terminal may be interpreted as the base station instructing the terminal to perform control or operation based on the information.

[0146] In this disclosure, terms such as "Mobile Station (MS)," "user terminal," "User Equipment (UE)," and "terminal" may be used interchangeably.

[0147] A mobile station may also be referred to by those skilled in the art as a subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, or several other appropriate terms.

[0148] At least one of the base station and the mobile station may be called a transmitting device, a receiving device, a communication device, etc. At least one of the base station and the mobile station may also be a device mounted on a mobile body, the mobile body itself, etc. The mobile body refers to a movable object, and its speed of movement is arbitrary. This also includes the case when the mobile body is stationary. The mobile body includes, but is not limited to, vehicles, transport vehicles, automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, connected cars, excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders, dump trucks, forklifts, trains, buses, handcarts, rickshaws, ships and other watercraft, airplanes, rockets, satellites, drones (registered trademark), multicopters, quadcopters, balloons, and items mounted on them. The mobile body may also be a mobile body that moves autonomously based on operation commands. It may be a vehicle (e.g., a car, an airplane, etc.), an unmanned mobile body (e.g., a drone, an autonomous vehicle, etc.), or a robot (manned or unmanned). Furthermore, at least one of the base station and the mobile station may include devices that do not necessarily move during communication operations. For example, at least one of the base station and the mobile station may be an IoT (Internet of Things) device such as a sensor.

[0149] Furthermore, the term "base station" in this disclosure may be interpreted as "user terminal." For example, the various aspects / embodiments of this disclosure may be applied to a configuration in which communication between a base station and a user terminal is replaced with communication between multiple terminals 20 (which may be called, for example, D2D (Device-to-Device), V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything), etc.). In this case, the terminals 20 may have the functions that the base station 10 has. Also, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" may be interpreted as terms corresponding to terminal-to-terminal communication (for example, "side"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., may be interpreted as side channel.

[0150] Similarly, the term "user terminal" in this disclosure may be replaced with "base station." In this case, the base station may be configured to have the same functions as the user terminal described above.

[0151] As used in this disclosure, the terms “determining” and “determining” may encompass a wide variety of actions. “Determining” may include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, searching, or inquiring (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), or ascertaining. “Determining” may also include receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), inputting, outputting, or accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory). Furthermore, "judgment" and "decision" can include considering something as having been "judged" or "decided" after resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, etc. In other words, "judgment" and "decision" can include considering something as having been "judged" or "decided" after some action. Also, "judgment (decision)" can be reinterpreted as "assuming," "expecting," or "considering."

[0152] The terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variation thereof, mean any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are “connected” or “coupled” with each other. The coupling or connection between elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. For example, “connection” may be reinterpreted as “access.” As used in this disclosure, two elements may be considered to be “connected” or “coupled” with each other using at least one of one or more wires, cables, and printed electrical connections, and, in some non-limiting and non-exclusive examples, electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency domain, microwave domain, and optical (both visible and invisible) domain.

[0153] The reference signal can also be abbreviated as RS (Reference Signal), and may be called a pilot depending on the applicable standard.

[0154] In this disclosure, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based solely on" unless otherwise specified. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based solely on" and "based at least on."

[0155] Any reference to elements using the designations “first,” “second,” etc., as used in this disclosure does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used in this disclosure as a convenient way to distinguish between two or more elements. Accordingly, references to the first and second elements do not imply that only two elements may be employed, or that the first element must precede the second element in any way.

[0156] In the configuration of each of the above devices, "means" may be replaced with "part," "circuit," "device," etc.

[0157] Where the terms “include,” “including,” and variations thereof are used in this disclosure, these terms are intended to be inclusive, as is the term “comprising.” Furthermore, the term “or” as used in this disclosure is not intended to mean exclusive OR.

[0158] In this disclosure, if articles are added through translation, such as a, an, and the in English, this disclosure may include the fact that the noun following these articles is plural.

[0159] In this disclosure, the term "A and B are different" may mean "A and B are different from each other." The term may also mean "A and B are each different from C." Terms such as "separate" and "combine" may be interpreted similarly to "different."

[0160] Each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be used individually, in combination, or switched between as needed during implementation. Furthermore, notification of specific information (e.g., notification that "X is") is not limited to explicit notification, but may also be implicit (e.g., by not providing such notification).

[0161] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the intent and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Therefore, the descriptions in the present disclosure are illustrative and not intended to be restrictive in any way.

[0162] 10 Base station 110 Transmitter 120 Receiver 130 Setting unit 140 Control unit 20 Terminal 210 Transmitter 220 Receiver 230 Setting unit 240 Control unit 30 Network node 1001 Processor 1002 Storage device 1003 Auxiliary storage device 1004 Communication device 1005 Input device 1006 Output device

Claims

1. A network node having: a receiving unit that receives traffic information from a base station; a control unit that generates at least one of the following based on the traffic information: a policy for reducing energy consumption and a machine learning model for performing control for reducing energy consumption; and a transmitting unit that transmits at least one of the policy and the machine learning model to other network nodes.

2. A base station having: a transmitting unit that transmits traffic information to network nodes; a receiving unit that receives a message from the network node instructing settings for reducing energy consumption, which is determined based on at least one of the following: a policy for reducing energy consumption and a machine learning model for performing controls for reducing energy consumption; and a control unit that performs settings for reducing energy consumption based on the message.

3. A network node comprising: a receiving unit that receives information from a base station regarding traffic, terminal capabilities, and the energy consumption status of a cell; a control unit that determines a policy for reducing energy consumption based on the received information; and a transmitting unit that sends at least one message to the base station instructing it to perform one of the following: a setting for stopping synchronization signals in a secondary cell, a setting for intermittent transmission and reception at the base station, and a setting for conditional handover, based on the policy and the current traffic status.

4. A base station having: a receiving unit that receives at least one message from a network node instructing one of the following: a setting for stopping synchronization signals in a secondary cell, a setting for intermittent transmission and reception at the base station, and a setting for conditional handover; a control unit that performs the setting based on the received instruction; and a transmitting unit that sends a message to a terminal containing instructions regarding the performed setting.

5. A base station having: a receiving unit that receives an energy consumption reduction policy from a base station, which includes conditions relating to at least one of time period, traffic, and cell energy consumption state; a control unit that monitors at least one of time period, traffic, and cell energy consumption state and determines to execute a process corresponding to the condition when the condition is met; and a transmitting unit that transmits instructions to a terminal for changing settings related to the process.

6. A communication method performed by a network node, comprising: receiving information about traffic from a base station; generating at least one of a policy for reducing energy consumption and a machine learning model for performing control for reducing energy consumption based on the information about traffic; and transmitting at least one of the policy and the machine learning model to another network node.

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